Last week, Yitzy attended Coindesk's premier event in Hong Kong, #ConsensusHK, where he livestreamed Beyond the Code episodes with leading innovators in the blockchain arena (more on that in the coming weeks).

This week, Yitzy is back with the 48th episode of BTC!

In this episode, Yitzy connects with Dr. Jimmie Lenz, a trailblazer in the crypto space and FinTech educator at Duke University. They explore Dr. Lenz’s remarkable journey from traditional finance to pioneering blockchain applications in academia, discussing innovations like soulbound tokens, the tokenization of real-world assets, and income share agreements. The conversation also touches on the challenges of regulatory compliance, the evolving role of AI, and generational shifts in work ethics, offering listeners practical insights into the future of digital assets and financial innovation.

About Our Guest. Dr. Jimmie Lenz is the Director of the Master of Engineering in Financial Technology and Master of Engineering in Cybersecurity at Duke University and the Frank and Irene Salerno Visiting Professor of Financial Economics. Lenz also leads the Digital Asset Research and Engineering Collaborative (DAREC) at Duke University. Jimmie is an experienced executive, lecturer, and scholar in the fields of FinTech, Risk Management and Capital Markets.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmie-lenz-5a80485/

X: https://x.com/jimmie_lenz

Web: https://www.jimmiehlenz.com/bio

Coffee & Crypto Podcast with Lee and Jimmie: https://open.spotify.com/show/0yxDPqe6ZNwMqG8BT0PwQt?si=533bd4581a69481f
DA@D - https://www.digitalassetsatduke.org/

In this episode ofBeyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with financial planner andBlue & White Finance co-founderNadav Ellinson to tackle one of the most debated questions in investing:How much Bitcoin (or crypto) should be in your portfolio (if any)?

We discuss:

✅ The risks and rewards of allocating crypto in a long-term portfolio;

✅Dollar Cost Averaging (DCA) vs. Bulk Buying—which strategy works best?

✅Bitcoin vs. ETFs—Should you hold your own crypto or go the traditional route?

✅ The apocalyptic scenario where Nadav (sort of) admits Bitcoin might save you.

This episode is packed with insights for both crypto enthusiasts and skeptics alike. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just crypto-curious, don’t miss this one!

🔗FollowNadav Ellinson &Blue and White Finance for more information on smart financial decision-making.

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with Tom Teman from the Ethereum Foundation to explore his path from early crypto days to shaping the future of wallets through account abstraction. Tom details his journey founding Portis, getting acquired by ShapeShift, and eventually joining Kraken—before landing at the Ethereum Foundation. He dives deep into ERC-4337, explaining how it revolutionizes wallet design by improving key management, enabling flexible recovery, and letting users pay gas with any token. Along the way, Tom shares candid insights into the Ethereum Foundation’s unique structure, the culture shifts he’s seen in big crypto companies, and why making crypto more user-friendly is the key to mainstream adoption. Whether you’re a builder, investor, or newcomer to web3, this conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes intel on how Ethereum is evolving from the inside out.

https://x.com/tomteman

In this special episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy Hammer welcomes back Jonathan Caras for a lively discussion on the rise of meme coins and their impact on the crypto landscape. From the evolution of token issuance—Bitcoin, ICOs, DeFi Summer—to the chaotic yet fascinating world of meme tokens like $TRUMP Coin and $MELANIA Token, Jonathan unpacks how these tokens sidestep traditional expectations and regulatory hurdles. Together, they explore the cultural and community-driven value of memes, the role of innovation versus speculation, and what this new era of crypto might mean for the industry’s future. Tune in for sharp insights and a touch of humor on one of the most unexpected trends in Web3!

In this episode, Yitzy sits down with Eylon Aviv, a partner at Collider.VC, Israel’s leading crypto-centric venture capital fund. Eylon shares his journey from early days at tech unicorn IronSource to becoming a driving force in Israel’s crypto ecosystem. We discussed Eylon’s investment thesis, the unique challenges and opportunities of being a crypto-focused VC, and the innovative ways the fund supports startups in Israel and beyond. Eylon offers candid insights into the future of Web3, the importance of community, and how Israel’s tech DNA is shaping its role in the global crypto space.

Tune in for a lively discussion packed with practical advice, thoughtful reflections, and a sneak peek into Building Blocks 2.0.

In this episode of Beyond the Code, SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce, affectionately referred to within the cryptoverse as "Crypto Mom," joins Yitzy to discuss the SEC’s evolving approach to cryptocurrency and innovation. They explore the challenges of balancing regulatory oversight with fostering innovation, the agency's struggles to provide clear guidelines for the crypto industry, and the impact of enforcement-focused strategies on both U.S. and global markets. Commissioner Peirce candidly shares her views on the need for transparency, collaboration with international regulators, and empowering consumers through education, while also reflecting on her role as a dissenting voice within the SEC. With the upcoming change in SEC leadership and a new administration, Commissioner Peirce highlights why this moment is an opportunity to embrace optimism and work toward a regulatory framework that fosters innovation while protecting investors. Whether you're an industry professional or simply curious about the intersection of crypto and regulation, this episode offers a deep dive into the complexities and opportunities shaping the future of financial technology.

Follow the Commissioner on X, at: @HesterPeirce

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy sits down with Noah Perlman, Chief Compliance Officer at Binance, to explore the intricate balance of power, responsibility, and innovation at the world’s largest crypto exchange. Noah reflects on his journey from a federal prosecutor and DEA counsel to leading the compliance efforts of the one of the most important institutions in crypto.

The conversation delves into Binance's proactive approach to compliance, the challenges of maintaining trust across 21 global jurisdictions, and the firm’s investment in cutting-edge technologies, including AI, to combat financial crime. Noah also opens up about the emotional toll of last year’s ordeal involving his colleague, Tigran Gambaryan, and how it galvanized the team’s resolve. With insights into the future of regulation under a shifting political climate, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at how Binance is setting new standards in crypto governance.

In this episode of Beyond the Code, Yitzy Hammer sits down with Ouriel Ohayon, CEO and founder of ZenGo, to explore the cutting-edge innovations behind the world’s most secure crypto wallet. Ouriel shares the journey from discovering crypto to building a wallet that eliminates the pain points of seed phrases, leverages multi-party computation (MPC) technology, and prioritizes user security and simplicity.

The conversation also delves into Ouriel's relentless advocacy for Israel, his strategic approach to countering misinformation online, and the broader battle for truth in the digital age. Tune in for an inspiring discussion that spans technology, resilience, and a vision for a brighter future in both the crypto space and the world.