Every new technology carries a story—and those stories shape culture.

In this talk, I explore how crypto’s early brand problem (“magic internet money for drug dealers”) mirrors the way the internet itself was first used for shady things before evolving into something world-changing. Culture takes time—and brand identity evolves as stories shift.

Today, we’re witnessing a broader cultural transformation: the rise of independent media and authentic voices over legacy gatekeepers. Platforms like Joe Rogan’s podcast show the power of unscripted, truth-seeking conversations to reshape public trust. As humans, we’re tribal—we crave belonging, purpose, and authentic leadership. And when culture shifts toward curiosity and openness, everything from crypto to governance can change.

Key takeaways:

• Early technologies often inherit negative reputations—but culture and time reshape them.

• Crypto is still in its infancy, much like the internet decades ago.

• Legacy media has given way to independent voices that drive culture through authenticity.

• Humans are tribal—we want to belong, contribute, and find purpose in our group.

• The cultural shift toward truth-seeking over rigid opinion is both powerful and necessary. This is about narrative power: how stories drive culture, and culture drives progress.