Beyond Speculation: Doodles Strategy + The Real Value in Tokens | Internet Explorers Ep. 65

Can you build lasting value with tokens and NFTs? What does it mean for memecoins, tokenized startups, and your bags? In Episode 65 of Internet Explorers, co-hosts Jess Sloss, Josh Cornelius, and Peace Node chat with Austin Hurwitz, Head of Strategy & Business Development at Doodles, to explore how one of crypto’s most recognizable projects is evolving for the new meta. This episode unpacks: The Token Singularity – Why every project is launching a token right now, and what it means for the market. Doodles’ Next Chapter – How the NFT project is evolving beyond collectibles into a full-stack media and creative studio. NFT Chains vs. Other Models – Why some projects (like Pudgy Penguins & Abstract) are launching their own chains while Doodles is taking a different approach. The Value of Crypto Communities – How co-creation and storytelling drive long-term engagement. Memecoins & Speculation – Trump, Portnoy, and the explosion of token launches—what’s real and what’s hype? $JELLYJELLY's Viral Token Play – How the launch of $JELLYJELLY perfectly highlights the pros AND cons of tokenized launches. Social Tokens & Reputation Markets – Are onchain social assets finally finding product-market fit? And why are we not learning from our mistakes? The Next Phase of Crypto Business Models – Why real value capture is becoming more critical than ever. Chapters: 2:02 - Austin discusses NFT projects and trends 4:13 - Overview of Doodles' evolution and partnerships 8:54 - Doodles' crypto-native brand partnerships strategy 14:55 - Converting social capital into tangible value 20:46 - Impact of leadership change in Doodles 28:24 - Venmo co-founder launches startup token? 34:33 - Intentions behind viral marketing tactics 38:12 - Utility tokens and market trends discussion 48:26 - Tax implications for crypto in the U.S 53:38 - Emphasis on reinventing ideas in crypto innovation   Internet Explorers is a weekly rundown show where extremely online individuals broadly explore (romanticize, even) new consumer Internet experiences. Join us⁠ live on Twitter/X, Fridays 10am PT / 1pm ET. Seed Club Twitter: https://x.com/seedclubhq Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/internet-explorers/id1756599282 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iJk3xZoij7pVhlNbTP9qS?si=4cda0ac044dc4c6a Pods.media: https://pods.media/internet-explorers