The Re-Physicalization Movement: Embracing Tangible Experiences in a Digital AgeIn this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs discusses a significant counter-trend to the proliferation of AI and digital technology, termed 're-physicalization.' He begins by sharing his personal story and passion for film photography to illustrate the value of imperfect, tangible experiences over flawless digital ones. He talks about historical counter-movements such as the resurgence of vinyl records, the growing popularity of board games, and the enduring appeal of physical trading cards in the face of digital alternatives. Jacobs highlights the rise of 'third places,' community spaces designed for human interaction, and suggests that brands focus on creating meaningful physical touchpoints and fostering community. He concludes that while AI will optimize the efficiency of digital interactions, human connection and physical experiences will become increasingly valuable.00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview01:27 The Re-Physicalization of Everything04:23 Counter Movements to Digital Trends08:53 The Rise of Third Places12:14 The Future of Physical and Digital Integration15:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

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The Battle for Encryption: A History of Freedom Online

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs takes listeners on a deep dive into the cryptography wars, a pivotal two-decade struggle to secure online privacy through encryption. The episode covers the historical timeline from the early days of the internet to the modern digital landscape, highlighting key events and figures such as Phil Zimmerman and the Cypherpunks. Jacobs explains the crucial importance of encryption for secure communication, e-commerce, and digital trust. Additionally, the episode discusses historical government resistance, the birth of SSL, and ongoing debates over digital privacy and security. Ultimately, Jacobs emphasizes the enduring relevance of these battles as technologies like AI and blockchain continue to evolve.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:16 The Battle for Encryption: A History of Freedom Online

02:59 Understanding Cryptography: Symmetric vs Asymmetric Encryption

04:35 The Birth of the Internet and Early Privacy Issues

06:23 The Cryptography Wars: Government vs Technologists

08:19 The Rise of Cypherpunks and PGP

12:17 The Clipper Chip Controversy

13:36 Netscape and the Birth of SSL

15:58 The Ongoing Battle for Digital Privacy

18:55 Conclusion and Future Episodes

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/funsj

The AI Stack Explained: Seven Layers Driving Growth

In this episode of the Band of Insiders Podcast, Funs Jacobs provides an in-depth overview of the AI industry, breaking down the complex ecosystem into seven fundamental layers driving innovation and growth. The discussion covers the foundational role of chips, the critical infrastructure provided by hyperscalers, and the transformative potential of AI applications in various sectors. It also explores the impact of robotics, the importance of energy, the necessity of security, and the emerging role of financial and crypto rails. This comprehensive analysis aims to give listeners a broad perspective on the AI economy, highlighting that AI is not just a single entity but an interdependent stack of technologies and players. The episode concludes with a reminder that the insights provided are for understanding the industry better and not for specific investment advice.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

00:44 The AI Stack Explained

01:45 Investing in AI: A Broad Perspective

04:33 The Foundation Layer: Chips

07:40 Hyperscalers: The Compute Landlords

09:57 Applications: The Frontier Towns

12:45 Robotics: AI in the Physical World

14:40 Energy: The Oxygen Supply

16:24 Security: The Seatbelt

17:48 Financial Rails: The Money Layer

20:12 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

About Band of Insiders

Band of Insiders is a future forward platform and community for curious marketers, brand leaders, and founders who want to stay ahead of the curve. We explore the cultural and technological shifts shaping business—from AI to blockchain, gaming to Gen Z behavior—and what they really mean for you.

Hosted by Funs Jacobs: Dutch innovation strategist with 10+ years of experience in advertising, music, sports, and tech. Now based in Bali, Funs helps brands around the world spot what’s next and act on it, fast.

Subscribe to the newsletter for weekly deep dives and rapid signals: www.funsjacobs.com

Join the WhatsApp community for real-time drops and discussion.

Connect on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/funsj