Celebrating 52 Weeks of Insight: Reflections and Future Plans

In this special episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs marks the one-year milestone of his weekly newsletter with Episode 52, reflecting on the journey, learnings, and impact of consistent writing. He explores the challenges of finding new topics weekly, the frustration with social algorithms, and the spectrum of feedback. Funs also discusses how writing has changed his perspective on news, shares his plans to take a break in 2025, and hints at new directions for 2026. He invites listeners to a community meetup in Amsterdam and thanks all subscribers for their support.

00:00 Welcome and Introduction

01:15 Reflecting on One Year of Writing

03:43 The Challenges of Weekly Writing

04:46 Personal Growth and Learnings

05:38 The Loneliness of Content Creation

06:40 Impact on Perspective and Content Evolution

08:23 The Newsletter's Central Role in Life

09:16 Accountability and Future Plans

11:31 Thank You and Signing Off

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

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

Email: funs@hey.com

The Rise of Nvidia: From Gaming Giant to AI Powerhouse

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs dives into the incredible journey of Nvidia, a company that has evolved from a gaming chip manufacturer to a critical player in the AI industry. The discussion covers Nvidia's history, the challenges it faced, and how it managed to dominate multiple computing sectors, including gaming, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence. Special focus is given to Nvidia's founder, Jensen Huang, and his vision for parallel computing. The episode also touches on the geopolitical implications of the technology race, the dependencies on key infrastructure players like TSMC and ASML, and the future outlook of AI computing. This comprehensive deep dive highlights the strategic moves and innovative culture that have made Nvidia indispensable in today's digital economy.

00:00 Introduction to the Band of Insiders Podcast

00:34 Unveiling the Focus: Nvidia's Impact on AI

02:32 The Humble Beginnings of Nvidia

06:37 Nvidia's Early Struggles and Breakthroughs

09:09 Nvidia's Role in the Cryptocurrency Boom

11:39 Nvidia's Pivotal Role in AI Development

15:01 The Triangle of AI Compute Infrastructure

20:24 The Future of Compute and Energy

21:21 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

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

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

Email: funs@hey.com

The Future of Online Payments: How x402 Will Revolutionize the Digital Economy

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, Funs Jacobs discusses the emergence of the x402 payment protocol and its potential to revolutionize the internet. Jacobs explores how the historical absence of a native payment system in the web, termed 'the original sin of the internet,' led to the dominance of ad-based models and subscription services. With x402, agents can now make microtransactions directly within HTTP requests, enabling new business models and more honest economic exchanges. Jacobs outlines how this innovation will impact AI agents, digital services, and consumer behavior, emphasizing the need for businesses to adapt to this new paradigm. The episode concludes with a call to action for companies to start integrating per-use-value models and leveraging x402 to shape the future of the internet.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

01:09 The Rise of AI Agents and Predictions

02:10 The Original Sin of the Internet

05:12 The Return of HTTP 402 and x402 Protocol

08:37 How x402 Transforms AI Agent Capabilities

12:44 Rethinking Business Models in an x402 World

15:09 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

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

Email: funs@hey.com

Live from Buenos Aires: The Real Power of Ethereum and Blockchain

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs broadcasts live from Buenos Aires, Argentina, sharing his experiences at the Devconnect Conference. The podcast delves into the essence of Ethereum, detailing its decentralized platform and the vision of its creator, Vitalik Buterin. Funs explores the impact of blockchain technology on Argentina's economy, particularly in tackling hyperinflation and fostering crypto adoption. The episode also touches on the importance of privacy in the digital age and the role of zero-knowledge technology. Combining personal insights and industry knowledge, Funs offers a comprehensive look at the transformative potential of blockchain.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:48 Live from Buenos Aires: Devconnect Conference

02:32 Understanding Ethereum: A Deep Dive

05:32 Ethereum by the Numbers

07:13 Crypto Adoption in Argentina

10:24 My Personal Crypto Journey

13:14 The Importance of Privacy in Blockchain

16:56 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

Disclaimer:

Nothing in this article is financial advice. Always do your own research and make decisions based on your own situation. For me, this space is about technology, freedom, and long-term impact. It goes far beyond investment.

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

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

Email: funs@hey.com

The State of Gaming in 2025: A Deep Dive into the Biggest Cultural Platform

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs explores the immense growth and cultural impact of the gaming industry in 2025. While AI dominates headlines, gaming quietly remains a major force, with nearly half the global population identifying as gamers. Funs delves into key statistics, player demographics, significant cultural moments, and the integration of AI in gaming. He emphasizes the importance for brands to engage with gaming not just as a marketing strategy but as a means to foster deep, interactive customer relationships. Jacobs also touches on major industry milestones, including record-breaking player counts and unprecedented mergers and acquisitions.

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:00 The Evolution of Gaming

05:51 The Numbers: Gaming's Massive Growth

09:46 The Players: Who's Really Gaming?

11:56 Cultural Impact: Gaming in Pop Culture

14:17 Gaming and AI: The Future is Here

16:52 Brands and Gaming: A New Frontier

18:23 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

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

Email: funs@hey.com

AI and Medical Breakthroughs: The Inspiring Story of Every Cure

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs shares an inspiring story about the nonprofit organization Every Cure. Founded by Dr. David Fajgenbaum, Dr. Grant Mitchell, and Tracey Sikora, Every Cure leverages artificial intelligence to find new uses for existing medicines. The episode discusses the broader potential of AI to revolutionize healthcare by repurposing FDA-approved drugs to treat currently untreatable diseases. Funs delves into the personal journey of Dr. Fajgenbaum, who used AI to discover a life-saving drug for his own rare condition, and highlights several other success stories. This episode aims to spread positive, hopeful stories about the real-world impact of AI in critical industries like healthcare.

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:54 The Promise and Frustration of AI

03:13 Introducing Every Cure: A Nonprofit Revolutionizing Medicine

03:45 Dr. David Fajgenbaum's Inspiring Journey

07:02 How Every Cure Utilizes AI

09:17 Real-World Impact and Success Stories

11:26 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action

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

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

Email: funs@hey.com

How to Hire AI-Native Talent for Your Business

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, host Funs Jacobs delves into how businesses can find and hire AI-native employees. With a focus on the cultural revolution accompanying the technological advances of AI, Jacobs outlines five key strategies for identifying candidates who can effectively integrate AI into their workflows. He emphasizes the importance of context engineering, critical thinking, curiosity, and the ability to manage AI agents. Jacobs also shares insights from his career and offers practical tips for bringing the right talent into organizations looking to thrive in an AI-driven world.

00:00 Introduction and Gratitude

00:46 Today's Topic: Finding AI Native Employees

01:35 Host's Background and Experience

03:12 The Importance of AI in Hiring

03:56 Five Ways to Identify AI Talent

04:15 1. Beyond Basic AI Usage

05:41 2. The Power of Context Engineering

07:46 3. Avoiding AI Dependency

09:33 4. Valuing Curiosity Over Credentials

11:08 5. Managing AI Agents

13:00 Summary and Closing Thoughts

13:49 Final Remarks and Call to Action

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

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders

Email: funs@hey.com

The Evolution of SpaceX: From Frustration to Interplanetary Dreams

In this episode of the Band of Insiders podcast, Funs Jacobs explores the story of SpaceX, delving into the company's origins, milestones, and future ambitions. The episode highlights how SpaceX, born from Elon Musk's frustration with stagnant space exploration, revolutionized space travel with reusable rockets, groundbreaking technologies, and ambitious goals of making life multi-planetary. Key achievements such as the Falcon 1's orbit, the development of Dragon, and the launch of Starship Test Flight 11 are discussed, revealing the innovative spirit driving SpaceX and its impact on both space and Earth.

00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

01:39 Today's Topic: SpaceX and Mars

03:11 The Birth of SpaceX

07:33 SpaceX's Major Milestones

10:15 The Challenge of Reusability

12:21 Starship: The Future of Space Travel

13:32 The Latest Test Flight: Starship Test Flight 11

15:38 The Bigger Picture: Space Exploration and Earth

17:40 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

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

Connect on Instagram: @funs.eth or @band.of.insiders