For episode 231, we welcome Eric van Miltenburg, Senior Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Ripple, the organization behind the XRP cryptocurrency and blockchain.

We explore Ripple Impact’s mission, unpack their most ambitious initiatives including a $25 million RLUSD commitment projected to generate $1B+ in long-term impact, and look at how blockchain is reshaping philanthropy from one-off donations into sustainable, scalable systems of change.

In today’s episode you’ll learn:

• 🌍 How the XRP Ledger is powering impact use cases including philanthropy, climate solutions, and humanitarian aid.
• 💸 Why stablecoins like RLUSD are becoming powerful tools for impact finance, enabling faster, more transparent, and more equitable funding
• 🎓 How Ripple is investing in the next generation of blockchain innovation through academia, research, and global partnerships
• 🌱 And how blockchain infrastructure can support sustainability, disaster response, and economic access at global scale

‍

--Key Takeaways--

🌊 Impact finance is about more than funding, it’s about building durable systems: Ripple’s approach goes beyond writing checks by pairing capital with expertise, partnerships, and infrastructure. By investing in long-term solutions like small business lending and workforce development, a single commitment can create compounding “ripple effects” across ecosystems.

🤝 The strongest impact happens when technology empowers those already doing the work: Rather than reinventing the wheel, Ripple partners with nonprofits, universities, and local businesses that understand their communities best. Blockchain becomes a force multiplier, helping these organizations operate at greater scale.

💸 Stablecoins are emerging as the global rails for impact finance: RLUSD is a powerful example of how stablecoins can unlock better funding flows. As programmable, borderless money, stablecoins are becoming one of blockchain’s clearest real-world use cases for philanthropy, financial inclusion, and sustainable impact.

--Full shownotes with links available at--
www.cryptoaltruists.com/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-231-ripple-impact-building-the-rails-for-good-inside-ripples-1b-vision-for-impact-finance

Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market.

--Support us with a Fiat or Crypto contribution--
Learn more at https://www.cryptoaltruists.com/about/support

--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, do not take any of this as investment advice and make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruists.com/disclaimer

For Episode 230, we welcome Djimo Serodio, Founder of Silvi, and Jon Ruth, Co-Founder of the Climate Coordination Network, two leaders helping reimagine how the world funds and verifies ecological restoration.

We unpack the newly launched Bioregional Reforestation Grants Round, the largest blockchain-native, outcomes-based reforestation funding mechanism to date, and explore why this may be a blueprint for the next era of regenerative climate finance.

You’ll learn:

• 🌍 What bioregional finance really means, and why funding climate action through onchain, place-based, and community-rooted ecosystems may be one of the most powerful tools we have to restore the planet.
• 🌱 How blockchain unlocks outcome-based reforestation, using smart contracts, decentralized MRV, and plant-to-earn incentives to reward real ecological impact.
• 🚀 What this model could look like at scale if bioregional, outcomes-based funding becomes the new standard for global climate finance.

‍

--Key Takeaways--

🌱 Local wisdom drives better restoration: Bioregional reforestation puts decision-making in the hands of the people who know their ecosystems best. Planting the right trees in the right places requires deep local knowledge, which is perfectly aligned with Web3’s commitment to localism, community ownership, and bottom-up coordination.

🌍 A trillion trees requires global coordination: Silvi’s long-term vision is bold: planting 1 trillion trees in the coming decades. Achieving this demands unprecedented collaboration across regions, organizations, and funders. Web3 provides the coordination layer needed to align incentives and mobilize action at planetary scale.

🔗 Blockchain unlocks scalable verification and distribution: Web3 tools like smart contracts, crypto payment rails, and on-chain MRV tools enable transparent, efficient, and tamper-resistant verification of ecological outcomes. The Bioregional Reforestation Grants Round is a proving ground for this model, laying the foundation for large-scale, trustworthy, and transparent climate finance.

--Full shownotes with links available at--
www.cryptoaltruists.com/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-230-bioregional-reforestation-how-crypto-is-transforming-localized-climate-finance

Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market.

--Support us with a Fiat or Crypto contribution--
Learn more at https://www.cryptoaltruists.com/about/support

--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, do not take any of this as investment advice and make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruists.com/disclaimer

For Episode 229, I’m thrilled to welcome Mark Pascall, Co-Founder of The Wellbeing Protocol and the newly launched hum.community a participatory funding platform that transforms how local communities allocate funds.

In today’s episode, we explore this question and the origins of The Wellbeing Protocol, the lessons learned from 15 pilot projects across New Zealand, Australia, and the UK, and why hum.community is such a meaningful milestone for the future of community-led impact.

You’ll learn:

• 🌱 What a wellbeing economy really looks like, and how communities can design systems that prioritize connection, belonging, and collective thriving over traditional economic metrics.
• 🤲 Why community-controlled funding matters, and how participatory micro-granting can unlock faster, fairer, and more culturally aligned decision-making.
• 🛠️ How Web3 and Indigenous governance principles come together to create tools that strengthen local resilience and shift real power back to communities.
• 🚀 And the story behind hum.community, a new platform enabling communities to collaborate transparently and allocate resources with unprecedented efficiency and trust.

‍

--Key Takeaways--

🔗 Ancient Principles, Modern Systems: hum.community is built on Indigenous Māori principles like mana motuhake and whanaungatanga; showing that the future of funding isn’t about starting from scratch, but rediscovering timeless models of collective care and community-led governance.

✨ From Passive to Empowered Participants: Instead of communities waiting on top-down decisions, hum transforms them into active stewards of resources, allowing them to propose ideas, vote, and co-design the impact they want to see. It’s funding powered by agency, not gatekeeping.

🔗 Web3 Behind the Scenes, Accessible by Design:
To ensure accessibility, early pilots ran off-chain to validate the model. Blockchain was introduced later as invisible infrastructure, abstracting away complexity while delivering trust, transparency, and accountable funding flows for all.

--Full shownotes with links available at--
www.cryptoaltruists.com/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-229-hum-community-from-charity-to-shared-agency-participatory-funding-and-the-future-of-local-impact

Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market.

--Support us with a Fiat or Crypto contribution--
Learn more at https://www.cryptoaltruists.com/about/support

--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, do not take any of this as investment advice and make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruists.com/disclaimer

For episode 228, we have something special in store. In Web3, we spend a lot of time talking about potential: what blockchain could unlock for climate, aid, finance, or human rights. And those conversations matter because they help shape the future.

But today, I want to cut through the noise and focus on what’s happening right now.

All around the world, builders, nonprofits, and communities are already using crypto rails to move money faster, more transparently, and more equitably than ever before. Real people are feeling the impact. Lives are changing. And these stories often go unheard.

So in this special episode, I’m sharing eight powerful clips from past conversations; moments that highlight the human stories behind the tech, and the tangible impact being made today.

You’ll learn:

• 🌍 Eight real-world stories of how blockchain is driving impact right now, far beyond theory and hype.
• 💸 How crypto rails are strengthening healthcare access, supporting refugees, and powering local economies.
• ⚡ How communities around the world, from Guatemala, Ukraine, Tanzania, and more are already feeling the benefits of decentralized tools.
• 🏡 How innovators around the world are using Web3 to build resilience, increase financial inclusion, and support those most often left behind.

‍

--Key Takeaways--

🌍 A Community That Shows Up: Across every story, one truth stands out: the crypto ecosystem rallies fast. Whether it’s raising emergency funds, supporting frontline workers, or powering local innovations, Web3 communities mobilize talent, capital, and creativity in ways traditional systems rarely can.

🔗 Global Connection, Local Impact: Blockchain rails make it easier than ever to move value across borders, linking donors, builders, and communities instantly. From refugee aid to rural payments, crypto connects people who would otherwise be separated by distance, bureaucracy, or broken financial infrastructure.

⚡ Bypassing Barriers, Reshaping Power: Crypto empowers individuals and communities to work around traditional gatekeepers and outdated institutions. These stories show how decentralized tools can deliver aid faster, expand financial access, and unlock opportunity where legacy systems have failed.

‍

--Full shownotes with links available at--
www.cryptoaltruists.com/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-228-beyond-the-crypto-hype-8-real-world-stories-of-how-blockchain-is-driving-global-impact

Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market.

--Support us with a Fiat or Crypto contribution--
Learn more at https://www.cryptoaltruists.com/about/support

--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, do not take any of this as investment advice and make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruists.com/disclaimer

For episode 227, we're excited to welcome Joe Agoada, CEO of Sostento. Joe has spent his career fighting to ensure that no one falls through the cracks of the healthcare system, and under his leadership, Sostento has helped more than 350,000 people access care and supported over 4,000 frontline health workers across the country.

We explore today’s nonprofit challenges, how Web3 can help close care gaps, the future of blockchain in healthcare, and the vision behind Sostento’s new Crypto Advisory Board that brings together a cross-disciplinary group of builders to explore how blockchain can remove barriers to care and help more people access the healthcare they deserve.

In today’s episode you’ll learn:

• 💸 Why nonprofits are facing unprecedented challenges, and how blockchain and crypto philanthropy can help close critical gaps.
• 🏥 How Sostento is removing real-world barriers to care and supporting thousands of frontline health workers across the U.S.
• 🤝 The powerful lessons learned from mobilizing the crypto community during the pandemic, and the enormous potential of crypto for good.
• 🔗 How Sostento’s new Crypto Advisory Board is bringing together leaders from across Web3 to explore blockchain’s role in accelerating healthcare equity.

‍

--Key Takeaways--

🌍 A Sector Under Pressure: Nonprofits, especially those focused on healthcare, are facing unprecedented strain from funding cuts, rising demand, and a volatile political and economic environment.

💡 The Power of Crypto Philanthropy: Sostento’s crypto journey began with a 25 ETH fundraiser during the PPE shortage, proving how quickly the crypto community can mobilize capital, talent, and creativity. Their new Crypto Advisory Board builds on that momentum by bringing diverse leaders together to explore how blockchain can strengthen healthcare access.

🤝 Crypto Donors Want Impact, Not Hype: Despite stereotypes, crypto donors share the same core motivations as traditional philanthropists: generosity, transparency, and a desire to see real-world impact. Sostento emphasizes stewardship, involvement, and trust, ensuring donors feel valued, engaged, and part of the mission.

‍

--Full shownotes with links available at--
www.cryptoaltruists.com/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-227-sostentos-crypto-advisory-board-bringing-blockchain-into-the-fight-for-healthcare-equity

Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market.

--Support us with a Fiat or Crypto contribution--
Learn more at https://www.cryptoaltruists.com/about/support

--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, do not take any of this as investment advice and make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruists.com/disclaimer

For episode 226, I’m exited to welcome 0xJoshua and Penguin, Co-Founders of Azos, a third-generation DeFi protocol using blockchain technology to turn climate-positive assets into real financial infrastructure. Their stablecoin, AZUSD, is designed to hold a stable value while automatically directing capital toward environmental good.

In our conversation, we explore how Azos is making values-aligned money possible, what it means to merge DeFi innovation with climate action, and how they’re building an ecosystem where both regens and degens can participate in building a greener future.

You’ll learn:

• 🌍 How Azos is leveraging stablecoins to create money that actively funds renewable energy and sustainability projects.
• 💸 Why “values-aligned money” could redefine the way we think about savings, lending, and finance itself.
• 🔗 How partnerships with pioneers like Glo Dollar, KlimaDAO, and Helios are weaving together a broader regenerative finance ecosystem.
• 🎮 And how Azos is merging the energy of regens and degens; making impact finance both purposeful and engaging.

‍

--Key Takeaways--

💚 Values-Aligned Money: Azos empowers people to choose currencies that reflect their beliefs by turning money into an expression of values. Through the AZUSD stablecoin, users can align their finances with causes like renewable energy, carbon credits, and climate-positive projects.

⚖️ From Degen to Regen: Azos bridges two powerful communities in Web3: degens driven by financial innovation and regens driven by impact. By combining the creativity of DeFi builders with the purpose of sustainability advocates, Azos offers ways for everyone to participate in growing a regenerative economy.

🌍 Building the Reserve Currency of the Regenerative Economy: Azos is strengthening the ReFi ecosystem by integrating projects like Glo Dollar, Helios, and KlimaDAO as collateral, expanding their utility, driving liquidity, and creating a rising tide that lifts all boats. The result is a more connected, resilient, and values-driven financial system built for long-term planetary good.

‍

--Full shownotes with links available at--
www.cryptoaltruists.com/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-226-azos-better-money-for-a-better-planet-how-stablecoins-can-fund-climate-action

Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market.

--Support us with a Fiat or Crypto contribution--
Learn more at https://www.cryptoaltruists.com/about/support

--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, do not take any of this as investment advice and make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruists.com/disclaimer

For episode 225 of the Crypto Altruists podcast, we’re excited to welcome Lindsay Poss, former Hoops Sagrado player and current Campaign Architect behind their groundbreaking new initiative powered by the Stellar network.

Through this campaign, Hoops Sagrado is paying basketball camp employees, vendors, and local partners in Guatemala using the Stellar Disbursement Platform and Beans App, enabling fast, transparent, and secure digital payments where traditional banking access is limited.

In today’s conversation, we’ll explore how basketball is breaking barriers for blockchain, how Stellar’s ecosystem is helping bridge financial divides, and the importance of local community engagement in driving meaningful change in Web3.

You’ll learn:

• 🏀 How Hoops Sagrado is leveraging Stellar’s Disbursement Platform to power their youth basketball program, enabling safe, instant crypto payments to local coaches, vendors, and workers.
• 🌍 Why blockchain can be a game-changer for financial inclusion; reducing risk, cutting costs, and empowering communities in cash-based economies.
• 💚 And how sports, culture, and technology together can redefine what “crypto adoption” really looks like on the ground.

‍

--Key Takeaways--

🏀 Meeting People Where They Are: True financial inclusion starts with accessibility. The Stellar Disbursement Platform makes crypto simple by offering easy on/off ramps and intuitive tools that work for those without deep tech knowledge.

💸 Solving Real Problems, Simply: In rural Guatemala, staff once carried wads of cash to pay workers. Stellar and Hoops Sagrado replaced that risky system with fast, secure digital payments, proving that where there’s a clear need, the right tech can deliver lasting impact.

🌱 Community Is the Gateway: By starting with culture and connection through basketball, shared spaces, and local collaboration, this project built trust from the ground up, showing how community-first design can make blockchain adoption truly stick.

‍

--Full shownotes with links available at--
www.cryptoaltruists.com/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-225-stellar-and-hoops-sagrado-how-basketball-and-crypto-are-powering-financial-inclusion-in-guatemala

Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market.

--Support us with a Fiat or Crypto contribution--
Learn more at https://www.cryptoaltruists.com/about/support

--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, do not take any of this as investment advice and make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruists.com/disclaimer

For episode 224 of the Crypto Altruists podcast, we’re excited to welcome Eric Alsop, Chief Technology Officer at Pesabase, a fintech platform using blockchain rails to simplify remittances, empower communities, and make financial access a reality across Africa.

In today’s conversation, we unpack what’s new with Pesabase’s latest platform evolution, how stablecoins and smart contracts can create better financial rails for underserved communities, and why Africa may hold the blueprint for the world’s decentralized financial future.

You’ll learn:

• 💸 How Pesabase is transforming remittances and cross-border payments across South Sudan, making them faster, cheaper, and more accessible for everyone.
• 🌍 The real-world impact of blockchain rails, from empowering unbanked communities to building South Sudan’s first full-service digital bank.
• 🤝 How transaction fees can fund community-driven philanthropy, creating a financial ecosystem that gives back.
• 🔗 And how stablecoins, tokenized payments, and local infrastructure can unlock true financial inclusion for the next billion users.

--Key Takeaways--

🌍 Bridging Digital and Physical Finance: Pesabase merges blockchain infrastructure with real-world banking, meeting people where they are and expanding access to vital financial services across South Sudan, from remittances to microloans and savings.

💚 Community-Driven Impact: Through token-powered rewards and philanthropic fee mechanisms, Pesabase is creating new pathways for locals to earn income, fund community initiatives, and keep more value circulating within South Sudan’s economy.

💸 A Better Way to Send Money: By leveraging blockchain and stablecoins, Pesabase offers faster, cheaper, and more transparent remittances; cutting out middlemen, reducing fees, and ensuring every transaction delivers more value directly to families and communities.

‍

--Full shownotes with links available at--
https://www.cryptoaltruists.com/blog/crypto-altruists-episode-224-pesabase-how-stablecoins-are-transforming-remittances-and-empowering-local-economies-in-south-sudan

Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruism podcast!

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market.

--Support us with a Fiat or Crypto contribution--
Learn more at https://www.cryptoaltruists.com/about/support

--DISCLAIMER--
While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, do not take any of this as investment advice and make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity, before making an investment. We host a variety of guests on this podcast with the sole purpose of highlighting the social impact use cases of this technology. That being said, Crypto Altruism does not endorse any of these projects, and we recognize that, since this is an emerging sector, some may be operating in regulatory grey areas, and as such, we cannot confirm their legality in the jurisdictions in which they operate, especially as it pertains to decentralized finance protocols. So, before getting involved with any project, it’s important that you do your own research and confirm the legality of the project. More info at cryptoaltruists.com/disclaimer