Infrastructure & DePIN
September 10, 2025
Updated

Crypto Altruists Episode 218 - Hype, Harm, or Hope? AI & Blockchain at the Crossroads of Human Coordination and Global Impact

By:
Drew Simon
In episode 218, we explore the powerful intersection of AI and blockchain. From philanthropy and humanitarian aid to DAOs and climate action, discover how these technologies can drive social impact, make AI safer and more transparent, and redefine the future of human coordination. Includes insights from AI pioneers from Raiinmaker, Kava, Privado, Ecobridge, and Truebit.
Crypto Altruists Episode 218 - Hype, Harm, or Hope? AI & Blockchain at the Crossroads of Human Coordination and Global Impact - Cover Image with graphic of AI shaking hands with a human

For episode 218 of the Crypto Altruists Podcast, we tackle a big question: What happens when you combine the intelligence of AI with the transparency and coordination power of blockchain?

AI is eating the world, from your search results to your smart fridge. And while it brings innovation, it also fuels surveillance, misinformation, inequality, and tech monopolies. Ignoring it isn’t an option, and AI is here to stay.

That’s why blockchain matters. By pairing AI with decentralization, transparency, and incentive alignment, we can build systems that are open, ethical, and designed for impact. Together, these technologies could become one of the most powerful combinations humanity has ever created for justice, equity, and social good.

In today's episode you’ll learn:

  • 🤖 Why blockchain is essential for making AI safer, smarter, and more ethical
  • 🌍 How the powerful combo of Web3 and artificial intelligence can transform philanthropy, climate action, humanitarian aid, and beyond
  • 🧠 Why decentralized AI is essential public infrastructure, and how we make sure it stays that way

Key Takeaways

🤖 Why AI Needs Blockchain: Most AI is controlled by big tech and operates as a black box. Blockchain can bring transparency, decentralization, and incentives that ensure AI serves the public good, not just corporate interests.

🌍 Social Impact Use Cases: Together, AI and blockchain can transform philanthropy, humanitarian aid, DAO governance, climate monitoring, and decentralized science, unlocking efficiency and accountability for global impact, produced at the local level.

🔐 Making AI Safer: Blockchain can verify AI outputs, track provenance, and distinguish human from machine-generated content, helping society embrace AI responsibly while protecting trust and truth.

Relevant Links from Episode

Projects Covered (In order of appearance)

Thank you Pipe gDAO!

Thank you to PIPE gDAO for sponsoring the Crypto Altruists podcast! 🙏

PIPE gDAO is leveraging blockchain for their University Real World Asset IP Launchpad that helps bring groundbreaking ideas from lab to market. By joining the Pipe Associate Network (aka PAN), associates can create a profile highlighting their skills, be notified of opportunities, and then contribute fractional work to pre-IPO companies in return for equity and tokens.

Check out their Linktree for links to all of their socials so you can get involved and join this growing community!

🎙️ This podcast was recorded on Zencastr! Create your podcast today! #madeonzencastr

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DISCLAIMER

While we may discuss specific web3 projects or cryptocurrencies on this podcast, please do not take any of this as investment advice, and please make sure to do your own research on potential investment opportunities, or any opportunity. 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 available HERE.