In today’s newsletter:

• Amazon partners with Yuga Labs to power Otherside gaming

• ApeFest 2025 delivers optimism and community momentum

• MetaMask launches Season 1 loyalty rewards

• MegaETH’s model rewards genuine contribution

• NEUKO AI’s cryptic rollout drives new speculation wave

• Solana expands real-world reach with Western Union stablecoins

• Markets cool as traders hunt for new catalysts

Watch & Listen Now: The week blended major announcements with deeper questions about what lasting participation in Web3 should look like. Amazon’s partnership with Yuga Labs set the tone, offering a glimpse at how mass distribution could help Otherside bridge gaming and ownership. MetaMask’s Season 1 loyalty drop and MegaETH’s reward design both reignited debate around what true community alignment feels like in practice. NEUKO AI’s mysterious rollout added intrigue, blurring the line between hype and innovation. Across it all, the community showed that energy and experimentation are alive and well, even in a slower market cycle.

☕️ Brewing This Week

📰 Monday

ApeFest 2025 Recap: Amazon Deal, Machi Animated Series, Community Wins and More

Cap and Steve recapped ApeFest 2025 in full, highlighting Yuga’s partnership with Amazon, the announcement of a Machi-led animated series, and the immersive AREA15 experience that brought the BAYC community together in Vegas. They covered the excitement around Otherside IRL, the first official ApeFest poker tournament won by Tboe, and the feeling that this year’s event marked a new chapter for Yuga focused less on hype and more on execution. The discussion captured the energy, connection, and renewed optimism that made ApeFest 2025 feel like a genuine return to form for the entire Ape ecosystem.

Check this episode out on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

💡 Tuesday

Crypto Markets Stall Out + Why NFT PFPs Still Miss the Mark

Tuesday’s show opened with a grounded look at October’s choppy markets, highlighting fading liquidity and the search for fresh catalysts like Monad and MegaETH to reignite momentum. A brief Solana ETF mention framed a wider conversation about how NFTs can evolve beyond speculation, as the crew explored why most PFP models still miss mainstream appeal and trap capital instead of creating real utility. Community callers like Von Fronten and Fitzy added perspective on how value might better flow to tokens or holders. Steve also joined from Boston, where he’s speaking at Harvard Law School today.

Check this episode out on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

🔗 Wednesday

Western Union on Solana, MetaMask Season 1 & Web3 Loyalty Loops

Cap hosted a community-driven episode that explored what it really takes to attract and retain builders in Web3, spotlighting MegaETH’s pre-launch strategy and Monad’s claim rollout as contrasting examples. The group dug into MetaMask’s Season 1 rewards as a test case for whether loyalty programs actually foster long-term engagement or simply recycle acquisition tactics. They closed with Solana’s major week of headlines, including Western Union’s stablecoin network, new ETF inflows, and fresh infrastructure milestones, signaling how quickly onchain products are expanding into real-world use.

Check this episode out on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

🤖 Thursday

What Is NEUKO AI + How MegaETH Rewards Real Contributors

Cap hosted solo as Steve continued his short break, starting with a quick market rundown that included $SOL’s pullback, new ETF chatter, and speculation around a potential Hyperliquid ETF. He then explored MegaETH’s post-TGE Season 1 framework, explaining how its reward design centers on real community participation rather than surface-level metrics. The conversation shifted to NEUKO AI, an emerging project gaining traction for its cryptic rollout and AI-driven mystery, sparking debate about whether hype-driven community models can sustain long-term value. The show wrapped with Monad claim box openings and a short security reminder to double-check official links before connecting wallets.

Check this episode out on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

🥳 Friday

Amazon x Yuga: Can Otherside Bring Web3 Gaming Mainstream?

Cap ran a solo Friday show unpacking Amazon’s new partnership with Yuga Labs around Otherside and what it could mean for mainstream NFT adoption. He broke down why Amazon’s distribution power and cloud infrastructure might help Web3 gaming finally reach broader audiences by removing entry barriers. The community kept chat energy high, debating whether big platforms can balance accessibility with the open principles that define crypto. The show wrapped in true Friday fashion with open mic moments as regulars shared updates on their projects and weekend plans.

Check this episode out on Apple, Spotify, and YouTube

🎓 Quick Take For Newcomers

📺 Weekly YouTube Highlights

Want to see our guests in action? Our YouTube channel features full video episodes, interview-only segments, and quick YouTube shorts featuring key moments. Subscribe now to never miss an episode and see the faces behind the voices!

Have a wonderful, wonderful weekend everybody!

DISCLAIMER: This newsletter contains information presented solely for educational purposes and should not be interpreted as financial or investment advice. Any investment decisions should be made after consulting with qualified professionals. Please be aware that I may own several digital assets discussed in this publication.