In a sit-down with the Earn Your Leisure podcast, entrepreneur and investor Gary Vaynerchuk (Gary Vee) joined the hosts for a wide-ranging conversation covering NFTs, artificial intelligence, sports, social media, and the evolving landscape of digital culture.
Vaynerchuk reaffirmed his long-standing position on NFTs, outlining why he remains optimistic about the technology despite challenges in branding and mainstream adoption. He connected the rise of NFTs to trading cards and “nerd culture,” describing how these once-niche interests are now influencing the broader culture. He also highlighted his own project, VeeFriends, as an example of how creators can build sustainable communities around digital assets.
Artificial intelligence was another focal point. Vaynerchuk encouraged listeners to spend at least an hour a day exploring AI, calling it a “cheat code” for the future. He discussed the risks of deepfakes and emphasized blockchain’s potential role in combating misinformation. The conversation also touched on the growth of VR and AR, with Vaynerchuk raising the possibility that unchecked AI development could even push society into a new “dark age.”
Beyond technology, the discussion dug into Vaynerchuk’s views on entrepreneurship. He spoke about accountability, the challenges of being underestimated, and the sacrifices tied to long-term growth. According to Vaynerchuk, many aspiring entrepreneurs fail not because of opportunity, but because they don’t genuinely love the process of building.
Vaynerchuk also shared insights on live social shopping, the influencer economy, and the new ways creators are monetizing online. Looking ahead, he expressed particular interest in Africa, calling it a region of immense opportunity for future innovation and business development.
The episode underscored why Gary Vee continues to be a central voice in conversations about culture, technology, and entrepreneurship, offering both practical strategies and big-picture perspectives for creators and investors alike.
