The We Are Innovation Podcast

#19 Early Mental Health Wellbeing as Economic Investment, with Máté Hajba

In the latest episode of The We Are Innovation Podcast, host Federico N. Fernández sat down with Máté Hajba, Director of the Free Market Foundation in Hungary and our newest Hungarian partner organization. Máté shared his research on why early childhood mental health intervention represents one of the most crucial investments European societies can make for their future. Drawing from his chapter in the recent publication “FundaMENTAL Health: Addressing Mental Health Crisis in Europe,” he explained how the first three years of a child's life create the foundation for lifelong mental wellbeing and societal participation. We explored the liberal principles that should guide mental health policy, including the importance of individual choice, public-private cooperation, and child-centric approaches that prioritize individual needs over one-size-fits-all solutions.  Our Guest: Mate Hajba (HUN) is the Director of the Free Market Foundation, which advocates economic freedom, civil rights and tolerance. He is also the Vice President of Civic Platform, which runs anti-racist campaigns and promotes democratic values. He is interested in the relationship between the state and the individual and in the concept and history of liberty. He writes for international press on issues such as intolerance in Hungary and international relations.  You can find more on his work at https://szabadpiac.org/ [https://szabadpiac.org/].  Links and further reading:  Free Market Foundation Becomes We Are Innovation’s First Hungarian Partner Organization - https://cutt.ly/frITgk6Q [https://cutt.ly/frITgk6Q]  Fundamental Health – Addressing Mental Health Issues in Europe - https://cutt.ly/KrIThzyb [https://cutt.ly/KrIThzyb]  To stop kids buying energy drinks, reform education - https://cutt.ly/6rITkyjk [https://cutt.ly/6rITkyjk]  Follow We Are Innovation:  TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation] - https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation]  X [https://twitter.com/innovationweare] - https://twitter.com/innovationweare [https://twitter.com/innovationweare]   LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/] - https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/ [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/]  Web: https://weareinnovation.global [https://weareinnovation.global/]  Music: Summer - Bensound https://www.bensound.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEpSNVJCOE9aVHJiQkF2R3FfRUJtUkpSaDFJd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSHl3UDY3OHV5SjI0VmNraE9FS19iRVFGcTdieGVmb0JudnRITHh5UTkwVjNwcVA5VWtwUG9UWnZtUHVWUXVVNEVYckg4b3haZ0JmTHVMSFRlU2d5WW1MZENOMjJHOUpCLUlQNC1Jd0hmWEdPbzVKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bensound.com%2F&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/37ILNlu [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJIVlhya1ZwUWt0UjVVSG42WlBMejBOVFIzd3xBQ3Jtc0tteC1ZSWYzSkpVRjhUc3lIR2lIQ2VFWGNJMkU1QWd1MEJ1cE8yWFhkM3pGTnZhNkl4TU9aYWJEQzJsUkxNNHdfM1VNVkVrRFpWTTJhNkVnbWRYUU1FWVktOWJpeF8xOGJKRWpmbTJ5dmxObnBIc0RkUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F37ILNlu&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] About We Are Innovation:  We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who fervently believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With a global presence encompassing over 50 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, embracing new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are spearheading transformative change on a global scale. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/ [https://weareinnovation.global/].

#18 Digital Sovereignty & Second Citizenship, with Joey Langenbrunner

In this episode of The We Are Innovation Podcast, host Federico N. Fernández engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Joey Langenbrunner about digital sovereignty, second citizenships, and the evolving landscape of global governance. Langenbrunner, an American entrepreneur and diplomat who has been active in the blockchain space for almost a decade, shared his unique perspective as an advocate for second citizenship and digital sovereignty. Drawing from his extensive experience in both the cryptocurrency industry and investment migration sector, he offered valuable insights on navigating the complexities of international citizenship options. The discussion explored Langenbrunner's personal journey from his American roots to becoming a prominent voice in digital sovereignty, touching on his motivations and the pivotal moments that shaped his career path. He provided a candid assessment of current US affairs, analyzing the country's systemic challenges, trade policies, and the impact of tariffs on global commerce. A significant portion of the conversation was dedicated to unpacking the concept of sovereignty in the modern era, with Langenbrunner offering a framework for understanding how traditional notions of statehood are evolving in our digital age. He also detailed his involvement with the Liberland project, explaining his role and the project's vision for the future. The episode also addressed common criticisms of citizenship-by-investment programs, with Langenbrunner responding to concerns about potential tax fraud and money laundering. The conversation concluded with his expert predictions on the most important trends to watch in 2025, offering listeners a forward-looking perspective on developments in digital sovereignty and global citizenship. Our Guest: Joey Langenbrunner (USA) is an entrepreneur and diplomat who has made significant contributions to the blockchain industry and investment migration sector. He is a strong advocate for second citizenship and has been working in the Bitcoin space for the past 5 years.  You can find more on his work at joeylangenbrunner.com [http://joeylangenbrunner.com/] and dnacitizen.com [http://dnacitizen.com/].   Links and further reading: 17 Rethinking Borders in the Age of Digital Nomads, with María Alejandra Londoño - https://cutt.ly/nrpc0BIu [https://cutt.ly/nrpc0BIu] Follow We Are Innovation:  TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation] - https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation]  X [https://twitter.com/innovationweare] - https://twitter.com/innovationweare [https://twitter.com/innovationweare]   LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/] - https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/ [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/]  Web: https://weareinnovation.global [https://weareinnovation.global/]  Music: Summer - Bensound https://www.bensound.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEpSNVJCOE9aVHJiQkF2R3FfRUJtUkpSaDFJd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSHl3UDY3OHV5SjI0VmNraE9FS19iRVFGcTdieGVmb0JudnRITHh5UTkwVjNwcVA5VWtwUG9UWnZtUHVWUXVVNEVYckg4b3haZ0JmTHVMSFRlU2d5WW1MZENOMjJHOUpCLUlQNC1Jd0hmWEdPbzVKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bensound.com%2F&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/37ILNlu [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJIVlhya1ZwUWt0UjVVSG42WlBMejBOVFIzd3xBQ3Jtc0tteC1ZSWYzSkpVRjhUc3lIR2lIQ2VFWGNJMkU1QWd1MEJ1cE8yWFhkM3pGTnZhNkl4TU9aYWJEQzJsUkxNNHdfM1VNVkVrRFpWTTJhNkVnbWRYUU1FWVktOWJpeF8xOGJKRWpmbTJ5dmxObnBIc0RkUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F37ILNlu&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] About We Are Innovation:  We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who fervently believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With a global presence encompassing over 45 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, embracing new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are spearheading transformative change on a global scale. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/ [https://weareinnovation.global/].

#17 Rethinking Borders in the Age of Digital Nomads, with María Alejandra Londoño

In this episode of The We Are Innovation Podcast, host Federico Fernández sat down with María Alejandra Londoño, Research Lead at Liberty International, to explore the groundbreaking Digital Nomad Tax Freedom Index. As a finance expert with extensive experience in global mobility, María Alejandra shared insights into how different countries are adapting their tax policies to attract the growing digital nomad community. Throughout the discussion, listeners discovered why destinations like Ecuador and Malta emerged as top choices for location-independent workers, and learned how factors beyond tax rates influence digital nomads' decisions. María Alejandra delved into the challenges of visa adoption, the methodology behind the index, and the delicate balance between libertarian tax philosophy and practical governance needs. The conversation explored findings about digital nomad behavior, including why many preferred informal arrangements and what this meant for countries developing nomad-friendly policies. Looking ahead, María Alejandra offered her perspective on how tax policies might evolve as digital nomadism transitions from a niche lifestyle to a mainstream work arrangement. Whether you're a digital nomad, policymaker, or someone interested in the future of work, this episode provided valuable insights into the intersection of taxation, global mobility, and economic freedom. Our Guest: María Alejandra Londoño (COL) leads the Training Department at Liberty International, where she also serves as Research Lead for their Digital Nomad Tax Freedom Initiative. A finance and international trade graduate with honors, she brings over seven years of experience advising businesses across various sectors. Her work focuses on building engaged communities and conducting data-driven research on global mobility, with extensive experience facilitating international events across multiple continents.  Links and further reading:  Digital Nomad Tax Freedom Initiative - https://cutt.ly/Be3rrXNK [https://cutt.ly/Be3rrXNK]  Tax Policy in a Mobile World: Insights from the Digital Nomad Tax Freedom Index - https://cutt.ly/Ie3rrvU6 [https://cutt.ly/Ie3rrvU6]  Nomad Visa in Spain: Sun vs. Taxes - https://cutt.ly/qe3rojTY [https://cutt.ly/qe3rojTY]  #9 Unpacking Ethical Tax Strategies and Nomadism, with Danilo Silva - https://cutt.ly/je3rpvgX [https://cutt.ly/je3rpvgX]   Follow We Are Innovation:  TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation] - https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation]  X [https://twitter.com/innovationweare] - https://twitter.com/innovationweare [https://twitter.com/innovationweare]   LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/] - https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/ [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/]  Web: https://weareinnovation.global [https://weareinnovation.global/]  Music: Summer - Bensound https://www.bensound.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEpSNVJCOE9aVHJiQkF2R3FfRUJtUkpSaDFJd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSHl3UDY3OHV5SjI0VmNraE9FS19iRVFGcTdieGVmb0JudnRITHh5UTkwVjNwcVA5VWtwUG9UWnZtUHVWUXVVNEVYckg4b3haZ0JmTHVMSFRlU2d5WW1MZENOMjJHOUpCLUlQNC1Jd0hmWEdPbzVKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bensound.com%2F&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/37ILNlu [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJIVlhya1ZwUWt0UjVVSG42WlBMejBOVFIzd3xBQ3Jtc0tteC1ZSWYzSkpVRjhUc3lIR2lIQ2VFWGNJMkU1QWd1MEJ1cE8yWFhkM3pGTnZhNkl4TU9aYWJEQzJsUkxNNHdfM1VNVkVrRFpWTTJhNkVnbWRYUU1FWVktOWJpeF8xOGJKRWpmbTJ5dmxObnBIc0RkUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F37ILNlu&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] About We Are Innovation:  We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who fervently believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With a global presence encompassing over 45 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, embracing new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are spearheading transformative change on a global scale. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/ [https://weareinnovation.global/].

#16 Digital Euro - A Solution in Search of a Problem?, with Leonardas Marcinkevičius

In this episode of The We Are Innovation Podcast, host Federico N. Fernández engaged in an illuminating discussion with Leonardas Marcinkevičius about the controversial Digital Euro project and its implications for European monetary policy. Marcinkevičius, an expert at the Lithuanian Free Market Institute (LFMI) specializing in monetary policy, inflation, and public finance, shared insights from the recently published Epicenter report “Digital Euro: Is a CBDC Really Necessary for Europeans?” The conversation delved into crucial aspects of the European Central Bank's Digital Euro. Marcinkevičius examined how this new form of currency would transform the existing dual system of commercial and central bank money, while addressing concerns about the proposed free-of-charge Digital Euro accounts and their impact on financial institutions. Drawing from real-world examples like the Nigeria eNaira's low adoption rate, the discussion explored potential challenges and differences in the European context. The episode also tackled critical security considerations, highlighting previous ECB system breaches and the implications of centralizing digital currency infrastructure. Particularly noteworthy was the analysis of the Digital Euro's role in monetary policy, especially its relationship with inflation targets and the controversial mandatory acceptance requirement for merchants. The conversation concluded with a thorough examination of the metrics needed to properly evaluate this significant shift in European monetary policy. Our Guest: Leonardas Marcinkevičius (LTU) is an expert at the Lithuanian Free Market Institute (LFMI), focusing on monetary policy, inflation, and public finance. Since October 2022, he has provided in-depth analyses of central bank decisions and economic policy developments. Before joining LFMI, Marcinkevičius worked as a business journalist at Lithuania News Agency ELTA, covering economic issues from March 2021 to October 2022. He is a regular contributor to public debates on monetary policy and economic freedom in Lithuanian media. Links and further reading:  Digital Euro: Is a CBDC Really Necessary for Europeans? - https://cutt.ly/keVqj4d9 [https://cutt.ly/keVqj4d9]  Follow We Are Innovation:  https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation] - https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation]  X [https://twitter.com/innovationweare] - https://twitter.com/innovationweare [https://twitter.com/innovationweare]   LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/] - https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/ [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/]  Web: https://weareinnovation.global [https://weareinnovation.global/]  Music: Summer - Bensound https://www.bensound.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEpSNVJCOE9aVHJiQkF2R3FfRUJtUkpSaDFJd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSHl3UDY3OHV5SjI0VmNraE9FS19iRVFGcTdieGVmb0JudnRITHh5UTkwVjNwcVA5VWtwUG9UWnZtUHVWUXVVNEVYckg4b3haZ0JmTHVMSFRlU2d5WW1MZENOMjJHOUpCLUlQNC1Jd0hmWEdPbzVKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bensound.com%2F&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/37ILNlu [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJIVlhya1ZwUWt0UjVVSG42WlBMejBOVFIzd3xBQ3Jtc0tteC1ZSWYzSkpVRjhUc3lIR2lIQ2VFWGNJMkU1QWd1MEJ1cE8yWFhkM3pGTnZhNkl4TU9aYWJEQzJsUkxNNHdfM1VNVkVrRFpWTTJhNkVnbWRYUU1FWVktOWJpeF8xOGJKRWpmbTJ5dmxObnBIc0RkUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F37ILNlu&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] About We Are Innovation:  We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who fervently believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With a global presence encompassing over 45 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, embracing new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are spearheading transformative change on a global scale. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/ [https://weareinnovation.global/].

#15 The Innovation Equation - Solving for Success in Malaysia and Indonesia, with Benedict Weerasena

In this episode of The We Are Innovation Podcast, host Federico N. Fernández welcomed Benedict Weerasena, the Research Director of Bait Al Amanah (House of Trust). Benedict brought valuable insights to the discussion on innovation agendas for Indonesia and Malaysia. The conversation began with an in-depth exploration of Indonesia's innovation landscape. Weerasena shared his thoughts on the country's current standing and potential for growth in various sectors. He then delved into the concept of the Entrepreneurial Rail Model (ERM) in Indonesia, explaining its significance and potential impact on the nation's innovation ecosystem. The dialogue also covered strategies for creating a pro-innovation environment in Indonesia that would encourage positive changes in consumer behavior, potentially driving economic growth and technological advancement. Shifting focus to Malaysia, the discussion encompassed several key areas of innovation and development. Weerasena offered his perspective on Malaysia's emerging role as a data center hub in Southeast Asia, outlining the sector's evolution and the innovative policies that could further solidify the country's leadership in this domain. The conversation then turned to Malaysia's well-established electronics manufacturing sector. Our Guest: Benedict Weerasena (MYS) is the Research Director of Bait Al Amanah (House of Trust), based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. His research interests include public finance, behavioral economics, development studies, international political economy and education policy. He has participated and presented in various international conferences and economic updates.  You can find his bio on the House of Trust website: https://www.baitalamanah.com/about [https://www.baitalamanah.com/about]  Links and further reading:  We Are Innovation and Bait Al Amanah Team Up: Innovation Without Borders Comes to Malaysia - https://cutt.ly/IeDwYxVD [https://cutt.ly/IeDwYxVD]  The Star: Rethinking the Smoking War – From “Can Malaysia Quit Like Sweden” - https://cutt.ly/IeS6PAKe [https://cutt.ly/IeS6PAKe]  The EU’s Smoke-Free Future and the Role of Innovation – Findings from the Special Eurobarometer 539 - https://cutt.ly/Eurobarometer [https://cutt.ly/Eurobarometer]  Follow We Are Innovation:  https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation TikTok [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation] - https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation [https://www.tiktok.com/@weare_innovation]  X [https://twitter.com/innovationweare] - https://twitter.com/innovationweare [https://twitter.com/innovationweare]   LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/] - https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/weareinnovation/]  Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/] - https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/ [https://www.instagram.com/innovationweare/]  Web: https://weareinnovation.global [https://weareinnovation.global/]  Music: Summer - Bensound https://www.bensound.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEpSNVJCOE9aVHJiQkF2R3FfRUJtUkpSaDFJd3xBQ3Jtc0ttSHl3UDY3OHV5SjI0VmNraE9FS19iRVFGcTdieGVmb0JudnRITHh5UTkwVjNwcVA5VWtwUG9UWnZtUHVWUXVVNEVYckg4b3haZ0JmTHVMSFRlU2d5WW1MZENOMjJHOUpCLUlQNC1Jd0hmWEdPbzVKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bensound.com%2F&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] Support by RFM - NCM: https://bit.ly/37ILNlu [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblJIVlhya1ZwUWt0UjVVSG42WlBMejBOVFIzd3xBQ3Jtc0tteC1ZSWYzSkpVRjhUc3lIR2lIQ2VFWGNJMkU1QWd1MEJ1cE8yWFhkM3pGTnZhNkl4TU9aYWJEQzJsUkxNNHdfM1VNVkVrRFpWTTJhNkVnbWRYUU1FWVktOWJpeF8xOGJKRWpmbTJ5dmxObnBIc0RkUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fbit.ly%2F37ILNlu&v=KxwUy2S2n-Q] About We Are Innovation:  We Are Innovation is a dynamic network of individuals and institutions who fervently believe in the power of innovation to drive progress and solve the world’s most pressing problems. With a global presence encompassing over 45 think tanks, foundations, and NGOs, We Are Innovation represents the diverse voices of a global civil society committed to advancing human creativity, embracing new technologies, and promoting innovative solutions. Through our collaborative approach and cutting-edge expertise, we are spearheading transformative change on a global scale. To learn more about our work, visit us at https://weareinnovation.global/ [https://weareinnovation.global/].