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Ep 37: Revolutionizing Womxn’s Non-Reproductive Health with Web3 (Asterisk)
52 Plays24 days ago
Join Veronica Kirin, founder of Asterisk Women’s Health, as she discusses her groundbreaking approach to womxn’s non-reproductive health using blockchain and DAO models. Discover how technology can empower womxn and transform the healthcare landscape.
Learn more about Asterisk's mission: https://asteriskdao.xyz
Transcript
00:00:06
Speaker
Hello and welcome to this Owl Explains Hootenanny, our podcast series where you can wise up on blockchain and web3 as we talk to the people seeking to build a better internet. Owl Explains is powered by Avalabs, a blockchain software company and participant in the avalanche ecosystem. My name is Silvia Sanchez, project manager of Owl Explains and with that I'll hand it over to today's amazing speakers.
00:00:34
Speaker
Hi everyone, welcome back to another exciting episode of the Owl Explains podcast. Before I introduce our special guests, I want to give our listeners some context. So you all know that here at Owl Explains we are big on launching fundamentals, policy and use cases, and we're always keeping an eye out on regulatory updates as well as cool projects to feature.
00:00:55
Speaker
today we have an incredibly inspiring guest with us Veronica Kieran and Veronica is not only an award-winning entrepreneur entrepreneurur I love that the combination of anthropologists and entrepreneur she's an author but also a powerhouse in the field of women's health As the founder of Asterisk Women's Health and co-founder of the Anadine magazine, Veronica has made big steps in bringing attention to non-reproductive women's health. She's also the author of the award-winning book Stories of Elders and the creator of the Stories of COVID Research, which documents the pandemic in real time. She was also named one of Forbes' next 1,000 entrepreneurs and BEX40 LGBTQ leaders under 40. So when I met her at a conference in Croatia, I was like,
00:01:42
Speaker
We got to have her on the podcast. So hi, Veronica. We're super glad to have you with us. Hi. Thanks for having me. Yeah. And we also just vibed. I think we just could have kept talking the whole time. It was great to meet you and thank you also for setting the time to be here with us. So we're going to just get into it. Just going to ask you a bit about your background. And I know that I'm going to ask you about like, okay, what motivated you to start this project?
00:02:07
Speaker
You mentioned like, okay, I am the use case. So could you tell us more about what made you so passionate about focusing on women's non-reproductive health? Yeah. Yeah. So, you know, as you mentioned, I've been an entrepreneur for quite a long time, but I sold one of my companies in 2018 and basically between 2018 and 2023, I was just consulting and kind of like waiting for that thing. Like there was nothing that inspired me enough to make me want to reenter the founder space.
00:02:37
Speaker
And during that time, I started experiencing my own health issues. Actually, I was experiencing them for a while. I just didn't like realize, like my awareness grew and I changed countries. I changed medical systems. And so I had two comparisons. I was like, I'm experiencing the same difficulty with medicine in two countries. So yeah, that's only two ah data points, but at the same time, it's not like, oh, it's just the American health system. It's like, oh, I'm experiencing this in Germany too. What's up with that? And so I started doing my own research because I just couldn't believe how many doctors would tell me that they didn't know or they would
00:03:21
Speaker
tell me I was crazy or it wasn't possible. like They just would come up with all these weird excuses. And I was like, there really can't be this many doctors who are just malicious. What's happening? And what I finally figured out as I went down the rabbit hole was just that there isn't data. And in fact,
00:03:37
Speaker
It's not even just like, oh, women have sort of been left out, or they're not studied as much. Women were actually banned from clinical trials during the period of time that most of the drugs we use today were developed. So like there's just these enormous gaps in understanding of how women's bodies and women's cycles affect disorders, drugs, and modalities to the point of which, when we say women's health, people think ovaries, uterus, boobs.
00:04:04
Speaker
They don't think about the full body, which is why I have to say non-reproductive health, even though the most people say, isn't that just women's health? Yes, except for 80% of femtech is funded towards reproductive health. So yeah, I got back in the game. I can be angry about it, or I can do something. So I decided to do something and start asterisk.
00:04:25
Speaker
I love that. I feel like we can either just sit down and complain about the problem and just be angry about it, or actually like do something to to make a change, because otherwise, it's just going to continue being like that unsatisfactory thing, that struggle for for so many of us. And while, yes, it is important, as you mentioned, the things that we also have going on with our reproductive system, but all the other things that we struggle with, hormonal disorders, and just things that aren't researched well enough or studies that are just for for men. And then they tried to treat us as small men or just not just what we are. So it's crazy. I connected this very well. So now let's just focus on, okay, how does asterisk women's health utilize blotching technology to support, to fund women's health research and these femtech startups and all the cool stuff you guys are doing?
00:05:19
Speaker
Yeah, I'm so geeky nerdy. So we i kind of we we talked before um before our meeting this week that we hit our um prototype milestone finally. So we developed a mild our our prototype at ETH Global in Brussels only a couple of weeks ago. um And we're we're aiming to basically like talk directly to women about what's happening because there are so many biases and assumptions just like you were saying um about what women's bodies
00:05:57
Speaker
are and how they behave and just all this stuff that in my opinion, what we have, what little we have is through an incorrect lens. So we're building data lakes that are specific to the disease states that affect women most because there are all these disorders that really affect women differently. Like 80% of people with fibromyalgia are women.
00:06:25
Speaker
Like the numbers are enormous and like how can this be and why? um and so And so we're going to build these data lakes. So women will come in, they will enter their data every day. It will feel like you're you're going into a menstrual app. and entering your symptoms and experiences with the disorder, but then ah it's it's not about menstruation. It's about whatever your symptoms are with the disorder that day, every single day, hopefully. So we're incentivizing with tokens every single day. We'll also have AI agents
00:06:56
Speaker
telling you your own personalized trends. So we've got some really fun incentives in the app for our participants. And then on the other side, we will be selling that data to researchers, to femtech startups because they're starved for data. You have a product idea as a startup and then you can't prove it even though you know it. like ah You and I know, we know what we know, but then there's no data to back it up, even though it's lived experience. So ah startups really need the data as well as aligned organizations. There are organizations out there, foundations out there that really could use this data for publications, for for public interest. um And so we have this kind of like,
00:07:43
Speaker
dual bridge ah happening, and that's what we're taking to market. We have, yes, other other plans in the future, but the biggest issue is just just no data. So then the medicine is lagging. So then the modalities are lagging. Our understanding of symptoms are lagging. So to me, that's like that's where the fire is. We need to put that fire out first.
00:08:04
Speaker
Absolutely, and the data is like that seed, like that is a starting point and then you can start to do everything else that that needs to get done. So i I also like the way you mentioned about the the tokens and Centervation program and just making sure it's right there, it's verifiable.
00:08:20
Speaker
and It's also evident that DAOs are changing the business paradigm, and we see DAOs here, there, and everywhere. But like what are the key benefits of using a DAO structure for this mission in particular, compared to traditional nonprofit organizations? Yeah, yeah. Yeah, it's good.
00:08:38
Speaker
Well, of course, the first thing is that a nonprofit organization is going to be handcuffed to the government that whatever country it is, like whatever that jurisdiction is, it has to play by those rules, which I'm not saying we don't want to play by the rules, except ah we need women putting their data in from all around the world. We can't have white women's healthcare care anymore. And it's an inarguable fact that most of the healthcare care research is being done in the global North. So we need to cut that out. A doubt enables us to do that.
00:09:09
Speaker
um The Dow also enables voting, so like when we offer tokens for data, right? um Yes, that's great because we're paying people for their participation in the healthcare care system for the first time, but it also means that then they have voting rights within the Dow. So whatever the disorders or causes that women feel really need to be focused on,
00:09:32
Speaker
ah We will hold a vote and whichever disorder they think we should focus on next is where we will open another data lake and then we will start to garner participation there. um And then ultimately the ultimate goal or the North Star as investors like to say, ah is to have women voting on their own health care for the first time in history.
00:09:51
Speaker
Wow, that that sounds a lot more ah more empowering. And those those things, women putting in their data, like having control of what they're inputting, participating finally in the healthcare care system, and having the voting rights. like that That speaks in and of itself. um And just as we're speaking about these different types of issues, what are some of the specific non-reproductive health issues that asterisk women's health focuses on? like What is maybe like and an area that you want to like start exploring more?
00:10:25
Speaker
Yeah. So our first ah disorder is OCD or obsessive compulsive disorder. So it biases towards women two to one. The reason that we're starting with OCD is because it is not ah sex ah specific. It's sex agnostic. So um that means that it is being researched. Unfortunately, we can see it in the numbers that if a disorder is sex specific, so it only affects females, it just doesn't get the funding.
00:10:53
Speaker
I know, you're shocked. I know. um but so But it does affect women two to one. And then there are subtypes that affect women even more, like body dysmorphic disorder, like postpartum OCD. right So you have a baby and then you experience this depression, but a lot of times OCD can come with it. so um So there are these really specific cases where it just hits women so much harder.
00:11:20
Speaker
um And so we we believe that there's enough popularity there that we can find aligned organizations and we can ah get to our user base faster and empower them earlier. um But at the same time, the the researchers are interested. So we can get them excited and on board. And then when we come to them and say fibromyalgia or premenstrual dysphoric disorder,
00:11:45
Speaker
they will still be interested because now we've proven that this is a really good thing. Right, like setting up just that that line, like that that starting point of OK, OCD, like getting the attention and diving into these other these other crazy disorders. I hear you on the PMDD thing. and oh So I'll stay in the loop with with that as it continues to to develop because I i know that a lot of us struggle with that. um And I also wanted to pick your brain a little bit also from the the founder's perspective and on this specific topic, you know, because I know that obviously being a founder has its own challenges, but what challenges have you faced in setting up and running a DAO for such a specific and impactful mission, but at the same time, very difficult to navigate in a way?
00:12:34
Speaker
Yeah, ah so it's my first Web3Venture. I think that in general has been maybe a confidence check because I know how to launch a startup. I can do it in my sleep. But when it's a when it's Web 3 and then it's a DAO. So like i ah yeah, I'm like the captain, but I'm not the dictator. i'm not I can't just say what goes. you know I lead through suggestion, not through force, and which is fantastic. It's the way that this should be done.
00:13:11
Speaker
doesn't just affect me. um And we're not here just to make money. That's a whole other animal. um So there's definitely been some times where I i have to yeah look to my advisors, trust the process, um trust that we're heading into the right direction and like look for just like the little like signposts along the way.
00:13:32
Speaker
Like, we do get more members in regularly, and they want to take ownership within the organization. They want leadership roles. So to me, like, that's one of the things to look for. um And that's why I used to tell my clients, like, what are your small wins that are evidence that things are working? ah And so looking towards those and saying, okay, like,
00:13:53
Speaker
No, we're not fully up and running yet, even though I i want that so badly. um But we have a timeline of wins ah that and each win gets bigger and bigger as we go. So I know that this is working and we're on the right track. For sure. and It's a matter of of trusting the process and just staying, just continuing, you know, like to push on and I just think it's all all about also staying true to that, to that vision, to the North Star that you had. it Like, why did I start this? Like, why did I there is start this crazy idea and just despite all the crazy things that we might see and also in this industry? Because I know that it's not just, okay, you're founding something, but you're on Web3, and it's also a space that
00:14:40
Speaker
Many people unfortunately don't understand. I think that's also why this initiative started. That, oh, it's not just crypto trading. There's so much more to that. It's more about what the technology has to offer and the cool things that you can build on on this new platform, on this better internet in a way.
00:14:58
Speaker
Yeah, and if I if I might add like, we know the current paradigm doesn't work. That's why I'm doing this through a web web free scope and why I'm doing it as a doubt. Like we've, we've tried a whole lot of other things and they don't work the centralized method for all people's health care. Are you kidding me?
00:15:17
Speaker
it's not working and i I think we can kind of like all agree it's not great so Web3 offers that but there's a challenge there because we're trying to bridge this like traditional world of healthcare into this new world of Web3 and so there's a a little bit of like evangelism and then my hat as an anthropologist in order to translate in order to say no this is a safe this is a good thing this isn't you know, something that I'm just trying to make a quick buck on. I'm not like shilling a coin or anything. So much so it's just like a a different story. um And now that we're on on that paradigm shift on this shifting into into technology, how do you foresee the future of Web3, of blockchain technology impacting the health care and the nonprofit sectors, both in general, but also for for women's health?
00:16:09
Speaker
I think it's inevitable, honestly. like If it wasn't asterisk, ah if it wasn't... you know We have all these other like incredible biodoes out there right now, and like if it wasn't us, it would be something. um Because what Web3 does, yes, there's there's a lot of like fun and prospecting and shitcoins and all this stuff.
00:16:29
Speaker
But like ultimately, what Web3 brings to the table is empowerment of individual voices into a collective. And the collective wants better. like We're all in agreement that something needs to change and something needs to improve, whether whatever niche that might be. So um I think it's inevitable that Web3 is going to disrupt the healthcare care space and um It needs to be done right in order to adopt the brilliant minds that are already in research and in healthcare. care like We don't want to kick them out. We just want to change the system. um But it it's it's got to change.
00:17:11
Speaker
indeed indeed it's it's inevitable and the the thing though that is not really so certain is when and just how will this adoption play out but but yeah the current system has a lot of flaws and We're just shifting there. And I also wanted to to ask you, like ah what is like them the most exciting initiative that that is coming up for it for Asterisk? I know you mentioned like the data and just starting out with OCD. But what upcoming expansion are you most excited about with with this particular project?
00:17:47
Speaker
We're really excited to be building on our partnerships. So we just have a partnership lead that joined us two weeks ago. And so she's going to be calling folks up and saying, hey, we need you on board. um And we're also poised to start developing our MVP.
00:18:04
Speaker
off of the back of the prototype. So the prototype is is basically just an example. It's not really usable at this stage. um and We are currently in the Bitcoin grant round 21, just opened. So um that will help us a little bit with the MVP. um But we're hoping you know for a larger grant soon so that we can pay our brilliant tech lead in order to just make it and then break it and then make it and break it and then we can yeah take it to beta users and then they can break it and then we can start to i you know build something that we can take truly to market and um actually just start changing the game. Absolutely.
00:18:47
Speaker
And what advice would you give to other innovators looking to use blockchain technology for for social impact projects? Because it's like we said earlier, it's not like we're here selling a coin and just buy my token or buy my my art, my NFT, but how can blockchain really drive and make change on these social impact projects?
00:19:11
Speaker
Yeah, um kind of like we said before, you know, you you rephrased it so well to trust the process. um I was fairly new to blockchain when I launched Asterisk. um So our anniversary is at the end of this month of August. And so we'll be issuing our light paper and um having a nice little for Twitter space party. um But when I launched Asterisk last year, I had only been in blockchain as a business idea for a year. I'd been ideating for about a year before we actually launched.
00:19:48
Speaker
um And it felt very much like drinking from a fire hose. And that's okay. Like if you if you're new to blockchain, it's it's okay to feel overwhelmed because it's a totally different way of thinking. um we're we're We're thinking in terms of collective rather than thinking in terms of bottom line profit, um especially within the DAO space.
00:20:13
Speaker
um We're thinking in terms of democratization. We're thinking in terms of extreme levels of security and identity protections and ownership. um And so no matter which space of Web3 you enter um and whether or not you're engaging with a DAO, Web3 in a way brings to life the original ideals of the web, what we thought the World Wide Web would do, but then it got hyper-owned and so centralized. um So yeah, my I mean, I just urge anyone, like dream big,
00:20:56
Speaker
I want to literally change women's health for the entire planet. okay like Just go for it. you get Go big. ah um The technology is there now so we can do it. um So whatever you want to do, try it. And you will find people who are as weird and nerdy as you are, who are willing to jump on board and trust the process and help to bring it to life.
00:21:19
Speaker
Absolutely. and And I feel like you can also get that tattooed like trust the process like that is also just just a mantra regardless of of what you're doing. um And it's it's true. I just want to come back to what you said about how this web three even though it can be a bit overwhelming at the beginning and it's it's normal. Like when we're faced with a new concept as humans we can be like oh wow what is this but then little by little you start to like understand it and And at the end of the day, it's not something super crazy either. It's about coming back to, okay, what were the initial goals of the internet? like What did we lose along the way and in a way of how can we build a better internet? How can we actually use this infrastructure to achieve these goals? And now, um just to also maybe like shift to the audience a little bit. So we've spoken about the creative process, the founders, but
00:22:15
Speaker
We got to throw in a little bit of policy here on on the podcast, but like because what they do also affects okay what is happening on on the Web3 area on the market, but also how these projects, how these developments that are being built on Web3, how do they perform? you know Because if we have regulation that is favorable, well, then we can be much um more at ease instead of like you know trying to navigate an even wilder sea. So what message would you give regulators, policymakers regarding blockchain technology and and social impact? like What would you tell them like in and in a little nutshell?
00:22:55
Speaker
I really want the SEC to chill out.
00:23:00
Speaker
like So we have Micah that just came through um in Europe, and that just like gave us the parameters within which to play. and um And it brought a lot of peace, because now it's not this world of just intense attack, whereas the SEC is still just on the attack.
00:23:20
Speaker
and um Well, I'm just going to say it that they're protecting the existing corporate structures. they're they're I mean, the bias is obvious. um And so, okay, fine. Yes, you want to regulate to protect individuals. that's so that's the origination or the ideal motivation of regulation. And so try to keep that in mind if you're going to build policy, like what's best for the people, not just in
00:23:57
Speaker
the legalities and in the boundaries that you set, but also do you need them? What can we stay out of? ah Because i don't I don't think that we need such intense regulation. I hear you on that. And yeah, just having a balance. like Yes, we want to protect the users, but we also want to to foster that innovation, to like have a good um like a sweet spot. I know it sounds um it's one thing to do it like on the theory and then it's another thing to practice it but it's yeah it's something that we're continuing to navigate each day and just as we're running out of time just one last question for for you. How can our listeners get involved with asterisk with what you are doing?
00:24:43
Speaker
So there's a couple of different options. ah Certainly, you can check us out on social media. We went viral on TikTok last month. ah So ah you can you can hang out with us on the various platforms. We have a newsletter that is a little bit more like our research report repository. um So as we dig into the disorders that buy us towards women specifically, we tend to build up um really, really good research. We have such a good research team. um And so they look for primary studies that actually show like the reality, not you know news articles that have tried to parse studies, and then it goes terribly wrong. And so we publish those every so often. um It's summertime. and There's a lot of travel right now. So we're a little less regular on the publications, but we'd love to have you sign up for our newsletter.
00:25:35
Speaker
um And then if you feel excited about this, we welcome you to come in and take ownership in the organization. um you know Take a piece. We have definitely different areas that we'd be happy to hand off to you. um And finally, if you do have OCD, we have a waiting list. So we'd love to actually get you involved in that bait around.
00:25:59
Speaker
Sounds amazing. And I went by so fast. I just enjoyed just talking to you and getting to know more about about your project, about your mission. So a huge thanks to Veronica for joining us today, for sharing your journey and telling your your story. We can't wait to see what the future holds, both for asterisk and the impact on women's health in general. So thank you so much, Veronica. And until next time.
00:26:26
Speaker
We hope you enjoyed our Hootenanny. Thank you for listening. For more Hootful and hype-free resources, visit www.owlexplanes.com. There, you will find articles, quizzes, practical explainers, suggested reading materials, and lots more. Also, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to continue wising up on blockchain and Web3. That's all for now on Owl Explains. Until next time!