Episode 20: Monopoly vs Upland

The Mind of Meladik hits a milestone with Episode 20, a heartfelt and dynamic installment featuring none other than DJ Meladik, his young co-host AJ from @RecessWithAJ, and a very special guest appearance by Queen Meladee, who joined despite continuing her brave battle with illness. This episode is a perfect blend of gaming insights, personal updates, and exciting announcements, making it a must-listen for fans old and new.

Queen Meladee’s Inspiring Cameo

Listeners were thrilled to hear from Queen Meladee as she made her first guest appearance in months. Her strength and courage shone through as she joined the conversation, sharing updates about her health journey and expressing gratitude for the ongoing support from the podcast community. Hearing from her was an emotional highlight, reminding everyone that resilience and love can triumph even in the toughest times.

Exploring Upland.me: The NFT Game Taking the World by Storm

One of the main topics of discussion was the new blockchain-based NFT game Upland.me. DJ Meladik and AJ dived into the mechanics of this innovative game, comparing it to the classic board game Monopoly. From buying and selling virtual properties to strategizing how to grow your digital empire, they broke down why Upland.me is generating so much buzz in the gaming and crypto communities.

DJ Meladik shared his perspective on how Upland.me’s blockchain integration adds a layer of realism and value, making the game feel like a blend of entertainment and investment. Whether you're a seasoned NFT enthusiast or just curious about the future of digital gaming, this discussion offers valuable insights.

AJ’s Super Mario Adventures

As always, AJ brought his unique charm and energy to the mic, sharing his latest obsession: collecting Super Mario coins. With his boundless enthusiasm, he detailed how these coins have become a fun hobby and a great way to bond with his dad. This segment is a joyful reminder of the importance of finding simple pleasures and celebrating them with family.

Introducing Pacifier City Cards for Kids

AJ also took the lead in introducing the podcast’s newest sponsor, Pacifier City Cards for Kids. This brand creates innovative and engaging trading cards specifically designed for children. Packed with fun designs and educational elements, these cards are perfect for kids who love collecting and learning. AJ’s excitement about the new partnership was infectious, leaving listeners eager to check out the sponsor.

Episode 20 of The Mind of Meladik is more than just a podcast; it’s a celebration of family, resilience, and discovery. From Queen Meladee’s inspiring update to DJ Meladik and AJ’s engaging discussions, this episode encapsulates what makes the show special: its authenticity, heart, and connection with its audience.

Whether you're interested in NFTs, nostalgic for Monopoly, or just looking for a podcast that feels like family, Episode 20 delivers. Don’t miss out on this milestone moment—stream The Mind of Meladik Episode 20 now on Spotify, and join the growing community of listeners who keep coming back for more.

Stay tuned for future episodes, and don’t forget to share with friends and family who could use a dose of inspiration and entertainment!

Draftking really dropped the ball

Almost two years ago, I (DJ Meladik) published episode 16 of "The Mind of Meladik" podcast, where I discussed an exciting new venture: DraftKings’ Reignmakers NFTs. As someone who had been a loyal DraftKings user for over a decade, I was beyond thrilled about this new opportunity. The combination of daily fantasy sports (DFS) and NFTs felt like the future of gaming, offering the potential for rewards far beyond traditional betting or fantasy contests. The possibilities seemed endless, and for the first time in years, I felt a renewed spark of excitement as a user.

But what started as a dream quickly spiraled into a nightmare that would leave me and countless others feeling betrayed, financially drained, and utterly ignored by DraftKings.

I wasn’t just passively participating—I was all in. Over the course of those early months, I invested around $400 and won $1000 in week 4 but my collection grew to an estimated $2,000 worth of the Reignmakers NFTs. Every week, I analyzed data, researched players, built rosters, and honed my strategy. I was ready to go beyond the realm of traditional DFS and explore the deeper value proposition of owning digital player cards that could bring returns week after week.

Queen Meladee and I made this a team effort. We believed that this was not only a financial opportunity but also a chance to connect with a new digital sports world that could grow alongside the evolving NFT space. But it wasn't long before the cracks in DraftKings’ system began to show.

As I continued to play and track my results, it became clear that something wasn’t adding up. I wasn’t the only one noticing strange patterns either; an increasing number of players began voicing concerns about the fairness of the games. Week after week, it became apparent that DraftKings’ Reignmakers platform wasn’t operating as transparently as they claimed. Player selections seemed skewed, and the payouts didn’t match up with what was expected based on their own terms.

The enthusiasm I had felt quickly turned into suspicion. The more time I invested, the more it seemed like DraftKings was manipulating the outcomes, making it nearly impossible for players to succeed consistently. For a platform that had built its reputation on fair play and user loyalty, the integrity of the Reignmakers contests was in serious question.

Then, without much warning, the unthinkable happened: DraftKings abruptly canceled Reignmakers. Just like that, the entire project was scrapped, leaving players like me and Queen Meladee in the dust. There was no compensation for our time, no refunds for our financial investments, and no accountability on DraftKings' part for the rigged system they had been running. 

For us, this wasn’t just about losing $2,000. It was about all the time, energy, and excitement we had poured into this endeavor. The money is painful, but the larger betrayal is what stings the most. DraftKings had positioned Reignmakers as a legitimate, long-term platform, but when things went south, they quickly swept it all under the rug, leaving victims like me and Queen Meladee without answers or recourse.

What makes this situation even worse is the complete lack of response from DraftKings. Many players who were deeply invested, not just financially but emotionally, have been ignored. It’s as if the entire Reignmakers experience never happened. DraftKings moved on to the next big thing, all while those of us who trusted them were left to pick up the pieces.

This incident is not only a black mark on DraftKings but also a cautionary tale for the wider DFS and NFT communities. When large companies like DraftKings can exploit their user base, manipulate their systems, and cancel projects without facing any consequences, it raises serious questions about the future of these industries.

It’s a shame that something with so much potential turned out to be one of the most crooked acts the DFS and NFT spaces have seen. What could have been an exciting new frontier in sports gaming ended up as a glaring example of corporate greed and disregard for user trust. 

In the end, what DraftKings cost me wasn’t just $2,000. It cost me the faith I had in a platform I had supported for over a decade. It cost Queen Meladee and me the time we invested, the excitement we felt, and the hope we had for what Reignmakers could become. And it cost the entire DFS and NFT community the opportunity to experience something truly innovative and rewarding.

The financial loss hurts, but the betrayal stings far more. The victims of DraftKings' Reignmakers debacle deserve recognition, if not restitution. But for now, it seems that we remain swept under the rug, forgotten by the platform we once trusted.

Episode 12 - NBA Top Shot

Episode 12 is packed with goodies but the focal point of this episode of the Mind of Meladik podcast is the brand new, innovation taking the internet by storm. NFT collectors, Card Collectors and any sneaker head in the industry. NBA fans have something other sports don't.

NBA Top Shot is a groundbreaking digital collectible platform that emerged as a game-changer in the world of sports memorabilia and blockchain technology. Launched in October 2020 by Dapper Labs, the same company behind the popular CryptoKitties, NBA Top Shot offers fans a unique way to collect, trade, and showcase memorable moments from NBA games through digital highlights known as "Moments."

The concept of NBA Top Shot originated from a desire to blend the excitement of basketball with the innovation of blockchain technology. The NBA and the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) partnered with Dapper Labs to bring this vision to life. The goal was to create a new, engaging way for fans to interact with the sport and its history, while also leveraging the benefits of blockchain to ensure authenticity and scarcity.

At the heart of NBA Top Shot is the blockchain-based technology that underpins the entire platform. Each Moment is a digital highlight, such as a slam dunk, a game-winning shot, or an impressive block, that is tokenized as a unique digital collectible on the blockchain. This ensures that every Moment is verifiable, tamper-proof, and traceable back to its origin, making it a valuable and collectible asset.

The platform operates on a model similar to traditional trading cards but with a modern twist. Users can purchase, trade, and sell Moments within a digital marketplace. Moments are categorized into different levels of rarity—Common, Rare, and Legendary—each with varying degrees of scarcity and value. This tiered system adds a layer of strategy and excitement to the collecting experience.

NBA Top Shot’s success can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, its integration with the NBA provides a direct connection to the league's rich history and dynamic present. Fans can own a piece of NBA history and relive iconic moments from their favorite teams and players. Secondly, the ease of access and user-friendly interface have made it approachable for both avid collectors and casual fans.

Additionally, NBA Top Shot has leveraged community engagement through challenges, rewards, and competitions, further enhancing the experience and encouraging participation. The platform's use of blockchain technology has not only created a new revenue stream for the NBA but also set a precedent for how digital collectibles can evolve.

In summary, NBA Top Shot represents a significant shift in the landscape of sports collectibles. By combining the thrill of basketball with the innovation of blockchain technology, it has created a new, interactive way for fans to engage with the game and its history. As the platform continues to evolve, it promises to further revolutionize the world of digital memorabilia.

Episode 9 - What is STEPN

Episode 9 of the Mind of Meladik podcast is a very informative episode. @DJ_Meladik & @QueenMeladee give a special shoutout to their newest friends @3friendstalk podcast. The power couple talk about chipping their front teeth as children, they help us all learn about the new play to earn blockchain fitness app STEPN  And they marvelous podcast duo pay homage to Stan Lee.

Imagine getting paid to stay fit! With STEPN, a revolutionary Web3 lifestyle app, you can earn cryptocurrency just by walking, jogging, or running outdoors. This app combines fitness and finance in a fun and engaging way, using NFT (Non-Fungible Token) sneakers as your ticket to earning. STEPN is more than just a fitness app. It’s a platform where you can earn digital currency while staying active. Here’s a breakdown of how it works:

1. **NFT Sneakers**: Your journey with STEPN starts by purchasing a pair of virtual sneakers, known as NFT sneakers. These digital sneakers are unique and come with different attributes that affect how much you can earn.

2. **Move-to-Earn (M2E)**: Once you have your sneakers, the app tracks your outdoor activities using GPS. Whether you’re walking, jogging, or running, you earn cryptocurrency for every minute you move.

3. **Game Modes**: STEPN offers various ways to earn. In Solo Mode, you earn simply by moving. Marathon Mode lets you participate in longer events for bigger rewards, while Background Mode allows you to keep earning even when you’re not actively using the app.

4. **In-Game Tokens**: The app has two main types of tokens: GST (Green Satoshi Token) and GMT (Green Metaverse Token). GST is the currency you earn through your physical activities, while GMT has additional uses in the app’s economy and governance.

5. **Leveling and Customization**: The more you use your sneakers, the more you can upgrade them. This means you can level them up, improving their attributes and earning potential.

STEPN is continuously evolving. The developers plan to add more social features, expand the Game-Fi (game finance) elements, and enrich the user experience to keep everyone engaged and excited about staying fit. STEPN is transforming the way we think about fitness and finance. By combining the excitement of earning cryptocurrency with the benefits of staying active, it offers a unique and enjoyable way to improve your health and wealth. So why not take a step into the future of fitness with STEPN?

Episode 6 - What is an NFT

Non-fungible tokens (NFTs) are assets that have been tokenized via a blockchain. NFTs can represent digital online assets that store value of digital property such as a house in UPLAND, basketball cards like those we can collect on NBA Top ShotNBA Top Shot or in game Characters to battle with in Thetan Arena.

In Episode 6 of the Mind of Meladik podcast DJ Meladik teaches Queen Meladee and listeners as much as he can about NFTs.  The Dynamic duo talks about what NFTs they have and would like to have. They give a shoutout to 360FeugoMusic.com , talk about Art Laboe , Cal Skate in Grand Terrace, the Dragon House on Moreno Valley and reminisce about Queen Meladee having a recent birthday. Check out the episode hit the play button below and and tune in