Farokh Sarmad is a media host, interviewer, and entrepreneur active in the Web3 space. He is the founder of the decentralized media platform Rug Radio and serves as the president of DASTAN. ^[3]

Education

Sarmad pursued legal studies at two institutions in Montreal. He earned a Bachelor of Laws degree from the Université de Montréal in 2014. He continued his education at the Université du Québec à Montréal, where he completed a Bachelor's degree in International Relations and Law in 2017. ^[7]

Career

Sarmad's early career included a sales position at Influence-U in Montreal from 2010 to 2013. He gained legal experience through an internship at the law firm André Dorais Avocats between 2013 and 2014, where he was involved in research related to corporate law, civil litigation, and real estate law. In 2015, he founded Goodlife Media & Communications Inc., a digital marketing and social media management company. The firm managed several social media channels, including a luxury lifestyle account called "Mr. Goodlife" on platforms such as Tumblr and Instagram, which garnered a substantial online following. ^[1]

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, Sarmad became a prominent host on the audio-based social platform Clubhouse. He hosted discussions on topics such as marketing, social media, and business, interviewing a variety of entrepreneurs and public figures. His experiences on Clubhouse led to an interest in the emerging fields of non-fungible tokens (NFTs) and Web3. He subsequently shifted his professional focus toward decentralized technologies and digital ownership. ^{[2] [1]}

On January 11, 2022, Sarmad launched Rug Radio, a decentralized media platform designed to support independent creators through blockchain technology. The project aims to create an ecosystem where content creators and consumers share in the value generated. In December 2023, he also assumed the role of president at DASTAN, a Montreal-based organization. ^{[1] [7]}

Interviews

Bitcoin and Art

On The Ledger Podcast in April 2025, Sarmad and Danny Yang discussed the evolving relationship between Bitcoin and art during an event in Paris, reflecting on the growth of the art-on-Bitcoin ecosystem over the past two years since the launch of OnChainMonkey (OCM). They explored the differences between Ethereum and Bitcoin, noting that while Ethereum facilitated easier art creation through its smart contract capabilities, Bitcoin had historically been limited in this regard. Despite being in the early days of the Bitcoin art scene, the conversation highlighted the increasing institutional and individual adoption of Bitcoin, with both guests expressing optimism about its future. They also mentioned the ongoing development of art collections on Bitcoin and the challenges faced by artists in launching projects on this blockchain compared to Ethereum. ^[4]

Interview with CZ

On the Farokh Radio podcast, Sarmad interviewed Binance CEO Changpeng "CZ" Zhao, who reflected on his experiences during and after prison, describing how the challenges reshaped his priorities and strengthened his focus on family and health. He shared a mixed outlook on crypto, noting both the volatility driven by memecoins and the importance of utility-based projects, while also discussing the roles of centralized and decentralized exchanges as gateways to blockchain. CZ highlighted the current US administration’s pro-crypto stance as a positive development but criticized traditional media’s portrayal of crypto leaders. He concluded with a cautious yet optimistic view of the industry’s future, emphasizing that he prefers mentoring new entrepreneurs over returning to a CEO role. ^[5]

The Rise of Rug Radio

On the Buster Show podcast in March 2023, Sarmad discussed the rise of Rug Radio, a media platform centered around decentralized conversations. Reflecting, he noted that the journey began during the early days of the pandemic when he and the host engaged in extensive discussions on collectibles, gaming, and the emergence of NFTs, especially through platforms like Clubhouse. They experimented with various formats, eventually transitioning to Twitter Spaces and focusing on creating a community-driven media company that empowered both participants and creators. As interest in NFTs surged, Sarmad observed a transformation in the cultural landscape, characterizing it as a digital Renaissance that encouraged artistic expression and entrepreneurship within the blockchain ecosystem. Ultimately, Rug Radio emerged as a hub for engaging content and community building, aiming to provide a foundational space for individuals looking to navigate the evolving world of Web3 and NFTs. ^[6]

Content Creation in Web3

In October 2022, Sarmad discussed his experiences in the Web3 space, notably founding Rug Radio, on the NGMI Podcast. Based in Montreal and originally from Paris, Sarmad detailed his journey through various social media platforms, starting with Tumblr, then moving to Instagram, and finally to Clubhouse, where he pioneered live social audio discussions focused on NFTs. His determination led him to establish Rug Radio as a decentralized media company, aiming to empower creators and build a community driven by participation and rewards. Throughout the conversation, he emphasized the importance of consistency and engagement in content creation, sharing personal stories about navigating criticism and building a following in the evolving Web3 landscape. Sarmad remained optimistic about the future of NFTs, believing that industry growth would continue to be driven by innovative developments and a stronger appreciation for the technology behind digital assets. ^[2]