The Com Laude Podcast

Hosted by Com Laude

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Nov 2025

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About the show

Welcome to the Com Laude Podcast, where we delve into the past, present, and future of the domain name industry. We will discuss the upcoming round of new gTLDs to help you navigate the space. We will feature expert guests, sharing insights on the management and protection of your domain names. We will also continue to explore and provide updates from the ever-evolving world of Web3.

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19 recent

November 7, 2025Episode 1918 min

Post ICANN84 Review and Discussion

Fresh from ICANN84 in Dublin, the next round of new gTLD applications is less than six months away. Discover what's in the newly approved applicant guidebook, when the application window opens, and what prospective applicants need to know now. Plus, we dive into the heated DNS abuse policy debate and explore the latest developments in the Registration Data Request Service. Don't miss these critical post-ICANN84 updates that could shape your domain strategy.

July 24, 2025Episode 1814 min

Understanding the new Applicant Guidebook

If you’re thinking about applying for a new gTLD in the next round, understanding the new Applicant Guidebook (AGB) is absolutely essential.In this episode, we explain why the AGB matters so much and what’s changed since the last round. We walk you through the key rules, timelines, and new features, including how to handle contention sets, how dot brands are treated, and what’s no longer required.Whether you’re a first-time applicant or returning for another round, getting to grips with the AGB early will give you a real strategic advantage. We’re here to help you make sense of it all.This is a must-listen for anyone serious about securing a new TLD in 2026.

June 19, 2025Episode 1719 min

Post ICANN83 Review and Discussion

In this episode, we unpack key updates from ICANN 83 including the long-awaited draft Applicant Guidebook and the next round of new gTLD applications. Ashley Roberts breaks down the application fee, implications for dot Brands, and the latest on the registry agreement. Susan Payne discusses the growing momentum around DNS abuse policies, and Sophie Hey explores the state of registration data initiatives including the RDRS, Privacy and Proxy Service Accreditation, and Registration Data Accuracy.

March 20, 2025Episode 1613 min

Post ICANN82 Review and Discussion

In this episode of the Com Laude podcast, Sophie Hey and Susan Payne discuss the key takeaways from the recent ICANN 82 meeting. They cover the progress on the next round of new gTLDs, recent developments in dot brand TLDs, the importance of domain name registration data accuracy, and the ongoing challenges of DNS abuse. The conversation highlights the collaborative efforts within the ICANN community to address these critical issues and the implications for stakeholders.

March 14, 2025Episode 1522 min

[WEB3] The Future of Blockchain Domains and Web 3

In our 15th episode of the Com Laude Podcast, we take a deep dive into blockchain domains — where they’ve been, where they are now, and where they’re heading in 2025 and beyond. What exactly are blockchain domains, and how do they compare to traditional DNS? Key players like ENS, Unstoppable Domains, and Handshake—who’s leading the charge? How ICANN’s next round of new gTLDs could shape the Web3 landscape. The role of brands in this evolving space—defensive registrations or untapped opportunities?Whether you’re a Web 3 enthusiast, brand manager, or domain industry expert, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.

December 3, 2024Episode 1447 min

[DotBrands] First Round Review - Part 3 (with Microsoft)

In part three of our series reviewing the first round of new gTLD applications, we sit down with Cole Quinn, Principal Technical Programme Manager at Microsoft. Cole shares his experience managing Microsoft's eight dotBrand TLDs, including .MICROSOFT and .XBOX. We explore his role at Microsoft, the reasoning behind their decision to acquire these dotBrands, and the benefits and challenges of operating your own TLD. Cole also offers insights into use cases and valuable advice for future applicants.

November 21, 2024Episode 1320 min

Post ICANN81 Review and Discussion

In our 13th episode, we provide you with an overview of the Annual General Meeting in Istanbul, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are: Dvelopments in DNS abuse Current status of the next round of new gTLDs Preparations for ICANN's new CEO Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Election of ICANN's board seat 13

July 18, 2024Episode 1214 min

[DotBrands] ICANN's RSP Evaluation Program (with Kroopa Shah from Identity Digital)

With the next round of TLDs approaching, we have another new gTLD-related episode in store for you, covering ICANN's RSP pre-evaluation program.Our host, Ashley Roberts, chats with a special guest, Kroopa Shah, Senior Director of Registry Support and Management at Identity Digital. They discussed the following topics: What is an RSP and where does it fit in the internet space? What relevance does an RSP have for prospective new gTLD applicants? What is the RSP evaluation program and how is it going to work? What is the current status of the RSP program and when does the application window open? How many RSPs are there in the market and how many more are expected to emerge? When do new gTLD applicants need to select an RSP?

June 21, 2024Episode 1118 min

Post ICANN80 Review and Discussion

In our 11th episode, we recap the Kigali Policy Forum, covering every session of importance to brand owners. The main topics we discuss are: Registration Data Request Service (RDRS) Application Fees for the next round of new gTLDs Registry Voluntary Commitments and Contention Resolution DNS Abuse

June 6, 2024Episode 1016 min

[DotBrands] First Round Review - Part 2 (with Sky)

In part two of our series reviewing the first round of new gTLD applications, we met with Nisha Parkash, Head of Domain Management at Sky, to talk about the dot SKY TLD. In this episode, we discussed: The importance of dotBrands in creating secure infrastructure Building support and understanding internally Use cases and future plans for dot SKY Actions applicants need to take in preparation for the next round Limitations on using your own TLD