Bankless

Christina Kaplan and Samir Ahmed from OpenAI guide us through the evolution of ChatGPT's memory features. They discuss the shift from a forgetful assistant to Pulse, which prepares users for their days while they sleep. The duo explores user reactions to memory updates, emphasizing privacy and the nuanced care for personal data. Short- and long-term memory dynamics spark deeper user interactions, paving the way for a more personalized experience. Get insights into how this innovative tool aims to align with users' goals seamlessly.

Morgan Housel, an author and financial writer known for his insights on the psychology of money, dives into how to spend wisely for true happiness. He discusses the importance of distinguishing between status-driven spending and genuine satisfaction. Housel sheds light on the concept of the hedonic treadmill, revealing how chasing status can lead to dissatisfaction. He also shares practical advice on buying independence, compounding quietly, and helping kids develop a healthy financial mindset without spoiling them. A thought-provoking take on spending and financial freedom!

Uptober kicks off with Bitcoin and Ethereum surging, as Tom Lee makes headlines with a $1B ETH buy. Vanguard dives into crypto ETFs, marking a significant shift in traditional finance. Meanwhile, Stripe enters the stablecoin game with its own platform, challenging the current duopoly. Zcash experiences a remarkable 200% price surge. Cloudflare announces an on-chain stablecoin for seamless machine payments, while discussions spark around Circle's potential reversible USDC. The podcast concludes with insights on SWIFT's blockchain collaboration and the evolving landscape of DeFi.

Steven Feldstein, a senior fellow at Carnegie focusing on technology and human rights, delves into the dark world of authoritarian tech. He discusses the alarming rise of surveillance tools, algorithmic censorship, and AI-driven policing globally. Feldstein shares insights on how protesters in Nepal creatively leveraged encryption to organize against government censorship, and warns that AI's predictive policing poses serious risks. He also highlights the role of cryptocurrencies as a means of resistance, underlining the intricate relationship between technology and modern repression.

Michael Nadeau, founder of The DeFi Report and crypto researcher, joins to dissect the latest trends in Bitcoin and Ethereum. He explores whether we’ve hit a cycle top, discussing Bitcoin’s crucial price levels and Ethereum’s $4K resistance. Nadeau highlights the impact of a recent liquidation event on the market and the potential for a Q4 rally. With insights on altcoin dynamics and the liquidity landscape, he provides a roadmap for navigating the upcoming months and identifies where fresh capital could emerge.

Summer Mersinger, CEO of the Blockchain Association and former CFTC commissioner, dives into the ongoing battle between crypto and banks over the GENIUS Act and stablecoins. She reveals why banks are anxious about losing deposits to yield-bearing stablecoins and discusses the intricate world of legislative negotiations. Mersinger highlights shifting political alliances in Congress, the grassroots efforts of the crypto community, and the global implications for stablecoin regulation, all while signaling a pivotal moment for the future of money.

The podcast dives into the recent downturn in Bitcoin and Ethereum markets. Vitalik Buterin's bullish stance on low-risk DeFi as the backbone of Ethereum is explored. Tether's ambitious plan to raise $500 billion is highlighted, alongside its expansion into AI and energy. South Park features Polymarket, bringing prediction markets into mainstream culture. A fiery exchange with Gary Gensler on CNBC raises eyebrows, while debates over crypto regulation heat up, especially regarding the centralization of layer-2 solutions like Base.

James Seyffart, a Senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, dives into the booming world of crypto ETFs. He discusses the explosive growth of Bitcoin and Ethereum ETFs, the nuanced debate between ETFs and DATs, and the rapid institutional inflows shaping the market. Seyffart shares insights on regulatory hurdles for staking in ETFs, the rise of tokenized ETFs, and the future of crypto companies in the S&P 500. This chat is packed with cutting-edge analysis that you won't want to miss!

Vitalik Buterin has labeled DeFi as Ethereum's 'killer app,' likening it to Google Search. The hosts discuss how DeFi has matured, surviving volatility while evolving into low-risk activities like lending and borrowing. They highlight its global accessibility, empowering users without stable banking. The conversation dives into the alignment of DeFi with Ethereum's values and the significance of stability in driving revenue. With comparisons to historical tech giants, they explore the future potential of DeFi in shaping Ethereum's economic landscape.

Economist Charles Calomiris dives into the transformative power of stablecoins on traditional banking. He discusses how stablecoins are unbundling payment and lending services, reshaping the financial landscape. Calomiris emphasizes the crucial role of politics over technology in this evolution and warns of the fragility of this transition. He also explores the implications for the future of the dollar and the need for organized political actions to safeguard public interests in crypto policy.