Bankless

Uncover the buzz from ETHDenver as creators and innovators gather amidst a bear market. Delve into the evolving regulatory landscape impacting cryptocurrencies, where SEC scrutiny sparks lively debate. Discover the launch of Robinhood's non-custodial wallet, promising to redefine user control in crypto. Explore cutting-edge developments in DeFi with RhinoFi's modern aggregator. The hosts also share memorable experiences and cautionary tales from the event, blending humor with valuable insights into the future of digital assets.

Charles Guillemet, the CTO at Ledger and a cryptography expert, shares crucial insights on safeguarding your crypto assets. He highlights the significance of self-custody and the role of private keys in maintaining security. Listeners learn about the risks of bad entropy and the importance of securely storing seed phrases. Guillemet also discusses the pros and cons of cold versus hot wallets, and warns against common mistakes, including phishing attacks and over-engineered security setups. Tune in to enhance your crypto security knowledge!

Annie Jacobsen, an investigative journalist known for her work on national security and government secrecy, delves into the intriguing intersections of crypto and intelligence agencies. She discusses the potential surveillance implications of cryptocurrencies and whether the CIA is spying on these decentralized platforms. Annie also explores how emerging crypto movements might challenge traditional power structures, drawing parallels between past grassroots movements and today's digital finance landscape. Tune in for a blend of humor and insight into the future of liberty in the age of surveillance.

In this discussion, Ben Jones, Chief Scientist, Karl Floersch, CTO, and Jing Wang, Executive Director at the Optimism Foundation, dive into the recent Coinbase Base launch and its implications for the crypto sphere. They explore the innovative OP Stack integration and advocate for a revolutionary 'superchain' that enhances blockchain interoperability. The trio emphasizes the importance of decentralization and collaborative efforts in developing a robust crypto ecosystem, while addressing security and community standards for the future.

The hosts dive into Coinbase's new layer 2 network, Base, exploring its potential to revolutionize DeFi. They analyze the SEC's lawsuit against Terraform Labs, revealing shocking allegations of fraud linked to the Terra ecosystem's collapse. The discussion extends to the competitive NFT marketplace, including Spotify's innovative token integration strategies. Additionally, they debate the distinctions between layer twos and side chains, highlighting security advantages. Listeners are also drawn into the challenges and positive strides amidst regulatory scrutiny.

Jesse Pollock, Senior Director of Engineering at Coinbase, discusses the groundbreaking launch of Base, Coinbase's Ethereum Layer 2 network built on the OP Stack. He elaborates on how Base enhances user experience by reducing transaction costs and promoting decentralization. Jesse highlights the importance of transitioning users from custodial services to decentralized applications, shares insights on collaboration with Optimism, and outlines the future of blockchain tech integration. Exciting visions for Base and its role in reshaping the crypto landscape are also explored.

Jon Charbonneau, co-founder of DBA and a noted Ethereum economics researcher, challenges the notion of ETH as 'ultrasound money.' He argues that this idea may be a myth, delving into Ethereum's dual nature as both an asset and consumable. The discussion explores Ethereum’s profitability, the transition to proof of stake, and the complexities of its financial dynamics. Charbonneau also shares advanced models predicting Ether's future, which could reshape how we understand its value and competition within blockchain networks.

Frank DeGods, the creative mind behind the DeGods NFT project known for its recent move to Polygon, joins Zhuoxun Yin, COO of Magic Eden, and Stani Kulechov, founder of Lens. They delve into the motivations behind migrating NFT projects to Polygon and compare its cultural dynamics to Solana. The trio discusses the exciting growth of the NFT ecosystem, highlighting innovative features like supernets and the role of social media in shaping community engagement. They also explore the impressive metrics and future prospects of NFT projects on Polygon.

A deep dive into the existential dilemmas posed by artificial intelligence captivates listeners. The conversation balances feelings of hope and despair, drawing parallels to the risks of nuclear proliferation. Insights on AI's influence reflect human culture and values, revealing how training data impacts AI behavior. Varying podcast interview styles highlight differing perspectives on technology's future, while discussions on the alignment problem emphasize the urgency of diverse opinions. Humor and optimism shine through despite the heavy themes.

Eliezer Yudkowsky, an influential thinker in AI safety, delves into the existential risks posed by advanced AI systems. He discusses the implications of ChatGPT and the looming threat of superintelligent AI. Yudkowsky emphasizes the need for alignment between AI systems and human values to prevent potential disaster. The conversation touches on the paradox of why we haven't encountered alien civilizations, relating it to the dangers of unchecked AI development. This thought-provoking dialogue urges listeners to consider proactive measures for a safer future.