Bankless

Tyler Cowen, an esteemed economist and professor at George Mason University, dives deep into the world of cryptocurrency, sharing his unique insights. He argues for a pause on regulatory measures after the FTX collapse, drawing parallels between FTX and Enron. Tyler identifies as a 'crypto-hopeful' but challenges popular ideas like Balaji’s Network State. The discussion also features a fun game of 'Overrated vs. Underrated,' tackling hot topics such as AI, inflation, and wealth inequality, leaving listeners with a fresh perspective on the evolving landscape.

The podcast dives into the rising tensions between high-profile crypto figures, including a contentious battle between the Winklevoss twins and Barry Silbert. It explores a recent surge in Bitcoin and Ethereum prices, influenced by inflation news, while analyzing the contrasting dynamics of these two cryptocurrencies in bear markets. The intriguing rise of Game of Thrones NFTs and the implications of USDC's new backing by BlackRock are also discussed. Listeners get a glimpse into the evolving job opportunities in the crypto sector alongside recent industry upheavals.

Jamis Johnson, Chief Pleasr Officer at PleasrDAO, discusses the launch of PleasrHouse, a fresh approach to NFT auction houses. He shares the whimsical origins of PleasrDAO and highlights notable acquisitions like the Doge meme NFT and the Wu-Tang Clan album. The conversation dives into their philanthropic mission, combining cultural NFTs with charitable initiatives. Jamis emphasizes the importance of community involvement while launching their auction house, capturing the excitement around their innovative Web3 projects.

Dive into bold predictions for the crypto landscape in 2023! Discover insights on Bitcoin's halving and Ethereum's upgrades that could shake up the market. Explore the competitive realm of Alt Layer 1s and the rise of Layer 2 solutions. The evolution of NFTs and the challenges of centralized exchanges are critically examined. Plus, uncover crucial regulatory changes ahead and the community’s proactive efforts in maintaining Ethereum's censorship resistance. Don't miss the insider alpha leak towards the end!

Liv Boeree, a former professional poker player and game theory expert, delves into the concept of Moloch and its impact on human coordination. She discusses how unhealthy competition influences societal issues like cancer and nuclear proliferation. Liv explores the role of crypto in addressing these failures while emphasizing the importance of cooperation over competition. Through philosophical insights, she advocates for systemic design and collective decision-making to navigate modern challenges, ultimately suggesting that intentional collaboration can help counteract Moloch's destructive tendencies.

Dive into the chaotic world of crypto as a major figure pleads not guilty to charges. The tussle between the Winklevoss twins and Barry Silbert adds more drama, while expert predictions for 2023 keep listeners on their toes. Explore the rising trends in Ethereum staking and liquid staking derivatives, along with insights into inflation and market dynamics. The discussion wraps up with the potential for Ethereum to overtake Bitcoin, leaving a mix of optimism and uncertainty in the air.

Mike Selig, a crypto lawyer and former CFTC regulator, dives into the intricacies of securities laws as they relate to cryptocurrency. He discusses what defines 'investment contracts' and why clarity is essential for compliance. The conversation also explores the challenges of navigating regulations in an evolving crypto landscape, the tension between SEC and CFTC approaches, and how decentralization is influencing regulatory frameworks. Selig shares insights on the future of regulation and the need for tailored solutions in this rapidly changing industry.

Brian Frye, a law professor at the University of Kentucky and securities expert, dives into the controversial classification of NFTs as securities. He argues that recognizing NFTs as securities could actually benefit the market by bringing regulatory clarity. Frye highlights the ongoing challenges of the SEC and the potential for NFTs to democratize access to capital for creators. He also discusses the evolving nature of copyright in the digital age, emphasizing how NFTs can reshape monetization opportunities for artists while addressing legal hurdles in the creative landscape.

Erik Voorhees, a crypto veteran and outspoken advocate for open systems, shares his insights after his well-known debate with SBF. He reflects on the fallout from the FTX collapse, discussing accountability and responsibility in the crypto space. The conversation dives into the uniqueness of current market cycles, the necessity of preserving crypto's core principles, and the philosophical foundations of separating money from state control. With thoughts on maintaining innovation amid challenges, Voorhees drives home the importance of staying engaged in the crypto revolution.

The hosts dive deep into the recent struggles of Solana and its plummeting market position, sparking mixed reactions from the community. They discuss MicroStrategy's bold Bitcoin purchase, which adds fuel to the ongoing speculation around crypto investment. Legal troubles for Gemini over the Gemini Earn program come into play, highlighting the challenges facing exchanges. The episode also touches on market volatility and the rising trends in NFTs, while reflecting on the shifting landscape of decentralized finance and layer two solutions.