Bankless

Devin Finzer, the founder and CEO of OpenSea, dives into the NFT boom and OpenSea's pivotal role. He discusses how the excitement around NFTs originates from the crypto community, emphasizing the importance of building with an open mind. The conversation touches on challenges like scaling and gas fees, as well as the ongoing issues of centralization versus decentralization. Devin also shares insights on OpenSea's recent front-running scandal and the future of NFTs in the metaverse, indicating that there's much more on the horizon.

This week, the hosts dive into the implications of China's crypto ban and how it affects market dynamics. They discuss Twitter's new NFT profile picture feature and its potential to legitimize digital assets. Insights on Ethereum's EIP-1559 upgrade highlight changes in transaction efficiency and supply. The evolving landscape of DeFi is examined with platforms like dYdX making waves. Additionally, the potential for Bitcoin’s integration into traditional finance through features like Coinbase's direct deposit sparks excitement in the crypto community.

Sahil Bloom, a writer and macroeconomics expert known for his insights on the Evergrande crisis, dives into the chaotic world of global finance. He unpacks the staggering consequences of the Evergrande debt debacle and its ripple effects on the Chinese economy. The discussion also tackles China's recent cryptocurrency ban, examining its motivations and the potential innovation it could spur in the U.S. amidst rising geopolitical tensions. Can crypto emerge stronger, or will it be suffocated by regulations?

Kevin Owocki, leader of Gitcoin and a prominent Ethereum advocate, discusses innovative funding for public goods and open-source software. He delves into the concept of 'Slaying Moloch,' highlighting the challenges of collective action versus personal gain. The conversation embraces the Solarpunk aesthetic, envisioning a sustainable future through collaboration and regenerative finance. Owocki shares his entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing adaptability and community building in the tech world, and paints an optimistic picture of society's future with emerging technologies.

Arianna Simpson, a Partner at a16z, shares her expertise on the booming crypto gaming landscape. She discusses the explosive growth driven by innovations like Play-To-Earn and player ownership of in-game assets. Arianna highlights how gaming is key to crypto adoption, creating new economic opportunities while transforming the cultural perception of gaming. The conversation delves into the impact of blockchain on gaming infrastructures, the potential of the metaverse, and the unique employment prospects emerging from this vibrant sector.

Explore how the SEC's regulatory actions are reshaping the crypto landscape, while Bitcoin and Ethereum experience notable price shifts amid market volatility. Discover advancements like Evergrande's financial turmoil impacting crypto and the emerging innovations from Yearn and CoinVise. Dive into Robinhood's wallet updates and the rise of social tokens, all while navigating the friction between crypto enthusiasts and regulators. This discussion highlights the passion within the community and the exciting future for decentralized finance.

Dive into the fascinating world of the metaverse, where digital ownership and cryptocurrency challenge traditional nation-states. Discover the philosophical trade-offs of human evolution and how they influence future interactions. Explore Ethereum's critical role and the shift toward a predominantly digital economy. Identity redefined through avatars takes center stage, offering unique self-expression in a virtual realm. As we navigate this emerging landscape, the implications for governance and community engagement are immense—are you ready?

Nic Carter, a noted writer in the Bitcoin realm and host of On the Brink, dives deep into his crypto beliefs. He discusses the intriguing parallels between Bitcoin and organized religion, framing Bitcoin as a new faith. Nic also shares his thoughts on the vibrant crypto culture in Miami versus the Northeast, reflecting on personal relocation experiences during the pandemic. The conversation explores cypherpunk values, the tension between anonymity and sovereignty, and the evolving identities within the crypto community.

Vitalik Buterin, Co-founder of Ethereum, dives deep into decentralized governance and the flaws of coin voting, advocating for innovative models. He explores the challenges of running nodes for a healthier blockchain ecosystem and addresses the importance of community in governance. The discussion also touches on the intricate relationship between Ethereum and the emerging metaverse, highlighting significant updates in the Ethereum narrative. Tune in for thought-provoking insights on technology, culture, and the evolving landscape of decentralized finance.

Joining the conversation are Dionysus, a carbon market expert and environmentalist, Archimedes, a DeFi engineer, and Oxylos, who specializes in crypto and climate. They dive into Klima DAO's revolutionary approach to linking cryptocurrency with carbon offsets. The trio discusses creating a carbon-backed currency to boost market demand and the intersection of DeFi with sustainability. They also explore the potential of social signaling through the Klima token and envision a future where innovative finance can effectively combat climate change.