When Shift Happens Podcast

Gavin Wood, co-founder of Ethereum and creator of Polkadot, candidly discusses why he believes cryptocurrency has faltered in its mission. He critiques Ethereum's Layer 2 approach and the proliferation of meme coins as distractions. Wood emphasizes the importance of self-custody and accountability in decentralized systems. He explores innovative governance models in blockchain and reflects on the need for fresh ideas to avert past mistakes. Lastly, he shares insights on balancing happiness with curiosity in both life and the crypto industry.

Sebastien, co-founder of Sophon, shares insights on creating a user-friendly crypto platform after a record $60 million community sale. He critiques the focus on speculative trading, advocating for broader consumer inclusivity. The discussion highlights innovative tools like the Kast card for easy stablecoin transactions. They also tackle self-custody importance, ADHD's impact on creativity, and strategies for engaging non-crypto users. Lastly, the conversation touches on successful fundraising techniques and navigating the stresses of entrepreneurship in the fast-evolving crypto world.

In this discussion, Anthony Pompliano, Founder and CEO of Pomp Investments and host of The Pomp Podcast, shares his strategic crypto approach. He reveals why he publicly favored Bitcoin while diversifying with Ethereum and others. Pomp discusses lessons from the BlockFi collapse, the significance of self-custody in crypto, and the balance between work and family life. He emphasizes problem-solving, the value of helping others succeed, and the need for integrity in navigating the volatile crypto landscape.

Steven Goldfeder, creator of Arbitrum and CEO of Off Chain Labs, shares his journey from academia to leading one of the top Layer 2 solutions for Ethereum. He discusses the necessity of Arbitrum in Ethereum's future and its challenges, particularly around user experience and interoperability. Steven highlights the importance of collaboration in overcoming setbacks and emphasizes that Ethereum might face collapse without key improvements by 2025. Join him as he dives into the dynamic landscape of blockchain innovation and the evolving role of self-custody in crypto.

Raoul Pal, CEO of Real Vision and a seasoned macro investor, unveils his practical guide to crypto wealth-building. He shares the importance of a solid Bitcoin strategy for beginners and explains his bold 70% investment in SUI. Delving into the overlooked value of NFTs, he discusses how AI is changing our perception of assets. Raoul also highlights the psychological aspects of crypto investing and emphasizes the need for a long-term perspective, making this conversation a treasure trove for anyone looking to navigate the crypto landscape.

Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana and CEO of Solana Labs, shares exciting insights into the crypto revolution. He discusses Solana's resilience through crises like the FTX collapse and his personal journey in tech, rooted in his immigrant experiences. The innovative launch of a dedicated mobile phone for crypto users sparks conversation about security and market disruption. Yakovenko also explores the rise of meme coins and Solana's remarkable recovery, emphasizing community and collaboration as pillars of success in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.

In this lively discussion, Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge Capital and former White House Communications Director, shares his remarkable journey from Bitcoin skeptic to embracing it, revealing that over 70% of his net worth is now in digital assets. He reflects on childhood financial anxieties that fueled his ambition and explains the 'paradox of wealth' that breeds isolation. Scaramucci also advocates for a strategic Bitcoin reserve and celebrates the idea of uplifting others' successes as a pathway to happiness.

Pedro Gomes, founder of WalletConnect, shares his vision for the future where blockchain addresses will surpass passports in importance. He discusses the potential monopolies that wallets could create if not standardized and how national identities are becoming less relevant. Insights on the evolving role of stablecoins in commerce reveal their efficiency in transactions. Gomes highlights the rise of personal brands in a digital world and reflects on the need for openness and collaboration in the rapidly changing crypto landscape.

Andre Cronje, DeFi pioneer and co-founder of Sonic Labs, opens up about his journey in the crypto world. He shares the bold decision to give away 100% of his tokens while building Yearn Finance and reflects on how this impacted his trust in others. The conversation dives into the challenges of regulatory pressures, his evolving views on crypto incentives, and the need for new approaches in the blockchain landscape. With insights into his experiences with online fame and community-driven innovation, Andre's story is as captivating as it is thought-provoking.

Brandon Millman, co-founder and CEO of Phantom, shares his journey in creating one of crypto's leading wallets with over 15 million users. He discusses how focusing on user experience set Phantom apart from tech-heavy wallets. Insights from his time at Twitter reveal the struggles of traditional finance apps against innovative crypto solutions. Brandon delves into the naming and branding of Phantom, the wallet's strategic growth amid market shifts, and its potential to redefine consumer finance in a digital age.