

Unchained
Laura Shin
Crypto assets and blockchain technology are about to transform every trust-based interaction of our lives, from financial services to identity to the Internet of Things. In this podcast, host Laura Shin, an independent journalist covering all things crypto, talks with industry pioneers about how crypto assets and blockchains will change the way we earn, spend and invest our money. Tune in to find out how Web 3.0, the decentralized web, will revolutionize our world. Disclosure: I'm a nocoiner.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Price of PUMP Is at Its Lowest Since the ICO. Will It Recover? - Ep. 875
Join Yan Liberman, Co-Founder of Delphi Digital, Jason Pagoulatos, Head of Markets at Delphi, and researcher Simon Smockey as they dissect the aftermath of the Pump token's meteoric rise and subsequent fall. They analyze the impact of lacking investor lockups, communication missteps, and what this means for future token strategies. The conversation also ventures into the relevance of an 'everything app', decentralization's evolving role, and lessons crypto can glean from equity markets. Tune in for insights on recovery paths and market sentiments!

8 snips
Jul 24, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Chopping Block: The Clarity Act, Stablecoins, and a $120K Bitcoin Boom - Ep. 874
Rebecca Rettig, Chief Legal Officer at Jito Labs and a keen expert in crypto regulation, dives into a monumental week for the crypto world. The Clarity Act and Genius Act received bipartisan support, redefining digital asset classifications and offering a clearer path for stablecoins. The discussion probes whether this legislative shift signifies true progress for the industry or if it's merely an adaptation to the evolving landscape. The group also analyzes the market's reaction to Bitcoin breaking the $120K barrier and Ethereum's unusual silence amid these significant developments.

32 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 1h 3min
Bits + Bips: Stablecoins Just Went Legit, but That’s Only the First Step - Ep. 873
Cosmo Jiang, General Partner at Pantera Capital, shares insights on the recent U.S. stablecoin legislation that officially legitimizes these digital assets. He discusses the implications for broad adoption and regulation in the crypto space. The conversation shifts to Ethereum's price surge and its role in the evolving financial landscape. They also unpack Trump’s critiques of the Fed and their repercussions on the markets. The discussion underscores the intertwining of traditional finance with crypto and the transformative potential of stablecoins.

22 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 54min
Udi Wertheimer on Why Bitcoin Could Reach $400,000 by Year's End - Ep. 872
Udi Wertheimer, a long-time Bitcoin advocate and customer support intern at Taproot Wizards, shares his compelling thesis on Bitcoin's potential surge to $400,000. He discusses the shift from old holders to institutional buyers, impacting market dynamics significantly. Udi argues that many in the crypto community misunderstand the current trends and suggests that altcoins, including Ethereum, may falter in this cycle. He emphasizes the role of 'forced buyers' and predicts an imminent price rise, shaking up traditional investment strategies.

49 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 42min
The U.S. Finally Has Stablecoin Legislation. Can Crypto Compete With Banks? - Ep. 871
Dante Disparte, Chief Strategy Officer at Circle and a key player behind the GENIUS Act, discusses groundbreaking developments in U.S. stablecoin legislation. He explains how bipartisan support helped navigate political tensions, offering clarity for the crypto industry. The conversation also dives into the potential implications for banks, Circle's plans for a national trust bank, and the ongoing battle over interest-bearing stablecoins. With this new law, he explores whether the U.S. can enhance competitiveness while protecting consumers and the dollar.

32 snips
Jul 17, 2025 • 55min
The Chopping Block: Pump, Perps, and Policy: Crypto’s Multi-Front Bull Market - Ep. 870
A record-breaking ICO at Pump.fun raises $500 million in just 12 minutes, igniting discussions about the evolution of token sales. The podcast dives into the complexities of crypto trading, contrasting traditional and ICO investment strategies. Amidst rising demand, new market structures emerge, challenging exchanges. Meanwhile, Trump's declaration of 'Crypto Week' stirs debates on major legislative changes affecting the industry. The hosts confront the reality of Central Bank Digital Currencies and the shifting dynamics of crypto valuations.

36 snips
Jul 16, 2025 • 1h 16min
Bits + Bips: Who Wins If the GENIUS Act Passes, and Is Bitcoin’s Rally Over? - Ep. 869
Austin Campbell, founder and managing partner of Zero Knowledge Consulting, joins the discussion on Bitcoin's recent surge and new all-time highs. They explore the impact of the GENIUS Act on stablecoins and delve into the intersection of crypto legislation and market dynamics. The conversation also touches on the volatile nature of meme coins and the implications of emerging technologies on traditional banking systems. With the crypto landscape evolving rapidly, the team debates whether now is the right time to dive deeper into the market or pull back.

Jul 15, 2025 • 1h 6min
Pump.fun Just Raised $600M. What Does This Mean for DeFi, Solana & Social Media? - Ep. 868
Haseeb Qureshi, Managing Partner of Dragonfly, and Joe McCann, CEO of Asymmetric, dive into the whirlwind of Pump.fun’s massive $600M ICO, which sparked debates on decentralization and community backlash. They discuss how this event signals the potential resurgence of ICOs and its implications for DeFi and Solana. The duo explores how Pump.fun might reshape the landscape of memecoins, social media dynamics, and even the strategies of platforms like TikTok. Get insights on audience engagement and the evolving crypto landscape in the vibrant world of financial entertainment.

9 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 42min
The Chopping Block: Paul Grewal on Regulation, Tokenization, and Crypto’s Next Legal Frontier – Ep 867
Join Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer at Coinbase, as he delves into the exciting yet contentious world of tokenized stocks. He shares insights about Robinhood's attempts to tokenize shares of SpaceX and OpenAI, stirring regulatory debates. The discussion touches on Coinbase's legal confrontations with the SEC and the complex landscape of pre-IPO derivatives. Grewal also explores recent legislative movements like the Genius and Clarity Acts, pondering if this marks a new era in regulated crypto innovation or simply old problems dressed in new formats.

9 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 14min
Why Phantom Is Launching Perps + Why Bit Digital Ditched BTC for ETH - Ep. 866
Brandon Millman, CEO of Phantom, unveils why his wallet is launching perpetual swaps with Hyperliquid, discussing its user-friendly design and future aspirations. Sam Tabar, CEO of Bit Digital, explains the company's bold transition from Bitcoin to Ethereum, revealing their strategy behind a massive ETH purchase and the reactions from industry figures like Michael Saylor. The conversation dives into the potential of wallets as gateways to crypto and the evolving landscape of digital assets.