Unchained

The podcast dives deep into Ethereum's homestaking crisis as it faces fierce competition from high-throughput chains like Solana. It highlights the drama surrounding EigenLayer's token launch and its impact on Celestia's data availability approach. Ethical debates arise over VC practices in staking rewards, particularly a controversial $82 million sale. The hosts discuss how restaking could enhance Ethereum's long-term value amidst these challenges and explore the changing dynamics of the crypto community and its future trajectory.

André Dragosch, European Head of Research at Bitwise, dives into Bitcoin's relationship with geopolitical turmoil, particularly following the Iran-Israel conflict. He discusses how these events create volatility yet also offer buying opportunities, emphasizing Bitcoin's potential as a safe-haven asset. André analyzes Bitcoin's historical trends and its evolving reputation, underlining the impact of institutional investments and upcoming U.S. elections on price dynamics. Is ‘Uptober’ still on the table? Tune in to find out!

Joseph Jacks, founder of OSS Capital, and Sami Kassab, partner at OSS Capital, dive into Bittensor, a revolutionary decentralized AI network. They discuss how Bittensor challenges traditional AI models and why they are enthusiastic about its TAO token. The duo explores the intricacies of subnet creation, its potential to democratize AI, and the importance of open-source collaboration. They also touch on the dangers AI poses and whether Bittensor could mitigate these risks, showing that this project could reshape both the AI and crypto landscapes.

Joshua Lim, co-founder and CEO of Arbelos Markets, joins the conversation to unpack the potential impact of Bitcoin ETF options on the crypto landscape. He discusses how these options could unlock significant capital and perhaps fuel an altcoin boom. Joshua explores the implications for Bitcoin volatility and DeFi lending, along with the expected changes in the options markets. Additionally, he speculates on how the upcoming U.S. presidential election might influence Bitcoin's trajectory, shedding light on strategic market dynamics.

In a captivating discussion, Sam Callahan, a macroeconomics analyst at The NewsBlock, unpacks the intricate relationship between Bitcoin and global liquidity. He explores how the Federal Reserve's recent rate cuts affect Bitcoin’s price and highlights the implications of Solana's token unlocks. The conversation raises critical questions about Bitcoin’s dependence on M2 money supply and examines fears surrounding BlackRock’s Bitcoin ETF. Can Bitcoin serve as a leveraged bet on macro conditions? Tune in to find out!

Quinn Thompson, CIO of Lekker Capital, and Travis Kling, Founder of Ikigai Asset Management, dive into the impact of the Fed's recent rate cut on the crypto market. They discuss Bitcoin's underperformance against traditional finance, potential catalysts tied to the 2024 elections, and what it means for various crypto assets. The duo explores the risks of Japan's yen carry trade on crypto and the future of Ethereum amidst regulatory changes. Insightful investment strategies emerge, especially regarding SOL and the significance of Bitcoin ETF approvals.

Arthur Hayes, CIO at Maelstrom and a macroeconomics expert, joins the lively discussion that unfolds at Token2049 in Singapore. They tackle logistical challenges posed by the F1 weekend and dive into the controversies surrounding celebrity coins, including a canceled debate with Iggy Azalea. The team explores the potential impact of Fed rate cuts on market liquidity and the evolving dialogue around global crypto adoption. With humor and insight, they unravel the complex interplay between fame and finance in the crypto landscape.

Amanda Tuminelli, Chief Legal Officer of the DeFi Education Fund, dives into the SEC’s contentious stance on cryptocurrency airdrops. She argues that the SEC's definition of ‘compensation’ is stretched too far, complicating compliance for crypto projects. Tuminelli discusses ongoing litigation, the SEC’s evolving language on crypto assets, and the potential need for congressional or Supreme Court intervention. She also highlights questions Congress may pose to SEC Chair Gary Gensler regarding clarity in airdrop regulations. It's a legal labyrinth in the making!

Mert Mumtaz, co-founder and CEO of Helius, shares his insights on the budding rivalry between Solana's SVM and Ethereum's EVM. The discussion highlights the exciting surge of VC investments in the Solana ecosystem and its potential impact on blockchain development. Memecoins are dissected, sparking debate on their value and speculative nature. The evolution of Solana's infrastructure, including innovations like Fire Dancer, showcases its resilience and growth amidst industry challenges. This lively talk navigates the future landscape of high-performance blockchains.

In this conversation, Ogle, a crypto security expert and founder of Glue, shares his insights as an advisor to World Liberty Financial, the Trump-backed DeFi project. He discusses his motivations for joining the initiative, the unique challenges it faces, and lessons learned from dealing with hackers. Ogle also reveals Donald Trump's enthusiastic engagement with the project and speculates on its potential success. Additionally, he introduces his new layer-1 blockchain, Glue, arguing it will revolutionize user experience in the crypto landscape.