

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

Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 7min
The Chopping Block: VC vs. Liquid Funds, Friend.Tech’s Decline, Crypto Startup Exits - Ep. 704
Join Jason Choi, co-founder of the crypto startup Tangent, as he dives into the current ups and downs of the crypto landscape. The discussion hits on Friend.Tech's dramatic 96% token crash and the ethical challenges of early token launches, prompting debates about 'rug pulls.' They also tackle how airdrop farming skews user metrics, inflating perceived success. With the booming venture capital scene, they question if VCs add real value to crypto projects or just inflate valuations. Get ready for a candid look at the chaotic world of cryptocurrency!

Sep 13, 2024 • 38min
Bitcoin Is Worth Over $1 Trillion. How Much Will Coinbase’s New cbBTC Grab? - Ep. 703
Will Robinson, VP of Engineering at Coinbase, dives into the launch of cbBTC, a groundbreaking tokenized Bitcoin designed to enhance DeFi engagement. He explains how cbBTC differs from existing wrapped Bitcoin options, assuring listeners of its strategic importance amidst custodial controversies. The discussion unpacks Coinbase's plans for cbBTC, addressing concerns over centralization and the company’s ability to manage assets effectively. With insights into regulatory challenges and user trust, Robinson paints a picture of Bitcoin's evolving role in the DeFi landscape.

Sep 11, 2024 • 1h 12min
Bits + Bips: Why Hasn't This Macro Cycle Boosted the Crypto Markets? - Ep. 702
Noelle Acheson, author of the "Crypto Is Macro Now" newsletter and a crypto macroeconomics expert, joins the hosts to dissect the current state of the cryptocurrency market. They explore why Bitcoin is struggling despite broader macroeconomic trends and the unusual expectations surrounding rate cuts. Acheson highlights three major factors weighing on Bitcoin's price and discusses the puzzling divergence between Bitcoin and gold. The conversation also touches on fiscal dominance, the K-shaped economy, and the underwhelming performance of Ethereum ETFs.

Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 23min
ETH Is Down Bad, While Layer 2s Are Ripping. Are L2s Parasitic to Ethereum? - Ep. 701
Justin Bons, Founder and CIO of Cyber Capital, shares his critical views on Ethereum's Layer 2 solutions, suggesting they may hinder ETH's value and centralize the network. In contrast, Ryan Berckmans defends these L2s, arguing they enhance Ethereum's network effects and long-term potential. The discussion dives deep into Ethereum's scalability challenges, the evolving role of L1 vs. L2, and the implications of centralization. Their spirited debate on the blockchain trilemma leaves listeners questioning the future of Ethereum and its scaling strategies.

Sep 6, 2024 • 40min
Are All Crypto Funds Basically Engaging in Illegal Activity Now? - Ep. 700
Larry Florio, general counsel at 1kx, provides crucial insights into the shifting landscape of crypto regulation. He discusses the implications of the SEC's recent actions against Galois Capital and Uniswap, suggesting these may mark a new era of enforcement. Florio highlights the ambiguity surrounding qualified custodians, the challenges asset managers face with compliance, and the SEC's potential overreach that could suffocate the industry. He emphasizes the urgent need for clearer guidelines on crypto asset securities amidst rising frustrations within the sector.

Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 2min
The Chopping Block: Trump’s World Liberty Financial Unveiled, Memecoin Market Trends, and DeFi Developments - Ep. 699
Dive into the controversy surrounding World Liberty Financial, a DeFi project linked to Donald Trump. The conversation raises questions about the Trump family's motives in the crypto space. Explore the rise and fall of memecoins, including the fascinating success of Pump.Fun, and concerns about their long-term viability. The discussion also examines the psychological dynamics of meme trading and the evolving strategies within the crypto ecosystem, highlighting the balance between speculation and sustainability in the dynamic world of cryptocurrency.

Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 8min
Bitcoin Is Just for Libertarians, Right? Two Progressives Disagree - Ep. 698
Trey Walsh, host of The Progressive Bitcoiner podcast, and Jason Maier, author of "A Progressive's Case for Bitcoin," delve into the evolving dialogue around Bitcoin and progressive values. They argue that Bitcoin isn't just for libertarians but a potential tool for social justice and financial inclusion. The duo challenges misconceptions about Bitcoin's environmental impact and debates whether prioritizing Bitcoin in the 2024 elections is a strategic move. Their insights offer a fresh perspective on bridging divides within the cryptocurrency conversation.

Aug 31, 2024 • 1h 4min
The Chopping Block: Telegram's Founder Arrested, OpenSea Under Fire, and Ethereum's Dilemma - Ep. 697
Rebecca Rettig, Chief Legal & Policy Officer at Polygon Labs, joins the discussion on regulatory challenges facing the crypto landscape. The arrest of Telegram’s founder, Pavel Durov, ignites debates on free speech and digital privacy. They explore OpenSea receiving a Wells notice from the SEC, raising concerns about NFT markets. Rettig provides insights on the complexities within the Ethereum Foundation and Vitalik Buterin's critical stance on DeFi, underscoring the ongoing tension between innovation and regulation in the crypto industry.

Aug 30, 2024 • 37min
If the SEC Sues OpenSea, Here's Why the NFT Platform Could Win Easily - Ep. 696
Preston Byrne, Managing Partner at Byrne & Storm, brings his legal expertise to discuss the SEC's Wells Notice against OpenSea. He analyzes how Section 230 could defend the platform against claims of being an unregistered securities exchange. Preston breaks down the weaker Stoner Cats enforcement action and compares OpenSea to traditional exchanges like Coinbase. He highlights the implications of the Impact Theory case on NFT classification, questioning whether the SEC is overstepping its bounds as political tensions rise.

Aug 28, 2024 • 1h 27min
Bits + Bips: Fed Moves, Election Plays & DeFi Token Valuations - Ep. 695
Join venture capitalist Rennick Palley from Stratos as he delves into the shifting focus of Fed chair Jerome Powell from inflation to employment and its implications for crypto markets. Palley critically analyzes the overvaluation of blue-chip DeFi projects while remaining optimistic about memecoins. The discussion also tackles the political landscape, including Kamala Harris's potential presidential run and its effects on crypto regulations. Additionally, they examine the latest updates on Bitcoin ETFs and the implications of Telegram CEO Pavel Durov's arrest.