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Unchained

Latest episodes

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Jun 7, 2024 • 43min

How Coinbase Might Bring 1 Billion People Onchain Using Its Smart Wallet - Ep. 657

Luke Youngblood, a founding contributor to the borrowing and lending protocol Moonwell, dives into Coinbase's revolutionary smart wallet. He explains how these wallets enhance security while making on-chain transactions easier for users. Youngblood discusses Coinbase's approach to subsidizing gas fees and improving mobile accessibility, especially for users in developing regions. He also highlights how Moonwell differentiates itself within the DeFi space, aiming to attract non-crypto users with user-friendly financial products.
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Jun 5, 2024 • 57min

Bits + Bips: Is This the Real Reason the SEC Approved the Ethereum ETFs? - Ep. 656

Hal Press, founder of North Rock Digital, joins the discussion on the unexpected approval of Ethereum ETFs and their implications for the crypto market. They dive into Biden's veto of the SAB 121 repeal, a move that factors into the SEC's decisions. The hosts explore how upcoming elections might shift crypto engagement, particularly among Gen Z, and speculate on the impact of recent U.S. economic indicators. The potential of Hong Kong becoming a crypto hub is also examined, alongside trading shifts from Bitcoin to Ethereum and the challenges facing financial institutions.
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Jun 4, 2024 • 1h 27min

How the U.S. Government Can Protect the Dollar Through Stablecoins - Ep. 655

Chris Giancarlo, former CFTC chairman and crypto regulation expert, joins Daniel Gorfine, CEO of Gattaca Horizons and stablecoin authority, to discuss how the U.S. can protect the dollar through stablecoins. They argue for blockchain's role in governance over intermediary regulation and emphasize the significance of a digital dollar. The pair also warn of China's digital yuan's surveillance implications, critique current U.S. stablecoin regulation complexity, and suggest that stablecoins may soon transcend mere trading tools to become integral in the financial system.
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Jun 1, 2024 • 35min

The Chopping Block: Crypto Populism: From Celebrity Coins to Politics -Ep. 654

Dive into the world of celebrity-endorsed cryptocurrencies, with a spotlight on LeBron James' potential memecoin and its market impact. Discover the significance of recent Ether ETF approvals and how they could reshape the crypto landscape. Explore Biden's shifting cryptocurrency policies and Trump's surprising pro-crypto promises. Get the lowdown on the FIT21 legislation, and enjoy a lively debate about the intersections of politics, celebrity influence, and crypto regulation, all packed with humor and insights.
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May 31, 2024 • 50min

With Ether ETFs in the Works, How Else Might the SEC Pivot on Crypto? - Ep. 653

Join Jason Gottlieb, a partner at Morrison Cohen and a legal expert in the crypto realm, as he discusses the seismic shifts in the SEC's approach to cryptocurrency. He shares insights on how the upcoming elections could reshape the SEC’s crypto policies and the political pressures at play. Gottlieb delves into ongoing court battles involving major firms like Coinbase, the potential implications of new SEC leadership, and the uncomfortable dance between Democrats and Republicans regarding crypto regulation.
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May 28, 2024 • 1h 32min

Why Many Democrats, Including the White House, Have Come Around on Crypto - Ep. 652

Sheila Warren, CEO of the Crypto Council for Innovation, dives into the recent political changes regarding cryptocurrency legislation. She discusses how the overturning of SAB 121 and the FIT21 bill have shifted the White House's stance on crypto. Sheila highlights persuasive arguments that changed Democratic views and reflects on the lasting effects of the SBF and FTX scandals. With pride, she explains the implications of the FIT21 bill and the SEC's surprising approval of spot ETH ETFs, marking a pivotal moment for bipartisan collaboration in crypto legislation.
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May 24, 2024 • 51min

Senator Cynthia Lummis on Why Crypto Now Has Bipartisan Support in Congress - Ep. 651

U.S. Senator Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming, a staunch advocate for cryptocurrency, discusses why bipartisan support for crypto legislation is gaining momentum. She explains the surprising approval of spot ether ETFs and her discontent with the SEC's regulatory approach, deeming it 'not the American way.' Lummis shares insights on the need for stablecoin regulations and the importance of treating Wyoming-chartered Custodia Bank fairly. With the upcoming elections, she highlights how crypto is becoming more influential in politics, urging clearer guidelines for the industry.
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May 23, 2024 • 1h 14min

The Chopping Block: Response to SAB-121, ETH ETF, & More - Ep. 650

The hosts dive into the anticipated approval of the Ether ETF and its potential market impact. They discuss a bipartisan push to repeal regulation SAB-121 and its implications for banks dealing with crypto assets. The discussion shifts to Biden's evolving stance on crypto as it relates to upcoming elections. The moral complexities of high FDV low float tokens are debated, alongside the legal ramifications of a $25 million MEV exploit. Insights on the contrasting performances of memecoins and VC-backed tokens also emerge, signaling the changing landscape of retail investor participation.
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May 21, 2024 • 56min

Bits + Bips: Is US Politics Driving the ETH ETF Approval? - Ep. 649

The discussion heats up around the sudden increase in approval odds for Ethereum ETFs, with hosts speculating on political pressure from the Biden administration. They ponder how institutional demand could reshape investment strategies and influence the upcoming U.S. elections. The conversation also dives into stablecoins and their effect on U.S. financial power, debates over low float/high FDV coins, and insights into the trading psyche behind the 'Coinbase premium.' Will new crypto ETFs emerge? Tune in for predictions!
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May 21, 2024 • 51min

Why Spot Ether ETFs Are Now Likely to Be Approved on Thursday - Ep. 648

Eric Balchunas, a senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, and Matt Hougan, CIO at Bitwise Asset Management, discuss the surprising turn of events with spot Ether ETFs likely to be approved. They dive into the political factors influencing this decision, particularly the impact of Staff Accounting Bulletin 121. The two also analyze the reasons behind Michael Sonnenshein's departure from Grayscale, as well as insights from recent 13F filings revealing unexpected buyers of Bitcoin ETFs. Their perspectives hint at a shifting crypto landscape and its implications for the future.

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