Unchained

Alex Thorn, Head of Research at Galaxy, discusses the looming Mt. Gox repayments of 142,000 Bitcoin and why he believes only a small fraction will actually be sold. He points out how this could stabilize Bitcoin prices rather than destabilize them. Thorn also elaborates on the possible success of Ethereum ETFs and the uncertainty surrounding Solana ETF approval. He highlights Bitcoin Cash as a potential market wild card amidst these changes, painting a picture of a nuanced crypto landscape.

Laura Brookover, a legal expert at Consensys, and Sam Enzer from Cahill Gordon & Reindel dive into the SEC's recent closure of its Ethereum 2.0 investigation. They discuss the implications for Ether’s classification and the possible political factors influencing the SEC's decision, including ETF approvals and election dynamics. The guests ponder the future of staking regulations, highlighting that this closure doesn't exempt staking from scrutiny. They also touch on how this might impact ongoing cases against major crypto players like Coinbase and Ripple.

In this engaging conversation, Bryan Pellegrino, cofounder and CEO of LayerZero Labs, dives into the challenges of their ambitious anti-Sybil campaign during their recent airdrop. He discusses the creative strategies employed to combat fraudulent accounts, revealing over a million fake entries. Bryan shares insights on the self-reporting option for Sybil attackers and reflects on lessons learned, including the imposition of a mandatory donation to the Protocol Guild. He also tackles the future of airdrops and explores alternatives to improve user participation.

Dive into the wild world of celebrity-endorsed memecoins, exploring stars like Iggy Azalea and Waka Flocka Flame. Discover the seasonal patterns in crypto trading and how past market cycles influence current strategies. The discussion also highlights the contentious role of venture capital in shaping market dynamics. Is it helpful or harmful? Finally, reflect on the complex relationship between social media opinions and investment trends in this rapidly changing landscape.

Guests Phil Bonello, a founding partner at Plaintext Capital, and Kelly Greer, VP of Trading at Galaxy, dive into the intriguing intersection of celebrity and crypto. They discuss Iggy Azalea’s MOTHER memecoin and her bullish stance on Solana, shedding light on the dynamics of liquid hedge funds and venture capital in the crypto landscape. Plus, they ponder the potential market top and the implications of obscure SEC rules that might impact major stocks like Apple and Nvidia. The potential for mainstream adoption of crypto in pop culture also takes center stage.

In this engaging discussion, Anthony Scaramucci, founder of SkyBridge, makes a bold case for Joe Biden as the ideal choice for crypto voters this election season. He reveals his belief that the crypto industry has triumphed over regulatory hurdles and emphasizes the significance of Ethereum ETF approvals. Scaramucci weighs in on the trustworthiness of Trump's crypto comments and points out how younger generations are reshaping crypto policy. He also shares insights into SkyBridge's journey amidst the market's ups and downs and speculates on Solana's promising future.

Dive into the wild world of celebrity-endorsed memecoins with the likes of Iggy Azalea and Andrew Tate. Explore the chaotic rise of Hamster Kombat, a viral clicker game captivating crypto enthusiasts. Discover the intricacies behind airdrop farming and the sophisticated challenges of Sybil resistance. The hosts shed light on how pop culture's influence shapes market dynamics, while raising questions about the sustainability of these trends. Get ready for an entertaining exploration of fun, fame, and the future of cryptocurrency!

Nathaniel Popper, author of 'The Trolls of Wall Street,' dives into the fascinating intersection of memecoins and online investing communities. He discusses how these platforms, like Wall Street Bets, mirror societal changes among young men and their approach to finance. The conversation highlights Robinhood's controversial role in retail trading and the psychological impacts of meme culture on investing. Popper also examines the blend of serious intent and trolling seen in the cryptocurrency scene, as well as the dangers posed by speculative trading driven by viral memes.

Johann Kerbrat, the General Manager of Robinhood Crypto, shares insights on Robinhood's ambitious acquisition of European exchange Bitstamp. He discusses the expanding global crypto business and how it plans to bridge traditional and decentralized finance. Kerbrat addresses U.S. regulations, including the impact of SEC notices, and explains the careful processes behind listing and delisting crypto assets. He also highlights Robinhood's goal to tokenize real-world assets, improving user experiences with innovative features like self-custody wallets.

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.