

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

6 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 1h 10min
Bits + Bips: 2026 Crypto Predictions: BTC & ETH Hit Record Highs, Stablecoins Go Big
In this insightful discussion, John D’Agostino, Head of Strategy at Coinbase Institutional, dives into bold predictions for the crypto landscape in 2026. He foresees major global brands like Amazon potentially launching their own stablecoins. The hosts debate the implications of a potential ban on U.S. dollar stablecoins and a looming risk of significant hacks. They also explore whether altcoins may struggle while Bitcoin and Ethereum might see all-time highs. Plus, John connects financial nihilism to the current wave of meme investing. A fascinating look at the future awaits!

17 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 1h 18min
Landmark Regulation, ICOs, Downtober & Privacy: 2025 Crypto Year in Review (Part 2) - Ep. 991
Doug Colkitt, co-founder of Fogo and Ambient Finance, teams up with Gwart, host of The Gwart Show, to dissect a tumultuous 2025 for crypto. They delve into the implications of the GENIUS Act's interest prohibition, Bitcoin's highs and unfulfilled expectations, and the intriguing market dynamics behind the '10/10' crash. The duo also tackles the surge of privacy coins, speculating on Zcash's spike and the potential effects of quantum computing on Bitcoin's future. With predictions for 2026, they offer a glimpse into the industry's evolving landscape.

28 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 1h 5min
2025 Crypto Year in Review, Part 1: Shit Talking Edition - Ep. 990
Doug Colkitt, co-founder of Fogo and Ambient Finance, and Gwart, the host of The Gwart Show, bring humor to crypto's wild world. They discuss the surprising launches of Trump and Melania’s memecoins, diving into the implications of political figures entering the crypto space. They also explore Hayden Davis's unexpected rise as a coin launcher and his media antics. Plus, insights on the Bybit hack and its fallout highlight the precariousness of the market, leaving listeners both entertained and informed on the latest trends.

10 snips
Dec 24, 2025 • 50min
DEX in the City: How Even TradFi Wants to Pass the Crypto Market Structure Bill - Ep. 989
This discussion highlights a crucial shift as crypto merges with traditional finance, prompting lawmakers to take notice. The hosts explore the rising importance of compliance tools like KYC, now deemed essential in the crypto landscape. An unexpected identity crisis looms over the industry as it navigates new regulatory paths. Democratic engagement is emphasized as key to pushing the crypto market structure bill forward, with TradFi players rallying behind it. January's markup may just change the game for crypto's future.

Dec 24, 2025 • 1h 19min
How Crypto Users Get Rekt and How You Can Stay Safe - Ep. 987
Pablo Sabbatella, founder of Opsek and a member of the Security Alliance, teams up with Isaac Patka, lead at SEAL's Wargames Initiative and founder of Shield3, to dive into the evolving threats in crypto security. They discuss alarming tactics, including social engineering and North Korean IT hiring schemes that exploit vulnerabilities. Listeners learn crucial safety tips, like the risks of test transactions, the importance of robust verification, and how to safeguard their assets against the growing tide of cyber threats.

20 snips
Dec 23, 2025 • 56min
Bits + Bips: Will Crypto Rise on Liquidity or Will 2026 See Another Washout? - Ep. 988
Join John Wu, President of Ava Labs, as he dives into the intriguing dynamics of the crypto market with hosts Ram Ahluwalia and Christopher Perkins. They tackle pressing questions about whether the market has truly stabilized for a bullish comeback by 2026. The trio discusses the fading momentum, the impact of low-quality tokens, and what catalysts are necessary for revitalizing demand. They also explore the evolving landscape of super apps like Coinbase, the fate of TGEs, and how regulatory changes might reshape the future of crypto.

40 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 1h 4min
Lessons From A Successful Tokenization Project & What Market Structure Reveals About Trump-Linked WLFI’s False Promises: Bits + Bips - Ep. 986
Mike Cagney, CEO of Figure Technology Solutions, shares insights on why many tokenization projects falter, discussing his company's innovations in mortgage tokenization. He argues that big banks are now at the forefront of blockchain development. Jason Brett, a former banking regulator, highlights how President Trump's World Liberty Financial may breach regulatory frameworks, raising questions about its centralized nature despite claims of decentralization. They delve into the implications for DeFi, governance, and the need for a clearer market structure.

43 snips
Dec 20, 2025 • 54min
DAT Stocks Are on Sale. Are They a Buy? Plus, Why Crypto Is Dead - Ep.985
Join Steven Ehrlich, a crypto markets analyst, and Dougie DeLuca from Figment Capital for a deep dive into the changing landscape of digital assets. Steven highlights why digital asset treasury stocks (DATs) went from premiums to steep discounts, arguing it’s a long-term bet rather than an easy arbitrage opportunity. Dougie makes a bold case that 'crypto is dead' in its current form, emphasizing the necessity for mainstream adoption and sustainable products. They explore the risks and opportunities for investors in this evolving market.

Dec 19, 2025 • 1h 15min
Uneasy Money: Why Tokenholders Have No Rights & Why Every DAO ‘Has Failed’ - Ep. 984
Guy Young, CEO of Ethena Labs, joins hosts Kain Warwick, Luca Netz, and Taylor Monahan for a riveting discussion on token rights and DAO dynamics. They dive into the murky waters of what token holders can actually expect and examine the structural flaws in DAO models. The conversation highlights recent controversies like Circle's acquisition of the Axelar team, questioning accountability and rights for token holders. Young proposes that centralized exchanges might play a key role in enforcing these rights, challenging existing models to improve market integrity.

32 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 1h 1min
Inside Robinhood's Big Super App Plan: ‘There's Still a Lot of Work to Be Done’ - Ep. 983
Join Johann Kerbrat, Senior VP at Robinhood Crypto, as he unpacks the company's ambitions to create a super app. He discusses the potential impact of tokenized stocks on IPOs and the growing interest in prediction markets despite regulatory hurdles. Johann also shares insights on how Robinhood's diverse crypto offerings cater to different types of users and the importance of building a secure, user-friendly platform. With a focus on leveraging blockchain for innovative financial solutions, Robinhood aims to push the boundaries of traditional investing.


