

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

Oct 19, 2023 • 10min
SBF Trial, Day 11: How Alameda Got FTX Into a $9 Billion Hole
In a gripping courtroom scene, financial expert Peter Easton reveals how Alameda mismanaged FTX funds, leading to a stunning $9 billion hole. His analysis uncovers the shocking reality of customer funds being funneled into risky investments and personal expenses. As defense attorney David Lisner probes Easton's methods, the judge expresses frustration over the relevance of other witnesses' testimonies, questioning their contributions to the case. Tensions mount as the trial continues, highlighting the tumultuous saga of FTX.

Oct 18, 2023 • 9min
SBF Trial, Day 10: Defense Tries But Fails to Undercut Nishad Singh's Credibility
Nishad Singh, the former head engineer at FTX, shares eye-opening insights into the company's financial chaos and Sam Bankman-Fried's questionable ethical decisions. His testimony reveals the crumbling integrity of FTX, making him a key player in this legal drama. The defense's attempts to discredit Singh falter as prosecutors highlight his transparency. Additionally, revelations about Bankman-Fried's connections with political figures raise crucial questions about influence and accountability. Will this impact the jury's view as the trial progresses?

Oct 17, 2023 • 13min
SBF Trial, Day 9: Nishad Singh Describes Former FTX CEO as a Bully and Big Spender
The trial turns intense as Nishad Singh paints a vivid picture of Sam Bankman-Fried as a bully and excessive spender. He details the toxic atmosphere at FTX, where corporate mismanagement led to the misuse of customer funds. Singh's testimony raises alarms about the lavish sponsorships and reckless investments that eroded trust within the company. His emotional journey from admiration to disillusionment highlights the ethical dilemmas faced by insiders in the wake of the unfolding scandal.

Oct 16, 2023 • 1h 15min
Why These Lawyers Say It's Over for SBF--But His Only Hail Mary Is to Testify - Ep. 557
Samson Enzer, a cryptocurrency and fintech legal expert at Cahill Gordon & Reindel, and Greg Strong, a partner at DLX Law, dive deep into the tumultuous trial of Sam Bankman-Fried. They discuss the implications of testimonies from key witnesses, including former Alameda Research CEO Caroline Ellison, and how personal relationships could sway jurors. The duo debates the risks of SBF testifying and the strategic decisions made by the defense, shedding light on the courtroom dynamics and the potential fallout from this high-profile case.

Oct 13, 2023 • 7min
SBF Trial, Day 8: Former BlockFi CEO Adds Credibility to Fraud Charges
The trial heats up as the former BlockFi CEO takes the stand, revealing stark contrasts between BlockFi's practices and the secretive operations of FTX. He asserts that the collapse of SBF's empire directly led to BlockFi's bankruptcy, countering defense claims. Key testimony exposes failures in crypto lending practices and how Alameda's dealings with FTX ultimately harmed BlockFi. The courtroom drama unfolds as the defense struggles to place fault elsewhere, while the implications for the crypto world loom large.

Oct 13, 2023 • 44min
How Heated Sidebars During the SBF Trial Could Impact the Jury’s Decision - Ep. 556
Ari Redbord, Global Head of Policy at TRM Labs, brings expertise to the hot topic of Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial. He discusses the critical role of Caroline Ellison's testimony and her credibility as a witness. Heated sidebars in the courtroom reveal tensions between legal teams and may influence jury perceptions. Redbord examines the defense's repetitive questioning strategy and questions SBF's decision to proceed with the trial despite facing a long potential prison sentence. The implications for cryptocurrency and trial dynamics are explored in depth.

Oct 13, 2023 • 14min
SBF Trial, Day 7: In SBF Trial, Did the Defense Lose Its Opportunity With the Star Witness?
In a gripping trial segment, Caroline Ellison stood firm under cross-examination, despite attempts by the defense to cast doubt on her testimony. She revealed Sam Bankman-Fried's plans to acquire Telegram while Alameda misappropriated $14 billion in customer funds. The defense struggled to prove Ellison was in charge, as she clarified SBF's control over the firm. Testimony from Christian Drappi reinforced her statements, while Zac Prince, BlockFi's founder, gave a tantalizing glimpse of his own insights to come.

Oct 12, 2023 • 60min
The Chopping Block: Gabriel Shapiro on Why Sam Bankman-Fried May Be a ‘Sociopath’ - Ep. 555
Gabriel Shapiro, general counsel at Delphi Labs and cryptocurrency legal expert, joins the conversation to dissect the ongoing trial of Sam Bankman-Fried. He argues that SBF may exhibit sociopathic traits and critiques the weaknesses in his defense strategy. The discussion reveals the chaotic inner workings of FTX and dives into the investor psychology that allowed for such risky bets. Shapiro also emphasizes the need for stronger regulatory frameworks in the crypto space, raising questions about accountability and the lessons to be learned from this high-profile debacle.

Oct 12, 2023 • 25min
SBF Trial, Day 6: Caroline Ellison Recalls 'The Worst Week of My Life
Caroline Ellison’s heart-wrenching testimony unveils the chaos behind Alameda and FTX. She shares shocking tales, like alleged bribery attempts and dubious account setups. The financial fallout following the crypto crash led to desperate measures, with SBF reportedly at the helm. Ellison also exposes the manipulation of balance sheets and the misuse of customer funds. The secretive culture of the company, marked by disappearing messages for sensitive matters, reveals the turmoil brewing behind the scenes as everything began to unravel.

Oct 11, 2023 • 18min
SBF Trial, Day 5: SBF's Defense Finally Found Its Legs, But Can It Counter Caroline Ellison?
Caroline Ellison, former CEO of Alameda Research, exposes SBF's role in alleged financial mismanagement at FTX. Her gripping testimony details how Alameda manipulated FTT's trading and her dire warnings about repayment capabilities. The courtroom drama intensifies as Gary Wang's cross-examination uncovers his loyal support for SBF. Ellison's accounts, including SBF's extreme views on risk, set the stage for a clash over the defense’s strategy and possible justifications for borrowing customer funds.