

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

Dec 30, 2022 • 1h 18min
Why Martin Shkreli Thinks SBF's New Judge Could Still Be Lenient - Ep. 438
Martin Shkreli, a controversial entrepreneur and investor, shares his thoughts on the recent developments in Sam Bankman-Fried's case. He discusses the implications of the new judge, Lewis Kaplan, and why he might be lenient. Shkreli speculates on the likelihood of a guilty plea, the potential impact of SBF's family involvement, and courtroom strategies that might unfold. He even touches on how his own prison experience shaped his view of cryptocurrency and running a business behind bars. It’s a riveting dive into high-stakes legal maneuvering!

5 snips
Dec 28, 2022 • 1h 31min
The Chopping Block Recaps 2022: Crypto's Biggest Winners and Losers and Best Memes - Ep. 437
The hosts dive into the biggest winners and losers in the crypto world of 2022. They dissect the impressive rise of stablecoins and the industry's rocky reputation. Solana's struggles, the complexities of Miner Extractable Value (MEV), and the flaws in proof of reserves are explored. The podcast also highlights the surprising relationship between inflation and Bitcoin’s performance, alongside entertaining discussions about the year’s best memes. Predictions for 2023 include a possible Ethereum resurgence and evolving innovations in DeFi.

Dec 27, 2022 • 49min
Collapses, Bankruptcies, and Fraud: How 2022 Became the Year of Crypto Carnage - Ep.436
Chris Burniske, a crypto optimist, discusses finding hope amid the chaos of 2022's market turmoil. Tarun Chitra analyzes the Wintermute hacks, shedding light on crypto vulnerabilities. Haseeb Qureshi shares insights into the dramatic collapse of Terra/Luna and its ripple effects on investors. Kevin Zhou reflects on the FTX downfall, revealing warning signs he observed. Together, they explore the lessons learned from these significant crises in the crypto landscape, emphasizing the need for stronger risk management and resilience.

Dec 23, 2022 • 1h 23min
Martin Shkreli Explains Why Sam Bankman-Fried Got Lucky With His Judge - Ep. 435
Martin Shkreli, a controversial entrepreneur and former hedge fund manager, shares his insights on Sam Bankman-Fried's legal troubles. He discusses the unique challenges of federal sentencing and the prison environment, drawing from his own experiences. Shkreli analyzes why he believes Bankman-Fried's judge could be favorable and outlines potential prison dynamics he might face. He also reflects on the implications of plea deals and the societal perceptions surrounding white-collar crimes, making for a fascinating dive into the world of high-stakes legal drama.

6 snips
Dec 20, 2022 • 1h 22min
2022 in Review + How Cobie and Chris Burniske Are Playing the New Year - Ep. 434
Cobie, a prominent crypto investor and host of UpOnly, teams up with Chris Burniske, a partner at Placeholder Ventures, to dissect the tumultuous year of 2022 in the crypto world. They discuss the fallout from significant collapses, including FTX, and the lessons learned. Cobie hopes for justice against SBF, while Chris reflects on his own regrets. Despite the chaos, they remain optimistic about decentralized protocols and share strategies for surviving a bear market. Tune in for their insights on the evolving landscape and opportunities ahead.

5 snips
Dec 17, 2022 • 1h 10min
The Chopping Block: Was FTX a Scam From the Very Beginning? - Ep. 433
The podcast dives into the legal turmoil around FTX and its founder's arrest. It discusses the alarming SEC and CFTC complaints that expose mismanagement of funds. Insiders dissect Alameda's controversial practices and the potential fraud that many suspected. There's a spotlight on how SBF's political connections and risky decisions contributed to massive losses. The conversation also raises concerns about potential misleading financial reports and the implications for the future of Binance amid investigations, questioning the resilience of the crypto landscape.

Dec 16, 2022 • 42min
How Much Prison Time Is FTX's Sam Bankman-Fried Facing? - Ep. 432
Ari Redbord, Head of Legal and Government Affairs at TRM Labs, dives into the tumultuous legal situation surrounding Sam Bankman-Fried, former CEO of FTX. He explains the significance of the criminal indictment and the various charges SBF faces. Redbord discusses how Bankman-Fried's potential cooperation with authorities might impact his sentence and the complexities of his extradition from The Bahamas. The conversation reveals how unprecedented the speed of legal proceedings is in this case, likening it to other major corporate frauds.

Dec 13, 2022 • 1h 15min
How Will the FTX Collapse Affect Silvergate? A Bear and a Bull Debate - Ep. 431
Ram Ahluwalia, CEO of Lumida, and Marc Cohodes, a former hedge fund manager, engage in a fiery debate about Silvergate Bank's future amid scrutiny following the FTX collapse. They discuss Silvergate's crucial role in crypto finance and whether it runs adequate compliance practices. Marc argues that Silvergate's involvement was complicit, while Ram defends it as different from past banking failures. They explore the bank's potential $1 billion hole and forecast regulatory actions, raising vital questions about the intersection of banking and cryptocurrency.

Dec 9, 2022 • 46min
Why the Legal Process for FTX and Sam Bankman-Fried Could Take Years - Ep. 430
TuongVy Le, partner and head of regulatory & policy at Bain Capital Crypto, sheds light on the legal intricacies surrounding Sam Bankman-Fried and the FTX collapse. They discuss allegations of market manipulation during the Terra crash and interrogate Bankman-Fried's motivations for his media appearances. The conversation reveals why key legal choices, like hiring Mark Cohen, may forecast the potential charges. Additionally, they explore the involvement of Bahamian officials and how this complicates the case, setting it apart from historical fraud examples.

Dec 6, 2022 • 1h 18min
Genesis May Be Facing Bankruptcy. Could It Take DCG Down With It? - Ep. 429
Ram Ahluwalia, CEO of Lumida, and crypto analyst Samuel Andrew delve into the financial turmoil facing Genesis and its parent company, Digital Currency Group. They explore the potential repercussions of Genesis's liquidity crisis and its ties to the FTX collapse. Key topics include risky loan practices, the relevance of the Grayscale trade, and the looming threat of bankruptcy. They also discuss regulatory challenges and what a spot Bitcoin ETF could mean for the industry, emphasizing the urgent need for regulatory frameworks to stabilize the crypto market.


