

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 3, 2022 • 52min
The Chopping Block: SBF Wants to Win in the Court of Public Opinion. Will He? - Ep. 428
The hosts dive into Sam Bankman-Fried’s controversial New York Times interview, dissecting his claims about FTX’s solvency and his understanding of bankruptcy. They unravel the financial troubles of Genesis and BlockFi, discussing potential bankruptcy outcomes and recovery challenges. The chaos in DeFi is examined through a recent attack on Aave, highlighting vulnerabilities in the system. Additionally, the conversation explores the intricate relationship between decentralized finance and the failures of centralized finance, offering insights into the crypto landscape.

Dec 2, 2022 • 37min
Adam Cochran on Why Crypto Prices Will Be Down Bad for the Next Six Months - Ep. 427
Adam Cochran, partner at Cinneamhain Ventures, dives into the fallout from recent crypto collapses and shares his predictions for the market's future. He discusses whether Sam Bankman-Fried was truthful in a recent interview, the low engineering staff at FTX, and the potential for Genesis and Digital Currency Group to navigate liquidity issues. Adam expresses concern over Grayscale Bitcoin Trust and reflects on the lessons from this crypto winter, while assessing the impact of bankruptcies like BlockFi on the landscape.

Nov 29, 2022 • 1h 12min
'The Last Big Whale': Why the Crypto Contagion of 2022 Eventually Hit Genesis - Ep. 426
Michael Jordan, founder at DBA and former co-head of investments at Galaxy Digital, joins Alex Pack, managing partner at Hack VC, to discuss the troubling prospects of Genesis and its parent company, DCG. They dive into the roots of Genesis's insolvency and how the 2021 crypto lending boom contributed to today’s challenges. The duo delves into the catalytic collapse of Terra and its ripple effects across the space. They share insights on assessing collateral quality and ponder how to avert future crises akin to FTX.

Nov 25, 2022 • 24min
Gabriel Haines on How He Came to Make His Hilarious, Yelling Crypto Videos - Ep. 425
Gabriel Haines, a crypto content creator known for his hilarious and offbeat videos, shares how he started his unique journey in crypto commentary. He discusses his evolution from tutorials to spontaneous humor and even a memorable hummus-eating competition. Gabriel reveals his strategies for monetizing videos through NFTs, while emphasizing how Web3 is reshaping media. He also touches on the joys and challenges of mixing family and crypto during Thanksgiving, conjuring thoughts of a whimsical 'Turkey coin'.

Nov 22, 2022 • 1h 2min
The Chopping Block on FTX/Alameda: Is Sam Bankman-Fried 'Crypto Kanye'? - Ep. 424
The podcast dives into the chaotic aftermath of FTX's collapse, revealing shocking mismanagement and potential criminal implications for Sam Bankman-Fried. Experts speculate on whether the Bahamian government may have been involved in the hacking. They also discuss the possible separation of FTX and Alameda's assets and the precarious future of Genesis Capital. The dialogue critiques media portrayals and regulatory responses, shedding light on the broader implications for centralized finance versus decentralized solutions.

Nov 21, 2022 • 1h 21min
Jesse Powell and Kevin Zhou on How FTX and Alameda Lost $10 Billion - Ep. 423
Jesse Powell, co-founder of Kraken, and Kevin Zhou, co-founder of Galois Capital, delve into the shocking collapse of FTX, pinpointing its root causes and warning signs. They dissect the mismanagement of funds and the dangers of commingled books at Alameda and FTX. The conversation touches on the ethics of utilitarianism and how this philosophy influenced decisions in dire situations. Additionally, they explore the rise of self-custodial wallets as a response to the crisis, questioning the future of regulation and investor trust in the crypto market.

Nov 18, 2022 • 41min
Did the Bahamian Government Direct SBF and Gary Wang to Hack FTX? - Ep. 422
Wassielawyer, a lawyer specializing in restructuring and insolvency, provides a deep dive into the chaotic FTX bankruptcy. He discusses the complete failure of corporate controls within FTX, the troubling mingling of funds between Alameda and FTX, and the complicated legal battles between U.S. and Bahamian jurisdictions. The implications for FTX US customers seeking asset recovery are explored, alongside troubling revelations about former CEO Sam Bankman-Fried's attempts to save the company amidst an unraveling situation.

5 snips
Nov 16, 2022 • 1h 52min
The Chopping Block: Why Lenders Didn't Liquidate Alameda When It Was Underwater - Ep. 421
Explore the shocking collapse of FTX and the questionable actions of its leader, Sam Bankman-Fried. Delve into allegations of fraud, financial mismanagement, and the media's role in shaping public perception. The conversation also tackles the moral dilemmas of effective altruism in the crypto world, revealing a stark contrast between philanthropic intentions and personal extravagance. Lastly, consider the potential impact of this debacle on the future of the cryptocurrency industry and the pressing need for greater accountability.

Nov 15, 2022 • 1h 43min
Will FTX Customers Ever Recover Their Assets? Two Insolvency Experts Weigh In - Ep. 420
Wassielawyer, a restructuring and insolvency lawyer, and Thomas Braziel, founder of 507 Capital, dive deep into the chaotic bankruptcy of FTX. They discuss the potential recovery of assets for affected customers and the convoluted nature of FTX's balance sheet. Wassielawyer argues that Alameda is effectively dead and explores the legal intricacies of FTX's international bankruptcy. The conversation also touches on the impact of the recent $600 million hack and creative recovery solutions like tokenizing liabilities.

Nov 11, 2022 • 1h 7min
Erik Voorhees and Cobie on Why FTX Loaned Out Customers’ Assets - Ep. 419
Erik Voorhees, founder of ShapeShift, and Cobie, a crypto investor and host of UpOnly, dive deep into the shocking collapse of FTX. They discuss the alarming relationship between FTX and Alameda, highlighting the $10 billion deficit and why they view Sam Bankman-Fried's actions as sociopathic. The conversation touches on the implications of regulatory failures, the importance of blockchain transparency, and the risks of keeping assets in centralized exchanges. Their insights also explore how this event may reshape the future of crypto custodianship.


