Unchained

Marisa Tashman, policy counsel at the Blockchain Association, dives into the SEC's controversial moves on token classifications and their potential harm to US investors. She discusses the implications of labeling tokens as securities without clear guidelines, highlighting the SEC's approach as 'regulation by enforcement.' Marisa also shares insights on Coinbase's position amidst ongoing investigations and the pressing need for regulatory clarity in the evolving crypto landscape. Additionally, she talks about the promising legislative efforts led by politicians like Cynthia Lummis.

WassieLawyer, an expert in restructuring and insolvency, joins Adam Levitin, a Georgetown Law professor, to dissect the tumultuous bankruptcies of 3AC, Celsius, and Voyager. They delve into the complexities of custodial funds, revealing the risks of commingled deposits. Discussions unveil Celsius's potential shady practices versus Voyager's irresponsibility. They explore the daunting Chapter 11 process, the intricacies of creditor rights, and whether key executives might face jail time, all while navigating the chaotic crypto landscape.

Adam Cochran, a partner at Cinneamhain Ventures, shares his expertise on the crypto industry's current landscape, especially in light of 3AC's liquidation. He delves into why 3AC founders are labeling themselves as creditors and the complexities of the corporate veil. Cochran speculates on the impact of 3AC’s downfall on retail investors and potential crypto credit crunches. He also discusses the implications of liquidating high-value assets, like a yacht, and what creditors might prefer in this tumultuous environment.

Nelson Rauda, a Salvadoran journalist with El Faro, dives into the complexities of Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador. He discusses President Nayib Bukele's controversial shift to Bitcoin as legal tender, highlighting its impact on the unbanked population and the skepticism surrounding the initiative. Rauda argues that the Bitcoin law may be more of a PR stunt than a true economic solution, questioning the government's intent and public understanding. He also critiques the Chivo wallet's limited success and the ongoing protests tied to this monetary revolution.

Wasi Lawyer, a skilled restructuring and insolvency attorney, shares his insights into the bankruptcies of Three Arrows Capital, Celsius, and Voyager. He explains the intricacies of the liquidation process and the duties of liquidators. The discussion covers creditor priorities and uncertainties about the whereabouts of 3AC founders. Additionally, he contrasts Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 bankruptcy, detailing the impact on Celsius's account holders and the broader implications for the crypto market amidst economic challenges.

Anatoly Yakovenko, the Tsar of Solana, dives into the intriguing world of Solana's use cases and its unique scaling strategies. He addresses controversial claims about Solana's blockchain legitimacy and the challenges of network downtime. The conversation highlights the innovative SAGA phone, tailored for Web3, and the competitive landscape with other blockchain technologies. Yakovenko discusses the importance of the execution layer for fostering innovation and shares key lessons from building Solana that resonate with aspiring crypto entrepreneurs.

Ryan Berckmans, an Ethereum investor and community member, joins Bitcoin investor Alex Bergeron to dissect Lido's impressive hold on liquid staking derivatives. They explore the implications of Lido's potential monopoly on Ethereum's decentralization, uncovering the mechanics of stETH and its uses. The conversation touches on the challenges posed by miner extractable value, dual governance proposals for Lido, and the ethical dilemmas of a centralized staking ecosystem. Can other competitors challenge Lido’s dominance? Tune in to find out!

In this episode, Amir Haleem, CEO of Nova Labs and founder of Helium, reveals how decentralized internet infrastructure powered by crypto transforms connectivity. He discusses the network's growth after introducing crypto tokens and the unique users leveraging Helium. The conversation dives into the challenges of IoT, the exciting launch of 5G networks, and the implications for traditional telecom. Haleem also shares insights on proof of coverage, the role of community, and plans for the future, making it a compelling listen for tech enthusiasts.

Hasu, strategy lead at Flashbots and advisor to Lido, teams up with Tarun Chitra, founder of Gauntlet, to dissect the world of staked ETH (stETH). They discuss Lido's impact on liquid staking, unraveling its market dominance. The duo explains why stETH isn't mispriced and the risks it faces, especially during liquidity crises. They also delve into the implications of the Ethereum Merge for stETH liquidity and the complex governance needs as Lido grapples with market fluctuations. Insightful and engaging, this conversation navigates the intricate landscape of decentralized finance.

Badiucao, a Chinese artist and activist, uses NFTs to combat censorship and promote political change through his art, satirizing the Chinese government. He discusses his journey from teaching preschool in Australia to becoming a prominent dissident artist after learning about Tiananmen Square. The conversation reveals how NFTs allow artists to preserve protest messages permanently on the blockchain. Niki Selkin, Director of Creative Development at Gray Area, joins Badiucao to explore the transformative potential of blockchain technologies for human rights activism.