Unchained

Laura Shin, an independent journalist and author of "The Cryptopians," dives deep into the intricate world of crypto funding and its impact on global conflicts, specifically the Ukrainian crisis. They discuss the ethical dilemmas surrounding military aid through cryptocurrency and the innovative fundraising efforts that emerged during the invasion. The conversation also touches on venture funding challenges in the crypto sector, the volatility in the DeFi landscape, and the complexities of tech valuations, weaving a rich tapestry of insights and humorous anecdotes.

Andrey Ternovskiy, the visionary behind Chatroulette, shares his transformative journey into the world of crypto. He reveals how his struggles with traditional finance sparked his interest in decentralized solutions. Ternovskiy discusses the ethical implications of hacking smart contracts and reflects on the potential of cryptocurrencies to disrupt middlemen. He expresses his admiration for Ethereum and its capabilities while sharing his previously undisclosed involvement in The DAO, connecting it to the ongoing crisis in Ukraine.

Tomicah Tillemann, the global chief policy officer at Katie Haun's firm, is a seasoned expert in government and blockchain technology. He discusses how Ukraine is utilizing cryptocurrency to aid civilians amidst the conflict with Russia. Tomicah explains the challenges Russia faces in bypassing sanctions using crypto and highlights the unprecedented ways blockchain can enhance humanitarian efforts. He shares insights on the significant uptick in ruble/BTC volume and how Web3 tools could reshape future disaster responses.

Christoph Jentzsch, co-founder of Slock.it and early Ethereum developer, joins fellow DAO creators Lefteris Karapetsas and Griff Green to dive deep into The DAO's creation and its infamous hack. They discuss the ambitious goals of The DAO and their initial reactions to the security breach. The trio debates whether 'code is law' and shares fascinating insights on community dynamics during the chaos. They also reflect humorously on how they would be portrayed in a movie, revealing the human side behind the blockchain innovation.

Join Steven Ehrlich, editor at Forbes Cryptoasset, as he interviews Laura Shin about her new book, "The Cryptopians." They delve into the captivating journey of Ethereum's creation, discussing Vitalik Buterin’s evolving role and the human dynamics that shaped the project. Highlights include the challenges of early funding, the impact of the DAO hack, and the controversial leadership of Ming Chan. Shin shares her insights on how writing the book changed her perspective on cryptocurrency and hints at her thoughts for future writing projects.

The hosts dive into the fascinating saga of The DAO hack, discussing its ethical implications and the hacker's identity reveal. They humorously critique DAOs attempting ambitious purchases like the Denver Broncos while offering innovative governance solutions. The complexities of Bitcoin anonymity and transaction tracing are explored, alongside the sustainability challenges of Anchor's high yield. There's a lighthearted debate on the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and the quirky characters who shape it, reflecting on recent changes in the NFT space.

Delve into the intriguing investigation of the 2016 DAO hack, where millions in Ether were stolen. Discover the identity of the suspected hacker, aided by advanced blockchain tracking techniques. The conversation digs into the DAO's significance, security flaws, and the ripple effect on Ethereum's evolution. Hear about the controversial choices that led to a hard fork and the legal implications that shaped the future of decentralized organizations. This detailed exploration combines personal stories and expert insights, unraveling the complexities of crypto's wild past.

Congressman Ro Khanna, representing California's 17th district and author of "Dignity in a Digital Age," dives into the world of crypto and decentralization. He passionately advocates for using technology to democratize job opportunities and believes that crypto can enhance wealth generation for marginalized communities. Khanna discusses the pressing need for clear regulations on crypto assets and proposes ways to educate lawmakers while emphasizing environmental concerns and the importance of bipartisan support. Tune in for his insights and policy recommendations!

Shehan Chandrasekera, a CPA and tax strategist at Cointracker, and John Cardone, a tax controversy expert at RSM US LLP, dive into the complex world of crypto taxes for 2021. They discuss the five taxable crypto transactions and how NFTs differ in taxation. The duo explains the importance of accuracy in reporting and the potential changes stemming from new regulations. They also touch on reporting airdrops, staking income, and the evolving landscape of crypto taxation, emphasizing strategies to minimize tax liabilities.

Tom Robinson, cofounder and chief scientist at Elliptic, shares his expertise in cryptocurrency as law enforcement seizes $3.6 billion in Bitcoin linked to the 2016 Bitfinex hack. He discusses the techniques used by the alleged money launderers, the critical role of the darknet marketplace AlphaBay, and how the U.S. government accessed private keys. Tom also analyzes the evolving landscape of money laundering in crypto, emphasizing how advanced blockchain analytics can catch illicit transactions, while addressing the implications of privacy coins like Monero.