Unchained

Dive into a lively discussion about the challenges of decentralized finance and the whimsical world of crypto personalities. Hear insights on the Wormhole hack, the Assange DAO’s fundraising efforts, and how GameStop's move impacted Immutable X. The hosts reflect on public responses to controversial statements, the recovery of $4.5 billion from the Bitfinex hack, and the amusing debate between 'word cells' and 'shape rotators' that reveals cognitive diversity in the crypto sphere.

Jesse Walden and Li Jin, co-founders of Variant Fund, delve into the transformative power of the ownership economy and NFTs. They explore why web3 is more beneficial for creators compared to web2 and discuss the potential of NFTs beyond mere art. Jesse shares his musical background and passion for music NFTs, while Li highlights how web3 can resolve gig economy challenges. The duo also addresses criticisms from notable figures and shares insights on NFT trends that could shape the future, advocating for decentralized economic models.

Shrina Kurani, a tech-savvy candidate for California's 41st District, and Morgan Harper, an advocate for economic opportunity and former CFPB official running for U.S. Senate in Ohio, passionately discuss their pro-crypto campaigns. They argue that crypto can enhance financial equity while remaining environmentally conscious. Shrina shares how minting NFTs raised campaign funds, while both stress the need for educating regulators about Web3. They emphasize the importance of clear regulations to foster innovation and warn against single-issue voting.

Trevor McFedries, CEO of Dapper Collectives and founder of Friends With Benefits DAO, delves into the future of DAOs and NFTs. He shares insights about his journey from creating the virtual influencer Lil Miquela to building community-driven platforms. Trevor discusses the unique dynamics of venture capital within DAOs, stressing the need for trust and community engagement. He also reveals plans for Friends With Benefits and the importance of inclusivity in the crypto space, while exploring the potential of social tokens to redefine creative collaboration.

Erica Rhodes, a Democratic congressional candidate and former teacher, shares her vision for fostering community empowerment through pro-Bitcoin policies. She discusses her motivations for running for Congress, emphasizing the need for youth representation and education reform. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of cryptocurrency on marginalized communities and advocates for integrating financial literacy into school curriculums. Rhodes also explores the necessity for informed regulation and sustainable practices in the evolving crypto landscape.

Crypto experts dive into the recent turmoil in the digital asset realm. They dissect Twitter's foray into NFT profile pictures and the mixed reactions from the community. The team tackles Solana's struggles and the pressing need for a more dynamic fee structure. There's a deep analysis of MakerDAO's challenges during market downturns and the fluctuating value perceptions of NFTs. Insights on the resilience of the Cosmos ecosystem and the role of DeFi in navigating these choppy waters provide a compelling snapshot of the industry's current state.

Ian Lee and Will Papper, co-founders of SyndicateDAO, are reshaping the investment landscape with their innovative Web3 Investment Clubs. They discuss how these clubs can democratize investing, allowing anyone to form an investment DAO with just a few clicks. The duo explains the legal compliance journey for these clubs and the potential disruption they pose to traditional venture capital. They also share insights from their collaboration, the development of on-chain tools, and Will's experiences creating the Adventure Gold token.

Fais Khan, the author of the Startups and Econ newsletter, shares insights from his research on crypto tokens and Coinbase listings. He discusses the surprising trend of VC-backed tokens often plummeting post-listing due to possible insider dumping. Fais raises questions about the ethics of venture capital firms like a16z engaging with exchanges and offers advice for token investors. He also emphasizes the importance of transparency and regulatory measures to safeguard retail investors in the evolving crypto landscape.

Gwendolyn Regina, investment director at the Binance Smart Chain Growth Fund, and Samy Karim, ecosystem coordinator at Binance Smart Chain, tackle the wild ride of BSC's rapid growth. They discuss its unique structure with 21 validators and how blockchain gaming is a priority with a $1 billion growth fund. Candidly addressing criticisms, they delve into why transaction failures occur, question BSC's originality against Ethereum, and share insights on improving user confidence after multiple hacks, all while navigating the evolving crypto landscape.

Aftab Hossain, a prominent crypto investor and NFT collector known as @iamDCinvestor, shares his insights on the booming NFT market. He discusses the recent surge in NFT trading volumes, driven by platforms like LooksRare and the effects of wash trading. Aftab believes that rising floor prices and the role of 'flippers' could sustain NFT growth, even amid a crypto downturn. He also delves into the significance of royalties in NFT projects and how competition with OpenSea could spark decentralization efforts.