Unchained

Erik Voorhees, the founder and CEO of ShapeShift, discusses the company's bold move to decentralize into a DAO. He addresses the implications of this transition and shares insights on Bitcoin maximalism, calling out its toxic aspects while advocating for a more inclusive crypto community. Erik also emphasizes the importance of user experience during this shift and his views on regulatory challenges in the industry, particularly regarding stablecoins. He highlights ShapeShift's collaboration with ThorChain and how they're positioning for future innovations.

Neha Narula, the Director of the Digital Currency Initiative at MIT Media Lab, sheds light on Bitcoin's future and governance. She dives into Elon Musk's insights from ‘The B Word’ conference and addresses the environmental concerns of proof-of-work mining. Neha expresses skepticism about Dogecoin's viability and praises Jack Dorsey’s new Bitcoin platform. She also explores the implications of Bitcoin’s hashrate dip and discusses the coexistence of cryptocurrencies and CBDCs, rounding off with her vision for the future of digital currencies.

Gurvais Grigg, Global Public Sector CTO at Chainalysis with a rich background in FBI counterterrorism, teams up with Kim Grauer, Director of Research at Chainalysis and a cryptocurrency crime analyst. Together, they dissect the evolution of ransomware into a lucrative business. They reveal how hacking groups like REvil employ sophisticated strategies and why Bitcoin is the payment of choice. The duo also discusses the challenges of ransomware reporting and how governments are adapting counter-terrorism tactics to combat this growing threat.

Christine Parker, a partner at Reed Smith specializing in regulatory issues within the crypto space, dives into the tumultuous landscape surrounding Binance's regulatory scrutiny. She discusses the various countries investigating Binance and why compliance is challenging. Christine predicts potential actions from U.S. regulators, evaluates Binance’s strategy of relocating from constraints, and explores the implications of transitioning to a DAO model. Additionally, she touches on parallels with the BitMEX case and the looming possibility of criminal charges for CEO Changpeng Zhao.

Aaron Wright, co-founder of OpenLaw and blockchain law professor, and Ross Campbell, core developer at SushiSwap, dive into the fascinating world of DAOs. They discuss whether DAOs can sue for IP protection and the intricacies of governance tokens as securities. The duo debates how Wyoming’s DAO law offers advantages over Delaware's framework. They also tackle open-source licensing challenges in DeFi, spotlighting the impact of Uniswap's licensing strategy. Their insights illuminate how legal frameworks must evolve to support the crypto revolution.

Aleksander Larsen, co-founder and COO of Axie Infinity, dives into the online gaming phenomenon that has skyrocketed 400% in revenue. He highlights the revolutionary 'play to earn' model that allows players to earn money while gaming. Larsen discusses the impressive transition to a dedicated sidechain, enhancing accessibility for users. He also addresses challenges in decentralization, the game's remarkable impact on the Philippine economy, and innovative solutions to lower entry barriers for new players. Expect insights into Axie Infinity's future growth strategies!

Kevin Zhang, Vice President of Business Development at Foundry, shares his journey from skepticism to becoming immersed in Bitcoin mining. He discusses China's crackdown on mining and its impact on global hash rates, alongside the exodus of miners to new locations like Kazakhstan. Zhang highlights how the mining ban could ultimately strengthen Bitcoin's network. He also addresses the benefits of renewable energy for mining operations and explores the exciting potential of geothermal Bitcoin mining in El Salvador. Tune in for a deep dive into the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency!

Sam Bankman-Fried, the founder and CEO of FTX, delves into the exciting partnership with Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen, focusing on authentic marketing strategies that resonate with fans. He discusses FTX's unique approach to tokenized stocks, which sets it apart from competitors like Binance. Sam shares insights on navigating regulatory challenges and outlines his top priorities for crypto regulations. The conversation blends sports, innovation, and compliance, making it a captivating listen for crypto enthusiasts and sports fans alike.

In this engaging conversation, Taylor Monahan, CEO of MyCrypto and expert in blockchain technology, teams up with Tim Beiko, Ethereum Foundation core-dev facilitator, to discuss the transformative Ethereum upgrade, EIP-1559. They dive into why EIP-1559 is vital, its impact on transaction fees, and the future of miner extractable value. Taylor expresses caution about the upgrade's implications for wallet providers, while Tim tackles the controversial relationship between EIP-1559 and Ethereum's sound money narrative, highlighting potential deflationary effects.

Will Clemente, author of the BTC by WC3 newsletter, discusses the current nuances in Bitcoin's on-chain activity. He argues that the market is in a mid-cycle lull rather than bearish territory. Will analyzes who is selling Bitcoin during this downturn and highlights the unwinding of derivatives as a key factor. His insights reveal how long-term holders are maintaining their positions, while he identifies metrics to watch for future trends. He also expresses interest in Bitcoin usage trends in Latin America, adding socioeconomic dimensions to the conversation.