

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

Apr 13, 2021 • 50min
Why Bitcoin’s December Price Target Is Now ‘Above $300,000’ - Ep.228
Peter L. Brandt, a seasoned trader known for his insights on futures and FX, teams up with Willy Woo, an influential on-chain Bitcoin analyst and the mind behind 'The Bitcoin Forecast.' They dive into Bitcoin's historical relevance and parabolic advances, exploring why Peter believes it's not a bubble. Willy discusses the looming Bitcoin supply shock and how we might be on the brink of a new monetary system. The duo also reflects on Bitcoin's adoption, the volatility ahead, and the significance of viewing wealth in Bitcoin over fiat.

Apr 9, 2021 • 36min
Unconfirmed: What $1.8 Billion in Q1 Revenue Means for Coinbase’s Direct Listing - Ep.227
Larry Cermak, Director of Research at The Block, shares insights on Coinbase's impressive $1.8 billion Q1 revenue. He discusses how Coinbase's shift to non-transaction revenue allows them to charge higher fees and attract retail investors. Cermak analyzes the competitive landscape of crypto exchanges and predicts future trends like fee compression. He also touches on the implications of Coinbase's minimal Bitcoin holdings and the investor outlook for NFTs, rounding it all off with expectations for crypto market performance in 2021.

Apr 6, 2021 • 1h 9min
Mark Cuban on Why He Thinks ETH Is a Better Store of Value Than Bitcoin - Ep.226
Mark Cuban, billionaire investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, dives into the Ethereum versus Bitcoin debate, asserting that ETH is a superior store of value due to its utility. He candidly critiques Bitcoin as an inflation hedge and discusses the evolving landscape of DeFi, highlighting user experience challenges. Cuban shares his transformative NFT journey and predictions for their future in content distribution, stressing how these digital assets could reshape industries. His insights reveal potential disruptions and opportunities in the crypto space.

Apr 2, 2021 • 36min
Unconfirmed: Why Proposed FATF Rules Could Be a Shock for DeFi - Ep.225
Dave Jevans, CEO of CipherTrace and expert in blockchain analytics, delves into the FATF's proposed guidelines impacting DeFi and NFTs. He discusses how these regulations would force decentralized exchanges to implement KYC protocols, potentially changing user experiences. Jevans highlights the broader implications for NFTs and urges community engagement in shaping these rules. The show also touches on the crypto community's reactions and the importance of upcoming meetings for feedback on compliance challenges.

Mar 30, 2021 • 1h 7min
What Exactly Do You Get When You Buy an NFT? Three Lawyers Discuss - Ep.224
Join Olta Andoni, a fintech and IP attorney, Tonya Evans, a law professor and podcast host, and Stuart Levi, co-head of a leading law firm's tech practice, as they unravel the complexities of NFTs. They explore what it truly means to 'own' an NFT and the rights that come with it. Discover how blockchain benefits creators, the challenges of copyright and moral rights, and jurisdictional issues in the NFT landscape. They also discuss how NFTs could reshape the business of content creation for the future!

Mar 26, 2021 • 32min
Unconfirmed: Why Miami Mayor Francis Suarez Calls Crypto 'the Wave of the Future' - Ep.223
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez is on a mission to turn his city into the crypto capital of the world. He discusses the proactive measures being taken, including allowing residents to pay fees in Bitcoin and exploring employee compensation in crypto. Suarez believes future governments will operate on cryptocurrencies rather than fiat currency. He also candidly addresses how Miami plans to navigate the challenges posed by recent crypto controversies, while balancing this with urgent climate change initiatives. The future looks bright for Miami's crypto ambitions!

Mar 23, 2021 • 1h 7min
Financial Advisors Control $5 Trillion in Investor Wealth. Are They Buying Bitcoin? - Ep.222
Ric Edelman, founder of Edelman Financial Engines, and Matthew Kolesky, president of Arbor Capital, dive into the rapidly evolving world of Bitcoin in the financial advisory space. They discuss the challenges advisors face when integrating digital assets, revealing that many are hesitant due to safety concerns. The guests share insights on investment vehicles like GBTC and the potential of a Bitcoin ETF. They also talk about effective methods for educating advisors about crypto and the ideal percentage of client portfolios that should include these assets, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.

Mar 19, 2021 • 40min
Unconfirmed: MetaKovan on Why He Spent $69 Million on a Jpeg - Ep.221
MetaKovan, the pseudonymous buyer of Beeple's groundbreaking NFT and founder of MetaPurse, dives into his monumental $69 million purchase. He explains why he believes NFTs surpass physical art by tenfold, attributing this to Beeple's impressive 13-year artistic journey. The discussion also touches on his vision for the metaverse, the importance of digital identity, and the comfort that comes with investing in what many might see as a trend. Throughout, he shares insights on the transformative nature of NFTs and community engagement in the digital realm.

Mar 16, 2021 • 1h 22min
How NFTs Are Revolutionizing How Creators Make Money - Ep.220
Jamie Burke, Founder and CEO of Outlier Ventures, pioneers blockchain investment in Europe, while Mason Nystrom, a research analyst at Messari, dives deep into Web3 and NFTs. They discuss the NFT surge, clarifying what buyers really get when they purchase them. Key highlights include the cultural impact of NFTs in art, music, and gaming, the success behind NBA Top Shot, and the challenges of valuing digital art. They also predict a shift from subscription models to an ownership economy, emphasizing NFTs' potential to disrupt traditional industries.

Mar 12, 2021 • 40min
Unconfirmed: Why This Environmentalist Doesn’t Blame Creators for the Carbon Footprint of NFTs - Ep.219
Brendan McGill, co-founder of Offsetra and Carbon.fyi, dives deep into the environmental impact of NFTs. He clarifies that the carbon footprint associated with NFTs often stems from Ethereum's mining rather than the tokens themselves. Brendan argues that blaming creators is unfair and discusses the challenges in accurately calculating emissions. He highlights the shift towards 'clean NFTs' and shares insights on how artists can adopt sustainable practices while emphasizing the broader implications for the crypto community.


