The Clear Crypto Podcast

What’s the real story behind blockchain? Hosts Nathan and Gareth take a look back at 21 episodes of The Clear Crypto Podcast, diving into the big ideas—trust, ownership, and transparency—that make blockchain more than just tech. From Bitcoin’s rebellion against centralized power to Ethereum’s world computer, they unpack key moments with guests like Eli Ben-Sasson and Chad West, exploring how crypto redefines money, data, and power. No hype, just clear insights for newbies and OGs alike. Tune in to see where blockchain’s heading next.[00:00] Welcome to the integrity fan club[02:00] Incentivized integrity and trustless systems[05:00] Money as record keeping and decentralization[09:00] The brilliance of the 21 million hard cap[14:00] Ethereum and the rise of the world computer[17:00] Self custody and true ownership of assets[20:00] Digital life and peer-to-peer communication[23:00] Algorithms and control in social media[25:00] Consensus scalability and zero-knowledge proofs[28:00] Blockchain beyond the hype[32:00] Rethinking trust ownership and radical transparencyFollow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow StarkWare on X @StarkWareLtd Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.Check out StarkWare at https://starkware.co/ If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

What’s shaping the future of crypto in Washington, D.C., and how does policy drive innovation? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth dive into the regulatory landscape with Kristin Smith, president of the Solana Policy Institute. Kristin unpacks the landmark Genius Act, Solana’s rise as a leading blockchain and the crypto industry’s powerful advocacy in Washington. From stablecoin frameworks to overcoming misconceptions, this episode breaks down how policy is paving the way for blockchain’s mainstream moment. New to crypto or a seasoned pro, this one’s packed with insights for all. Produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast(01:00) Introduction of the hosts Nathan and Gareth(02:30) Gareth discusses his Ethereum documentary(05:18) Key questions explored in the documentary(08:25) Introduction of guest Kristen Smith from Solana Policy Institute(09:00) Overview of Kristen's background and the significance of her work(11:30) Discussion on the Genius Act and its impact on the ecosystem(15:05) Solana Policy Institute's role in Washington, D.C.(18:45) Changes in political engagement post-election(23:10) Importance and impact of lobbying in the blockchain industry(26:20) Addressing misconceptions in blockchain policy(31:45) Fly on the wall moments with policymakers(34:10) Conclusion and where to follow the hosts and guest on social media(36:00) Outro and thanks to the production teamFollow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow StarkWare on X @StarkWareLtd Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.Check out StarkWare at https://starkware.co/ If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

Eli Ben-Sasson, CEO and co-founder of StarkWare and an innovator in zero-knowledge proofs, shares groundbreaking insights into blockchain technology. He discusses how zero-knowledge proofs enhance trust and privacy, potentially transforming transaction speed and security. The conversation highlights the importance of keeping mathematical principles free from political interference and advocates for open innovation in the blockchain space. Eli's accessible analogies make complex concepts palatable for everyone, from crypto novices to experts.

In this episode of “The Clear Crypto Podcast,” powered by StarkWare and Cointelegraph,Yana Leonova joins us for a thought-provoking conversation on how crypto can fuel sustainability, innovation and more inclusive progress — far beyond finance. Produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Welcome to “The Clear Crypto Podcast”(00:52) Host introductions(02:00) Gareth discussing academic blockchain talks(03:55) Discussion introduction: Blockchain and agriculture(06:00) Defining regenerative finance (ReFi)(08:00) Example of blockchain in reforestation and renewable energy(10:00) Introduction of Yana Lenova and her background in blockchain(12:05) Yana on blockchain’s role in agricultural sustainability and transparency(13:30) Dubai’s cutting-edge tech environment and blockchain initiatives(15:45) Examples of blockchain in global agriculture(19:00) Detailed explanation of logistics and transparency using blockchain(21:45) Blockchain’s impact on small farmers(24:10) Immutable tracking of land ownership using blockchain(27:00) Food waste reduction through blockchain(29:45) Yana discusses blockchain’s potential in addressing food distribution(33:15) Conclusion and how to follow Yana’s work on LinkedIn(34:10) Invitation to explore more episodes of “The Clear Crypto Podcast”Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow StarkWare on X @StarkWareLtd Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.Check out StarkWare at https://starkware.co/ If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

What’s stopping blockchains from talking to each other, and how do we bridge the gap? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth dive into the world of blockchain interoperability with John Kol, co-founder of HyperLane. They unpack the challenges of connecting disparate blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, and how HyperLane is building seamless bridges for value transfer. John shares insights on creating a user-friendly crypto experience that rivals Web2 standards. No tech jargon, just clear talk on crypto’s connected future. Perfect for newbies and crypto veterans alike! Produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Introduction and host welcome(00:11) Blockchain’s communication problem(02:34) Interoperability, defined(03:07) Interoperability in the news(04:42) Jon Kol on the island problem(07:02) The technical challenge deep dive(08:04) Web2 vs Web3 user experience(12:11) Security vulnerabilities and bridge hacks(13:57) Security improvements and modular solutions(16:18) Starknet integration and real-world impact(17:55) Future predictions: Two to three years out(21:41) Wrap-up and takeawaysFollow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow StarkWare on X @StarkWareLtd Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.Check out StarkWare at https://starkware.co/ If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

What does “investing in crypto” actually mean, and how do we make it feel less like rocket science?Host Nathan Jeffay chats with Ryan Rasmussen, head of research at Bitwise Asset Management, about how crypto is finally becoming accessible to mainstream investors. They unpack the tools, funds and strategies that make digital assets look less like magic internet money and more like a legitimate asset class.Rasmussen breaks down index funds for crypto, explains why Bitcoin under the mattress isn’t enough and how staking (even with the mess of US rules) lets people put skin in the game.From regulatory shifts to wrapped Bitcoin, this one’s all about building smarter bridges between traditional finance and the future of money. No jargon. No hype. Just straight talk from people who think about crypto all day, so you don’t have to. Produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Welcome and mission of the podcast(01:36) Meet Ryan Rasmussen from Bitwise(02:25) What does investing in crypto actually mean?(05:47) S&P 500 analogy for crypto investing(07:17) How institutional investment fuels crypto ecosystems (12:29) Regulatory shifts and the institutional surge(14:10) What is staking, and why does it matter?(15:28) The regulatory maze of staking in the US(17:57) Learning paths and resources for crypto investorsFollow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow StarkWare on X @StarkWareLtdCheck out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.Check out StarkWare at https://starkware.co/ If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

What’s the future of Bitcoin beyond just holding it? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth dive into this question with Ilia, Bitcoin lead at StarkWare, exploring how Bitcoin can evolve from a store of value to a dynamic financial tool. Ilia breaks down innovations like wrapped Bitcoin and trustless bridges, revealing how they unlock DeFi possibilities without sacrificing ownership. No hype, just clear insights on Bitcoin’s next chapter. Whether you’re new to crypto or a die-hard Bitcoiner, this episode is for you. Produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Introduction to the Clear Crypto Podcast(00:55) EthCC highlights(01:19) The importance of community in blockchain(02:56) Transition to Bitcoin discussion(03:34) Exploring Bitcoin's current and future uses(08:51) Understanding wrapped Bitcoin(11:15) Innovative approaches to scaling Bitcoin(19:27) Big-picture values and outlookFollow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow StarkWare on X @StarkWareLtd Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.Check out StarkWare at https://starkware.co/ If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

In this episode of The Clear Crypto Podcast, we step into the legal trenches of crypto with Peter Van Valkenburgh, executive director at Coin Center. From pushing back against the centralization of digital payments to defending the right to publish open-source code, Peter breaks down the legal and civil-liberties fights that could define the future of digital finance.This isn’t just about crypto, it’s about whether freedom, privacy and innovation can survive in a world still trying to understand what code really is. Produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Introduction and show opening(01:00) Meet Peter Van Valkenburgh(02:00) Coin Center’s mission and evolution(03:00) The double-edged sword of crypto's success(04:00) Defending core crypto values(06:00) Global impact of US crypto policy(08:00) From car rant to crypto: Peter’s philosophy(10:00) The crypto connection to human interaction(12:00) The dangers of financial intermediation(15:00) Everyday examples of intermediation problems(18:00) Questions for crypto builders(20:00) Privacy challenges in crypto(22:00) Zero knowledge proofs and the future of privacy(25:00) Identity and privacy in the digital age(27:00) Peter’s interactions with lawmakers(28:00) Bridging past and future(29:00) Closing and show informationFollow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow StarkWare on X @StarkWareLtd Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.Check out StarkWare at https://starkware.co/ If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

Jullian Duran (@jullian0701) CEO of Lever, breaks down what “firepower” really means in crypto. It’s not about dumping assets for quick cash. It’s about using Bitcoin to unlock real-world freedom. Better homes. Better schools. More movement. All without giving up your position.No hype. No financial advice. Just a clear view on how holding and leveraging crypto might be the most grounded form of economic independence yet. Produced by Tonal Media. 00:00 Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast00:24 Live from ECC: Meeting in Person00:52 Highlights from the Coin Telegraph Event04:10 Understanding Real World Assets (RWAs)06:42 Interview with Julian from Lever11:52 The Future of Tokenization and Lever's Vision17:23 Julian's Journey from Traditional Finance to Crypto22:41 Leveraging Bitcoin for Real World Investments28:26 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find UsFollow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow StarkWare on X @StarkWareLtd Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.Check out StarkWare at https://starkware.co/ If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

What’s Ethereum’s role in reshaping the global economy, and how does it stay true to its decentralized roots? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth dive into a fascinating conversation with Tomasz Stańczak, co-executive director of the Ethereum Foundation, about Ethereum as a world computer, its unstoppable network and its game-changing potential for finance and beyond. Tomasz shares insights on bridging traditional finance, upgrading Ethereum without missing a beat, and leading with community-driven vision. No hype, just clear talk on Ethereum’s future. Whether you’re a crypto newbie or a blockchain veteran, this episode is a must-listen! This episode was produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast(01:01) Meet Our Guest: Tomasz Stańczak(01:34) Understanding Ethereum: A Primer(05:02) Tomasz's Journey into Ethereum(07:57) Ethereum's Impact on Traditional Finance(12:42) The Future of Ethereum(15:10) Closing Remarks and Where to Find UsFollow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.Follow StarkWare on X @StarkWareLtd Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.Check out StarkWare at https://starkware.co/ If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.