

The Clear Crypto Podcast
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Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast, straight talk on what crypto and blockchain do today, and what they're going to do tomorrow with Nathan Jeffay, Head of Media at StarkWare and Gareth Jenkinson, Head of Multimedia at Cointelegraph.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jun 19, 2025 • 28min
Crypto crime: What the headlines don’t tell you
What’s the real deal with crypto crime, and can blockchain ever shake its bad rap? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth dive deep with Jennie Levin, chief legal and operations officer at Algorand Foundation, to unpack the truth behind high-profile crypto scandals like FTX and sneaky blockchain exploits. Jennie breaks down how these crimes mirror traditional finance fraud and what’s being done to make crypto safer. No hype, just clear insights on securing the future of blockchain. Whether you’re a newbie or a crypto OG, this episode is a must-listen! This episode was produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Introduction to the Clear Crypto Podcast(02:23) Discussion about Bitcoin 2025 event in Las Vegas(05:06) Gareth’s insights on evolving crypto conferences(10:45) Introduction of guest Jenny Levine(12:33) Overview of crypto crime and the FTX scandal(18:56) Detailed explanation of the charges against Sam Bankman-Fried(31:00) Discussion on centralized vs self-custody exchanges(36:40) Exploration of crime related to blockchain protocol exploits(40:22) Definition and context of white hat hackers in crypto(43:16) Legal perspective on white hat hacking(48:05) Future of crypto crime and blockchain security(50:36) Gareth’s observation on evolving crypto regulations(52:30) Final thoughts on the future of crypto security(58:00) Conclusion and farewellFollow 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.

Jun 5, 2025 • 30min
Rewriting the Ledger: Bitcoin and the nature of money
What’s money, really, and how does blockchain redefine it? Our co-hosts Nathan and Adrian dive deep with Professor Bill Maurer, a leading anthropologist of finance, to unravel the essence of money from ancient Mesopotamia to Bitcoin. Bill challenges our coin-obsessed mindset, revealing how blockchain’s record-keeping roots could reshape society’s relationships and trust. No jargon, just straight talk on crypto’s sociological spark. Whether you’re new to blockchain or a crypto scholar, this episode will shift your perspective. Produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Introduction: Understanding money and crypto(01:19) Historical perspective on money(02:28) Explaining blockchain to an alien(05:38) AI and the future of transactions(07:59) Bitcoin and the concept of money(18:48) Decentralization and social trust(22:46) Conclusion and further readingFollow 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.

May 29, 2025 • 24min
Outside the bubble: Africa’s crypto revolution unveiled
How is blockchain revolutionizing finance and energy in Africa? Host Nathan dives into a compelling conversation with Kevin, a Rwandan Investment Associate at StarkWare’s Africa Ventures, to explore crypto’s real-world impact. From enabling cross-border lending and peer-to-peer energy trading to building decentralized internet hotspots, Kevin reveals how African communities are using blockchain to solve urgent needs. No jargon, just straight talk on Africa’s crypto-powered future. Whether you’re new to blockchain or a seasoned enthusiast, this episode will broaden your perspective. Produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Welcome to The Clear Crypto Podcast(00:44) Crypto’s communication challenge(01:03) Special week for crypto in Las Vegas(01:57) Global vision: Crypto in Africa(02:56) Interview with Kevin Imani(03:38) Challenges and innovations in African crypto(06:10) Real-world applications of crypto in Africa(16:01) Energy solutions with blockchain(19:35) Decentralized internet in Africa(22:28) Conclusion and upcoming episodesFollow 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.

May 22, 2025 • 20min
Trust the chain: Why staking exists
In this episode of The Clear Crypto Podcast, we break down staking, with no jargon and no hype. What is it? Why do people do it? And how does crypto actually generate more crypto? Whether you're deep in the space or just staking your first coin, this is the plain-English guide you didn’t know you needed. Produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast(00:47) Introduction to staking(02:42) Staking vs alternatives(05:32) Expert insights on staking(12:46) Designing a staking system(15:33) Balancing incentives and security|(16:57) Future of finance and human behavior(19:00) Conclusion and where to find moreFollow 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.

May 15, 2025 • 21min
Bitcoin Season 2: Unlocking a new financial frontier
What’s powering Bitcoin’s leap into a new era? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth join Isabel Foxen Duke, a Bitcoin innovator and general partner at Unbroken Chain, to explore “Bitcoin Season 2,” where ordinals, runes and trustless lending are redefining what Bitcoin can do. Isabel shares her journey from traditional finance to championing Bitcoin’s DeFi potential and unpacks how trustless bridging could shrink the financial world. No jargon, just straight talk on Bitcoin’s game-changing future. Whether you’re new or a seasoned hodler, this one’s for you. Produced by Tonal Media.(00:00) Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast(01:00) Introduction to Bitcoin Season 2(02:56) Discussion with Isabel Fox and Duke(04:14) Exploring trustless bridging and Bitcoin's future(07:03) Isabel's journey from traditional finance to crypto(14:14) Future use cases and lending in Bitcoin(16:43) Global impact of crypto and final thoughts(19:39) 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.

May 12, 2025 • 27min
A Mother’s Day masterclass: Moms making crypto crystal clear.
How do crypto’s toughest concepts become crystal clear? In this special Mother’s Day episode, host Nathan and co-host Gareth bring in four brilliant crypto moms to break it down. From Adi’s deep dive into blockchain bridging to Jenny’s insights on crypto crime, Katherine’s take on navigating the SEC and Blue’s guide to stablecoins, these experts make the complex simple. No jargon, just straight talk from moms mastering crypto and motherhood. Whether you’re new or a seasoned hodler, this one’s for you. Produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast(00:19) Introducing the special Mother's Day episode(02:57) Meet our first guest: Adi on blockchain bridges(07:56) Jenny Levin on crypto crime(14:14) Catherine Kirkpatrick Boss on the SEC(18:33) Blue Matula on stablecoins(23:40) Wrapping up the Mother's Day specialFollow 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.

May 8, 2025 • 24min
Beyond digital gold: Unlocking Bitcoin’s new powers
What’s driving Bitcoin’s evolution from digital gold to a global financial powerhouse? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth sit down with Bitcoin OG Dan Held, a trailblazer since 2012, to unpack Bitcoin’s journey and its bold future. Dan dives into how innovations like DeFi and layer-2 solutions are expanding Bitcoin’s potential, while navigating community debates over NFTs and scaling. No jargon, just straight talk on why Bitcoin’s moment is now. Whether you’re new or a seasoned hodler, this one’s for you. Produced by Tonal Media. (00:00) Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast(00:45) Introducing Dan Held: Bitcoin pioneer(02:08) The early days of Bitcoin(03:46) Bitcoin's evolution and challenges(07:24) The future of Bitcoin and DeFi(14:31) Bitcoin community debates and innovations(20:40) Closing thoughts and future 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.

Apr 24, 2025 • 28min
The rise of crypto payments: Easier, faster and more fun than you think
Can crypto payments be as easy as tapping on your phone? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth team up with Stefana Banciu, growth lead at Pulsar Money, to explore how blockchain is revolutionizing payments, making them faster, cheaper and even fun. Stefana shares new innovative ways of sending crypto directly on X, transforming giveaways and cross-border transfers with transparency and ease. No jargon, just straight talk on why crypto payments could change your wallet. This episode was edited and produced by Tonal Media.00:00 Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast00:42 The communication challenge in crypto01:20 Blockchain payments: The future of transactions01:55 Interview with Stefana Van Cooley03:06 The convenience hurdle in crypto payments04:25 Pulsar Money: Revolutionizing payments08:03 The importance of crypto as a payment mechanism17:05 Transparency and trust in crypto giveaways20:57 Banking the unbanked: A global perspective24:03 Bitcoin mining: A story of luck and reward26:53 Closing thoughts and farewellFollow 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.

Apr 17, 2025 • 26min
Crypto payments future: Self-custody and mass adoption
What’s keeping blockchain from the mainstream and how do we sell it to the world? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth chat with Chad West, CMO of ArgentHQ, about the hurdles to mass adoption — cost, complexity, perception — and how ArgentHQ is tackling them with user-friendly wallets and smart marketing. Chad reveals how to make self-custody and payments feel effortless. No jargon, just straight talk on crypto’s big moment. Whether you’re new or a seasoned hodler, this one’s for you. This episode was edited and produced by Tonal Media.00:00 Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast00:52 Introduction to today's topic and guest02:52 Chad West's journey from Revolut to Argent04:59 Understanding self-custodial crypto06:48 Argent's crypto debit card and features09:38 Why self-custody matters16:44 Innovations in crypto usability21:41 The future of self-custodial crypto24:23 Closing remarks and next episode teaserFollow 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.

Apr 10, 2025 • 29min
Scaling Up: How Bitcoin’s three pillars are about to fix money
Join the Clear Crypto Podcast with co-hosts Nathan Jeffay, Head of Media at StarkWare, and Gareth Jenkinson, Head of Multimedia at Cointelegraph, as they welcome Eli Ben-Sasson, StarkWare CEO. They’ll explore Bitcoin scaling solutions and dive into Bitcoin’s three groundbreaking principles—decentralization, incentivized integrity, and public verifiability—while discussing how Bitcoin’s design could transform the future of money.00:00 Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast00:56 Introduction to today's episode02:17 Bitcoin's future and vision03:00 Eli's journey from academia to blockchain04:19 What it takes to scale a blockchain06:11 Scaling Bitcoin with StarkNet07:56 Vitalik Buterin on scaling Bitcoin09:32 The importance of scaling Bitcoin12:30 The debate on Bitcoin code changes22:30 Satoshi's core principles and Bitcoin's potential25:30 Conclusion and final thoughtsFollow 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.