Unchained podcast

Unchained

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.

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.

 

#656

The Chopping Block: Institutional Memecoin Craze, BASE vs. Ethereum, and Legal Clamps on Rogue Excha...

Welcome to The Chopping Block, where Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner dive into the crypto universe's hottest topics. In this episode, we're tackling pressing questions: "Are Memecoins a Good Bet for Institutional Investors?" and "Can BASE Catalyze a Shift in Ethereum's DeFi Dominance?" Amidst Ethereum's upgrades, we explore the impact on scalability and the Layer 2 landscape. The legal entanglements of KuCoin with the DOJ and Beba's lawsuit against the SEC prompt a discussion on "What Do These Legal Challenges Mean for Crypto's Regulatory Future?" Additionally, we analyze the Blast Layer 2 security breach, questioning its implications for decentralized finance's security. Plus, a hypothetical scenario with Mr. Beast airdropping his own token leads us to ponder, "Can Celebrity-Endorsed Cryptocurrencies Create Real Value?" Join us as we dissect these pivotal developments, offering insights into the strategic maneuvers and policy shifts shaping crypto's future. Tune in for a compelling narrative on innovation and speculation in the rapidly evolving world of blockchain technology. Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [TuneIn] (https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business-News/Unchained-Big-Ideas-From-The-Worlds-Of-Blockchain-p887100/) [, Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Show Highlights 🔹 BASE's Growth and Challenges: Discussing BASE's explosive growth amidst Ethereum's upgrades, and how it's shaping the Layer 2 landscape amidst rising gas fees and scalability solutions. 🔹 Beba & DeFi Education Fund vs. SEC: Unpacking the lawsuit against the SEC for clearer airdrop regulations, highlighting its significance for future of airdrops. 🔹 KuCoin's Legal Battle: Insights into KuCoin's indictment by the DOJ, emphasizing the exchange's challenges and the broader implications for crypto regulations. 🔹 Blast L2 Security Incident: Analyzing the $62 million hack on Blast L2, exploring its impact on security perceptions and the debate over centralized control in DeFi. 🔹 Institutional Engagement with Memecoins: Exploring the surprising trend of reputable investment firms and family offices venturing into the volatile world of memecoins.  🔹 The Mr. Beast Coin Hypothesis: Exploring the theoretical impact of a Mr. Beast coin on the crypto economy, debating whether celebrity-backed coins can lead to genuine wealth creation. Hosts ⭐️ [Haseeb Qureshi] (https://twitter.com/hosseeb) , Managing Partner at Dragonfly  ⭐️ [Tom Schmidt] (https://twitter.com/tomhschmidt) , General Partner at Dragonfly  ⭐️ [Tarun Chitra] (https://twitter.com/tarunchitra) , Managing Partner at Robot Ventures ⭐️ [Robert Leshner] (https://twitter.com/rleshner) , Founder of Compound [Disclosures] (http://choppingblock.xyz) Links BEBA LLC and DEFI EDUCATION FUND v. SEC - [https://www.defieducationfund.org/_files/ugd/84ba66_3f7a8f2ca6614d7381122cb1beeed4a8.pdf] (https://www.defieducationfund.org/_files/ugd/84ba66_3f7a8f2ca6614d7381122cb1beeed4a8.pdf)   Prominent Global Cryptocurrency Exchange KuCoin And Two Of Its Founders Criminally Charged With Bank Secrecy Act And Unlicensed Money Transmission Offenses - [https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/prominent-global-cryptocurrency-exchange-kucoin-and-two-its-founders-criminally] (https://www.justice.gov/usao-sdny/pr/prominent-global-cryptocurrency-exchange-kucoin-and-two-its-founders-criminally)   Tweet “Learn about that touch and the intersection of AI and blockchain” - [https://twitter.com/NEARProtocol/status/1772494712525426865] (https://twitter.com/NEARProtocol/status/1772494712525426865)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

19 hrs Ago

56 MINS

56:19

19 hrs Ago


#655

How Gitcoin 2.0 Could Someday Help Reward People for Doing Good - Ep. 624

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. In this episode, Laura interviews Meg Lister, GM of Grants Labs at Gitcoin, and Kevin Owocki, co-founder of Gitcoin.  They discuss the evolution of Gitcoin from a centralized platform to a decentralized suite of protocols, Gitcoin 2.0, which allows any Ethereum Virtual Machine (EVM) based ecosystem to fund its public goods. They also talk about the various funding mechanisms available, including quadratic funding, retroactive public goods funding, and conviction voting.  Learn more: [What Is Retroactive Public Goods Funding?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/retroactive-public-goods-funding/) The team is also exploring more futuristic concepts such as private voting systems, angel investing 2.0, and impact attestations. The ultimate goal for Gitcoin is to create a capital allocation infrastructure that funds what matters to communities, whether they are towns, states, countries, or online interest groups. Show highlights: ---Kevin's background and how he came to found Gitcoin and why Meg joined the company ---The differences between Gitcoin 1.0 and 2.0 ---What quadratic funding is and why it is important in the blockchain ecosystem ---The problem of sybil attacks and how Gitcoin Passport aims to solve it ---Why Gitcoin has changed its approach to put more focus on scaling Ethereum rather than other types of grants ---How Gitcoin is trying to solve capital allocation efficiency with Allo (Capital Allocation) Protocol ---What streaming quadratic funding is and how it differs from traditional quadratic funding ---How retroactive public goods funding (RPGF) works ---What conviction voting is and how it addresses some of the current problems in DAOs ---Which projects are using Gitcoin Passport and what for ---Why Gitcoin is so focused on the Ethereum ecosystem and whether they will launch in other chains ---What the purposes of the GTC token are and how it could become a flywheel for Gitcoin ---How Gitcoin can become sustainable long-term, since it's free to use at the moment ---The features that are coming down the line for Gitcoin, including privacy and onchain "angel investing"  ---What the future could look like if Gitcoin succeeds in its mission, according to Kevin Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guests: --- [Kevin Owocki] (https://twitter.com/owocki) , Co-founder of Gitcoin --- [Meg Lister] (https://twitter.com/MegLister) , GM of Grants Labs at Gitcoin Links Gitcoin --- [Gitcoin 2.0 Whitepaper] (https://www.gitcoin.co/whitepaper) , co-authored by Kevin Owocki and Meg Lister --- [Public Goods Funding: The New Meta | Kevin Owocki - Gitcoin] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P6TFcBEXESk) , presentation at ETH Denver 2024 --- [Gitcoin Entering the End Game] (https://gov.gitcoin.co/t/gitcoin-entering-the-end-game/17560)   --- [Gitcoin’s Citizen Grants program] (https://gov.gitcoin.co/t/proposal-gitcoin-s-citizen-grants-program/17470) --- [Impact report] (https://impact.gitcoin.co/) ---CoinDesk: [Why Crypto’s Most Altruistic Project Is Going (Kinda) Corporate] (https://www.coindesk.com/consensus-magazine/2024/02/05/why-cryptos-most-altruistic-project-is-going-corporate/) ---Blockworks: [Gitcoin is restructuring to focus on grants for the Ethereum ecosystem] (https://blockworks.co/news/gitcoin-dao-restructure)   Allo Protocol --- [Announcement thread] (https://twitter.com/alloprotocol/status/1670823356336160768) Web3 Ecosystem Funding --- [State of Web3 Grants Report] (https://docs.google.com/document/d/1CFD6ztSh2ggJSO-U3uEea92UVB1cRbvBlA1tfPxLKi8/edit#heading=h.awihbcmztvyo) --- [Web3 Innovations in Public Goods Funding] (https://www.cryptoaltruism.org/blog/infographic-web3-innovations-in-public-goods-funding) --- [How To Fund Innovation: A Guide to Web3 Grants] (https://beincrypto.com/learn/web3-grants-guide/) , Meg Lister for BeIn Crypto Quadratic funding --- [ORIGINAL WHITE PAPER] (https://arxiv.org/pdf/1809.06421.pdf) , co-authored by Vitalik Buterin  Retro PGF ---Unchained: [What Is Retroactive Public Goods Funding?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/retroactive-public-goods-funding/) Passport --- [Introducing Passport - Digital Identity as a Public Good] (https://www.gitcoin.co/blog/intro-to-passport)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

26 Mar 2024

1 HR 09 MINS

1:09:20

26 Mar 2024


#654

How BlackRock’s New Fund on Ethereum Got a Very Crypto Welcome - Ep. 623

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ ] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) [Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. On Wednesday, BlackRock, the world's leading asset management firm, announced the launch of a tokenized investment fund, the BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity (BUIDL) Fund, developed in collaboration with Securitize.  Carlos Domingo, founder and CEO of Securitize, discusses the launch of the fund, which is native to the public Ethereum blockchain and aims to bring an institutional-grade cash management product to crypto institutions, offering faster token issuance, redemption, and transferability.  Learn more: [What Is Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization? A Beginner's Guide] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/real-world-asset-tokenization/) He also talks about how Blackrock has embraced crypto, how the launch of the fund was “front run” by crypto Twitter, and how Blackrock will deal with issues such as the fund being dusted with ETH tainted by sanctioned Tornado Cash ETH.  Show highlights: ---What the BUIDL fund is, its essence and objectives ---How the fund rewards its users, with a system similar to crypto airdrops ---Whether they were worried about regulatory aspects of bringing this product onchain ---Securitize's role in the partnership with BlackRock ---How much money flowed into the fund on the first day and who the target investor is ---Why BlackRock decided to build this product on Ethereum  ---What BlackRock's attitude towards crypto is, according to Carlos ---How the launch of the fund was frontrun by crypto insiders  ---How a wallet associated with the fund received unintended funds from North Korean tied wallets and whether Ethereum should implement a mechanism for addresses to approve funds that are sent to it ---Whether the contract is secure and what steps Securitize is taking to increase the safety of the users ---The roadmap for the partnership between BlackRock and Securitize Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) --- [Uniswap] (http://smarter.uniswap.org/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=unchained&utm_campaign=swap-smarter) Guest --- [Carlos Domingo] (https://twitter.com/carlosdomingo) , Founder and CEO of Securitize ---Previous appearance on Unchained: [Could Securitize Democratize Access to Different Asset Classes?] (https://unchainedcrypto.substack.com/p/could-securitize-democratize-access) Links ---Previous coverage on Unchained of real world assets: --- [The Catalysts for This Crypto Bull Market: AI, DeFi, Real World Assets?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/the-catalysts-for-this-crypto-bull-market-ai-defi-real-world-assets/) --- [The Chopping Block: Will Tokenizing RWAs Finally Click This Time?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/the-chopping-block-will-tokenizing-rwas-finally-click-this-time/) --- [MakerDAO Has Brought in Real World Assets. Is It Worth the Risk?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/makerdao-has-brought-in-real-world-assets-is-it-worth-the-risk/) BlackRock USD Institutional Digital Liquidity (BUIDL) Fund ---The Block: [BlackRock to launch tokenized investment fund with Securitize] (https://www.theblock.co/post/283507/blackrock-to-launch-tokenized-investment-fund-with-securitize) ---Unchained: --- [BlackRock's Institutional Fund Wallet Receives Unsolicited ETH From Tornado Cash Within Hours of Launch] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/blackrocks-institutional-fund-wallet-receives-unsolicited-eth-from-tornado-cash-within-hours-of-launch/) --- [BlackRock Receives Memecoins and NFTs After Putting $100 Million USDC Onchain] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/blackrock-receives-memecoins-and-nfts-after-putting-100-million-usdc-onchain/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

22 Mar 2024

39 MINS

39:43

22 Mar 2024


#653

The Chopping Block: Memecoin Presales, MakerDAO’s Endgame, and BlackRock's Blockchain Bet! - Ep. 622

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest news. In this week's episode, the squad dives into the riveting dynamics of meme coins and their undeniable sway over market sentiments, alongside a detailed exploration of BlackRock's groundbreaking leap into blockchain with its on-chain fund initiative. Is Solana redefining its role as the new haven for meme coin ventures, signaling a shift in blockchain platform dominance? And with Ethereum's recent 4844 and Dencun upgrades, can it hold its ground as the DeFi ecosystem's backbone amidst escalating competition? We delve into MakerDAO's ambitious 'Endgame' strategy, contemplating its potential to reshape governance within the DeFi sector. The conversation doesn't stop there; we untangle the complex web of crypto conspiracies and debate the evolving definition of 'fair launch' in the decentralized space. This episode is packed with analysis and insights as we navigate the speculative excitement of meme coins, the strategic moves of blockchain giants, and the transformative policies shaping the future of decentralized finance. Join us for a thought-provoking journey as we dissect these developments, with Robert Leshner shedding light on the alpha in Reg D filings, to unravel the narratives that could redefine the crypto ecosystem's future. Tune in for a compelling session that promises to peel back the layers of innovation, speculation, and strategic maneuvering in the ever-evolving crypto landscape. Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [TuneIn] (https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business-News/Unchained-Big-Ideas-From-The-Worlds-Of-Blockchain-p887100/) [, Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Show Highlights 🔹 Unraveling Crypto Conspiracies: Delving into the speculative theories surrounding the surge of memecoins and their potential orchestration by exchanges or other entities. 🔹 Redefining 'Fair Launch' in DeFi: A critique of the shifting meaning of 'fair launch' within the memecoin sector, highlighting the departure from traditional norms. 🔹 Solana as the New Memecoin Haven: Examining Solana's burgeoning role as the preferred platform for memecoin activity and what it signifies for blockchain innovation. 🔹 Ethereum's Technological Upgrades: Analyzing the implications of Ethereum's 4844 and Dencun upgrade for transaction fees, scalability, and the developer ecosystem. 🔹 Debating the Future of memecoins: Insights into the dynamic world of memecoins, from the rise of pre-sales on Solana to the broader implications for the crypto market. 🔹 The Evolution of MakerDAO: Discussion on MakerDAO's transformative 'Endgame' strategy, introducing new governance mechanisms and tokens to revitalize its ecosystem. 🔹 BlackRock's Entry into Crypto: A glimpse into BlackRock's strategic move to launch an on-chain fund, marking a significant step by a major institutional player into the crypto space. Hosts ⭐️ [Haseeb Qureshi] (https://twitter.com/hosseeb) , Managing Partner at Dragonfly  ⭐️ [Tom Schmidt] (https://twitter.com/tomhschmidt) , General Partner at Dragonfly  ⭐️ [Tarun Chitra] (https://twitter.com/tarunchitra) , Managing Partner at Robot Ventures ⭐️ [Robert Leshner] (https://twitter.com/rleshner) , Founder of Compound [Disclosures] (http://choppingblock.xyz) Links Pump.fun - [https://www.pump.fun] (https://www.pump.fun/)   3AC’s Kyle Davies on Why He’s Crypto’s Lloyd Blankfein and Why He’s Not Sorry - [https://unchainedcrypto.com/3acs-kyle-davies-on-why-hes-cryptos-lloyd-blankfein-and-why-hes-not-sorry/] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/3acs-kyle-davies-on-why-hes-cryptos-lloyd-blankfein-and-why-hes-not-sorry/)   MakerDAO Endgame: Launch Season - [https://forum.makerdao.com/t/makerdao-endgame-launch-season/23857/1] (https://forum.makerdao.com/t/makerdao-endgame-launch-season/23857/1)   What Is a Fair Launch in Crypto? -  [https://www.coingecko.com/learn/what-is-a-fair-launch-in-crypto] (https://www.coingecko.com/learn/what-is-a-fair-launch-in-crypto)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

21 Mar 2024

44 MINS

44:23

21 Mar 2024


#652

3AC's Kyle Davies on Why He's Crypto's Lloyd Blankfein and Why He's Not Sorry - Ep. 621

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ ] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) [Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Few crypto figures have been as vilified as Kyle Davies, the co-founder, along with Su Zhu, of crypto hedge fund Three Arrows Capital, which imploded in mid-2022, losing $3 billion and bringing many pillars of the crypto industry down with it. Davies and Zhu have been accused of, among other things, lying about 3AC’s assets as the firm was imploding, trying to borrow money when the firm was insolvent, and seeking funding from the Mafia, all of which Davies denies.  But he remains unapologetic about 3AC’s demise, saying most, if not all, companies eventually go bankrupt, and that 3AC had a “pretty spectacular” ten-year run. He joined Unchained to explain why he and Su Zhu were ordered to prison in Singapore for non-compliance with the liquidation proceedings, Zhu’s “six weeks meditating” (in prison), where he’s living now, why he and Zhu went to Bali after the bankruptcy, his $25,000-a-month fee for consulting for crypto bankruptcy exchange OPNX, his and Zhu’s current work advising crypto derivatives platform OX.FUN, and what he wishes he would have done differently in terms of 3AC’s wind down.  Show highlights: ---Whether Kyle is cooperating with 3AC liquidator Teneo and his opinions of that firm ---His and 3AC co-founder Su Zhu’s prison sentences in Singapore ---Why Kyle says he didn’t know about the scheduled court date ---Why Dubai levied fines against him, according to Kyle ---Where he is living now ---Whether or not he made misrepresentations about 3AC’s assets to lenders before its implosion, traded when the firm was insolvent, and borrowed money from the mafia ---Why Kyle went to Bali after the bankruptcy  ---His defense of his $25,000 a month fee for consulting for OPNX ---Why Kyle thinks his reputation post-3AC was still “huge” because all companies eventually go bankrupt ---Gamified derivatives platform OX.FUN, where he is an advisor ---His dreams of opening a cloud kitchen chicken restaurant ---Why he filed a lawsuit against Sixth Man Ventures’ Mike Dudas ---What he could have done differently at the time of 3AC’s collapse ---Why Kyle is not sorry 3AC went bankrupt  Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest --- [Kyle Davies] (https://twitter.com/kyleldavies) , OX.FUN advisor and co-founder of Three Arrows Capital  Links Su Zhu’s Arrest ---Unchained: [Three Arrows Capital Cofounder Su Zhu Arrested in Singapore] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/3ac-founders-new-crypto-exchange-opnx-to-shut-down/) 3AC Founders’ Assets Frozen ---CoinDesk: [Court Freezes $1 Billion of Assets of Three Arrows Capital Founders] (https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2023/12/21/court-freezes-1-billion-of-assets-of-three-arrows-capital-founders/) 3AC Ventures ---CoinDesk: [Bankrupt Hedge Fund 3AC's Return as a VC Stirring Up Crypto Community] (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2023/06/21/bankrupt-hedge-fund-3acs-return-as-a-vc-stirring-up-crypto-community/) Davies and Su’s Post Bankruptcy Lives ---New York Times: [Their Crypto Company Collapsed. They Went to Bali] (https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/09/technology/three-arrows-cryto-bali.html?searchResultPosition=1) ---New York Magazine: [‘They Are Very Comfortable Lying’: How fallen crypto kingpins Su Zhu and Kyle Davies are dodging prison — and rebranding] (https://nymag.com/intelligencer/article/how-su-zhu-and-kyle-davies-are-dodging-jail-and-rebranding.html)   OPNX ---Wall Street Journal: [Founders of Bankrupt Three Arrows Capital Plan Trading Platform for Distressed Crypto Debt] (https://www.wsj.com/articles/founders-of-bankrupt-three-arrows-capital-plan-trading-platform-for-distressed-crypto-debt-11673889546)   ---Cointelegraph: [CoinFLEX creditors dissatisfied with restructuring to OPNX: Report] (https://cointelegraph.com/news/coin-flex-creditors-unsatisfied-with-restructuring-process-to-opnx) ---Unchained: [3AC Founders’ New Crypto Exchange OPNX to Shut Down] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/3ac-founders-new-crypto-exchange-opnx-to-shut-down/) ---Cointelegraph: [OPNX to shut down with mysterious new exchange as replacement] (https://cointelegraph.com/news/opnx-to-shut-down-with-new-exchange-as-replacement) ---Decrypt: [CoinFLEX Creditors React to OPNX Closure: 'They Have Left a Trail of Destruction'] (https://decrypt.co/216225/trail-of-destruction-coinflex-creditors-opnx-closure) OX.FUN ---March 11 [Twitter spaces] (https://twitter.com/OXFUNHQ/status/1766282609477247160) on OX.FUN with Davies and Zhu  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

19 Mar 2024

1 HR 19 MINS

1:19:11

19 Mar 2024


#651

How Ethereum’s Dencun Upgrade Could Lead to the Rise of Millions of Layer 3s - Ep. 620

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ ] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) [Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Ethereum’s long-awaited Dencun upgrade finally went live this week, and many L2s immediately saw their transaction fees [fall dramatically] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/dencun-day-one-ethereum-layer-2-networks-see-drastic-drop-in-transaction-fees/) , as was the intention. Among them was the Coinbase-incubated Base, which was created by Jesse Pollak. Pollak joined Unchained to discuss the impact Dencun was having on Base; how he thinks Layer 1s and Layer 2s will start to differ from one another and eventually spawn a multitude of specialized Layer 3s; his response to criticisms of the increasing use of Layer 2s, what he’s focusing on now, and why he supports using the word “onchain” over “crypto” or “web3.”  Show highlights: ---The problem that Dencun is trying to solve ---The benefits of blobs and blobspace ---How Dencun has already reduced Base’s fees, but also increased its transactions ---How Jesse thinks Layer 1s and Layer 2s will start to become differentiated from each other ---The rise of Layer 3s ---How Jesse addresses criticisms of fragmentation and centralization arising from the increasing use of Layer 2s ---Why Jesse is particularly excited about two features of the Dencun upgrade—transient storage and increased composability between L1s and L2s ---What Jesse and the Base team are focusing on now ---Why Jesse thinks that “onchain” is a better word to describe the industry than “crypto” or “blockchain” or “web3”  Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) --- [Uniswap] (http://smarter.uniswap.org/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=unchained&utm_campaign=swap-smarter) Guest --- [Jesse Pollak] (https://twitter.com/jessepollak) , creator of Base at Coinbase Previous appearances: ---The Chopping Block: All About That Base With Jesse Pollak  Links Recent coverage on Unchained of the Dencun Upgrade and Base:  --- [Dencun Day One: Ethereum Layer 2 Networks See Drastic Drop in Transaction Fees] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/dencun-day-one-ethereum-layer-2-networks-see-drastic-drop-in-transaction-fees/) --- [Ethereum Completes Milestone Dencun Upgrade, Which Should Substantially Reduce Fees] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/ethereum-completes-milestone-dencun-upgrade-which-should-substantially-reduce-fees/) --- [How Much Will the Dencun Upgrade Really Reduce Ethereum Layer 2 Fees By?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/how-much-will-the-dencun-upgrade-really-reduce-ethereum-layer-2-fees-by/) --- [Why Base’s Creator Thinks Social Apps Will Be a ‘Huge Part’ of the Layer 2 Blockchain’s Success] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-bases-creator-thinks-social-apps-will-be-a-huge-part-of-the-layer-2-blockchains-success/) CoinDesk: --- [Debating Dencun: Will Ethereum's Big Update Help or Harm the Network?] (https://www.coindesk.com/tech/2024/03/13/debating-dencun-will-ethereums-big-update-help-or-harm-the-network/#:~:text=While%20many%20developers%20are%20celebrating,come%20back%20to%20bite%20it.) Jesse’s tweets on Dencun --- [October 2022] (https://twitter.com/jessepollak/status/1537839303740489728)   --- [January 2024] (https://twitter.com/jessepollak/status/1750599378786771421) --- [March 13, 2024] (https://twitter.com/jessepollak/status/1768071129854562698)   Blobs / Proto-danksharding --- [EIP-4844 proposal] (https://www.eip4844.com/) --- [Blobs unleashed: Ethereum’s Dencun upgrade activates on mainnet] (https://www.theblock.co/post/282236/ethereum-dencun-upgrade-blobs)   --- [Base says it will support EIP-4844 from 'day 1' following Dencun upgrade] (https://www.theblock.co/post/281258/base-to-support-eip-4844-from-day-1-following-dencun-upgrade?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss)   --- [Ethereum stans are putting the Bee Movie on blobs for as little as $5] (https://cointelegraph.com/news/ethereum-fans-use-dencun-blobs-upload-bee-movie-mainnet) Superchain --- [Decentralizing Base with the OP Stack and Optimism] (https://base.mirror.xyz/H_KPwV31M7OJT-THUnU7wYjOF16Sy7aWvaEr5cgHi8I)   --- [Base’s Commitment to Decentralization with the Superchain] (https://base.mirror.xyz/aBwt4flT1WAKJGQTj2AXBpH_8Qd3umQ-ZECLAJoO_nE)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

15 Mar 2024

40 MINS

40:46

15 Mar 2024


#650

The Chopping Block: The Ups-and Downs of Crypto since 2020 and where we are now! - Ep. 619

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest news. In this week's episode the squad asks: Is MakerDAO setting a new precedent for DeFi protocols with its emergency rate hike? How significant is the role of meme coins in the crypto market's volatility, and what does Solana's prominence tell us about the future of blockchain platforms? Can Ethereum maintain its position as the backbone of DeFi amidst the growing competition from layer 1 and layer 2 solutions? This episode delves deep into the whirlwind discussions surrounding MakerDAO's sudden monetary policy adjustments, scrutinizing the balance between stability and adaptability in DeFi's fast-paced world. We explore the fascinating, yet often speculative, universe of meme coins, highlighting their impact on network activity and public perception of cryptocurrency's value. The conversation also navigates the evolving landscape of Ethereum as it faces challenges and opportunities in scalability and functionality. Join us as we tackle these thought-provoking questions, armed with Robert Leshner's expertise, to peel back the layers of complexity surrounding DeFi strategies, the meme coin craze, and Ethereum's strategic positioning. Tune in for a captivating session aimed at decoding these trends and offering insights into their potential to redefine the contours of the crypto ecosystem. Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [TuneIn] (https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business-News/Unchained-Big-Ideas-From-The-Worlds-Of-Blockchain-p887100/) [, Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Show Highlights 🔹 MakerDAO's Monetary Strategy Shift: Exploring the implications of MakerDAO's emergency rate hike and its potential to redefine monetary policy in DeFi. 🔹 The Meme Coin Madness: Diving into the dynamics of meme coins in the crypto ecosystem, focusing on their impact on market volatility and investor behavior. 🔹 Ethereum's Position in the DeFi Ecosystem: Analyzing Ethereum's challenges and opportunities as it continues to be the backbone of decentralized finance amid rising competition. 🔹 The Crypto Evolution and Reflection: Reflecting on the progress of the crypto industry by comparing current discussions to traditional banking models, highlighting the maturation of the sector. 🔹 Solana's Influence in the Crypto Market: Investigating Solana's growing prominence for meme coin activity and what it signals about blockchain platform developments. 🔹 DeFi Protocols as Financial Antidotes: Discussing the role of DeFi protocols in offering alternatives to traditional financial systems and their potential to disrupt. 🔹 Intellectual Property Rights in a Digital Age: Speculating on the future of IP rights in the era of digital creation and AI, questioning the sustainability of current legal frameworks. 🔹 The Crypto Market's Bullish Trends: Analyzing the current bullish trends in the cryptocurrency market, including Bitcoin and Ethereum's price movements and the factors fueling optimism. 🔹 Governance and DAOs in Crypto's Future: Delving into the significance of decentralized autonomous organizations and governance models for the future of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Hosts ⭐️ [Haseeb Qureshi] (https://twitter.com/hosseeb) , Managing partner at Dragonfly  ⭐️ [Tom Schmidt] (https://twitter.com/tomhschmidt) , General Partner at Dragonfly  ⭐️ [Tarun Chitra] (https://twitter.com/tarunchitra) , Managing Partner at Robot Ventures ⭐️ [Robert Leshner] (https://twitter.com/rleshner) , Founder of Compound [Disclosures] (http://choppingblock.xyz) Links Bitcoin Is Hitting All-Time Highs Around the World (CoinDesk) [https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2024/02/29/bitcoin-is-hitting-all-time-highs-around-the-world/] (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2024/02/29/bitcoin-is-hitting-all-time-highs-around-the-world/)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

14 Mar 2024

59 MINS

59:09

14 Mar 2024


#649

Why EigenLayer May Be the Most Innovative New Ecosystem Since Ethereum - Ep. 618

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Sreeram Kannan, founder of EigenLayer, and Olaf Carlson-Wee, founder and CIO of Polychain Capital, an investor in EigenLayer, say that the developer ecosystem around EigenLayer is sprouting up very fast, which reminds Carlson-Wee of the developer excitement in Ethereum’s early days. They discuss the potential of EigenLayer, which uses a restaking mechanism to allow ETH stakers to reallocate their staked ETH and Liquid Staking Tokens (LSTs) to bolster security for other protocols. They cover how it could turbocharge Ethereum's rollup scaling roadmap and enable Ethereum to become a stack of decentralized software as a service providers. Additionally, they discuss the potential risks associated with restaking as well as how EigenLayer could work with AI. Read more: [What Is EigenLayer? A Guide to the Decentralized ETH Restaking Protocol] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/what-is-eigenlayer/) Show highlights: ---Sreeram's explanation of what EigenLayer is and what it allows on Ethereum ---why Polychain invested in EigenLayer's seed round ---why Sreeram believes that there are not just going to be three modules in blockchains, but thousands ---the types of applications that can be built with actively validated services, according to Sreeram ---why they both believe that EigenLayer will improve smart contracts ---whether EigenLayer will help solve the liquidity fragmentation issue in Layer 2s ---what Ethereum inclusion guarantees are and why they are important ---the potential risks of EigenLayer and why Olaf doesn’t agree that EigenLayer results in rehypothecation ---how attribution claims work in EigenLayer, allowing for "elastic scaling of security" ---EigenLayer’s points program and the likelihood of a token ---why Sreeram believes that an EigenLayer governance token wouldn't have the same issues as Lido's LDO ---whether EigenLayer should be a core part of the Ethereum protocol itself ---how AI and EigenLayer intersect and how to have permissionless innovation in the AI space Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest:     --- [Olaf Carlson-Wee] (https://twitter.com/zxocw?lang=en) , founder and CIO of Polychain Capital ---Previous appearances on Unchained: --- [OG Olaf Carlson-Wee on Why His Crypto Thesis Is Stronger Than Ever] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/podcast/og-olaf-carlson-wee-on-why-his-crypto-thesis-is-stronger-than-ever/) --- [Olaf Carlson-Wee: 'If There Is a Money-Losing Exploit, the Money Is Gone' ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/olaf-carlson-wee-if-there-is-a-money-losing-exploit-the-money-is-gone/) --- [Why The First Employee Of Coinbase Launched A Hedge Fund] (https://unchainedpodcast.com/why-the-first-employee-of-coinbase-launched-a-hedge-fund/) --- [To the Moon and Back With Polychain's Olaf Carlson-Wee] (https://unchainedpodcast.com/to-the-moon-and-back-with-polychains-olaf-carlson-wee/) --- [Special Episode with CNBC's Crypto Trader: Olaf Carlson-Wee on Why This Crypto Winter Is Different From Previous Ones] (https://unchainedpodcast.com/special-episode-with-cnbcs-crypto-trader-olaf-carlson-wee-on-why-this-crypto-winter-is-different-from-previous-ones-ep-028/) --- [All Things Cryptoeconomics, Pt. 1, With Olaf Carlson-Wee and Ryan Zurrer of Polychain Capital] (https://unchainedpodcast.com/all-things-cryptoeconomics-pt-1-with-olaf-carlson-wee-and-ryan-zurrer-of-polychain-capital/) --- [Sreeram Kannan] (https://twitter.com/sreeramkannan) , founder of EigenLayer ---Previous appearance on Unchained: [Do You Need to Think Twice Before Restaking Your Assets?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/podcast/do-you-need-to-think-twice-before-restaking-your-assets/) Links EigenLayer ---Unchained:  --- [What Is Ethereum Restaking? A Beginner's Guide] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/what-is-ethereum-restaking/) --- [ETHDenver’s 2024 Hackathon: Onchain Security, AI, and Gaming Fun Dominate the Winning Projects] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/ethdenvers-2024-hackathon-onchain-security-ai-and-gaming-fun-dominate-the-winning-projects/) --- [A16z, Binance Labs Make Investments in EigenLayer Ecosystem] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/a16z-binance-labs-make-investments-in-eigenlayer-ecosystem/) --- [EigenDA Overview] (https://docs.eigenlayer.xyz/eigenda/overview) ---Sreeram’s [post] (https://twitter.com/sreeramkannan/status/1764860526390386971?s=46&t=69TtUb497YXgqeWelZVL2w) on why “building on EigenLayer, therefore, doesn't negate the utility of an AVS token” Points ---DL News: [Kelp DAO opens trading of the $340m EigenLayer airdrop market with KEP] (https://www.dlnews.com/articles/defi/kelp-dao-launches-kep-tokens-for-eigenlayer-points-airdrop/) ---CoinDesk: [Omni Network Signs $600M Restaking Deal With Ether.Fi to Enhance Security] (https://www.coindesk.com/business/2024/03/04/omni-network-signs-600m-restaking-deal-with-etherfi-to-enhance-security/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

12 Mar 2024

1 HR 18 MINS

1:18:52

12 Mar 2024


#648

The Chopping Block: Meme Coin Frenzy, Decentralized AI, & Uniswap's Fee Strategy - Ep. 617

Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner dive into the hot topics stirring the cryptocurrency world. Could Uniswap's fee switch revolutionize DeFi's economic model? What's the real potential of decentralized AI in blockchain, and how close are we to seeing its practical applications? And in the whirlwind of the crypto market, what makes meme coins like Jeo Boden not just viral, but influential? This episode offers a detailed analysis of Uniswap's strategic move to potentially activate fee switches, exploring its implications for liquidity providers and the broader DeFi landscape. We also navigate the promising yet challenging terrain of Crypto AI, dissecting decentralized inference and the feasibility of verifiable training. The phenomenon of meme coins, with a spotlight on Jeo Boden, is dissected for its impact on community engagement and market dynamics. Join us as we probe these intriguing questions, equipped with Robert Leshner's insights, to unravel the complexities of DeFi innovations, Crypto AI's frontier, and the unique ecosystem of meme coins. Tune in for an enlightening session that aims to demystify these trends and provide a clearer understanding of their role in shaping the future of cryptocurrency. Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [TuneIn] (https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business-News/Unchained-Big-Ideas-From-The-Worlds-Of-Blockchain-p887100/) [, Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Show Highlights 🔹 Uniswap's Fee Switch Debate: Unpacking the implications of Uniswap's potential fee switch activation and its impact on DeFi's revenue models. 🔹 The Intricacies of Crypto AI: Diving deep into the world of Crypto AI, focusing on decentralized inference and the hurdles of verifiable training. 🔹 Meme Coin Phenomenon: Analyzing the cultural and economic forces behind meme coins like Jeo Boden and their sway in the crypto community. 🔹 Regulatory Winds in Crypto: Discussing the changing regulatory landscape and what Uniswap's move might signal about the future of DeFi regulation. 🔹 Market Predictions and Speculations: Exploring expert predictions on Bitcoin and Ethereum's price movements and the factors driving market optimism. 🔹 Technological Developments and Security: Delving into the significance of memory-safe programming and the White House's surprising tech endorsement. 🔹 Attested Data in the Age of Synthetic Media: Examining the role of cryptographically signed data in ensuring content authenticity in the blockchain era. 🔹 Decentralized Platforms' Disruption Potential: Probing the capability of decentralized platforms to reshape traditional social media models. 🔹 The Economic Model of DeFi: Discussing the potential transformation in DeFi's economic landscape post-Uniswap's fee switch implementation. 🔹 Crypto Culture and Community Dynamics: Investigating the unique cultural aspects of the crypto community, especially around meme coins and their market influence. Hosts ⭐️ [Haseeb Qureshi] (https://twitter.com/hosseeb) , Managing partner at Dragonfly  ⭐️ [Tom Schmidt] (https://twitter.com/tomhschmidt) , General Partner at Dragonfly  ⭐️ [Tarun Chitra] (https://twitter.com/tarunchitra) , Managing Partner at Robot Ventures ⭐️ [Robert Leshner] (https://twitter.com/rleshner) , Founder of Compound [Disclosures] (http://choppingblock.xyz) Links Bitcoin Is Hitting All-Time Highs Around the World (CoinDesk) [https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2024/02/29/bitcoin-is-hitting-all-time-highs-around-the-world/] (https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2024/02/29/bitcoin-is-hitting-all-time-highs-around-the-world/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

09 Mar 2024

1 HR 16 MINS

1:16:49

09 Mar 2024


#647

How, in 7 Weeks, Bitcoin ETFs Reached Inflows That Took Gold ETFs 3 Years - Ep. 616

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ ] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) [Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. In this episode, Eric Balchunas, senior ETF Analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence, discussed the performance of Bitcoin ETFs since their launch two months ago.  Balchunas noted that the ETFs' performance exceeded his expectations, with a faster and more intense "second wind" than anticipated. He attributed this to a combination of asset managers buying in, retail interest, and the "ETF effect" where the knowledge of incoming flows encourages non-ETF investors to buy.  Balchunas also predicted that BlackRock's Bitcoin ETF would likely be the most successful of the nine new spot Bitcoin ETFs, while also doubting that any of the smaller issuers would bow out.  He also discussed the potential for spot Ether ETFs, but was less optimistic about their success compared to Bitcoin ETFs. Learn more: [Bitcoin ETFs Explained: What Are They & How Do They Work?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bitcoin-etfs-explained/) Show highlights: ---Why the Bitcoin ETF performance in the past couple of weeks exceeded Eric's expectations ---Whether Eric had ever seen the kind of hype around Bitcoin ETFs occur with other ETFs ---How there has been a lot of retail interest in these past few weeks ---Eric's insights into how bitcoin reached all-time highs again this week ---Whether a good portion of the ETF volumes is sustainable and what's driving those large volumes ---Whether it's safe to say that BlackRock is the winner among issuers ---Whether the smaller issuers in terms of volume and AUM will close their ETFs ---When options on Bitcoin ETFs will be approved ---Whether in-kind redemptions will be allowed in the near future and the role of politics in that ---Whether Grayscale will have to reduce its fees considering the huge outflows from GBTC ---Why Eric believes that spot ether ETFs won't have as much demand as the bitcoin ETFs did ---Reasons the SEC could use to reject spot ether ETFs ---Whether issuers will rebalance their portfolios at the end of quarters ---What Eric expects to see in terms of inflows by year’s end  Thank you to our sponsors! --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) --- [Uniswap] (http://smarter.uniswap.org/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=unchained&utm_campaign=swap-smarter) Guest --- [Eric Balchunas] (https://twitter.com/EricBalchunas?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) , Senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence ---Previous appearances on Unchained: --- [Why Spot Bitcoin ETFs Are Likely to Finally Start Trading on Thursday] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-spot-bitcoin-etfs-are-likely-to-finally-start-trading-on-thursday/) --- [Will a Spot Bitcoin ETF Finally Get Approved?] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isSiGUL0OaY) Links Recent coverage on Unchained of Bitcoin’s surge:  --- [How the Bitcoins in Your ETF Get Sourced: The Real Story] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/how-the-bitcoins-in-your-etf-really-get-sourced/) --- [Should You Sell Bitcoin Now That It’s Nearing Its All-Time High?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/should-you-sell-bitcoin-now-that-its-nearing-its-all-time-high/) --- [Miners Appear to Sell $69 Million Worth of Decade-Old Bitcoin] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/miners-appear-to-sell-69-million-worth-of-decade-old-bitcoin/) --- [Bitcoin Hits New All-Time High Above $69,000, Presaging More Potential Gains] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bitcoin-hits-new-all-time-high-above-69000/) Previous coverage on the Unchained podcast of spot Bitcoin ETFs: --- [Bitcoin’s Price Is Way Up. And $48 Trillion in Wealth Just Got Access] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bitcoins-price-is-way-up-and-48-trillion-in-wealth-just-got-access/) --- [Why Some Brokerage Firms Are Blocking Access to Spot Bitcoin ETFs] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-some-brokerage-firms-are-blocking-access-to-spot-bitcoin-etfs/) --- [Why the SEC May Want Cash Creation of Spot Bitcoin ETFs] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-the-sec-may-want-cash-creation-of-spot-bitcoin-etfs/) --- [Why It Looks Like BlackRock Could Win America’s First Spot Bitcoin ETF] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-it-looks-like-blackrock-could-win-americas-first-spot-bitcoin-etf/) --- [The 4 Factors That Will Determine Which Spot Bitcoin ETFs Win Market Share] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/the-4-factors-that-will-determine-which-spot-bitcoin-etfs-win-market-share/) --- [How Much Money Will Flow Into Bitcoin ETFs? Here’s One Projection] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/podcast/how-much-money-will-flow-into-bitcoin-etfs-heres-one-projection/) ---Eric’s [tweet] (https://x.com/ericbalchunas/status/1765367976407282153?s=46&t=69TtUb497YXgqeWelZVL2w) on $IBIT smashing $788m  Ethereum spot ETF: ---BitMEX Blog: [Ethereum ETFs & Staking] (https://blog.bitmex.com/ethereum-etfs-staking/) ---Eric’s [tweet] (https://x.com/EricBalchunas/status/1763910750026793199?s=20) on ether ETFs  ---Unchained:  ---Wh [y Spot Ether ETFs Likely Won’t Steal Bitcoin’s Thunder — Even if Staking Is Included] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-spot-ether-etfs-wont-steal-bitcoins-thunder-even-if-staking-is-included/) --- [Spot Ether ETFs Could Introduce New Concentration Risk in Ethereum: S&P Global] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/spot-ether-etfs-could-introduce-new-concentration-risk-in-ethereum-sp-global/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

08 Mar 2024

57 MINS

57:06

08 Mar 2024


#646

The Catalysts for This Crypto Bull Market: AI, DeFi, Real World Assets? - Ep. 615

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. In this episode of Unchained, Alex Pack, managing partner at Hack VC discusses the firm's recent $150 million fundraise, the challenges of raising capital in a bear market, and the firm's focus on early-stage Web3 infrastructure. He also shares his thoughts on the intersection of crypto and AI, the future of DeFi, and the importance of security in the crypto space. Pack believes that the current infrastructure of crypto is still in its early stages and needs significant improvement before it can reach mainstream adoption. He also sees potential in the development of more secure smart contracts and the integration of AI into decentralized applications. Show highlights: ---How Hack VC was able to raise $150 million in a bear market, especially after the blowups of FTX, 3AC, and Terra ---Alex's interaction with SBF, whom he calls a "sociopath," and why he didn't invest in FTX ---Hack VC's philosophy to "back hackers" in crypto ---The goals behind Zuzalu, the new community that resembles Balaji Srinivasan's idea of a network state ---What the main focus of Hack VC's investments are, including scalability, AI, and DeFi ---Why Alex believes that "we are still so early" ---How Alex believes crypto and artificial intelligence will intersect  ---The role of AI agents and how to use them in decentralized applications ---Why he thinks that EigenLayer is a great solution for middleware applications ---Alex's opinion on the modular vs. monolithic approach for scaling blockchains ---How DeFi survived the last bear market, contrasted with the collapses of CeFi companies like Celsius, BlockFi and FTX ---Whether algorithmic stablecoins can ever work and what Alex thinks of Ethena's USDe ---How to improve security in crypto, according to Alex ---Why the outcome of the Bitcoin ETFs exceeded Alex's expectations ---What he believes the catalysts are for the next bull market Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest: --- [Alex Pack] (https://twitter.com/alpackap) , Managing partner at Hack VC ---Previous appearances on Unchained: --- [Dragonfly Capital on Why Ethereum Is So Far in the Lead] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/podcast/dragonfly-capital-on-why-ethereum-is-so-far-in-the-lead/) --- [‘The Last Big Whale’: Why the Crypto Contagion of 2022 Eventually Hit Genesis] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/podcast/the-last-big-whale-why-the-crypto-contagion-of-2022-eventually-hit-genesis-ep-426/) Links New fund ---Bloomberg: [Hack VC Raises $150 Million for Bets on Battered Crypto Industry] (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-20/hack-vc-raises-150-million-for-bets-on-battered-crypto-industry)   --- [Hack VC Closes $150M Venture Fund I, Bringing AUM to $425M] (https://blog.hack.vc/hack-vc-closes-150m-venture-fund-i-bringing-aum-to-425m/) Stablecoins: ---Unchained: --- [What Is Ethena’s USDe Synethic Dollar? A Beginner’s Guide] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/what-is-ethenas-usde-synethic-dollar/) --- [What Is Terra and Why Did It Fail?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/what-is-terra-and-why-did-it-fail/) --- [Why It's so Hard to Keep Stablecoins Stable ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/podcast/why-its-so-hard-to-keep-stablecoins-stable/) --- [What Is Depegging in Crypto and Why Does It Occur?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/what-is-depegging-in-crypto/) --- [What Is Real-World Asset (RWA) Tokenization? A Beginner's Guide] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/real-world-asset-tokenization/) EigenLayer ecosystem ---Unchained: [What Is EigenLayer? A Guide to the Decentralized ETH Restaking Protocol] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/what-is-eigenlayer/) ---The Block: [AltLayer closes $14.4 million strategic round co-led by Polychain and Hack VC] (https://www.theblock.co/post/277994/altlayer-strategic-fundraising-round-polychain-capital-hack-vc) Modular vs. monolithic approach ---Unchained:  --- [What Are Modular Blockchains? A Beginner's Guide] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/modular-blockchains/) --- [Three Crypto Pioneers on Crypto’s Monolithic vs. Modular Debate] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/three-crypto-pioneers-on-cryptos-monolithic-vs-modular-debate/) Crypto x AI crossover --- [io.net and Ritual Collaborate to Boost Global AI Compute Landscape] (http://io.net)   --- [Ritual x EigenLayer: Restaking for AI] (https://ritual.net/blog/eigenlayer) ---Unchained: [5 Use Cases of AI in Blockchain] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/use-cases-of-ai-in-blockchain/) Zuzalu Decrypt: [I Spent a Month Inside Vitalik Buterin’s Social Experiment—Here’s What It Was Really Like] (https://decrypt.co/143115/month-inside-vitalik-buterin-social-experiment-zuzalu-really-like) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

05 Mar 2024

1 HR 07 MINS

1:07:29

05 Mar 2024


#645

Bitcoin’s Price Is Way Up. And $48 Trillion in Wealth Just Got Access - Ep. 614

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. After a week in which Bitcoin nearly hit its all-time high, Alex Thorn, head of firmwide research at Galaxy, joins Unchained to discuss the pivotal role of ETF inflows in Bitcoin's recent price surge, the nuanced behaviors of long-term versus short-term holders, and the potential impacts of upcoming halvings and institutional involvement on the market's future trajectory.  Alex offers deep insights into the market value to realized value Z-score, explaining its relevance in assessing Bitcoin's valuation. He also delves into the implications of major financial institutions like Merrill and Wells Fargo embracing Bitcoin ETFs for their clients. Furthermore, Thorn speculates on the timing and conditions for an "altcoin season" and shares his price predictions for Bitcoin by the end of the year. Learn more: [Bitcoin ETFs Explained: What Are They & How Do They Work?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bitcoin-etfs-explained/) Show highlights: ---The main drivers for Bitcoin's recent surge, according to Alex ---Whether long-term Bitcoin holders are selling due to the recent surge in price ---What the MVRV (market value to realized value) Z-score is and how Alex uses this metric to assess the Bitcoin market ---Why Alex believes this period in Bitcoin's history is distinct ---What the implications of Merrill and Wells Fargo offering Bitcoin ETFs to their customers are, and how this expands Bitcoin's institutional appeal ---How the upcoming halving could affect the price, especially since Bitcoin is already closer to all-time highs than previous times ahead of the halving ---Why Alex thinks this might be the first time that highs in bitcoin and ether do not lead to an "altcoin season" ---Alex's price prediction for Bitcoin by the end of the year Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Uniswap] (http://smarter.uniswap.org/?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=unchained&utm_campaign=swap-smarter) --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest ---Alex Thorn, Head of Firmwide Research at Galaxy ---Previous appearance on Unchained: [How Much Money Will Flow Into Bitcoin ETFs? Here’s One Projection] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/how-much-money-will-flow-into-bitcoin-etfs-heres-one-projection/) Links Recent coverage on Unchained of Bitcoin’s surge:  --- [Should You Sell Bitcoin Now That It’s Nearing Its All-Time High?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/should-you-sell-bitcoin-now-that-its-nearing-its-all-time-high/) --- [Bitcoin Watchers React to BTC Returning to the $60,000 Mark] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bitcoin-watchers-reach-to-btc-returning-to-the-60000-mark/) --- [Coinbase App Crashes Amid Bitcoin’s Massive Rally] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/coinbase-app-crashes-amid-bitcoins-massive-rally/) --- [Bitcoin Price Surges Past $61,000] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bitcoin-price-surges-past-60000/) Others: ---The Block: [JPMorgan says bitcoin price could drop towards $42,000 after April halving] (https://www.theblock.co/post/279833/jpmorgan-bitcoin-price-april-halving) ---Bloomberg: [BofA’s Merrill, Wells Fargo Offer Bitcoin ETFs to Wealth Clients] (https://news.bloomberglaw.com/business-and-practice/bofas-merrill-wells-fargo-offer-bitcoin-etfs-to-wealth-clients) Previous coverage on Unchained of spot Bitcoin ETFs: --- [Why Some Brokerage Firms Are Blocking Access to Spot Bitcoin ETFs] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-some-brokerage-firms-are-blocking-access-to-spot-bitcoin-etfs/) --- [Why Spot Bitcoin ETFs Are Likely to Finally Start Trading on Thursday ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-spot-bitcoin-etfs-are-likely-to-finally-start-trading-on-thursday/) --- [Why the SEC May Want Cash Creation of Spot Bitcoin ETFs] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-the-sec-may-want-cash-creation-of-spot-bitcoin-etfs/) --- [Why It Looks Like BlackRock Could Win America’s First Spot Bitcoin ETF] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/why-it-looks-like-blackrock-could-win-americas-first-spot-bitcoin-etf/) --- [Will a Spot Bitcoin ETF Finally Get Approved?] (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=isSiGUL0OaY) --- [The 4 Factors That Will Determine Which Spot Bitcoin ETFs Win Market Share] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/the-4-factors-that-will-determine-which-spot-bitcoin-etfs-win-market-share/) --- [How Much Money Will Flow Into Bitcoin ETFs? Here’s One Projection] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/podcast/how-much-money-will-flow-into-bitcoin-etfs-heres-one-projection/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

01 Mar 2024

47 MINS

47:41

01 Mar 2024


#644

Famed White Hat Hacker Samczsun on How to Improve Crypto Security - Ep. 613

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Well-known white hat hacker and head of security at Paradigm samczsun recently took the wraps off a new security organization called the Security Alliance (SEAL) that offers a 911 hotline for immediate response to security threats, runs war games to simulate potential security incidents, and provides a safe harbor agreement to protect white hat hackers from legal liabilities. He joined Unchained to discuss why he and his fellow white hat hackers decided to start the Security Alliance and how it operates, how the safe harbor agreement works, the measures he takes to maintain his anonymity and why, the top security measures people in crypto should take to protect themselves, and what attack areas in crypto Sam still considers “scary.”    Show highlights: ---How samczsun got into white hat hacking ---The most memorable saves and rescues sam was able to perform  ---Whether there's a reason why sam is so good at noticing bugs in crypto ---The origin of his samczsun handle ---What the Security Alliance is and why it was formed ---How SEAL would approach a bug or a hack ---Whether black hat hackers are trying to exploit open groups ---Why the work in the group is volunteered, not paid, and whether that's sustainable ---How the SEAL War Games help in training on how to respond to an incident in Web3 ---What the Safe Harbor Agreement is and what it aims to accomplish for white hat hackers ---How sam protects his identity and whether his coworkers know what he looks like ---The top security measures people working in crypto should take ---How projects should approach the audit for their smart contracts given it's an expensive endeavor  ---What attack vectors still scare sam What is ‘White Hat Hacking’? White hat hacking, often referred to as ethical hacking, is a cybersecurity practice where skilled computer experts use their knowledge for good, employing the same methods as malicious hackers (black hat hackers) but with a significant difference: they do so with permission and for a constructive purpose. These ethical hackers identify vulnerabilities in computer systems, networks, or applications before malicious attackers can exploit them. By detecting and resolving these security weaknesses, white hat hackers help organizations strengthen their defenses against cyber threats.  Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Popcorn Network] (http://vaultcraft.io/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest: --- [Samczsun] (https://twitter.com/samczsun) , CEO of Security Alliance (SEAL) and Head of Security at Paradigm ---Previous appearances on Unchained: [The Chopping Block: Top White Hat Hacker Samczsun Discusses the State of Crypto Security] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/the-chopping-block-top-white-hat-hacker-samczsun-discusses-the-state-of-crypto-security/) Links --- [Introducing the Security Alliance] (https://securityalliance.notion.site/Introducing-the-Security-Alliance-e07c85364140440cb4911a5737461648) ---Bloomberg: [Paradigm’s Famed ‘White-Hat’ Hacker Unites Peers Against Crypto Attacks] (https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-02-14/paradigm-s-famed-white-hat-hacker-unites-peers-against-crypto-attacks) ,  ---White Hat Safe Harbor [ [Github] (https://github.com/security-alliance/safe-harbor) ] ---Chainalysis: [Funds Stolen from Crypto Platforms Fall More Than 50% in 2023, but Hacking Remains a Significant Threat as Number of Incidents Rises] (https://www.chainalysis.com/blog/crypto-hacking-stolen-funds-2024/) ---sam’s [tweet] (https://twitter.com/samczsun/status/1738733953974989245) on security practices  ---Halborn: [Explained: The Nomad Hack (August 2022)] (https://www.halborn.com/blog/post/explained-the-nomad-hack-august-2022) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

27 Feb 2024

1 HR 00 MINS

1:00:49

27 Feb 2024


#643

Stacks’ Muneeb Ali On Why Bitcoin Is Exciting Once Again - Ep. 612

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Fifteen years after the birth of Bitcoin, the network is now entering an era of remarkable innovation and change, according to Stacks' co-creator Muneeb Ali. On this episode of Unchained recorded at the Bitcoin Builders conference, Muneeb explores the complexities and advancements within Bitcoin's Layer 1 and Layer 2. He shares his perspectives on what's fueling innovation in Bitcoin's Layer 1 and discusses the implications of Ordinal Inscriptions amid criticism of it by core developers.  He delves into the various scaling solutions within Bitcoin, highlighting how trust assumptions vary among them, and how BitVM could be a 'game changer'. He goes over the advantages of integrating smart contracts on Bitcoin, and why he considers BTC the only true form of monetary asset.  Show highlights: ---What's driving innovation in Bitcoin’s L1  ---How Muneeb feels about Ordinals Inscriptions in Bitcoin, considering the criticism from some core developers ---How, in the recent years, research and development in crypto happened outside of Bitcoin, and how that's changing now, according to Muneeb ---The different types of scaling solutions in Bitcoin and how the trust assumptions differ in each of them ---Why he feels like BitVM is a 'game changer' and what it enables ---What the Nakamoto upgrade is on Stacks ---The advantages of having smart contracts on Bitcoin, according to Muneeb ---Why he says that BTC is the only asset that is money ---The challenges to having privacy in Bitcoin Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Popcorn Network] (http://vaultcraft.io/) --- [iTrustCapital] (https://www.itrustcapital.com/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guest --- [Muneeb Ali] (https://twitter.com/muneeb?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) , co-creator of Stacks ---Previous appearances on Unchained:  --- [Bitcoin Ordinal NFTs Are Hot and Getting Hotter. What's the Hype About? - NFT Crypto] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bitcoin-ordinal-nfts-are-hot-and-getting-hotter-whats-the-hype-about/) --- [Blockstack On Getting Independence From Google, Facebook And Amazon] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/blockstack-on-getting-independence-from-google-facebook-and-amazon/) Links Recent news: ---Unchained:  --- [Stacks, a Bitcoin Layer 2 Protocol, Sees All-Time High in Total Value Locked] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/stacks-a-bitcoin-layer-2-protocol-sees-all-time-high-in-total-value-locked/) --- [A New Era for Bitcoin Is Here, Whether Bitcoin Maximalists Like It Or Not] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/a-new-era-for-bitcoin-is-here-whether-bitcoin-maximalists-like-it-or-not/) --- [Bitcoin Passes the $1 Trillion Market Cap Mark; All Cryptos Combined Reach $2 Trillion] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/bitcoin-passes-the-1-trillion-market-cap-mark-all-cryptos-combined-reach-2-trillion/) Bitcoin L2s: ---Unchained:  --- [Are Layer 2s on Bitcoin Having a Moment?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/are-layer-2s-on-bitcoin-having-a-moment/) --- [How Botanix Aims to Enable Smart Contracts on Bitcoin] (https://unchainedcrypto.substack.com/p/how-botanix-aims-to-enable-smart) --- [An Ethereum-Like Experience Built on Bitcoin?] (https://unchainedcrypto.substack.com/p/an-ethereum-like-experience-built) Learn more: --- [What Are Opcodes in Bitcoin? A Beginner's Guide] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/opcodes-in-bitcoin/) --- [What Are BRC-20 Tokens? ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/what-are-brc-20-tokens/) --- [What Are ORC-20 Tokens? ] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/orc-20-tokens/) --- [How to Create a Bitcoin Ordinal] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/how-to-create-a-bitcoin-ordinal/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

23 Feb 2024

46 MINS

46:58

23 Feb 2024


#642

The Chopping Block: Starknet's Airdrop, Founder Challenges, and Ethena's Mainnet - Ep. 611

Welcome to The Chopping Block, where crypto experts Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner bring you inside perspectives on critical topics in the crypto world. This week the boys dive deep into Starknet's airdrop controversies, the psychological toll of internet backlash on founders, and the groundbreaking Ethena project inspired by Arthur Hayes. This episode questions the effectiveness of airdrop strategies in user engagement, the resilience founders must muster against online criticism, and Ethena's potential to revolutionize crypto finance with its tokenized cash and carry trade. We also tackle the security threats on platforms like GitHub, the balance between egalitarian distribution versus market dynamics, and the transparency required in token economics. What legal challenges arise from token vesting schedules, and how does Ethena innovate in crypto finance inspired by traditional models? Join us for an insightful exploration of these critical topics, aiming to enrich our understanding of cryptocurrency airdrops, founder resilience, and Ethena's ambitious financial mechanisms within the evolving cryptocurrency ecosystem. Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [TuneIn] (https://tunein.com/podcasts/Business-News/Unchained-Big-Ideas-From-The-Worlds-Of-Blockchain-p887100/) [, Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Show Highlights 🔹 Starknet Airdrop Controversy: Exploring the backlash and debates over its distribution mechanics. 🔹 The Psychology of Founders Facing Internet Critique: Discussing the impact of public scrutiny on creators. 🔹 Innovation in Airdrop Strategies: Highlighting the need for creativity to engage and retain users. 🔹 GitHub and Security Risks: Addressing the increase in phishing attacks and noise on developer platforms. 🔹 Efficacy of Airdrops in User Engagement: Evaluating how airdrops influence community involvement and loyalty. 🔹 Egalitarianism vs. Market Dynamics: Debating the balance between fair distribution and economic incentives. 🔹 The Complexities of Vesting Periods: Unpacking the discussions around token unlock schedules. 🔹 Legal Nuances of Crypto Vesting: Exploring the regulatory implications and challenges. 🔹 Transparency in Token Economics: The importance of clear policies for investor confidence. 🔹 The Inspiration Behind Ethena: Tracing the origins and motivations for its creation. 🔹 Cash and Carry Trade Basics: Simplifying the concept and its significance in crypto finance. 🔹 Analyzing Ethena’s Yield Mechanisms: Delving into the strategies and risks of yield generation. 🔹 Risk Mitigation in Ethena’s Protocol: Investigating novel approaches to safeguarding assets. 🔹 The Potential Ripple Effects of Ethena: Speculating on the impact of layered financial products. Hosts ⭐️ [Haseeb Qureshi] (https://twitter.com/hosseeb) , Managing Partner at Dragonfly  ⭐️ [Tom Schmidt] (https://twitter.com/tomhschmidt) , General Partner at Dragonfly  ⭐️ [Tarun Chitra] (https://twitter.com/tarunchitra) , Managing Partner at Robot Ventures ⭐️ [Robert Leshner] (https://twitter.com/rleshner) , Founder of Compound [Disclosures] (http://choppingblock.xyz) Links ---“Is the Short Team Lockup for STRK ‘Misaligned’? No, Says Starkware CEO - Ep. 609”: [https://youtu.be/0D0Qyw9TeoY] (https://youtu.be/0D0Qyw9TeoY)   ---The Uniswap Airdrop - Lessons for the Industry by jhackworth: [https://dune.com/blog/uni-airdrop-analysis] (https://dune.com/blog/uni-airdrop-analysis)   ---“Dust on Crust” by Arthur Hayes: [https://ehandbook.com/dust-on-crust-300d4b5cf3ec] (https://ehandbook.com/dust-on-crust-300d4b5cf3ec)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

22 Feb 2024

1 HR 05 MINS

1:05:02

22 Feb 2024


#641

Why the Celestia Team Sees a Future With 10,000 Roll-Ups - Ep. 610

Listen to the episode on [Apple Podcasts] (https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/unchained/id1123922160) , [ Spotify] (https://open.spotify.com/show/1cJrrfGY1SKBIRn5noKSAf) , [ ] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) [Fountain] (https://fountain.fm/show/XCVXRPNvY3wLrlMHwAMs) , [Overcast] (https://overcast.fm/itunes1123922160/unchained) , [ Podcast Addict] (https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/4129535) , [ Pocket Casts] (https://pca.st/podcast/bb16e6b0-1469-0134-a447-13e6b3913b15) , [ Pandora] (https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/forbes-podcast-network/unchained-big-ideas-from-the-worlds-of-blockchain-and-fintech) , [ Castbox] (https://castbox.fm/channel/Unchained-id1370321) , [ Google Podcasts] (https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cDovL3VuY2hhaW5lZC5saWJzeW4uY29tL3VuY2hhaW5lZA%3D%3D) , [Amazon Music] (https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/f5ec630d-4dfa-4e73-baca-3f5062927c55/unchained?refMarker=null) , or on your favorite podcast platform. Celestia, a data availability layer for blockchains, was launched last October to much fanfare. The platform takes a modular approach to blockchains, allowing developers to post data onto it without the need for smart contracts or execution. This makes it extremely useful for scaling roll-ups and other layer two technologies.  Celestia co-founder Mustafa Al-Bassam and COO Nick White join Unchained to discuss what Celestia is and how it works, how data availability sampling allows for more scalability, how Celestia compares with other data availability layers, whether Celestia could become a data availability layer for Bitcoin, and comparisons between Celestia and Solana.  Show highlights: ---Mustafa’s background and how his project called Lazy Ledger ended up becoming Celestia ---Nick’s vision for modular blockchains ---Why Mustafa believes in the “10,000 roll-up” endgame ---Why Mustafa thinks that gaming and NFT chains work better on a modular blockchain ---What Celestia is and how it resembles the publication of an article in a newspaper ---What data availability sampling (DAS) is and how it works to ensure that the data is available and accurate for validators ---How DAS allows for more scalability ---What types of applications can be built with this type of modular architecture ---Mustafa’s explanation of the concept of Blob stream and blob space ---How a roll-up can be an independent or sovereign layer, not just a layer 2 to a layer 1 ---How Celestia competes with other DA layers, like the future EigenDA ---The role of the TIA token in the Celestia ecosystem  ---How Mufasa hacked the CIA when he was 16 years old and how he transitioned into crypto ---Whether Celestia could become a DA layer for Bitcoin layer 2 roll-ups ---Whether Solana could end up becoming an Ethereum layer 2 using Celestia for data availability  ---The proposal to extend the functionality of Celestia without smart contracts in the base layer  Thank you to our sponsors! --- [Popcorn Network] (http://vaultcraft.io/) --- [Polkadot] (https://polkadot.network/ecosystem/community/) Guests: --- [Nick White] (https://twitter.com/nickwh8te?lang=en) , COO at Celestia Labs ---Previous appearances on Unchained: [Three Crypto Pioneers on Crypto’s Monolithic vs. Modular Debate] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/three-crypto-pioneers-on-cryptos-monolithic-vs-modular-debate/) --- [Mustafa Al-Bassam] (https://twitter.com/musalbas?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) , cofounder and CEO at Celestia Labs Links Modular vs. monolithic ---Alchemy: [Modular vs. Monolithic Blockchains] (https://www.alchemy.com/overviews/modular-vs-monolithic-blockchains) ---Visa: [Monolithic vs. modular blockchain] (https://usa.visa.com/solutions/crypto/monolithic-vs-modular-blockchain.html#:~:text=Modular%20blockchains%20boast%20high%20adaptability,tasks%2C%20offering%20greater%20design%20flexibility.&text=Monolithic%20blockchains%20are%20less%20complex,but%20hampers%20flexibility%20and%20scalability) ---Chris Burniske’s [tweet on modular vs monolithic] (https://twitter.com/cburniske/status/1531326486103199744?lang=en) ---“ [The horrific inefficiencies of monolithic blockchains] (https://polynya.mirror.xyz/3-omFNK3uU0iAaYSpFz0f9rCvrDBjx0H3XOSDGXU8hY) ” by polynya ---Blockworks: [A spicy salvo launched in the monolithic vs modular debate] (https://blockworks.co/news/monolithic-modular-blockchain-debate) ---Unchained: [What Is the Blockchain Trilemma?] (https://unchainedcrypto.com/blockchain-trilemma/) Celestia --- [Celestia’s explanation of modular blockchains] (https://celestia.org/learn/basics-of-modular-blockchains/modular-and-monolithic-blockchains/) --- [Data availability] (https://celestia.org/glossary/data-availability/) --- [Data availability sampling] (https://celestia.org/glossary/data-availability-sampling/) --- [An introduction to sovereign roll-ups] (https://celestia.org/learn/sovereign-rollups/an-introduction/) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit [megaphone.fm/adchoices] (https://megaphone.fm/adchoices) ... Read more

20 Feb 2024

1 HR 12 MINS

1:12:31

20 Feb 2024