

Unchained
Laura Shin
Crypto assets and blockchain technology are about to transform every trust-based interaction of our lives, from financial services to identity to the Internet of Things. In this podcast, host Laura Shin, an independent journalist covering all things crypto, talks with industry pioneers about how crypto assets and blockchains will change the way we earn, spend and invest our money. Tune in to find out how Web 3.0, the decentralized web, will revolutionize our world.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Oct 21, 2022 • 38min
Fat Man Terra Speaks: Do Kwon Is a ‘Sociopath’ and a ‘Charismatic Manipulator’ - Ep. 410
In this engaging conversation, Fat Man Terra, an anonymous Twitter advocate for justice regarding the Terra collapse, shares his insights on Do Kwon, whom he describes as a 'charismatic manipulator.' He discusses the manipulative tactics Kwon used during interviews and his alleged insincerity about the impact of his actions on victims. Fat Man also addresses the need for transparency in the crypto space and emphasizes the importance of making an example of Kwon to restore trust among investors after the scandal.

Oct 19, 2022 • 1h 24min
The Chopping Block: Two on Two Debate: NFT Royalty Throwdown! - Ep. 409
In this intriguing debate, Laura Shin, an author and crypto podcaster, goes head-to-head with Zhuoxun Yin, cofounder of the NFT marketplace Magic Eden, and Li Jin, cofounder of Variant Fund, known for their expertise in the creator economy. They tackle NFT royalties, with Laura arguing against zero royalties as a threat to creators, while Haseeb claims they aren't sustainable. Discussions also cover the future of the NFT market, the impact of optional royalties on creators, and innovative solutions for aligning interests between creators and collectors.

Oct 18, 2022 • 1h 28min
Do Kwon of Terra: 'It Was Never Really About Money or Fame or Success' - Ep. 408
Do Kwon, cofounder of Terraform Labs, reflects on the tumultuous aftermath of the TerraUSD collapse and the legal challenges he faces in South Korea. He discusses the emotional fallout for victims, openly addressing the tragic losses reported. Kwon shares his past regrets over his confident social media presence and contemplates the transparency issues surrounding Terra's financial structures. He also explores the complexities behind stablecoins and the lessons learned from both Terra and previous projects.

Oct 14, 2022 • 40min
Why the SEC Is Probing Yuga Labs and Coin Center �Is Suing Treasury - Ep. 407
Peter Van Valkenburgh, Director of Research at Coin Center and an expert in cryptocurrency regulation, discusses the SEC's investigation into Yuga Labs and the complexities of determining whether NFTs are securities. He reveals the implications for NFT holders if classified as such and shares insights on Coin Center's lawsuit against the U.S. Treasury regarding Tornado Cash sanctions. Peter also addresses the broader legal challenges posed by smart contracts and the need for effective regulation in the evolving crypto landscape.

Oct 11, 2022 • 59min
Zaki Manian and Jack Zampolin on Why ATOM Is 'Dogecoin for Academics' - Ep. 406
Zaki Manian, cofounder of Sommelier Protocol and Iqlusion, and Jack Zampolin, founder of Strangelove Ventures, dive into the innovative world of Cosmos. They unravel the significance of application-specific blockchains and the new white paper set to redefine ATOM's role. Key topics include interchain security, a new governance model allocating gas fees to developers, and maximizing extractable value (MEV) through a scheduler. They also discuss the future of decentralized finance and how USDC will launch on a consumer chain, making waves in the ecosystem.

Oct 8, 2022 • 1h 16min
The Chopping Block: Was This Gary Gensler's Most Liked Tweet? - Ep. 405
Crypto optimism varies dramatically between Asia and the U.S., sparking lively debate. The recent CFTC lawsuit against Ooki DAO raises concerns about decentralized governance and legal implications. Celebrity endorsements in crypto come under scrutiny after a hefty SEC settlement, revealing conflicts of interest. The NFT landscape faces challenges with royalty enforcement and marketplace censorship. Meanwhile, the conversation turns to Ethereum's MEV, questioning the ethics of centralization and the need for a technical overhaul in regulatory bodies.

Oct 7, 2022 • 37min
Kristin Smith on Why Crypto Legislation Could Be Passed by Year's End - Ep. 404
Kristin Smith, the Executive Director of the Blockchain Association, dives into the complexities of crypto regulation. She discusses the impacts of the Tornado Cash sanctions and the CFTC lawsuit against Ooki DAO. Kristin sheds light on the SEC's charges against Kim Kardashian, questioning whether they were a mere publicity stunt. With an eye on upcoming legislation, she shares her thoughts on the prospects of crypto bills passing by the year's end and why stablecoin regulations might be delayed.

Oct 4, 2022 • 1h 1min
Sam Bankman-Fried on How to Prevent the Next Terra and 3AC - Ep. 403
Sam Bankman-Fried, founder and CEO of FTX, dives into the intricacies of crypto regulation and the impact of recent market downturns. He emphasizes the need for clear regulatory frameworks to prevent future collapses like Terra and 3AC. Sam discusses sustainable risk management strategies for crypto lenders and the interplay between crypto and traditional finance. He also reflects on political donations, advocating for political support based on candidates' economic perspectives rather than party affiliation. A fascinating glimpse into the future of the crypto landscape!

Sep 30, 2022 • 38min
Why the Ooki DAO Case Could Hurt Participation in DAOs - Ep. 402
Nick Day, CoinDesk's managing editor for global policy and regulation, discusses the significant CFTC lawsuit against Ooki DAO. He explores how this case could chill participation in decentralized autonomous organizations and questions the regulatory fairness of targeting DAO members. They dive into the implications of the lawsuit on the DeFi landscape, concerns over member liability, and the adequacy of the CFTC's notification methods. The conversation also touches on whether the allegations might render all DeFi illegal and the broader risks faced by token holders.

Sep 27, 2022 • 1h 5min
How Will the Legal Case Against Do Kwon Play Out in South Korea? - Ep. 401
Jongbaek Park, a blockchain lawyer from Bae, Kim & Lee, and journalist Zack Guzman dive deep into the legal saga surrounding Do Kwon and TerraForm Labs. They discuss whether Do Kwon is really on the run and the serious charges he faces, including a potential violation of capital markets law. The pair also explore the massive impact of Terra’s collapse on South Korean society, implications for cryptocurrency regulations, and the future of Kwon's legal battles, including possible prison time and the chilling effect on innovation in the crypto space.


