

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

Feb 18, 2022 • 41min
Congressman Ro Khanna: How to Get More Democrats into Web3 - Ep.321
Congressman Ro Khanna, representing California's 17th district and author of "Dignity in a Digital Age," dives into the world of crypto and decentralization. He passionately advocates for using technology to democratize job opportunities and believes that crypto can enhance wealth generation for marginalized communities. Khanna discusses the pressing need for clear regulations on crypto assets and proposes ways to educate lawmakers while emphasizing environmental concerns and the importance of bipartisan support. Tune in for his insights and policy recommendations!

Feb 15, 2022 • 1h 8min
Your 2021 Crypto Taxes: How to Handle NFTs, DAOs, Airdrops and More - Ep.320
Shehan Chandrasekera, a CPA and tax strategist at Cointracker, and John Cardone, a tax controversy expert at RSM US LLP, dive into the complex world of crypto taxes for 2021. They discuss the five taxable crypto transactions and how NFTs differ in taxation. The duo explains the importance of accuracy in reporting and the potential changes stemming from new regulations. They also touch on reporting airdrops, staking income, and the evolving landscape of crypto taxation, emphasizing strategies to minimize tax liabilities.

Feb 11, 2022 • 37min
How Law Enforcement Tracked Down $3.6 Billion in Bitcoin - Ep.319
Tom Robinson, cofounder and chief scientist at Elliptic, shares his expertise in cryptocurrency as law enforcement seizes $3.6 billion in Bitcoin linked to the 2016 Bitfinex hack. He discusses the techniques used by the alleged money launderers, the critical role of the darknet marketplace AlphaBay, and how the U.S. government accessed private keys. Tom also analyzes the evolving landscape of money laundering in crypto, emphasizing how advanced blockchain analytics can catch illicit transactions, while addressing the implications of privacy coins like Monero.

Feb 9, 2022 • 58min
The Chopping Block: SBF on a Crazy Week of Bitfinex, Wormhole and ENS Drama - Ep.318
Dive into a lively discussion about the challenges of decentralized finance and the whimsical world of crypto personalities. Hear insights on the Wormhole hack, the Assange DAO’s fundraising efforts, and how GameStop's move impacted Immutable X. The hosts reflect on public responses to controversial statements, the recovery of $4.5 billion from the Bitfinex hack, and the amusing debate between 'word cells' and 'shape rotators' that reveals cognitive diversity in the crypto sphere.

Feb 8, 2022 • 1h 11min
Will Every Piece of Media Enter the Internet as an NFT? Variant Fund Says Yes - Ep.317
Jesse Walden and Li Jin, co-founders of Variant Fund, delve into the transformative power of the ownership economy and NFTs. They explore why web3 is more beneficial for creators compared to web2 and discuss the potential of NFTs beyond mere art. Jesse shares his musical background and passion for music NFTs, while Li highlights how web3 can resolve gig economy challenges. The duo also addresses criticisms from notable figures and shares insights on NFT trends that could shape the future, advocating for decentralized economic models.

Feb 4, 2022 • 51min
Are Democrats Against Crypto? These Two Congressional Candidates Say No - Ep.316
Shrina Kurani, a tech-savvy candidate for California's 41st District, and Morgan Harper, an advocate for economic opportunity and former CFPB official running for U.S. Senate in Ohio, passionately discuss their pro-crypto campaigns. They argue that crypto can enhance financial equity while remaining environmentally conscious. Shrina shares how minting NFTs raised campaign funds, while both stress the need for educating regulators about Web3. They emphasize the importance of clear regulations to foster innovation and warn against single-issue voting.

Feb 1, 2022 • 1h 4min
How NFT DAOs Could Shape the Next Blockbuster, Fund Poetry and Change VC - Ep.315
Trevor McFedries, CEO of Dapper Collectives and founder of Friends With Benefits DAO, delves into the future of DAOs and NFTs. He shares insights about his journey from creating the virtual influencer Lil Miquela to building community-driven platforms. Trevor discusses the unique dynamics of venture capital within DAOs, stressing the need for trust and community engagement. He also reveals plans for Friends With Benefits and the importance of inclusivity in the crypto space, while exploring the potential of social tokens to redefine creative collaboration.

Jan 28, 2022 • 41min
Can a Pro-Bitcoin Platform Help in a Congressional Race? Aarika Rhodes Says Yes - Ep.314
Erica Rhodes, a Democratic congressional candidate and former teacher, shares her vision for fostering community empowerment through pro-Bitcoin policies. She discusses her motivations for running for Congress, emphasizing the need for youth representation and education reform. The conversation highlights the transformative impact of cryptocurrency on marginalized communities and advocates for integrating financial literacy into school curriculums. Rhodes also explores the necessity for informed regulation and sustainable practices in the evolving crypto landscape.

Jan 26, 2022 • 55min
The Chopping Block: Why the Lack of a Fee Market Created 'Bread Lines' on Solana - Ep.313
Crypto experts dive into the recent turmoil in the digital asset realm. They dissect Twitter's foray into NFT profile pictures and the mixed reactions from the community. The team tackles Solana's struggles and the pressing need for a more dynamic fee structure. There's a deep analysis of MakerDAO's challenges during market downturns and the fluctuating value perceptions of NFTs. Insights on the resilience of the Cosmos ecosystem and the role of DeFi in navigating these choppy waters provide a compelling snapshot of the industry's current state.

Jan 25, 2022 • 1h 8min
SyndicateDAO Is Launching Web3 Investment Clubs. Could They Disrupt VCs? - Ep.312
Ian Lee and Will Papper, co-founders of SyndicateDAO, are reshaping the investment landscape with their innovative Web3 Investment Clubs. They discuss how these clubs can democratize investing, allowing anyone to form an investment DAO with just a few clicks. The duo explains the legal compliance journey for these clubs and the potential disruption they pose to traditional venture capital. They also share insights from their collaboration, the development of on-chain tools, and Will's experiences creating the Adventure Gold token.


