

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

Apr 27, 2021 • 1h 4min
How NFT Platform OpenSea Plans to Maintain Its Competitive Advantage - Ep.232
Devin Finzer, co-founder and CEO of OpenSea, dives into the world of NFTs, exploring their growing popularity and impact on digital ownership. He discusses the challenges artists face while monetizing their work and how OpenSea plans to adapt in a competitive landscape. Finzer addresses the complexities of NFT royalties and unauthorized minting, emphasizing the need for solutions in the evolving market. Additionally, he shares insights on OpenSea's integration with various blockchains, highlighting their commitment to innovation and environmental considerations.

Apr 23, 2021 • 39min
Unconfirmed: This Layer 2 Solution Processed More NFT Trades in 24 Hours Than Ethereum Did in 1 Week - Ep.231
Robbie Ferguson, co-founder and president of Immutable, dives deep into the transformative power of Immutable X, a layer 2 solution tackling scalability for NFTs on Ethereum. He explains how this innovation solves high gas fees and enhances transaction speed in gaming. Ferguson also discusses the integration of ZK-rollups versus fraud proofs, the growing importance of liquidity for NFTs, and Immutable's unique business model. Plus, he shares why building on Ethereum is crucial for the future of NFT gaming.

Apr 20, 2021 • 1h 3min
Thanks, Forbes: Laura on How the Unchained Podcast Came to Be - Ep.230
Discover the journey of a journalist turned podcaster as they share insights on blending media with podcasting. The discussion highlights the importance of tough questioning and maintaining journalistic integrity while engaging diverse guests. Learn how a podcast can lead to lucrative book deals and the significance of retaining ownership rights. Tips for aspiring creators abound, especially on crafting compelling content and overcoming industry challenges. Plus, reflections on the unique hurdles faced by women in the podcasting landscape.

Apr 16, 2021 • 35min
Unconfirmed: Why This Analyst Puts Coinbase in the Most Exclusive Club of Stocks - Ep.229
Gil Luria, Director of Research at D.A. Davidson, is a noted Wall Street analyst in the crypto space. In this conversation, he analyzes Coinbase's risky direct listing and its initial trading performance. The discussion includes his revised price target for COIN, the comparison of investing in it versus other companies like MicroStrategy, and predictions on its future revenue streams. Luria also addresses the relationship between Coinbase’s stock and Bitcoin prices, and the implications of competition on their fees and market cap.

Apr 13, 2021 • 50min
Why Bitcoin’s December Price Target Is Now ‘Above $300,000’ - Ep.228
Peter L. Brandt, a seasoned trader known for his insights on futures and FX, teams up with Willy Woo, an influential on-chain Bitcoin analyst and the mind behind 'The Bitcoin Forecast.' They dive into Bitcoin's historical relevance and parabolic advances, exploring why Peter believes it's not a bubble. Willy discusses the looming Bitcoin supply shock and how we might be on the brink of a new monetary system. The duo also reflects on Bitcoin's adoption, the volatility ahead, and the significance of viewing wealth in Bitcoin over fiat.

Apr 9, 2021 • 36min
Unconfirmed: What $1.8 Billion in Q1 Revenue Means for Coinbase’s Direct Listing - Ep.227
Larry Cermak, Director of Research at The Block, shares insights on Coinbase's impressive $1.8 billion Q1 revenue. He discusses how Coinbase's shift to non-transaction revenue allows them to charge higher fees and attract retail investors. Cermak analyzes the competitive landscape of crypto exchanges and predicts future trends like fee compression. He also touches on the implications of Coinbase's minimal Bitcoin holdings and the investor outlook for NFTs, rounding it all off with expectations for crypto market performance in 2021.

Apr 6, 2021 • 1h 9min
Mark Cuban on Why He Thinks ETH Is a Better Store of Value Than Bitcoin - Ep.226
Mark Cuban, billionaire investor and owner of the Dallas Mavericks, dives into the Ethereum versus Bitcoin debate, asserting that ETH is a superior store of value due to its utility. He candidly critiques Bitcoin as an inflation hedge and discusses the evolving landscape of DeFi, highlighting user experience challenges. Cuban shares his transformative NFT journey and predictions for their future in content distribution, stressing how these digital assets could reshape industries. His insights reveal potential disruptions and opportunities in the crypto space.

Apr 2, 2021 • 36min
Unconfirmed: Why Proposed FATF Rules Could Be a Shock for DeFi - Ep.225
Dave Jevans, CEO of CipherTrace and expert in blockchain analytics, delves into the FATF's proposed guidelines impacting DeFi and NFTs. He discusses how these regulations would force decentralized exchanges to implement KYC protocols, potentially changing user experiences. Jevans highlights the broader implications for NFTs and urges community engagement in shaping these rules. The show also touches on the crypto community's reactions and the importance of upcoming meetings for feedback on compliance challenges.

Mar 30, 2021 • 1h 7min
What Exactly Do You Get When You Buy an NFT? Three Lawyers Discuss - Ep.224
Join Olta Andoni, a fintech and IP attorney, Tonya Evans, a law professor and podcast host, and Stuart Levi, co-head of a leading law firm's tech practice, as they unravel the complexities of NFTs. They explore what it truly means to 'own' an NFT and the rights that come with it. Discover how blockchain benefits creators, the challenges of copyright and moral rights, and jurisdictional issues in the NFT landscape. They also discuss how NFTs could reshape the business of content creation for the future!

Mar 26, 2021 • 32min
Unconfirmed: Why Miami Mayor Francis Suarez Calls Crypto 'the Wave of the Future' - Ep.223
Miami Mayor Francis Suarez is on a mission to turn his city into the crypto capital of the world. He discusses the proactive measures being taken, including allowing residents to pay fees in Bitcoin and exploring employee compensation in crypto. Suarez believes future governments will operate on cryptocurrencies rather than fiat currency. He also candidly addresses how Miami plans to navigate the challenges posed by recent crypto controversies, while balancing this with urgent climate change initiatives. The future looks bright for Miami's crypto ambitions!


