Bitcoin.com News Interviews

Aaron van Wirdum, Editor-in-Chief of Bitcoin Magazine and author of “The Genesis Book,” joins the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to explore the fascinating prehistory of Bitcoin — tracing the cypherpunk roots, cryptographic innovations, and ideological movements that laid the groundwork for Satoshi Nakamoto’s creation.A respected Bitcoin journalist for over a decade, Aaron has written for Bitcoin Magazine, Cointelegraph, and CoinDesk, helping document the evolution of Bitcoin from an experimental idea into a global financial revolution. In this episode, he shares the research behind The Genesis Book, revealing how Bitcoin’s invention was the culmination of decades of technological and philosophical development — not a spontaneous breakthrough.Aaron also discusses the importance of preserving Bitcoin’s historical narrative, how early ideas like Hashcash, eCash, and Bit Gold influenced Satoshi, and why understanding Bitcoin’s origins is vital to protecting its future.💡 In this episode:• The untold prehistory of Bitcoin and its cryptographic ancestors• How cypherpunk culture and privacy activism shaped Bitcoin’s philosophy• Key influences — from David Chaum and Nick Szabo to Wei Dai and Hal Finney• Why Bitcoin’s origin story still matters for decentralization and governance• Aaron van Wirdum’s journey from journalist to author and historian of Bitcoin🎧 A must-listen for anyone seeking to understand where Bitcoin truly came from, and why its origins continue to define the ethos of freedom, privacy, and open-source innovation at the heart of the crypto revolution.🎙️ Host: Dustin Plantholt – Bitcoin.com News Podcast🔗 Bitcoin.com💼 Featured Guest: Aaron van Wirdum – Bitcoin Magazine – Editor-in-Chief and author of “The Genesis Book,” chronicling the cypherpunk history and evolution of Bitcoin.

Johann Kerbrat, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Robinhood Crypto, joins David Sencil on the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to discuss how Robinhood is deepening its commitment to cryptocurrency innovation and retail investor access — proving that, as Johann says, “Crypto has always been important at Robinhood.”With years of experience leading Robinhood’s crypto business strategy, Johann shares insights into the company’s mission to simplify crypto access for millions of users. He discusses the evolution of Robinhood’s crypto offerings, the development of the Robinhood Wallet, and the launch of Robinhood Connect, which allows seamless onramps into the Web3 ecosystem.Johann also reflects on his personal journey through fintech and crypto, offering a look at Robinhood’s future plans, including new asset integrations, improved security, and expanding global access to Bitcoin and Ethereum.💡 In this episode:• Why crypto has been central to Robinhood’s vision from the start• How Robinhood Wallet and Robinhood Connect are shaping Web3 adoption• Expanding crypto access and education for retail investors• The balance between regulation, innovation, and user experience• Johann Kerbrat’s leadership journey in fintech and blockchain🎧 A forward-looking conversation on how Robinhood Crypto is helping bridge traditional finance and decentralized innovation, making Bitcoin and digital assets more accessible than ever.🎙️ Host: David Sencil – Bitcoin.com News Podcast🔗 Bitcoin.com💼 Featured Guest: Johann Kerbrat – Robinhood Crypto – SVP & General Manager, leading Robinhood’s crypto strategy, wallet innovation, and Web3 expansion for retail investors worldwide.

Theodore Agranat, Director of Web3 at Gunzilla Games, joins the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to discuss how Gunzilla Games is building the first AAA game that truly gets Web3 right — seamlessly merging blockchain technology, digital asset ownership, and next-generation gameplay without compromising user experience.With a tech career spanning back to 1998, Theodore has founded multiple startups and began investing in blockchain in 2012, making him one of the earliest innovators bridging traditional gaming and decentralized economies. Since joining Gunzilla Games in 2021, he has been leading efforts to integrate Web3 infrastructure into major game titles, setting a new benchmark for how AAA studios can leverage blockchain to empower players and developers alike.The conversation dives into the future of player-owned economies, NFT integration, and digital asset interoperability, as well as how Gunzilla’s upcoming game demonstrates that Web3 can enhance — not disrupt — the immersive experience of gaming.💡 In this episode:• How Gunzilla Games is redefining AAA gaming with blockchain integration• Why true Web3 gaming focuses on ownership, not speculation• The evolution of digital assets, NFTs, and in-game economies• Theodore Agranat’s journey from IT innovation to blockchain leadership• What it takes to build a sustainable, player-first Web3 ecosystem🎧 A visionary discussion on how blockchain gaming is maturing beyond buzzwords — with Gunzilla Games leading the way in AAA Web3 innovation.🎙️ Host: Dustin Plantholt – Bitcoin.com News Podcast🔗 Bitcoin.com💼 Featured Guest: Theodore Agranat – Gunzilla Games – Director of Web3, pioneering the intersection of AAA gaming, blockchain technology, and digital ownership.

Michal “Mehow” Pospieszalski, CEO and co-founder of MatterFi, joins Dustin Plantholt to explain how hack-proof cryptographic wallets and provable custody systems can prevent heists like the Bybit hack — and what truly secure Web3 custody looks like in 2025.MatterFi is building user-friendly, enterprise-grade crypto custody that surfaces infallible cryptographic proofs, allowing users and auditors to verify state and actions without trusting opaque intermediaries. Mehow breaks down the technical primitives, the real-world threats to exchanges and bridges, and why cryptographic transparency is the missing link for institutional adoption. He also discusses scalability and the potential of Ethereum’s Megaeth (MegaETH) compared to high-throughput chains like Solana.💡 In this episode:• How MatterFi’s wallet and custody design creates hack-proof guarantees.• What infallible cryptographic proofs mean for user security and exchange audits.• A technical post-mortem mindset on the $1.46B Bybit hack and prevention strategies.• How custody, wallets, and on-chain proofs unlock institutional trust.• Thoughts on Ethereum Megaeth vs Solana for speed, throughput, and security.🎧 A dense, technical — yet accessible — conversation for builders, security teams, and DAOs about crypto custody, wallet security, cryptographic proofs, and the future of hack-resistant Web3 systems.

Doug Scribner, one of Bitcoin’s true OGs and early adopters since 2011, joins the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to reflect on more than a decade of Bitcoin history, innovation, and perseverance. Having first bought Bitcoin under $5, Doug has witnessed every bull and bear cycle — and explains why patience, conviction, and long-term vision separate true Bitcoin believers from the rest.As a serial entrepreneur and angel investor, Doug co-founded Vault Logic, a multi-use ATM network bridging crypto and cash services, WatchMyBit, a Bitcoin-powered video streaming platform, and Fly Air, a private jet hailing service that accepts crypto payments. He also advocates for blockchain adoption and education through the Owwll Podcast, where he explores the intersection of Web3, finance, and innovation.💡 In this episode:• How Doug Scribner discovered Bitcoin in 2011 and what kept him invested through multiple cycles• Why “Bitcoin OGs” have the patience to survive every market crash• How Vault Logic bridges the gap between cash and digital assets• Bitcoin adoption through innovative businesses — from ATMs to private jet payments• Why community, education, and real-world use cases drive blockchain’s future🎧 A powerful conversation with a true Bitcoin pioneer, highlighting the mindset, resilience, and innovation that continue to fuel the crypto revolution.🎙️ Host: Dustin Plantholt – Bitcoin.com News Podcast🔗 Bitcoin.com💼 Featured Guest: Doug Scribner – Owwll Podcast – Early Bitcoin investor and entrepreneur, driving crypto innovation, financial inclusion, and Web3 adoption through real-world applications.

Michael Terpin, Founder and CEO of Transform Ventures and author of “Bitcoin Supercycle,” joins the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to share his insights into Bitcoin’s four-season market cycle — a strategic framework for understanding bull and bear phases, maximizing returns, and anticipating the next Bitcoin supercycle.An early Bitcoin investor since 2012, Michael draws parallels between Bitcoin adoption and the early days of the internet and social networks, emphasizing how store-of-value fundamentals and protocol stability underpin Bitcoin’s long-term strength. He explains how his four-season strategy helps investors navigate accumulation, expansion, euphoria, and contraction phases, offering a data-driven approach to long-term wealth building in the crypto space.The discussion also explores his investments in decentralized AI and Agent AI, where he sees convergence between blockchain transparency and AI autonomy — a trend he believes will reshape the digital economy over the coming decade.💡 In this episode:• How Michael Terpin discovered Bitcoin and built Transform Ventures• The 4 Seasons of Bitcoin — a framework for navigating crypto market cycles• Why Bitcoin remains the most resilient store of value in digital finance• The coming Bitcoin Supercycle and macro catalysts driving the next wave• How decentralized AI and Agent AI will redefine blockchain’s future🎧 A deep-dive into Bitcoin’s cyclical nature, investment psychology, and the intersection of AI and crypto innovation, featuring one of the industry’s most respected visionaries.🎙️ Host: Dustin Plantholt – Bitcoin.com News Podcast🔗 Bitcoin.com💼 Featured Guest: Michael Terpin – Transform Ventures – Bitcoin pioneer, investor, and author, championing the future of decentralized AI, crypto market strategy, and Bitcoin’s long-term supercycle.

Luke Barwikowski, Founder and CEO of Pixels, joins the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to share the incredible story behind @pixels_xyz — one of the most successful and most-played Web3 games today. From coding as a kid to leading a thriving play-to-earn ecosystem, Luke reveals how Pixels blends nostalgia, innovation, and blockchain to redefine Web3 gaming.Inspired by classics like Stardew Valley and RuneScape, Pixels delivers an open-world, community-driven experience where players truly own their assets, earn through gameplay, and help shape the game’s evolving world. Luke discusses what it takes to build a sustainable play-to-earn economy, why AI and transparency are the foundation for lasting player trust, and how Web3 gaming can merge fun, finance, and fairness.💡 In this episode:• How Luke Barwikowski built one of the most popular Web3 games from the ground up• The secrets behind Pixels’ massive daily active user base and revenue success• Why sustainability, AI integration, and transparency are core to Web3 gaming• How community engagement drives innovation in blockchain-based games• The vision for long-term growth in play-to-earn and decentralized gaming🎧 A must-listen for anyone interested in Web3 gaming, player-owned economies, and the future of AI-powered blockchain worlds — featuring one of the space’s most visionary builders.🎙️ Host: Dustin Plantholt – Bitcoin.com News Podcast🔗 Bitcoin.com💼 Featured Guest: Luke Barwikowski – Pixels – Founder and Web3 gaming innovator, leading the creation of community-powered, AI-driven play-to-earn experiences in the blockchain gaming ecosystem.

Sergey Ryzhavin, Head of B2COPY at B2Broker, joins the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to discuss how B2COPY is transforming copy trading through a cloud-based, customizable platform designed for brokers, traders, and investors across both crypto and traditional finance.B2COPY combines copy trading, PAMM, and MAM functionalities into one powerful solution, allowing brokers to offer seamless investment management tools while giving traders and investors full control over performance visibility, branding, and fee structures. Sergey shares how B2Broker’s institutional-grade technology supports brokers with liquidity, multi-asset trading, and custom-built infrastructure, empowering clients to scale efficiently in today’s competitive fintech landscape.With over 8 years of experience in product innovation and investment platform development, Sergey explains how cloud architecture, flexible UI, and white-label options make B2COPY one of the most robust copy trading solutions on the market — eliminating hosting headaches while enabling fast deployment for global brokerages.💡 In this episode:• What makes B2COPY’s cloud-based system different from other copy trading platforms• How B2COPY merges PAMM, MAM, and copy trading in one unified interface• Benefits for traders and investors — from performance replication to passive income• How B2Broker provides liquidity, payments, and white-label platforms for brokers• The role of client education and team support in successful copy trading ecosystems🎧 A comprehensive look at how B2Broker is redefining fintech infrastructure, combining crypto innovation, forex liquidity, and cloud scalability for the future of investment management.🎙️ Host: Dustin Plantholt – Bitcoin.com News Podcast🔗 Bitcoin.com💼 Featured Guest: Sergey Ryzhavin – B2COPY – Head of B2COPY, leading the development of next-gen copy trading, PAMM, and MAM platforms within the B2Broker ecosystem.

Arthur Hayes, Chief Investment Officer of Maelstrom and Co-Founder of BitMEX, joins the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to share his unfiltered perspective on why the crypto market is still in a bull cycle — and what that means for Bitcoin, altcoins, and the next wave of blockchain innovation.In this wide-ranging conversation, Arthur reflects on his journey through the crypto markets, from launching BitMEX and its iconic Troll Box community, to shaping one of the most influential derivatives exchanges in Bitcoin’s history. He offers sharp insights into macro trends, investment psychology, and the structural evolution of crypto projects, explaining how institutional capital and global liquidity continue to fuel the long-term bull narrative.Arthur also talks about his writing process, the role of crypto conferences in fostering innovation, and how Maelstrom is positioned to identify the most promising opportunities in the decentralized economy.💡 In this episode:• Why Arthur Hayes believes we’re still in a crypto bull cycle• Lessons from building BitMEX and the rise of the Troll Box• How macro forces and liquidity drive Bitcoin price cycles• The changing face of crypto investing and token innovation• Arthur’s take on conferences, community, and thought leadership in Web3🎧 A must-listen episode featuring one of crypto’s most influential thinkers — Arthur Hayes — as he breaks down Bitcoin market dynamics, investor psychology, and where the next crypto boom may come from.🎙️ Host: Dustin Plantholt – Bitcoin.com News Podcast🔗 Bitcoin.com💼 Featured Guest: Arthur Hayes – Maelstrom – CIO and crypto pioneer, sharing insights on Bitcoin cycles, market strategy, and the future of digital asset investing.

Pavel Nikienkov, Co-Founder of Zano, joins the Bitcoin.com News Podcast to explore how Zano is pioneering truly private digital cash — combining privacy-preserving blockchain technology, hybrid consensus mechanisms, and confidential asset support to redefine what digital financial freedom means in the age of surveillance and data exposure.Launched in 2019, Zano has evolved from a privacy coin into a full-fledged privacy platform for building and transacting with confidential tokens. Pavel shares how Zano’s hybrid Proof-of-Work (PoW) and Proof-of-Stake (PoS) consensus ensures both decentralization and scalability, while its confidential transactions and tokenization features empower users and developers to maintain full financial privacy and fungibility.He also reveals Zano’s upcoming roadmap — including smart contract functionality, hybrid consensus updates, and how the project is creating the foundation for next-generation private DeFi applications on the blockchain.💡 In this episode:• How Zano enables privacy-preserving digital cash and tokenization• The benefits of hybrid Proof-of-Work and Proof-of-Stake consensus• Confidential transactions and asset issuance on a privacy blockchain• Zano’s roadmap for smart contracts and enhanced privacy layers• Why privacy remains a cornerstone of digital sovereignty in crypto🎧 A fascinating discussion on how Zano is leading the charge in privacy-first blockchain innovation, making truly private digital cash a practical reality for the Bitcoin and crypto economy.🎙️ Host: Dustin Plantholt – Bitcoin.com News Podcast🔗 Bitcoin.com💼 Featured Guest: Pavel Nikienkov – Zano – Blockchain privacy expert and co-founder, advancing confidential assets, hybrid consensus, and privacy tokenization in the digital economy.