The Crypto Conversation

Mona El Isa is the founder of the Melon protocol. Melon is an Ethereum-based protocol for decentralized on-chain asset management. Melon empowers anyone to set up, manage, and invest in customized on-chain investment vehicles. The process of setting up an investment fund on Melon costs less than $60 and takes ten minutes using the Melon terminal. Why you should listen: After spending a decade building a career as a successful trader at Goldman Sachs and at a hedge fund, Mona was approached to set up and run her own investment fund. It did not work out. Mona realized that successful traders at investment funds were shielded from the many administrative processes required. Companies like Goldman hire entire teams of people to look after the many legal and financial requirements needed to run a fund. This means that setting up a new fund is out of reach except for those with the resources to do so. Melon is a decentralized protocol to set up and manage on-chain investment funds. By automating the back and middle office processes of fund management through the use of smart contracts, Melon enables fund managers to create their own tokenized funds. Managers can write a fund prospectus in code. Mona says "You can think of Melon as a technology that helps managers customize the set-up of their fund. You can pre-define all sorts of rules from fees, to number of positions, types of assets, risk management etc." The protocol takes care of investments and redemptions, it takes care of the NAV calculations, it enforces any of the rules that managers have in their funds. And everything is automated using smart contracts. Users can write as many rules as they want, so they can create uniquely individual funds. The process of setting up an investment fund on Melon costs less than $60 and takes ten minutes using the Melon terminal. Key takeaway: The Melon target market is what Mona describes as the "long tail of investment managers". This could be any fund below $150 million dollars. 90% of new funds in this category fail, many due to the high level of compliance, fees and processes involved. It will soon be possible to set up a Melon fund that has a yield-farming strategy, or lends to market-making pools, or a DAO that invests in other Melon funds, or can interact with synthetic assets. No other protocol is permissionless in the way that Melon allows any non-technical person to set up an on-chain investment fund in a matter of minutes. Ethereum Gas prices are putting a strain on DeFi. The Melon team is slimming down contracts to make them more efficient and less gas-intensive for V2. Medium-term the team are looking at layer two solutions to mitigate against high gas prices. Supporting links: Melon Protocol Melon Terminal Melon on Twitter Mona on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Kosala Hemachandra is the founder and CEO of MyEtherWallet, one of the original and most popular Ethereum wallets. MEW is now at the center of a fast growing ecosystem designed to become the nexus of Ethereum. Why you should listen: MyEtherWallet was founded in 2015, ten days after the launch of Ethereum - as one of the first client-side interfaces for the Ethereum blockchain. With first-mover advantage, it became the default Ethereum wallet for the first users of Ethereum. MyEtherWallet was a popular and user-friendly wallet that supported ERC-20 tokens — important for engaging with ICOs. As a result, MEW attracted a large user-base during the ICO boom of 2017. Kosala says, "the MEW motto is that if it works with Ethereum it works with MEW. Our goal is to become the nexus of Ethereum." MEW is the umbrella brand for the MEW ecosystem that includes MEWwallet, MEWtopia, and MEWconnect. Key takeaway: Kosala says there are some similarities between the ICO boom of 2017 and the current interest in DeFi. He says that is human nature to be attracted to hype and speculation. However, he says he is excited by the promise and potential of DeFi as a technology and what it brings to Ethereum. The first MyEtherWallet DeFi integrations are with Ren and Aave, with more to come. The new MyEtherWallet DeFi integrations use MEWconnect, a connection protocol designed to let Dapp developers make their Dapps available to MEW users. Dapp developers can make their products available to a large user base while MEW users can access the growing suite of decentralized tools and apps designed to navigate the Ethereum ecosystem. Supporting links: My Ether Wallet MEWwallet Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Josh Olszewicz is a professional crypto trader at Techemy Capital and the lead analyst at Brave New Coin. On this episode of the Crypto Conversation Josh joins Andy to discuss the recent positive price action, the TokenSets platform, and Josh confirms that we're in a crypto bull market. Why you should listen: Josh says that the technical indicators are looking very strong for BTC with strong echoes of 2017. "There is a possibility we're set for a multi-year bull run, especially post-halving. It's almost eerie the similarities we're seeing in the price chart and in the fundamentals to 2017. It's ramping up for quite an exciting situation. With Gold at all-time highs, ongoing money printing, and with chaos in the world, it's an ideal macro backdrop for BTC to perform well." Josh says that for ETH, a price target of $750 is on the cards, and for BTC $13K might happen in the next two weeks. "$33k sounds like a ridiculous target, but for me, that is where we are headed. One of the big banks released a target recently of $125K based on the 2017 bull run, so all of a sudden my targets are low compared to traditional financial analysts. All the signs are converging, so seeing BTC at an all-time-high soon is an expectation. It's not that I think it might happen, at this point I'm expecting it will happen." Key takeaway: Josh says that while it is an uncertain time in the world, the U.S. election might not be too disruptive to the markets. "As soon as Bernie lost the nomination, traditional financial markets exhaled dramatically. He was the potential change agent for anything that would affect them. But now, with Biden and Trump, they don't mind too much, either is fine at this point. Biden is not going to rock the boat and Trump is Trump." Josh is a pro trader at Techemy Capital who has just launched two actively managed investment portfolios on the TokenSets automated asset management platform. This allows investors to gain exposure to BTC and ETH price action. Investors are now able to take advantage of the crypto market's price moves without having to trade themselves - and because Techemy's new products are non-custodial - without having to release control of their crypto assets to a third party. Techemy Capital's BTC and ETH portfolios are actively traded using strategies designed to generate capital gains. Trades are executed by Techemy Capital's professional in-house trading team, led by Rob Brewis and Josh Olszewicz. Supporting links: Techemy Capital TokenSets Josh on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

James Beattie is the CEO of the Toronto Futures Options Swaps Exchange (tFOSE), a new Canadian-based derivatives exchange and clearinghouse. tFOSE is currently seeking regulatory approval in Canada and plans to open for trading in early 2021. Why you should listen: Canada has been slow to bring institutional-grade crypto asset products to market. The Canadian exchange-traded derivatives market is ripe for disruption. Issues include a lack of liquidity driving order flow out of Canada, high FX cost and currency risk, high trading fees, and a lack of product innovation. There's a growing demand for traders to diversify their portfolios and exposure, hedge risk, and access an emerging asset class without having to directly hold the underlying crypto assets. tFOSE aims to provide a solution to these issues. James Beattie, tFOSE CEO says they are working closely with regulators in Canada. "Regulators have put forward a definitive affirmative effort to understand crypto. It's incumbent on ecosystem participants to build the right way. If they want the benefits of regulation, they should understand process and due diligence. You must play by the rules, there is no downside to transparency." Key takeaway: tFOSE CEO James Beattie says the team is committed to new derivative solutions that will repatriate order flow to Canada and unlock new global markets. Brave New Coin has signed a contract with tFOSE to design, calculate, and administer a suite of crypto indices to power tFOSE's cash-settled options trading. tFOSE expects production on the indices to be completed during Q3 2020 with cash-settled crypto options trading beginning in early 2021. James says Brave New Coin was selected as tFOSE crypto index builders after a due diligence process. "BNC meets all of our needs," he said, "taking a unique approach to index design, methodology, and governance that will help tFOSE meet the specific, exacting needs of both our retail and institutional investors." Supporting links: tFOSE Crypto Indices Program Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto, and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account.

Loi Luu is the CEO and Co-Founder of Kyber Network - one of the best used Defi protocols in the world. Kyber is an on-chain liquidity protocol that powers decentralized applications, exchanges, funds, and DeFi lending protocols. Why you should listen: Loi Luu has a PhD in Computer Science from the National University of Singapore, where he worked to improve the base technical layers of decentralization, scalability and security for the public blockchain infrastructure. His work benefits many blockchain companies and projects world wide and collectively these companies are worth tens of billions of US dollars. The idea for Kyber Network came from Loi's belief that he could bring the benefits of decentralized technologies to a bigger audience and facilitate real-world use cases. When a project approached him to accept a different token in addition to Ethereum, Loi realized that there was no practical solution to this problem. He then began work on developing the liquidity infrastructure for what would become known as the decentralized finance ecosystem. Key takeaway: Kyber is the liquidity infrastructure for decentralized finance (DeFi). Kyber aggregates liquidity from diverse sources into a single pool, which provides the best rates for takers such as DApps, wallets, and DEXs. Kyber is a fully on-chain liquidity protocol that enables the decentralized exchange of crypto assets in any application. Liquidity providers are integrated into one single endpoint for takers and users. When a user requests a trade, the protocol will scan the entire network to find the reserve with the best price and take liquidity from that particular reserve. Kyber was the most used project in DeFi in 2019. To date, more than 100 blockchain projects have integrated Kyber for their liquidity needs. Supporting links: Kyber Network Loi Luuu on Twitter Kyber on Twitter The DeFi Liquidity Vortex Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Hugh Karp is the founder and CEO of Nexus Mutual - a people-powered alternative to insurance. Nexus Mutual uses the power of Ethereum so individuals can share risk together without the need for an insurance company. Why you should listen: Hugh is an insurance professional and actuary with 15 years of experience. An actuary is a business professional who deals with the measurement and management of risk and uncertainty. Actuaries are employed by insurance companies or risk management firms to calculate the "risks" associated with insuring individuals against downside events. A mutual is simply a group of people coming together to share risk. Hugh says the only reason we've moved away from a mutual (in legacy systems) to shareholders is that it's a more efficient way of connecting capital with people. However, thanks to smart contracts, we can start to do that in a peer to peer fashion which optimizes for efficiency when it comes to capital pooling. When joining the mutual you become a legal member of a UK company. All members have legal rights to the pool of funds. Key takeaway: Hugh first became interested in blockchain technology in 2011. He became fascinated by the emergence of Ethereum. Hugh recognized that the traditional insurance industry wasn't yet prepared to provide any meaningful cover for crypto-related risks. Hugh watched the DAO being drained live and realized there was a need for a company like Nexus Mutual to provide cover against Smart Contract risks. Smart Contract Cover is not an actual contract of insurance but rather an insurance like product. Members of the mutual vote to decide on claims. Claims payments are enforced by token economic incentives rather than placing trust in an insurance company. In DeFi there are three primary risk categories; technical smart contract risk, external risk, and economic incentive failure risk. It's important to understand these risks are in addition to the normal use of the particular smart contract. For example, if you use a gambling app there is a risk you could lose all of your money through the normal usage of the system. Nexus Mutual is focused on the more severe risks, and provides cover against system failure. Supporting links: Nexus Mutual Nexus Mutual on Twitter Hugh Karp on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Why you should listen: Vallas says "the promise of the Blockchain industry is extraordinarily expansive. Before we build out that capability we need a renewed focus on establishing confidence. Confidence in our vision, confidence in the regulatory frameworks that underpin this emergent technology, and confidence in the people and organizations that will drive the uptake in this space." Key takeaway: As the new CEO of Blockchain Australia, Vallas says he is focused on building confidence in blockchain and improving the image of blockchain technology among businesses and governments. He says Blockchain Australia's success will be judged by its ability to educate (grassroots to the boardroom), elevate (drive innovation), and leverage partnerships (with industry leaders across the economy). In February, the Australian government released a National blockchain roadmap titled "Progressing towards a blockchain-empowered future." The report projects that Blockchain technology will generate an annual business value of over US$175 billion by 2025 and in excess of US$3 trillion by 2030. The roadmap identifies three key areas where blockchain technology can provide solutions. These are in supply chains, trusted credentials in the university sector, and transferable customer checks in the finance sector. Steve says his personal vision is for Australian stakeholders to gain confidence in blockchain tech. He wants developers to keep building, and for industry and investors to get buy-in. Supporting links: Blockchain Australia Australia's blockchain roadmap Steve on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Eden Dhaliwal is the Global Managing Director at Conflux Network, a high-performance, layer-1 blockchain protocol designed for scalability, security, and extensibility for the next generation of open commerce, decentralized applications, and Web 3.0. Conflux is the most endorsed DLT project in China. Why you should listen: Conflux Network is an open protocol for a new world of Dapps, finance, and Web 3.0. As a fast and secure public blockchain, Conflux Network combines Proof of Work and a Tree-Graph structure to power a new generation of decentralized commerce. Prior to joining Conflux, Eden was a Partner at Outlier Ventures, where he worked on crypto tokenomics. Eden helped develop Outlier's Convergence Thesis - the Convergence Stack is a set of privacy-protecting, peer-to-peer, open-source technologies that will decentralize the cloud and unbundle internet platforms to build Web 3.0. Key takeaway: Founded in 2018, Conflux Network raised $35 million in capital from investors including Sequoia China, Metastable, Baidu Ventures, F2Pool, Huobi, IMO Ventures. Conflux Network has backing from the Shanghai Municipal Science and Technology Commission. Currently in Testnet, Conflux Network seeks to provide the security of a POW network with transaction speeds an order of magnitude faster. The key enabler technique is a novel DAG-based ledger structure together with an optimistic concurrency control to achieve a consistent order of transactions among all the nodes in the network. In Conflux, the throughput bottleneck is no longer at consensus layer. Unlike other scalability solutions such as DPOS and hybrid consensus, the Conflux consensus algorithm is decentralized and permissionless without any hierarchy. Supporting links: Conflux Network Conflux Network on Twitter Eden on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Techemy Capital and TokenSets have collaborated to launch a suite of DeFi-based investable products to help investors tap into the open finance ecosystem. Hosted on the TokenSets automated asset management platform, Techemy has created two actively managed investment portfolios that allow investors to gain exposure to BTC and ETH price action. Investors can take advantage of the crypto market's price moves without having to trade themselves - and because the products are non-custodial - without having to release control of their crypto assets to a third party. Guests: Fran Strajnar and Anthony Sassano Why you should listen: Anthony Sassano, Product Marketing Manager at TokenSets, says "Holding is no longer enough. If you want to get outsized returns in crypto, you can play in the altcoin market, which is basically like a casino. Trying to pick the ones that will do well, and knowing when to sell is extremely difficult. Most users don't want the stress and pressure of having to make trading decisions themselves. They want to make a return, and they want someone else or an algorithm to do the trading for them. That's where TokenSets comes in." Key takeaway: DeFi refers to the interconnected crypto assets, smart contracts, protocols, and decentralized applications built on the Ethereum blockchain. Run by programmable code, DeFi reduces friction and capital inefficiency and offers the possibility of higher yields. Fran Strajnar, CEO at Techemy Capital says, "We've been talking about DeFi being a game-changer since 2014. It has taken until now for the infrastructure to mature enough for innovative investable products that can scale globally. Money and value are now woven into the fabric of the internet. Liquidity is abundant and risk is manageable. This has created an environment that is appealing to many investor classes." Hosted on the TokenSets automated asset management platform, Techemy's new offering consists of two actively managed investment portfolios that allow investors to gain exposure to BTC and ETH price action. Investors are now able to take advantage of the crypto market's price moves without having to trade themselves - and because Techemy's new products are non-custodial - without having to release control of their crypto assets to a third party. Techemy Capital's BTC and ETH portfolios are actively traded using strategies designed to generate capital gains. Trades are executed by Techemy Capital's professional in-house trading team, led by Rob Brewis and Josh Olszewicz. A third portfolio that Techemy will launch soon on TokenSets is a passive yield portfolio based on the yield-bearing cDAI/cUSDC stablecoin pair. This portfolio protects against price volatility and offers other benefits including the ability to earn interest through the Compound Finance network. Techemy's new portfolio products are aimed at investors already familiar with digital assets and those entering the market for the first time. While the former can interact with the new portfolios with ease due to the seamless user experience, for users needing additional support Techemy offers personalized services - from custody to OTC and wallet management. Supporting links: Techemy Capital TokenSets Techemy Capital on Twitter TokenSets on Twitter Fran On Twitter Anthony on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Torsten Hoffmann is a documentary filmmaker who has completed two full length blockchain films. Bitcoin: The End Of Money As We Know It from 2015, and his new film Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchains and the Future of the Internet which is now available online. Why you should listen: After writing a research paper on alternative currencies as part of his MBA at Oxford University, Torsten was intrigued by Bitcoin. In 2014 he started working on Bitcoin: The End of Money As We Know it, his first documentary. Hoffmann's award-winning first film looks at Bitcoin in the context of the history of money. His new film, Cryptopia: Bitcoin, Blockchains and the Future of the Internet is a bigger budget, ambitious follow up that takes a 360 wide-angle approach to the technology that may define Web 3.0. "Since the release of the first film, the industry has grown by a factor of 100. Bitcoin has been called one of the most disruptive technologies of our time. However, media coverage is often misinformed and the general public is still confused about the technology and its implications," says Hoffmann. "Can this technology, designed to operate independent of trust and within a decentralized network, really provide a robust alternative? Or are cryptocurrencies just as unfairly distributed, easily manipulated, and dangerous as our current systems? That was my starting point." Key takeaway: Filmed over two years Hoffmann says the new documentary has three arcs. "First we look at Bitcoin, then we look at the ecosystem, public / private blockchains and ICOs, and then we look forward at the potential of blockchain to unlock Web 3.0." He interviewed some of the ecosystem's biggest brains and biggest egos including Andreas Antonopoulos, Roger Ver, Charlie Lee, Samson Mow, Craig Wright, Preethi Kasireddy, and Wences Casares. While the film has a global feel, with filming taking place on four continents in cities including San Francisco, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Tokyo, London, Berlin, Switzerland, and Melbourne, Hoffmann says the highlight of the filming schedule was being granted access to the Xapo vault located in a top secret location buried deep in the Swiss mountains. Founded by Bitcoin entrepreneur Wences Casares, the Xapo vault is a decommissioned military bunker dug into the mountainside in a remote part of Switzerland. Its exact location is secret, and access is protected by a complex series of security measures. "The bunker scene was a highlight and we are the only film crew to be allowed inside. Allegedly up to 10% of all Bitcoin private keys are stored in the Xapo vault. It was a James Bond style adventure to get clearance and film inside the bunker," said Hoffmann. Supporting links: Cryptopia Film Torsten on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

A New Zealand software engineer, Sam Blackmore is the CEO and co-founder of Vimba, a platform that makes it easy for users to save Bitcoin using an automated dollar cost average strategy. Why you should listen: After growing up as a surf photographer, Sam moved to Bristol in the early 2000s where he documented the street art culture popularized by Banksy. As a software engineer, Sam became fascinated by open source technology such as Linux. He first discovered Bitcoin when he saw a headline on a Linux magazine that described Bitcoin as the most powerful open-source technology ever created. Intrigued, Sam became fascinated by Bitcoin's philosophy and potential. He created Vimba to make it possible for friends and family to easily accumulate Bitcoin without having to join an exchange. Vimba is now available in over thirty countries, making it easy for anyone to save in Bitcoin using an automated dollar cost average strategy. Key takeaway: To scale Vimba, Sam moved to the UK to leverage the UK's open banking framework and FinTech friendly regulations. The 2018 open banking legislation forced banks to open up their APIs so that users can share their data with other services. This has allowed a wave of innovative new financial products. Vimba will integrate with these products allowing users to easily purchase Bitcoin or use it as collateral. Vimba's mission is to make it as normal to accumulate BTC as it is to save dollars. A recent survey suggests that 42% of millennials are planning to buy BTC in the next 5 years. Banksy is anonymous. Satoshi Nakamoto is anonymous. This anonymity allows Banky's artwork and Satoshi's Bitcoin to be judged on their own merits without being tainted by the individual creator and their beliefs or flaws. Supporting links: Vimba Vimba on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro Neuromancer Banksy The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto, and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

An OG Bitcoiner from Colorado with a background in precious metals, Stephen Macaskill is the co-founder and CEO of the Dasset digital asset exchange. Based in New Zealand, Dasset has announced a strategic partnership with the U.S. based Bittrex exchange. The new partnership will give Dasset users access to deeper liquidity. Why you should listen: Stephen says the impetus for Dasset came from the realization that there was a gap in the local crypto market. "When we looked at the New Zealand market four years ago, there was a 20% premium over the global spot prices of crypto assets in New Zealand due to a lack of liquidity, and a lack of local exchanges," he said. "Dasset has helped that situation, so the spread has dropped by around 80%. That means that compared to global spot prices, New Zealanders can now access rates that are within 1-3% of those prices." Key takeaway: Dasset provides the ability for New Zealanders and Australians to buy, sell, and trade over thirty different crypto assets. Stephen says that Dasset provides the on-ramps and off-ramps between the legacy financial system and the digital asset financial system. Stephen is a Bitcoiner who pays his bills in crypto. He says he has opted out of the legacy financial system and uses crypto for all of his financial transactions. While Stephen is a passionate supporter of Bitcoin as the world's largest decentralized digital currency, he says ultimately it is up to the market to decide which digital asset will win the future. Supporting links: Devs The Sovereign Individual Bitcoin Billionaires Dasset on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto, and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Framework Ventures is a San Francisco based venture firm with a strong DeFi thesis. Framework believes a new age of venture capital is upon us, known as 'Network Capital.' Rather than just hold onto the asset, this type of investing aims to be more holistic. "If you're going to be investing in decentralized networks, this requires a new hybrid model where the stakeholders can participate in market-making, staking, and governance." Framework is a major holder of Chainlink's LINK token. Why you should listen: Framework Ventures is a thesis-driven venture firm that partners with founders and teams to build token-based networks and develop the requisite cryptoeconomics, governance, and community to scale. Framework are very bullish on the DeFi space in general, and particularly on Chainlink and Synthetix. Vance Spencer, a co-founder at Framework, spent time as head of strategy for Netflix Japan. His co-founder Michael Anderson spent time at Snapchat and Dropbox. This gives Framework unique insight into digital products and networks which they apply to DeFi. Key takeaway: Vance says DeFi is still early and just needs time to mature. Chris Dixon said that most new disruptive technology starts out looking like a toy. This is a good analogy for DeFi right now. As DeFi building blocks start to be put together in new and increasingly useful ways, exciting new use cases will be unlocked. Framework doesn't invest in Bitcoin and it doesn't invest in Ethereum killers. Framework is long Ether as a core position. Ethereum built liquidity for Ether, it built tooling for Solidity, and it built a passionate dev community. These are significant achievements. 2000 ETH devs dancing on stage at Devcon is not something you can easily replicate. The ETH community is hard to disrupt. Supporting links: Framework Ventures Aggregation Theory The next big thing will start out looking like a toy Donnie Darko Framework Ventures on Twitter Vance on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto, and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Robert Breedlove wrote The Number Zero and Bitcoin. Robert says Satoshi gave the world Bitcoin, a true "something for nothing." This discovery of absolute scarcity for money is an unstoppable idea that is changing the world tremendously, just like its digital ancestor: the number zero. Robert is the CEO of Parallax Digital, a firm specializing in digital asset investments. The company is founded on the premise that Bitcoin will radically reshape the global economy. Why you should listen: Robert says that Satoshi gave the world Bitcoin, a true "something for nothing." This discovery of absolute scarcity for money is an unstoppable idea that is changing the world tremendously, just like its digital ancestor: the number zero. Like the invention of zero, which led to the discovery of "nothing as something" in mathematics and other domains, Bitcoin is the catalyst of a worldwide paradigmatic phase change. What numeral is to number, and zero is to the void for mathematics, Bitcoin is to absolute scarcity for money: each is a symbol that allows mankind to apprehend a latent reality (in the case of money, time). More than just a new monetary technology, Bitcoin is an entirely new economic paradigm: an uncompromisable base money protocol for a global, digital, non-state economy. Key takeaway: Robert says that many believe that Bitcoin is "just one of thousands of crypto assets"—this is true in the same way that the number zero is just one of an infinite series of numbers. In reality, Bitcoin is special, and so is zero: each is an invention which led to a discovery that fundamentally reshaped its overarching system—for Bitcoin, that system is money, and for zero, it is mathematics. Since money and math are mankind's two universal languages, both Bitcoin and zero are critical constructs for civilization. Zero and Bitcoin are unstoppable ideas gifted to mankind; gestures made in the spirit of "something for nothing." In a world run by central banks with zero accountability, a cabal that uses the specious prospects of "infinite cash" to promise us everything (thereby raising the specter of hyperinflation), nothingness may prove to be the greatest gift we could ever receive… Supporting links: The Number Zero and Bitcoin An Open Letter to Ray Dalio Robert's Tweet Storm Sapiens Interstellar The Sovereign Individual Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto, and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Stephen Stonberg is the COO/CFO at Bittrex Global, a digital asset exchange based in Liechtenstein. Bittrex Global is a spin-off from one of the OG crypto exchanges, the original Bittrex, based in the U.S. Bittrex Global serves all Bittrex users based outside of the U.S. Why you should listen: Stephen Stonberg is a graduate of Harvard who spent time at Goldman Sachs. Working in the finance industry in London, Stephen became interested in the potential of the crypto asset class in 2017. After a short stint working in business development in the early days of Binance, Stephen moved to Bittrex where he is now as COO/CFO at Bittrex Global. Key takeaway: Bittrex Global moved from Malta to Liechtenstein. The Liechtenstein Blockchain Act that was passed in January is a good piece of legislation that best supports their exchange activities. Liechtenstein is a professional financial services hub and is a much better fit than Malta for Bittrex Global. Bittrex Global aims for the highest possible standards of regulation, security, and compliance to protect itself and its users. A new Bittrex Global exchange token is coming soon. Supporting links: Bittrex Global Bittrex Global on Twitter Stephen On Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto, and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Jeff McDonald is the co-founder of the NEM Foundation. Jeff was one of the first members of the NEM community and has helped build the NEM project to where it is today. NEM is preparing for the launch of Symbol (codename Catapult), the second generation of the NEM blockchain. Why you should listen: Jeff McDonald shares recollections of the NEM journey to date. NEM was one of the earliest enterprise blockchains and began life as a thread on the BitcoinTalk forums before growing into a top 5 market cap asset with NEM communities all over the globe. Symbol (codename Catapult) represents a full rewrite of the NEM protocol. NEM core dev Jaguar recently published an update that unifies the governance plans for all NEM ecosystem entities to support one goal - the launch of Symbol later in 2020. Key takeaway: In building Symbol, Jeff says NEM has applied all the learning that comes from running version 1 of their blockchain in production for four years. Symbol is a more performant, scalable, and feature-rich protocol as a result. It will become the core NEM engine, powering both private and public blockchains. Jeff says the 3 other blockchain projects that he sees as the most formidable competitors are Libra, Hyperledger, and Ethereum. Supporting links: Symbol Roadmap Nem Ecosystem Updates Nem.io Nem on Twitter Jeff on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto, and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Chris Brookins is the founder of Valiendero Digital Assets, a quantitative cryptocurrency investment fund. Chris is the co-author of a new report titled Safe Havens - How gold and bitcoin can adapt to a new paradigm. In the current global crisis - the world is trending towards negative interest rates, money printing, and a decline in cash - traditional safe-haven assets are being turned on their head. The report explores what the function of a 21st-century safe haven should be. Why you should listen: Bitcoin is on the path to becoming a store of value. The narrative of bitcoin being uncorrelated with any other asset class, and being a safe haven store of value took a hit on March 12, black Thursday when it crashed along with other global markets. However, Bitcoin has since recovered, proving itself surprisingly resilient, and its recovery didn't require central bank intervention or a government bailout. Key takeaway: The COVID-19 pandemic is a black swan event that will impact all industries. It will affect the economy, supply chains, and political and social systems. Bitcoin is antifragile and may benefit from the current global uncertainty. However, as a risk asset, due to rising unemployment retail investors will likely have less income to buy Bitcoin. Expectations of risk to the global economy based on historical events are underestimated because events are inherently fat-tailed and because the tail has become fatter with increased connectivity. In other words high impact, low probability events are becoming more probable. Supporting links: Safe Havens - How gold and bitcoin can adapt to a new paradigm Valiendero Digital Assets Chris on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin BNC Pro The Crypto Conversation is sponsored by BNC Pro, the new digital wealth platform featuring an all-in-one suite of customizable, institutional-grade applications that help you manage your crypto investments. Research, chart, screen, analyze, optimize, report, and more. BNC Pro is the ultimate portfolio tool for individual or enterprise use. Streamline your workflow, manage your crypto, and master this brave new asset class with BNC Pro. Go to BNC-Pro.com to create your free account. If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

DJ J-SCRILLA is a critically acclaimed hip-hop producer and illustrator from Washington DC. His discography includes hall of fame rappers Killer Mike, Raekwon, and Smif N Wessun. DJ J-SCRILLA has released a new hip-hop album called Sound Money that tells the story of Bitcoin, and samples John Mcafee, Hotep Jesus, and Andreas Antonopoulos. Why you should listen: Sound Money by DJ-SCRILLA is a body of Bitcoin art combining audio clips, samples, dirty drums, and some of the hip-hop underground's best rappers. The album serves as a soundtrack for Bitcoiners and serves up audio inspiration for no-coiners interested in the future of decentralized money. This podcast features music highlights from the album including the new crypto anthem 'Faith In My Money (Money Printer Go Brrr)'. Key takeaway: On the hip-hop edition of the Crypto Conversation podcast, we discuss the lockdown trend that has seen top rappers engage in Instagram battles, such as the recent soundclash between DJ Premier and RZA. DJ J-SCRILLA says "the album is not a foolishly positive take on Bitcoin. It's a rational angle that condemns the abuses of central banking and portrays Satoshi Nakamoto's currency as an alternative." Following the Crypto Conversation hot take round, DJ J-SCRILLA shares his top 5 hip-hop albums. Sound Money is available on major streaming services. Supporting links: Rarescrilla.com Money Printer Go Brrr DJ J-Scrilla on Twitter Sound Money on Spotify Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Hugo Renaudin is the CEO and co-founder of LGO Group, a digital asset exchange for institutions. Hugo says that Bitcoin has a fascinating market infrastructure. It is both revolutionary, but imperfect. Hugo says the Black Thursday crash revealed underlying problems with Bitcoin's market infrastructure. The crash triggered a wave of liquidations that could have sent BTC to zero. What can be done to avoid this risk? Why you should listen: The Bitcoin and crypto markets have a fascinating market infrastructure that is potentially revolutionary, and a vital part of the capital markets 2.0. However, there are serious problems with Bitcoin's market infrastructure due to the centralization of existing trading platforms. These problems surfaced on Black Thursday, March 12, when the global markets crash triggered a wave of liquidations that could have sent BTC to zero on Bitmex. Key takeaway: Volatility is a natural part of markets but the potential for volatility remains extreme in the crypto markets. The current financial crisis means that the months and years ahead are a make or break time for Bitcoin and the digital asset space. Bitcoin emerged out of the 2008 financial crisis and it now has the potential to establish itself in the current COVID-19 economic crisis. Bitcoin is not controlled by governments, it has a fixed supply, limited inflation, and it is decentralized. That makes Bitcoin uniquely positioned as a hedge when central banks are forced to inject new fiat into the system. Supporting links: LGOGroup on Twitter Hugo on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Loong Wang is the CTO and co-founder of Ren, a DeFi protocol that enables the private, permissionless transfer of value between any blockchain. Ren is solving the blockchain interoperability problem. Why you should listen: Loong studied computer science and distributed systems and then became increasingly interested in the potential of blockchain and decentralized finance. The goal of Ren is generic interoperability to enable the trustless, permissionless transfer of value between blockchain. Ren is part of the DeFi ecosystem but Loong sees Ren as helping to build out the decentralized future internet. Key takeaway: Ren will make it possible to exchange value between different blockchains. The launch of the Ren mainnet is one month away. The goal of interoperability is to make it possible for users to exchange value on any chain, without even knowing that they are interacting with a blockchain. Everything should happen seamlessly in the background. Blade Runner is Loong's favorite sci-fi movie, a masterpiece of patient world-building and story-telling. The Crypto Conversation is proudly sponsored by DeFi leaders NEXO Click here to borrow instantly in 45+ fiat currencies Click here to earn daily interest on your idle assets Supporting links: Ren Project Ren on Twitter Loong on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Marco Streng is the CEO of Genesis Mining, one of the largest Bitcoin cloud-mining companies. Genesis has mining locations in Iceland, Greenland, Norway, and Europe. Marco studied mathematics at the Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich. He set up a Bitcoin mining operation in his dorm room that ended when the electricity bill arrived. Why you should listen: Bitcoin mining is a contest for cheap energy and efficient mining rigs. Miners who are able to operate for long time frames at low costs are in the best position. All other miners are at risk of being buffeted by external market forces. Key takeaway: Any professional miner is well prepared for the Bitcoin halving in May. It is a known event therefore competent miners are able to prepare for all scenarios well in advance. Marcos says that worries about Bitcoin's energy footprint are overblown due to Bitcoin mining's increasing use of cheap renewable energy. The Crypto Conversation is proudly sponsored by DeFi leaders NEXO Click here to borrow instantly in 45+ fiat currencies Click here to earn daily interest on your idle assets Supporting links: Genesis Mining Genesis on Twitter Marco on Twitter Marco on VICE Life 3.0 Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Diogo Monica is the president and co-founder of Anchorage, the leading crypto custodian for institutional investors. Anchorage was selected as a founding member of the Libra Association and recently completed a $40m Series B fundraise, led by Visa. Why you should listen: Diogo says that custody needs have evolved beyond simple cold storage. With proof-of-stake assets allowing on-chain governance and 24/7 trading opportunities, there's a need for a custody solution that allows institutional-grade security as well as near-instant access to assets. Anchorage aims to be the leading provider of that solution. Key takeaway: Anchorage uses multiple types of biometric signals and behavioral analytics about the client and device to verify their identity. This is the cutting edge of crypto custody. Digo thinks that Facebook's Libra stablecoin will launch in some form in 2020. Anchorage is a founding member of the Libra Association. The Crypto Conversation is proudly sponsored by DeFi leaders NEXO Click here to borrow instantly in 45+ fiat currencies Click here to earn daily interest on your idle assets Supporting links: Anchorage Anchorage on Twitter Diogo on Twitter Glacier Protocol The Way of Kings Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Muneeb Ali is the co-founder and CEO of Blockstack, a decentralized computing network that gives users control of their data. Muneeb talks about the limits of Web 2.0 and how that led to an intrusive ad model, and how web 3.0 changes this model by giving individuals control of their digital sovereignty. Why you should listen: Muneeb explains that over a dinner with Balaji S. Srinivasan in February, Balaji convinced him that COVID-19 was about to crash the world and all precautions should be taken. Balaji was right. The simple but robust protocol design for the Internet Protocol (IP) took the internet to 15B connected devices through the period of the fastest technological change in history. Muneeb says Bitcoin's protocol has the same properties - it is simple and robust - that's why Bitcoin is the ideal narrow waist for Web 3. Key takeaway: Blockstack completed its capital raise six months ago and rebalanced its portfolio in February - leaving them in a strong position to keep building in these turbulent times. Blockstack aims to be simple and powerful - like Bitcoin. Blockstack can be thought of as the inverse of the world computer - or platform blockchains such as Ethereum and EOS. Muneeb says that in trying and uncertain times - it is important for individuals to have a sense of purpose to help them keep pushing forward. Snow Crash is Mnueeb's fav sci-fi novel and it informs his thinking about Web3 and Web4. The Crypto Conversation is proudly sponsored by DeFi leaders NEXO Click here to borrow instantly in 45+ fiat currencies Click here to earn daily interest on your idle assets Supporting links: Blockstack Blocktack Blog Bitcoin as the narrow waist for Web3 Fireside chat with Balaji S. Srinivasan Snow Crash Simulation Theory Why Decentralization Matters Google creepily records you Muneeb on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Trent McConaghy is a data and statistical modeling expert. Alarmed at the exponential spread of COVID-19, Trent became concerned that if the virus followed the same trajectory as in Wuhan and Lombardy - other cities would be similarly overwhelmed. Trent created a model to answer the question - how long before hospital capacity gets overwhelmed; at which point the death rate jumps? The focus of the modeling is on the hot zones of the U.S. and Germany: Washington state (WA) and Berlin. According to the model WA will hit capacity by March 25, and Berlin by April 5. Why you should listen: There are things we can do now, as citizens, organizations and governments, to slow the spread of COVID-19 and to bound the downside. If we don't, the downside could be severe. Trent has a Ph.D. in EE from KU Leuven, Belgium. He undertook machine learning research for the Canadian Department of National Defense. He is the founder of Ocean Protocol, a decentralized data marketplace. COVID-19 is a Black Swan. It's gone from highly unlikely, to likely, to happening. No one has perfect models of how it will unfold, exactly. But, we can identify possible worst-case scenarios and take action to minimize the negative impacts if those scenarios do occur. The most rational thing that we can do is to bound the downside. Key takeaway: The virus will not hit nations in a uniformly spread fashion. It will take out one city at a time, not one country at a time. In China, Northern Wuhan was taken out first. In Italy, it was Lombardy, Venice, and Milan. So while we can start with analyses at the national level (USA, Germany), it's critical to drill into specific hotspots (Washington state, Berlin) which will experience capacity constraints sooner than the national average. What can be done? For starters, get more beds. Cancel large gatherings, start remote work, and accelerate universal testing. We should act now. We can learn a lot from Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Singapore. The Crypto Conversation is proudly sponsored by DeFi leaders NEXO Click here to borrow instantly in 45+ fiat currencies Click here to earn daily interest on your idle assets Supporting links: When does hospital capacity get overwhelmed What we can do about Coronavirus Systemic Risk of Pandemic via Novel Pathogens Ocean Protocol Trent on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Catherine Coley is the CEO of Binance.US - the San Francisco based digital asset marketplace that serves American traders under the blue-chip Binance brand. Catherine says that CZ led Binance to the top by adopting a remote-first, decentralized approach. Why you should listen: Catherine says Binance U.S. is the perfect mix for the 'ambitious trader', someone who knows markets, wants to see order depth and market structure, and wants to use the best trading tools available. Binance executed flawlessly in its first year of operation, growing at a scale beyond any other exchange. By adopting a remote-first, decentralized approach, CZ allowed the Binance team to be their best selves. Catherine also talks about her time as the head of XRP Institutional Liquidity at Ripple during the 2017 bull run. There was a button on the Ripple website that traders could push to find out where to buy XRP that sent an auto-email to Catherine. She says at the peak of the rally, she received 17,000 emails in a six-hour window. Key takeaway: The U.S. exchange market is competitive, but Catherine is confident to be the CEO of the leading exchange brand in crypto and working with the best trading engine available. While some see the U.S. as falling behind in the global crypto market, Catherine sees an incredible opportunity to get it right. She says crypto represents freedom and we are at the very beginning of the crypto revolution globally. Catherine still does customer support which gives her invaluable insight into Binance customer needs. Catherine is a major Star Wars nerd, a mega Mandolorian fan and she proudly wears her Darth Vader costume every year for May the 4th and Halloween. The Crypto Conversation is proudly sponsored by DeFi leaders NEXO Click here to borrow instantly in 45+ fiat currencies Click here to earn daily interest on your idle assets Supporting links: Binance.US Binance.US on Twitter Catherine on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin The Bitcoin Halving NEXO If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

Kevin Kelly is a co-founder and macro strategist at Delphi Digital, an independent research boutique providing institutional-grade analysis on the digital asset market. Kevin has been tracking what he calls an "inflection point" in the "everything rally." Is the Coronavirus the black swan event that will trigger a major correction across global financial markets? What does this mean for the crypto markets? Why you should listen: Kevin was a U.S. Equity Strategist at Bloomberg before falling down the crypto rabbithole and taking his macro skills to the digital asset space. Kevin gives his helicopter view of the fast-moving macro situation. All markets are extremely volatile and the situation is changing daily as markets react to rising concern over the potential for a global Coronavirus pandemic. Key takeaway: The Coronavirus is a black swan event that is likely to get worse before it gets better. When confronted by a highly contagious virus, it is better to be paranoid early, rather than panic late. Google, Amazon and Facebook have too much market power and too much control over user data. The promise and potential of Web 3.0 is to give power back to the individual by giving them the tools to monetize their data and attention. Supporting links: Delphi Digital Systemic Risk of Pandemic via Novel Pathogens The Transall Saga The Bitcoin Halving Kevin Kelly on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

Andy talks with self-described 'flash loans maximalist' Stani Kulechov, founder and CEO of the Aave Protocol. We explore the increasingly exotic and esoteric landscape of Decentralized Finance or Money Lego - the DeFi ecosystem built on Ethereum. Against the backdrop of the recent DeFi exploits, we discuss the new flash loan innovation that allows traders to take out a loan without collateral by paying back the loan in the same smart contract transaction. Why you should listen: Ethereum developers and the DeFi community see the emerging decentralized finance model as a genuine alternative to the legacy financial system. Listen as Stani explains his vision for the Aave protocol and the use cases for flash loans. DeFi is still in a nascent stage andexploits are an inevitable part of the growth cycle as the technology matures. These events are necessary to strengthen the system before it is ready for mainstream use. Key takeaway: Decentralization is a journey, not a destination. DeFi may be the decentralized, accessible, immutable financial system of the future, however, the technology is new and still in the experimental stage. The current smart contract attack surface remains open to exploits. Supporting links: Aave Flash Loans Stani on Twitter Aave on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

In part 2 of our conversation with Bram Cohen, Bram outlines the flaws in the financial system, and how Bitcoin was supposed to address them. Bram then takes on Bitcoin, his view is that Bitcoin is too centralized and that its energy footprint is wasteful. Bram explains how his new cryptocurrency project Chia hopes to build on the blueprint of Bitcoin, but instead of using the energy-intensive proof-of-work consensus algorithm, Chia uses proof of space and time, free hard disk space, to create a new Nakamoto-style consensus algorithm. Why you should listen: Bram's vision for Chia is to create a cryptocurrency with the same properties as Bitcoin, but without the enormous energy footprint, and he wants it to be decentralized, and for any individual to be able to farm (mine) the network and participate. Bram says Chia has several unique features that will encourage adoption and even capture market share from Bitcoin. Key takeaway: Bitcoin is a revolutionary idea that solved the trusted third party problem and the double spend problem but miners are too centralized and the energy footprint is wasteful. Bram's vision for Chia addresses these two perceived weaknesses. Links: Bram Cohen's Wikipedia page Chia Chia Green Paper Bitcoin Bitcoin Hash Rate By Mining Pool Dr Who Bram on Twitter Chia Project on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

This is part one of a two-part conversation with Bram Cohen. Bram is the inventor of the peer to peer BitTorrent protocol that changed the world in the early 2000s, disrupting the way we understand copyright, how we consume content, and leading to the destruction and rebirth of corporate media companies. Bram is now working on Chia Network, a cryptocurrency with the same properties as Bitcoin, but without the intensive energy footprint. Chia uses a new consensus algorithm called Proof Of Space and Time. Why you should listen: The BitTorrent protocol was a catalyst for the golden age of file-sharing in the early 2000s. Bram says it was never about being a crusader against copyright, he was simply interested in moving data from point A to point B. Listen to Bram's memories of being a childhood programming prodigy, his early start-up failures, and his impressions of Hal Finney and Satoshi Nakamoto during the early years of Bitcoin. Key takeaway: At its peak, BitTorrent had hundreds of millions of users and accounted for 40% of all internet traffic. At the core of this was the idea that information wants to be free - and the tension behind that idea is still at the root of what it means to be extremely online today. BitTorrent is the world's largest decentralized protocol. Bitcoin is the second largest. Bitcoin is a revolutionary idea but miners are too centralized and the energy footprint is growing. Bram's vision for Chia addresses these two perceived weaknesses. Links: Bram Cohen's Wikipedia page Chia Chia Green Paper United States of America Mathematical Olympiad Mojo Nation BitTorrent Copyright Hal Finney Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds Bitcoin IRC Channels Bram on Twitter Chia Project on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin If you enjoyed the show please subscribe to the Crypto Conversation and give us a 5-star rating and a positive review in whatever podcast app you are using.

In this episode of the Crypto Conversation Andy is joined by Arif Khan, CEO of Alethea AI, a decentralized Synthetic Content Network that allows users to own the rights to their AI-generated identity, secured by a blockchain. Are you ready to monetize your likeness, face and voice data in a trusted environment? Why you should listen: Deepfakes are hyper-realistic AI-generated synthetic media in which a person in an existing image or video is replaced with someone else's likeness. Deepfakes can be used to deceive, such as a manipulated video of a politician deployed in an attempt to cause political unrest. However, individuals and media companies are now using the tech in exciting and creative new ways to enable virtual influencers and new digital and social media opportunities. The result is that the lines between virtual, digital, social, and reality continue to blur. Key takeaway: Synthetic Media is an emerging creativity multiplier that enables a new kind of storytelling. Like all technology, it can be used in both positive and negative ways. China's attempt to contain the Coronavirus is likely to accelerate the trend towards remote work, VR, and virtual identities. The future is likely to be weirder and stranger than you dared hope. Supporting links: Alethea AI War of the Worlds Radio Broadcast 1938 Lil Miquela Sapiens Alethea AI on Twitter Arif on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

In this episode of the Crypto Conversation Andy is joined by Rekt Capital, a trader and technical analyst who has been studying Bitcoin's price history to look at the effect of the previous halving events on Bitcoin's price performance. Rekt Capital says the Bitcoin Halving is an important catalyst that will propel Bitcoin into a new bull market. Why you should listen: Andy and Rekt Capital discuss the Bitcoin Halving in a macro context to address the following questions: How did each of the previous two Bitcoin Halvings affect Bitcoin's price? Are there any recurring tendencies as to how these two Halvings affected Bitcoin's price? How could Bitcoin's upcoming third Halving potentially affect Bitcoin's price? Is the Bitcoin Halving priced in? Key takeaway: The amount of Bitcoin that is created every 10 minutes gets cut in half every four years. This is why the Bitcoin Halving can be seen as a catalyst that leads to Bitcoin price appreciation. It is important to develop an understanding as well as the ability to appreciate, with a level-head, the historical significance of the Bitcoin Halving effect on Bitcoin's price. Of course, past performance doesn't guarantee future outcomes. But as Mark Twain said, two things can be said about history. "History doesn't repeat itself — but it often rhymes." Supporting links: Brave New Coin Halving Countdown Rekt Capital Bitcoin-Halving-Everything-You-Need-To-Know Rekt Capital TA Course (use discount code cryptoconversation) Brave New Coin Bitcoin Liquid Index Rekt Capital on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

In this episode of the Crypto conversation I'm joined by Pierre Ansaldi and Paul Salisbury from Brave New Coin to discuss the Bitcoin halving, and the new halving countdown page on Brave New Coin. The Bitcoin halving is a key macro event for Bitcoin in 2020, and as we get closer to the halving, Bitcoiners and the rest of the world alike will be watching Bitcoin's price action. Why you should listen: With increasingly turbulent global financial markets and less than 100 days until the Bitcoin halving, while stock markets fall, the BTC price is soaring. Investors are asking when is the halving, and is it priced in? Find out more! Key takeaway: Brave New Coin's new halving countdown page is dedicated to estimating the date and time of the next Bitcoin Block Reward Halving. We have created four scenarios based on different block time metrics. Each scenario is a moving estimate and the timestamp, charts, and values shown on the page are re-calculated daily. The page provides everything you need to watch all of the data around the halving. Supporting links: Brave New Coin Halving Countdown Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

Scott Freeman, a former prosecutor with the Manhattan District Attorney's Office, is the co-founder of JST Capital, a firm specializing in providing a full suite of traditional financial services to institutions and high-net worth individuals in the digital asset market. On this episode of the Crypto Conversation, Scott and Andy discuss institutional investors, whether the Bitcoin halving is priced in, and the effect of the Coronavirus on the financial markets. Why you should listen: As we begin a new decade, many market watchers had expected turbulence and volatility, and 2020 is not playing around. The Coronavirus is driving the global news cycle and impacting all financial markets as governments scramble to contain the virus and prevent a pandemic. In the meantime, with just 100 days until the Bitcoin halving, while stock markets fall, the BTC price is soaring, is the halving priced in? Key takeaway: It's too early to know what will happen with the Coronavirus but it's already having a negative impact on the global economy. Andy and Scott discuss a note on the virus by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, a statistician and risk analyst whose work concerns problems of randomness, probability, and uncertainty. Taleb's take is that in order to contain such a virus, all resources must be diverted to containment as soon as possible, an opportunity that China missed. Taleb's view is that while there is a very high probability for humanity surviving a single such event, over time, there is eventually zero probability of surviving repeated exposures to such events. Supporting links: JST Capital Systemic Risk of Pandemic via Novel Pathogens Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

Samson Mow is the Chief Strategy Officer at Blockstream, a company dedicated to building the financial infrastructure of the future on the Bitcoin blockchain. Samson is an outspoken defender of Bitcoin and a self-described toxic maximalist. On this episode of the Crypto Conversation, Samson explains the Blockstream thesis for Bitcoin, why Bitcoin is the centre of the blockchain universe, and what it's like to be the target of crypto conspiracy theories. Why you should listen: Blockstream is building an array of products and protocols to support, extend, and protect the Bitcoin ecosystem. Samson says the Blockstream Satellite has captured people's imagination and Andy ponders how Elon Musk's Starlink Satellite network might support Bitcoin. Plus Samson and Andy discuss Bitcoin stock-to-flow, how the Lightning network can scale Bitcoin to 25,000,000 tps and much more. Key takeaway: Companies that are participating in the Bitcoin industry should help to grow and secure the network by mining. Blockstream mining is helping to facilitate this. Samson believes in calling out scams and has embraced the Bitcoin maximalist persona. A certain segment of the population is naturally attracted to conspiracy theories and crypto is no exception. The wildest conspiracy theory about Blockstream is that it is controlled by The Bilderberg Group. Supporting links: Blockstream Excellion Starlink Pixelmatic Magical Crypto Friends Blockstream on Twitter Samson on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

Daniel Masters is the Executive Chairman at Coinshares, a leading digital asset management firm. The Coinshares Group manages nearly $700 million of assets on behalf of a global investor base. Daniel has a long history in the financial markets and was once the global head of energy and trading at JP Morgan. Now he wants to position CoinShares to be the crypto equivalent. Why you should listen: CoinShares is an umbrella company to some of the most innovative investment vehicles in the crypto space and Daniel has a bold vision for the next decade of blockchain. Key takeaway: Bitcoin is and will be complementary to the existing financial system. CoinShares have put physical gold on the bitcoin blockchain with the gold backed token DGLD. Supporting links: CoinShares DGLD XBT Provider Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

Matthew Graham is the CEO of Sino Global Capital, a team of Beijing-based investment bankers. China sees blockchain as a key strategic technology pillar critical to the next decade of growth. As it prepares to deploy a state-issued digital currency or DCEP (Digital Currency / Electronic Payment) China has a unique opportunity to take control of its monetary system and get a jump on other nation states. What are the implications for China and its citizens? Why you should listen: China's leaders are engineering-minded and technologically bold. China has a large influence on the crypto space. The majority of bitcoin mining is based in China, and China's changing stance towards crypto assets has tended to have an exaggerated effect on the volatile crypto markets. China sees blockchain very differently from the west and appears uniquely positioned to be the first large nation state to deploy a state-issued digital currency. Plus Andy and Matthew discuss Tokenization, Star Wars, sneaker trading. Key takeaway: A state-issued digital currency is a powerful idea. However, if combined with other technologies such as facial recognition, a social credit score, digital identity, and phone tracking, it would be an authoritarian method of control. State issued digital currency puts into stark relief the potential of an open, borderless, decentralized non-state issued digital currency such as Bitcoin. Supporting links: Sino Global Capital Matthew on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

Andreas M. Antonopoulos has spent the last decade traveling the world, delivering hundreds of live talks on Bitcoin. Combining his knowledge of economics, psychology, technology, and game theory with his unique views on politics and history, Andreas makes a compelling case for the importance of open, decentralized, borderless, censorship-resistant, neutral, public blockchains. As we enter the 2020s, Andreas reflects on the first decade of blockchain and asks what happens next? Why you should listen: Andreas M. Antonopoulos is a critically-acclaimed best-selling author, speaker, educator, and one of the world's foremost bitcoin and open blockchain experts. A prolific speaker, teacher, author and bitcoin advocate, Andreas says this has become his life mission. After achieving his goal of reaching 10 million people by 2020, his next goal is to reach 100 million by the end of 2022. Key takeaway: Bitcoin had an incredible first decade of existence. It started as an idea on a small cryptography email list and grew into the world's most valuable, decentralized blockchain network. Learn why Andreas describes himself as a Gen X who aspires to be a millennial. Andy and Andreas talk science fiction, discussing the dystopian near-future as depicted by Cory Doctorow, George Orwell, and Aldous Huxley. Finally, in the Crypto Conversation hot take section, Andreas says that The Next Generation is his favorite Star Trek universe. Supporting links: Aantonop.com The Aantonop Youtube Channel Andreas on Twitter Unauthorized Bread Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

Sergey Nazarov is the CEO at Chainlink where he is spear-heading the smart contract oracle revolution. Sergey believes that blockchain technology has the ability to change the way societies distribute wealth, enforce contracts, and share, monetize, and utilize critical information. Relentlessly focused and logical, Sergey is single-minded in his approach to unleashing the true potential of smart contracts. Key takeaway: Smart contracts have the potential to change the world by making it possible for anyone to enter into a digital agreement with anyone else. But there's a problem - for the potential of smart contracts to truly be unleashed - they need a reliable way to connect with events in the real world - this is called the 'oracle problem.' An oracle's function is to find and verify real-world occurrences and provide this data to a blockchain based smart contract in a manner that is decentralized and not vulnerable to a single point of failure. This is the solution that Chainlink provides. Why you should listen: Sergey says that the blockchain space is in an early form and has a long way to evolve, he is committed to helping this process. He sees smart contracts as an extremely reliable form of automation that has the potential to unlock vast amounts of value across the existing financial system, and also improve emerging markets by enabling individuals to pursue their economic destiny in whatever manner they see fit. Finally, in the Crypto Conversation hot take section, Sergey explains his passion for science fiction and the Star Trek and Expanse universes. Supporting links: Chainlink The Brave New Coin Chainlink Nick Szabo Smart Contract Essay Chainlink on Twitter Sergey on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

Chris Brookins is the author of a new report - Ethereum Price Forecast into 2020 - a data first analysis. The report assess Ethereum's tumultuous 2019 and attempts to address the question - is an ETH price reprieve on the horizon? Against the backdrop of the Ethereum 2.0 Serenity blockchain upgrade, Andy and Chris discuss how the Ethereum team plan to maintain the network's position as the leading smart contract platform blockchain and how this might lead to a new bull cycle for the ETH token. Key takeaway: Ethereum has had a tumultuous 2019 and there are further growing pains ahead. The upcoming, long-anticipated launch of Ethereum 2.0 in January will be the most important and comprehensive update in the network's history. The 2.0 launch will reconfigure and adjust many existing Ethereum network dynamics. Chris's report analyzes Ethereum's seasonal characteristics and uses the Hurst exponent to tease out a likely trajectory in 2020. We verify the fundamental metrics driving price and assess their implications for the future of the Ethereum network. Why you should listen: Chris Brookins is the Founder and CIO of Valiendero Digital Assets, a quantitative cryptocurrency investment fund founded out of Carnegie Mellon University. Andy and Chris discuss Nike's patent to tokenize sneakers on Ethereum, Chris gives his assessment of Plan B's Bitcoin stock to flow model and he shares a view on what he expects to happen around the Bitcoin halving. Finally, Andy and Chris geek out over The Expanse and agree that it is an accurate depiction of a dystopian near future. Supporting links: Ethereum Price Forecast 2020 Report Ethereum At The Crossroads Report Valiendero Chris on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

Kadan Stadelmann is the Komodo Platform's Chief Technology Officer (CTO). Kadan's background includes coding from an early age which led to him becoming a white-hat hacker and operations security and penetration testing at the nation-state level. Komodo has conducted the world's first web browser-based atomic swap and is expanding its decentralized exchange solution, AtomicDEX, to web browsers. The atomic swap is a smart contract technology that allows users to trade digital assets without any third-party involvement. Key takeaway: To date, most decentralized exchange solutions have been clunky and lacking in users. Komodo says that the AtomicDEX is now the industry leader. Komodo has been working on atomic swaps since 2014 and has collaborated with their inventor, Tier Nolan. In the last four months, Komodo has launched the first DEX for mobile phones, on-boarded thousands of users, and executed the first web browser-based atomic swap. Komodo is on a mission to make it so that if you want to trade crypto without a middleman, you can do it by typing in a URL or pulling out your phone." Why you should listen: Hear why Kadan's experience working in op-sec at the nation-state level led to a realization that trustless, decentralized solutions are the most effective means to change the world. Plus, hear Kadan's diplomatic assessment of the McAfeeDEX, and learn why Kadan is extremely pessimistic about humanity's future. Supporting links: Komodo Platform AtomicDEX Kadan on Twitter Komodo on Twitter AtomicDEX on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

Notsofast is the pseudonymous Twitter persona of a crypto OG. Notsofast was a prolific early altcoin spec miner, a dogecoin enthusiast and one of Crypto Twitter's most helpful personalities. Notsofast is a consultant to many blockchain projects and an advocate for the potential of decentralized, permissionless systems. An insightful and engaging speaker Notsofast says it's important to get friendly with the idea of cognitive dissonance. Key takeaway: Deploying a pseudonymous persona gives the individual a blank canvas to build a solid reputation by setting a good example. This is a kind of superpower. Notsofast's entry into crypto came via Dogecoin, a fun community and an entry into the space that allowed users to not take themselves too seriously, or have to engage with fringe political beliefs. Notsofast has approximately 300 altcoin bags and believes that while Bitcoin maximalism is a strong argument for the success of blockchain generally, there is a part of it that descends into groupthink meaning nuanced discussion is lost. Why you should listen: Hear why Dogecoin is an oscillator that has proven store of nostalgia properties, and while Notsofast was once a prolific spec miner, hobbyist mining opportunities are rare now that anyone can launch their own token. Notsofast says it's important to get friendly with cognitive dissonance and he uses the Indian parable of the blind men and the elephant to illustrate the difficulties of grokking the crypto asset space. Plus Andy and Notsofast discuss Willy Woo's Oscillators and Degenerators thesis, why families might be natural crypto custodians and the practicalities of securing 300 different altcoin holdings. Supporting links: Notsofast at CoinfestUK Die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain Willy Woo's Oscillators and Degenerators The parable of the blind men and an elephant The Wasp Factory Cryptochrisw on Twitter Notsofast on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

Alex Mashinsky is a successful entrepreneur best known for inventing VOIP which enables 1B people to talk over the internet for free. VOIP disrupted the Telecom companies, and now Alex wants to disrupt the banks with Money Over IP. His newest start-up Celsius Network has a massive goal - allow crypto users to unbank themselves by depositing crypto with Celsius, and receive interest rates on crypto deposits or fiat loans that are far superior to legacy banking. Key takeaway: Alex Mashinsky is a fascinating guy with a fascinating background. He was born into communism, raised under socialism, and he has made a fortune via capitalism. Alex views Decentralization as a 4th system - and the one system that has the potential to benefit the 99%, not just the 1%. Is there a theme running through Alex's career? Yes. The theme is taking a risk, trusting your gut, and trying to change the world by disrupting an entire industry. Alex has done this once, and now he wants to do it again. First the Telecom companies, and now the banks. Why you should listen: Alex is positioning Celsius to bring mainstream users into the crypto ecosystem by offering financial services with rates superior to the legacy system, and to the emerging DeFi ecosystem. Alex has a long history of successful investments and missed opportunities. In fact, in a roundabout way, Alex founded Uber before it was Uber, it was called GroundLink, and he then got crushed by Uber. Alex has 50 patents that make everything from voice over internet, Twitter, Skype, the App Store, and Netflix streaming possible. Alex has made 120 VC investments, he's raised over a billion dollars for his companies, and Alex has achieved exits to the value of $3 billion. Supporting links: Celsius.network Mashinsky Groundlink Alex on Twitter Andy on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Brave New Coin

Danny Kim is Head of Growth at SFOX, a crypto trading platform and prime dealer for whale traders and institutional investors. SFOX is connected to 20+ exchanges and OTC desks to provide a single point of access to the crypto markets. SFOX was one of only two crypto companies to make Y Combinator's list of the Top 100 most valuable companies to come out of its accelerator program. Key takeaway: A prime dealer provides a single point of liquidity to all the major crypto exchanges, a vital access point for large whale traders and institutional investors. The prime dealer model is an evolution in the Bitcoin and crypto markets as more sophisticated traders demand a more comprehensive liquidity solution via a single trading platform. The exact amount of OTC volume is unknown but may be up to 70% of the market. Why you should listen: Danny explains the animal-inspired suite of SFOX algorithms - Polar Bear, Tortoise, Hare, and the Gorilla. He says the institutions are coming, however, it's a slow and steady process due to the complex requirements of the larger pension funds and custodial clients. In the Crypto Conversation hot take round, Danny says he is a fan of Andrew Yang, and his favorite science fiction film is Interstellar. Supporting links: SFOX SFOX on Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Andy on Twitter SFOX-Crypto-Volatility-Report Brave New Coin Y Combinator Top Companies

Professional trader and market analyst Josh Olszewicz joins Andy Pickering for a brain dump on the crypto news cycle. Bakkt's volume hit a new all-time-high, and Square had its sixth consecutive growth quarter - bullish for Bitcoin? Plus recent developments in China, why Libra is dead in the water, and Andy tells the story of how Kim Dotcom introduced him to Bitcoin. Key takeaway: Crypto has a scam problem, a fungibility problem, and a user-experience problem, are these solvable? Darknet markets still prefer Bitcoin over privacy coins, why? As Boomers fade out, millennial adoption of Bitcoin as digital money for a digital world will become inevitable. China has been working on the digital yuan for 3-4 years, what is really happening, and why China is so adept at playing the long game. Bitcoin's stock to flow model suggests a $55,000 Bitcoin after the 2020 halving. Why you should listen: Andy and Josh discuss whether "nocoiner" is a derogatory term in the same way as "Ok Boomer," and Josh outs himself as an Overwatch and Magic: The Gathering enthusiast. Everyone is mad at Facebook, and just as well, as Libra looks like it is designed to use private social media data to calculate credit scores. That would be dystopian. The story of the next decade will a Darwinian battle between decentralized digital currencies, corporate coins, and central bank digital currencies. Spoiler alert - Josh picks Bitcoin as the winner. Supporting Links: Plan B - The Bitcoin Stock to Flow model Josh On Twitter Brave New Coin on Twitter Andy on Twitter Josh's Brave New Coin reports Josh's Trading tips Ledger Status Libra is Architecturally Unsound

BTSE is a crypto asset exchange and futures trading platform. BTSE has partnered with crypto data company Brave New Coin to create two indices - the BBCX and BBAX, around which BTSE has developed futures trading products. Brian Wong and Lina Seiche from BTSE talk to Andy Pickering about crypto futures trading, the role of marketing and social media in crypto, and we finish with the Crypto Conversation hot take round. Key takeaway: An index tracks the performance of a basket of assets to represent the overall strength of a market. The new BTSE BBCX index tracks Bitcoin, Ethereum and Litecoin and can be combined with leveraged futures trading. Brian discusses the collaborative process working with the Brave New Coin market data team to create the index. Brian and Lina explain why they think the next Bitcoin bull run will be even bigger than 2017, how futures trading allows miners and traders to hedge their positions and why liquidity attracts liquidity. Why you should listen: Lina talks about the importance of separating signal from noise on social media and at crypto conferences. She explains why there is a first-place prize of 10 Bitcoins in the BTSE trading competition and why centralized exchanges need to win the trust of their users. In the Crypto Conversation hot-take round, Brian says he admires the vision of Andrew Yang, Lina explains why BTSE sponsors the Magical Crypto Friends, and why she respects Elon Musk's vision to take humanity to another planet. Not to be outdone in the sci-fi stakes, we learn that Brian's Twitter handle is a reference to the Infinite Square Well - the particle in a box model in quantum mechanics. Brian says that his favorite sci-fi film is Interstellar, while Lina admits to being more of a fantasy fan, and picks the Lord of the Rings as her fantasy literature of choice. Supporting links: Btse.com Btse trading-competition Btse-x-bnc-bbcx-index-futures-trading-tutorial Brave New Coin indices-program BNC-BTSE Composite Index (BBCX) Brave New Coin BNC-pro.com Andy on Twitter Lina on Twitter Brian on Twitter Fluffy Pony sells BTSE like a BOSS Particle in a box

Tal Kol is the co-founder of Orbs, a public blockchain for enterprise. Tal is a veteran of Israel's 8200 unit, a military intelligence agency comprised of the smartest 18 - 21 year-olds in Israel. Alumni of the unit have been unusually successful in the global startup scene. Tal believes that the Dapp model is flawed, that Dapps can't compete with their centralized counterparts, and that public blockchains should work with enterprise to build out Web 3.0. Key takeaway: Tal says the 8200 unit is a tech incubator and it's one of the reasons why Israel is a global technology innovator. Learn why Tal says public blockchains for Dapps such as Ethereum, Tezos, EOS, and Cosmos will not succeed and nor will private, permissioned blockchains such as Corda and Hyperledger. Instead, Tal thinks that public blockchains that help enterprise is the only model that makes sense. Why you should listen: Tal has some extremely insightful things to say about human nature, power, corruption, and how blockchain can help. Does blockchain have a role to play in the Israeli Palestine conflict? In the Crypto Conversation hot take round, we get deep - Tal says that the global populace and the 1% have a different understanding of governance, power, and how the world really works. Everything is up for manipulation, and nothing can be trusted because power corrupts - can blockchain help? Finally, Tal explains why the laws of physics suggest that in the future as humans start to expand beyond Earth - we will inevitably split into different races and end up at war with each other across the universe. Supporting links: Orbs.com Medium.com/@talkol Kardashev_scale Brave New Coin BNC-pro.com Andy on Twitter Tal on Twitter

John McAfee speaks to us from inside a Faraday cage. At the height of the 2017 crypto bull run John made a wild Bitcoin price prediction and bet his manhood on it coming true. John is a renegade, he's an outlaw, he may or may not be on the run from the US government and he has just launched a new decentralized exchange that he says will rival Binance in six months time. Key takeaway: A passionate Libertarian, John seeks to free people from corrupt governments. His latest endeavour is the McAfee Decentralized Exchange (DEX). A DEX cannot be shut down by authorities. John believes that governments will continue to crack down on the crypto ecosystem and to defend against this, it is critical that a network of decentralized exchanges exist to enable the free exchange of crypto assets. Why you should listen: John is a notorious prankster, trickster, and modern day pirate. That makes him a very entertaining interview subject. Listen as John explains why he is talking to us from a Faraday cage so that the authorities cannot track him. We discuss John's wild Bitcoin price prediction, why he thinks the math says that Bitcoin hits 1 million by Dec 31, 2020, and why John believes this is a bet he can't lose. Plus - John's fascinating history working as a programmer at NASA, and on black projects at Lockheed, and we finish with the Crypto Conversation hot take round. Supporting links: McAfee2020.com McAfeedex.com Brave New Coin Liquid.com/bnc BNC-pro.com Faraday cage Andy on Twitter John on Twitter

A crypto entrepreneur and blockchain evangelist, Fran Strajnar is the founder and CEO of Brave New Coin. Fran says his mission is to "terraform the digital asset landscape." Brave New Coin's latest product is BNC Pro - a ground-breaking all-in-one crypto portfolio management platform. Key takeaway: Information flow in today's crypto economy is fragmented, fallible and flawed. Market beating insight and advantage is available to those who can assemble, curate and filter this data quickly. Launching in November, BNC Pro is an all-in-one crypto asset management solution that integrates a user's portfolio with Brave New Coin's verified market data, newsfeeds and analysis tools - delivering actionable insights in near real-time. Premium tools are unlocked using the BNC Token which is launching via IEO on November 4th at Liquid.com. Why you should listen: Fran explains his vision for the future of the crypto and blockchain space and why BNC Pro is positioning to be the terminal experience at the heart of the industry. Plus - why science fiction is the literature of ideas, and the eerie similarities between Huxley's Brave New World and Orwell's 1984. Fran explains Star Trek's unique ability to provide a glimpse of the future, it's foreshadowing of mobile phones, iPads, and other technology, and how Gene Roddenberry's clever commentaries on the cultural issues of the day shaped today's world. Supporting links: Brave New Coin Liquid.com/bnc BNC-pro.com A-pioneering-business-model-for-a-frontier-industry Ray Kurzweil's The Singularity Is Near Kardashev scale Fran on Twitter.com Andy on Twitter Brave New World

Mark Yusko is the CEO of Morgan Creek Capital. Mark is one of the most insightful investors and most articulate Bitcoin bulls on the planet. Mark's investment thesis is that the greatest wealth is created by being an early investor in innovation. Making that investment requires believing in something before the majority of people understand it. Key takeaway: Being able to generate significant wealth from investing early in innovation requires doing the work and having conviction. Blockchain and crypto assets are a technological evolution equivalent to the internet. Why you should listen: Andy and Mark discuss Ray Kurzweil's Law of Accelerating Returns, why new technology adoption tends to follow an s-curve, and why the human brain struggles to understand the speed of exponential growth. Plus - why crypto is a virus that will keep spreading, the myth of Warren Buffett's "Aw shucks" persona, why institutions must #GetOffZero and allocate to Bitcoin, and Mark explains why he thinks Tesla is a good company but not a good stock. Links: Morgan Creek Capital Brave New Coin Ray Kurzweil's The Singularity Is Near The Virus Is Spreading Inside Bill's Brain Mark's Webinar on #GetOffZero Mark Yusko on Twitter Andy Pickering on Twitter

Jake Yocom-Piatt, Decred co-founder and project lead talks about the mysterious Decred origin story and how it relates to Satoshi Nakamoto. A hybrid proof-of-work/proof-of-stake store of value asset, Decred has strong governance, good security, privacy features, and an innovative incentive alignment. If Bitcoin is about being your own bank, so is Decred - but it's also about having a say in your bank's policies. Plus, surveillance capitalism, Decred's new privacy features and we listen to the 'Privacy Flow' hip-hop track. Key takeaway: Decred is about reorganizing society around fairer games. Decred's point of difference is the addition of a governance system on top of a hybrid proof-of-work/proof-of-stake cryptocurrency. Decred now has privacy features that compete with Monero and Zcash. Bitcoin maximalists often support two other projects - Monero and Decred. Why you should listen: Jake is a fascinating guy with very strong opinions. Learn why he thinks Satoshi Nakamoto was a team of at least three people and the mysterious similarities in the origin stories of Bitcoin, Monero and Decred. Plus - listen to Decred's 'Privacy Flow' hip-hop track, and learn why Jake feels vindicated by Edward Snowden's revelations. Supporting links: Decred.org medium.com/decred Twitter.com/decredproject blog.companyzero.com/2015/11/bitcoins-biggest-challenges placeholder.vc/blog/2018/5/12/decred-investment-thesis