Bitcoin is a commodity, not money. At least, that's the argument my guest, Digital Gold Yoda, lays out today as we dive into the revolutionary project that aims to achieve what Satoshi Nakamoto originally envisioned DigitalGold.com. Imagine a network of 100 million nodes running proof-of-stake technology on regular computers—decentralized, efficient, and fair. Digital Gold is not just another cryptocurrency; it's a movement designed to fix the flaws of Bitcoin and build an entirely new monetary system.

In this episode:

• Why Bitcoin became a commodity and not money
• The three-legged stool that determines intrinsic value: users, computing power, and utility
• How the Proof of Participation model ensures fair distribution and decentralized validation
• The 1,000-level game to grow from 10,000 to 100 million users
• Why Digital Gold aims to match Bitcoin’s computing power—without burning fossil fuels
• How merchant adoption happens organically in this system

Digital Gold Yoda and I break down the technology, distribution model, and vision behind this revolutionary project. If you’re holding crypto dust or curious about what’s next in decentralization, this episode is for you.

Resources:

• Download the wallet and join the network: digitalgold.com
• Follow the Digital Gold project updates

Key Takeaways:

• “This isn’t just another token; this is a chance to get it right, together as a community.”
• “If we build this, we won’t just create value—we’ll reintroduce money to the world.”

Guest: Digital Gold Yoda, Chief Scientist behind the Digital Gold project.

We are about to embark on a new era for Bitcoin and maybe even Crypto. The 2024 election has changed everything. 

I sat down with Gary Cardone, a powerhouse in energy and digital assets, as we explore the seismic shifts happening in Bitcoin and the crypto world. Gary dives deep into how Wall Street and even U.S. politics are shaping Bitcoin’s path forward, especially after the massive fallout from FTX and other big players.

We talk about:

• Why Bitcoin’s “takeover” by financial giants might actually be a win for everyone
• How the original pioneers of Bitcoin underestimated its potential and growth
• Why institutional adoption is driving Bitcoin’s mainstream appeal, whether we like it or not
• The importance of tools like Node40 for crypto compliance, asset tracking, and future planning

Gary brings a unique perspective on adoption, touching on everything from grassroots Bitcoin values to the involvement of mega-institutions like Citibank and BNY Mellon. Plus, we discuss how Bitcoin is transforming into a global economic power, one that will impact every sector and individual. Get ready for a raw and insightful conversation on where we are, what we missed, and where we’re heading in the world of Bitcoin and beyond.

In this episode, I sit down with two major players who are shaping the future of crypto communications and security. First up is Ian Leviness from Push Protocol, and we dive into how Push is creating a decentralized communication hub for everything from notifications to messaging and more. Ian talks about the platform's explosive growth since its beginnings in 2020 and what’s next, including their ambitious vision of Push Chain—an infrastructure for decentralized communication that’s going to power everything from DAOs to DeFi protocols. We get into how they’re helping creators, artists, and even power traders by delivering notifications and building custom messaging solutions. Plus, we touch on some exciting applications for AI and how Push Protocol is already working to integrate AI into decentralized communications.

Next, I talk with Pascal Gauthier, the CEO of Ledger, the company that has probably touched every crypto user at some point with its world-famous hardware wallets. Pascal and I explore Ledger’s latest products—Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex—and how they’re pushing the boundaries of secure crypto storage. We also discuss the long game Ledger is playing in becoming the Apple of crypto hardware, with cutting-edge innovation in both security and user experience. Pascal shares some great stories about working with industry giants like Foxconn and Tony Fadell (the inventor of the iPod), and how they’re shaping Ledger’s vision of seamless, secure crypto transactions. We even dive into the future of proof of identity and why cryptography might be the key to countering the rise of AI.

This episode is packed with insights on where crypto is heading—whether you’re into the technical side or just curious about the big picture, you won’t want to miss this conversation with two leaders who are truly pushing the space forward.

• 00:00 – Intro: The evolution of podcasting and the role of DAOs
• 03:15 – Ian Leviness on how Push Protocol is becoming the hub for decentralized communication
• 10:00 – Why Push Protocol is crucial for DAOs, creators, and power traders
• 17:45 – How Push is integrating AI and creating tokenized chat for creators
• 25:20 – Pascal Gauthier on Ledger’s growth and new products: Ledger Stax and Ledger Flex
• 32:15 – How Ledger is becoming the “Apple of crypto hardware” through partnerships with Foxconn and Tony Fadell
• 40:30 – The future of NFC-enabled transactions and the next frontier for hardware wallets
• 48:00 – Pascal on the importance of proof of identity and the coming AI challenges in the crypto world
• 55:00 – Final thoughts: How Ledger’s security is evolving to meet new threats

In this episode, I dive deep into two worlds that are being completely reshaped by technology: finance and Hollywood. First, I had an awesome conversation with Nick Cowan, the CEO of Valereum, where we talked about the future of tokenization, digital securities, and how blockchain is changing the entire financial landscape. Nick shared some wild stories about the Gibraltar Stock Exchange and its acquisition by Valereum, and explained why tokenized securities and digital assets are the next big thing. We also tackled the complexities of liquidity in these markets, how tokenization can reduce transaction costs by up to 90%, and why regulators are starting to take notice.

Then, I had the pleasure of chatting with my good friend Darren Darnborough, actor and co-founder of WeAudition, a platform that's shaking up the way actors audition by decentralizing the casting process. Darren and I got into how he’s supporting actors all over the world by creating a peer-to-peer network that allows them to connect and collaborate in ways that were never possible before. We also talked about why community is so important in today’s digital landscape, and how WeAudition is breaking down the traditional gatekeepers of Hollywood.

Whether you’re into finance or entertainment, this episode has something for everyone. You’ll get a front-row seat to the groundbreaking strategies driving the future of tokenization and the decentralized industries that are transforming the way we think about finance and entertainment. So, sit back and enjoy this one—it’s packed with killer insights from two guys who are truly ahead of the curve.

• 00:00 – My thoughts on the state of crypto and what’s coming next
• 03:30 – Nick Cowan joins to talk about Valereum’s acquisition of the Gibraltar Stock Exchange
• 10:45 – How tokenization is slashing transaction costs and reducing risk in financial markets
• 18:20 – The liquidity challenge in tokenized assets and how to overcome it
• 25:00 – Darren Darnborough talks about WeAudition and how it’s disrupting the Hollywood casting process
• 32:45 – Building a decentralized network for actors and why it’s a game changer
• 38:15 – The power of community in today’s business world
• 44:10 – Final thoughts on the future of finance and entertainment

SPECIAL: Bitcoin’s Early Days, The Present, and Where We’re Going with Paul Tarantino! 

On this special episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, the tables turn as I get interviewed by Paul Tarantino, the CEO of ByteFederal. Still, the story isn’t just mine—it’s the Bitcoin community’s. From the early days, when Bitcoin was barely known, to the pivotal moments that brought us to where we are now, this conversation dives deep into the history, resilience, and power of Bitcoin as a movement.

We talk about what it was like in 2012, the highs, the lows, and everything in between. I share personal stories about navigating the challenges of the early days, from scams and hacks to breakthroughs and the emergence of new companies that shaped the space. But this isn’t just a history lesson—this is about how far we’ve come and how Bitcoin went from being misunderstood to a powerful force that even presidential candidates can’t ignore.

Bitcoin is more than just a currency; it’s an idea that has changed how we think about money and freedom. Tune in as we reflect on what’s next for Bitcoin and why the early adopters, who believed in it from the start, still hold the keys to its future.

-Charlie

Nick Cote & Omar Shakeeb - Second Lane - Crypto Private Markets

Michelle Weekley, ByteFederal Bitcoin ATM's 

Welcome back my friends! In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Cote and Omar Shakeeb from Second Lane, and we’re digging deep into the guts of the crypto world. These guys are like the switchboard operators of private markets, connecting top-tier investors, service providers, and liquidity providers. We talk about the importance of due diligence in secondary markets—because who wants to throw money into something without knowing all the details, right? Data plays a massive role in making smart investment moves, and Nick and Omar give us the lowdown on that.

We also chat about where crypto is heading, especially with decentralized models on the rise, plus how AI and energy procurement are shaking things up in this space. Nick has this cool story about going from oil and gas to becoming a passive investor and operator in crypto, while Omar tells us how he got into OTC brokering. These guys have seen it all.

Michelle Weekley from Byte Federal, who jumps in towards the end. She’s their Director of Product Development and shares how Byte Federal is tackling regulatory obstacles, expanding globally, and pushing for more Bitcoin adoption. Michelle talks about why awareness and action are so important right now, and why she’s optimistic about where things are headed for Bitcoin and crypto.

We touch on some of the challenges and opportunities in crypto—transparency, education, and building community are huge. And we spotlight innovative projects like Helium and HiveMapper, which are using decentralized models to really give power back to the people.

I also take a moment to reflect on a recent Bitcoin meetup I spoke at in Naples. The community there was hungry to get why crypto is so exciting. We go over some of the regulatory challenges our industry is facing, why political engagement is crucial, and what we need to do to keep pushing for hyper-Bitcoinization.

Thanks for hanging with us, and as always, keep fighting for that decentralized future!

Charlie

Welcome back, good morning! Excited to share this with you. 

I have been working on a new teaching program for a while. More information will be provided soon! Please be safe, its a hot summer out there and HODL! 

In this epic episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, we're diving headfirst into the future of the decentralized web and real-world asset tokenization with two of the most visionary leaders in the crypto space. First, we sit down with Sam Williams, the creator of the Arweave protocol. Sam and I explore how Arweave is building the next generation of the internet with a truly decentralized, censorship-resistant data storage network that ensures the permanence of information in cyberspace. We talk about the importance of preserving the right to speak in this evolving digital landscape and how Arweave is creating a revolutionary open data plane.

Then, we shift gears with Jag Singh, the CEO and co-founder of Real. Jag takes us through the cutting-edge world of tokenizing real estate and other real-world assets (RWAs). We discuss the mechanics of tokenizing properties, the evolution of RWAs as a counter to financial nihilism, and how Real is making it easier for crypto natives to diversify their portfolios with tangible assets. Jag shares insights into the challenges and opportunities of bringing physical assets on-chain and what the future holds for tokenized assets beyond real estate.

Key Topics Discussed:

• The evolution and mission of Arweave and the Permaweb.
• Real-world asset tokenization and its role in the future of finance.
• How crypto natives can diversify with tokenized real estate.
• The intersection of Web3 and the physical world.
• The future of decentralized information and asset management.

Guests:

• Sam Williams: Creator of Arweave
• Jag Singh: CEO and Co-founder of Real

Tune in and join us as we explore the frontiers of the decentralized world!

Hey hey! Welcome to Rare Sats and Virgin Coins: Bitcoin Happy Hour with George Burke and Deedle of Portal

Last week, we had an engaging and insightful discussion with some of the OGs in the crypto space. Here's a rundown of what we covered:

We kicked off the episode with a bit of banter about "proof of ice" and "proof of happy hour," setting a light-hearted tone. I was excited to announce that a very special friend and my ex-co-founder would be joining us. Although he was a bit elusive at first, we eventually got him on board.

We delved into Market Cap's first half of the year state of crypto report. The report highlighted various trends, including memecoin communities, Bitcoin L2s, and Rune-related projects. It also featured a hypothetical section on market cycles, which sparked an interesting discussion about the future of crypto markets.

We touched on the ECC conference moving from Paris to Brussels and then to another location due to safety concerns. Additionally, we discussed Trump's announcement about speaking at Bitcoin Nashville and the introduction of the "Trump pass," which led to a broader conversation about the intersection of politics and Bitcoin.

The conversation took a serious turn as we discussed Ross Ulbricht's case and the broader issues of criminal justice reform. We debated the fairness of his sentence and the potential for a presidential pardon.

We explored how Bitcoin serves as a sovereign tool, enabling individuals to question existing financial systems and media narratives. This led to a discussion on the psychological impact of Bitcoin's price fluctuations and strategies to mitigate emotional responses.

We shared various strategies for securing Bitcoin, including using cold storage and multisig wallets. One interesting anecdote involved a friend who keeps his BTC in a safety deposit box in a flyover state, making it difficult to access and thus less likely to be impulsively sold.

We reminisced about the early days of Bitcoin debit cards and the challenges we faced. My co-founder and I had worked on FreshPay, one of the first Bitcoin debit cards in the U.S., and we discussed the evolution of this concept over the years.

We had several guests join us, including Deedle from Portal, Vic from CakeWallet, and Petty from Runes Terminal. Each shared their background and current projects, adding depth to our discussion.

We discussed the future of Bitcoin scaling, including the potential of runes and other innovations. Petty provided insights into the current state of the market and the challenges of user adoption.

Vic introduced us to the concept of silent payments, a new privacy feature in CakeWallet. This led to a broader discussion on privacy in Bitcoin transactions and potential future developments.

We talked about the long-awaited repayment to Mt. Gox creditors and its potential impact on the market. Opinions varied on whether this would create significant selling pressure.

We speculated on whether nation states are quietly accumulating Bitcoin and the strategic implications of such actions. This included a discussion on the role of government seizures and stealthy market purchases.

Finally, we touched on the complexities of taxation for long-term Bitcoin holders and strategies to minimize tax liabilities, including moving to Puerto Rico under tax act 60.

Thank you for tuning in! We hope you enjoyed this episode and gained some valuable insights into the ever-evolving world of Bitcoin and crypto!

Charlie

Hey listeners, welcome back! 🎙️ Courtney and I just had our first cruise experience for a friend's wedding; let me tell you, it was terrific. It wasn't just about the ship—it was all about our expectations and the incredible friends we surrounded ourselves with. Isn't that the beauty of life?

In this episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, I sat down with Bryan Pellegrino, Co-Founder and CEO of LayerZero Labs, and Anthony Georgiades, General Partner at Innovating Capital and Co-Founder of Pastel Network. We delved into the evolution and future of interoperability in the crypto space, AI integration, and the industry's challenges and opportunities. It's a great episode that you won't want to miss!

Charlie Shrem

Key Topics:

Bryan Pellegrino's Journey:

• Transition from professional poker to AI and crypto.
• Founding LayerZero Labs and the importance of interoperability.
• Early experiences with Bitcoin and the pivotal moments in his career.

The Evolution of AI in Crypto:

• Bryan's work with AI and its applications in various industries.
• The intersection of AI and crypto, and future possibilities.
• Insights into the current AI boom and its implications for the blockchain industry.

LayerZero Labs:

• The development and impact of LayerZero, an interoperability protocol.
• Achievements and milestones, including integration with major blockchains like Ethereum, Polygon, and Solana.
• The significance of immutability, permissionlessness, and censorship resistance.

Anthony Georgiades' Perspective:

• His role at Innovating Capital and Pastel Network.
• Pastel Network’s offerings, including decentralized storage and AI-driven tools.
• The current state of the NFT market and the future of Web3 infrastructure.

Interoperability and Decentralization:

• Challenges of creating secure, scalable, and decentralized interoperability solutions.
• The role of smart contracts in bridging different blockchain ecosystems.
• Future trends and the potential of AI-driven decentralized applications.

Market Insights and Predictions:

• The current landscape of the crypto and NFT markets.
• Predictions for the future of blockchain technology and its applications.
• How regulatory developments may impact the industry.

Quotes:

• “Interoperability is the backbone of the future blockchain ecosystem.” - Bryan Pellegrino
• “We are building the infrastructure to support the next wave of decentralized applications.” - Anthony Georgiades
• “Finding your counterparty efficiently is what blockchain technology excels at.” - Charlie Shrem

Additional Resources:

• LayerZero Labs
• Pastel Network
• Innovating Capital

Connect with Us:

• Follow Charlie Shrem on Twitter
• Follow Bryan Pellegrino on Twitter
• Follow Anthony Georgiades on Twitter

I had the pleasure of diving deep  with two distinguished guests, Saad Qureshi of YAP Global and Pranav Kanade of VanEck.

First, I spoke with Saad Qureshi, Director at Yap Global, about the challenges and strategies in building trust and elevating narratives within the crypto industry. Saad emphasized the importance of clear communication and the need for projects to differentiate themselves in a saturated market. He shared insights from his recent talk at ETHDenver, highlighting the necessity for crypto projects to effectively communicate their unique value propositions to stand out and attract users beyond the existing crypto community.

Next, I welcomed Pranav Kanade, Portfolio Manager for the Digital Assets Alpha Fund at VanEck. We discussed the implications of a recent Supreme Court decision affecting the SEC's regulatory authority and how it might impact the crypto industry. Pranav provided a detailed look into his investment strategies, emphasizing the importance of having a clear thesis and tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) for crypto projects. He also shared his views on the future of regulatory clarity and its potential positive impact on the industry.

Throughout the episode, we touched on various topics, including Bitcoin's long-term vision, the role of narratives in crypto, and the evolving landscape of blockchain technology. It was a fascinating conversation that underscored the crypto world's dynamic and rapidly changing nature.

Thank you to both Saad and Pranav for their valuable insights and to our listeners for tuning in!

-Charlie