372 episodes

Bitcoin pioneer Charlie Shrem peels back the layers on the lives and backgrounds of the world's most impactful innovators. Centering around intimate narratives, Shrem uncovers a detailed, previously unspoken story of the genesis and evolution of bitcoin, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and the web3 movements. Join Shrem as he journeys through the uncharted territories of tech revolutions, revealing the human side of the stories that shaped the digital world we live in today.

The Charlie Shrem Show UntoldStories

    • Business

Bitcoin pioneer Charlie Shrem peels back the layers on the lives and backgrounds of the world's most impactful innovators. Centering around intimate narratives, Shrem uncovers a detailed, previously unspoken story of the genesis and evolution of bitcoin, cryptocurrency, artificial intelligence, and the web3 movements. Join Shrem as he journeys through the uncharted territories of tech revolutions, revealing the human side of the stories that shaped the digital world we live in today.

    AI Meets Crypto & Bitcoin L2 with Humayun Sheikh of Fetch.ai and Chandra Duggirala, George Burke & Daniel Edlebeck of Portal

    AI Meets Crypto & Bitcoin L2 with Humayun Sheikh of Fetch.ai and Chandra Duggirala, George Burke & Daniel Edlebeck of Portal

    Welcome back! In this episode, we delve into the compelling nexus of artificial intelligence (AI), cryptocurrency, and the future of decentralized applications. Our first guest, Humayun Sheikh, CEO of Fetch.ai, brings a wealth of experience from his early days at DeepMind. We discuss the progression of AI and how it's integrating with blockchain technology, focusing on agent-based systems that improve user interaction and commercial prospects.

    Later in the show, Chandra Duggirala and George Burke join us. As Bitcoin pioneers and the brains behind Portal DeFi, they discuss how Portal—an Operating System for smart contracts on Bitcoin—bridges to other chains.

    We also touched on the idea of "crypto as the currency of AI," a concept Humayun illustrates with the ways digital currencies and distributed ledger technologies enable microtransactions and value exchanges between autonomous agents. This model promises more efficient and secure interactions, sidestepping traditional centralized platforms.

    Moreover, we discuss AI's broader implications across various sectors, such as healthcare, where decentralized agents could manage personal data more securely and efficiently. Humayun emphasizes the critical importance of privacy and user control in the evolving AI landscape.

    Our conversation also covers the launch of the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance, a collaboration among Fetch.ai, Singularity Network, and Ocean Protocol, aimed at creating a comprehensive technology stack for consumers and developers, providing a decentralized alternative to conventional big tech solutions.

    Portal is positioning itself as a leader in the crypto space by implementing groundbreaking technologies like multi-party HTLC (Hash Time Lock Contract) and channel factories to revolutionize how transactions are processed on their platform.

    Show Highlights:

    00:00:03 - Introduction to Commercial Paradigm Shifts
    00:00:24 - Welcome to The Charlie Shrem Show
    00:00:53 - Guest Introduction: Humayun Sheikh
    00:01:44 - Humayun's Journey in AI and DeepMind
    00:03:10 - The Evolution of AI Commercialization
    00:05:45 - The Role of Agents in AI and Software Applications
    00:07:26 - Crypto as the Currency of AI
    00:09:51 - Practical Applications of AI Agents
    00:12:55 - Challenges in Current AI Implementations in Healthcare
    00:13:20 - Ensuring Data Privacy and Security in AI
    00:15:11 - Launch of the Artificial Superintelligence Alliance
    00:22:21 - Discussion on Voting Rights and Residency in Puerto Rico
    00:23:06 - Introduction to Portal and Bitcoin DeFi
    00:25:02 - Experiences and Developments in Puerto Rico
    00:26:08 - Highlights from Token 2049 in Dubai
    00:27:30 - Backgrounds of Portal Founders
    00:34:07 - The Future of Bitcoin and Crypto Integration
    00:37:41 - Technical Explanation of Atomic Swaps
    00:43:45 - Enhancements in Lightning Network and Portal's Role
    00:46:28 - Final Thoughts and Future of Portal
    Thanks for tuning in, and don't forget to subscribe for more deep dives into the most exciting developments at the intersection of AI and blockchain.

    -Charlie Shrem

    • 48 min
    Bitcoin L2 with Muneeb Ali of Stacks and Andy Fajar Handika of Loka Mining

    Bitcoin L2 with Muneeb Ali of Stacks and Andy Fajar Handika of Loka Mining

    In this episode, we dove deep into the exciting developments in the Bitcoin Layer 2 space, which is seeing a surge in developer activity and growth. Our first guest, Muneeb Ali, CEO of Trust Machines and creator of Stacks, shared insights on the upcoming Nakamoto protocol launch. Stacks, a Bitcoin Layer 2 solution, aims to improve transaction speeds while maintaining Bitcoin's security. Muneeb discussed the importance of making BTC programmable and the upcoming launch of a decentralized bridge, SBTC, which will simplify moving BTC to Layer 2.

    We also touched on the cultural shift within the Bitcoin community, where building on Bitcoin is becoming more accepted and collaborative. Muneeb highlighted the significance of Bitcoin L2s in creating a vibrant ecosystem that can compete with other networks like Ethereum and Solana. He envisions a future where Bitcoin is the reserve currency for all types of assets, including meme coins and real-world assets.

    Our second guest, Andy Fajar Handika, CEO of Loka Mining, discussed the challenges and opportunities in the Bitcoin mining industry. Andy's platform aims to democratize Bitcoin mining by providing smaller miners with better access to finance, thus promoting decentralization. Loka Mining offers innovative products that allow individuals to invest in Bitcoin mining operations and provide liquidity to miners.

    Both guests underscored the importance of innovation and collaboration in the Bitcoin space, with the goal of making Bitcoin the backbone of a new financial ecosystem. As the host, I'm excited to see these projects lead the charge in Bitcoin's evolution and can't wait to witness the impact they will have on the industry.

    If you're as fascinated by these developments as I am, make sure to tune in to The Charlie Shrum Show for more insights from the frontlines of Bitcoin and crypto innovation.

    • 31 min
    Trailblaze with Justin Banon of Boson Protocol & Sung Min Cho of Beoble

    Trailblaze with Justin Banon of Boson Protocol & Sung Min Cho of Beoble

    Hey everyone, Charlie Shrem here, and I just wrapped up another epic episode of The Charlie Shrem Show with Justin Banon, co-founder of Boson Protocol & Sung Min Cho, CEO of Beoble.

    Boson Protocol Update: We kicked off the show with Justin Banon, co-founder of Boson Protocol, who shared insights on their latest upgrade. Boson Protocol is making waves by enabling royalties on secondary sales of physical items, a feature eagerly awaited by big brands and fashion magazines.

    Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks (D-PIN): Justin and I discussed the concept of D-PIN and how Boson Protocol is pioneering the digital representation of physical products and services, transforming them into blockchain-based assets.

    Fermion Protocol: Justin introduced us to Fermion, a new protocol designed to work alongside Boson for the tokenization and exchange of high-value physical assets that require verification, such as luxury goods and collectibles.

    Web3 Social Platforms: Later in the episode, we had Sung Min Cho, CEO of Beoble, join us. Beoble is revolutionizing the way we think about social platforms by integrating Web3 wallets and gamifying interactions with a rewards-based model.

    The Future of Identity: Sung Min Cho and I explored the future of identity in the Web3 world, where your wallet becomes your identity, and your transactions and interactions define your digital persona.

    Hong Kong's Crypto Hub Ambitions: We also touched on the recent developments in Hong Kong, where the government is making a push to become the crypto hub of Asia, offering licenses to crypto exchanges and encouraging banks to work with crypto companies.

    Final Thoughts:

    This episode was a deep dive into the future of blockchain technology and its impact on our digital and physical worlds. From the innovative solutions provided by Boson Protocol to the social dynamics of Web3 platforms like Beoble, we're seeing a transformation in how we interact with assets and each other. And with places like Hong Kong embracing crypto, the future looks bright for blockchain enthusiasts and entrepreneurs.

    Thanks for tuning in, and I can't wait to bring you more conversations with the trailblazers of the Bitcoin and crypto world. Until next time, keep investing, keep listening, and stay epic!

    • 42 min
    Alpha with Khori Whittaker of ENS & SUI Foundation Evan Cheng and Greg Siourounis

    Alpha with Khori Whittaker of ENS & SUI Foundation Evan Cheng and Greg Siourounis

    In this episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, we dove deep into the blockchain world with two remarkable guests, Evan Cheng and Greg Siourounis, who are making significant strides in the industry with their project, Sui.

    Greg, the Managing Director of the Sui Foundation, shared his diverse background in economics, academia, and entrepreneurship. He highlighted the Sui Foundation's efforts in developer education, community engagement, and the importance of a foundation model in fostering growth within blockchain projects.

    Evan, with his experience at Meta and co-founding Mysten Labs, discussed the innovative object-based model of the Sui blockchain, which offers a more efficient and scalable alternative to the traditional UTXO and account-based models. He emphasized the importance of creating a developer platform that empowers product developers to build new experiences for consumers, aligning with the trend towards decentralization.

    The conversation also touched on the upcoming Sui Basecamp event in Paris, where the Sui community will gather to share insights and developments. Evan and Greg discussed the significance of large companies adopting blockchain solutions to solve real-world problems, which they believe will create a more sustainable business model for the industry.

    The episode concluded with a discussion with Khori Whittaker, the executive director of the Ethereum Name Service (ENS). Khori shared his journey from the education sector to the blockchain space and his vision for ENS to provide human-readable identities to facilitate mass adoption of blockchain technology. He also delved into the challenges of proving humanity in an AI-dominated world and the potential of ENS profiles to verify individual identities.

    Overall, this episode provided a comprehensive look at the advancements in blockchain technology, the importance of developer-focused platforms, and the role of identity in the future of decentralized governance and community organization.

    • 38 min
    Inside Bitcoin’s Early Days | Pete Rizzo & Jason Yanowitz

    Inside Bitcoin’s Early Days | Pete Rizzo & Jason Yanowitz

    In today's episode, I'm thrilled to have Pete Rizzo and Jason Yanowitz by my side as we journey back to the pioneering days of Bitcoin, spanning 2011-2014. We're unpacking everything from the inception of BitInstant, my own encounter with the law, to the seismic Mt. Gox breach, and the onset of the contentious block size debates. Jason, Pete and I offer a behind-the-scenes glance, sharing personal anecdotes and insights from our early involvement in Bitcoin's evolution. We delve into the cultural rift between the Bitcoin purists and the wider crypto sphere, while also casting an eye forward to the burgeoning realm of ordinals. Tune in for a treasure trove of stories and forward-looking thoughts!

    • 1 hr 40 min
    PoktPool with Chris Jenkins & MargainX Crypto with Dr. Danny Lim

    PoktPool with Chris Jenkins & MargainX Crypto with Dr. Danny Lim

    Hey everyone, Charlie Shrem here, and you've just tuned into another epic episode of The Charlie Shrem Show. Today, we dove deep into the world of blockchain and cryptocurrency, exploring the incredible potential and challenges of innovation in this space.
    We started the conversation by discussing how blockchain technology solves complex problems, yet we often see creators complicating the user experience. It's a paradox that we're all too familiar with in the crypto world.
    Today's guest was my good friend and colleague Chris Jenkins from Druid Ventures, who also co-founded poktpool.com. We chatted about the importance of decentralized node infrastructure and how it's crucial for maintaining the integrity and security of blockchain networks. We even touched on the historical 51% attack on Bitcoin and how a robust node network can defend against such threats.
    We reminisced about the early days of Bitcoin, the block size wars, and how the evolution of blockchain has led to innovative solutions like roll-ups and side chains. It's fascinating to see how far we've come and the lessons we've learned along the way.
    Our conversation also ventured into AI and its intersection with blockchain. We pondered the challenges of ensuring that AI benefits users rather than controlling them and the importance of regulations that foster innovation while protecting privacy.
    As we wrapped up, we had the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Danny Lim, founder and CEO of MarginX. He shared insights on the impact of Bitcoin ETFs in Asia and the exciting developments in the regulatory landscape that could open the floodgates for traditional finance to embrace cryptocurrencies.
    We laughed, learned, and looked ahead at the bright future of blockchain and crypto. Thanks for joining us on this journey, and remember to hit that subscribe button to stay on the cutting edge with us. Until next time, keep trailblazing and stay epic!
    Remember, this is not financial advice, and always do your own research before making any investment decisions.
    Charlie
    00:00:03 - Introduction to Blockchain's Potential and Challenges; Welcome to 2024's Crypto and Tech Developments.
    00:05:00 - The Journey of the Podcast; Insights into VC, Pocketpool.com, and the Importance of Node Infrastructure.
    00:10:00 - The Evolution of Decentralization, Web3, Node Incentivization, and the Genesis of the POKT Ecosystem.
    00:15:00 - Discussions on Blockchain Security, Bitcoin's Evolution, Node Centralization Issues, and Scalability Solutions.
    00:20:00 - Exploring the Necessity of Bear Markets, UX Tips, the Evolution of Money, and the Role of Blockchain Departments.
    00:25:00 - Future Trends in AR, Blockchain User Experience Simplification, Crypto Market Dynamics, and Apple's Influence.
    00:30:00 - The Excitement of Blockchain VC, AI's Impact, Privacy Challenges, and the Innovative Approach of MarginX.
    00:35:00 - Regulatory Impacts, Election Influences, Bitcoin ETF Significance, and Predictions for Bitcoin's Future.
    00:40:00 - The Role of Money and Regulation in Trading, Tax Evolution, KYC, Deepin Concept, and Infrastructure Expansion.

    • 40 min

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