Blockcast

Blockhead.co

Blockcast delivers unfiltered analysis of crypto's most compelling narratives. Each week, seasoned industry insider Takatoshi Shibayama sits down with founders, CEOs, and key players shaping the blockchain landscape to dissect emerging projects, market dynamics, and institutional moves.  From trending protocols to strategic industry shifts, get an insider's take on the forces driving decentralized innovation and the decisions that matter. No fluff, no hype—just deep dives into what's really happening in crypto.

  1. 4D AGO

    Licensed to Shill: What's in Store for 2026 – Stablecoins, the Future of DeFi.. and a Return of NFTs? | Blockcast 84

    Licensed to Shill opens 2026 with a forward-looking conversation on the forces shaping the next phase of digital assets. Takatoshi Shibayama (Head of APAC, Ledger), Nikhil Joshi (COO, Emurgo), and Lisa JY Tan (Founder & Managing Director, Economics Design) share their expectations for the year ahead – where crypto infrastructure is maturing, where speculation is giving way to utility, and where new risks are emerging. They dig into the rise of stablecoins, AI-driven payments and customer service, and how personalization is reshaping consumer expectations. The discussion moves through regulation and compliance across jurisdictions, the impact of US policy shifts, and the growing importance of financial literacy as financial services become increasingly retail and software-driven. Real-world assets, prediction markets, NFTs beyond the hype cycle, and the role of SMEs in pushing practical adoption all feature as the panel weighs what’s likely to matter – and what’s likely to fade – in 2026. Chapters 04:49 – Geopolitical Implications of Stablecoins 12:45 – The Role of Money in a Tech-Driven World 17:13 – Taxation and Non-Fiat Currency 22:37 – Service Differentiation in a Tech-Driven Market 31:06 – Financial Literacy and Education 37:11 – Regulatory Challenges in Asset Tokenization 50:17 – The Future of Prediction Markets 01:00:30 – The Clarity Act and Its Implications 01:11:38 – The Future of NFTs: Comeback and Utility? More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news. 🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money. Reach us at hello@blockhead.co.

    1h 24m
  2. JAN 16

    Jito Foundation's Marc Liew on Why Institutions Are Turning to Solana | Blockcast 83

    In this episode of Blockcast, Takatoshi Shibayama interviews Marc Liu, the head of APAC for Jito Foundation. They discuss Mark's career journey from working at Ripple to his current role at Jito Foundation, exploring the evolution of payment systems and the transformative impact of blockchain technology.  Key topics include the role of stablecoins, the challenges of cross-border payments, and the future of decentralized finance. Chapters:Introduction to Mark LiuCareer Journey from Ripple to JitoBlockchain's Impact on PaymentsThe Role of StablecoinsChallenges in Cross-Border PaymentsDecentralized Finance and the FutureJito Foundation's Contributions to SolanaMore at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news. 🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money. Reach us at hello@blockhead.co.

    37 min
  3. 11/28/2025

    Licensed to Shill: Why Central Asia; Why Now? ft. Anthony Howe (GFTN) | Blockcast 81

    The Licensed to Shill panel dives into the dynamic world of Central Asia, a region rapidly emerging as a pivotal hub for trade and innovation. Anthony Howe from the Global Finance Technology Network (GFTN) joins us to explore the untapped potential of this region, particularly focusing on Georgia's strategic role in the middle corridor. Takeaways Central Asia is a key hub for trade and innovation.Georgia's strategic location enhances its importance in the middle corridor.GFTN focuses on bridging policy, capital, and technology.Decentralized networks are crucial for regional development.Fintech is rapidly growing in Central Asia.Geopolitical influences shape the region's economic landscape.Digital transformation is a priority for Central Asian countries.Stablecoins and tokenization are emerging financial tools.Collaboration with central banks is essential for progress.The region's growth is driven by a young, tech-savvy population. More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news. 🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money. Reach us at hello@blockhead.co.

    43 min
  4. 11/14/2025

    Kaia's Path to Mass Adoption: Blockchain in Everyday Apps | Blockcast 80

    Takatoshi Shibayama hosts Dr Sangmin "Sam" Seo and John Cho from the Kaia DLT Foundation. They discuss the merger of Kakao and Line to create the Kaia blockchain, the integration of stablecoins and DeFi into their messaging apps, and the strategies for attracting Web2 users to Web3. The conversation also covers the potential of stablecoins in cross-border remittance and the user journey from fiat to digital assets. Takeaways Kaia's merger of Japanese and Korean super apps aims to leverage blockchain technology for mass adoption.The integration of blockchain into messaging apps like Line and KakaoTalk is a key focus for Kaia.Kaia's strategy includes developing stablecoins and DeFi products with user-friendly interfaces.Kaia's focus is on quality over quantity in launching mini dApps, particularly in gaming.The potential of stablecoins for cross-border remittance in Asia is a significant opportunity.Kaia's FX engine aims to revolutionize on-chain FX trading with efficiency and cost-effectiveness.Kaia's approach to DeFi involves introducing intuitive, simple products to bridge Web2 and Web3 users. More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news. 🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money. Reach us at hello@blockhead.co.

    40 min
  5. 10/27/2025

    Licensed to Shill VII: Token Listings, Market Makers, and Regulation, Featuring Gracie Lin (CEO, OKX Singapore) | Blockcast 79

    This episode of Blockcast's Licensed to Shill features Gracie Lin, OKX Singapore CEO, alongside usual panelists Nikhil Joshi, Lisa JY Tan and host Takatoshi Shibayama, who revisit the contentious topic of token listing practices on exchanges.  The conversation covers the evolving roles of centralized (CEX) and decentralized (DEX) exchanges, with Lin highlighting that regulatory clarity will ultimately guide the industry's structure. All panelists agreed on the urgent need for standardization and transparency in token listing frameworks across the industry to protect retail users and aid smaller projects. Lisa and Nikhil discuss the opaque, and at times predatory, relationships between projects, exchanges, and market makers, particularly concerning large token allocations and the growing impact of derivatives markets on new token price action. The panel concluded by underscoring the necessity for due diligence and clear criteria from all market participants, including consultancies and blockchain foundations. More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news. 🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money. Reach us at hello@blockhead.co.

    39 min
  6. 10/17/2025

    Jeff Feng Talks Sei Network's Vision for the Future of Trading | Blockcast 78

    In this episode of Blockcast, host Takatoshi Shibayama meets Jeff Feng, co-founder of Sei Labs, who was in town for Token 2049, to discuss the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency and blockchain technology with a focus on Singapore's unique position in the crypto ecosystem.  Jeff shareed his personal journey into the crypto world, emphasizing the core value proposition of financial transactions and the importance of decentralized finance (DeFi). The conversation explored the integration of blockchain with social applications, the challenges of enterprise solutions, and the potential for genetic data ownership through blockchain. Additionally, the pair discussed the future of stablecoins and consumer behavior, highlighting the growing adoption in emerging markets. Key Discussion Points: The Singapore AdvantageThe Core Thesis of CryptoThe Sei ArchitectureBeyond DeFi: New Web3 Use CasesBlockchain and Social MediaRetail vs. EnterpriseThe 23andMe AcquisitionMore at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news. 🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money. Reach us at hello@blockhead.co.

    32 min
  7. 10/10/2025

    Trends, Tokenization & Treasuries: Cardano's Frederik Gregaard Talks Enterprise Adoption | Blockcast 77

    In town for Token2049, Fredrick Gregaard, CEO of the Cardano Foundation, joined host Takatoshi Shibayama in the studio to discuss the evolution of the crypto space, highlighting the importance of technology maturity and adoption challenges.  He emphasized the need for digital identity management and the role of quantum security and AI in blockchain solutions. The pair also talked enterprise adoption, governance, and the emerging trend of digital asset treasuries among corporations. Gregaard advocated for education and financial literacy as essential components for democratizing access to financial markets, while also addressing regulatory considerations and the unique governance model of Cardano. More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news. 🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on cryptocurrency and related topics. It is intended for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. Guests appearing on this podcast may discuss companies or strategies, but these discussions are not recommendations to buy, sell, or hold any particular asset or pursue any specific strategy. The hosts and guests are not financial advisors, and listeners are urged to consult with a qualified professional before making any investment decisions. Investments in cryptocurrency are inherently risky, and you could lose money. Reach us at hello@blockhead.co.

    39 min

About

Blockcast delivers unfiltered analysis of crypto's most compelling narratives. Each week, seasoned industry insider Takatoshi Shibayama sits down with founders, CEOs, and key players shaping the blockchain landscape to dissect emerging projects, market dynamics, and institutional moves.  From trending protocols to strategic industry shifts, get an insider's take on the forces driving decentralized innovation and the decisions that matter. No fluff, no hype—just deep dives into what's really happening in crypto.