19 episodes

Welcome to the “Pretty Good Policy for Crypto Podcast”! In this podcast, we explore the intersection of blockchain technology, public policy, and global regulatory topics. Our goal is to provide our audience with in-depth insights and expert perspectives on the key issues shaping the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency.


You’ll hear interviews with industry leaders, government officials, and academics who are at the forefront of shaping the public policy environment for blockchain technology. Our guests will share their unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, as well as the impact of current and proposed regulations and policy approaches on the growth and development of the blockchain ecosystem.


Hosted by Gary Weinstein, Head of Global Regulatory Relations at Electric Coin Co., and Paul Brigner, Head of US Public Policy and Strategic Advocacy at Electric Coin Co., this podcast is an outgrowth of the monthly PGP for Crypto Breakfast, a gathering of the crypto policy community in Washington, DC.


Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.

PGP* (Pretty Good Policy) for Crypto Podcast Electric Coin Co.

    • News
    • 5.0 • 5 Ratings

Welcome to the “Pretty Good Policy for Crypto Podcast”! In this podcast, we explore the intersection of blockchain technology, public policy, and global regulatory topics. Our goal is to provide our audience with in-depth insights and expert perspectives on the key issues shaping the future of blockchain and cryptocurrency.


You’ll hear interviews with industry leaders, government officials, and academics who are at the forefront of shaping the public policy environment for blockchain technology. Our guests will share their unique perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry, as well as the impact of current and proposed regulations and policy approaches on the growth and development of the blockchain ecosystem.


Hosted by Gary Weinstein, Head of Global Regulatory Relations at Electric Coin Co., and Paul Brigner, Head of US Public Policy and Strategic Advocacy at Electric Coin Co., this podcast is an outgrowth of the monthly PGP for Crypto Breakfast, a gathering of the crypto policy community in Washington, DC.


Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.

    Daniel Schöenberger, Chief Legal Officer, Web3 Foundation

    Daniel Schöenberger, Chief Legal Officer, Web3 Foundation

    In this episode of the PGP* for Crypto podcast, Paul Brigner interviews Daniel Schöenberger, Chief Legal Officer of the Web3 Foundation. They discuss the intricacies of the Web3 ecosystem, the importance of the Polkadot project, and how Web3 aims to decentralize the internet and give control back to the users. Daniel also shares about his rich background in technology companies like Google, his perspective on upcoming Web3 regulations, and an insight into how Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain can work together to address challenges like disinformation campaigns.






    EPISODE LINKS


    Daniel Schöenberger's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-schoenberger-9107836/


    Daniel Schöenberger's Twitter: https://twitter.com/d_schoenberger


    Wed3 Foundation Website: https://web3.foundation/


    Web3 Foundation Twitter: https://twitter.com/Web3foundation






    HOST INFO


    Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner


    Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/


    Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co


    Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo






    TIMESTAMPS


    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction


    00:34 Understanding the Web3 Foundation and Polkadot


    01:08 Daniel's Journey into the Cryptocurrency Ecosystem


    01:50 Daniel's Career Background and Transition into Crypto


    08:11 The Role of Polkadot in the Web3 Ecosystem


    12:33 The Importance of Cryptocurrency in the Blockchain World


    23:27 The Transition from Security to Non-Security


    33:21 The Impact of Legislation on the Cryptocurrency Industry


    51:18 The Role of AI in the Future of Web3


    55:29 Closing Remarks and Future Prospects






    DISCLAIMER


    Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.

    • 56 min
    Ryan Polk, Director of Internet Policy at Internet Society

    Ryan Polk, Director of Internet Policy at Internet Society

    In this episode of the "PGP for Crypto Podcast," host Paul Brigner of Electric Coin Co. and guest Ryan Polk from the Internet Society delve into the critical importance of encryption for online security and privacy. The discussion spans from the history of encryption debates, including the 'crypto wars' of the 1990s, to the increasing adoption of end-to-end encryption by major tech companies. However, they also highlight the ongoing threats to encryption, both in the U.S. and globally, due to various legislative efforts aimed at public safety and surveillance.






    The conversation underscores the tension between individual privacy and governmental oversight, particularly as encryption becomes increasingly vital for secure communication and financial transactions like cryptocurrencies. They discuss the role of advocacy groups like the Global Encryption Coalition in coordinating efforts to counteract these challenges. Ryan Polk outlines specific U.S. bills and international legislation that could undermine encryption, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that respects both security and individual freedoms.






    This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the current landscape of encryption and its implications, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in tech policy, online security, and the future of digital communication.






    EPISODE LINKS


    Ryan Polk's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-polk...


    Internet Society Website: hthttps://www.internetsociety.org/


    Internet Society Twitter: https://twitter.com/internetsociety


    Global Encryption Coalition: https://www.globalencryption.org/


    Encryption documentary video by Paul Brigner and David Vyorst:   


     • The Internet Exposed:  Encryption, Ba...  


    2022 PGP* Global Encryption Day event recording: https://livestream.com/internetsociet...


    CRYPTO by Steven Levy: https://www.amazon.com/Crypto-Rebels-...






    SEE ALSO


    Fight for the Future Campaign against bad internet bills: https://www.badinternetbills.com/






    HOST INFO


    Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner


    Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/


    Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co


    Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo






    TIMESTAMPS


    00:00 🎙️ Introduction to the PGP for Crypto Podcast


    00:32 🤝 Introduction to Guest Ryan Polk


    02:11 🎥 Reference to Relevant Content


    02:41 🌐 Global Encryption Day Context


    03:13 🎤 Ryan's Introduction and Take on Encryption


    05:09 🌍 Global Threats to Encryption


    07:04 📈 The Rise of Encryption


    09:39 📜 Motivations Behind Undermining Encryption


    11:38 🌐 Governments' Perception of Encryption


    13:39 💱 Cryptocurrency and Encryption


    17:02 🔄 Return to Traditional Privacy


    18:36 🌐 Internet Society's Role


    20:05 🚀 Advocating for Crypto Privacy


    21:31 🔐 Encryption Advocacy


    23:32 🌍 Global Encryption Day


    28:02 🤝 Collective Effort in Tech Policy


    29:58 🌐 Joining the Global Encryption Coalition


    31:27 🚫 Encryption Threats Overview


    32:31 📜 Cooper Davis Act


    37:25 🧸 Child Safety Bills


    41:34 🧒 Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA)


    44:01 🛡️ Encryption as a Fundamental Infrastructure


    45:31 🌍 Global Encryption Threats


    50:35 🚩 Evolving Justifications for Breaking Encryption


    52:05 🏳️‍🌈 Encryption's Importance to Vulnerable Communities


    54:01 📢 Upcoming Event on Encryption


    56:29 🙏 Gratitude and Call to Action






    DISCLAIMER


    Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or fi

    • 57 min
    Christopher Edwards, Head of Coinbase Institute, and Nick Carr, Stand with Crypto Alliance

    Christopher Edwards, Head of Coinbase Institute, and Nick Carr, Stand with Crypto Alliance

    In this episode, Paul Brigner, PGP* for Crypto Podcast host, engaged in a conversation on cryptocurrency policy with Christopher Edwards, Head of Coinbase Institute, and Nick Carr, Chief Strategist for the Stand with Crypto Alliance. During the discussion, the guests shared their backgrounds and involvement in the crypto space, emphasizing the importance of understanding how cryptocurrency impacts various facets of national security beyond traditional security concerns. They highlighted the economic significance of crypto, its potential to influence global economic dynamics, and the role of stablecoins in maintaining the strength of the U.S. dollar in international finance. The conversation delved into topics such as Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), the intersection of AI and crypto, and the environmental impact of cryptocurrency.






    The guests also shed light on the goals and activities of the Stand with Crypto Alliance, emphasizing its grassroots advocacy approach and the support it has garnered from the crypto community. They discussed the minting of NFTs as a means of supporting the movement and the organization's focus on advocating for cryptocurrency-related legislation in the short term, with potential expansion into broader roles in the crypto ecosystem and policy landscape in the future.






    Additionally, the conversation touched on various priorities in crypto policy, including concerns about specific legislation and the need for policy nuance and in-depth analysis. The importance of community involvement and partnerships between Stand with Crypto and established entities in the crypto community was highlighted. The discussion concluded with an appreciation of transparency and the potential for future updates on the progress of Stand with Crypto Alliance's advocacy efforts.


    EPISODE LINKS


    Christopher Edwards' Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cedward71


    Christopher Edwards' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph...


    Coinbase Institute Website: https://www.coinbase.com/public-polic...






    Nick Carr's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisIsNickCarr


    Nick Carr's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ncarr07/


    Stand with Crypto Alliance Website: https://www.standwithcrypto.org/


    Stand with Crypto Alliance Twitter: https://twitter.com/standwithcrypto






    Brian Armstrong's MainNet talk: https://events.messari.io/mainnet2023...






    HOST INFO


    Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner


    Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/


    Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co


    Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo






    TIMESTAMPS


    00:00 Welcome and Introductions


    01:48 Christopher Edwards' Crypto Story


    04:58 Nick Carr's Crypto Story


    07:04 Overview of Coinbase Institute


    10:36 Crypto and National Security


    16:54 Economic Strength with Crypto for National Security


    20:18 Stablecoins, Innovation, and Privacy


    22:57 Crypto and Artificial Intelligence


    28:56 Crypto and the Environment


    30:21 Making Carbon Credits More Accessible


    31:47 Bitcoin Mining and Renewable Energy


    36:22 Stand With Crypto Was Born


    40:18 Blockchain Advocacy on Capitol Hill


    45:16 Grassroots Engagement and Advocacy Opportunities


    49:44 Stand With Crypto's Organizational Structure and Future


    52:25 Advocating for FIT21, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act


    55:37 Policy Priorities and Existential Threats for Crypto


    01:03:38 Partnerships and Grassroots Amplification


    01:07:19 Conclusion






    DISCLAIMER


    Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.

    • 1 hr 8 min
    Vitalik Buterin, Co-Creator of Ethereum, and Zooko Wilcox, Founder and CEO, Electric Coin Co.

    Vitalik Buterin, Co-Creator of Ethereum, and Zooko Wilcox, Founder and CEO, Electric Coin Co.

    In this very special episode of the PGP* for Crypto podcast, host Paul Brigner is joined by esteemed guests Vitalik Buterin, co-creator of Ethereum, Zooko Wilcox, founder of Electric Coin Co., and Josh Swihart, a veteran in the crypto space, to delve deep into the intricacies of Privacy Pools and the recent academic paper co-authored by Buterin. The conversation includes the technical foundations of Privacy Pools and its aim to strike a balance between meaningful privacy and regulatory compliance in the cryptocurrency world. The discussion also touches upon the philosophical dimensions of privacy and freedom, with a critical examination of the potential policy implications and the principle of "guilty until proven innocent." Listen in as the panelists engage in a rich dialogue, exploring the nuanced approaches that Privacy Pools offers in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. Don't miss this episode filled with expert insights and diverse perspectives on one of the most pressing topics in the crypto space today.






    EPISODE LINKS


    Vitalik's Twitter: https://twitter.com/VitalikButerin


    Zooko's Twitter: https://twitter.com/zooko


    Privacy Pools website: https://www.privacypools.com/


    Blockchain Privacy and Regulatory Compliance: Towards a Practical Equilibrium: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.c...






    HOST INFO


    Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner


    Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/


    Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co


    Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo






    GUEST HOST INFO


    Josh Swihart's Twitter: https://twitter.com/jswihart


    Josh Swihart's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swihart/






    TIMESTAMPS


    00:00 Welcome


    00:30 Intoduction


    05:03 Overview of Privacy Pools


    12:29 Discussion


    01:14:37 Closing Remarks






    DISCLAIMER


    Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.

    • 1 hr 22 min
    Zcon4 Special Edition featuring Jay Stanley (ACLU), Kurt Opsahl (Filecoin), and Jake Wiener (EPIC)

    Zcon4 Special Edition featuring Jay Stanley (ACLU), Kurt Opsahl (Filecoin), and Jake Wiener (EPIC)

    Join Paul Brigner, Head of US Policy and Strategic Advocacy for the Electric Coin Co., as he dives deep into the world of cryptocurrency policy and regulation. Recorded live from ZCon4 in Barcelona, Spain, this episode features a panel of esteemed guests:


    Kurt Opsahl, Associate General Counsel for Cyber Security and Civil Liberties Policy at the Filecoin Foundation. Jay Stanley, Senior Policy Analyst at the ACLU. Jake Wiener, Counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center.

    Together, they discuss the importance of privacy in the digital age, the potential of zero-knowledge proof technology, and the challenges and opportunities of decentralizing the internet. Plus, hear insights from the Zcash community's annual meeting and a surprise visit from a special guest!


    EPISODE LINKS


    ACLU Website: https://www.aclu.org/


    Jay Stanley's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-c-stanley/


    Jay Stanley's Twitter: https://twitter.com/JayCStanley






    Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) Website: https://epic.org/


    Jake Wiener's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-wiener-70a4baa8/


    Jake Wiener's Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealJakeWiener






    Filecoin Foundation Website: https://fil.org/


    Kurt Opsahl's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-opsahl-0858654/


    Kurt Opsahl's Twitter: https://twitter.com/kurtopsahl










    PODCAST INFO


    Podcast website: https://podcast.pgpforcrypto.org


    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pgp*-pretty-good-policy-for-crypto-podcast/id1669504720


    RSS: https://feed.pod.co/pgp-for-crypto-podcast






    HOST INFO


    Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner


    Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/


    Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co


    Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo






    TIMESTAMPS


    00:00 Welcome


    00:42 Introduction


    01:49 Kurt Opsahl on Privacy and ZCon4


    02:46 Jay Stanley on Cryptocurrency and Privacy


    05:27 Jake Wiener on Policing, Digital Identity, and Privacy


    07:43 The Promise of ZK Proof Technology


    09:51 Jay's Insights on Cryptography and Digital Identity


    12:41 The Challenge of Achieving True Privacy


    14:59 Kurt's Transition to Filecoin


    16:55 The Debate on Decentralization


    19:56 Further Decentralizing Zcash


    22:21 The Future of Zcash and User Experience and a Surprise Guest


    27:49 Recent Developments in U.S. Policy


    36:32 Concluding Remarks






    DISCLAIMER


    Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.

    • 40 min
    Marisa Coppel, Senior Counsel, Blockchain Association

    Marisa Coppel, Senior Counsel, Blockchain Association

    In this episode, Paul Brigner welcomes Marisa Coppel, Senior Counsel for the Blockchain Association, for a discussion on the the recent Ripple ruling and its implications for the crypto industry. Coppel highlights that the court ruling clearly states that XRP, the token, is not a security but can be part of a securities transaction or offering. This distinction is seen as a win for the industry, especially given SEC Chair Gensler's stance that all tokens, except for Bitcoin, are securities. The court also broke down the sales of XRP into three categories: institutional sales, programmatic sales, and other distributions, each with different implications under securities law. The discussion also touched on the ongoing SEC enforcement action against Coinbase and the potential implications of the Ripple ruling for other altcoins and the broader crypto industry.






    EPISODE LINKS


    Marisa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisatashman/


    Marisa's Twitter: https://twitter.com/MTCoppel


    Blockchain Association Website: https://theblockchainassociation.org/


    Blockchain Association on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockchainassociation/


    Blockchain Association on Twitter: https://twitter.com/blockchainassn






    PODCAST INFO


    Podcast website: https://podcast.pgpforcrypto.org


    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pgp*-pretty-good-policy-for-crypto-podcast/id1669504720


    RSS: https://feed.pod.co/pgp-for-crypto-podcast






    HOST INFO


    Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner


    Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/


    Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co


    Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo


    00:00 Welcome


    00:42 Introducing Marisa Coppel, Senior Counsel, Blockchain Association


    01:21 Diving into the Ripple Ruling


    10:00 Next Steps for the Ripple Case


    14:01 The Effect on Alt-coins and the Precedential Value of the Ripple Ruling


    17:17 The Big Picture Impact of the Ripple Ruling


    19:40 Marisa and Jake's Paper on SEC Chair Gensler and the Wells Notice Process


    25:22 More on the Wells Notice Process


    27:26 Anticipating the Next Crypto Litigation and Regulatory Activity


    29:45 Marisa's Role at Blockchain Association and Her Crypto Story


    36:35 Looking Forward to BA's Policy Summit and Conclusion


    DISCLAIMER


    Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.

    • 37 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
5 Ratings

5 Ratings

Top Podcasts In News

The Daily
The New York Times
Up First
NPR
Serial
Serial Productions & The New York Times
Pod Save America
Crooked Media
The Ben Shapiro Show
The Daily Wire
The Megyn Kelly Show
SiriusXM