The Charlie Shrem Show

UntoldStories
  • 4.7 (140)
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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.

  1. MAR 19

    Real-World Assets and Institutional Crypto: The Next Evolution of DeFi with Joe Flanagan Maple Finance

    In this episode, I sit down with Joe Flanagan, the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Maple Finance, a leading institutional lending platform in DeFi. With nearly $6 billion in loans issued, Maple is one of the few crypto companies bridging the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). We cover some of the biggest trends in crypto right now: The real value of tokenized assets and why tokenization alone isn’t enough How Maple built a transparent, institutional-grade lending market on-chain Why crypto’s next big users won’t come from TradFi—but from meme coin traders evolving into DeFi investors How regulations are shifting in 2025 and what it means for institutional adoption Why DeFi UX is still broken—and how cross-chain strategies can fix it If you're interested in real-world adoption, institutional DeFi, and where crypto finance is actually headed, this is an episode packed with insights from one of the builders making it happen. Key Takeaways: ✅ Tokenization alone isn’t the game-changer—what matters is the new financial products that emerge from it. ✅ Institutional-grade DeFi lending is here, but it’s still mostly crypto-native capital participating. ✅ The next wave of DeFi adoption might come from meme coin traders learning how to deploy capital more effectively. ✅ With regulatory uncertainty easing, crypto builders finally have the freedom to innovate at full speed. ✅ Cross-chain user experience is still fragmented, but new infrastructure is emerging to unify ecosystems. Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Follow Us: 📢 Follow me on Twitter (@CharlieShrem) for more insights, behind-the-scenes content, and updates!

    22 min

  2. MAR 17

    Fixing Ethereum: Hart Lambur on Cross-Chain Intents & the Future of Interoperability

    In this episode, I sit down with Hart Lambur, the co-founder of Risk Labs, the team behind UMA and Across Protocol, two projects solving some of the biggest challenges in crypto—cross-chain interoperability and on-chain data verification. Ethereum has scaled, but in the process, it’s fragmented into over 50 Layer 2s, creating a messy user experience. Hart and his team are pushing for a cross-chain intent standard (ERC-7683) to make blockchain transactions feel instant and seamless—because let’s be real, waiting minutes (or days) to move assets across chains is a joke. We also dive deep into: The “two-second rule” for crypto UX and why speed is king How ERC-7683 enables cross-chain swaps without waiting for block confirmations Why Ethereum’s fragmentation problem could kill adoption if we don’t fix it The future of prediction markets and decentralized oracles How Chainlink maintained dominance in the Oracle space—and whether that’s changing Why AI-powered agents will need blockchain-based dispute resolution If you're into DeFi, cross-chain tech, and the future of Ethereum, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. Key Takeaways: ✅ Ethereum has scaled, but it now feels like 50 separate chains—interoperability must be solved. ✅ The two-second UX rule: If a transaction takes longer, users will lose focus and abandon it. ✅ ERC-7683 introduces cross-chain intents, allowing instant swaps by having solvers front transactions. ✅ Optimistic oracles (used by UMA) enable decentralized dispute resolution, powering prediction markets like PolyMarket. ✅ AI agents will need on-chain contract enforcement—blockchain oracles will play a crucial role. Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Follow Us: 📢 Follow me on Twitter (@CharlieShrem) for behind-the-scenes insights and updates!

    17 min

  3. MAR 13

    Why Privacy is the Next Big Thing in Crypto – Midnight CEO Eran Barak Explains

    In this episode, I sit down with Eran Barak, the CEO of Midnight, a groundbreaking new privacy-focused blockchain incubated by IOHK (Input Output, the team behind Cardano). Eran has an incredible background—before diving into Web3, he built the financial world’s digital plumbing at Symphony, a secure communications platform used by thousands of banks and institutions. Now, he’s bringing privacy and selective disclosure to blockchain, solving one of the biggest hurdles in getting businesses to adopt the technology. We dive deep into: Why privacy isn’t just a buzzword, but a necessity for blockchain to go mainstream The problem with public blockchains and how metadata leaks can be dangerous How Midnight is using zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs) to protect data while keeping it usable The rise of AI and why your private data is the next target for machine learning models Why traditional finance players are still struggling to adopt Web3—and what needs to change If you’re interested in the intersection of AI, privacy, and blockchain, this is an episode that will blow your mind and show you where the industry is really headed. Key Takeaways: ✅ Blockchain can’t go mainstream without solving privacy, but regulators still resist full anonymity. ✅ The Midnight blockchain introduces a dual-token system to balance compliance and privacy. ✅ Zero-knowledge proofs allow selective disclosure, meaning your data remains private while still proving facts about it. ✅ AI is the next frontier—your personal data is already public, but blockchain can help protect what’s left. ✅ Traditional finance still relies on outdated infrastructure, but Web3 can offer a better, more secure alternative. Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Follow Us: 📢 Follow me on Twitter (@CharlieShrem) for behind-the-scenes insights and updates!

    25 min

  4. MAR 11

    The Missed Opportunity of Tokenization – What Comes Next? Tezos Founder Arthur Breitman

    In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Arthur Breitman, the co-founder of Tezos, one of the OG blockchains that has been innovating since 2018. We dive deep into the evolution of tokenization, why the first wave fell short, and how the next iteration can unlock real value. Arthur also shares insights on Tezos’ latest upgrades, the growing demand for privacy in crypto, and an unexpected but fascinating use case—tokenizing uranium. We also explore: Why stablecoins became the most successful “real-world asset” in crypto The role of privacy in blockchain and the regulatory challenges ahead How Tezos continues to innovate with faster block times and seamless upgrades The surprising connection between commodities like uranium and crypto markets The reality of DeFi and whether planned maintenance on blockchains makes sense If you’re interested in the future of tokenized assets, crypto infrastructure, and why banks still feel like they’re stuck in 1999, this is an episode you don’t want to miss. Key Takeaways: ✅ The first wave of tokenization failed due to misaligned expectations—crypto traders weren’t looking for stable, bond-like investments.✅ Stablecoins became the ultimate “real-world asset” because they’re not an investment but a convenience, especially in regions with weak local currencies.✅ Tezos continues to evolve with fast block times, liquid proof-of-stake, and a strong developer community.✅ Tokenizing commodities like uranium opens up new financial markets that were previously inaccessible to retail investors.✅ Privacy remains a core value in crypto, but regulatory pressure is making it harder to implement. Listen & Subscribe: 🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and wherever you get your podcasts! Follow Us: 📢 Follow me on Twitter (@CharlieShrem) for more insights and behind-the-scenes updates!

    20 min

  5. FEB 13

    Mastering Global Talent: Andy Hilliard on Scaling Software Development Teams

    In this episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, Charlie Shrem is joined by Andy Hilliard, CEO of Accelerance and author of Synergea: A Blueprint for Building Effective, Globally Distributed Teams in the New Era of Software Development. Andy draws on over two decades of experience in outsourcing and global talent procurement to guide listeners through the complex world of scaling software development teams. From navigating cultural nuances and time zone challenges to building sustainable, high-performing teams, Andy shares valuable insights for companies, especially in the crypto space, struggling with rapid growth and the demand for specialized talent. The episode explores the importance of strategic partnerships, due diligence in outsourcing, and the hidden value in global talent pools. Andy’s advice is a must for anyone looking to scale efficiently and avoid the common pitfalls of poor team integration.

    22 min

  6. FEB 10

    Unlocking the Future of Web3 with Gravity: Charles Wayn

    Charlie Shrem is joined by Charles Wayn, co-founder of Galxe, to discuss the groundbreaking launch of Gravity, a new high-performance blockchain that's set to revolutionize Web3 and cross-chain interoperability. In this episode, Charles breaks down how Gravity solves major issues in decentralized platforms, including frictionless cross-chain interaction, on-chain loyalty points, and seamless gas fee payments. Plus, we dive into how Galxe is powering community-building with innovative tokenized rewards and quests, all while paving the way for AI’s integration in crypto.

    16 min

  7. JAN 22

    Hack Hero Ogle: Recovering $500M, Glue Network, and the Path to Mass Adoption

    In this gripping episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, I sit down with Ogle, a renowned crypto security expert who has recovered over $500 million from hacks and scams. Known as the "bat signal" for crypto recovery, Ogle shares his journey, his innovative approach to solving blockchain security issues, and the vision behind his new project, Glue Network. We explore: The $500M Recovery Mission: How Ogle tracks down hackers, negotiates recoveries, and leverages his unique skill set to bring funds back to victims—all pro bono. The Glue Network: A revolutionary platform launching on January 1, 2025, designed to simplify crypto onboarding while maintaining decentralization. Crypto Security Lessons: Insights into preventing hacks, securing your funds, and why user experience is key to stopping scams. AOL Moment for Crypto: Why Glue Network could be the killer app crypto needs to bring millions into the space effortlessly and securely. Future of DeFi and Regulation: How clearer frameworks and user-friendly platforms could transform decentralized finance, making mortgages, lending, and investments easier for everyone. We also dive into: The risks of being in crypto, from faking deaths to insider threats. Ogle’s advisory role in World Liberty Finance and its mission to empower individuals financially. Why 2025 might finally be the year of mass adoption with intuitive and secure super apps. This episode is packed with incredible stories, industry insights, and a vision for how crypto can truly go mainstream. Don’t Miss This! 🔥 Glue Network Launch: January 1, 2025. Learn more at glue.net.⚡ Subscribe for more in-depth conversations with crypto’s most fascinating innovators.💸 Share this episode with anyone interested in crypto security and the future of decentralized finance. Catch more episodes of The Charlie Shrem Show and stay ahead in the crypto revolution! 🚀

    18 min

  8. JAN 20

    From Antiques to Bitcoin: Mel Sands on Collectibles, Community, and the Hunt for Satoshi’s Newspaper

    In this vibrant episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, I sit down with Mel Sands, vintage and antique dealer turned Bitcoin advocate, to explore the intersection of collectibles, community, and crypto history. Mel’s journey from discovering Bitcoin through a forgotten $100 investment to becoming a passionate evangelist and collector is a testament to how Bitcoin continues to inspire people across industries. We cover: Mel’s Bitcoin Journey: How a casual $100 purchase turned into $4,700 and set her on a path to uncovering the deeper truths of Bitcoin’s potential. Bitcoin Collectibles and Trading Cards: The rise of Bitcoin-themed trading cards and physical collectibles, their growing value, and how they educate the world about crypto history. The Hunt for Satoshi’s Newspaper: The legendary Times of London newspaper from January 3, 2009, immortalized in Bitcoin’s Genesis Block. Could this be the ultimate Bitcoin collectible? Building Local Bitcoin Communities: Stories of grassroots Bitcoin adoption, from Lincoln Road in Miami Beach to conferences like BitBlockBoom. Why Real-World Bitcoin Adoption Matters: Mel’s bold move to accept Bitcoin for her antique business and how it sparked conversations with curious customers. We also dive into: The psychology of Bitcoin adoption and why it still feels like “early days” for many. The importance of preserving Bitcoin’s history through physical artifacts. How Bitcoin has shaped communities, not just as a technology but as a shared set of values. This episode is packed with stories, laughs, and an epic idea for a documentary on tracking down one of Bitcoin’s rarest historical artifacts. If you’re into Bitcoin, collectibles, or just great storytelling, this is a can’t-miss conversation. Don’t Miss This! 🔥 Subscribe for more episodes featuring Bitcoiners who are making history and preserving it. ⚡ Share this episode with anyone curious about Bitcoin collectibles or the power of community. Follow Mel Sands and explore her work: Twitter: @MelSandsBTC Learn more about BitBlockBoom: Website: bitblockboom.com Catch more episodes of The Charlie Shrem Show and join us in uncovering Bitcoin’s past, present, and future! 🚀

    20 min
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    4.7
    out of 5
    140 Ratings

    About

    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.

    Information

    • Creator
      UntoldStories
    • Years Active
      2019 - 2025
    • Episodes
      398
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © Copyright 2022 Charlie Shrem. All Rights Reserved. 287734.

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