Blockcast
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.
Licensed to Shill: Tokenised Stocks, Stonks and the Case for Self-Custody | Alvin Kan, Bitget Wallet and Renna Ba, Morph
Alvin Kan of Bitget Wallet and Renna Ba of Morph join the show during TOKEN2049 week to talk through the boom in tokenised stocks. Their argument is that tokenised equities have grown from synthetic experiments into one-to-one backed claims on real shares. In their view, the real edge over a brokerage account is that users can move these tokens and put them to work.
Alvin explains what changed in the past few years. Stablecoins became a trusted on-chain dollar, chains got cheap and fast enough for retail trading, and regulators shifted from blocking tokenisation to building alongside...
Licensed to Shill: Taiwan's Banks and AI Hardware Makers Could Fuel Asia's Largest Stablecoin Corridor | Justin Wang, Capital Layer
Justin Wang, CEO of Capital Layer, a Taiwan-based stablecoin infrastructure provider helping banks integrate stablecoin rails into their existing systems, joins the show this week, arguing that the next wave of stablecoin adoption in Asia will be led by banks rather than crypto-native platforms. He walks through why Taiwan's regulatory shift and manufacturing base make it a proving ground for that thesis.
Wang traces his path from an early crypto payments startup in Singapore to founding Capital Layer roughly a year ago, now serving four banks across Taiwan and Japan with plans to expand to six or...
Licensed to Shill: Ethereum's Staking Yield Cut Won't Fix What's Actually Broken | Blockcast 91
Hosted by Takatoshi Shibayama of Ledger with co-host Lisa J. Tan of Economics Design, joined this week by Timothy Han of Blockhead, this episode of Licensed to Shill breaks down the Ethereum Foundation's proposal to cut staking yield and asks whether trimming the rate solves anything if ETH still has nowhere productive to go.
More than a third of ETH's supply is staked with providers like Lido, and the Foundation wants to prevent liquid-staking concentration while protecting non-stakers from dilution. The proposed cut would take yield from around 3% down to roughly 1.2%.
The panel brings the...
Licensed to Shill: Retail Barely Touches Stablecoins – Treasury and Remittance Are the Real Adoption (Jeannie Lim, Xweave) | Blockcast 90
Jeannie Lim, co-founder and head of growth at stablecoin payments startup Xweave, argues that stablecoin adoption is not happening where most of the industry looks for it. Retail use is negligible, she says. The real growth is in institutional treasury settlement and person-to-person remittance among people the banking system has never reached.
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 s...
Licensed to Shill: The Future of DeFi – Tokenized Yield & Institutional Integration (Ben Nadareski, Solstice) | Blockcast 89
Stablecoins were phase one. Tokenized RWAs were phase two. Ben Nadareski, CEO and founder of Solstice, joins Taka and Lisa to make the case for phase three: tokenized yield – professional-grade yield strategies, on chain, accessible to institutions and retail investors through the same infrastructure.
Ben breaks down how Solstice built a $500 million liquidity protocol on Solana, why they run their delta-neutral strategy on centralised exchanges instead of DeFi protocols, and what a four-and-a-half year trading track record actually looks like when you bring it on chain.
The conversation also covers the recent wave of DeFi ex...
Licensed to Shill: Banks Aren't Here for Blockchain — Their Infrastructure Is Just Broken (Jeff Ko, CoinEx) | Blockcast 88
CoinEx's Jeff Ko joins the Licensed to Shill panel to discuss the current state of crypto, institutional adoption, cybersecurity, and infrastructural challenges. THe panel shares their insights on how traditional finance is converging with crypto, the importance of fixing industry vulnerabilities, and the role of Web2 in driving Web3 adoption.
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...
Licensed to Shill: The Future of Crypto Payments & Settlement Layers (Colin Goltra, Morph) | Blockcast 87
Colin Goltra, CEO of Morph, joins hosts Takatoshi Shibayama and Lisa JY Tan, alongside co-host Nikhil Joshi (CEO, Emurgo), to discuss agentic commerce, stablecoin payment infrastructure, and what it means for an AI agent to transact independently of its human creator.
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 po...
Licensed to Shill: Designing Decentralization: Governance, Power, and the Validator Problem (Tanisha Katara) | Blockcast 86
This episode digs into what actually happens after a protocol says it’s “decentralized.” Not the whitepaper version. The operational version.
Tanisha Katara joins Taka, Lisa J.Y. Tan, and Nikhil Joshi to unpack how governance works once real money, real validators, and real incentives are involved. The conversation moves from academic theory to validator wealth concentration, then into AI agents negotiating with each other inside governance systems.
Connect with Tanisha Katara:
LinkedInTwitterMore at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up to date with the latest news.
🎙️ Hey there...
Licensed to Shill: How Energy and Geopolitics Are Unintentionally Building a Bitcoin-Driven World (Lara Eggimann & Jeff Gorman, Bitcoin Arabia) | Blockcast 85
The Middle East is poised to become a pivotal hub in the global cryptocurrency ecosystem. Countries within the region are increasingly recognizing the strategic importance of integrating blockchain technology into their economic frameworks, energy markets, and geopolitical strategies, according to Lara Eggimann and Jeff Gorman, co-founders of Bitcoin Arabia, a strategic Bitcoin advisory and ecosystem builder that connects the global Bitcoin industry with the Middle East’s most powerful stakeholders.
From the regulatory shifts in Bahrain and the UAE to the energy-driven mining initiatives in Saudi Arabia and Oman, regional leadership seems committed to exploring blockchain's potential. As...
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 sh...
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 B...
Decentralization and Privacy: Insights from TEN Protocol's Cais Manai | Blockcast 82
In this episode of Blockcast, host Takatoshi Shibayama sits down with Cais Manai, co-founder of TEN Protocol, to delve into the intricacies of blockchain privacy and decentralization. Cais shares his journey from discovering Bitcoin in 2012 to co-founding TEN Protocol, a project focused on integrating privacy into Ethereum's Layer 2 solutions.
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 con...
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...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...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, r...
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 s...
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 o...
Bridging TradFi & Crypto: Reap's Daren Guo on Stablecoin Innovation | Blockcast 76
In this episode of Blockcast, Takatoshi Shibayama interviews Daren Guo, co-founder of Reap, a company pioneering stablecoin infrastructure for modern finance. Daren shares his journey from a traditional finance background, having been part of Stripe's growth team, to becoming a key player in the crypto space. They explore the transformative role of stablecoins in global payments, particularly their impact on cross-border transactions and financial inclusion in emerging markets.
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...
Licensed to Shill VI: Decentralization Dilemma - Why Security is Key to Crypto's Future | Blockcast 75
In this episode, the Licensed to Shill panel is joined by Blockhead's DeFi writer, Jon Liu, to discuss the infamous Blockchain Trilemma – the challenge of balancing decentralization, security, and scalability – and why shared security might be the key to a thriving multi-chain future.
From there, the conversation shifts to one of the most disruptive forces in global finance: stablecoins. Using real-world examples like JPYC, the panelists discuss why digital assets are transforming cross-border payments and international trade, while also raising new regulatory and operational questions. Finally, the panel looks ahead to the future of digital currencies. What role...
Yat Siu on the Future of Crypto: AI, Blockchain, and Creativity | Blockcast 74
In this episode, the chairman and co-founder of Animoca Brands discusses the implications of AI on jobs, the importance of nurturing creativity in education, and the launch of Moca Network, a new blockchain initiative aimed at enhancing digital identity and reputation. Yat emphasized the need for a shift in how we view data ownership and privacy, as well as the role of speculation in the crypto space.
Takeaways
AI will not replace humans; it will augment our capabilities.Creativity is innate, but education often stifles it.Blockchain can revolutionize education and identity verification.Reputation is a...Institutional Stake-hodlers: stETH vs stVaults vs Sales Cycle | Blockcast 73
Lido Ecosystem Foundation's head of institutional relations Kean Gilbert hops on Blockcast to confirm that institutions are here, after a long journey of discovery and education. Discover what happens during the shift from traditional finance to the forefront of blockchain innovation, and explore the strategic moves shaping the future of Ethereum and liquid staking.
Key Points:
Kean Gilbert's transition from Deloitte to ConsenSys and his role in Lido. The challenges and opportunities in institutional adoption of Ethereum. The evolution of Ethereum's narrative and its impact on institutional interest. Insights into Lido's focus on decentralization and...
Licensed to Shill V: GENIUS & CLARITY Act - Policy, Governance and Much Needed Clarity | Blockcast 72
The passing of the CLARITY Act last month was a landmark moment for the industry. At last, lawmakers committed to writing legislation to classify digital assets and clarify the boundaries of regulatory authority for agencies like the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC).
In this episode of License to Shill, Takatoshi Shibayama is joined by Lisa Tan and Nikhil Joshi as they delve into the implications of the recently passed GENIUS and CLARITY Act against an evolving landscape of blockchain-based governance, privacy-preserving technologies and stablecoins.
Key Topics:
Overview o...How Nook is Simplifying DeFi Lending & Making Crypto Accessible to the Masses | Blockcast 71
In this episode, we dive into the world of crypto payments with Joey Isaacson, CEO and co-founder of Nook. Joey shares his journey from working at tech giants like Facebook and Uber to entering the crypto space through Coinbase. He discusses the challenges and opportunities in making crypto accessible to the masses, focusing on simplifying DeFi lending and the importance of user-friendly design.
Key Highlights:
Future-Proofing Crypto: Quranium's Quantum Revolution | Blockcast 70
Takatoshi Shibayama speaks to Kapil Dhiman, co-founder and CEO of Quranium, a quantum-proof blockchain. They discuss Kapil's journey from a CPA to an entrepreneur in the blockchain space, the significance of quantum computing, and the dual nature of technology – its potential benefits and risks. Kapil emphasized the urgency of preparing for a quantum future, the importance of security in digital assets, and the roadmap for Qudanium's innovations in creating a secure environment for cryptocurrency.
Key takeaways
Quantum computing is seen as a significant opportunity in technology.The dual nature of technology includes bo...Licensed to Shill IV: Tokenized Securities - Ownership & Rights; Navigating Crypto Transparency | Blockcast 69
Takatoshi Shibayama, Lisa Jy Tan, and Nikhil Joshi look at a token transparency framework and the responsibilities of disclosure. They also chat about the implications of tokenized securities, the risks associated with tokenized assets and the future of tokenization in the financial ecosystem.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Crypto Transparency
02:59 Token Allocation and Market Structure
05:49 The Role of Standardization in White Papers
08:58 Responsibility of Transparency in Projects
12:01 Tokenized Securities and Robinhood's Announcement
15:50 Risks in Tokenized Assets
19:51 The Future of Bitcoin and Yield
23:53 Closing Thoughts on Tokenization and Transparency
<...
Ripple's Journey: From Payments to Financial Solutions | Blockcast 68
In this episode of Blockcast, host Takatoshi Shibayama interviews Eric van Miltenburg, SVP of Strategic Initiatives at Ripple, discussing the APEX 2025 conference, Ripple's evolution from a payment-focused company to a broader financial solutions provider, and the future of the crypto industry.
They explore the similarities between the internet boom and the current blockchain landscape, the importance of regulatory clarity, and the potential of tokenization in various sectors. Eric shares insights on Ripple's strategic acquisitions and the company's commitment to addressing real-world problems through innovative technology.
More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to s...
The Intersection of AI & Blockchain Technology with Node Foundry's Abhinav Ramesh & Vinay Mohan | Blockcast 67
This week, host Takatoshi Shibayama explores the intersection of AI and blockchain technology with guests Abhinav Ramesh and Vinay Mohan, co-founders of Node Foundry. The conversation covers their backgrounds in crypto, current adoption challenges, and the potential of decentralized AI infrastructure to address rising compute costs.
Central to the discussion is Node Foundry's approach as "a two-sided marketplace" that simplifies access to decentralized AI solutions. The guests emphasize their goal to "abstract away the complexity of Web3" while maintaining privacy and security for enterprise users. As they highlight, the cost of compute is getting very expensive, but...
Licensed to Shill III: Understanding the MAS's Licensing Requirements | Blockcast 66
In this episode of Blockcast, host Takatoshi Shibayama discusses the recent regulatory changes in Singapore's crypto landscape with guests Hagen Rooke and Lisa J.Y. Tan. They explore the implications of the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) new licensing requirements for digital token service providers, the impact on centralized and decentralized platforms, and common misconceptions surrounding the regulations.
The conversation also touches on the future of decentralized finance (DeFi) in light of regulatory uncertainty and the importance of safeguarding the industry through appropriate regulations. The episode concludes with market commentary from Valentin Fournier, highlighting current trends in t...
Building Regulated Crypto Infrastructure | Blockcast 65
In this episode, Takatoshi sits down with Anastasia Plotnikova, CEO of Fideum, a regulated digital asset infrastructure company operating across Lithuania and Canada. They dive into what it's like to build in Europe under the new MiCA regulation, the practical challenges of regulation, and the global dichotomy between CeFi and DeFi. Anastasia shares her journey from law enforcement to crypto, and how growing up in the post-Soviet era shaped her deep appreciation for decentralized finance.
Topics Covered
Anastasia’s path from EU law enforcement to crypto via AaveCrypto through the le...Licensed to Shill II: M&A Mania, Token Launchpads, and the Rise of Bitcoin Corporates | Blockcast 64
In this episode of Licensed to Shill, the Blockcast crew dives headfirst into the industry's accelerating maturity, turbocharged by eye-popping M&A deals and the convergence of TradFi and crypto. Your host Takatoshi Shibayama is joined by Lisa J.Y. Tan (Economics Design), Nikhil Joshi (Emurgo), and Valentin Fournier (BRN) for a no-holds-barred analysis of the industry's most compelling narratives.
Topics Discussed:
Crypto’s Billion-Dollar Shopping Spree:Coinbase acquires Deribit, Kraken snags NinjaTrader, Ripple and Stripe enter the fray — what's fueling this tidal wave...
Bridging Ethereum to Solana: Scaling Web3 with Neon EVM's Davide Menegaldo | Blockcast 63
In this episode, Taka sits down with Davide Menegaldo, a true crypto OG, to explore his journey from Bitcoin maximalism to building infrastructure at Neon EVM, which enables EVM-based dApps to run on Solana.
Davide shares insights on the evolution of blockchain infrastructure, Ethereum's Layer 2 challenges, Solana’s rapid growth, and the future of real-world asset (RWA) tokenization. He also discusses developer onboarding, AI integrations, DeFi composability, and how Solana Mobile might bring Web3 to the masses.
Resources Mentioned:
Neon EVM WebsiteSolana MobileBlockchain Education Network (BEN)Project 00 (Decentralized fiber network for blockchain)Connect wit...
Singapore's Bitcoin Candidate Jeremy Tan on Disrupting Politics & Finance | Blockcast 62
This week we have a special guest, Jeremy Tan, the independent candidate for Mountbatten SMC who garnered a surprising 36% of the vote in Singapore's general election by centering his campaign on, among other things, Bitcoin adoption. Jeremy discusses his motivations for bringing Bitcoin into the political arena, highlighting the need for Singapore to consider it as a hedge against US dollar instability, and addresses the Monetary Authority of Singapore's (MAS) cautious stance on crypto, suggesting a disconnect between the official narrative and behind-the-scenes activity.
A key focus is Tan's proposal for a Singapore Dollar-denominated Bitcoin ETF (BITS...
Unveiling Crypto’s Hidden Rates Market With Rho Protocol's Alex Rvykin | Blockcast 61
In this episode, Takatoshi Shibayama speaks with Alex Ryvkin, founder of Rho Labs, about the launch of Rho Protocol, the first institutional-grade market for crypto interest rates.
Alex explains the significance of "crypto-native" rates like staking yields and perp funding rates, highlighting the extreme volatility of the latter and the need for hedging tools. He explains how Rho Protocol enables traders to manage funding rate risk, enhance basis trading strategies, and potentially shape the future of crypto lending. Alex also shares insights on the market's evolution, feedback since launch, and the anticipated growth of the crypto rates m...
Coinbase's Ecosystem Play & Asia's Crypto Landscape | Blockcast 60
In the latest episode of Blockcast, host Takatoshi Shibayama sits down with Hassan Ahmed, the Country Director for Coinbase Singapore, for an insightful conversation that unpacks Coinbase's ambitious plans in the Asia Pacific region and the broader evolution of the crypto industry, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of digital assets.
Ahmed's journey into crypto is as compelling as the company he now leads in Southeast Asia. Hassan shares his fascinating journey from traditional finance to the forefront of the crypto revolution, offering insights into Coinbase's multi-faceted approach, its expansion strategy in APAC, and t...
Coinbase's Ecosystem Play & Asia's Crypto Landscape | Blockcast 60
In the latest episode of Blockcast, host Takatoshi Shibayama sits down with Hassan Ahmed, the Country Director for Coinbase Singapore, for an insightful conversation that unpacks Coinbase's ambitious plans in the Asia Pacific region and the broader evolution of the crypto industry, providing valuable insights for anyone interested in the future of digital assets.
Ahmed's journey into crypto is as compelling as the company he now leads in Southeast Asia. Hassan shares his fascinating journey from traditional finance to the forefront of the crypto revolution, offering insights into Coinbase's multi-faceted approach, its expansion strategy in APAC, and t...
How Startale Group is Building "Web3 for Billions of Users" | Blockcast 59
Ever wondered how Web3 will reach billions? Tune in as we chat with Sota Watanabe, CEO of Startale Group about his ambitious vision. Startale's portfolio includes Astar Network and the exciting new Ethereum Layer-2, Soneium, developed in partnership with Sony Group using Optimism's OP Stack for faster and cheaper transactions.
We unpack Soneium, their new cost-effective Ethereum Layer-2, the groundbreaking collaboration with Sony, and Sota's insights on the future of blockchain. Get ready for a deep dive into the next evolution of the internet!
🎙️ Hey there, Blockcast listeners! 🎙️ This podcast provides commentary and discussion on...
How Startale Group is Building "Web3 for Billions of Users" | Blockcast 59
Ever wondered how Web3 will reach billions? Tune in as we chat with Sota Watanabe, CEO of Startale Group about his ambitious vision. Startale's portfolio includes Astar Network and the exciting new Ethereum Layer-2, Soneium, developed in partnership with Sony Group using Optimism's OP Stack for faster and cheaper transactions.
We unpack Soneium, their new cost-effective Ethereum Layer-2, the groundbreaking collaboration with Sony, and Sota's insights on the future of blockchain. Get ready for a deep dive into the next evolution of the internet!
More at Blockhead.co and join us on Telegram to stay up t...
Licensed to Shill: Current state of Ethereum, Hidden Road Acquisition, Next Gen of Fintech | Blockcast 58
Host Takatoshi Shibayama is joined by Nikhil Joshi, chief operating officer, Emurgo, and Lisa JY Tan, founder and founding economist, Economics Design, to discuss the latest news and developments in the crypto industry.
The panel addresses the current market panic, questioning Bitcoin's role as a hedge amidst Fed influence and stock-crypto divergence, the current state of Ethereum, the acquisition of Hidden Road, and the next generation of fintech. The discussion on Ethereum covers its market performance in early April 2025, trading with volatility around the $1600-$1800 range and below major EMAs, indicating continued bearish pressure according to some...
Inside the Crypto & AI-Powered Adult Playground with Oh's Nic Young | Blockcast 57
Ever wondered what happens when AI, crypto, and the adult entertainment industry collide?
This week, Blockcast delves into the developing space of digital interaction with Nic Young, CEO of Oh, a platform at the forefront of integrating artificial intelligence and cryptocurrency within the adult entertainment industry. Nic unpacks how Oh is building AI-powered digital companions, including realistic twins of creators, offering a personalized and uncensored experience underpinned by crypto transactions: "We felt that it was the perfect incubator... an industry that really needs crypto."
This episode offers an exploration of how blockchain technology is set t...
Lombard Co-Founder Jacob Phillips on Bitcoin DeFi's Challenges and Innovations | Blockcast 56
Jacob Phillips began his entry into crypto with an interest in finance and technology, leading him to a crypto fund in Cleveland during the 2018 boom. This experience deepened his understanding of blockchain and its long-term potential as major institutions and VCs entered the space.
His career accelerated when he joined Polychain in 2020, working with top investors to evaluate projects and navigate the explosive growth of DeFi. He played a role in investments like BadgerDAO, which aimed to integrate Bitcoin into decentralized finance but ultimately faced structural limitations.
In 2024, he co-founded Lombard to address these gaps, f...
