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The Charlie Shrem Show

UntoldStories
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.
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Episodes

AI Meets Bitcoin in Singapore — and Why the U.S. Is Back in the Game with Jesse Darnell

The U.S. crypto scene is finally waking up. After years of regulatory uncertainty and innovation flight, the winds are shifting. Charlie Shrem sits down with Jesse Darnell , former Marine and founder of ADVXNCE Protocol , fresh off Token2049 in Singapore , to talk about why global builders are suddenly turning their eyes back to America. They dive into: What Token2049 reveals about the real direction of crypto in Asia How the U.S. is quietly reopening for crypto innovation — from Wyoming to D.C....

Oct 30, 202516 minEp. 446

Why Bitcoin’s Biggest Threat- and Opportunity Might- Come from Quantum Physics

“Quantum computing is taking the laws of nature — light, heat, entanglement — and turning them into a new kind of computer. When that happens, the way we think about Bitcoin’s security will have to change forever.” — Charlie Shrem This week on The Charlie Shrem Show , we go deep into the strangest frontier yet: the intersection of Bitcoin, cryptography, and quantum computing. Charlie sits down with Olivier Roussy Newton , OG Bitcoiner and CEO of BTQ Technologies (NASDAQ: BTQ) — a company buildin...

Oct 15, 202520 minEp. 445

From Surgeon to CEO: Lessons in Frameworks, Funding, and Founders with Nic Roberts-Huntley of Blueprint Finance

What happens when you take the discipline of an Oxford-trained surgeon and apply it to crypto? You get Nic Roberts-Huntley , founder of Concrete and Glow , two of the fastest-growing DeFi protocols. In this episode, Nic and Charlie dive deep into the frameworks, philosophies, and practical decisions that turn ideas into billion-dollar realities. From early mornings at 4:30 AM to late-night calls across continents, Nic’s journey shows how rigor, kindness, and a surgeon’s precision can reshape dig...

Sep 03, 202526 minEp. 444

The Superfood Biohacker Who’s Helping Crypto Millionaires Fix Their Health with Ian Farrar

In this episode of The Charlie Shrem Show , Charlie sits down with Ian Farrar , a 30-year biohacker, longtime investor, and founding brand partner at Puriam , a direct-to-consumer superfood company. While the crypto space is full of financial innovation, Ian brings the focus back to the most valuable asset you have—your body . They dive deep into what it means to live a "superhuman" lifestyle , how modern diets are failing us, and why wealth without health is a ticking time bomb . Ian shares how...

Aug 11, 202521 minEp. 443

Inside Coinbase’s Plan to Make Bitcoin Your Credit Card Rewards with Michael Rihani

In this episode of The Charlie Shrem Show , Charlie is joined by Michael Rihani , Head of Product at Coinbase, to talk about how Bitcoin is finally going mainstream—not just as an investment, but as a spendable, usable financial asset. Michael breaks down the launch of Coinbase’s new American Express-powered credit card , which gives users up to 4% back in Bitcoin on every purchase. Together, they explore what this means for the next generation of crypto adoption and why stablecoins, Lightning p...

Aug 04, 202524 minEp. 442

Bitcoin as Pristine Collateral: Risk Redefined. @PeoplesReserve with @CJKonstantinos

During the darkest days of the last bear market, 5 years ago, I met my friend and guest @CJKonstantinos at The Green Flash in Florida. This guy is the definition of OG by doubling down and starting @peoplesreserve. He's creating Bitcoin-backed financial products that are reshaping the way we think about money. Tomorrow we are both speaking at BitcoinDay Tampa, which always has a way of keeping the culture alive! See you all there! Charlie Highlights: 🔒 Bitcoin’s Unmatched Strength: Discover how...

Jun 13, 202521 minEp. 441

From Bitcoin to Boat Storage: Joey Rosati on Diversifying Investments

I've gotten to know Joey Rosati (@rosaticorp) over the last 3 years working alonside hime in the VC trenches of Druid Ventures. Let me tell you, the VC world is a funny place and there are gems if you know where to find them. Joey is one of them. He knows that behind every successful business, it's all about people. In today's epic episode, Joey joins me to dive into the "silver tsunami," the massive shift as baby boomers retire, handing off old-school businesses to a younger generation. We talk...

Jun 06, 202534 minEp. 440

Bitcoin = Home: The Mortgage Revolution No One Saw Coming with Josip Rupena of Milo

Here’s a sentence I never thought I’d say: you can buy a house with your Bitcoin — without ever selling it. That’s the financial revolution Josip Rupena is building. He’s the founder and CEO of Milo , the fintech startup that’s already issued over $60 million in crypto mortgages — loans backed by your Bitcoin, not your bank account. And here’s the kicker: they’ve never issued a single margin call. In this episode, we break down how it works, what happens behind the scenes, and why this could be ...

Apr 23, 202524 minEp. 439

Crypto, AI Agents, and the Future of Decentralized Infrastructure with Chris “Jinx” Jenkins

My buddy Chris Jenkins just got back from ETHDenver, and he’s buzzing about the convergence of crypto and AI. He’s the head of operations at the Pocket Network Foundation, and right now, they’re gearing up for their biggest protocol upgrade ever: Shannon. What they’re doing is wild — opening up full permissionless access to decentralized data, from blockchain RPC calls to AI models, Tor nodes, and everything in between. We talk about agentic systems, LLMs, censorship-resistant data delivery, and...

Apr 21, 202518 minEp. 439

Silk Road to Satoshi: Digging Up Bitcoin’s Buried Past with Pete Rizzo

Pete Rizzo Thinks We're Losing Bitcoin's History. I'm Helping Him Fix That. Pete Rizzo’s been called Bitcoin’s historian — and after this conversation, you’ll understand why. He’s spent the past few years diving deep into the stories, people, and drama that built Bitcoin from nothing into a global force. We talk about that work — the threads, the archives, the stories that never made it into the headlines — and how much of our history is already at risk of being forgotten. This one goes deep: ea...

Apr 17, 202545 minEp. 438

Computer Arbitrage, Inefficient Markets, Tariffs, and Monetizing Stranded Energy with Sopris Capital’s Head of Special Situations Dan Wedman

Welcome back, everyone! I sat down with my new friend Daniel Wedman, the head of special situations at Sopris Capital. We delved into a variety of topics, focusing on the dynamic world of Bitcoin and crypto investments, and the evolving landscape of capital markets. Daniel's Career Journey Daniel shared his fascinating career trajectory, starting from his early days at Citigroup on a special situations team, to his roles at SL Green and Wheelock Street Capital. His journey into the crypto world ...

Apr 16, 202525 minEp. 437

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, institution...

Mar 19, 202522 minEp. 436

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...

Mar 17, 202517 minEp. 435

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 ...

Mar 13, 202525 minEp. 434

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 succ...

Mar 11, 202520 minEp. 433

Mastering Global Talent: Andy Hilliard on Scaling Software Development Teams

Episode Notes: Global Talent Pool: Andy dives into why 85% of software development talent is located outside of the U.S. and how companies can leverage this global talent pool for competitive pricing and higher efficiency. The Critical Role of Due Diligence: Learn how to avoid costly mistakes when choosing partners or outsourcing teams. Andy emphasizes how deep due diligence—going beyond surface-level research—can save companies millions by ensuring credibility and trust. Cultural Alignment &amp...

Feb 13, 202522 minEp. 432

Unlocking the Future of Web3 with Gravity: Charles Wayn

Episode Notes: Charles Wayn’s Web3 Evolution: From DLive’s decentralized live streaming platform to the evolution into Galxe , a Web3 powerhouse, Charles shares his journey of innovation in crypto. Introducing Gravity: The launch of Gravity , a Layer 1 blockchain designed for high-performance and cross-chain functionality, is a game-changer. Charles explains how Gravity provides a scalable, decentralized solution for bridging multiple blockchain ecosystems with lower costs and higher speeds. Web...

Feb 10, 202516 minEp. 431

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...

Jan 22, 202518 minEp. 430

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 he...

Jan 20, 202520 minEp. 429

Bitcoin Day Naples: John Drew on Sound Money and Building Local Bitcoin Communities

In this exciting episode of The Charlie Shrem Show , I sit down with John Drew , organizer of Bitcoin Day , to discuss the upcoming Bitcoin Day Naples on January 18, 2025 , and how these grassroots events are reshaping Bitcoin education and community building. We explore: What is Bitcoin Day? : From its origins in Omaha to becoming a nationwide movement, discover how Bitcoin Day brings together local talent and global leaders. Why Local Matters : The importance of regional events for fostering m...

Jan 17, 202515 minEp. 428

Bitcoin, Truth, and the Next Monetary Revolution: Brian Estes on Building a Better Financial Future

In this deeply insightful episode of The Charlie Shrem Show , I sit down with Brian Estes , Chief Investment Officer of Off the Chain Capital , early Bitcoin OG, producer of the documentary God Bless Bitcoin , and a tireless advocate for financial truth. Brian’s journey from traditional finance skeptic to one of Bitcoin’s most vocal proponents is a story of discovery, conviction, and a mission to reshape the world. We explore: Bitcoin as Truth : How sacred texts across major religions align with...

Jan 15, 202516 minEp. 427

Argentina’s Crypto Revolution to Decentraland 2.0: Yemel Jardi on Building the Future of Virtual Worlds

In this electrifying episode of The Charlie Shrem Show , I sit down with Yemel Jardi , Executive Director of Decentraland , Bitcoin OG, and a pivotal figure in the evolution of blockchain and virtual reality. From the transformative crypto scene in Argentina to spearheading Decentraland’s latest innovations, Yemel’s journey is a testament to the power of passion, resilience, and groundbreaking technology. We explore: The Buenos Aires Bitcoin Boom : How a pivotal conference in 2013 convinced Yeme...

Jan 13, 202525 minEp. 426

Cryptography to Crypto Giants: Ran Goldi on Fireblocks, Innovation, and Securing Blockchain’s Future

In this epic episode of The Charlie Shrem Show , I sit down with Ran Goldi , VP of Payments at Fireblocks , one of the most influential companies in the crypto and blockchain space. Ran’s journey is as fascinating as the industry he’s helped shape—from algorithmic trading to launching startups, to his time in Israeli intelligence, and ultimately building a cornerstone of the blockchain infrastructure. We dive deep into: Fireblocks' Revolutionary Impact : Powering 15-20% of the world's blockchain...

Jan 09, 202519 minEp. 425

Building a $2 Trillion network. The Digital Gold revolution explained. Commodity to Currency.

Bitcoin is a commodity, not money. At least, that's the argument my guest, Digital Gold Yoda, lays out today as we dive into the revolutionary project that aims to achieve what Satoshi Nakamoto originally envisioned DigitalGold.com . Imagine a network of 100 million nodes running proof-of-stake technology on regular computers—decentralized, efficient, and fair. Digital Gold is not just another cryptocurrency; it's a movement designed to fix the flaws of Bitcoin and build an entirely new monetary...

Dec 18, 202438 minEp. 424

Bitcoin’s New Era: Adoption, Wealth, and the Role of the Giants with Gary Cardone

We are about to embark on a new era for Bitcoin and maybe even Crypto. The 2024 election has changed everything. I sat down with Gary Cardone, a powerhouse in energy and digital assets, as we explore the seismic shifts happening in Bitcoin and the crypto world. Gary dives deep into how Wall Street and even U.S. politics are shaping Bitcoin’s path forward, especially after the massive fallout from FTX and other big players. We talk about: Why Bitcoin’s “takeover” by financial giants might actuall...

Nov 13, 202434 minEp. 423

Pushing Crypto to the Edge: Redefining Communication and Security with Ian Leviness and Pascal Gauthier

In this episode, I sit down with two major players who are shaping the future of crypto communications and security. First up is Ian Leviness from Push Protocol , and we dive into how Push is creating a decentralized communication hub for everything from notifications to messaging and more. Ian talks about the platform's explosive growth since its beginnings in 2020 and what’s next, including their ambitious vision of Push Chain —an infrastructure for decentralized communication that’s going to ...

Sep 16, 202442 minEp. 422

Breaking the System: Tokenizing Finance and Hollywood with Nick Cowan and Darren Darnborough

In this episode, I dive deep into two worlds that are being completely reshaped by technology: finance and Hollywood. First, I had an awesome conversation with Nick Cowan , the CEO of Valereum , where we talked about the future of tokenization, digital securities, and how blockchain is changing the entire financial landscape. Nick shared some wild stories about the Gibraltar Stock Exchange and its acquisition by Valereum, and explained why tokenized securities and digital assets are the next big...

Sep 10, 202447 minEp. 421

Bitcoin’s Early Days, The Present, and Where We’re Going with Paul Tarantino of ByteFederal

SPECIAL: Bitcoin’s Early Days, The Present, and Where We’re Going with Paul Tarantino! On this special episode of The Charlie Shrem Show , the tables turn as I get interviewed by Paul Tarantino, the CEO of ByteFederal. Still, the story isn’t just mine—it’s the Bitcoin community’s. From the early days, when Bitcoin was barely known, to the pivotal moments that brought us to where we are now, this conversation dives deep into the history, resilience, and power of Bitcoin as a movement. We talk abo...

Aug 28, 20241 hr 8 minEp. 420

Crypto's Hidden Power: Inside Private Markets & Bitcoin ATMs with Nick Cote, Omar-Shakeeb & Michelle Weekley

Nick Cote & Omar Shakeeb - Second Lane - Crypto Private Markets Michelle Weekley, ByteFederal Bitcoin ATM's Welcome back my friends! In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Cote and Omar Shakeeb from Second Lane, and we’re digging deep into the guts of the crypto world. These guys are like the switchboard operators of private markets, connecting top-tier investors, service providers, and liquidity providers. We talk about the importance of due diligence in secondary markets—because who wants to ...

Aug 20, 202442 minEp. 419

Real Assets and The Permaweb: A Deep Dive with Sam Williams (Arweave) & Jag Singh (Real)

Welcome back, good morning! Excited to share this with you. I have been working on a new teaching program for a while. More information will be provided soon! Please be safe, its a hot summer out there and HODL! In this epic episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, we're diving headfirst into the future of the decentralized web and real-world asset tokenization with two of the most visionary leaders in the crypto space. First, we sit down with Sam Williams , the creator of the Arweave protocol . Sam a...

Aug 12, 202441 minEp. 418
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