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The Clear Crypto Podcast

Privacy, policy and the future of crypto: A conversation with Peter Van Valkenburgh

Jul 10, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 15 • 30 min 6 sec

In this episode of The Clear Crypto Podcast, we step into the legal trenches of crypto with Peter Van Valkenburgh, executive director at Coin Center. From pushing back against the centralization of digital payments to defending the right to publish open-source code, Peter breaks down the legal and civil-liberties fights that could define the future of digital finance.

This isn’t just about crypto, it’s about whether freedom, privacy and innovation can survive in a world still trying to understand what code really is. Produced by Tonal Media.

(00:00) Introduction and show opening
(01:00) Meet Peter Van Valkenburgh
(02:00) Coin Center’s mission and evolution
(03:00) The double-edged sword of crypto's success
(04:00) Defending core crypto values
(06:00) Global impact of US crypto policy
(08:00) From car rant to crypto: Peter’s philosophy
(10:00) The crypto connection to human interaction
(12:00) The dangers of financial intermediation
(15:00) Everyday examples of intermediation problems
(18:00) Questions for crypto builders
(20:00) Privacy challenges in crypto
(22:00) Zero knowledge proofs and the future of privacy
(25:00) Identity and privacy in the digital age
(27:00) Peter’s interactions with lawmakers
(28:00) Bridging past and future
(29:00) Closing and show information

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The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

From islands to highways: The future of blockchain interoperability

What’s stopping blockchains from talking to each other, and how do we bridge the gap? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth dive into the world of blockchain interoperability with John Kol, co-founder of HyperLane.

They unpack the challenges of connecting disparate blockchains like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana, and how HyperLane is building seamless bridges for value transfer. John shares insights on creating a user-friendly crypto experience that rivals Web2 standards.

No tech jargon, just clear talk on crypto’s connected future. Perfect for newbies and crypto veterans alike! Produced by Tonal Media.

(00:00) Introduction and host welcome
(00:11) Blockchain’s communication problem
(02:34) Interoperability, defined
(03:07) Interoperability in the news
(04:42) Jon Kol on the island problem
(07:02) The technical challenge deep dive
(08:04) Web2 vs Web3 user experience
(12:11) Security vulnerabilities and bridge hacks
(13:57) Security improvements and modular solutions
(16:18) Starknet integration and real-world impact
(17:55) Future predictions: Two to three years out
(21:41) Wrap-up and takeaways

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Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.
Check out StarkWare at https://starkware.co/
If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

Jul 31, 2025 • S1E18 • 23 min 18 sec

From Bitcoin to Index Funds: The New Era of Crypto Access

What does “investing in crypto” actually mean, and how do we make it feel less like rocket science?

Host Nathan Jeffay chats with Ryan Rasmussen, head of research at Bitwise Asset Management, about how crypto is finally becoming accessible to mainstream investors. They unpack the tools, funds and strategies that make digital assets look less like magic internet money and more like a legitimate asset class.

Rasmussen breaks down index funds for crypto, explains why Bitcoin under the mattress isn’t enough and how staking (even with the mess of US rules) lets people put skin in the game.

From regulatory shifts to wrapped Bitcoin, this one’s all about building smarter bridges between traditional finance and the future of money.

No jargon. No hype. Just straight talk from people who think about crypto all day, so you don’t have to. Produced by Tonal Media.

(00:00) Welcome and mission of the podcast
(01:36) Meet Ryan Rasmussen from Bitwise
(02:25) What does investing in crypto actually mean?
(05:47) S&P 500 analogy for crypto investing
(07:17) How institutional investment fuels crypto ecosystems
(12:29) Regulatory shifts and the institutional surge
(14:10) What is staking, and why does it matter?
(15:28) The regulatory maze of staking in the US
(17:57) Learning paths and resources for crypto investors

Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Follow StarkWare on X @StarkWareLtd

Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.
Check out StarkWare at https://starkware.co/

If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

Jul 24, 2025 • S1E17 • 20 min 46 sec

Bitcoin in motion: From static to dynamic value

What’s the future of Bitcoin beyond just holding it? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth dive into this question with Ilia, Bitcoin lead at StarkWare, exploring how Bitcoin can evolve from a store of value to a dynamic financial tool. Ilia breaks down innovations like wrapped Bitcoin and trustless bridges, revealing how they unlock DeFi possibilities without sacrificing ownership.

No hype, just clear insights on Bitcoin’s next chapter. Whether you’re new to crypto or a die-hard Bitcoiner, this episode is for you. Produced by Tonal Media.

(00:00) Introduction to the Clear Crypto Podcast
(00:55) EthCC highlights
(01:19) The importance of community in blockchain
(02:56) Transition to Bitcoin discussion
(03:34) Exploring Bitcoin's current and future uses
(08:51) Understanding wrapped Bitcoin
(11:15) Innovative approaches to scaling Bitcoin
(19:27) Big-picture values and outlook

Jul 17, 2025 • S1E16 • 23 min 1 sec

Leverage without letting go: What financial freedom looks like in Bitcoin

Jullian Duran (@jullian0701) CEO of Lever, breaks down what “firepower” really means in crypto. It’s not about dumping assets for quick cash. It’s about using Bitcoin to unlock real-world freedom. Better homes. Better schools. More movement. All without giving up your position.

No hype. No financial advice. Just a clear view on how holding and leveraging crypto might be the most grounded form of economic independence yet. Produced by Tonal Media.

00:00 Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast
00:24 Live from ECC: Meeting in Person
00:52 Highlights from the Coin Telegraph Event
04:10 Understanding Real World Assets (RWAs)
06:42 Interview with Julian from Lever
11:52 The Future of Tokenization and Lever's Vision
17:23 Julian's Journey from Traditional Finance to Crypto
22:41 Leveraging Bitcoin for Real World Investments
28:26 Closing Thoughts and Where to Find Us

Jul 03, 2025 • S1E14 • 31 min 7 sec

Zooming out: Ethereum’s big picture with Tomasz Stańczak

What’s Ethereum’s role in reshaping the global economy, and how does it stay true to its decentralized roots? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth dive into a fascinating conversation with Tomasz Stańczak, co-executive director of the Ethereum Foundation, about Ethereum as a world computer, its unstoppable network and its game-changing potential for finance and beyond. Tomasz shares insights on bridging traditional finance, upgrading Ethereum without missing a beat, and leading with community-driven vision. No hype, just clear talk on Ethereum’s future. Whether you’re a crypto newbie or a blockchain veteran, this episode is a must-listen! This episode was produced by Tonal Media.

(00:00) Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast
(01:01) Meet Our Guest: Tomasz Stańczak
(01:34) Understanding Ethereum: A Primer
(05:02) Tomasz's Journey into Ethereum
(07:57) Ethereum's Impact on Traditional Finance
(12:42) The Future of Ethereum
(15:10) Closing Remarks and Where to Find Us

Jun 26, 2025 • S1E13 • 17 min 42 sec

Crypto crime: What the headlines don’t tell you

What’s the real deal with crypto crime, and can blockchain ever shake its bad rap? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth dive deep with Jennie Levin, chief legal and operations officer at Algorand Foundation, to unpack the truth behind high-profile crypto scandals like FTX and sneaky blockchain exploits. Jennie breaks down how these crimes mirror traditional finance fraud and what’s being done to make crypto safer. No hype, just clear insights on securing the future of blockchain. Whether you’re a newbie or a crypto OG, this episode is a must-listen! This episode was produced by Tonal Media.

(00:00) Introduction to the Clear Crypto Podcast
(02:23) Discussion about Bitcoin 2025 event in Las Vegas
(05:06) Gareth’s insights on evolving crypto conferences
(10:45) Introduction of guest Jenny Levine
(12:33) Overview of crypto crime and the FTX scandal
(18:56) Detailed explanation of the charges against Sam Bankman-Fried
(31:00) Discussion on centralized vs self-custody exchanges
(36:40) Exploration of crime related to blockchain protocol exploits
(40:22) Definition and context of white hat hackers in crypto
(43:16) Legal perspective on white hat hacking
(48:05) Future of crypto crime and blockchain security
(50:36) Gareth’s observation on evolving crypto regulations
(52:30) Final thoughts on the future of crypto security
(58:00) Conclusion and farewell

Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Follow StarkWare on X @StarkWareLtd

Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.
Check out StarkWare at https://starkware.co/

If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!

Jun 19, 2025 • S1E12 • 27 min 40 sec

Authors

Cointelegraph

Cointelegraph covers everything from fintech to blockchain technology to Bitcoin, bringing you the latest news, prices, breakthroughs and analysis from across the future of money.

About podcast

Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast, straight talk on what crypto and blockchain do today, and what they're going to do tomorrow with Nathan Jeffay, Head of Media at StarkWare and Gareth Jenkinson, Head of Multimedia at Cointelegraph. This podcast is edited and produced by Tonal Media.

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Disclaimer These podcasts (and any related content) are for entertainment purposes only and do not constitute financial advice, nor should they be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcasts' participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.