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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 lawsuits to legislation: Crypto’s fight for clarity

What’s shaping the future of crypto in Washington, D.C., and how does policy drive innovation? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth dive into the regulatory landscape with Kristin Smith, president of the Solana Policy Institute.

Kristin unpacks the landmark Genius Act, Solana’s rise as a leading blockchain and the crypto industry’s powerful advocacy in Washington. From stablecoin frameworks to overcoming misconceptions, this episode breaks down how policy is paving the way for blockchain’s mainstream moment. New to crypto or a seasoned pro, this one’s packed with insights for all. Produced by Tonal Media.

(00:00) Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast
(01:00) Introduction of the hosts Nathan and Gareth
(02:30) Gareth discusses his Ethereum documentary
(05:18) Key questions explored in the documentary
(08:25) Introduction of guest Kristen Smith from Solana Policy Institute
(09:00) Overview of Kristen's background and the significance of her work
(11:30) Discussion on the Genius Act and its impact on the ecosystem
(15:05) Solana Policy Institute's role in Washington, D.C.
(18:45) Changes in political engagement post-election
(23:10) Importance and impact of lobbying in the blockchain industry
(26:20) Addressing misconceptions in blockchain policy
(31:45) Fly on the wall moments with policymakers
(34:10) Conclusion and where to follow the hosts and guest on social media
(36:00) Outro and thanks to the production team

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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.

Aug 21, 2025 • S1E21 • 25 min 27 sec

Zero knowledge, infinite possibilities: Scaling blockchain with math

Can zero-knowledge proofs revolutionize blockchain? Host Nathan and co-host Gareth dive into the world of cutting-edge cryptography with Eli Benson, CEO and co-founder of StarkWare.

Eli unpacks how zero-knowledge proofs ensure trust and scalability, transforming blockchain transactions with unmatched speed and security. From Bitcoin to Ether, learn why this math-driven innovation is the future of decentralized finance. No jargon, just clear insights for newbies and crypto OGs alike. Tune in for a mind-blowing dive into the tech shaping tomorrow. Produced by Tonal Media.

00:00 Welcome to the Clear Crypto Podcast
01:41 Introduction to zero-knowledge proofs
03:52 Understanding the math behind zero-knowledge proofs
08:47 The importance of cryptographic trust
11:22 Scaling blockchain with zero-knowledge proofs
16:26 The future of zero-knowledge proofs and blockchain
19:45 The politics and integrity of blockchain technology
22:05 Open source philosophy and conclusion

Aug 14, 2025 • S1E20 • 25 min 22 sec

Crypto that tracks, verifies and transforms land, food and impact

In this episode of “The Clear Crypto Podcast,” powered by StarkWare and Cointelegraph,Yana Leonova joins us for a thought-provoking conversation on how crypto can fuel sustainability, innovation and more inclusive progress — far beyond finance. Produced by Tonal Media.

(00:00) Welcome to “The Clear Crypto Podcast”
(00:52) Host introductions
(02:00) Gareth discussing academic blockchain talks
(03:55) Discussion introduction: Blockchain and agriculture
(06:00) Defining regenerative finance (ReFi)
(08:00) Example of blockchain in reforestation and renewable energy
(10:00) Introduction of Yana Lenova and her background in blockchain
(12:05) Yana on blockchain’s role in agricultural sustainability and transparency
(13:30) Dubai’s cutting-edge tech environment and blockchain initiatives
(15:45) Examples of blockchain in global agriculture
(19:00) Detailed explanation of logistics and transparency using blockchain
(21:45) Blockchain’s impact on small farmers
(24:10) Immutable tracking of land ownership using blockchain
(27:00) Food waste reduction through blockchain
(29:45) Yana discusses blockchain’s potential in addressing food distribution
(33:15) Conclusion and how to follow Yana’s work on LinkedIn
(34:10) Invitation to explore more episodes of “The Clear Crypto Podcast”

Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
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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.

Aug 07, 2025 • S1E19 • 21 min 1 sec

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

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

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.