Episodes

  • Exploring Crypto Journalism & Privacy with Project Glitch

    Exploring Crypto Journalism & Privacy with Project Glitch
    Sep 10 2024

    Join Paul Brigner, Head of Coinbase Institute, on the 'PGP for Crypto Podcast' as he sits down with Mike Orcutt, Michael Reilly, and Lucy Harley-McKeown, the founding editors of Project Glitch. They discuss their new crypto-focused journalistic initiative and their partnership for the upcoming DC Privacy Summit on October 24th. Learn about their backgrounds, the unique approach of Project Glitch, and the importance of privacy in the future of the internet.

    Explore more at Project Glitch (https://projectglitch.xyz) and register for the summit at DC Privacy Summit (https://www.dcprivacysummit.org).

    TIMESTAMPS:

    00:00 Introduction to the PGP for Crypto Podcast

    00:25 Meet the Founding Editors of Project Glitch

    01:43 Michael Reilly's Journey in Science and Tech Journalism

    04:15 Lucy Joins the Crypto Journalism Scene

    06:07 The Vision Behind Project Glitch

    13:06 Exploring the Future of Crypto and Blockchain

    20:13 The DC Privacy Summit Announcement

    21:05 Event Programming and Speaker Lineup

    31:59 Future Plans and Closing Remarks


    The Special Meaning of PGP:

    The “PGP” reference is in homage to Pretty Good Privacy encryption and is carried over from Electric Coin Co.’s longstanding Pretty Good Pancakes breakfasts held in conjunction with industry events. As the first freely distributed, high quality public-key cryptography system, PGP was a widely used tool among cypherpunks for privacy protection and has had a major influence on the development of cryptocurrencies. PGP is still used today, especially in the cyber threat intelligence community.


    DISCLAIMER

    Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Coinbase Institute. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.
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    38 mins
  • Daniel Schöenberger, Chief Legal Officer, Web3 Foundation

    Daniel Schöenberger, Chief Legal Officer, Web3 Foundation
    Nov 14 2023

    In this episode of the PGP* for Crypto podcast, Paul Brigner interviews Daniel Schöenberger, Chief Legal Officer of the Web3 Foundation. They discuss the intricacies of the Web3 ecosystem, the importance of the Polkadot project, and how Web3 aims to decentralize the internet and give control back to the users. Daniel also shares about his rich background in technology companies like Google, his perspective on upcoming Web3 regulations, and an insight into how Artificial Intelligence and Blockchain can work together to address challenges like disinformation campaigns.


    EPISODE LINKS

    Daniel Schöenberger's LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/daniel-schoenberger-9107836/

    Daniel Schöenberger's Twitter: https://twitter.com/d_schoenberger

    Wed3 Foundation Website: https://web3.foundation/

    Web3 Foundation Twitter: https://twitter.com/Web3foundation


    HOST INFO

    Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner

    Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/

    Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co

    Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo


    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction

    00:34 Understanding the Web3 Foundation and Polkadot

    01:08 Daniel's Journey into the Cryptocurrency Ecosystem

    01:50 Daniel's Career Background and Transition into Crypto

    08:11 The Role of Polkadot in the Web3 Ecosystem

    12:33 The Importance of Cryptocurrency in the Blockchain World

    23:27 The Transition from Security to Non-Security

    33:21 The Impact of Legislation on the Cryptocurrency Industry

    51:18 The Role of AI in the Future of Web3

    55:29 Closing Remarks and Future Prospects


    DISCLAIMER

    Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.
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    57 mins
  • Ryan Polk, Director of Internet Policy at Internet Society

    Ryan Polk, Director of Internet Policy at Internet Society
    Oct 8 2023
    In this episode of the "PGP for Crypto Podcast," host Paul Brigner of Electric Coin Co. and guest Ryan Polk from the Internet Society delve into the critical importance of encryption for online security and privacy. The discussion spans from the history of encryption debates, including the 'crypto wars' of the 1990s, to the increasing adoption of end-to-end encryption by major tech companies. However, they also highlight the ongoing threats to encryption, both in the U.S. and globally, due to various legislative efforts aimed at public safety and surveillance. The conversation underscores the tension between individual privacy and governmental oversight, particularly as encryption becomes increasingly vital for secure communication and financial transactions like cryptocurrencies. They discuss the role of advocacy groups like the Global Encryption Coalition in coordinating efforts to counteract these challenges. Ryan Polk outlines specific U.S. bills and international legislation that could undermine encryption, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach that respects both security and individual freedoms. This episode serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the current landscape of encryption and its implications, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in tech policy, online security, and the future of digital communication. EPISODE LINKS Ryan Polk's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-polk... Internet Society Website: hthttps://www.internetsociety.org/ Internet Society Twitter: https://twitter.com/internetsociety Global Encryption Coalition: https://www.globalencryption.org/ Encryption documentary video by Paul Brigner and David Vyorst:     • The Internet Exposed:  Encryption, Ba...   2022 PGP* Global Encryption Day event recording: https://livestream.com/internetsociet... CRYPTO by Steven Levy: https://www.amazon.com/Crypto-Rebels-... SEE ALSO Fight for the Future Campaign against bad internet bills: https://www.badinternetbills.com/ HOST INFO Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/ Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo TIMESTAMPS 00:00 🎙️ Introduction to the PGP for Crypto Podcast 00:32 🤝 Introduction to Guest Ryan Polk 02:11 🎥 Reference to Relevant Content 02:41 🌐 Global Encryption Day Context 03:13 🎤 Ryan's Introduction and Take on Encryption 05:09 🌍 Global Threats to Encryption 07:04 📈 The Rise of Encryption 09:39 📜 Motivations Behind Undermining Encryption 11:38 🌐 Governments' Perception of Encryption 13:39 💱 Cryptocurrency and Encryption 17:02 🔄 Return to Traditional Privacy 18:36 🌐 Internet Society's Role 20:05 🚀 Advocating for Crypto Privacy 21:31 🔐 Encryption Advocacy 23:32 🌍 Global Encryption Day 28:02 🤝 Collective Effort in Tech Policy 29:58 🌐 Joining the Global Encryption Coalition 31:27 🚫 Encryption Threats Overview 32:31 📜 Cooper Davis Act 37:25 🧸 Child Safety Bills 41:34 🧒 Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) 44:01 🛡️ Encryption as a Fundamental Infrastructure 45:31 🌍 Global Encryption Threats 50:35 🚩 Evolving Justifications for Breaking Encryption 52:05 🏳️‍🌈 Encryption's Importance to Vulnerable Communities 54:01 📢 Upcoming Event on Encryption 56:29 🙏 Gratitude and Call to Action DISCLAIMER Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.
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    57 mins
  • Christopher Edwards, Head of Coinbase Institute, and Nick Carr, Stand with Crypto Alliance

    Christopher Edwards, Head of Coinbase Institute, and Nick Carr, Stand with Crypto Alliance
    Oct 1 2023
    In this episode, Paul Brigner, PGP* for Crypto Podcast host, engaged in a conversation on cryptocurrency policy with Christopher Edwards, Head of Coinbase Institute, and Nick Carr, Chief Strategist for the Stand with Crypto Alliance. During the discussion, the guests shared their backgrounds and involvement in the crypto space, emphasizing the importance of understanding how cryptocurrency impacts various facets of national security beyond traditional security concerns. They highlighted the economic significance of crypto, its potential to influence global economic dynamics, and the role of stablecoins in maintaining the strength of the U.S. dollar in international finance. The conversation delved into topics such as Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs), the intersection of AI and crypto, and the environmental impact of cryptocurrency. The guests also shed light on the goals and activities of the Stand with Crypto Alliance, emphasizing its grassroots advocacy approach and the support it has garnered from the crypto community. They discussed the minting of NFTs as a means of supporting the movement and the organization's focus on advocating for cryptocurrency-related legislation in the short term, with potential expansion into broader roles in the crypto ecosystem and policy landscape in the future. Additionally, the conversation touched on various priorities in crypto policy, including concerns about specific legislation and the need for policy nuance and in-depth analysis. The importance of community involvement and partnerships between Stand with Crypto and established entities in the crypto community was highlighted. The discussion concluded with an appreciation of transparency and the potential for future updates on the progress of Stand with Crypto Alliance's advocacy efforts. EPISODE LINKS Christopher Edwards' Twitter: https://twitter.com/Cedward71 Christopher Edwards' LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christoph... Coinbase Institute Website: https://www.coinbase.com/public-polic... Nick Carr's Twitter: https://twitter.com/ThisIsNickCarr Nick Carr's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ncarr07/ Stand with Crypto Alliance Website: https://www.standwithcrypto.org/ Stand with Crypto Alliance Twitter: https://twitter.com/standwithcrypto Brian Armstrong's MainNet talk: https://events.messari.io/mainnet2023... HOST INFO Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/ Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 01:48 Christopher Edwards' Crypto Story 04:58 Nick Carr's Crypto Story 07:04 Overview of Coinbase Institute 10:36 Crypto and National Security 16:54 Economic Strength with Crypto for National Security 20:18 Stablecoins, Innovation, and Privacy 22:57 Crypto and Artificial Intelligence 28:56 Crypto and the Environment 30:21 Making Carbon Credits More Accessible 31:47 Bitcoin Mining and Renewable Energy 36:22 Stand With Crypto Was Born 40:18 Blockchain Advocacy on Capitol Hill 45:16 Grassroots Engagement and Advocacy Opportunities 49:44 Stand With Crypto's Organizational Structure and Future 52:25 Advocating for FIT21, the Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act 55:37 Policy Priorities and Existential Threats for Crypto 01:03:38 Partnerships and Grassroots Amplification 01:07:19 Conclusion DISCLAIMER Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.
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    1 hr and 8 mins
  • Vitalik Buterin, Co-Creator of Ethereum, and Zooko Wilcox, Founder and CEO, Electric Coin Co.

    Vitalik Buterin, Co-Creator of Ethereum, and Zooko Wilcox, Founder and CEO, Electric Coin Co.
    Sep 15 2023
    In this very special episode of the PGP* for Crypto podcast, host Paul Brigner is joined by esteemed guests Vitalik Buterin, co-creator of Ethereum, Zooko Wilcox, founder of Electric Coin Co., and Josh Swihart, a veteran in the crypto space, to delve deep into the intricacies of Privacy Pools and the recent academic paper co-authored by Buterin. The conversation includes the technical foundations of Privacy Pools and its aim to strike a balance between meaningful privacy and regulatory compliance in the cryptocurrency world. The discussion also touches upon the philosophical dimensions of privacy and freedom, with a critical examination of the potential policy implications and the principle of "guilty until proven innocent." Listen in as the panelists engage in a rich dialogue, exploring the nuanced approaches that Privacy Pools offers in the rapidly evolving crypto landscape. Don't miss this episode filled with expert insights and diverse perspectives on one of the most pressing topics in the crypto space today. EPISODE LINKS Vitalik's Twitter: https://twitter.com/VitalikButerin Zooko's Twitter: https://twitter.com/zooko Privacy Pools website: https://www.privacypools.com/ Blockchain Privacy and Regulatory Compliance: Towards a Practical Equilibrium: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.c... HOST INFO Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/ Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo GUEST HOST INFO Josh Swihart's Twitter: https://twitter.com/jswihart Josh Swihart's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/swihart/ TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome 00:30 Intoduction 05:03 Overview of Privacy Pools 12:29 Discussion 01:14:37 Closing Remarks DISCLAIMER Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • Zcon4 Special Edition featuring Jay Stanley (ACLU), Kurt Opsahl (Filecoin), and Jake Wiener (EPIC)

    Zcon4 Special Edition featuring Jay Stanley (ACLU), Kurt Opsahl (Filecoin), and Jake Wiener (EPIC)
    Aug 9 2023
    Join Paul Brigner, Head of US Policy and Strategic Advocacy for the Electric Coin Co., as he dives deep into the world of cryptocurrency policy and regulation. Recorded live from ZCon4 in Barcelona, Spain, this episode features a panel of esteemed guests: Kurt Opsahl, Associate General Counsel for Cyber Security and Civil Liberties Policy at the Filecoin Foundation. Jay Stanley, Senior Policy Analyst at the ACLU. Jake Wiener, Counsel at the Electronic Privacy Information Center. Together, they discuss the importance of privacy in the digital age, the potential of zero-knowledge proof technology, and the challenges and opportunities of decentralizing the internet. Plus, hear insights from the Zcash community's annual meeting and a surprise visit from a special guest! EPISODE LINKS ACLU Website: https://www.aclu.org/ Jay Stanley's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jay-c-stanley/ Jay Stanley's Twitter: https://twitter.com/JayCStanley Electronic Privacy Information Center (EPIC) Website: https://epic.org/ Jake Wiener's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-wiener-70a4baa8/ Jake Wiener's Twitter: https://twitter.com/RealJakeWiener Filecoin Foundation Website: https://fil.org/ Kurt Opsahl's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kurt-opsahl-0858654/ Kurt Opsahl's Twitter: https://twitter.com/kurtopsahl PODCAST INFO Podcast website: https://podcast.pgpforcrypto.org Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pgp*-pretty-good-policy-for-crypto-podcast/id1669504720 RSS: https://feed.pod.co/pgp-for-crypto-podcast HOST INFO Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/ Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Welcome 00:42 Introduction 01:49 Kurt Opsahl on Privacy and ZCon4 02:46 Jay Stanley on Cryptocurrency and Privacy 05:27 Jake Wiener on Policing, Digital Identity, and Privacy 07:43 The Promise of ZK Proof Technology 09:51 Jay's Insights on Cryptography and Digital Identity 12:41 The Challenge of Achieving True Privacy 14:59 Kurt's Transition to Filecoin 16:55 The Debate on Decentralization 19:56 Further Decentralizing Zcash 22:21 The Future of Zcash and User Experience and a Surprise Guest 27:49 Recent Developments in U.S. Policy 36:32 Concluding Remarks DISCLAIMER Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.
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    40 mins
  • Bart Stephens, Founder and Managing Partner, Blockchain Capital

    Bart Stephens, Founder and Managing Partner, Blockchain Capital
    Jul 24 2023

    In this episode, Paul Brigner welcomes Bart Stephens, the founder and managing partner at Blockchain Capital, a venture capital firm that has made significant investments in the blockchain space. With over 100 portfolio companies and $2 billion in assets under management, including investments in Ripple, Kraken, and Coinbase, Blockchain Capital has played a major role in shaping the blockchain industry. The conversation explores the early days of the firm, the evolution of the industry, and the importance of working with founders to build a robust and innovative ecosystem. Tune in to gain insights into the world of cryptocurrency policy and regulation.


    EPISODE LINKS

    Bart's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pbartstephens/

    Bart's Twitter: https://twitter.com/pbartstephens

    Blockchain Capital Website: https://blockchain.capital/

    Blockchain Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/crypto-currency-partners-lp/

    Blockchain Capital on Twitter: https://twitter.com/blockchaincap


    PODCAST INFO

    Podcast website: https://podcast.pgpforcrypto.org

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pgp*-pretty-good-policy-for-crypto-podcast/id1669504720

    RSS: https://feed.pod.co/pgp-for-crypto-podcast


    HOST INFO

    Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner

    Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/

    Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co

    Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo


    TIMESTAMPS

    00:00 Welcome

    00:42 Introducing Bart Stephens, Founder and Managing Partner, Blockchain Capital

    03:01 State of the Crypto Policy and the Inherently Political Underpinnings of Crypto

    09:41 The Biggest Challenges to the Crypto Industry

    14:37 Offshoring of the Crypto Industry

    20:20 A Fresh Approach to Crypto Policy and Regulation

    26:29 A Catalyst for Change in Crypto Policy

    30:38 The State of Venture Capital for Blockchain

    36:35 The Impact of Ripple's Summary Judgement

    42:52 Advice to MBAs and Entrepreneurs


    DISCLAIMER

    Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.
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    48 mins
  • Marisa Coppel, Senior Counsel, Blockchain Association

    Marisa Coppel, Senior Counsel, Blockchain Association
    Jul 28 2023

    In this episode, Paul Brigner welcomes Marisa Coppel, Senior Counsel for the Blockchain Association, for a discussion on the the recent Ripple ruling and its implications for the crypto industry. Coppel highlights that the court ruling clearly states that XRP, the token, is not a security but can be part of a securities transaction or offering. This distinction is seen as a win for the industry, especially given SEC Chair Gensler's stance that all tokens, except for Bitcoin, are securities. The court also broke down the sales of XRP into three categories: institutional sales, programmatic sales, and other distributions, each with different implications under securities law. The discussion also touched on the ongoing SEC enforcement action against Coinbase and the potential implications of the Ripple ruling for other altcoins and the broader crypto industry.


    EPISODE LINKS

    Marisa's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marisatashman/

    Marisa's Twitter: https://twitter.com/MTCoppel

    Blockchain Association Website: https://theblockchainassociation.org/

    Blockchain Association on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/blockchainassociation/

    Blockchain Association on Twitter: https://twitter.com/blockchainassn


    PODCAST INFO

    Podcast website: https://podcast.pgpforcrypto.org

    Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/pgp*-pretty-good-policy-for-crypto-podcast/id1669504720

    RSS: https://feed.pod.co/pgp-for-crypto-podcast


    HOST INFO

    Paul Brigner's Twitter: https://twitter.com/paulbrigner

    Paul Brigner's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/paulbrigner/

    Electric Coin Co. Website: https://electriccoin.co

    Electric Coin Co. Twitter: https://twitter.com/ElectricCoinCo

    00:00 Welcome

    00:42 Introducing Marisa Coppel, Senior Counsel, Blockchain Association

    01:21 Diving into the Ripple Ruling

    10:00 Next Steps for the Ripple Case

    14:01 The Effect on Alt-coins and the Precedential Value of the Ripple Ruling

    17:17 The Big Picture Impact of the Ripple Ruling

    19:40 Marisa and Jake's Paper on SEC Chair Gensler and the Wells Notice Process

    25:22 More on the Wells Notice Process

    27:26 Anticipating the Next Crypto Litigation and Regulatory Activity

    29:45 Marisa's Role at Blockchain Association and Her Crypto Story

    36:35 Looking Forward to BA's Policy Summit and Conclusion

    DISCLAIMER

    Please be advised that the information provided in this podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and is not to be taken as legal or financial advice. The opinions and views expressed by our guests are their own and may not reflect the official stance of the organizations they represent or those of Electric Coin Co. Always consult a legal or financial professional before making any decisions.
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    38 mins