My Top Blockchain Podcasts For 2019
Although it’s taken a while, I’ve finally joined the podcast bandwagon.
I’ve collected a list of podcasts that I listen to regularly for anyone looking to get into the blockchain space who may be unsure of where to start, or who gets overwhelmed with the ongoing discussions and news stories with nowhere to filter. Coming from a non-technical, non-finance-related background myself, these podcasts have helped shape the way I consider the industry.
For blockchain beginners, I also recommend starting with books, but podcasts are a great supplement and perfect for those of us with busy lifestyles.
Bitgenstein’s Table
Hosted by Peter Keay, Bitgenstein’s Table: the Crypto Philosophy Podcast explores the blockchain phenomenon through a philosophical lens. While I enjoy the soothing piano music and witty comparisons, the best thing about Bitgenstein’s Table is the alternative perspective in which he discusses the future of blockchain, without the influence of daily market trends or overhyped news stories.
Such perspectives are a welcome change from the usual discussions, and necessary for building a sustainable, long-term vision for those of us with our heads a little too deeply in the sand.
Recommended episodes:
Buddhist Philosophy & the Blockchain Future
Heroes & Villains: Twoface, Alma Coin, Zimbabwe, and the SEC
Doubt, Descartes, and Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs)
Dan Larimer vs. the Rothschilds: EOS’s URI & Bitcoin as Universal Basic Income
Unchained
Probably one of the most famous blockchain and crypto podcasts, Laura Shin has utilised her position at Forbes to bring an array of industry heavyweights to her platform, including the likes of Vitalik Buterin and Changpeng Zhao. Her interview style is direct and she doesn’t shy away from asking difficult questions, which is refreshing, even if I don’t always agree with her opinions. Her journalism expertise shines through as her questions are clearly well-researched and thorough, as is her desire to get clear answers for her audience.
I would recommend Unchained for anyone who’s new to the blockchain and crypto scene as a way to understand the current sentiment, stay up-to-date and as a way to digest complex themes, but I wouldn’t say it’s the best option for those who don’t understand the basics.
Recommended episodes:
How Widespread is Money Laundering in Crypto?
What Makes a CryptoKitty Worth $140,000?
How Binance Became the Most Popular Crypto Exchange in 5 Months
Barry Silbert on What Wall Street Says Privately About Crypto Vs. What It Says Publically
Crypto 101
Crypto 101 is perhaps the best option for true newbies. Hosts Aaron Paul and Matthew Aaron discuss current topics and themes surrounding the crypto space with added input from industry professionals. I appreciate their choice of guests as they often bring vastly different perspectives to the table, adding plenty of value to each episode without overwhelming the listener.
The relaxing tone and slow pace of the podcast make it even more welcoming for people who are new to cryptocurrencies while providing enough substance and variety that even those who are familiar have the chance to learn something new.
Recommended episodes:
Activision and Acclaim w/ CEO Howard Marks: Behind the Scenes of 90’s Video Game Companies
Liquid: Regulated Fiat to Crypto Exchange 101 w/ CEO Mike Kayamori
Jameson Lopp: Living Anonymously, Anarcho-Capitalism, & The Future
The Evolution of Regulation & ETFs w/ Jamie Khurshid & Mike Greenacre
BlockZero
Although it’s not the most consistent podcast, I feel like BlockZero should get a mention for the way in which its host, Kevin Rose, interviews his guests and provides unique, engaging content. Rose, a seasoned Bay Area start-up founder, gets the best details out of his guests while sharing his own somewhat-strong opinions about crypto.
Roses’ podcast is fast-paced, but you needn’t worry about getting lost. He ensures that any potentially confusing topics are explained well and dissected if needed, as his guests discuss challenges as they navigate the industry.
Recommended episodes:
Bitcoin’s true potential — Andreas M. Antonopoulos
TurtleCoin — The next Dogecoin?
Stellar — Founder Jed McCaleb
Solana — The fastest blockchain on earth? Founder Anatoly Yakovenko
a16z Podcast
The a16z Podcast isn’t strictly blockchain and crypto, but they consider technological and cultural trends from a self-proclaimed ‘software eats the world’ perspective.
Their blockchain and crypto podcasts cover everything from scalability to ICOs and, most recently, turning ideas into reality. It’s also worth tuning-in to their non-blockchain related podcasts to learn more about the practical and ethical implications of emerging tech as well as the ins and outs of working in the industry.
Recommended episodes:
How to Manage a PR Agency
Cryptonetworks and Cities — Analogies
Decentralization and Crypto, the Big Picture
Shifting Risk Mindsets, from Tech to Bio
Blockchain Insider
This weekly podcast, hosted by Colin Platt, Simon Taylor, Sara Feenan, and Sarah Kocianski, offers a comprehensive weekly review of top news and developments alongside entertaining interviews in which experienced guests share their expertise in a concise, engaging, honest manner.
I pretty much rely on Blockchain Insider for current news stories. I would highly recommend this to anyone who struggles to keep up with current developments and who wants to hear objective and well-researched opinions about the industry as a whole.
Recommended episodes:
Ep. 25. Keanu Reeves on bitcoin, Vanguard on Blockchain and Cardano
Ep. 43. Sexism in Crypto, Pornhub takes Verge, and Binance Denies the Dollar
Ep. 71. Initiative Q who?
Ep. 76. Vitalik Buterin
Coin Talk
Coin Talk isn’t the best option if you’re looking for thorough, in-depth content, but hosts Aaron Lammer and Jay Kang offer a relaxed, insightful discussion that somehow sits on the fringes of typical blockchain and crypto podcasts.
Instead of imposing a know-it-all authoritativeness, they provide listeners with the feeling they’re chatting with friends. However, they don’t cover the basics or give context, and instead assume their audience is already familiar with their topics.
This podcast is great for entertainment value and but best served alongside something that covers current news stories and trends.
Recommended episodes:
#11: When Strongmen ICO — Nicolás Maduro and the Petro (PTR)
#47: 🐛 Bitcoin Bugz / 🌱 Weed Stock Mania
#51: 🍿 But What Do You Really Think About Civil (CVL)?
#55: ＱThe Bull Case for Initiative Q
FemGems Podcast
Honorable mention!
Although not blockchain-specific, the hosts of FemGems seek to inspire the next generation of female tech entrepreneurs, inviting guests to share their first-hand experience of life in the tech industry as well as practical tips to support others in their careers.
We (myself and Sea Foam’s CEO, Rhiannon) were fortunate enough to meet Mira Vogt, one of the FemGems hosts, at the 2018 European Women in Tech conference in Amsterdam. Following Rhiannon’s talk on globally distributed teams, Mira Vogt invited Rhiannon for an interview in which she asked engaging questions about being a woman in tech, how to overcome hurdles and her thoughts about the future. Click here to give it a listen!
Recommended episodes:
Rhiannon Payne
Lubomila Jordanova
Tatyana Mitkova
Saskia Naujok
Sea Foam Media is a blockchain agency headquartered in San Francisco, with global representation. I work out of our London office as the Director of Media. You can find me on Twitter or LinkedIn.
Sea Foam Media provides end-to-end services for our clients, including whitepaper development, technology vision and architecture, token economics, digital marketing, PR, web and mobile app development, investor relations, private blockchain network development, and smart contracts.
Find out more at www.seafoam.media!
