The Agenda Podcast: Decoding Crypto

Hosted by Cointelegraph

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Apr 2025

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About the show

The Agenda podcast explores the promises of crypto, blockchain and Web3, and how everyday people level up and improve their lives with these new technologies. It covers everything from new blockchain tech to Bitcoin mass adoption and cultural shifts in Web3. Every two weeks, Cointelegraph’s The Agenda podcast tackles a new topic by speaking with the innovators and experts building the Web3 the world actually needs. After all, crypto is for everyone, not just rocket scientists, venture capitalists and high-IQ developers.

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59 recent

April 2, 2025Episode 5850 min

Embrace privacy now or pay the price in 2025 (feat. Session)

Kee Jefferys, technical co-founder of Session, breaks down the state of privacy and encryption in 2025 and explains why the Session encrypted messaging app chose to build on the blockchain. Kee also breaks down the app’s SESH token launch, its long-term plans and how it differs from other apps like Signal.(00:00) Introduction to The Agenda podcast and this week’s episode(02:05) What is Session? Who uses it?(05:31) Governments want encryption backdoors(09:38) Why and how Session uses blockchain(13:58) Session’s security features(15:43) The story behind Session’s founding(19:59) Session vs Signal(23:00) What metadata says about you(26:53) Approaching politics as a privacy project(30:07) Strong encryption is better than strong regulations(33:54) Can normies use Session?(36:35) Will Session go DeFi?(40:09) Long-term plans for SESH token(42:01) Privacy tips for noobs and paranoid users alike The Agenda is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted/produced by Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up). Follow Cointelegraph on X (Twitter) at @Cointelegraph, Jonathan at @maddopemadic and Ray at @HorusHughes. Jonathan is also on Instagram at @maddopemadic and made the music for the podcast. Hear more at madic.art.Follow Kee Jefferys on X at @jefferyskee.Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are the 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.

March 19, 2025Episode 5735 min

Lazarus Group’s $1.4B Bybit hack is just the beginning (feat. CertiK)

CertiK chief business officer Jason Jiang shares the nitty gritty on how North Korea’s Lazarus Group stole $1.4 billion in ETH-related tokens from Bybit, who is ultimately at fault, and what the crypto industry and investors can do to protect themselves against the next major hack. (00:00) Introduction to The Agenda podcast and this week’s episode(02:17) How Lazarus Group hacked Bybit (07:17) Are hard wallets and cold wallets safe from hacks?(09:19) How AI and quantum computing could compromise blockchains(12:24) Who is most at fault for the Bybit hack?(16:05) Is THORChain facilitating crime or abiding by the rules of decentralization?(18:46) How smart contract audits work(23:31) Securing AI and planning for the quantum computing Cambrian explosion(26:02) Is there a white hat hacker shortage?(30:34) The future of onchain securityThe Agenda is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted/produced by Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up). Follow Cointelegraph on X (Twitter) at @Cointelegraph, Jonathan at @maddopemadic and Ray at @HorusHughes. Jonathan is also on Instagram at @maddopemadic, and he made the music for the podcast — hear more at madic.art.Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.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.

March 5, 2025Episode 5650 min

Future of crypto regulation and taxes under Trump and DOGE (feat. Taxbit)

Taxbit’s director of government solutions, Miles Fuller, breaks down everything investors and businesses need to know about crypto taxes under the new Donald Trump administration, how the US Department of Government Efficiency’s massive restructuring efforts will impact crypto regulation, and more.The Agenda is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted/produced by Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up). Follow Cointelegraph on X (Twitter) at @Cointelegraph, Jonathan at @maddopemadic and Ray at @HorusHughes. Jonathan is also on Instagram at @maddopemadic, and he made the music for the podcast — hear more at madic.art.Follow Miles on X at @taxbitmiles. Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.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.

February 19, 2025Episode 5540 min

MEV attacks are draining users — but encryption can stop it (feat. Shutter Network)

The crypto sector has entered an era of hyperfinancialization, and with this comes predatory MEV and manipulation of blockchain activities that were originally intended to be consensus-based and decentralized. Shutter Network core contributor Loring Harkness explains why encryption and credible neutrality can make blockchain transactions fair again.(00:00) Introduction to The Agenda podcast and this week’s episode(01:47) Why credible neutrality and fairness matter(11:26) Blockchain is as easy as rock, paper, scissors(17:47) Everyday use cases for encrypted blockchain transactions(20:48) Why non-finance-focused blockchains still issue tokens(23:25) Blockchain, crypto and Myanmar(29:16) Will crypto remain censorship-resistant in an age of hyperfinacialization?(35:29) Would Shutter work on MMOGs like Pokemon?The Agenda is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted/produced by Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up). Follow Cointelegraph on X (Twitter) at @Cointelegraph, Jonathan at @maddopemadic and Ray at @HorusHughes. Jonathan is also on Instagram at @maddopemadic, and he made the music for the podcast — hear more at madic.art.Follow Loring Harkness at @LoringHarkness.Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.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.

February 5, 2025Episode 5440 min

Strategic Bitcoin reserve to protect the Amazon (feat. Rainforest Foundation US)

Rainforest Foundation US executive director Suzanne Pelletier explains why the NGO is raising 100 BTC for a strategic Bitcoin reserve and how the fund will be used to help protect the Amazon rainforest, combat climate change and protect Indigenous rights. She explains how crypto adoption by nonprofits can increase their financial resilience.(00:00) Introduction to The Agenda podcast and this week’s episode(01:38) The Rainforest Foundation US mission(03:55) Why RFUS launched a strategic Bitcoin reserve(05:58) Trauma exhaustion and fundraising struggles(08:20) Fundraising Bitcoin for NGOs(11:57) Matching RFUS’s annual budget with a 100 BTC reserve(14:21) How RFUS will use the strategic Bitcoin reserve(17:14) Raising money from crypto community vs. traditional sources(18:56) Risk of deforestation climate change tipping point(21:56) Addressing Bitcoin environmental impact(25:59) How RFUS works in tandem with Indigenous communities(30:33) Navigating international and local politics(32:42) RFUS origin story and why it embraced crypto(36:57) What’s next for RFUS in 2025(38:31) How to donate and get involvedThe Agenda is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted/produced by Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up). Follow Cointelegraph on X (Twitter) at @Cointelegraph, Jonathan at @maddopemadic and Ray at @HorusHughes. Jonathan is also on Instagram at @maddopemadic, and he made the music for the podcast — hear more at madic.art.Follow the Rainforest Foundation US on X at @RainforestUS.Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.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.

January 22, 2025Episode 5346 min

Why encrypted supercomputing is key to ethical AI and humanity’s future (feat. Arcium)

Yannik Schrade, co-founder and CEO of Arcium, sits down to share his views on why blockchain developers, corporations, the medical industry and the average internet user need encrypted supercomputing to ensure data privacy and data authenticity. (00:00) Introduction to The Agenda podcast and this week’s episode(01:50) What is Arcium, and why does everyone need encrypted supercomputing? (03:00) How encrypted, decentralized supercomputing works(04:59) Blockchains are transparent by design, so why should some transactions be encrypted?(11:25) How to ensure data authenticity in AI(16:34) Yannik’s thoughts on DePIN and network scalability(20:32) Why DeFi, AI agents and blockchain devs need encrypted decentralized networks(30:11) Why data privacy matters in 2025(33:55) Encrypted decentralization normalizes trust and eradicates distrust(37:58) How do users know that their encrypted data is not monetized or used for personal gain?The Agenda is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted/produced by Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up). Follow Cointelegraph on X (Twitter) at @Cointelegraph, Jonathan at @maddopemadic and Ray at @HorusHughes. Jonathan is also on Instagram at @maddopemadic, and he made the music for the podcast — hear more at madic.art.Follow Yannik Schrade on X at @yrschradeCheck out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.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.

January 8, 2025Episode 5258 min

Is the hyperfinancialization of crypto anti-cypherpunk? (feat. Sebastian Bürgel)

Sebastian Bürgel, vice president of technology at Gnosis and founder of Hopr, shares his cypherpunk perspective on the state of Ethereum, privacy and Web3 as we kick off 2025. He also explains why Gnosis attracts so many ideologically motivated builders and how Hopr plans to mix up the VPN space with mixnets.(00:00) Introduction to The Agenda podcast and this week’s episode(01:49) What is Gnosis Chain?(03:38) Gnosis wants to empower individuals(09:53) Cypherpunk perspective in 2025(14:17) Role of privacy in blockchain and Web3(19:20) Why Sebastian thinks Ethereum is broken and how to fix it(22:53) Hyperfinancialization of crypto: How far is too far?(29:00) Hopr and “transport-level privacy”(32:37) Hopr mixnet vs. traditional VPNs(41:39) Do DApps need to be reconsidered?(48:05) How will Hopr work with law enforcement?(52:45) Advice for regular people and blockchain builders(56:24) Where to follow Sebastian, Gnosis and HoprThe Agenda is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted/produced by Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up). Follow Cointelegraph on X (Twitter) at @Cointelegraph, Jonathan at @maddopemadic and Ray at @HorusHughes. Jonathan is also on Instagram at @maddopemadic, and he made the music for the podcast — hear more at madic.art.Follow Sebastian on X at @SCBuergel.Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.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.

December 11, 2024Episode 5144 min

The role of decentralization in Web3, AI and cloud computing (feat. Theta Network)

Theta Labs head of strategy Wes Levitt shares his views on the role of decentralization within cloud computing and artificial intelligence. Levitt also gives insights into how corporate clients view cryptocurrencies and decentralization, along with the role AI, LLMs and cloud computing play in academia.The Agenda is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted/produced by Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up). Follow Cointelegraph on X (Twitter) at @Cointelegraph, Jonathan at @maddopemadic and Ray at @HorusHughes. Jonathan is also on Instagram at @maddopemadic, and he made the music for the podcast — hear more at madic.art.Follow Wes Levitt on X at @wes_levitt.Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.(00:00) Introduction to The Agenda podcast and this week’s episode(01:52) What is Theta Network?(03:37) Theta’s journey into artificial intelligence(06:21) Why decentralizing cloud computing is so important(09:17) Why are blockchain and a token needed to decentralize computing? (13:00) Security and privacy on Theta Network(18:43) Who uses Theta Network?(22:13) Is there a shortage in computing demand for LLMs? (27:04) Regulation and AI(30:06) Corporate clients’ comfort level with decentralization(34:18) Theta’s role in the entertainment industry(41:27) Reasons why workers make the jump from Web2 to Web3(42:33) OutroIf 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.

November 27, 2024Episode 5045 min

Bitcoin’s early days and the future of mass adoption (feat. Jeff Garik)

Jeff Garzik, an OG Bitcoin developer and the co-founder of Hemi Network, sits down to share his earliest Bitcoin memories and explain why layer-2 protocols are the future of BTC mass adoption. He also shares his thoughts on the balance between crypto’s cypherpunk roots and institutional adoption, as well as the importance of open-source technologies.(00:00) Introduction to The Agenda podcast and this week’s episode(01:48) Jeff’s intro to Bitcoin and early memories(11:20) Mass adoption and the role of Bitcoin layer 2s(15:48) Breaking down the Hemi blockchain(25:29) What is superfinality?(29:51) Balancing Bitcoin’s cypherpunk roots with mass adoption(38:24) Open-source technology vs. Big Tech(46:36) DeFi under a crypto-friendly Trump administrationThe Agenda is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted/produced by Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up). Follow Cointelegraph on X (Twitter) at @Cointelegraph, Jonathan at @maddopemadic and Ray at @HorusHughes. Jonathan is also on Instagram at @maddopemadic, and he made the music for the podcast — hear more at madic.art.Follow Jeff Garzik on X at @jgarzik.Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.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.

November 13, 2024Episode 4950 min

Metaverse or omniverse, AI will be there — Should we be afraid? (feat. Tracverse)

Tracverse founder Amos Thomas explores the importance of storytelling and protecting content creators’ IP rights from AI LLMs. In addition to explaining Tracverse’s role in creating an “omniverse,” Thomas stresses the need for businesses and content creators to balance the future potential for AI rights with human IP rights. (00:00) Introduction to The Agenda podcast and this week’s episode(02:27) What is Tracverse?(04:02) The need to protect human knowledge as it relates to AI(07:43) What is an “omniverse”?(17:09) Graph NFTs — Do they have utility?(26:33) AI’s role in the Maarifa omniverse(33:32) Aligning AI use with a content creator code of ethics(35:55) AI rights vs. human rights(41:06) Traverse’s 2025 roadmapThe Agenda is brought to you by Cointelegraph and hosted/produced by Ray Salmond and Jonathan DeYoung, with post-production by Elena Volkova (Hatch Up). Follow Cointelegraph on X (Twitter) at @Cointelegraph, Jonathan at @maddopemadic and Ray at @HorusHughes. Jonathan is also on Instagram at @maddopemadic, and he made the music for the podcast — hear more at madic.art.Follow Amos Thomas on X at @TriniZone.Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.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.