Carpe Consensus

A DeFi project steps precariously close to insider trading.On "Carpe Consensus," hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson dive into the murky waters of DeFi news. Inside the Desk: Danny recaps his latest deep-dive piece looking at a highly profitable yet legally dubious DeFi trading strategy – one that could render those behind the trade vulnerable to what would be a first-of-its-kind insider trading investigation by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A crypto winter of growth and optimism: from those who developed the tech to those who led the fight for sensible regulation, the year has been full of influential figures transforming the crypto industry.On "Carpe Consensus," hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson are joined by Nik De to review some of the most influential figures of the year in crypto as part of Consensus Magazine's Most Influential 2023 list, including Messari CEO Ryan Selkis, Elizabeth Warren, Gary Gensler and more.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Danny Nelson describes his recent scoop where he learned that Polygon quietly gave DraftKings preferential treatment while telling the public it was an "equal" member of the validator community.On "Carpe Consensus," hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson take a deep dive into a recent scoop of Danny's, involving layer 2 blockchain Polygon and sports betting company DraftKings.[1:04] Inside the Desk: When Polygon announced DraftKings would be joining its validator community, it failed to disclose the financial incentives lurking in the background of the deal. Read Danny's full piece on CoinDesk: "​​Polygon's Secret Deal: Sending DraftKings Millions to Run Failed Validator."[17:09] Ben previews CoinDesk's Most Influential 2023, releasing Dec. 4.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jonathan Martin traveled across El Salvador, observing bitcoin adoption in the first country to make BTC legal currency.On "Carpe Consensus," hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson take a look at bitcoin adoption alongside Jonathin Martin, bitcoiner and graduate student at The Wharton School. Martin discusses the nature of adoption – by who, in what parts of the country and for what purposes – and explores the complexities of attempting to imbed a new digital currency in a nation.Check out Jonathan's latest report from El Salvador, "Westerners See El Salvador as a Template for a New Monetary System."If you liked this episode, listen to Jonathan Martin's previous appearance on "Carpe Consensus" on Spotify or Apple.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Well, the show's over: Sam Bankman-Fried was found guilty on all seven counts in the FTX fraud trial. Now, the crypto industry and its reporters move on to other topics – maybe even out of crypto winter, and into spring?On "Carpe Consensus," hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson dive into the latest crypto news.[0:55] Inside the Desk: CoinDesk reporter Helene Braun has been covering the Sam Bankman-Fried trial alongside Danny Nelson. The pair reflect on the verdict and the experience in the courtroom.[14:58] The world of crypto still turns, even as SBF's trial comes to an end. Ben and Danny chat about what's on the horizon, from the end of crypto winter to the rise of real world asset tokenization. Ben highlights Consensus Magazine's Trading Week package.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

When SBF decided to take the stand, reporters flocked to the courthouse to try and get a spot in the room itself to watch the former FTX CEO recount his version of events. Turns out Sam didn't remember much of what happened at FTX.On “Carpe Consensus,” hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson center the episode on, arguably, the crypto news event of the year: the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried.[0:53] Inside the Desk: For weeks, Danny's been predicting that SBF would choose to take the stand – either for his ego, or as a last-resort attempt to sway the jury. Danny recaps SBF's direct and cross examination.[12:10] Danny chats with David Z. Morris outside the courthouse.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In a break from the Sam Bankman-Fried trial coverage, “Carpe Consensus” hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson chat about bitcoin ETFs and the state of crypto policy.On “Carpe Consensus,” hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson center the episode on, arguably, the crypto news event of the year: the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried.[0:46] Inside the Desk: October is historically a good month for bitcoin, and this year is no different. But, there’s some additional factors pushing the price, including the potential for a spot bitcoin ETF approval in coming months.[16:22] The ShillFest: Ben dives into policy, discussing the politicization of the industry, possible stablecoin regulation and what bankruptcy courts have to do with the U.S.’s approach to crypto policy.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CoinDesk reports from the courthouse on week three of Sam Bankman-Fried’s trial.On “Carpe Consensus,” hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson center the episode on, arguably, the crypto news event of the year: the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried.[0:46] Inside the Desk: Danny recounts what it's been like attending the trial.[16:22] Danny records outside the courthouse (and inside a bar, pardon the noise) alongside Nik De.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The government’s star witness, the former CEO of Alameda Research and once romantic partner of Sam Bankman-Fried, testified this week. CoinDesk reports from the courthouse.On “Carpe Consensus,” hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson center the episode on, arguably, the crypto news event of the year: the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried.[1:09] Inside the Desk: Danny recounts what it's been like attending the trial.[14:24] Danny records outside the courthouse, alongside Eli Tan.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CoinDesk reports from the courthouse.On “Carpe Consensus,” hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson center the episode on, arguably, the crypto news event of the year: the trial of Sam Bankman-Fried.[1:05] Inside the Desk: Nik De, CoinDesk's managing editor for global policy and regulation, breaks down CoinDesk’s approach to covering the trial.[10:08] Danny reports from the first two days at the courthouse, alongside Nik De and Sam Kessler.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Danny Nelson catches up with Johann Kerbrat, general manager of crypto at Robinhood about the company’s vision for crypto on its platform.On “Carpe Consensus,” host Danny Nelson catches up with Johann Kerbrat, general manager of crypto at Robinhood. The duo dive into:The evolution of Robinhood’s crypto vertical and changes throughout market cyclesAdvantages of building in the bearConsiderations of what customers want next for the platformThe importance of transparency and consistency for crypto platforms, after the fall of FTX“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest in a series of "rage quits" that showcase how DAOs deal with factions of investors who lose faith in their vision and demand their money back.On “Carpe Consensus,” hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson dive into the latest crypto news.[1:15] Ben kicks off the show by recounting his time on the (muddy) playa of Burning Man 2023. Are some foundational ideals of the festival harmonious with the crypto ethos?[6:07] Inside the Desk: North Korea-linked hacker collective Lazarus Group has been linked to yet another crypto hack.[12:06] Danny’s Dungeon: NounsDAO is the latest decentralized autonomous organization (DAO) to undergo a so-called “rage quit.” The mechanism for this particular treasury split is relatively new and allows disaffected investors to, potentially, exit peacefully.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

While one network (Base) faced an outage, another (Ethereum) had a layer 2 leader grappling with the idea of an “Ethereum Supreme Court.”On “Carpe Consensus,” host Danny Nelson is joined by CoinDesk tech reporter Sam Kessler to dive into the latest blockchain news.[0:53] Coinbase’s Ethereum layer 2 blockchain Base experienced its first major outage since its launch, halting the production of new blocks for about 45 minutes. Sam explains what caused the outage and other vulnerabilities he’s watching.[13:16] In crypto, the phrase “code is law” seems to assert that technology can thwart centralized individuals. But a proposal for an “Ethereum Supreme Court” gets Danny and Sam thinking – are blockchains already just social contracts, not straight code as we’ve been led to believe?“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ryan Louvar, WisdomTree’s chief legal officer and head of business and legal affairs for digital assets, breaks down the latest in crypto ETFs.On today’s “Carpe Consensus,” Danny Nelson dives into the world of crypto news alongside CoinDesk tech reporter Margaux Nijkerk.[0:34] Inside the Desk: Coinbase finds itself in uncharted territory as it is now a public company … attempting to run a decentralized blockchain. It’s pledged neutrality, as Margaux reports. [7:05] Ryan Louvar comments on Grayscale’s SEC victory and what it might mean for other spot bitcoin ETF proposals in the review queue. WisdomTree itself is awaiting feedback, though the company has other focuses in the realm of digital assets, including its Europe ETFs and financial app WisdomTree Prime.[25:07] Danny’s Dungeon: Yearn Finance Voters to Wintermute: Drop Dead“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Jonathan Martin has spent the last few months traveling across El Salvador, speaking with locals, developers, expats and merchants about the country’s adoption of bitcoin as legal tender.On “Carpe Consensus,” hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson dive into the latest crypto news.[3:32] Inside the Desk: CoinDesk courtroom reporter Elizabeth Napolitano recaps what’s been going on inside Sam Bankman Fried’s court hearings ahead of his October trial. Notably, SBF is back in jail.[13:40] Jonathan Martin has been traveling across El Salvador, checking in on the first country to adopt bitcoin as legal tender. Are locals buying it? His latest focus is on Lightning's role in bitcoin adoption.[22:46] Things We Are Freaking Out About: The potato boon moves from Idaho to Washington state. Ben’s worried about weather.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

CoinDesk layoffs. Plus, DeFi fails to live up to its promises and a look at Coinbase’s recent flurry of announcements.On today’s “Carpe Consensus,” hosts Ben Schiller and Danny Nelson dive into the latest crypto news.[0:35] Inside the Desk: Ben and Danny discuss CoinDesk’s recent layoffs, which “Carpe Consensus” cohost Cam Thompson was affected by. Crypto’s bear (or as some say, “crab”) market has not been particularly kind to crypto media.[4:20] Decentralized Finance (DeFi) promised a new take on governance. It’s unclear what we got instead. The hosts discuss Camila Russo’s piece, “Crypto’s Theater Is Becoming More Surreal.”[15:48] Coinbase launched Base blockchain, a layer 2 network. It’s also formed a crypto lobbying agency, all while it’s in the middle of a battle with the SEC.This one’s for Cam – you’re the best. “Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

PayPal’s announcement is a big deal for crypto. But what’s the business model behind this decision, and why launch a stablecoin now?On “Carpe Consensus,” hosts Ben Schiller and Cam Thompson dive into the latest crypto news alongside CoinDesk Chief Insights Columnist David Z. Morris.[1:24] Inside the Desk: PayPal’s entry into the stablecoin game has wide ramifications to the crypto industry. David Z. Morris gives his first takes, analyzing what the announcement means for crypto adoption, other stablecoin issuers and privacy.[18:22] Cam’s Corner: Cam recaps the latest data reports from the world of NFTs, showing that although NFT trading volume is sinking, it's not stopping developers from entering Web3.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Plus, details on the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s lawsuit against Richard Heart, Hex and PulseChain.On “Carpe Consensus,” hosts Ben Schiller, Danny Nelson and Cam Thompson dive into the latest crypto news.[0:23] Inside the Desk: Danny explains how the Curve Finance exploit unfolded and what could have prevented it, while Ben checks in on the SEC’s lawsuit against crypto personality Richard Heart.[15:39] Cam’s Corner: Web3 wallet Suku is attempting to remove barriers to entry by integrating crypto wallets with X, formerly known as Twitter.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Will Foxley dives into the state of bitcoin mining, from Bitcoin’s fourth “halving” to the politicization of the mining industry.On “Carpe Consensus,” hosts Ben Schiller, Danny Nelson and Cam Thompson take on the latest crypto news alongside guest Will Foxley.[5:46] Inside the Desk: Will Foxley joins to discuss the state of bitcoin mining and his op-ed for Consensus Magazine’s Mining Week, “It’s Time for Publicly-Traded Miners to Stop With the Gimmicks.”[23:49] Danny’s Dungeon: In another edition of “Dumb DAOs,” DeFi project Parrot votes on the fate of its remaining treasury. The redemption plan for the protocol appears to heavily favor employees and Parrot’s venture investors, leading some to cry “Rug Pull!”[29:00] Cam’s Corner: Solana-based NFT marketplace Exchange.art expands into Ethereum. Are NFTs done on Sol?“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On “Carpe Consensus,” hosts Ben Schiller, Danny Nelson and Cam Thompson recap the latest in crypto news.[1:26] Inside the Desk: It’s been a busy news cycle. “Carpe Consensus” takes a look at the latest, from Ripple’s partial victory against the SEC to the arrest of Celsius Network’s Alex Mashinsky.[12:36] Danny’s Dungeon: When a bridge fails, it also brings down those just trying to cross it. In this case, the point of failure was when Multichain’s CEO was detained, eventually leading to the liquidation of Hector DAO. And here’s the infamous Multichain tweet mentioned in the show. [19:49] Cam’s Corner: In an uplifting note, Art Blocks CEO Erick Calderon has set aside 81 Chromie Squiggle NFTs to be gifted across the crypto and Web3 space.“Carpe Consensus” is executive produced by Jared Schwartz and produced and edited by Eleanor Pahl.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.