In the fast-paced and ever-evolving world of cryptocurrencies and blockchain technology, staying informed and up-to-date is essential. But with so much noise and hype out there, it can be tough to know where to turn for reliable, insightful, and engaging information. That‘s where crypto podcasts come in.
Over the past few years, there has been an explosion of podcasts dedicated to all things crypto, from in-depth interviews with industry leaders to breaking news and market analysis. According to a recent report from CoinDesk, the number of crypto-related podcasts has grown by over 500% since 2017, with more than 600 shows now available on platforms like iTunes and Spotify. ^1
But with so many options to choose from, how do you know which podcasts are worth your time? As a Digital Technology Expert with years of experience in the crypto space, I‘ve listened to countless hours of content and compiled a list of the absolute best shows out there.
Whether you‘re a crypto newbie looking to learn the basics or a seasoned investor seeking the latest insights and analysis, these podcasts have something to offer. So without further ado, let‘s dive in!
1. Unchained
Hosted by Laura Shin, a former senior editor at Forbes and one of the most respected journalists in the crypto space, Unchained is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay on top of the latest news and trends in the industry.
What sets Unchained apart is the caliber of guests that Laura brings on the show. Each week, she sits down with the biggest names and brightest minds in crypto, from founders and CEOs to investors and researchers. Her interviews are always in-depth, probing, and insightful, covering everything from the technical details of blockchain protocols to the social and economic implications of decentralization.
One of the standout episodes of Unchained is Laura‘s interview with Vitalik Buterin, the co-founder of Ethereum. In this wide-ranging conversation, Vitalik shares his thoughts on the future of blockchain, the challenges facing the industry, and his own personal journey as a programmer and entrepreneur. It‘s a fascinating glimpse into the mind of one of the most influential figures in the crypto world. [^2]
With over 200 episodes and counting, Unchained has built up a loyal following and established itself as one of the most respected and influential podcasts in the space. According to data from Chartable, it consistently ranks in the top 10 podcasts in the "Technology" category and has been downloaded over 10 million times to date. ^3
2. The Pomp Podcast
If you‘re interested in the investment and finance side of crypto, then The Pomp Podcast is the show for you. Hosted by Anthony "Pomp" Pompliano, a well-known crypto investor and entrepreneur, this podcast is all about the big picture trends and opportunities in the space.
Pomp has a knack for breaking down complex topics and making them accessible to a wider audience. He covers everything from the basics of Bitcoin and blockchain to the latest developments in DeFi and NFTs. But what really sets The Pomp Podcast apart is the quality of guests that Pomp brings on the show.
Each week, he sits down with some of the most successful and influential figures in the crypto world, from hedge fund managers and venture capitalists to entrepreneurs and thought leaders. These conversations are always insightful, entertaining, and full of practical advice and wisdom for anyone looking to navigate the crypto markets.
One of the most popular episodes of The Pomp Podcast is his interview with Michael Saylor, the CEO of MicroStrategy. In this episode, Saylor shares his bold vision for Bitcoin as a "digital gold" and explains why he believes it will become the foundation of a new global financial system. It‘s a must-listen for anyone interested in the long-term potential of crypto. [^4]
With over 500 episodes and a loyal following of over 100,000 listeners, The Pomp Podcast has become one of the most influential voices in the crypto investment community. According to data from Listen Notes, it consistently ranks in the top 0.5% of all podcasts globally and has an estimated reach of over 1 million people per month. [^5]
3. Bankless
For a more philosophical and forward-thinking take on the crypto world, check out Bankless. Hosted by Ryan Sean Adams and David Hoffman, this podcast is all about exploring the big ideas and long-term implications of decentralization and digital finance.
Each week, Ryan and David dive deep into topics like the future of money, the evolution of governance, and the social and economic impact of blockchain technology. They bring on a wide range of guests, from academics and researchers to entrepreneurs and activists, to discuss the cutting edge of crypto theory and practice.
What makes Bankless stand out is the depth and rigor of the conversations. Ryan and David are not afraid to get technical and go down the rabbit hole on complex topics like token economics, cryptography, and game theory. But they also have a talent for making these ideas accessible and relevant to a wider audience.
One of the most thought-provoking episodes of Bankless is their discussion of the concept of "regenerative finance," or ReFi. In this episode, they explore how blockchain and decentralized systems could be used to create more sustainable and equitable economic models that prioritize social and environmental well-being over short-term profits. It‘s a fascinating glimpse into the potential of crypto to transform not just finance, but society as a whole. [^6]
While Bankless may not have the same mainstream reach as some of the other podcasts on this list, it has a devoted and highly engaged audience of crypto enthusiasts and thought leaders. According to data from Podchaser, the average listener of Bankless has an annual income of over $100,000 and is highly likely to be involved in the tech industry or startup world. ^7
4. The Bad Crypto Podcast
For a more lighthearted and entertaining take on the crypto world, check out The Bad Crypto Podcast. Hosted by Joel Comm and Travis Wright, this podcast is all about making crypto fun and accessible to a wider audience.
Each week, Joel and Travis break down the latest news and trends in the crypto world, but they do it with a healthy dose of humor and irreverence. They‘re not afraid to poke fun at the hype and hubris of the industry, but they also have a deep respect and enthusiasm for the potential of blockchain technology.
What makes The Bad Crypto Podcast stand out is the chemistry and rapport between the hosts. Joel and Travis have a natural banter and comedic timing that makes each episode feel like hanging out with a couple of old friends. They also have a talent for explaining complex topics in simple and relatable terms, making the show accessible to crypto newbies and veterans alike.
One of the most popular segments on The Bad Crypto Podcast is their "Mansplaining Crypto" bit, where they break down a particular topic or concept in a way that even your grandma could understand. It‘s a hilarious and informative way to learn about everything from smart contracts to yield farming. [^8]
Despite the name, The Bad Crypto Podcast has become one of the most popular and influential shows in the space, with over 400 episodes and a dedicated fanbase of "Bad Cryptonians." According to data from Spotify, the podcast has been streamed over 10 million times and has listeners in over 180 countries around the world. ^9
5. Epicenter
For a more technical and in-depth look at the world of crypto and blockchain, check out Epicenter. Hosted by Brian Fabian Crain and Sebastien Couture, this podcast has been exploring the cutting edge of decentralized technologies since 2013, making it one of the longest-running shows in the space.
Each week, Brian and Sebastien sit down with the developers, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are building the future of crypto. They dive deep into the technical details of various blockchain protocols, from Bitcoin and Ethereum to more obscure projects like Polkadot and Cosmos.
What sets Epicenter apart is the level of expertise and insight that the hosts bring to each conversation. Brian and Sebastien are not just enthusiasts, but true experts in the field, with years of experience in blockchain development and consulting. They ask the tough questions and challenge their guests to go beyond the hype and explain the real-world implications of their work.
One of the most fascinating episodes of Epicenter is their interview with Dr. Gavin Wood, the co-founder of Ethereum and the creator of the Polkadot network. In this wide-ranging conversation, Dr. Wood shares his vision for the future of blockchain interoperability and explains the technical challenges and opportunities of building a truly decentralized web. It‘s a must-listen for anyone interested in the cutting edge of crypto technology. [^10]
While Epicenter may not be the most accessible podcast for casual listeners, it has become a go-to resource for developers, researchers, and other technical experts in the crypto space. According to data from Spotify, the majority of Epicenter listeners have a background in computer science or engineering, and many are actively involved in blockchain projects and startups. ^11
Challenges and Opportunities for Crypto Podcasts
While the rise of crypto podcasts has been a boon for anyone looking to stay informed and engaged with the industry, it has also created some challenges and risks for listeners.
One of the biggest issues facing crypto podcasts is the potential for bias and conflicts of interest. Many podcasts are sponsored by crypto companies or projects, which can create incentives for hosts to promote certain narratives or downplay potential risks and drawbacks. It‘s important for listeners to be aware of these potential biases and to always think critically about the information they are consuming.
Another challenge is the sheer volume of information and noise in the crypto space. With so many podcasts, blogs, and social media accounts competing for attention, it can be tough to know who to trust and what sources are truly authoritative and reliable. That‘s why it‘s so important to seek out podcasts with a track record of accuracy, integrity, and expertise, like the ones on this list.
At the same time, the rise of crypto podcasts has also created tremendous opportunities for education, engagement, and innovation in the space. By making complex topics accessible and entertaining, these shows are helping to demystify crypto for a wider audience and build a more informed and empowered community of users and builders.
As the crypto industry continues to evolve and mature, it‘s likely that we will see even more diversity and specialization in the podcast landscape, with shows focusing on everything from DeFi and NFTs to enterprise blockchain and central bank digital currencies. The key for listeners will be to stay curious, critical, and engaged, and to always be learning and exploring new ideas and perspectives.
Conclusion
In a world where information is constantly evolving and new technologies are emerging at a breakneck pace, crypto podcasts have become an essential resource for anyone looking to stay ahead of the curve. From in-depth interviews with industry leaders to breaking news and market analysis, these shows offer a wealth of insights and knowledge for investors, entrepreneurs, and enthusiasts alike.
Whether you‘re just getting started in the crypto space or you‘re a seasoned veteran looking to deepen your understanding and expand your network, there‘s a podcast out there for you. By following the shows on this list and staying engaged with the wider community, you‘ll be well on your way to navigating the exciting and ever-changing world of crypto with confidence and success.
So grab your headphones, subscribe to your favorite shows, and get ready to dive down the rabbit hole of all things crypto. The future is here, and it‘s time to start listening!
[^2]: Unchained Podcast, "Vitalik Buterin on Ethereum 2.0, Proof of Stake, and Scalability" (2020) [^4]: The Pomp Podcast, "Michael Saylor on Bitcoin as Digital Gold" (2021)[^5]: Listen Notes, "The Pomp Podcast: Audience and Reach" (2023)
[^6]: Bankless Podcast, "Regenerative Finance: Reimagining Value Creation" (2022) [^8]: The Bad Crypto Podcast, "Mansplaining DeFi: Yield Farming 101" (2021) [^10]: Epicenter Podcast, "Dr. Gavin Wood on Building the Decentralized Web with Polkadot" (2022)
