In this podcast, host Lorraine Mutyaba, a crypto enthusiast, demystifies the crypto space, sharing what she loves and hates about it, and what she’s learned about the crypto market since she was bitten by the bitcoin bug in 2013. Tune in to hear her discuss cryptocurrencies, crypto news and trends, market cycles, and interesting crypto projects and protocols. Disclosure: I hold some cryptocurrencies.
In this podcast episode, Lorraine explores the concept of "whataboutism" as it pertains to illegal activities within the cryptocurrency space. Rather than resorting to this unproductive tactic to deflect concerns about criminal activity, Lorraine advocates for a more nuanced approach that acknowledges these concerns while also presenting a more comprehensive view. Despite the existence of illicit transactions within the crypto realm, data suggest that the vast majority of transactions are not illegal, for example. Furthermore, in regions where confidence in government-backed currencies is low and inflation is rampant, cryptocurrencies are actually adding value by providing a viable alternative to fiat currencies.
8 Apr 2023
Episode 12: The fragility of stable coins: SVB’s failure and the depegging of USDC
In this podcast episode, Lorraine discusses the recent failure of Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) and its impact on the price of stable coins, particularly USDC. She summarizes why USDC lost its dollar peg, what this depegging laid bare, and what it means for crypto users, stable coin issuers, and crypto adopters. She concludes that there is a need for more robust stable coins, and it is incumbent upon stable coin issuers to stress test their innovations and protect their holders
21 Mar 2023
Episode 11: A banking crisis that was not fueled by crypto.
Lorraine discusses the recent failures of the US banks Silvergate bank, Silicon Valley bank (SVB), and Signature Bank, and what caused them⎯macro conditions, a US Fed policy that has had unintended negative effects, poor risk management, and panic. She also explains how this crisis, which was not fueled by crypto, has affected crypto businesses and stable coins.
21 Mar 2023
E10: The state of crypto affairs in 2023: market recovery and regulation
In this podcast episode, Lorraine discusses the current state of the crypto market and the impact of recent events on the crypto industry. She highlights the negative consequences of incomplete reporting on the industry and suggests the need for more balanced reporting. She also touches on the crypto market, which is showing signs of recovery, the FTX collapse, the bankruptcy of crypto lenders Genesis Global Capital and BlockFi, and the need for regulation of crypto exchanges and lenders. Finally, she highlights the different approaches to crypto regulation in Japan, Uganda, and South Africa.
26 Jan 2023
E9: Crypto News: The Ethereum Merge, collapse of FTX and Alameda research, soul searching in the centralized crypto space.
One of the criticisms that has been levelled at the crypto space is that it is not energy efficient. While it is true that blockchains that use the proof-of-work consensus mechanism consume considerable energy, this energy pales in comparison to that consumed by other sectors, such as the banking sector. Moreover, cleaner energy and renewable energy could always be used to secure these blockchains. Switching to a more energy-efficient consensus mechanism could be explored. Ethereum recently transitioned to a proof-of-stake consensus mechanism that will not only make it more energy efficient but ultimately reduce its transaction costs and speeds. The collapse of FTX and Alameda has led to some soul searching in the centralized crypto space, which has experienced several failures this year. As customers have exited centralized exchanges in favor of self-custody and decentralized exchanges, to reassure potential users, centralized exchanges have decided to publish proofs-of-reserve, which though infallible, are a good first step. DeFi exchanges, lenders, and protocols, although imperfect, have continued to work as programmed.
26 Jan 2023
E8: Crypto Adoption: Changing tunes, remittance costs, and stores of value
Is anyone really using crypto? That is the question. Over the last three years, the largest asset managers in the world have changed their tune regarding cryptocurrencies by giving their clients direct and indirect exposure to Bitcoin and Ether, the two largest cryptocurrencies by market cap and arguably the two most valuable cryptocurrencies. In sub-Saharan Africa, currency devaluations and high remittance costs have driven the adoption of cryptocurrencies.
In this episode, Lorraine mentions a few ways you could limit the likelihood of a bad actor gaining access to your funds, as well as how to ensure that you do not lose access to your wallets and accounts. She stresses the need for triple- and double-checking the URLs of all crypto websites and backing up all keys and codes whose loss would separate you from your crypto.
25 Sept 2022
E6: Crypto basics: Private Keys, Public Addresses, and Wallets
In this episode, Lorraine explains what “not your keys, not your crypto” means, the pros and cons of holding your crypto on an exchange, and the benefits of self-custody of your crypto. She distinguishes between hot and cold wallets and emphasizes why private keys, which give you access to your funds, should be backed up and kept safe.
11 Sept 2022
E5: Crypto basics: Peer-to-Peer marketplaces and how to buy crypto
This episode focuses on how to purchase crypto if you are unbanked or would prefer to use methods other than your debit card or a wire transfer to buy crypto. Lorraine explains why peer-to-peer marketplaces have become popular, especially in emerging markets. She mentions their merits and limitations, and their sign-up process, and highlights a few that are worth considering.
30 Aug 2022
E4: Crypto basics: Exchanges and how to buy crypto
This episode focuses on how to purchase crypto if you are banked, i.e., if you have a bank account and a credit/debit card. Lorraine explains what a centralized exchange is, how to select an exchange that meets your needs, and how to fund your exchange account. She also highlights some exchanges that are worth considering.
27 Jul 2022
E3: Implosions in the crypto market: Lessons Learned
This episode highlights some of the lessons that can be learned from events that have rocked the crypto space in recent months, particularly the implosion of TerraUSD (UST) and the crises in the crypto lending space.
12 Jul 2022
E2: The crypto market: macro conditions, implosions, and crypto lenders
This episode focuses on the macro conditions that have battered all markets, including the crypto market, as well as crypto-specific events, such as the implosion of TerraUSD (UST), the crises in the crypto lending space, and the collapse of 3AC, which have not helped matters. Lorraine gives a short commentary of what this means for retail investors and the crypto lending space.
27 Jun 2022
E1 An intro to Crypto
Lorraine shares her perspective on the crypto space, summarizes the current state of the market, highlights key sectors in the space, and emphasizes the need for crypto education.
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