Best Townsend Security Podcasts (2025)

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In Which I Let You Go at an Abandoned Security Gatehouse (Schrade Cutlery Factory - Ellenville, NY) 16:41

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23d ago16:41

16:41

On the one-year anniversary of his best friend Julie’s death, Blake makes his way to the ruins of the Schrade Cutlery Factory in Ellenville, NY. The only remaining structure is a crumbling security gatehouse which Julie and Blake always talked about getting to but never did. Covered in vines, Blake reminisces on his friendship with Julie and asks h…

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From Surgeon to CEO: Lessons in Frameworks, Funding, and Founders with Nic Roberts-Huntley of Blueprint Finance 26:11

24d ago26:11

26:11

What happens when you take the discipline of an Oxford-trained surgeon and apply it to crypto? You get Nic Roberts-Huntley, founder of Concrete and Glow, two of the fastest-growing DeFi protocols. In this episode, Nic and Charlie dive deep into the frameworks, philosophies, and practical decisions that turn ideas into billion-dollar realities. From…

1
The Superfood Biohacker Who’s Helping Crypto Millionaires Fix Their Health with Ian Farrar 20:51

2M ago20:51

20:51

In this episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, Charlie sits down with Ian Farrar, a 30-year biohacker, longtime investor, and founding brand partner at Puriam, a direct-to-consumer superfood company. While the crypto space is full of financial innovation, Ian brings the focus back to the most valuable asset you have—your body. They dive deep into what …

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Inside Coinbase’s Plan to Make Bitcoin Your Credit Card Rewards with Michael Rihani 23:47

2M ago23:47

23:47

In this episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, Charlie is joined by Michael Rihani, Head of Product at Coinbase, to talk about how Bitcoin is finally going mainstream—not just as an investment, but as a spendable, usable financial asset. Michael breaks down the launch of Coinbase’s new American Express-powered credit card, which gives users up to 4% ba…

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Bitcoin as Pristine Collateral: Risk Redefined. @PeoplesReserve with @CJKonstantinos 20:31

4M ago20:31

20:31

During the darkest days of the last bear market, 5 years ago, I met my friend and guest @CJKonstantinos at The Green Flash in Florida. This guy is the definition of OG by doubling down and starting @peoplesreserve. He's creating Bitcoin-backed financial products that are reshaping the way we think about money. Tomorrow we are both speaking at Bitco…

1
The People Who Used to Live Here, Part II 30:05

3M ago30:05

30:05

Wander through fantastical realm of a real giant beige house (at the end of a very long driveway), abandoned and hidden on the banks of a famous river in New York-- where you’ll meet the ghost of the old woman and connect the dots between this story and “The People Who Used to Live Here, Part 1” from Season 1. This episode features: Margarita Meyen…

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From Bitcoin to Boat Storage: Joey Rosati on Diversifying Investments 34:26

4M ago34:26

34:26

I've gotten to know Joey Rosati (@rosaticorp) over the last 3 years working alonside hime in the VC trenches of Druid Ventures. Let me tell you, the VC world is a funny place and there are gems if you know where to find them. Joey is one of them. He knows that behind every successful business, it's all about people. In today's epic episode, Joey jo…

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The People Who Used to Live Here, Part I (A Season 1 Re-Release) 17:29

4M ago17:29

17:29

In preparation for the season 3 finale, “The People Who Used to Live Here, Part II: The Giant Beige House at the End of a Very Long Driveway,” we’re diving back into the archives for this special re-release of “The People Who Used to Live Here, Part I.” You know; for context. This episode originally aired on December 29, 2022. Original episode desc…

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Frozen in Time (Borden Farmhouse - Wallkill, NY) 30:25

4M ago30:25

30:25

Feeling trapped in their Covid bubble, Blake and his pandemic pod-mate Isabel explore an abandoned Hudson Valley farmhouse where Isabel discovers the Borden family’s influence on the country’s dairy industry and reconciles with childhood ghosts. In an All-American Ruins first, join Blake as he passes the storytelling reins to his sister-from-anothe…

1
The Anti-Ruin: Michael Townsend and the Secret Mall Apartment 1:14:14

4M ago1:14:14

1:14:14

What does it look like to revitalize an abandoned space - that’s situated inside an active and excessively large shopping mall - in 2005? On this special bonus episode of abandoned: The All-American Ruins Podcast, you’ll meet Michael Townsend, one of the eight artists who, from 2005-2008, did just that: built a secret apartment inside the Providenc…

1
Star Wars Dad (Mountain Drive-In - South Fallsburg, NY) 22:57

5M ago22:57

22:57

While exploring the ruins of a once-popular drive-in movie theater, Blake thinks about his complicated relationship with his father, reimagining a screening of Star Wars that they attended together the year John was diagnosed with stage IV mesothelioma. May the 4th be with you. This episode features: John Pfeil Tiernan Pfeil (Note: For the best imm…

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A Finnish Ghost Story (Unknown Cabin - Pohjola, Finland) 19:12

5M ago19:12

19:12

Deep in the woods of the Finnish countryside sits a quaint house, red, and completely abandoned. In this international episode of abandoned, follow Blake inside where he has a run-in with a ghost-- and not an imaginary one. (Note: For the best immersive experience, we strongly suggest you wear headphones 🎧 for every episode of abandoned: The All-Am…

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Bitcoin = Home: The Mortgage Revolution No One Saw Coming with Josip Rupena of Milo 23:44

5M ago23:44

23:44

Here’s a sentence I never thought I’d say: you can buy a house with your Bitcoin — without ever selling it. That’s the financial revolution Josip Rupena is building. He’s the founder and CEO of Milo, the fintech startup that’s already issued over $60 million in crypto mortgages — loans backed by your Bitcoin, not your bank account. And here’s the k…

1
Crypto, AI Agents, and the Future of Decentralized Infrastructure with Chris “Jinx” Jenkins 17:32

5M ago17:32

17:32

My buddy Chris Jenkins just got back from ETHDenver, and he’s buzzing about the convergence of crypto and AI. He’s the head of operations at the Pocket Network Foundation, and right now, they’re gearing up for their biggest protocol upgrade ever: Shannon. What they’re doing is wild — opening up full permissionless access to decentralized data, from…

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Silk Road to Satoshi: Digging Up Bitcoin’s Buried Past with Pete Rizzo 45:03

5M ago45:03

45:03

Pete Rizzo Thinks We're Losing Bitcoin's History. I'm Helping Him Fix That. Pete Rizzo’s been called Bitcoin’s historian — and after this conversation, you’ll understand why. He’s spent the past few years diving deep into the stories, people, and drama that built Bitcoin from nothing into a global force. We talk about that work — the threads, the a…

1
Computer Arbitrage, Inefficient Markets, Tariffs, and Monetizing Stranded Energy with Sopris Capital’s Head of Special Situations Dan Wedman 24:33

5M ago24:33

24:33

Welcome back, everyone! I sat down with my new friend Daniel Wedman, the head of special situations at Sopris Capital. We delved into a variety of topics, focusing on the dynamic world of Bitcoin and crypto investments, and the evolving landscape of capital markets. Daniel's Career Journey Daniel shared his fascinating career trajectory, starting f…

1
Someone Lives Here (Unknown Casa - Merida, Mexico) 20:51

6M ago20:51

20:51

“Abandoned” doesn’t always mean “empty,” and in one particular vacant mini-mansion in Merida, Mexico, that is precisely the case. Continuing on his international circuit, join Blake as he spins an imaginary folk tale about the people who used to live in this house, while wandering its halls and reflecting on family, poetry, and gun violence. This e…

1
Fear (Homemakers Custom Draperies - Niagara Falls, NY) 21:10

6M ago21:10

21:10

Formerly a curtain shop in Niagara Falls, NY, a strange abandoned commercial space overlooking the St. Lawrence Seaway draws Blake in as he ruminates on fear, in all of its unknowable power and mystery. (Note: For the best immersive experience, we strongly suggest you wear headphones 🎧 for every episode of abandoned: The All-American Ruins Podcast.…

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Real-World Assets and Institutional Crypto: The Next Evolution of DeFi with Joe Flanagan Maple Finance 22:06

6M ago22:06

22:06

In this episode, I sit down with Joe Flanagan, the Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Maple Finance, a leading institutional lending platform in DeFi. With nearly $6 billion in loans issued, Maple is one of the few crypto companies bridging the gap between traditional finance (TradFi) and decentralized finance (DeFi). We cover some of the biggest…

1
Fixing Ethereum: Hart Lambur on Cross-Chain Intents & the Future of Interoperability 17:20

6M ago17:20

17:20

In this episode, I sit down with Hart Lambur, the co-founder of Risk Labs, the team behind UMA and Across Protocol, two projects solving some of the biggest challenges in crypto—cross-chain interoperability and on-chain data verification. Ethereum has scaled, but in the process, it’s fragmented into over 50 Layer 2s, creating a messy user experienc…

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Why Privacy is the Next Big Thing in Crypto – Midnight CEO Eran Barak Explains 25:18

7M ago25:18

25:18

In this episode, I sit down with Eran Barak, the CEO of Midnight, a groundbreaking new privacy-focused blockchain incubated by IOHK (Input Output, the team behind Cardano). Eran has an incredible background—before diving into Web3, he built the financial world’s digital plumbing at Symphony, a secure communications platform used by thousands of ban…

1
A Detour (Colorado Motorsports & Greyhound Track - Byers, CO) 17:48

7M ago17:48

17:48

An accidental pitstop at the ruins of a motorsports track becomes a silent meditation on spirits, open carry laws, and the function of fear as an explorer of the past. Walk with Blake through a history full of the distant sounds of race cars burning rubber around and around the track, surrounded on all sides by the sunny plains of Colorado in autum…

1
The Missed Opportunity of Tokenization – What Comes Next? Tezos Founder Arthur Breitman 19:53

7M ago19:53

19:53

In this episode, I sit down with my longtime friend Arthur Breitman, the co-founder of Tezos, one of the OG blockchains that has been innovating since 2018. We dive deep into the evolution of tokenization, why the first wave fell short, and how the next iteration can unlock real value. Arthur also shares insights on Tezos’ latest upgrades, the grow…

1
Cinema for the Ears at Garden State Film Festival 21:14

7M ago21:14

21:14

Join Blake in conversation with Garden State Film Festival executive director Lauren Concar Sheehy as the pair discuss the festival’s groundbreaking accessibility program “Cinema for the Ears,” which will feature season 2, episode 8 of abandoned: The All-American Ruins Podcast in Asbury Park, NJ on March 29, 2025. For tickets and more information, …

1
American Train (Bilevel Metrarail CalTrain - Jacumba Springs, CA) 18:40

7M ago18:40

18:40

All-aboard as Blake guides you to an abandoned double-decker passenger train in the middle of the California desert. While wandering the ruins of the great American railway industry, join Blake as he reflects the evolution of transportation, the unraveling of corporate greed, and his lifelong love of trains, deserts, and making music. This episode …

1
Mastering Global Talent: Andy Hilliard on Scaling Software Development Teams 21:47

8M ago21:47

21:47

Episode Notes: Global Talent Pool: Andy dives into why 85% of software development talent is located outside of the U.S. and how companies can leverage this global talent pool for competitive pricing and higher efficiency. The Critical Role of Due Diligence: Learn how to avoid costly mistakes when choosing partners or outsourcing teams. Andy emphas…

1
Nick and the Assassination of JFK (Irish Centre of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh, PA) 21:54

7M ago21:54

21:54

A last-minute decision to peek into the abandoned Irish Centre of Pittsburgh transforms into a daydream of a haunted heads-up penny and the assassination of JFK. Nestled among the City of Steel’s rolling hills, join Blake as he guides you through a forgotten cinder block sanctuary of the past, where he reflects on the death of his first love and ho…

1
Unlocking the Future of Web3 with Gravity: Charles Wayn 16:19

8M ago16:19

16:19

Episode Notes: Charles Wayn’s Web3 Evolution: From DLive’s decentralized live streaming platform to the evolution into Galxe, a Web3 powerhouse, Charles shares his journey of innovation in crypto. Introducing Gravity: The launch of Gravity, a Layer 1 blockchain designed for high-performance and cross-chain functionality, is a game-changer. Charles …

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Megan and the Very Bad Dream (Tillson Elementary - Tillson, NY) 20:32

8M ago20:32

20:32

What do Blake’s sister, a giant, and a very bad dream have in common? Find out as Blake guides you through the abandoned Tillson Elementary School where he ponders his relationship with his sister and a recurring nightmare he had as a child. This episode features: Megan Pfeil Ryan Pfeil (Note: For the best immersive experience, we strongly suggest …

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Hack Hero Ogle: Recovering $500M, Glue Network, and the Path to Mass Adoption 17:43

8M ago17:43

17:43

In this gripping episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, I sit down with Ogle, a renowned crypto security expert who has recovered over $500 million from hacks and scams. Known as the "bat signal" for crypto recovery, Ogle shares his journey, his innovative approach to solving blockchain security issues, and the vision behind his new project, Glue Netwo…

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From Antiques to Bitcoin: Mel Sands on Collectibles, Community, and the Hunt for Satoshi’s Newspaper 19:31

8M ago19:31

19:31

In this vibrant episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, I sit down with Mel Sands, vintage and antique dealer turned Bitcoin advocate, to explore the intersection of collectibles, community, and crypto history. Mel’s journey from discovering Bitcoin through a forgotten $100 investment to becoming a passionate evangelist and collector is a testament to h…

1
Bitcoin Day Naples: John Drew on Sound Money and Building Local Bitcoin Communities 15:04

8M ago15:04

15:04

In this exciting episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, I sit down with John Drew, organizer of Bitcoin Day, to discuss the upcoming Bitcoin Day Naples on January 18, 2025, and how these grassroots events are reshaping Bitcoin education and community building. We explore: What is Bitcoin Day?: From its origins in Omaha to becoming a nationwide movement…

1
Nazis in the Canyon (Murphy Ranch - Los Angeles, CA) 18:37

8M ago18:37

18:37

Once upon a time, there was an active Nazi compound situated in a Los Angeles canyon. After it was emptied of its filth in 1948, Murphy Ranch sat abandoned for years before the city transformed it into a public park, where, over time, the architectural remnants of evil slowly faded away, reclaimed by the dirt and stone of the canyon. (Note: For the…

1
Bitcoin, Truth, and the Next Monetary Revolution: Brian Estes on Building a Better Financial Future 16:20

9M ago16:20

16:20

In this deeply insightful episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, I sit down with Brian Estes, Chief Investment Officer of Off the Chain Capital, early Bitcoin OG, producer of the documentary God Bless Bitcoin, and a tireless advocate for financial truth. Brian’s journey from traditional finance skeptic to one of Bitcoin’s most vocal proponents is a sto…

1
Argentina’s Crypto Revolution to Decentraland 2.0: Yemel Jardi on Building the Future of Virtual Worlds 24:58

9M ago24:58

24:58

In this electrifying episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, I sit down with Yemel Jardi, Executive Director of Decentraland, Bitcoin OG, and a pivotal figure in the evolution of blockchain and virtual reality. From the transformative crypto scene in Argentina to spearheading Decentraland’s latest innovations, Yemel’s journey is a testament to the power…

1
Cryptography to Crypto Giants: Ran Goldi on Fireblocks, Innovation, and Securing Blockchain’s Future 19:23

9M ago19:23

19:23

In this epic episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, I sit down with Ran Goldi, VP of Payments at Fireblocks, one of the most influential companies in the crypto and blockchain space. Ran’s journey is as fascinating as the industry he’s helped shape—from algorithmic trading to launching startups, to his time in Israeli intelligence, and ultimately build…

1
Busted (Delmar Inn - South Fallsburg, NY) 21:09

9M ago21:09

21:09

The art of urban exploration often includes evading the authorities, but every once in a while, an adventurer gets caught. In the season 3 premiere, join Blake as he wanders the abandoned summer camp at the Delmar Inn, hidden away off a Catskill Mountain highway in New York. This episode features: Julie Novak The Caretaker (Note: For the best immer…

1
Building a $2 Trillion network. The Digital Gold revolution explained. Commodity to Currency. 37:30

9M ago37:30

37:30

Bitcoin is a commodity, not money. At least, that's the argument my guest, Digital Gold Yoda, lays out today as we dive into the revolutionary project that aims to achieve what Satoshi Nakamoto originally envisioned DigitalGold.com. Imagine a network of 100 million nodes running proof-of-stake technology on regular computers—decentralized, efficien…

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Trailer (Season 3) | abandoned: The All-American Ruins Podcast 4:10

10M ago4:10

4:10

Welcome to season 3 of the Ambie-nominated abandoned: The All-American Ruins Podcast. Join host Blake Pfeil as he guides listeners through immersive audio fantasies, recreating his experiences exploring abandoned spaces across the United States and around the world. Along the way, abandoned asks critical questions about American history, culture, c…

1
Bitcoin’s New Era: Adoption, Wealth, and the Role of the Giants with Gary Cardone 34:12

11M ago34:12

34:12

We are about to embark on a new era for Bitcoin and maybe even Crypto. The 2024 election has changed everything. I sat down with Gary Cardone, a powerhouse in energy and digital assets, as we explore the seismic shifts happening in Bitcoin and the crypto world. Gary dives deep into how Wall Street and even U.S. politics are shaping Bitcoin’s path f…

1
Pushing Crypto to the Edge: Redefining Communication and Security with Ian Leviness and Pascal Gauthier 41:50

1y ago41:50

41:50

In this episode, I sit down with two major players who are shaping the future of crypto communications and security. First up is Ian Leviness from Push Protocol, and we dive into how Push is creating a decentralized communication hub for everything from notifications to messaging and more. Ian talks about the platform's explosive growth since its b…

1
Breaking the System: Tokenizing Finance and Hollywood with Nick Cowan and Darren Darnborough 46:38

1y ago46:38

46:38

In this episode, I dive deep into two worlds that are being completely reshaped by technology: finance and Hollywood. First, I had an awesome conversation with Nick Cowan, the CEO of Valereum, where we talked about the future of tokenization, digital securities, and how blockchain is changing the entire financial landscape. Nick shared some wild st…

1
In Memoriam: What Would Julie Do? (A Season 2 Re-Release) 27:26

1y ago27:26

27:26

On Saturday, August 31, 2024, All-American Ruins lost its biggest fan, and host Blake Pfeil lost his greatest urbex buddy: Julie Novak. In this special re-release of season 2, episode 4, “Julie is a Homo[wack],” join Blake for this audio memorial of a beloved community leader, queer mentor, and dear friend. (Note: For the best immersive experience,…

1
Bitcoin’s Early Days, The Present, and Where We’re Going with Paul Tarantino of ByteFederal 1:08:11

1y ago1:08:11

1:08:11

SPECIAL: Bitcoin’s Early Days, The Present, and Where We’re Going with Paul Tarantino! On this special episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, the tables turn as I get interviewed by Paul Tarantino, the CEO of ByteFederal. Still, the story isn’t just mine—it’s the Bitcoin community’s. From the early days, when Bitcoin was barely known, to the pivotal mo…

1
Crypto's Hidden Power: Inside Private Markets & Bitcoin ATMs with Nick Cote, Omar-Shakeeb & Michelle Weekley 42:09

1y ago42:09

42:09

Nick Cote & Omar Shakeeb - Second Lane - Crypto Private Markets Michelle Weekley, ByteFederal Bitcoin ATM's Welcome back my friends! In this episode, I’m joined by Nick Cote and Omar Shakeeb from Second Lane, and we’re digging deep into the guts of the crypto world. These guys are like the switchboard operators of private markets, connecting top-ti…

1
Real Assets and The Permaweb: A Deep Dive with Sam Williams (Arweave) & Jag Singh (Real) 41:09

1y ago41:09

41:09

Welcome back, good morning! Excited to share this with you. I have been working on a new teaching program for a while. More information will be provided soon! Please be safe, its a hot summer out there and HODL! In this epic episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, we're diving headfirst into the future of the decentralized web and real-world asset token…

1
Rare Sats and Virgin Coins: Bitcoin Happy Hour with George Burke and Deedle of Portal 49:41

1y ago49:41

49:41

Hey hey! Welcome to Rare Sats and Virgin Coins: Bitcoin Happy Hour with George Burke and Deedle of Portal Last week, we had an engaging and insightful discussion with some of the OGs in the crypto space. Here's a rundown of what we covered: Introduction and Special Guest We kicked off the episode with a bit of banter about "proof of ice" and "proof…

1
Finding Your Counterparty - A Deep Dive into Crypto Interoperability and AI with Bryan Pellegrino (LayerZero) and Anthony Georgiades (Pastel) 48:08

1y ago48:08

48:08

Hey listeners, welcome back! 🎙️ Courtney and I just had our first cruise experience for a friend's wedding; let me tell you, it was terrific. It wasn't just about the ship—it was all about our expectations and the incredible friends we surrounded ourselves with. Isn't that the beauty of life? In this episode of The Charlie Shrem Show, I sat down wi…

1
Goodbye, I’m Shelley Duvall (Nevele Grande Hotel - Ellenville, NY) 15:50

1y ago15:50

15:50

In this special bonus episode, Blake returns to the abandoned Nevele Grande Hotel where he says goodbye to one of his All-American Ruins muses, Shelley Duvall. To read the transcript of this episode, click here: https://www.blakepfeil.com/aar-podcast.html To learn more, visit: http://www.allamericanruins.com You can join the All-American Ruins Expe…

1
Creating a Narrative with Saad Qureshi of Yap Global and Crypto Alpha Insights with Pranav Kanade of VanEck 35:30

1y ago35:30

35:30

I had the pleasure of diving deep with two distinguished guests, Saad Qureshi of YAP Global and Pranav Kanade of VanEck. First, I spoke with Saad Qureshi, Director at Yap Global, about the challenges and strategies in building trust and elevating narratives within the crypto industry. Saad emphasized the importance of clear communication and the ne…