Laura Shin has become one of the most respected journalists in the cryptocurrency space, known for her sharp investigative reporting and deep industry insights. As the host of the “Unchained” podcast, she has conducted over 800 in-depth interviews with blockchain pioneers, providing a no-hype, analytical perspective on the fast-evolving world of digital assets. With over 25 million downloads and views across platforms, her work has positioned her as a leading voice in crypto journalism, bridging the gap between technical innovation and mainstream understanding.
Shin’s reputation for incisive reporting stems from her years in traditional media. A former senior editor at Forbes, she was the first mainstream journalist to cover cryptocurrency assets full-time, playing a key role in launching the Forbes Fintech 50 list. Her previous roles at The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Los Angeles Times built her foundation as a journalist, but in 2018, she left traditional media to pursue independent coverage of the blockchain industry—a decision that would establish her as one of the most influential reporters in the space.
From Traditional Media to Crypto Pioneer
Shin built her foundation in journalism through prestigious academic credentials. She graduated Phi Beta Kappa with honors from Stanford University before earning a Master of Arts from Columbia University’s School of Journalism.
Her early career included stints at The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and The Los Angeles Times. The pivotal moment came at Forbes, where she became the first mainstream journalist to cover cryptocurrency assets full-time, spearheading the Forbes Fintech 50 list.
“I started covering Bitcoin in the spring of 2015, when Forbes asked me to head up its Fintech 50 list with another reporter,”
Shin recalled in her TEDx talk.
“For me, learning about Bitcoin was like traveling to a foreign country. After a while, I realized I could not stop turning over in my mind this multifaceted intellectual gem I’d found.”
In 2018, Shin left traditional media behind, focusing entirely on independent journalism. This decision reflected her belief that “the self-employed lifestyle is much more similar to how humans have existed throughout history.”
Unchained Podcasts, YouTube NewsLetters
The cornerstone of Shin’s influence is her “Unchained” podcast, which has reached a remarkable milestone of 800 episodes on Apple Podcasts. This platform serves as what Shin calls “a no-hype resource for all things crypto,” featuring interviews with blockchain industry pioneers and thought leaders.
The numbers testify to her reach: over 25 million downloads and views across platforms, 60,000 subscribers on YouTube, and content distribution through her website unchainedcrypto.com. Her approach combines technical knowledge with incisive questioning, breaking down complex concepts for both industry insiders and newcomers.
Notable interviews include a 2019 conversation with Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin and a charged 2022 discussion with Terra founder Do Kwon. These exchanges have provided rare windows into the minds behind major cryptocurrency projects, shaping public and industry perceptions.
Her “Unchained Daily” newsletter complements the podcast, delivering regular updates on industry developments and maintaining her position at the center of crypto discourse.
Literary Impact and Recognition
In 2022, Shin published
“The Cryptopians: Idealism, Greed, Lies, and the Making of the First Big Cryptocurrency Craze,”
a detailed account of Ethereum’s early days. Based on interviews with over 200 people and access to internal documents, the book illuminates the human drama behind blockchain’s second-largest project.
Jeff John Roberts, executive editor of Decrypt, praised it as “the most authoritative account yet of Ethereum.” Raoul Pal, co-founder of Real Vision, added his endorsement, highlighting its historical significance.
The book’s influence extends beyond literature. Playground Entertainment has optioned it for a television drama series, potentially bringing cryptocurrency history to mainstream audiences.
Industry recognition came early with the 2016 Blockchain Award for Most Insightful Journalist, cementing her reputation for clear reporting on complex technical subjects.
Digital Presence and Community Building
Shin maintains substantial digital influence beyond her podcast. Her X account boasts 265,000 followers, creating a direct channel to crypto enthusiasts and industry professionals.
This digital presence amplifies her journalism and provides a platform for quick commentary on breaking news. Recent posts have covered developments like the Bybit hack and broader market trends, demonstrating her continued engagement with industry events.
Speaking engagements at the International Monetary Fund, Singularity University, and the Oslo Freedom Forum have further extended her reach, establishing her as a thought leader who bridges the gap between cryptocurrency innovation and public understanding.
Future Projects and Industry Evolution
Shin continues to document critical moments in cryptocurrency history. Her current project examines the collapse of FTX, promising another detailed investigation into a pivotal industry event.
“In the future, I think many more services will come to us via leaderless user-owned peer-to-peer networks with a crypto asset at the center that’s incentivizing behavior on that network,”
Shin predicted in her TEDx talk, pointing toward her vision of cryptocurrency’s broader societal impact.
This perspective informs her ongoing work, positioning her not just as an observer but as an interpreter of technological and financial transformation. Through her combination of rigorous journalism, engaging storytelling, and technical understanding, Laura Shin remains at the forefront of explaining crypto’s complexities to an expanding audience, shaping both industry dialogue and public perception for years to come.
