Shawn Ryan Show Episode #215: Charles Hoskinson - Cardano Founder on the Secret DARPA AI Project That Became Siri
Release Date: July 7, 2025
Host: Shawn Ryan
Guest: Charles Hoskinson, Co-founder of Ethereum and CEO & Founder of Input Output (IOHK), the company behind the Cardano blockchain.
Introduction
In this episode of the Shawn Ryan Show, host Shawn Ryan welcomes Charles Hoskinson, a pivotal figure in the cryptocurrency space and a multifaceted entrepreneur involved in various cutting-edge projects beyond blockchain. The conversation delves deep into Hoskinson's ventures, personal philosophies, and futuristic technologies, offering listeners a comprehensive look into his diverse interests and contributions.
Key Topics Discussed
- Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology
- Interoperability and Cooperative Economics in Crypto
- Stablecoins and Financial Stability
- Quantum Computing and Its Impact on Crypto
- Synthetic Biology and Bioluminescent Plants
- Maritime Expeditions and Extraterrestrial Research
- Regenerative Medicine and Hyperbaric Therapy
- Personal Journeys and Life Philosophy
- Rites of Passage and Personal Development
Cryptocurrency and Blockchain Technology
Hoskinson provides an in-depth analysis of the current state and future of cryptocurrencies. He emphasizes the importance of interoperability between different blockchain systems, likening them to universal communication standards like Wi-Fi. This interoperability is crucial for creating a cooperative economic ecosystem where various blockchain networks can interact seamlessly, fostering growth and stability.
Notable Quote:
"Interoperability is a super important feature. And so when you look at Cardano, one of the things we realized was it's less about how do I lock you into the system and it's more about how do I get the system to talk to all the other systems."
[09:15] - Charles Hoskinson
Cooperative Economics in Crypto
Hoskinson critiques the inherently adversarial nature of traditional tokenomics, where the success of one cryptocurrency often necessitates the failure of another (e.g., Bitcoin vs. Ethereum). He advocates for a shift towards cooperative economics, where cryptocurrencies can co-exist and collaborate, aligning incentives to foster mutual growth rather than competition.
Stablecoins and Financial Stability
Addressing the volatility of major cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Hoskinson highlights the role of stablecoins in providing financial stability. He discusses how stablecoins have grown significantly, offering a bridge between the volatile crypto markets and the stable legacy financial systems. This integration is essential for mainstream adoption and for regions with unstable local currencies.
Notable Quote:
"Cryptocurrency has gone from nothing to 550 million users within 15 years... the next five to ten years in the industry, it's about how do you build bridges and how do you reset the incentive layer of the system so that people make more money cooperating together."
[04:00] - Charles Hoskinson
Quantum Computing and Its Impact on Crypto
The conversation shifts to the advancements in quantum computing and its potential threats to current cryptographic systems. Hoskinson explains that while quantum computers pose a significant risk by potentially breaking existing cryptographic algorithms (like those securing cryptocurrencies), the industry is actively developing post-quantum cryptography solutions to safeguard digital assets.
Notable Quote:
"The challenge is that all the math that's behind it, in a classical sense, it only works as long as you don't have a quantum computer. If you have a quantum computer, you have things like Rover's algorithm and Shor's algorithm..."
[42:10] - Charles Hoskinson
Synthetic Biology and Bioluminescent Plants
Beyond blockchain, Hoskinson shares his passion for synthetic biology. He discusses projects aimed at genetically engineering plants to exhibit bioluminescence, envisioning a future where such plants could serve functional and aesthetic purposes, such as organic lighting in cities or as environmental sensors.
Notable Quote:
"Bioluminescence is a really magical thing because it's one of those, you can see it. It's not a hypothetical. Like, if I make plants that sequester carbon... but here it's like, it's just magic."
[18:24] - Charles Hoskinson
Maritime Expeditions and Extraterrestrial Research
Hoskinson recounts his involvement in maritime expeditions near Papua New Guinea, aimed at recovering extraterrestrial fragments from the ocean floor. He collaborates with renowned scientists like Avi Loeb and discusses the potential implications of these findings on our understanding of extraterrestrial life and technology.
Regenerative Medicine and Hyperbaric Therapy
The discussion delves into regenerative medicine, where Hoskinson explains the integration of stem cell therapy with hyperbaric oxygen treatments. This combination aims to enhance the body's natural healing processes, offering potential cures for chronic conditions like neuropathy, instead of merely managing symptoms.
Personal Journeys and Life Philosophy
Hoskinson shares his personal journey, from his upbringing in Hawaii and Colorado to his experiences traveling the world. He emphasizes the importance of finding meaning beyond personal success, advocating for systems and technologies that benefit the broader community. His ventures, whether in blockchain, synthetic biology, or regenerative medicine, are driven by a desire to create lasting, positive impact.
Notable Quote:
"I just want to live a life of curiosity. And what I want to do is self-impose a mechanism of leaving things behind for everyone else."
[74:15] - Charles Hoskinson
Rites of Passage and Personal Development
Towards the end, Hoskinson discusses the concept of rites of passage, sharing his experience with enduring intense physical pain through a botched bullet ant ritual. He relates this to personal resilience and the importance of overcoming extreme challenges to achieve personal growth and mental fortitude.
Notable Quote:
"That's the perfect rite of passage right there. If you could bottle that shit and do it to every high school student, that's great."
[259:22] - Charles Hoskinson
Conclusion
The episode concludes with Shawn Ryan expressing his admiration for Hoskinson's multifaceted endeavors and philosophies. Hoskinson's blend of technological innovation, personal resilience, and a quest for meaning offers listeners a profound perspective on shaping the future through cooperative systems and groundbreaking technologies.
Final Thoughts
Charles Hoskinson embodies the spirit of a modern Renaissance man, seamlessly integrating blockchain technology with ventures in synthetic biology, regenerative medicine, and beyond. His vision for a cooperative economic system, resilient and interoperable blockchain networks, and the application of advanced technologies to solve real-world problems positions him as a pivotal figure in shaping the future of technology and society.
Note: This summary captures the essence of the conversation between Shawn Ryan and Charles Hoskinson based on the provided transcript. For a more detailed understanding, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.