Here at Token Metrics, we understand that our most valuable asset is you, our audience.
With your help, we have put together a guide to the Top 3 Crypto Books and Podcasts of 2021, as voted upon by you.
So sit back, relax, and enjoy the Moon Awards.
Note: Our very own “Crypto Investing Guide” can be downloaded for free here.
Why are Crypto Books and Podcasts Important?
Crypto is one of the most evolutionary and rapidly changing industries globally. What is known and understood today can become dated information next month. This speed of communication is why it is always essential to be learning in crypto.
Books and Podcasts are some of the best ways to form a solid foundation before partaking in the world of crypto, along with keeping you up to date on all things crypto. Books provide some of the most reliable information that stands the test of time. From books, you can learn the essentials of blockchain, crypto, trading strategies, and where crypto will be going in the future.
While podcasts generally offer the same things as books, they offer one additional benefit that books can not provide. With a podcast’s ability to be published routinely and often the same day as recording, they are a source for breaking news and up-to-date market commentary.
Books and podcasts are crucial to any investor, but in crypto, they are necessary for survival in a rapidly evolving industry. A good investor is a well-informed investor, and books and podcasts are excellent tools for capturing valuable insight into crypto.
It is important to note that to keep this edition of the Moon Awards free from any bias, we have removed the Token Metrics book and podcast from the pool of award winners despite garnering a significant portion of the votes.
You can check out our book, The Crypto Investing Guide, here and the Token Metrics podcast here.
Top 3 Crypto Books of 2021
1) The Bitcoin Standard
“The Bitcoin Standard has become the defacto book for introducing people to bitcoin. You can’t talk about bitcoin books without mentioning it.” – Ian Balina, Founder and CEO of Token Metrics
Arriving in 1st place with nearly 20% of the total vote is the crypto book, The Bitcoin Standard. The Bitcoin Standard was published in 2018 and quickly became a staple in the crypto world due to its ability to clearly and concisely describe Bitcoin’s monetary theory.
The book’s author, Dr. Saifedan Ammous, is one of the most credible and experienced scholars in economics. As a result, The Bitcoin Standard has become a staple in every crypto enthusiast’s reading list.
Dr. Ammous holds a Ph.D. in Sustainable Development from Columbia University, an MSc in Development Management from the London School of Economics, and a Bachelor of Engineering from the American University of Beirut. He also currently teaches economics at the Lebanese American University and writes research on monetary economics and Bitcoin’s economics through his website.
One of the most attractive aspects of The Bitcoin Standard for both experienced crypto users and those just beginning their crypto journey is how well it describes the economics of Bitcoin. Dr. Ammous does this so well by walking the reader through the foundational economics of Bitcoin and the foundational economics of the various forms of currency throughout history.
The Bitcoin Standard has become the most popular book in the crypto world. This book provides excellent information on cryptocurrencies along with a heavy dose of confirmation bias for crypto HODLers. With his book, Dr. Ammous kickstarted spreading the news that Bitcoin can solve all the world’s problems.
2) The Age of Cryptocurrency
“Whether you’re just getting into cryptocurrency or a seasoned veteran, ‘The Age of Cryptocurrency’ is a must-read book that explores the definition of money and explains the impact that bitcoin will have on our economy and the world at large.” – Ugo Nduaguba, Partner, Token Metrics Ventures
After being narrowly edged out by The Bitcoin Standard, the crypto book The Age of Cryptocurrency arrives in 2nd place with a little over 18% of the total vote. Written by Wall Street Journal writers Paul Vigna and Michael J. Casey, The Age of Cryptocurrency takes a deep dive into crypto’s place in the monetary system.
Published in 2015, The Age of Cryptocurrency functions as both a detailed history of Bitcoin and a thorough explanation of the network. One of the more exciting aspects of the book is when it dives into the stories of the people in crypto. Whether it be the entrepreneurs of crypto or the many oddballs, The Age of Cryptocurrency spares no details, making the book a thoroughly entertaining read.
One of the biggest takeaways from The Age of Cryptocurrency is when Vigna and Casey answer the “why should I care about crypto?” question that many people ask. They answer this by describing bitcoin’s core value proposition to stop the outflow to financial intermediaries and put it back in your pocket.
The Age of Cryptocurrency is a fantastic book that is well worth reading for both those experienced in cryptocurrencies and crypto newbies.
3) The Internet of Money
“The Internet of Money was one of the first books I read on crypto. Andres Antonopoulos does an incredible job capturing “the why” of crypto. I loved his use of analogies and history to explain Bitcoin/crypto in a way anyone can understand.” – Sam Monac, Chief Culture Officer, Token Metrics
In one of the closest votes in Moon Awards history, The Internet of Money was just narrowly edged out by The Age of Cryptocurrency through just a few votes. The Internet of Money is unique because it is not so much a written book but instead a collection of talks given by Andreas M. Antonopoulos. Antonopoulos is an acclaimed information security expert and also the author of Mastering Bitcoin.
In The Internet of Money, Antonopoulos examines and puts into perspective the significance of bitcoin that walks through the exhilarating journey of this groundbreaking technology. Antonopoulos also breaks down why bitcoin is a financial and technological revolution with potential far exceeding the label of “digital currency.”
What makes The Internet of Money genuinely stand out is that Antonopoulos goes far beyond explaining the technical functions of the bitcoin network by also sharing the philosophical, social, and historical implications of bitcoin. Essentially, Antonopoulos explores the “why” of bitcoin and how the internet of money fundamentally changes the world’s approach to solving social, political, and economic problems through decentralized technology.
Top 3 Crypto Podcasts of 2021
1) The Pomp Podcast – with Anthony Pompliano
“The Pomp podcast has become possibly the most relevant Business, finance & Bitcoin-related podcast in 2020. Listening to one-hour sessions with guests such as Mark Cuban and Chamath Palihapitiya can almost be as relevant as a college education.” – Diego Lara, Partner, Token Metrics Ventures
Coming in 1st place with almost 50% of the total vote is The Pomp Podcast. Anthony Pompliano hosts this crypto podcast, and it has taken the financial world by storm.
Formerly known as Off the Chain, the podcast had to undergo a rebranding when Apple took it down in 2018. Before the takedown, Pompliano’s podcast soared up the rankings to #4 in the US investing category.
The Pomp Podcast is known for taking deep dives into how investors from the digital and traditional financial systems view crypto. Pompliano does this in a very engaging and informative way by having some of the biggest names in crypto and Wall Street on as guests.
Somewhat recently, Pompliano had Barstool founder Dave Portnoy as a guest for an interview that made waves across the traditional finance, crypto, and sports world.
What makes The Pomp Podcast stand out from every other crypto podcast is the show’s host, Anthony Pompliano. Pompliano is an entrepreneur, social media icon, and investor with Morgan Creek Capital.
Pompliano’s experience investing with public pensions, endowments, foundations, and family offices on behalf of institutional investors provides a unique intersection of opinions in the crypto space.
2) Unchained – with Laura Shin
“Laura Shin is an OG of crypto media, and she’s lately found a new natural home in podcast format. Her show goes out in video and audio formats multiple times a week and consistently features interesting guests and insightful analysis.” – Dylan Love, Host of Crypto Hot Seat, Token Metrics
Arriving in a distant 2nd place is the crypto podcast Unchained. Launched in 2016, Unchained is one of the longest-standing podcasts in the cryptocurrency space and is hosted by Laura Shin. Shin has an extensive history as a crypto and blockchain journalist as a former senior editor at Forbes. In fact, Shin claims to be the first mainstream reporter to cover crypto full-time.
With Shin’s extensive history in the crypto space, her podcast is a must-listen for those who have any level of interest in cryptocurrency. Topics on the podcast range from personal stories of how people got involved in crypto, investment advice, taxes, crypto security, and more. Episodes also feature interviews with major players in the space, including founders, executives, attorneys, and other influencers.
The podcasts come in a weekly, hour-long format that is perfectly portioned for your listening pleasure. Shin also offers another podcast, Unconfirmed, that comes in shorter 20-minute segments that cover the week’s top cryptocurrency news.
3) Bankless – with Ryan Sean Adams and David Hoffman
“Bankless is a must-subscribe podcast. The secret behind this small media entity is out: it’s where crypto reporters get their news, so it’s where crypto investors should get theirs as well.” – Dylan Love, Host of Crypto Hot Seat, Token Metrics
Arriving in 3rd place with just over 10% of the total vote is the crypto podcast Bankless. Launched by Ryan Sean Adams, the founder of Mythos Capital, Bankless blends money and tech insights that help their subscribers improve their finances. David Hoffman also co-hosts the podcast.
Bankless aims to bring listeners on a journey towards a bankless revolution through Ethereum, Bitcoin, crypto, open finance, and DeFi. What makes Bankless genuinely unique is that the newsletter helps people easily understand the technical narrative of cryptocurrencies.
Bankless also provides users with thesis-driven crypto picks to assist you in front-running opportunities as quickly as possible. These picks play directly into Bankless’s mission of being your guide on the cryptocurrency journey so that you can front-run the financial revolution.
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