Episode · The Shawn Ryan Show · 2025-07-07

Shawn Ryan & Charles Hoskinson: books mentioned on The Shawn Ryan Show #215

#215 Charles Hoskinson - Cardano Founder on the Secret DARPA AI Project That Became Siri

5 books · With Charles Hoskinson · Listen · Watch on YouTube

Charles Hoskinson is the CEO and Founder of Input Output Global (IOHK), the company behind the Cardano blockchain, a proof-of-stake platform hosting the ADA cryptocurrency. A mathematician by training, Hoskinson co-founded Ethereum in 2013.

Charles Hoskinson recommended Treasury's War by Juan Zarate, Irreducible by Federico Faggin, and How to Take Smart Notes by Sönke Ahrens, and discussed Regenesis by George M. Church and others and How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan.

Books mentioned, in the order they came up

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1. 

   Regenesis

   George M. Church; Edward Regis · at 23:09

   Regenesis by George M. Church and Edward Regis is a notable book exploring the field of synthetic biology and the future of genetic engineering.

   Discussed

   “George Church, the guy that started Colossal with him, like was an expert in this area. He he wrote all the books on synthetic biology, like Regenesis was one book and over a thousand papers and these things.”

   Charles Hoskinson #215 Charles Hoskinson - Cardano Founder on the Secret DARPA AI Projec… 2025-07-07 Listen at 23:09

   Where to get it

   Listen free with an Audible trialAmazon
2. 

   Treasury's War

   Juan Zarate · at 1:52:49

   Treasury's War by Juan Zarate details how the United States government weaponized the global financial system to combat illicit finance, terrorism, and hostile nation-states.

   Recommended

   “There's this wonderful book from Ron Sarat called Treasuries War, and it says, 'Hey, the Giwa wasn't just fought on a battlefield. It was fought by accountants.'”

   Charles Hoskinson #215 Charles Hoskinson - Cardano Founder on the Secret DARPA AI Projec… 2025-07-07 Listen at 1:52:49

   Where to get it

   Listen free with an Audible trialAmazon
3. 

   Irreducible

   Federico Faggin · at 3:09:29

   Irreducible by Federico Faggin is a thought-provoking exploration of consciousness, quantum physics, and the limits of scientific materialism.

   Recommended

   “So, there's great books like one is irreducible from Federico Fagen and then ... where they're kind of exploring the art of the possible”

   Charles Hoskinson #215 Charles Hoskinson - Cardano Founder on the Secret DARPA AI Projec… 2025-07-07 Listen at 3:09:29

   Where to get it

   Listen free with an Audible trialAmazon
4. 

   How to Change Your Mind

   Michael Pollan · at 3:14:58

   How to Change Your Mind by Michael Pollan examines the history and science of psychedelic-assisted therapy and altered states of consciousness.

   Discussed

   “So after I started noticing that, I read Michael Polland's book, you know, how to change your mind and he's a great guy and I said, 'Wow, there's a there there's something interesting.'”

   Charles Hoskinson #215 Charles Hoskinson - Cardano Founder on the Secret DARPA AI Projec… 2025-07-07 Listen at 3:14:58

   Where to get it

   Listen free with an Audible trialAmazon
5. 

   How to Take Smart Notes

   Sönke Ahrens · at 4:50:49

   Why people recommend it: This foundational guide by Sönke Ahrens outlines the Zettelkasten method, offering a systematic approach to effective note-taking, lifelong learning, and knowledge management.

   Recommended

   “There's a lovely book how to take smart notes that talks about it.”

   Charles Hoskinson #215 Charles Hoskinson - Cardano Founder on the Secret DARPA AI Projec… 2025-07-07 Listen at 4:50:49

   Where to get it

   Listen free with an Audible trialAmazon