Community Trust ScoreLikely Real
Bitcoin enthusiast and podcast host Ian Carroll has revealed that he’s currently learning about XRP, despite being a self-declared Bitcoin maximalist. Known for his strong stance on Bitcoin as the ultimate cryptocurrency, Carroll’s recent comments suggest he may be softening his views — or at least opening his mind to the broader crypto space.
Carroll, the host of “The Carroll Show,” shared his evolving thoughts during a quick interview at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas. The interview was conducted by content creator Abdullah Nassif, better known as Abs, from Merlin Crypto.
Still in the Learning Phase
While Carroll has built a reputation for promoting Bitcoin and often avoiding altcoins, he admitted that XRP has caught his attention. He said he is aware of the growing conversation around XRP and its active online community but clarified that he hasn’t done an in-depth exploration of the project yet.
“I haven’t really done a deep dive into XRP,” Carroll said. “I’m still learning about it.”
This openness is notable coming from someone who has repeatedly stated that he prefers to spend his time and energy on Bitcoin-related content. He added that his limited exposure to XRP stems from being very intentional about how he approaches new crypto projects.
No Investment in XRP — Yet
Carroll confirmed that although many XRP supporters have urged him to invest in the token, he hasn’t made that move yet. He said the main reason is that he doesn’t fully understand the coin or its underlying technology.
The Bitcoin advocate is often skeptical of any cryptocurrency that came after Bitcoin, including XRP. He emphasized that he tends to approach such projects with scrutiny, not out of dislike, but out of a desire to stay focused and informed.
“I’m very specific about where I spend my energy,” Carroll noted. “I’m not in crypto just to chase gains.”
A Focus on Bitcoin and Ethereum
Carroll reiterated that his main interest lies in Bitcoin — and to a lesser extent, Ethereum. These two cryptocurrencies are currently at the center of his ongoing learning efforts.
While his core belief in Bitcoin remains unchanged, Carroll did say that he’s slowly expanding his understanding of other digital assets, including XRP. Though he hasn’t shifted his investment strategy, the fact that he’s engaging with the topic at all is being seen by some in the XRP community as a step forward.
XRP Explained On-Air
During the interview, Nassif briefly explained XRP’s purpose to Carroll, highlighting its core use case: fast, seamless money transfers. He compared XRP’s vision to sending a text message — simple, direct, and instant.
This explanation appeared to catch Carroll’s attention. While he didn’t offer any commitments or endorsements, his reaction suggested genuine curiosity.
Nassif’s summary emphasized that XRP isn’t trying to compete with Bitcoin as digital gold, but rather to make cross-border payments more efficient. This distinction might resonate with people like Carroll who are looking for practical applications in the crypto space.
Bitcoin Remains His Priority
Despite his willingness to learn more about XRP, Carroll reaffirmed that Bitcoin remains his primary focus. He has repeatedly described Bitcoin as “inevitable” and the only crypto asset he personally holds.
Earlier this year, Carroll posted on X (formerly Twitter) to his 1.2 million followers, stating he would only invest significant funds in Bitcoin. He advised followers to do their own research and not blindly follow influencers or communities.
His recent openness to learning about XRP may not change that policy overnight, but it does hint at a broader understanding of the cryptocurrency landscape. Carroll may still be a Bitcoin maximalist in terms of investment, but his mindset appears to be more flexible than many expected.
A Shift in Perspective?
For longtime followers of Carroll, this subtle shift is significant. While he remains committed to Bitcoin, his acknowledgment of XRP’s existence and potential utility could open the door for more balanced conversations in the future.
This could be especially important in an increasingly interconnected crypto world, where blockchain projects are finding ways to work together rather than compete outright.
Carroll didn’t signal any immediate changes in his investment decisions, but the fact that he’s giving XRP a second look is enough to stir conversation across the crypto community.
Whether or not this leads to any future involvement remains to be seen, but it marks a rare moment when a high-profile Bitcoin advocate pauses to reconsider their position — even slightly.
