Nick Shirley Admits to Memecoin Launch in Channel 5 Unreleased Interview Segment
Content creator Nick Shirley has gained widespread attention for his videos focusing on alleged fraud in Minnesota's childcare and feeding programs. These videos often examine claims of taxpayer fund misuse at certain centers and have resonated strongly within conservative MAGA online communities. In a new previously unreleased segment of the interview with journalist Andrew Callaghan of Channel 5, Shirley discussed various aspects of his work, including a lesser-known venture into cryptocurrency.
During the conversation, Shirley addressed his involvement in launching his personal memecoin known as $THENICKSHIRLEY. He initially appeared reluctant to dive into the topic but later explained his reasoning openly. Shirley described the token as a way to monetize his content directly, noting that platforms like Zora allow creators to upload material and earn through associated trading activity.
The interview shed light on how Shirley views crypto tools as an extension of his content creation funding models. Callaghan's style of raw, on-the-ground reporting provided a platform for Shirley to connect his online videos with emerging tech. This segment has as a candid moment that bridges content creation with digital asset trends, as shown in the clip below where Shirley discusses his memecoin launch to help promote his videos.
Previously unreleased video of Nick Shirley discussing with Channel 5 his new crypto memecoin $THENICKSHIRLEY
Memecoin Launch and Market Performance
The $THENICKSHIRLEY memecoin token launched in late December 2025 on the Zora protocol, which operates on Base, Coinbase's Ethereum Layer-2 network. Zora supports creators by enabling token launches tied to their brands, with built-in mechanisms for fees and rewards from trading. Shirley collaborated with the platform to deploy the token, which features a total supply of one billion and the contract address 0x9f6…31e7 on Base.
Initial excitement surrounded the launch, amplified by Shirley's growing audience and public support from Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong. Armstrong highlighted the project on social media as an example of improved content monetization on Base compared to other platforms. This endorsement helped drive early interest, pushing the token's market value to around $9 million at its peak shortly after debut.
Trading primarily occurs on Uniswap versions on Base, often paired with assets like ZORA or USDC. However, the token experienced sharp volatility soon after, dropping significantly in value within days. Critics raised concerns about aggressive selling by early holders, leading to discussions around potential pump-and-dump dynamics common in memecoin markets.
As of January 21, 2026, the token trades at approximately $0.00077 with a market value near $768,000. Liquidity stands around $279,000, with daily volume even less.
The project has sparked broader conversations within the Base and Zora communities about creator token viability. Many have expressed disappointment over the rapid price decline, suggesting it affected perceptions of similar launches.
Most recently, former NYC Mayor Eric Adams caught a lot of backlash for his NYC token where he absconded with millions in profits. Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong responded to the backlash by defending the linked economics between content and creator coins through shared liquidity pools.
Shirley's admission in the Channel 5 video brings new light to the memecoin launch, clearly showing his involvement and early dump of coins on retail investors, known in the space as a "rug pull."