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The Ultimate Guide to Crypto Finance. Level up. Go bankless.

Bankless


    • Aug 11, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekdays NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 16m AVG DURATION
    • 1,119 EPISODES

    4.8 from 924 ratings Listeners of Bankless that love the show mention: ryan and david, defi, ethereum, david and ryan, decentralized, favorite crypto, thoughtful content, crypto podcasts, crypto space, blockchain, must listen for anyone, wave, finance, excellent resource, economics, gents, anyone who wants, financial, alike, anyone interested.


    Ivy Insights

    The Bankless podcast is an exceptional resource for anyone interested in the world of cryptocurrency and decentralized finance. Hosted by David Hoffman and Ryan Sean Adams, this podcast consistently delivers informative and engaging content that has revolutionized the understanding of crypto for many listeners, myself included. With great guests from the crypto world, they offer deep insights into current crypto stories and emerging trends in the web3 space.

    One of the best aspects of The Bankless podcast is its ability to educate and inform listeners about the complex world of crypto in an accessible way. David and Ryan put in a tremendous amount of work to provide a thorough understanding of various topics, making it easier for newcomers like myself to grasp concepts and stay up-to-date with the rapidly evolving industry. The podcast has played a significant role in expanding my knowledge about crypto, introducing me to new ideas and helping me navigate this exciting ecosystem.

    While it's challenging to find any notable drawbacks to The Bankless podcast, one potential downside could be its focus on Ethereum and DeFi. As avid enthusiasts of these platforms, David and Ryan predominantly discuss topics related to Ethereum, which may limit the perspective on other cryptocurrencies or blockchain technologies. However, given their expertise in this area and their ability to provide valuable insights on Ethereum-based projects, this can also be seen as a strength rather than a weakness.

    In conclusion, The Bankless podcast is an invaluable resource for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of crypto and decentralized finance. Through their informative discussions, high-quality interviews, and comprehensive coverage of current trends and developments in the industry, David Hoffman and Ryan Sean Adams have created a podcast that truly stands out among other crypto podcasts. Their enthusiasm for this space shines through every episode, making it an enjoyable and educational experience for listeners. I highly recommend The Bankless podcast to anyone interested in exploring the world of cryptocurrencies.



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    Latest episodes from Bankless

    Ethereum's Next Decade | Vitalik Buterin

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 11, 2025


    Ethereum just turned 10, and Vitalik Buterin returns to reflect on the last decade—and where it's headed next. In this conversation, Vitalik shares what surprised him most about Ethereum's growth, the hard lessons from challenges like The DAO and NFTs, and what he'd do differently if starting again. We explore Ethereum's evolving cultural identity, privacy as a core value, the tradeoffs between L1 and L2, and how Vitalik envisions Ethereum surviving an AI-dominated future. ------

    ROLLUP: $3B ETH Whale | Roman Storm Verdict | Trump 401(k) Crypto Order

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 8, 2025


    On this week's Weekly Rollup, Ryan and David cover Tom Lee's $3B ETH buying spree at 12x Michael Saylor's pace, the race to become the top Ethereum treasury, and whether these companies are a buy or not. They also discuss the Roman Storm verdict, Trump's surprise $8.7T 401(k) crypto order, and Arthur Hayes selling millions in ETH. Plus, Base's 33-minute outage, the launch of Succinct's ZK prover network, and the SEC declaring liquid staking tokens are not securities. ---

    The Roman Storm Verdict | Peter Van Valkenburgh & David Morris

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 7, 2025


    Welcome to BanklessTV, featuring Peter Van Valkenburgh from Coin Center and David Morris of The Rage, freshly back from the SDNY courtroom with the inside scoop on the Roman Storm verdict. In this episode we unpack the split decision—how Storm beat the money-laundering and sanctions-evasion counts yet was found guilty on the hot-button “unlicensed money-transmission” charge—and what that single conviction means for every non-custodial developer in crypto. Peter breaks down the legal tightrope between FinCEN guidance and DOJ prosecution, outlines three clear appeal paths (including the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act), and explains why Roman's case could still become a rallying point for financial-privacy legislation. David shares firsthand color from the trial: jury deadlocks, high-stakes witness drama, and the emotional moment Storm walked free to see his daughter. Join us to hear why this verdict is both a wake-up call and an opportunity, what Congress, the courts, and the next administration might do next, and how the outcome could reshape DeFi, privacy tech, and open-source innovation for years to come. ------

    The World's Largest ETH Holder - Tom Lee on Treasuries, Ethereum Dominance, and Wall Street

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 6, 2025


    In this episode, we talk with Tom Lee, chairman of Bitmine, about the rapid growth of his ETH treasury company and its goal to secure 5% of the total ETH supply. Tom believes Ethereum could surpass Bitcoin in value, forecasting potential prices between $4,000 and $15,000. We discuss market dynamics, risks of excessive leverage, and his insights on valuing Ethereum and NFTs like Pudgy Penguins.  Tune in for key insights into Ethereum's future and Wall Street's role in crypto. ------

    Should I Buy ETH Treasuries? Early Stage Greed Cycle? | Michael Nadeau's DeFi Report #4

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 5, 2025


    Public companies are racing to lock ETH onto their balance sheets, but is this the spark for a late-cycle greed run or a setup for a painful reversal? Mike Nadeau from The DeFi Report joins Ryan to unpack the ETH treasury boom, explain how staking yield and convertible debt amplify reflexivity, and show why onchain signals place us around 9 p.m. on the market clock. We examine surging DEX volumes, record stablecoin supply, and the alt-season gauges that could send ETH to new highs. Finally, we outline the risks of leverage, premium flips, and the exit strategy smart investors are already planning. Michael Nadeau & The DeFi Report:  https://x.com/JustDeauIt  https://thedefireport.io ------

    Ben Cowen: Ethereum Season Is Here | How Far Can ETH Go?

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 4, 2025


    Ethereum has flipped the switch. After years of underperformance, ETH is showing decisive momentum, not just in USD terms, but against Bitcoin and the broader altcoin market. In this episode, Ben Cowen returns to break down what's changed, why ETH may be on a path to new all-time highs, and what its dominance means for the rest of the cycle. We explore ETH's regression bounce, ETHBTC targets, the fading strength of altcoins, and how market narratives tend to follow price, not the other way around. Ben also lays out his roadmap for the coming months and shares why this phase might be “Ethereum season,” not just in name, but in structure. For anyone navigating crypto in 2024–2025, this is essential context. ------

    ROLLUP: SEC Announces "Project Crypto." This Changes Everything.

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 1, 2025


    We're joined by Haseeb Qureshi from Dragonfly Capital to discusses the SEC's Project Crypto and its impact on the crypto landscape. We celebrate Ethereum's 10th birthday, reflect on its growth, and analyze the ongoing trial of Roman Storm linked to Tornado Cash. The episode also covers the launch of Ethereum treasury company ETH Zilla and advancements in crypto ETF regulations. Haseeb: https://x.com/hosseeb —-

    The Dollar Kill-Switch: Edward Fishman on How The U.S. Controls The Global Economy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 30, 2025


    Can a country wage war without ever firing a bullet? In this episode of Bankless, we uncover the surprising truth: America's most powerful weapon isn't its military - it's the dollar. Joining us is Edward Fishman, a former State Department official and the author of Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare. He explains how U.S. sanctions work, why they're so effective, and what happens when countries try to escape them. From Iran and Russia to the rise of stablecoins and China's digital yuan, we dive deep into the geopolitical power of financial infrastructure and crypto's growing role in rewriting the rules. If you want to understand the silent machinery behind global power, and why crypto might be the next battleground - don't miss this one. ---

    LIMITLESS - Dwarkesh Patel: The Scaling Era of AI is Here

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 29, 2025


    Is intelligence just compute plus data? And if so... what happens next? In this episode, Dwarkesh Patel, host of one of the most respected AI podcasts and author of “The Scaling Era”, joins us to break down the exponential rise of artificial intelligence. We explore how scaling laws became the engine behind modern models, why AI still can't learn on the job, and whether we're truly on the brink of AGI. From coding to consciousness, from geopolitics to governance, Dwarkesh shares a grounded but urgent perspective on what it means to live through the transition and how we might prepare for what's coming. ------

    The Ether Machine: How ETH Becomes the Internet's Reserve Currency | Andrew Keys & David Merin

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 28, 2025


    Andrew Keys and David Merin join us to unveil the Ether Machine—a bold new strategy to make ETH the internet's reserve currency.  We unpack their ambitious plan to acquire and actively manage hundreds of thousands of ETH, why they believe ETH is more than just a treasury asset, and how institutional capital can finally understand and tap into Ethereum's full potential. From staking and restaking to DeFi yield generation and Wall Street education, this episode explores why Ether is not just digital oil—it's the engine of the next internet. ------

    Crypto's Everything App | Base's Creator, Jesse Pollak

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2025


    The internet is broken for creators, and Base thinks it has the fix. Jesse Pollak joins Bankless to unveil the Base app, a crypto-powered everything app where posts earn, creators own, and mini apps go viral. From meme coins to market-based social media, this might be the start of a new onchain economy. —-

    ROLLUP: $4 Trillion Market Cap | GENIUS Act | ETH ETF Mania

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2025


    In this episode, we celebrate the crypto market reaching a $4 trillion cap, exploring the impact of the Genius Bill on stablecoins and digital assets. We discuss Polymarket's U.S. acquisition, Ethereum's ETF inflows, and the courtroom drama surrounding the Roman Storm trial. —-

    The ETH Treasury Race Has Officially Begun | Sam Tabar, CEO of Bit Digital (2nd Largest)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 24, 2025


    The race for ETH supremacy among public companies is heating up—and BitDigital is charging hard. CEO Sam Tabar joins us to share why they're going all-in on Ether, how they're copying Michael Saylor's playbook (but for ETH), and what sets BitDigital apart from the rest of the pack We talk staking strategies, ETH yields, competitive dynamics, and the explosive rise of ETH treasury companies. This is the next phase of institutional Ethereum adoption—don't miss it. ------

    6 Levels of Wealth with Nick Maggiulli | Author of The Wealth Ladder

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 23, 2025


    Everyone wants to climb the wealth ladder - but very few ask if they should. In this episode, Ryan sits down with Nick Maggiulli to explore the six stages of wealth, how your strategy should evolve at each level, and why reaching the top isn't always the win it seems. From early savings and side hustles to ownership leverage and lifestyle trade-offs, Nick guides us through practical, data-driven ways to build wealth, without losing sight of happiness along the way. If you're somewhere between $10K and $10M, this episode is for you. ------

    How Coinwatch Is Exposing Market Maker Manipulation | Co-Founders Matt Jobbe & Brian Tubergen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 22, 2025


    Crypto's murky market making practices are finally getting sunlight. We sit down with Coinwatch co-founders Matt Jobbe and Brian Tubergen to uncover how market makers have been quietly influencing token prices, the call-option structures enabling extraction, and how shady tactics have hurt retail. Then, we explore how Coinwatch Track is bringing real-time transparency to the space using trusted execution environments (TEEs), giving projects verifiable insights into what market makers are really doing with their tokens—and why this might just restore trust and open the door for more liquid capital to enter crypto. ------

    Can Worldcoin Fix The Internet's 99% Bot Problem? | Co-Founder Alex Blania

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 21, 2025


    The bots are winning. AI-generated spam, fake profiles, and deepfakes are turning the internet into a digital hall of mirrors. But what if there were a way to prove you're human, without sacrificing privacy? Worldcoin Co-Founder Alex Blania returns to Bankless to share a bold vision for addressing the online identity crisis. From 14 million users already “Orbed” to new integrations with dating apps and DeFi protocols, Worldcoin is evolving rapidly and facing significant questions. What happens when governments come knocking? And why does Alex think we're heading toward internet-native citizenship? Whether you're curious about AI-proof identity or sceptical of eyeball scanning orbs, this conversation cuts deep. ------

    ROLLUP: ETH Breaks New Records While BTC Hits ANOTHER All Time High

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 18, 2025


    We're celebrating "Crypto Week" as declared by Trump amid the introduction of key regulatory bills. But perhaps more importantly, Bitcoin's new all-time high, Ethereum's rising institutional interest, and Tom Lee's goal of acquiring 5% of ETH supply. Highlights include Base's new "everything app," the trend of Bitcoin miners viewing ETH as a treasury asset, and updates on macroeconomic factors and the Roman Storm trial. This is the hottest news in crypto. —-

    10 Bullish ETH Charts | Michael Nadeau

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 17, 2025 41:10


    Ethereum is gaining steam, but is the real rally just getting started? Mike Nadeau of the DeFi Report joins us to break down Ethereum's Q2 fundamentals and the 10 most bullish charts from his latest report. We explore why institutional demand may be driving this rally, how ETF flows and treasury holdings are accelerating, and whether ETH remains undervalued despite recent gains. Plus, we dig into the Genius Bill, stablecoin growth, real-world assets, and key onchain metrics that could fuel the next leg of Ethereum's bull run. Michael Nadeau & The DeFi Report: https://x.com/JustDeauIt https://thedefireport.io https://dune.com/the_defi_report/the-eth-report ------

    The ETH Treasury Race Has Officially Begun | Sam Tabar, CEO of Bit Digital (2nd Largest)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 15, 2025 42:52


    The race for ETH supremacy among public companies is heating up—and BitDigital is charging hard. CEO Sam Tabar joins us to share why they're going all-in on Ether, how they're copying Michael Saylor's playbook (but for ETH), and what sets BitDigital apart from the rest of the pack. We talk staking strategies, ETH yields, competitive dynamics, and the explosive rise of ETH treasury companies. This is the next phase of institutional Ethereum adoption—don't miss it. ------

    Are Tokenized Stocks Real? | Gabriel Otte of Dinari

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 14, 2025 85:57


    Tokenized stocks have long been a crypto dream, but are they real yet? Gabriel Otte, founder of Dinari, joins to break down the current landscape. We cover what tokenized stocks actually are, why regulatory hurdles make them complex, how Dinari secured the first broker-dealer license for tokenized public shares, and what this means for on-chain finance. We also explore the limitations of current tokenized stock offerings, Robinhood's moves, and whether true DeFi composability is possible for equities. ------

    ROLLUP: Bitcoin All-Time-High, Is ETH Next?

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 11, 2025 64:53


    This week, Ryan and David celebrate Bitcoin's new all-time highs as Ethereum sentiment explodes. ETH treasury firms are racing to stockpile billions, Fidelity is framing ETH as a store-of-value, and mainstream media is finally paying attention. So why isn't the price moving faster? They unpack the $8.6 billion Bitcoin whale awakening, Pump's $4 billion ICO, and crypto's "what color is the dress" moment with Zelensky's suit. Plus, Hyperliquid beats Solana at its own game, Robinhood pushes tokenized stocks, and prediction markets face a credibility crisis. Also, is ETH gearing up for a vertical breakout or just stuck in a bullish echo chamber? ------

    Ethereum's Strategy to Win Over Wall Street | Joe Lubin & Danny Ryan

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 8, 2025 38:13


    Recorded live at the Permissionless IV conference, this conversation dives into Ethereum's strategy to win over Wall Street. Danny Ryan discusses how Etherealize is advising financial institutions to leverage Ethereum's decentralization, resilience, and credible neutrality, while Joe Lubin explains why ConsenSys is taking a direct approach by accumulating ETH on Sharplink Gaming's balance sheet, similar to MicroStrategy with Bitcoin. Together, they unpack Ethereum's strengths, institutional adoption strategies, and what it will take for Ethereum to become the foundation of the next-generation financial system. ------

    Inside Cathie Wood's Trillion-Dollar Bets: AI, Musk, Robots & Crypto

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 7, 2025 97:32


    Cathie Wood is placing some of the boldest bets in investing history, spanning AI, robotaxis, brain chips, crypto, and even space. In this episode of Bankless, the ARK Invest CEO joins Chief Futurist Brett Winton to break down her five highest-conviction technologies - opportunities she believes could unlock over $20 trillion in enterprise value. You'll hear why Elon Musk's empire is at the center of it all, how Tesla's robotaxis could become the biggest AI project on Earth, and why Neuralink, Starship, and stablecoins are converging to spark a new era of productivity and exponential growth. This isn't just tech optimism - it's Cathie Wood's vision for the future of innovation. ---

    ROLLUP: Robinhood's Announcement Sets off Stock Tokens Frenzy

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 4, 2025 63:14


    Welcome to the Weekly Rollup, where we cover the latest news in crypto. ———

    Robinhood vs. Coinbase: Who Wins the Future of Finance? | David Rodriguez & Omar Kanji

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 3, 2025 76:08


    David from Blockworks and Omar from Dragonfly join the show to debate Coinbase vs Robinhood, two companies racing to become the dominant financial super app. We break down their business models, growth strategies, tokenized asset plays, and how each is approaching crypto, equities, and infrastructure. Will Robinhood's slick UX and expanding product suite win the next generation? Or will Coinbase's onchain infra and stablecoin moat prove unbeatable? Omar & Dragonfly https://x.com/TheOneandOmsy https://x.com/Dragonfly_xyz David & Blockworks https://x.com/EffortCapital https://x.com/BlockworksAdv ---

    Crypto Markets Forever Stuck? Onchain Data Explained | Michael Nadeau's Defi Report #2

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 2, 2025 65:22


    Crypto prices seem stuck. Is that about to change? Michael Nadeau of the DeFi Report returns to unpack what onchain data says about Bitcoin, ETH, and altcoins. We dive into why the market may be coiling beneath the surface, whether altcoins are due for a “hate rally,” and how valuation metrics reveal surprising accumulation trends. Michael also shares his current portfolio moves, including high-beta bets like Pepe and ENA, and lays out the macro triggers that could spark the next leg up. Michael Nadeau & The DeFi Report: https://x.com/JustDeauIt https://thedefireport.io ---

    Robinhood Announces Tokenized Stocks! LIVE with CEO Vlad Tenev, Johann Kerbrat, and AJ Warner

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 1, 2025 55:48


    In this series of three interviews from Cannes, we host Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood, Johann Kerbrat, GM of Crypto at Robinhood, and AJ Warner from Arbitrum to explore key announcements from their recent Token Summit. They discuss the introduction of tokenized stock options for private companies like SpaceX and OpenAI, aiming to democratize access for retail investors. Vlad highlights Robinhood's commitment to addressing investment inequities, while Johann shares insights on the technological challenges and their Layer 2 blockchain initiative facilitating 24/7 trading. They also navigate the regulatory landscape with the SEC and CFTC, envisioning a future where private shares become accessible and entrepreneurial capital raising is enhanced. The conversation wraps up with plans to improve user experience for new financial products in Robinhood's evolving crypto offerings. ------

    Becoming a Crypto Millionaire with Sam Dogen

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 30, 2025 72:55


    Sam Dogen, founder of Financial Samurai and one of the original F.I.R.E. voices, joins Ryan Sean Adams to break down the path to financial independence, whether you're investing in crypto or other asset classes. They unpack 10 milestones to millionaire status, from mindset and momentum to investing, real estate, and entrepreneurship. Sam and Ryan go deep on how to avoid financial landmines, get on the same page with a partner, and define a life where money serves purpose, not the other way around. If you want your net worth to grow without losing your life to the grind, this episode is your roadmap. ------

    ROLLUP: Bitcoin Dominance Hits 66% | Circle IPO 10x | Robinhood Flips Coin? | Kalshi vs Polymarket

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 27, 2025 53:34


    This week, David and guest co-host Tom Schmidt (Dragonfly) unpack a deceptively quiet crypto market with Bitcoin dominance hitting 66% and altcoins eerily still. What meta could flip the trend? They dive into Circle's explosive 10x IPO, Robinhood's surprise crypto surge, and why Coinbase is finally catching up. Plus: the Kalshi vs. Polymarket drama, ICOs creeping back, and how meme coins might soon help you get a mortgage. Also: Vitalik's Layer 1 pivot, prediction markets heating up, and signs of a new retail cycle forming. Tom Schmidt & Chopping Block https://x.com/tomhschmidt https://x.com/_choppingblock https://x.com/dragonfly_xyz ------

    The Stablecoin King | Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino on GENIUS Act, Circle IPO, Bitcoin & Tether to Trillions

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 23, 2025 76:08


    Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino returns to Bankless at a historic moment for stablecoins. With the Genius Act advancing in the U.S. Congress, Paolo discusses what regulatory clarity means for Tether, the future of USDT, and the company's plans to launch a domestic stablecoin. We explore the Circle IPO hype, Tether's eye-popping profits, its growing presence in the U.S. Treasuries and Bitcoin mining, and how grassroots distribution across emerging markets powers its dominance. Paolo also gives a glimpse into Tether's ambitions in AI, tokenized gold, and the battle to distribute the dollar where banks can't reach. ------

    ROLLUP: The GENIUS Act Passes | JP Morgan Stablecoin | Stablecoin Summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025


    Welcome to the Weekly Rollup, where we cover this week in Crypto. We unpack the implications of the Genius Act's passage, which positions the U.S. to lead in digital assets and spurs optimism around stablecoins potentially hitting a $3.7 trillion valuation by 2030. Also: JP Morgan's surprising entry into the stablecoin market and Coinbase's launch of new products, including a Bitcoin cashback credit card. ———

    The GENIUS Act Passes the Senate: Lead Sen. Bill Hagerty Discusses The US Stablecoin Bill

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025


    Today, we discuss the recently passed Genius Bill with Senator Bill Hagerty, a key architect behind the legislation aimed at stabilizing the U.S. stablecoin market. Following a significant bipartisan Senate vote of 68-30, Sen. Hagerty shares insights on the evolving congressional perception of cryptocurrency, moving from skepticism to support. The bill seeks to foster a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while protecting users and maintaining America's leadership in financial technology. The episode also highlights the potential economic benefits of a strong stablecoin framework and addresses concerns regarding Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs). ------

    LIMITLESS: U.S. vs China's Race to Superintelligence | Jeremie & Edouard Harris

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 18, 2025


    In this episode, Jeremie and Edouard Harris, co-founders of Gladstone AI and national security advisors, join us to break down the real score in the U.S.–China AI race. We unpack what it actually means to “win” in AI: from cutting-edge model development and compute infrastructure to data center vulnerabilities, state-sponsored espionage, and the rise of robotic warfare. The Harris brothers explain why energy is the hidden battleground, how supply chains have become strategic liabilities, and why export controls alone won't save us. This is not just a geopolitical showdown - it's a race for superintelligence, and the clock is ticking. ------

    EigenLayer Introduces EigenCloud: The First Crypto-Native Cloud Service | Sreeram Kannan & JT Rose

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 17, 2025


    EigenLayer is back with a major announcement: EigenCloud. Sreeram Kannan and JT Rose unveil the first crypto-native cloud platform—a verifiable, programmable environment for building applications beyond the limits of traditional blockchains. We explore how EigenCloud packages modules like EigenDA, EigenVerify, and EigenCompute into a developer-friendly product that brings cloud-scale computation and crypto-grade trust guarantees together. From meme coins and AI agents to fully sovereign applications, we dig into what makes this launch a pivotal step for crypto infrastructure and why it might just reignite Ethereum's original ambitions. ------

    Ryan's Personal Reboot: 5 Types of Wealth with Sahil Bloom

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 16, 2025


    In this deeply personal episode, Sahil Bloom joins Ryan Sean Adams to explore what it truly means to be wealthy and why so many high achievers get it wrong. After hitting burnout, Ryan stepped away from the grind to reassess his definition of success. What he found was a framework that reframed his entire life: the Five Types of Wealth. Together, they unpack why net worth alone is a poor scoreboard, how to avoid the trap of “never enough,” and what it means to build time, social, mental, physical, and financial wealth in harmony. This conversation is both a blueprint and a reboot, for anyone chasing more, and wondering why it still doesn't feel like enough. ------

    ROLLUP: Circle's $25B IPO Mania | Genius Act Passes? | Stripe Buys Privy | Polymarket Meets Twitter

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025


    This week, Ryan and David unpack Circle's stunning IPO debut, soaring to a $25B market cap and triggering Wall Street's stablecoin frenzy. They break down the landmark Genius Act vote, bringing unprecedented regulatory clarity to stablecoins, and dive into Stripe's latest crypto bet, acquiring wallet innovator Privy. Polymarket goes mainstream in an official integration with Twitter, while SEC Chair Paul Atkins embraces DeFi as fundamentally American. Plus, Gemini quietly files for IPO, Plasma's billion-dollar Tether chain ignites, and Trump unexpectedly endorses crypto at Coinbase. ------

    Ethereum is Digital Oil: The Bull Case for ETH with Vivek & Danny Ryan from Etherealize

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2025


    Etherealize is back with a bold new thesis: ETH is digital oil. In this episode, Vivek and Danny Ryan unpack their freshly released report, The Bull Case for ETH, which positions ether as the next great store of value—and a future global reserve asset for the digital economy. We explore ETH's misunderstood monetary design, its strategic role for institutions, and why Wall Street is waking up to Ethereum not just as a network, but as an investable asset. This is the case for ETH as the asymmetric opportunity of this generation. ------

    ROUNDTABLE: Crypto's IPO Era | HYPE vs. SOL vs. PUMP | Jon & Bread

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 11, 2025


    Crypto markets are buzzing and institutional appetite is peaking. With Circle's IPO wildly oversubscribed and a new wave of companies racing to go public, we unpack what this means for the industry. Jon and Bread join us to break down the hype around crypto IPOs, why TradFi wants stablecoin exposure, and what it signals for projects like Solana, Ethereum, and Hyperliquid. We also debate value accrual, ETH vs BTC narratives, and whether apps or platforms will dominate the next phase of crypto. This is the IPO Era of crypto—let's dissect the winners and the delusions. ------

    How Should ETH Be Valued? | Ryan Berckmans vs. Jon Charbonneau

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2025


    Jon Charbonneau and Ryan Berckmans join Bankless to debate Ethereum's future: is ETH undervalued, or has the market already spoken? We unpack whether Ethereum can rival Bitcoin as a store of value, if L2s will drive real value back to ETH, and whether Solana's momentum signals deeper trouble for Ethereum. Jon argues ETH has lost its lead and may never reclaim it. Ryan contends Ethereum's neutrality and institutional traction make it the inevitable hub for the onchain economy. This is the definitive conversation on where ETH stands—and where it's heading. ------

    Is Joe Lubin the Michael Saylor of Ethereum? | The $SBET Opportunity

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 9, 2025


    Joe Lubin returns to Bankless to break down his latest bold move—launching SBET, a publicly traded vehicle designed to accumulate and deploy Ether as a strategic treasury asset. We unpack whether Lubin is stepping into the Michael Saylor role for Ethereum, how SBET might outperform Bitcoin-backed models, and why ETH is poised for a monetary renaissance. From regulatory wins to Ethereum's evolving narrative on Wall Street, this episode explores how ETH can become a multi-trillion-dollar asset and a dominant store of value in the next economic supercycle. ------

    ROLLUP: Circle IPO Hits $20B | Stablecoin Summer Is On | Trump Wallet Chaos | EF Deploys Special For

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025


    This week, Ryan and David unpack Circle's explosive $20B IPO—crypto's second biggest—and what it signals about Wall Street's newfound love for stablecoins. They break down the confusing Trump wallet drama, where even Trump's own sons deny involvement, and explore why Pump.fun's rumored $4B token raise has the industry split. Ethereum enters “wartime mode” as the Foundation lays off staff and spins up a lean new R&D force called Protocol. Plus, Ray Dalio says “a bit of Bitcoin,” Trump's Big Beautiful Bill adds $2.4T to the deficit, and SBF is headed to Netflix. ------

    LIMITLESS - AI DEBATE: Runaway Superintelligence or Normal Technology? | Daniel Kokotajlo vs Arvind

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 4, 2025


    Two visions for the future of AI clash in this debate between Daniel Kokotajlo and Arvind Narayanan. Is AI a revolutionary new species destined for runaway superintelligence, or just another step in humanity's technological evolution—like electricity or the internet? Daniel, a former OpenAI researcher and author of AI 2027, argues for a fast-approaching intelligence explosion. Arvind, a Princeton professor and co-author of AI Snake Oil, contends that AI is powerful but ultimately controllable and slow to reshape society. Moderated by Ryan and David, this conversation dives into the crux of capability vs. power, economic transformation, and the future of democratic agency in an AI-driven world. ------

    Doppler: A New Way to Launch Tokens with Austin Adams

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 3, 2025


    Austin Adams, founder of Whetstone and creator of Doppler, joins to discuss the next evolution in token launches. We explore why the world needs more tokens—not fewer—and how Doppler enables creators, apps, and DAOs to build highly customized launchpads using modular tooling. We cover token market design, dynamic bonding curves to prevent sniping, and how this infrastructure could unlock more meaningful, value-connected tokens—from meme coins with DAOs to public market IPOs on-chain. ------

    Mike Novogratz: Bitcoin's Escape Velocity, Bond Market Crisis, Crypto x AI, & the Genius Act

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 2, 2025


    Mike Novogratz returns to Bankless to unpack Bitcoin's surge to new all-time highs and what it means in a world grappling with fiscal uncertainty. We dive into the unfolding bond market crisis, why the Genius Act marks a new chapter for stablecoins, the tokenization of traditional finance, and how Galaxy is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of crypto and AI. This is a front-row seat to the changing macro tides and crypto's place in the new financial order. ------

    ROLLUP: JD Vance Bitcoin 2025 | $425M ETH MicroStrategy | Tariffs Blocked | Stablecoin Summer

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025


    This week, Ryan and David break down the political storm brewing around crypto. From JD Vance's fiery speech at Bitcoin 2025 to the Trump meme coin dinner that triggered bipartisan backlash. They dive into Ethereum's biggest capital inflow yet, as a public company raises $425 million to buy and stake ETH, drawing comparisons to MicroStrategy. They also cover the court ruling that halted Trump-era tariffs, the Circle IPO finally moving forward, and early signs of a “Stablecoin Summer” as banks eye their own dollar-backed coins. Plus, the growing risks of copycat crypto acquisition vehicles, and why some say the next GBTC-style blowup could already be forming. ------

    LIMITLESS - The Intelligence Curse: AI Makes Us All Obsolete | Luke Drago & Rudolf

    Play Episode Listen Later May 28, 2025


    Welcome to Limitless. Today we're joined by Luke Drago and Rudolf, authors of the powerful essay series "The Intelligence Curse." Together, we explore a future where artificial general intelligence (AGI) threatens to upend the economic and social contracts that underpin modern civilization. Will AI empower us or make us obsolete? We unpack how labor-replacing AI could dismantle the very incentives that once gave rise to liberal democracies, social mobility, and human-centered innovation—and what it might take to build a future worth living in. ------

    Are We Headed for an Altseason Melt-up? | Michael Nadeau's Defi Report #1

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2025


    Is altseason finally here or just getting started? Michael Nadeau of the DeFi Report joins Ryan to break down the data behind a potential crypto rotation. We cover why ETH and select alts may be poised to outperform, how macro conditions are fueling risk-on sentiment, and why fundamentals—like protocol cash flows and MEV—matter more than ever. Michael also shares his current portfolio and reveals what he's buying right now. If you're positioning for what's next, this is your rotation signal. Michael Nadeau & The DeFi Report: https://x.com/JustDeauIt https://thedefireport.io/research/altseason-melt-up https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1g2H1VaAKHWB5trl1tRHRYc68lIqZ8tWnzcLnkasAVYk/edit?usp=sharing ---

    Introducing RSOV: A Better L1 Valuation Metric than REV | Jonah Weinstein

    Play Episode Listen Later May 26, 2025


    How should we value L1 tokens in crypto? Today's guest, Jonah Weinstein of Skycatcher, introduces RSOV—“Realized Store of Value”—a new metric designed to fundamentally rethink how we evaluate Layer 1 assets like ETH, SOL, and BTC. In this episode, we explore why traditional models like DCF and REV fall short for monetary assets, how RSOV works, and why it may be a better way to understand crypto's total addressable market. Tune in for a fresh perspective that could change how you analyze L1s forever. ------

    ROLLUP: Bitcoin Hits NEW ATH | Stablecoin Bill Advances | ETH's ZK Miracle | Solana's New Chain? | T

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025


    This week, Ryan and David unpack Bitcoin's explosive run to $111K and the macro chaos driving it—specifically, the U.S. Treasury's failed bond auction and what it signals for the dollar. They break down the Senate's landmark stablecoin bill (and Elizabeth Warren's meltdown), Ethereum's ZK miracle that could 100x Layer 1 throughput, and Texas launching its own state Bitcoin reserve. Plus, why Stanley Druckenmiller's portfolio strategy might justify going all-in on crypto—and whether alt season is finally on the horizon. ------

    ROUNDTABLE: The REV Debate - Real Metric or Fake News? Jon, Bread, & Andy8052

    Play Episode Listen Later May 21, 2025 59:47


    In this episode of the Bankless Podcast, hosts discuss Real Economic Value (REV). Triggered by Jon's exploration of how ETH and SOL prices correlate with REV, the team delves into REV's role as a value capture metric and demand signal for blockchain networks. We evaluate the implications for network valuations, debate the sustainability of relying on REV, and analyze competitive dynamics between Ethereum and Solana. The conversation concludes with musings on crypto investment risks and the evolving identity of digital currencies in relation to app utility. Jon Charbonneau: https://x.com/jon_charb Bread: https://x.com/0xBreadguy Andy8052: https://x.com/andy8052 —-

    Arthur Hayes: Money Printing & The Crypto Bet

    Play Episode Listen Later May 19, 2025


    Arthur Hayes returns to Bankless for a wide-ranging macro and crypto conversation. We cover why ETH ripped, why the Trump administration might walk away from US treasuries as the global reserve asset, and why capital controls—not tariffs—could redefine the global economic order. Arthur lays out his full thesis on how a massive shift in global liquidity is unfolding, what it means for crypto, and why he's betting big on Bitcoin, gold, and “buying everything” as the money printers rev up again. ------

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