Conversations about the most interesting current events and ideas in crypto, with the most interesting people in crypto. Hosted by @nlw. Watch live Mondays at 7pm EST: https://www.youtube.com/c/nathanielwhittemorecrypto
The Long Reads Live podcast is a captivating and thought-provoking show that brings long-form journalism to life through audio. Hosted by knowledgeable and engaging presenters, this podcast takes deep dives into complex topics, providing listeners with in-depth analysis and insights into a wide range of subjects. From politics and culture to science and technology, The Long Reads Live covers it all with meticulous research and storytelling prowess.
One of the best aspects of this podcast is the quality of the content. The hosts select compelling long-form articles from respected publications and bring them to life through narration and interviews. These articles are often well-researched and provide a comprehensive look at important issues, offering listeners a chance to delve deeper into topics that may not receive much coverage in mainstream media. The insightful commentary provided by the hosts adds another layer of understanding, making each episode both informative and entertaining.
Another strength of The Long Reads Live is its diverse range of topics. The podcast covers a wide array of subjects, ensuring there is something for everyone. Whether you're interested in politics, science, or social issues, you'll find episodes that cater to your interests. This variety keeps the podcast fresh and engaging, as it allows listeners to learn about different areas they may not have explored before.
While The Long Reads Live has many strengths, there are a few aspects that could be improved upon. One potential downside is the length of the episodes. As the name suggests, this podcast focuses on long-form journalism, which means episodes can sometimes run quite long. While this allows for more in-depth exploration of topics, it may be challenging for listeners who prefer shorter podcasts or have limited time available.
In conclusion, The Long Reads Live is an intellectually stimulating podcast that provides a unique platform for long-form journalism in audio form. With its engaging hosts and wide-ranging subject matter, it offers an immersive experience that educates and entertains listeners. While some episodes may be longer than desired, the quality of the content and the insightful commentary make up for any potential drawbacks. If you're looking for a podcast that dives deep into important issues and expands your knowledge on a variety of topics, The Long Reads Live is definitely worth a listen.
Trump's Fed pick has 30-plus crypto investments — and that's just what he could disclose. David walks through Warsh's filing, a Polymarket bot built on the theory that nothing ever happens, and Hollywood's Craig Wright blockbuster. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction (00:21) Trying Something New (02:47) Kevin Warsh (08:58) Nexo Ad (09:34) Nothing Ever Happens Polymarket Bot (18:47) Nexo Ad (19:38) Thoughts on Upcoming Craig Wright Bitcoin Thriller FOLLOW THE SHOW › David — https://x.com/dcanellis › The Breakdown — https://x.com/TheBreakdownBW SPONSORS › NEXO Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at http://nexo.com/breakdown Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to the Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ DISCLAIMER As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice.
AI is reprogramming the social fabric — and nobody can agree whether that's a good thing. Kevin O'Leary, investor and entrepreneur, joins us to share his framework for navigating the AI era across investing, data centers, and crypto. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction (01:33) One Shot, One Opportunity (03:20) Two Wolves (06:02) Nexo Ad (06:36) Interview with Kevin O'Leary (08:56) Datacenters as a Political Issue (12:13) How Kevin Uses AI (14:39) Nexo Ad (15:36) What Makes an AI Company Worth Investing In? (17:39) Thoughts on Negative Sentiment (19:09) How Does Crypto Fit Into This? (23:26) Marty Supreme Role (25:27) Developing Taste (29:45) Advice for Future Generations FOLLOW GUEST › Kevin O'Leary — https://x.com/kevinolearytv FOLLOW THE SHOW › David — https://x.com/dcanellis › The Breakdown — https://the-breakdown.carrd.co/ SPONSORS › NEXO Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at http://nexo.com/breakdown Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to the Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ DISCLAIMER As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice.
x402 just got a lot bigger. The Linux Foundation is now backing it — and maybe Amazon, Google, Stripe, Mastercard, and American Express along with them. In this episode, David sits down with Jordan Liu, co-founder of AIsa — one of earliest builders in the x402 ecosystem, with over 20 million microtransactions already processed. TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction (01:42) What AISA Builds (02:55) X40 Goes Linux (07:30) Nexo Ad (08:07) Adoption and Micropayments (19:58) Nexo Ad and Blockworks IR Promo (21:38) Adoption and Micropayments (Con't) (25:06) Protocols Roadblocks Future FOLLOW GUEST › Jordan Liu (AIsa) — https://x.com/AIsaOneHQ FOLLOW THE SHOW › David — https://x.com/dcanellis › The Breakdown — https://x.com/TheBreakdownBW SPONSORS › NEXO Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at http://nexo.com/breakdown - Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to the Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ DISCLAIMER As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice.
AI agents are coming online fast — and the payment rails for that world are being built right now. David breaks down the race between Coinbase's x402 and Stripe's Machine Payments Protocol, the rise of agentic commerce, and why crypto may have a natural edge, before sitting down with Jordan Liu of AIsa. __ TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Intro (01:30) Tool Time (03:45) AI-doption (05:48) Nexo Ad (06:30) When in Doubt, Incentivize (07:36) Interview with Jordan Liu (12:24) Nexo Ad and Blockworks IR Promo (14:09) Interview with Jordan Liu (Con't) __ › Jordan Liu (AIsa) —https://aisa.one/ › David — https://x.com/dcanellis SPONSORS › NEXO Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at http://nexo.com/breakdown Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to the Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ DISCLAIMER As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice.
While The Breakdown is between seasons, we're bringing some of our favorite conversations from across Blockworks onto the feed. In this episode of Forward Guidance, Felix Jauvin sits down with Fed Governor Stephen Miran at DAS to discuss why he believes inflation fears are overstated, why the Fed may still be too restrictive, and how AI, deregulation, and stablecoins could all shape the future of monetary policy. FOLLOW GUEST › Federal Reserve – https://x.com/federalreserve FOLLOW THE SHOW › Felix – https://x.com/fejau_inc › Forward Guidance – https://x.com/ForwardGuidance › Telegram – https://t.me/+CAoZQpC-i6BjYTEx › Blockworks – https://x.com/Blockworks ›David https://x.com/dcanellis TIMECODES (00:00) Introduction (02:36) Why Miran Dissented (05:10) Nexo Ad (05:44) Looking Through Oil Shocks (07:32) AI And Deregulation Disinflate (11:04) The Case For Neutral (13:26) What Sets Neutral Rates (17:03) Nexo Ad and Blockworks IR Promo (18:47) Where “Running It Hot” Narrative Fails (26:01) Skinny Master Accounts (28:00) Stablecoins And Dollar Demand SPONSORS › NEXO Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at http://nexo.com/breakdown DISCLAIMER Nothing said on Forward Guidance or The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Any views expressed are opinions, not financial advice. Hosts and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
While The Breakdown is between seasons, we're sharing a panel from Digital Assets Summit featuring the team behind Inflection Point. The conversation explores how investors should think about crypto valuations, what gives L1s value, and why there's still no shared framework for pricing blockchain networks. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Inflection Point: inflectionpoint.carrd.co Follow Matt: https://x.com/Matt_Hougan David: https://x.com/dlawant Michael: https://x.com/marcryptonio Marc: https://x.com/marcarjoon Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at http://nexo.com/breakdown Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ — Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (04:46) Crypto Valuation Models Are Broken (10:01) Nexo Ad (10:42) Revenue Isn't the Answer (16:23) One Asset Class or Many? (18:43) Nexo Ad and Blockworks IR Promo (20:23) Network Effects Need Revenue (26:03) Blockspace Isn't A Commodity (31:20) Institutions Need Intellectual Permission — Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
While The Breakdown is between seasons, we're sharing a panel from Digital Asset Summit hosted by David. The discussion explores how institutions think about on-chain privacy, the tradeoffs involved, and what it takes to bring financial systems onto blockchain infrastructure. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Patrick: https://x.com/_patrickogrady Follow Yannik: https://x.com/yrschrade Follow Catherine: https://x.com/catgu_ Follow Eric: https://x.com/wesarn_real Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at http://nexo.com/breakdown Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ — Timestamps:(00:00) Introduction (00:45) Meet the Privacy Builders (04:17) What Institutions Want (08:40) Nexo Ad (09:17) What Institutions Want (Con't) (23:00) Nexo Ad (23:52) Composability and Compliance (35:39) Retail vs Institutions Wrap — Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
In this special episode, we introduce Blockworks' new investor relations platform for onchain businesses. As institutional capital continues to enter crypto markets, expectations around transparency, standardization, and professionalism are rising. But instead of replicating legacy systems, Blockworks IR takes a different approach, leveraging real-time, onchain data to create a more transparent, data-driven, and low-friction investor relations model. The platform combines curated analytics, branded investor portals, and white-glove advisory support into a single solution, helping teams tell a clearer, more credible story while giving investors a more efficient way to evaluate opportunities. Launched at the Digital Asset Summit in New York, Blockworks IR aims to fill a critical gap in the industry. Listen to learn more about the vision behind the product and what it means for the future of investor relations in crypto.
While The Breakdown is between seasons, we're sharing the full version of a past conversation with Nick Almond. The discussion explores how to think about crypto networks, why common metrics can be misleading, and what actually matters when evaluating activity and value. Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Nick: https://x.com/DrNickA Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at http://nexo.com/breakdown Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ — Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (03:07) Ethereum vs Solana Endgames (06:18) Nexo Ad (06:54) Valuation Paradigms and Realism (14:56) Nexo Ad (15:47) Decentralization vs Fintech Future (24:44) Measuring Decentralization — Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
While The Breakdown is between seasons, we're sharing a recent episode of Forward Guidance. Felix is joined by Bob Elliott to break down how oil shocks impact inflation, growth, and central bank policy—and why markets may be underestimating the risks. As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Forward Guidance: https://www.youtube.com/@ForwardGuidanceBW Follow Bob: https://x.com/BobEUnlimited Follow Felix: https://x.com/fejau_inc Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at http://nexo.com/breakdown Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ —-- Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:57) Oil Shock Challenges & Today vs 2022 (10:38) Nexo Ad (11:13) Oil Shock Challenges & Today vs 2022 (Con't) (16:12) The Energy Shock Impact on Households (20:14) How Will Central Banks & Bonds React? (30:40) Nexo Ad (31:37) Oil Shock Sequence of Events (33:26) Iran War's Asymmetric Regional Impact (39:57) What Happens to Gold? (43:02) Understanding a Wartime Economy (47:34) Final Thoughts - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
As a new season of The Breakdown approaches, David takes a moment to introduce himself and explain how he thinks about Bitcoin, crypto culture, and the industry's next phase. – Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ — Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:04) My Crypto Origin Story (04:07) From Trading to Crypto Media (08:47) What Crypto Means Now (13:32) AI, Autonomy, and What's Next __ Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Marc Arjoon joins the show to discuss how institutional flows, ETF market structure, and the changing economics of Bitcoin mining are reshaping the market. As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Marc: https://x.com/marcarjoon Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at http://nexo.com/breakdown Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ — Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:34) Do Halvings Still Matter (03:45) Miner Supply And Profitability (08:06) Will AI Shift Move BTC (10:15) Nexo Ad and DAS Promo (11:28) ETFs Treasury And Custody Risk (20:06) Nexo Ad (21:03) Blockchain Not Bitcoin Debate (24:24) Governance And Quantum Risk (31:12) Bitcoin As Separate Asset ⸻ Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
From miners to institutional buyers, David breaks down why Bitcoin's halving cycle may still shape the market — even if the supply shock itself is fading. Plus, a conversation with Marc Arjoon. As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Marc: https://x.com/marcarjoon Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at http://nexo.com/breakdown Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ — Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:47) Halving Started the Fire (04:47) Nexo Ad (05:14) DAS Promo (06:08) Shock Factor (08:54) Never Too Early (10:51) Nexo Ad (11:35) Interview with Marc Arjoon ⸻ - Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
How should crypto tokens be valued? Haseeb Qureshi breaks down why cash-flow rights won't “fix” prices, and how AI agents transacting on-chain could drive the next wave of demand. As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Haseeb: https://x.com/hosseeb Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at http://nexo.com/breakdown Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ —-- Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:40) Tokens and Valuation Basics (03:02) Why Disclosures Matter (07:19) Aave Drama and Transparency (09:13) Nexo Ad (09:47) Aave Drama and Transparency (Con't) (12:32) Cash Flows and Token Demand (14:21) AI Agents and the Future (19:35) Nexo Ad (20:24) DAS Promo (21:12) AI Agents and the Future (Con't) (26:53) Closing Thoughts - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
In this first episode of Inflection Point, we explore the accelerating convergence between traditional finance and crypto as institutional adoption begins reshaping the foundations of global financial infrastructure. The conversation examines ETFs, DeFi innovation, market structure shifts, institutional flows, and how evolving investor behavior is changing Bitcoin and digital asset markets. Along the way, we discuss regulation, credit markets, technology limitations, and the broader implications of finance moving onchain. Enjoy! — Inflection Point: Apple
Are retail investors just exit liquidity? We unpack the token premium, forced price discovery, and what Ethereum and Tron data reveals about when fundamentals actually matter. Featuring insights from Haseeb Qureshi of Dragonfly. As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Haseeb: https://x.com/hosseeb Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at nexo.com/breakdown __ Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ —-- Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:26) Premium Economy (03:21) Same, But Different (04:59) Nexo Ad (05:27) DAS Promo (06:20) Price Is Like An Onion (11:18) Nexo Ad (12:07) Interview with Haseeb Qureshi - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Are retail investors just exit liquidity? We unpack the token premium, forced price discovery, and what Ethereum and Tron data reveals about when fundamentals actually matter. Featuring insights from Haseeb Qureshi of Dragonfly. As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Haseeb: https://x.com/hosseeb Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Nexo is the premier digital wealth platform. Receive interest on your crypto, borrow against it without selling, and trade a range of assets. Now available in the U.S with 30 days of exclusive privileges. Get started at nexo.com/breakdown __ Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ —-- Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:26) Premium Economy (03:21) Same, But Different (04:59) Nexo Ad (05:27) DAS Promo (06:20) Price Is Like An Onion (11:18) Nexo Ad (12:07) Interview with Haseeb Qureshi - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Crypto and fintech are converging. But who captures the value? Nick Almond on stablecoins, DAOs, and the future of capital formation. As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Nick: https://x.com/DrNickA Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ —-- Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:07) FinTech vs Crypto Today (03:28) Banks Onramps and Walled Gardens (07:53) Where Value Accrues Onchain (16:47) DAS PROMO (17:39) Where Value Accrues Onchain (Con't) (25:02) Tokens Culture and Market Outlook - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
With no clear external enemy left, crypto may be facing its next antagonist: fintech. This episode explores whether crypto is winning — or being domesticated. Plus, a conversation with Nick Almond. As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Nick: https://x.com/DrNickA Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ —-- Timestamps: 00:00 Intro (01:42) The Birth of TradFintech (05:04) Make Way, Crypto Natives (08:55) Rising Tides (10:40) DAS Promo (11:30) Interview with Nick Almond - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Daniel Shapiro joins to break down why AI and crypto may be destined to converge — from agent payments and identity to privacy, data markets, and the next big investable primitive. Thanks for tuning in! As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Daniel: https://x.com/_dshap Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ —-- Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (04:17) Can AI Be Crypto's Lifeline? (02:43) AI-Native Payments (06:35) Agents as the New Target Customer (10:54) Agent Trading and Security Concerns (13:00) Consumer vs Enterprise (16:14) DAS Promo (17:03) Will Crypto and AI Merge? (21:40) Tokens in the AI x Crypto Stack - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Some worry that AI could create a permanent underclass. Can crypto's next primitive change that — or will value accrue elsewhere? Plus, insight from Daniel Shapiro, Blockworks Research analyst Thanks for tuning in! As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Daniel: https://x.com/_dshap Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ —-- Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (01:45) Primitive Technology (04:39) More than Picks and Shovels (09:30) DAS Promo (10:15) Accruel World - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Paul Dylan-Ennis joins David Canellis to discuss decentralization theater, public goods, and the growing tension between crypto's ideological roots and market-driven reality. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Paul: https://x.com/post_polar_ Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ —-- Timestamps: (02:04) Token Economy and WEF Essay Comparison (08:15) The Gap Between Usage and Price (17:45) Public Goods and Market Incentives (26:57) Future of Crypto and Final Thoughts - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
What does it actually mean to “own” a token? As regulation catches up, the token economy may be facing its biggest identity crisis yet. Plus, a conversation with Paul Dylan-Ennis. Thanks for tuning in! As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Paul: https://x.com/post_polar_ Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ — Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (00:57) You Will Eat The Bugs (03:18) Ownership Vs Access (06:23) Regulatory Arbitrage (08:55) DAS Promo (09:44) The Triangle of Decentralization (15:37) Onchain-Offchain Symmetry (17:14) Interview with Paul Dylan-Ennis - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
The race to be the “most used blockchain” misses the point. This episode examines the metrics behind Solana vs Ethereum — and why usage, revenue, and adoption are being misunderstood — followed by a discussion with Nick Almond on where these networks are actually headed. Thanks for tuning in! As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Nick: https://x.com/DrNickA Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ —- Timestamps: (00:00) Intro - The Fight Over ‘Real' Crypto Metrics (1:43) Ethereum By The Numbers (3:56) Is Solana The ‘Most Used Chain?' (6:09) Why No Single Chain Can Win Everything (11:47) Different Chains, Different Jobs (14:00) Interview with Nick Almond - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Host and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Privacy is back at the center of crypto's narrative. This episode examines the limits of on-chain privacy, the role of KYC and the app layer, and how crypto onboarding has changed — before closing with Andrew M. Bailey of the Bitcoin Policy Institute. Enjoy! As always, remember this podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely their opinions, not financial advice. – Follow Blockworks Research: https://x.com/blockworksres Follow Andrew: https://x.com/resistancemoney Follow David: https://x.com/dcanellis — Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:20 The Limits of On-Chain Privacy 3:00 Reality of the App Layer 7:57 DAS Promo 8:44 From Self-Mining to KYC Funnels 11:14 The Future of Privacy in Crypto 14:49 Interview with Andrew M. Bailey — Disclaimer: Nothing said on The Breakdown is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Hosts and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Today's episode is the last episode of The Breakdown with me, NLW. To mark the end of this chapter, this show looks back at the biggest story from each year of the podcast, from the strange early days of 2018 through cycles of collapse, rebuilding, mainstreaming, and normalization, tracing how Bitcoin and crypto evolved alongside the show itself. It's a reflection on the moments that mattered, the themes that endured, and why the story of power, money, and incentives is far from over, even as my time behind this mic comes to a close. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Tether has officially launched its US-compliant stablecoin, USAT, a Genius Act–aligned, Treasury-backed token designed to operate squarely inside the American regulatory perimeter, giving the company a powerful hedge as global rules harden and tokenization accelerates. But the bigger story may be what comes next: Tether's rapid accumulation of gold, now rivaling central banks and openly framed by CEO Paolo Ardoino as preparation for a fractured monetary order where gold-backed alternatives to the dollar emerge. The episode explores why USAT is less about replacing USDT than expanding optionality, how Tether is positioning itself as a quasi-sovereign financial actor straddling competing systems, and why dire warnings about stablecoin yield draining bank deposits look far less destabilizing when set against the scale of the global financial system. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
A crypto-native deep dive into the systems, incentives, and power structures shaping the industry. Hosted by David C.
As Washington digs out from a winter storm, there are signs that the long-stalled crypto market structure bill may be inching forward again, with behind-the-scenes negotiations aiming to revive a bipartisan path in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The episode unpacks the competing narratives around whether talks are truly back on track, the political tradeoffs shaping the next markup, and why stablecoin yield remains the most stubborn blocker. It also looks at how pressure is building from outside Washington, from Coinbase and Bloomberg's Neil Ferguson pushing back on banking-lobby arguments, to new yield-bearing products from Bitwise and BlackRock that could make parts of the debate obsolete, before closing with a look at how Bitcoin miners' grid-balancing role showed up during the latest round of extreme winter weather. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Bitcoin stumbles through another Sunday-night slide as gold rips to historic highs, pulling attention and liquidity away from crypto and fueling talk of a speculative metals mania layered on top of genuine macro fear. This episode digs into why gold's breakout is happening now, how ETF outflows, loss realization, and shaken conviction are weighing on Bitcoin, and why the growing contrast between physical metal liquidity and Bitcoin's always-on exit may ultimately reinforce the long-term thesis even as short-term sentiment stays ugly. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Brian Armstrong takes Bitcoin to the World Economic Forum as Davos wrestles with the visible unraveling of the old global order, putting the Bitcoin standard, stablecoin yield, and crypto market structure squarely in front of central bankers and political leaders. This episode walks through Armstrong's exchanges with European officials, Trump and the White House weighing in on legislation, growing pressure to strike a deal on market structure, and why the real fight now centers on stablecoin yield and DeFi protections as the industry pushes to get a bill across the finish line. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Markets are selling off across the board as stocks, bonds, and the dollar all fall together, signaling something bigger than a routine drawdown. This episode unpacks why the latest crash feels like a true regime shift, tying together the Japanese bond market shock, escalating trade and geopolitical conflict, and explicit declarations from global leaders that the post–Cold War rules-based order is breaking down. From Greenland to Davos to Tokyo, the common thread is uncertainty about what comes next—and what it means for risk assets, rates, and the global financial system. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Today's episode digs into the deepening market structure fallout in Washington, tracing how Coinbase's withdrawal from the bill triggered White House anger, exposed fractures across the crypto lobby, and reignited bipartisan resistance in the Senate, particularly around DeFi liability and stablecoin yield. The episode explores why stablecoin yield has become the central fault line between banks and crypto, with banks warning of deposit flight while critics argue the real issue is banks protecting profits at the expense of consumers, leaving the bill stuck between irreconcilable interests. The result is a pessimistic moment for crypto legislation, where momentum still exists but the path forward increasingly looks like it will require one side to cave—or the effort to collapse entirely. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Bitcoin finally delivered a jolt of life, surging to $96,000 in its biggest move of 2026 and breaking a long stretch of boredom for crypto markets. The episode unpacks why this rally may matter less for its specific catalysts and more for what it signals about liquidity, positioning, and market psychology, with reactions ranging from technical optimism to deep skepticism. It also digs into new data from Wintermute and Bitwise that suggest crypto's market structure is maturing, liquidity is concentrating in the majors, and financial advisors are more committed than ever, even after volatility. Whether this move has legs or fizzles out, it marks a notable shift in tone for Bitcoin and the broader crypto market. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Bitcoin has spent the opening weeks of 2026 trading sideways, but beneath the surface a second phase of institutional adoption is taking shape. This episode unpacks why Morgan Stanley's move toward a Bitcoin ETF matters, how this “round two” differs from the first era of arm's-length distribution via ETFs, and why structured products signal deeper strategic intent from Wall Street. The conversation then turns to the fragile state of U.S. market structure legislation, the fight over stablecoin yield, and why regulatory clarity is now the gating factor for the next wave of adoption. Finally, the episode explores the growing influence of ratings agencies on Bitcoin-linked products and what that means for institutional demand as the window for a true inflection point rapidly narrows. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
A seismic escalation in the clash between the White House and the Federal Reserve as reports emerge that Fed Chair Jerome Powell is under criminal investigation, raising unprecedented questions about central bank independence, the credibility of US institutions, and the future of the dollar. This episode breaks down what the investigation is actually about, why Powell is framing it as political retaliation, how lawmakers and markets are reacting, and what a direct assault on Fed autonomy could mean for equities, bonds, gold, Bitcoin, and America's position at the center of the global financial system. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Morgan Stanley makes a major bet on crypto adoption by filing for in-house Bitcoin and Solana ETFs, a sharp reversal that signals real demand inside its massive wealth management network and another step toward crypto becoming table stakes for traditional finance. The episode also covers MSCI's decision to keep MicroStrategy in its indexes, the resulting rebound across crypto treasury companies and miners, and why index inclusion still matters so much for price action. Finally, there's an update from Washington, where a crypto market structure bill heads toward a contentious committee vote, with stablecoin yield, AML provisions, and banking lobby pressure setting up one of the clearest regulatory showdowns yet. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Bitcoin is off to a quietly strong start to the year, notching its longest green streak in months and pushing back toward key resistance levels, but conviction remains conditional as traders debate whether this is the start of a new leg higher or just another trap. Today's episode looks at the mix of narratives behind the move, from options market shifts and ETF inflows to geopolitical uncertainty and simple new-year portfolio resets. It also digs into Coinbase's renewed push to become an everything financial app, the intensifying rivalry with Robinhood, Washington's increasingly uncertain path toward crypto market structure legislation, China's first hard regulatory signal of the year, and why physical security risks are becoming a more central part of the crypto conversation. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
The capture of Venezuela's president marks one of the most aggressive geopolitical moves in years, and markets are racing to figure out what it actually means. This episode unpacks why oil barely moved despite Venezuela's enormous headline reserves, why those reserves may be far less economically meaningful than advertised, and how the real strategic target may be China rather than energy prices. It also looks at why gold and silver surged, why Bitcoin barely flinched, and how a more openly transactional US approach to statecraft could reshape global risk pricing in the months ahead. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Bitcoin enters 2026 in a strange and unfamiliar place, coming off a flat year, a post-halving cycle that never caught fire, and a market defined more by boredom than euphoria or panic. This episode catches up on everything that happened over the holiday break, from Bitcoin's muted price action and crushed altcoins to ETF flows, institutional positioning, and the growing sense that the four-year cycle may be fading. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
The final episode of the year looks back at the forces that actually mattered for Bitcoin and crypto in 2025, and it's not price. The conversation unpacks how institutional adoption turned Bitcoin into a normalized asset class across TradFi, how the regulatory environment shifted from crackdown to clarity through guidance, enforcement reversals, and stablecoin legislation, and how Trump-era crypto politics shaped the narrative without fully derailing the agenda. Then the focus turns forward to the three themes most likely to define 2026: tokenization and stablecoin implementation battles, the return of quantum risk as a real investor-facing question, and a macro setup dominated by Fed leadership uncertainty and a wide distribution of rate-cut outcomes. In the headlines: a year of normalization sets the stage for a year of infrastructure. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Coinbase closes the year with its biggest product overhaul ever, launching commission-free stock trading alongside prediction markets, on-chain Solana trading, custom stablecoins, simplified derivatives, and an AI-powered advisor—signaling a clear ambition to become an everything exchange and a vertically integrated financial institution. The episode unpacks why the crypto-native backlash misses the larger transformation underway, and why this move looks less like a retreat from crypto and more like crypto dissolving into mainstream finance. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Congress has officially kicked the crypto market structure bill into 2026, a move that surprises no one but still carries real risk as negotiations drag into an election year shaped by shutdown fights, midterms, and deep partisan disagreements over ethics, DeFi compliance, and stablecoin yields. Despite the delay, momentum hasn't fully died, with ongoing talks, a draft still to come, and the possibility that industry lobbying dynamics could shift the calculus next year. Meanwhile, regulators aren't waiting: the FDIC is moving quickly on rules that would allow banks to issue stablecoins under a clear framework, Tether is backing a bid to bring USDT to the Lightning Network, and tensions inside DeFi are boiling over as DAO token holders confront the limits of governance and ownership in a world where TradFi is arriving on-chain. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Bitcoin takes another sharp leg down, wiping out leveraged longs and pushing market sentiment firmly into the anger phase of this bear market. Thin liquidity, failed dip-buying on leverage, and continued whale selling are making a durable bottom hard to form, even as smaller wallets continue to accumulate. Macro pressure from a hawkish Fed, year-end risk aversion, and broader market unease are weighing on prices, while MicroStrategy's latest Bitcoin buys fail to spark a rally. Still, a more constructive regulatory tone from the SEC on crypto privacy stands out as a rare bright spot amid otherwise gloomy market conditions. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Today's episode breaks down a landmark moment for tokenization as the Depository Trust Company receives SEC approval to begin putting US public market securities on chain. The discussion covers what the no-action letter allows, why DTCC's role matters, how this could enable 24/7 settlement and programmable assets for stocks, ETFs, and Treasuries, and why this move represents the most credible path yet toward decentralized capital markets. The episode also examines parallel developments from Coinbase, JPMorgan, and Tether, and why tokenization may transform market structure even if it doesn't immediately boost crypto token prices. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
This Friday Five breaks down a pivotal Fed meeting marked by rare open dissent that signals a splintered FOMC and a far more politicized, harder-to-read monetary path into 2026, including what the new liquidity program really means for markets. The episode then turns to Washington, where the crypto market structure bill remains stuck in a late-year quagmire over DeFi AML rules and stablecoin yield, before digging into why markets appear finished with Bitcoin treasury companies after a high-profile debut flopped. It closes with a sober trimming of year-end Bitcoin bull cases and the sentencing of Do Kwon, a moment that feels like the final punctuation mark on the last crypto cycle.
Today's episode breaks down one of the most contentious FOMC meetings in nearly a decade. A deeply divided Fed delivered a rate cut that may also mark the end of the cutting cycle, with multiple dissents on both the dovish and hawkish sides and an unusually fractured dot plot. The conversation explores what the dissents reveal about competing inflation and labor-market risks, why Powell says the Fed is effectively flying blind without fresh BLS data, and how alternative data is shaping the debate. It also examines the quiet but significant shift in balance-sheet policy, as the Fed ends QT and begins reserve management purchases that many see as “QE that isn't QE,” and what this hawkish cut, baby QE, and a broken consensus mean for markets heading into an increasingly uncertain 2026 outlook.
Today's episode breaks down the rough NYSE debut of 21 Capital, whose immediate drop suggests markets are no longer willing to award premiums to companies whose only model is selling shares to buy more Bitcoin. The discussion examines why treasury firms are being valued at 1x, what 21's attempt to build real Bitcoin-based businesses signals about the future of the category, and how shifting analyst frameworks—from Standard Chartered's recalibration to institutional-flow–driven models—reflect a maturing market that now demands execution, not narrative. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
Today's episode examines Washington's increasingly public admission that the market-structure bill is stuck, with key senators signaling that negotiations have become frustrating and unlikely to resolve this year. From there the focus turns to MicroStrategy's return to large-scale Bitcoin purchases, the funding mechanics behind it, and the growing debate over whether the company is executing long-term strategy or edging into risk. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
A crypto regulatory update looking at why the long-promised market structure bill is likely slipping into next year as negotiators get bogged down in stablecoin yield, conflict-of-interest language, and the thorny problem of DeFi. The episode also covers the SEC's increasingly sharp divide with TradFi over tokenization rules and a surprising bit of good news from the CFTC on approved spot markets, setting the stage for a pivotal regulatory year ahead. Headlines at the end. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBreakdownBW Subscribe to the newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/thebreakdown Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownBW
This Friday 5 runs through a week defined by Larry Fink's renewed tokenization push, MicroStrategy's move to eliminate default risk, major wealth platforms finally opening their doors to Bitcoin, and a macro backdrop where liquidity interventions are starting to matter again. It all culminates in a price week that didn't resolve the bear case but made the conversation far more interesting, with volatility returning even if direction hasn't. Headlines include: BlackRock's policy-facing tokenization thesis, MicroStrategy's $1.4B buffer, Vanguard and Bank of America shifting access, and the Fed's early signals on easing.
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