Pitchfork Economics with Nick Hanauer Easy Money: Cryptocurrency, Casino Capitalism, and the Golden Age of Fraud (with Ben McKenzie)
Nov 11, 2025
Ben McKenzie, notable for his roles in The O.C. and Gotham, dives deep into the murky waters of cryptocurrency in his new book, Easy Money. He uncovers how a mix of hype and libertarian ideology inflated crypto into a trillion-dollar bubble while illuminating the psychology behind its cult-like following. Discussing its flaws as real money and comparing it to legalized gambling, McKenzie warns of the systemic risks posed by corporate-issued stablecoins. His insights reveal why many still cling to crypto despite its damaging realities.
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How The Book Began
- Ben McKenzie stumbled into crypto research during the pandemic after a college friend urged him to buy Bitcoin.
- Bored and curious, he teamed with journalist Jacob Silverman and turned the reporting into the book Easy Money.
Crypto Fails Money's Core Functions
- Cryptocurrency fails the three core functions of money: medium of exchange, unit of account, and store of value.
- Bitcoin is mainly a speculative instrument and a vehicle for crime, not a usable currency.
On-Camera Interviews With Crypto Figures
- McKenzie and Jacob Silverman interviewed top crypto figures including Sam Bankman-Fried before the collapse.
- He recorded on-camera interviews with fraudsters like Alex Mashinsky, who later received prison time.
