

The Crypto Beat
The Block
The Crypto Beat is a live streaming podcast focused on topical crypto news events. The podcast will feature multiple guests who are deep in the crypto industry sharing their views on the topic of the day. It will be available across X, Twitch and YouTube and made available afterwards on popular audio platforms.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2025 • 27min
Building crypto vaults with Veda co-founder Sun Raghupathi
The Block's Head of Growth, Tim Copeland, was joined by Veda co-founder and CEO Sun Raghupathi.
Tim and Sun discussed how DeFi vaults are simplifying complex finance systems and looking to drive mainstream and institutional adoption. Sun explained on Veda's Vault architecture, the importance of security, and the evolving competitive landscape in the DeFi space.
OUTLINE
00:00 – Introduction
00:25 – What is Veda?
03:31 – Potential Contagion Risks
04:30 – GMX Hack
05:39 – DeFi Hacks
08:16 – Challenges of Building Vaults
09:48 – DeFi's Evolution
15:23 – Institutional Involvement
16:58 – Vault Uses in TradFi
17:47 – Tokenized Stocks
20:44 – Vaults vs. Staking
22:48 – Types of Vault Strategies
24:39 – AI in Vault Management
25:47 – Veda’s Future Plans
26:37 – Conclusion
The Block Newsletters
The Block's newsletters bring you the latest news and analysis of the fast-moving crypto and DeFi markets. To subscribe, visit theblock.co/newsletters
Guest links:
Sun - https://x.com/sunandr_
Veda - https://x.com/veda_labs
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Jul 23, 2025 • 37min
The intersection of crypto and AI, presented by OpenLedger
The Block's Head of Growth, Tim Copeland, was joined by OpenLedger Core Contributor Ram Kumar in this episodes sponsored by OpenLedger.
Tim and Ram discussed the emerging intersection of decentralized AI and blockchain technology. Ram explains how OpenLedger is building infrastructure to let users contribute proprietary data to train AI models, with on-chain attribution and rewards for data contributors. The conversation covers OpenLedger’s upcoming mainnet launch, tokenomics, and the broader promise of creating a transparent, community-driven AI economy.
OUTLINE
00:00 – Introduction
01:02 – What is Openledger?
02:27 – Data Contribution Model
08:47 – Access to Agents
15:16 – Ensuring Quality Data
19:09 – Incentive Structures
23:18 – The Role of Tokens
24:56 – The Convergence of AI and Crypto
27:53 – Competing with Centralized Systems
30:23 – Openledger's Future and Success
33:32 – Data Economy Insights
36:17 – Conclusion
The Block Newsletters
The Block's newsletters bring you the latest news and analysis of the fast-moving crypto and DeFi markets. To subscribe, visit theblock.co/newsletters
Guest links:
Ram - https://x.com/Ramkumartweet
OpenLedger - https://x.com/OpenledgerHQ
Are you hiring in crypto?
Use Campus to quickly find your best candidates with our challenging Crypto Assessment Test.
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Jul 16, 2025 • 55min
Murad explores his memecoin thesis and support for SPX6900
The Block's Head of Growth, Tim Copeland, was joined by Co-Host Kelvin Sparks and memecoin aficionado Murad.
In this episode, Murad argues that the future of crypto lies in belief-driven, community-powered assets rather than short-term speculation or utility tokens. He explains why meme coins like SPX6900 are not just speculative plays but cultural and spiritual movements that offer their holders meaning, identity, and potential financial upside.
OUTLINE
00:00 – Introduction
00:47 – Memecoin Landscape
04:58 – Rise of Bonk.Fun
07:10 – The next six months
09:15 – SPX6900 as a Schelling Point
18:33 – Responsibilities with Memecoins
23:45 – Flipping the Stock Market
29:23 – Memecoin mullet
34:13 – Memecoin strategy
38:55 – Bitcoin Treasury Trade
45:47 – Crypto's Future
48:17 – Murad's Motivation in Crypto
52:56 – Creating or Moving Value
54:56 – Conclusion
The Block Newsletters
The Block's newsletters bring you the latest news and analysis of the fast-moving crypto and DeFi markets. To subscribe, visit theblock.co/newsletters
Guest links:
Murad - https://x.com/MustStopMurad
Are you hiring in crypto?
Use Campus to quickly find your best candidates with our challenging Crypto Assessment Test.
Faster hiring, stronger teams.
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Jul 8, 2025 • 41min
Wormhole Foundation co-founder on how RWAs and stablecoins can live in a multichain world
The Block's Head of Growth, Tim Copeland, was joined by Wormhole Co-Founder Robinson Burkey.
In this episode, Copeland and Burkey discuss the growing adoption of multi-chain frameworks and increasing institutional interest in blockchain technology. The conversation also touches on tokenized assets and the growing emphasis on revenue in the crypto space.
OUTLINE
00:00 – Introduction
01:22 – Wormhole’s growth
04:07 – Which chains are seeing growth
06:47 – RWAs
08:57 – Tokenized Credit
11:47 – Wormhole's Role in RWA
14:14 – Institutional adoption
17:45 – Institution’s opening up to crypto
20:23 – Future Crypto Expansion
23:05 – IPOs and On-Chain Opportunities
25:54 – Wormhole’s Governance Model
32:06 – Effects of Shifting US regulations
36:00 – Potential For Revenue Sharing
37:51 – Conclusion
The Block Newsletters
The Block's newsletters bring you the latest news and analysis of the fast-moving crypto and DeFi markets. To subscribe, visit theblock.co/newsletters
Guest links:
Robinson Burkey - https://x.com/RobinsonBurkey
Wormhole Foundation - https://x.com/wormholefdn
Are you hiring in crypto?
Use Campus to quickly find your best candidates with our challenging Crypto Assessment Test.
Faster hiring, stronger teams.
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Jul 2, 2025 • 29min
Bringing dark pools to Hyperliquid with Silhouette Founder Chandler De Kock
The Block's Head of Growth, Tim Copeland, was joined by Silhouette Founder Chandler De Kock.
In this episode, Copeland and De Kock discuss Silhouette and dark pools, the integration of privacy features into DeFi, and the implications for market transparency. The conversation also touches on the role of market makers and recent industry trends on token launches.
OUTLINE
00:00 – Introduction
00:36 – Dark Pools Explained
03:34 – Ensuring Private Transactions
07:39 – Maintaining Standards
12:57 – Hyperliquid.
15:44 – James Wynn and Public Positions
19:48 – Challenges and Opportunities
21:38 – Market Maker Engagement
23:33 – Next Steps to Launch
28:55 – Conclusion
The Block Newsletters
The Block's newsletters bring you the latest news and analysis of the fast-moving crypto and DeFi markets. To subscribe, visit theblock.co/newsletters
Guest links:
Chandler De Kock - https://x.com/chandlerdkk
Silhouette - https://x.com/silhouette_exhttps://x.com/silhouette_ex
Are you hiring in crypto?
Use Campus to quickly find your best candidates with our challenging Crypto Assessment Test.
Faster hiring, stronger teams.
Sign up for a trial today: theblock.co/campus

Jul 2, 2025 • 28min
Inside the institutional ETH staking world with Alluvial CEO Mara Schmiedt
The Block's Head of Growth, Tim Copeland, was joined by Alluvial CEO Mara Schmiedt.
In this episode of The Crypto Beat, Copeland and Schmiedt discuss Alluvial's role in shaping institutional Ethereum staking. Schmiedt also discusses a new partnership between Liquid Collective and Galaxy, and shares insights on market trends, compliance, and the future of crypto regulations.
OUTLINE
00:00 – Introduction
00:34 – Alluvial's Mission
02:29 – Compliance and KYC
05:12 – ETH Withdrawals
06:05 – Partnership with Galaxy
08:02 – Institutional Staking Demand
10:06 – Adding ETH to balance sheets
12:38 – Convergence of Crypto and TradFi
14:24 – Institutional Adoption and Compliance
15:27 – SEC Staking Guidance
18:33 – Growth of Liquid Staking Tokens
20:06 – US Staking Lawsuits
21:21 – ETFs and Staking
25:50 – Future of Staking
26:57 – Conclusion
The Block Newsletters
The Block's newsletters bring you the latest news and analysis of the fast-moving crypto and DeFi markets. To subscribe, visit theblock.co/newsletters
Guest links:
Mara Schmiedt - https://x.com/MaraSchmiedt
Alluvial - https://x.com/alluvialfinance
Are you hiring in crypto?
Use Campus to quickly find your best candidates with our challenging Crypto Assessment Test.
Faster hiring, stronger teams.
Sign up for a trial today: theblock.co/campus

Jun 20, 2025 • 34min
Upexi CEO & CSO break down their Solana treasury strategy
The Block's Head of Growth, Tim Copeland, was joined by Upexi CEO Allan Marshall and CEO Brian Rudick.
In this episode, Marshall and Rudick explain why their company is going all-in on Solana as the core of a digital asset treasury strategy. They discuss the upside potential of Solana, staking yields, and how disciplined leverage and capital markets dynamics could mirror or improve on MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin playbook.
OUTLINE
00:00 - Intro
00:55 - Why Upexi chose Solana over Bitcoin
02:45 - Staking Solana and revenue benefits
04:41 - Regulatory clarity and the bull case
07:23 - Wen Solana ETF
10:39 - Explaining the premium
15:12 - Risk management
19:18 - Locked SOL supply and market impact
21:39 - GameStop & SharpLink
23:53 - Concerns about treasury strategies
26:32 - Navigating downturns in crypto
31:45 - Looking ahead
33:24 - Conclusion
The Block Newsletters
The Block's newsletters bring you the latest news and analysis of the fast-moving crypto and DeFi markets. To subscribe, visit theblock.co/newsletters
Guest links:
Allan Marhsall - https://x.com/marshall_a22015
Brian Rudick - https://x.com/thetinyant
Upexi - https://www.upexi.com/
Are you hiring in crypto?
Use Campus to quickly find your best candidates with our challenging Crypto Assessment Test.
Faster hiring, stronger teams.
Sign up for a trial today: theblock.co/campus

Jun 16, 2025 • 32min
How Across Protocol is looking to fix crypto's cross-chain headaches
The Block's Head of Growth, Tim Copeland, was joined by Across Protocol Co-Founder Hart Lambur.
In this episode, Copeland and Lambur discuss how Across Protocol is looking to revolutionize cross-chain interoperability by using an intent-based system that enables near-instant, secure asset transfers between blockchains. They also touched on Lambur's history as a bond trader at Goldman Sachs, chain abstraction, and crypto treasury companies.
OUTLINE
00:00 – Intro
00:33 – What is Across Protocol?
03:42 – How Intent-Based Bridging Works
05:05 – Solver Mechanics Explained
06:34 – Fee Structure & Value Prop
09:07 – Lambur’s history with Goldman Sachs
11:13 – Across and Intents
14:57 – The Future of Seamless UX
19:06 – Onboarding new users
22:14 – Other Projects Lambur Likes
26:55 – Market Outlook & Bitcoin Macro
28:15 – MicroStrategy Copycats Risk?
31:18 – Closing Remarks
The Block Newsletters
The Block's newsletters bring you the latest news and analysis of the fast-moving crypto and DeFi markets. To subscribe, visit theblock.co/newsletters
Guest links:
Hart Lambur - https://x.com/hal2001
Across Protocol - https://x.com/AcrossProtocol
Are you hiring in crypto?
Use Campus to quickly find your best candidates with our challenging Crypto Assessment Test.
Faster hiring, stronger teams.
Sign up for a trial today: theblock.co/campus

Jun 4, 2025 • 32min
It’s time for a ‘flight to quality’ - Thrive founder Daniel Jacobs
The Block's Head of Growth, Tim Copeland, was joined by Thrive Founder Daniel Jacobs.
In this episode, Jacobs shares how Thrive uses a mix of expert and AI agent reviewers to validate contributions, making grant funding faster, fairer, and ensure they are supporting the creation of value. Jacobs also critiques the value-extraction mindset in crypto and advocates for a shift toward long-term value creation and ecosystem sustainability.
OUTLINE
00:00 – Introduction
01:03 – The Origin of Thrive
04:23 – Reviewer Incentives
05:35 – AI Agent Adoption
08:52 – Confirming AI Accuracy
12:36 – Comparisons to Kaito
13:58 – Growth Metrics
16:26 – Challenges in Crypto Grant Funding
20:50 – Extracting vs. Creating Value
25:07 – Are VCs good for the space?
28:37 – Moving into “Fundamental Season”
30:07 – Interesting projects
31:17 – Daniel’s Predictions for 2025
31:42 – Closing Thoughts
The Block Newsletters
The Block's newsletters bring you the latest news and analysis of the fast-moving crypto and DeFi markets. To subscribe, visit theblock.co/newsletters
Guest links:
Daniel Jacobs - https://x.com/thrivegiraffe
Thrive Protocol - https://x.com/thriveprotocol
Are you hiring in crypto?
Use Campus to quickly find your best candidates with our challenging Crypto Assessment Test.
Faster hiring, stronger teams.
Sign up for a trial today: theblock.co/campus

May 27, 2025 • 44min
MetaMask co-founder Dan Finlay unpacks vision for reaching a 'much bigger audience'
The Block's Head of Growth, Tim Copeland, was joined by Metamask Co-Founder Dan Finlay.
In this episode, Copeland and Finlay discuss the evolution of the crypto industry, the intersection of blockchain and AI, and MetaMask's goal to build a wallet for a much broader audience outside of crypto natives.
OUTLINE
00:00 - Introduction
00:42 - Crypto’s evolution
02:57 - MetaMask's strategy
04:39 - Mainstream Use Cases
07:20 - MetaMask’s Grants Program
10:57 - Challenges in Building MetaMask
15:17 - Improving Multi-Chain UX
17:16 - The Pectra Upgrade
23:06 - MetaMask’s revenue streams
25:33 - From Memes to Fundamentals
27:58 - Experimenting with AI
32:19 - The Solana Meme Coin
37:04 - Native Support for Solana
40:09 - The Changing U.S. Regulatory Landscape
41:20 - The Elusive MetaMask Token
42:17 - Hopes for the Future
43:01 - Conclusion
The Block Newsletters
The Block's newsletters bring you the latest news and analysis of the fast-moving crypto and DeFi markets. To subscribe, visit theblock.co/newsletters
Guest links:
Dan Finlay - https://x.com/danfinlay
MetaMask - https://x.com/MetaMask
Are you hiring in crypto?
Use Campus to quickly find your best candidates with our challenging Crypto Assessment Test.
Faster hiring, stronger teams.
Sign up for a trial today: theblock.co/campus