Bankless

CJ Hetherington, Founder of Limitless and an innovator in prediction markets, reveals the shocking details behind Binance’s listing fees, disclosing a proposal of 8% of total token supply and $250k. He dives deep into the hidden pressures founders face when accepting such deals and advocates for on-chain price discovery to challenge centralized exchanges. CJ also discusses Limitless’s unique features, its strategic focus on instant settlements, and what it means for the future of trading. With impressive metrics, CJ shares the vision for building a fairer market landscape.

Tom Lee, founder of Fundstrat, and Arthur Hayes, former CEO of BitMEX, dive into how crypto is reshaping Wall Street. They discuss Bitcoin's soaring price and Ethereum's resurgence fueled by institutional investment. Tom shares bold price targets, projecting BTC could hit $200–250k and ETH $10–12k. Arthur critiques leveraged ETFs while advocating for perpetual swaps, and they both underscore the transformative role banks could play as on-chain tech firms. The duo also explores the implications of Tether's rise as a potential game changer in the banking landscape.

Gold breaks $4,000 while Bitcoin quietly reaches new heights. The discussion dives into the rising debasement trade and the potential AI bubble shaping market dynamics. BNB's remarkable surge and ICE's massive $2 billion investment in Polymarket also take center stage. Furthermore, ETH staking ETFs launch to much curiosity. The impending approval of Solana ETFs could spark further market momentum, and insights into retail strategies from Galaxy add to the buzz. It's a whirlwind of innovation and speculation in the crypto world!

Ryan and David delve into prediction markets, exploring their differences from traditional sportsbooks. They highlight platforms like Polymarket and Kalshi, discussing scalability and regulatory challenges. The hosts debate whether these markets serve as valuable information sources or mere gambling avenues. Interesting insights emerge about market accessibility in the U.S. and the potential for hedge funds to engage with these platforms. Predictions suggest that these markets could significantly outpace traditional betting, impacting both finance and governance.

Dan Wang, a technology analyst and author of Breakneck: China’s Quest to Engineer the Future, delves into why China builds faster than the U.S. He contrasts China's 'engineers-in-charge' model with America's 'lawyerly' governance, discussing the impact on infrastructure and urban life. Dan debunks myths about China's economy, explores the country's wealth paths, and addresses misconceptions about censorship and social credit. He argues for an 'abundance agenda' in the U.S. to encourage more engineering while protecting rights, emphasizing coexistence between the two nations.

Christina Kaplan and Samir Ahmed from OpenAI guide us through the evolution of ChatGPT's memory features. They discuss the shift from a forgetful assistant to Pulse, which prepares users for their days while they sleep. The duo explores user reactions to memory updates, emphasizing privacy and the nuanced care for personal data. Short- and long-term memory dynamics spark deeper user interactions, paving the way for a more personalized experience. Get insights into how this innovative tool aims to align with users' goals seamlessly.

Morgan Housel, an author and financial writer known for his insights on the psychology of money, dives into how to spend wisely for true happiness. He discusses the importance of distinguishing between status-driven spending and genuine satisfaction. Housel sheds light on the concept of the hedonic treadmill, revealing how chasing status can lead to dissatisfaction. He also shares practical advice on buying independence, compounding quietly, and helping kids develop a healthy financial mindset without spoiling them. A thought-provoking take on spending and financial freedom!

Uptober kicks off with Bitcoin and Ethereum surging, as Tom Lee makes headlines with a $1B ETH buy. Vanguard dives into crypto ETFs, marking a significant shift in traditional finance. Meanwhile, Stripe enters the stablecoin game with its own platform, challenging the current duopoly. Zcash experiences a remarkable 200% price surge. Cloudflare announces an on-chain stablecoin for seamless machine payments, while discussions spark around Circle's potential reversible USDC. The podcast concludes with insights on SWIFT's blockchain collaboration and the evolving landscape of DeFi.

Steven Feldstein, a senior fellow at Carnegie focusing on technology and human rights, delves into the dark world of authoritarian tech. He discusses the alarming rise of surveillance tools, algorithmic censorship, and AI-driven policing globally. Feldstein shares insights on how protesters in Nepal creatively leveraged encryption to organize against government censorship, and warns that AI's predictive policing poses serious risks. He also highlights the role of cryptocurrencies as a means of resistance, underlining the intricate relationship between technology and modern repression.

Michael Nadeau, founder of The DeFi Report and crypto researcher, joins to dissect the latest trends in Bitcoin and Ethereum. He explores whether we’ve hit a cycle top, discussing Bitcoin’s crucial price levels and Ethereum’s $4K resistance. Nadeau highlights the impact of a recent liquidation event on the market and the potential for a Q4 rally. With insights on altcoin dynamics and the liquidity landscape, he provides a roadmap for navigating the upcoming months and identifies where fresh capital could emerge.