
The Scoop
Welcome to The Scoop, The Block's flagship podcast covering finance and technology industries through unmatched interviews with top thought leaders, cultural icons and industry veterans. The Block’s Frank Chaparro hosts new guests every week, diving into breaking news and topics ranging from NFTs, to the impact of DeFi on Wall Street, to Bitcoin's role in the economy and beyond.
Latest episodes

Feb 27, 2025 • 47min
Memes and 'madness' are taking mindshare from a real industry - Jeff Dorman
In this discussion, Jeff Dorman, CIO of Arca with deep insights into the crypto market, explores the confusing disconnect between crypto advancements and prevailing market sentiment. He highlights how memecoins overshadow genuine use cases and serious developments in the industry. Dorman argues for a balanced narrative around cryptocurrency, breaking down token valuations and emphasizing the significance of blockchain's untapped potential. He predicts that traditional finance will embrace crypto, marking a transformative shift in the financial landscape.

Feb 21, 2025 • 46min
Banks are looking to get started in DeFi - Aya Kantorovich
Aya Kantorovich, Co-founder and CEO of August, dives deep into the evolving world of DeFi and its potential integration with traditional banks. They discuss why many institutions are hesitant to embrace DeFi, despite its resilience in downturns. Aya highlights the shift in perception of Bitcoin as a reserve asset and examines the emergence of meme coins versus institutional investments. Additionally, they explore the impact of AI on financial decision-making and how it can enhance trading experiences in a decentralized landscape.

Feb 19, 2025 • 45min
David Marcus on building Bitcoin’s global payment network with Lightspark
The Scoop's host, Frank Chaparro, was joined by Lightspark Co-Founder and CEO David Marcus.In this episode, Chaparro and Marcus discuss the vision and technology behind scaling Bitcoin as a global payment network. Marcus explained how new developments, including stablecoins on Bitcoin, could transform worldwide financial systems and directly lead to an increase of GDP.OUTLINE00:00 Introduction01:52 Lightspark's mission and Bitcoin's Role04:39 Challenges in scaling Bitcoin09:44 Lightspark's evolution16:10 Stablecoins x Bitcoin21:27 Stablecoin improvements over traditional payments27:20 Past regulatory challenges30:23 Changing regulatory climate35:19 Future outlook41:37 ConclusionGUEST LINKSDavid Marcus - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dmarcus/David Marcus on X - https://x.com/davidmarcusLightspark - https://www.lightspark.com/Lightspark on X - https://x.com/Lightspark

Feb 12, 2025 • 46min
SonarX and AWS weigh in on managing the blockchain data deluge
Patrick Kim, CEO of SonarX, discusses his insights on managing blockchain data, emphasizing the challenges of handling petabytes of information across multiple chains. Jesse Bornstein shares strategies on standardizing this data for institutional use, while Everton Fraga from AWS highlights the role of cloud services in addressing these complexities. They delve into the intersection of blockchain and AI, exploring innovative tools to enhance data analysis and consumption, and offer valuable advice for developers navigating this evolving landscape.

Feb 11, 2025 • 33min
Congressman Emmer: Gensler's actions towards the crypto industry were illegal
In this discussion, Congressman Tom Emmer, House Majority Whip and a prominent figure in crypto policy, addresses the significant disconnect between Democrats and the electorate on cryptocurrency issues. He critiques recent government actions, asserting that they undermine the crypto industry’s growth. Emmer emphasizes the necessity for bipartisan support in digital asset legislation and calls for stronger Congressional oversight to tackle fraud in government spending. Insights on stablecoin regulations and the need for consistent federal guidelines also feature prominently.

Feb 6, 2025 • 28min
Here's how QuickNode is enabling enterprises to enter the crypto ecosystem
In this engaging discussion, Josh Neuroth, VP of Product at QuickNode, dives into how traditional financial institutions are embracing blockchain technology amid a surge of developer activity. With QuickNode's high-performance infrastructure at the forefront, they highlight the shift to blockchain as a service and the importance of tailored solutions for enterprise adoption. Neuroth also shares insights on the transition from web 2 to web 3 and the promising future of tokenizing real-world assets, showcasing how QuickNode supports both emerging projects and established players.

Feb 4, 2025 • 47min
Caitlin Long says Trump's crypto moves could upend the public payment network
The Scoop's host, Frank Chaparro, was joined by Custodia Bank Founder and CEO Caitlin Long.In this episode, Chaparro and Long discussed the state of crypto banking, the potential restructuring of regulations under the Trump administration, and the Federal Reserve's stance on crypto.OUTLINE 00:00 Introduction1:39 Powell’s crypto remarks3:02 Custodia and the Fed7:19 Trump’s crypto executive order8:34 Banks’ path to crypto custody12:12 12 month forecast17:51 State of crypto banking24:34 The Crypto Vote30:15 Trump’s meme coin32:50 Privatising fed wire38:40 Crypto in Wyoming41:25 Closing thoughtsGUEST LINKSCaitlin Long - https://www.linkedin.com/in/caitlin-long-/Caitlin Long on X - https://x.com/CaitlinLong_Custodia Bank - https://custodiabank.com/Custodia Bank on X - https://x.com/CustodiaBank

Jan 31, 2025 • 39min
Hedge fund manager explains just how spot ETFs fundamentally altered crypto markets
Tony Fenner-Leitão, President of Cambrian Asset Management, dives into the exciting blend of crypto and finance. He discusses how spot ETFs have revolutionized market dynamics and attracted institutional players. Fenner-Leitão shares insights on leveraging machine learning for investment strategies while navigating crypto's volatility. He also highlights the shift in regulatory landscapes and its potential to foster innovation, ultimately enhancing market liquidity. The conversation touches on the evolving relationship between active management and venture capital in this rapidly changing market.

10 snips
Jan 30, 2025 • 39min
Story Protocol's Jason Zhao explains how AI is going to transform the $60 trillion IP industry
Jason Zhao, Co-founder of Story Protocol, dives deep into the transformative role of AI in the $60 trillion intellectual property landscape. He discusses how blockchain empowers creators to monetize their work without intermediaries, democratizing access to creativity. Zhao offers insights on navigating the AI space for beginners and explores the intricacies of IP in an AI-driven world, balancing authenticity and protection. The conversation uncovers the challenges and innovations reshaping how knowledge is valued and exchanged.

Jan 21, 2025 • 39min
How Wall Street prime brokers could ignite crypto's largest expansion yet
David Mercer, CEO of LMAX Group, shares insights on the growing institutional adoption of crypto, driven by major banks entering the market. He discusses how increased interoperability between traditional finance and crypto could enable seamless asset movement, enhancing overall stability. Mercer highlights the importance of regulatory improvements and competent credit offerings in fostering sustainable growth. With a focus on technology solutions, he outlines a bullish outlook for the future of crypto amid evolving financial landscapes.
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.