

The Scoop
The Block
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.
Episodes
Mentioned books

5 snips
Jun 24, 2024 • 52min
Demystifying the benefits of zero-knowledge proofs with Mysten Labs co-founder Kostas Chalkias
In this podcast, Mysten Labs co-founder Kostas Chalkias discusses the potential of zero-knowledge proofs in revolutionizing blockchain. Topics include ZK-proof adoption, standardization, advice for builders, ZK's impact on AI, UX improvement, and future predictions.

14 snips
Jun 18, 2024 • 36min
Stablecoins will keep winning because they are a 'fundamentally better product,' says Ryze Labs Matthew Graham
Founder of Ryze Labs, Matthew Graham, discusses the state of the stablecoin market, highlighting their potential impact on the global financial system. Topics include stablecoin opportunities, financial inclusion, stablecoins in emerging markets, and the risks associated with stablecoins. Graham also explores the regulatory landscape and the potential for stablecoins to enhance economic opportunities.

Jun 15, 2024 • 33min
How Lens Network is leveraging zkSync's tech to achieve mainstream scale
Stani Kulechov, Founder and CEO of Avara, discusses Lens Network's modular architecture for Web3 social app scalability. Topics include onchain media, Lens scaling research, security considerations, tech stack decisions, and developments in Web3 social apps. They explore the migration to Lens Network 2.0 and the shift towards decentralized social platforms.

11 snips
Jun 11, 2024 • 47min
Financial advisors in the US are finally warming up to Bitcoin
Ric Edelman, founder of DACFP, discusses the importance of financial advisors embracing crypto for client interests. Topics include Bitcoin adoption curve, updating portfolio theory, shifting perspectives, and challenges faced by advisors in understanding Bitcoin.

13 snips
Jun 6, 2024 • 50min
Wall Street should market Ethereum as the crypto 'app store,' says Arca CIO Jeff Dorman
Arca's CIO Jeff Dorman talks about the approval of spot ether ETFs, regulatory clarity, and shifting sentiment in Washington. They discuss marketing Ethereum as the crypto 'app store,' Altcoin ETFs, and the crowded VC landscape in crypto.

Jun 4, 2024 • 28min
Crypto's political paradigm shift
Kristin Smith is the CEO of Blockchain Association and Anthony Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge Capital.In this episode, Smith and Scaramucci discuss the impact of crypto policy and politics on recent events, including the ETH ETF win, bipartisan support, and the influence of Trump and Biden.The discussion highlights the significance of the crypto voter, the evolving stance of the White House, and the potential impact on elections.OUTLINE00:00 Introduction00:38 Political Paradigm Shift05:57 Biden WH Crypto Policy08:09 Crypto 'Voting Bloc'13:02 Trump's Crypto Flip Flop16:33 Biden's Crypto Strategy23:17 Closing ThoughtsThis episode is brought to you by our sponsor PolkadotPolkadot is the blockspace ecosystem for boundless innovation. To discover more head to polkadot.networkThe Block CommunityThe Block is launching a new community experience for fans of The Scoop! Follow us on Lens to stay in the loop: hey.xyz/u/theblockcommunityThe Block NewslettersThe Block's newsletters bring you the latest news and analysis of the fast-moving crypto and DeFi markets. To subscribe, visit theblock.co/newsletters

May 29, 2024 • 50min
Crypto OG Kain Warwick on how early-stage investing is broken
Kain Warwick, co-founder of Synthetix, discusses the flaws in traditional venture capital leading to new fundraising in crypto. Topics include tokenized commodities, crypto VC trends, inefficiencies in early-stage investing, airdrop mechanism design, and deal flow dynamics.

May 24, 2024 • 48min
Tether's next big bet is on AI, says CEO Paolo Ardoino
CEO of Tether, Paolo Ardoino, talks about Tether's AI expansion, USDT growth, and tokenized RWAs. He discusses disintermediation, Tether Gold, and the AI revolution, emphasizing the importance of AI in society and empowering individuals with private AI tools.

11 snips
May 22, 2024 • 54min
Crypto VCs are slowly transitioning into generalists
Jake Brukhman, Founder and CEO of CoinFund, discusses the intersection of AI and blockchain technologies, the saturation of early-stage crypto VC market, tokenomics, interoperability trends, shifting LP expectations, and the evolution of crypto VC investments and ETFs.

10 snips
May 20, 2024 • 35min
The crypto industry is refocusing on the uses of its tech stack, says Stellar Development Foundation CEO
Denelle Dixon, CEO of the Stellar Development Foundation, discusses the transformative potential of blockchain in financial services for low-income countries like Africa and South America. She highlights the importance of asset issuance and payments for global financial access, emphasizing the need for supportive regulatory environments. The podcast explores the evolution of stablecoins, tokenizing assets, and the role of crypto networks in global asset exchange.