
The Breakdown
A daily analysis of macroeconomics, bitcoin, geopolitics and big picture power shifts, hosted by Nathaniel Whittemore @nlw. The Breakdown is part of Blockworks.
Latest episodes

21 snips
Apr 29, 2025 • 15min
Ark Invest Ramps Up BTC 2030 Prediction to $2.4M
Perma Bitcoin bulls Ark Invest have raised their 2030 bullish bitcoin target. More important than the number is the logic, which argues that we're not accounting enough for lost coins with our supply models.
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Ledger
Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today. Buy now on Ledger.com.
Enjoying this content?
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5 snips
Apr 27, 2025 • 16min
A Better(?) Approach to Fixing the Broken Global Trading System
Delve into the intricacies of the broken global trading system and the lasting impact of Trump's tariffs. Discover historical insights from economists like Keynes and Robinson, revealing how trade surpluses can hinder growth and demand. Explore the complex relationship between domestic policies and international trade dynamics. The discussion emphasizes the urgent need for a new global trade agreement and balanced economies to foster cooperation and prevent future tensions.

21 snips
Apr 26, 2025 • 21min
The Five Most Important Stories in Crypto This Week
Scott Melker, a seasoned trader and analyst, joins to explore this week's pivotal crypto narratives. They delve into the effects of political events on market trends, particularly the relationship between Trump and Powell. The explosive potential of tokenization in real estate is addressed, highlighting democratized investment opportunities. The duo also examines a new fund poised to disrupt Bitcoin investment channels and discusses the evolving regulatory landscape, revealing the mixed sentiments and cautious optimism shaping the industry.

6 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 15min
Bessent Says US to Stick with Bretton Woods Institutions
Market reactions to US-China tariff negotiations are heating up, with insights on retailer responses shaping the narrative. Discussion ensues about the calls for reform in Bretton Woods institutions amid tensions between billionaires over political endorsements and budget cuts. Bitcoin is emerging as a stable player in institutional finance, attracting attention from big investors. Humor strikes with Trump's meme coin gala announcement, as speculative crypto behavior continues to rise. It's a wild ride through finance and crypto culture!

17 snips
Apr 24, 2025 • 14min
Bitcoin Rallies as Both Hedge and Risk-On
Markets are buzzing with a Bitcoin rally, showcasing its dual role as both a hedge and a risk-on asset. Insights reveal a surge in institutional interest, pushing Bitcoin ETF inflows higher. Companies are ramping up their Bitcoin holdings, aiming for ambitious targets. Meanwhile, the podcast dives into the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency legislation, with calls for reform echoing across Europe. All this unfolds against a backdrop of diminishing trade tensions and rising optimism in both stocks and crypto.

16 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 15min
Respect the Bitcoin Pump
Stocks were down bad again on Monday on concern around the Powell-Trump tiff, but Bitcoin started soaring. How real is this pump? What does it mean for BTC going forward? NLW explores. Sponsored by: Crypto Tax CalculatorAccurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!LedgerLedger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today. Buy now on Ledger.com.Enjoying this content?
SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/
Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8
Follow on Twitter:
NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw
Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

12 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 18min
How Trade Negotiations Are Impacting Crypto
Explore the intricacies of trade negotiations involving major economies and their uncertain impact on the crypto market. Delve into the negative fallout of tariffs on U.S. manufacturing, highlighting the struggles of small businesses. Uncover the tensions between the administration and the Federal Reserve and their implications on economic stability. Finally, navigate the volatile relationship between Bitcoin and U.S. bonds, as politicians grapple with regulation amidst shifting economic landscapes.

52 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 1h 4min
Bell Curve: Beyond the Hype: Crypto’s Next Phase | Roundup
In this episode, we’re joined by Santi from Empire! We discuss today’s crypto market conditions, stablecoin proliferation, and how long-term allocators are accumulating Bitcoin. We also touch on crypto’s data and transparency issues, and the valuation of L1s before wrapping with speculation on alien life.Sponsored by: Crypto Tax CalculatorAccurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!LedgerLedger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today. Buy now on Ledger.com.Enjoying this content?
SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620
Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto
Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/
Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8
Follow on Twitter:
NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw
Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

4 snips
Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 14min
0xResearch: Crypto Meets TradFi: The New Convergence
Ryan Boccaccio, a Blockworks Research analyst, brings his expertise in tokenized assets and equity trading to the discussion. He delves into the rising institutional interest in Solana and how traditional finance is increasingly integrating with crypto. The conversation highlights the dynamics of market fluctuations, investment strategies with Bitcoin, and the complexities of airdrop mechanics. Boccaccio also critiques Berachain's approach while exploring the future of creator incentives and the implications of engagement strategies in the evolving crypto landscape.

Apr 16, 2025 • 38min
Lightspeed: Launching Crypto's Largest Tokenized Fund On Solana | Michael Sonnenshein
Michael Sonnenshein, COO of Securitize and former CEO of Grayscale, dives into the future of tokenization and the launch of BUIDL, the largest tokenized fund in crypto. He discusses the surge in institutional interest to build on Solana, addressing misconceptions about the platform. Sonnenshein also explores how tokenization democratizes investment, merging traditional finance with crypto, and examines the implications of recent acquisitions in the crypto market, such as Ripple's $1.25 billion buyout.
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