
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

16 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 14min
Is the FDIC Whistleblower Account Real?
Disturbing allegations about the FDIC's management of FOIA requests raise serious questions of transparency. The podcast discusses a potential cover-up linked to Bitcoin regulations and its implications for public trust. Legal battles in the crypto space, including Coinbase's fight with the SEC, highlight inconsistent interpretations of crypto laws. Additionally, the resignation of a key crypto advocate underscores challenges in navigating financial regulations, signaling a turbulent future for the industry.

10 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 12min
Crisis Averted: Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Steps Down
A major conflict at the Federal Reserve has been averted with Vice Chair Michael S. Barr's resignation. This raises questions about the Fed's independence during turbulent political times. Meanwhile, Bitcoin is making headlines with a return to $100,000, sparking bullish predictions that it could hit $200,000 by year-end. Investors eye crypto as a crucial hedge against economic uncertainty. Additionally, the changing political landscape in Canada toys with crypto's influence, as leaders adapt to shifting financial paradigms.

21 snips
Jan 7, 2025 • 17min
Operation Chokepoint 2.0 Finally Has Smoking Guns
The legal drama between Coinbase and the FDIC reveals the extensive influence of Operation Chokepoint 2.0 over banking practices. Recent FDIC letters aim to stifle crypto activities, threatening retail access and innovation. Community banks face regulatory hurdles that limit their ability to engage with cryptocurrencies, despite their potential as innovators. The discussion highlights how U.S. regulations have hindered fintech, exemplified by stalled projects like USDF. Overall, concerns over government power and its chilling effects on crypto innovation take center stage.

31 snips
Jan 4, 2025 • 13min
2 of the 4 Best Performing Assets of 2024 Were BTC Related
In this discussion, Bitcoin skyrockets with an impressive 120% growth in 2024, outperforming traditional assets. The competitive tension between digital asset funds and classic hedge funds is electrifying, especially with MicroStrategy ramping up Bitcoin investments. There's a sense of optimism as stablecoin reserves swell, signaling a positive shift in Bitcoin trading. However, new IRS tax rules may throw a wrench into crypto transactions, raising questions about the future regulatory landscape. It's a captivating look at the ever-evolving world of digital assets.

35 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 11min
The Ghosts of Bitcoin's Future
Discover the dynamic future of Bitcoin, from price trends fueled by institutional investment to its potential socio-economic impact. Explore how this cryptocurrency could tilt global politics amidst rising AI worries and tensions among superpowers like China and the US. Delve into the implications for commodity-rich nations and the urgent debate around dollar security versus Bitcoin reserves. Confront the looming threat of quantum computing and its potential to disrupt Bitcoin’s very foundation while envisioning its role in a reimagined financial system.

20 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 13min
The Ghosts of Bitcoin's Present
Explore Bitcoin's evolving landscape as regulatory changes loom, particularly around stablecoin regulations and asset tokenization. Discover how potential shifts could integrate Bitcoin into mainstream banking, enhancing public understanding and new investment opportunities. Finally, dive into the market dynamics influenced by geopolitical factors, examining institutional investment trends and the challenges facing miners as Bitcoin strives to become a safe haven asset.

11 snips
Dec 29, 2024 • 11min
The Most Important Essays in Crypto 2024
A fascinating look back at the essays that defined cryptocurrency in 2024 unfolds. Key discussions explore how influential pieces reshape the narrative around Bitcoin and its socio-economic implications. The podcast navigates the intertwining of politics and crypto, emphasizing the need for principled advocacy. Listeners will also learn about the rise of Bitcoin defenders countering mainstream critiques and the backlash against controversial regulatory perspectives. It's an engaging exploration of ideology, advocacy, and the evolving discourse surrounding digital currencies.

21 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 12min
The Ghosts of Bitcoin's Past
This discussion dives into the shifting landscape of cryptocurrency, underscoring the outgoing SEC chair's impact on regulations. It examines how Bitcoin is evolving from a speculative asset to a respected player in traditional finance. The conversation also touches on the mystery surrounding Satoshi's identity and its effects on Bitcoin's stability. Plus, the challenges of Operation Chokepoint 2.0 highlight the significant barriers faced by the crypto community, and the potential revolution in banking access for crypto firms is explored.

14 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 11min
Tether Steps Beyond Stablecoins
Tether has just made a bold $775 million move into the alternative video platform Rumble, sparking discussions about its true intentions. Is this a strategic shift from stablecoins or a play to gain favor with the incoming administration? They dive into Rumble's Bitcoin strategy and the impact of cryptocurrency on free speech. Additionally, there’s a focus on the Trump administration's new appointments aimed at enhancing pro-cryptocurrency policies, raising questions about qualifications and future implications.

37 snips
Dec 22, 2024 • 13min
One Crypto VC's 2025 Predictions
Discover insights into the future of cryptocurrency with bold predictions for 2025. The discussion highlights the emergence of Real World Assets and their role in driving Total Value Locked on-chain. As decentralized finance gains traction, innovations like Unichain and NFTs are set to reshape finance. Explore how advancements in data verification methods, like ZKTLS, coincide with evolving U.S. regulations, paving the way for broader adoption and the potential influence of AI in the crypto landscape.