
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

36 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 18min
Trump's Tariff Trouble
President Trump's new tariffs have taken the market by surprise, sparking outrage and confusion. Discussions reveal the strategic rationale behind these drastic measures and their mixed reception among experts. The potential beneficiaries of these tariffs are weighed against concerns of inflation impacting American households. Market turmoil unfolds as analysts dissect the repercussions on global trade and stock indices. Trade experts analyze the unexpected consequences, raising questions about the U.S. economy's long-term stability.

6 snips
Apr 3, 2025 • 13min
Big Day For Crypto Biz As Circle Prepares for IPO
Circle is set to go public, marking a pivotal moment in the crypto landscape after years of effort. This move raises questions about the future of crypto as major banks loom on the horizon. The conversation also highlights Bitcoin's growing influence, suggesting a shift in how traditional finance views digital currencies. Could Bitcoin challenge the dollar's status as a global reserve? With these developments, the stakes for crypto are higher than ever.

16 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 13min
Trump's Crypto Engagement is Making it Hard for Pro-Crypto Republicans
Trump's recent pro-crypto stance is causing a stir in Washington as it complicates stablecoin legislation amid banking concerns. The Trump family's crypto venture raises eyebrows, with significant fees at stake and questions over investor participation. Pro-crypto Republicans face challenges navigating Trump's influence, struggling for clarity in legislation. Meanwhile, lobbying efforts intensify, with Coinbase advocates pushing for comprehensive regulations and Elon Musk adding to the conversation with remarks about Dogecoin.

Apr 1, 2025 • 14min
What to Make of Galaxy Digital's $200m Fine
A major settlement has rocked the crypto world, with Galaxy Digital facing a $200 million fine for its Luna token promotion. The fallout reveals deep divides in opinion about the implications of such actions. The discussion highlights ethical questions in the industry and the growing need for investor scrutiny. New restrictions and compliance measures could reshape how firms operate in the crypto market. This controversial case serves as a cautionary tale for both promoters and investors alike.

12 snips
Mar 30, 2025 • 15min
Hester Peirce Charts a New Course for the SEC
SEC Commissioner Hester Peirce outlines a bold vision for crypto regulation, advocating for legislation that promotes innovation while ensuring safety. Her calm demeanor highlights the importance of public input in policy-making. The discussion navigates the intricate world of crypto-assets, emphasizing the need for flexible regulations that distinguish between securities and other digital assets. With a focus on collaboration among regulatory bodies, the future of cryptocurrency looks hopeful and dynamic.

20 snips
Mar 29, 2025 • 30min
The Five Most Important Stories in Crypto This Week
Scott Melker, a prominent cryptocurrency analyst, joins to dissect critical developments in the crypto world. They delve into GameStop's surprising Bitcoin investment, weighing its potential impact against its meme-like reputation. The discussion also highlights the OCC and FDIC's transformative decisions for banking reputations and the implications for corporate crypto adoption. Additionally, they celebrate the removal of Tornado Cash from sanctions, a significant win for privacy advocates. Together, they navigate the shifting regulatory landscape and what it means for future investments.

Mar 28, 2025 • 13min
Are We Finally Going to Get Securities Clarity?
Recent developments in cryptocurrency legislation are making waves, with the reintroduction of the Securities Clarity Act gaining bipartisan support. Challenges around stablecoin regulations are also in the spotlight, raising concerns about their impact on the banking sector. Wyoming is taking bold steps by launching a state-issued stablecoin backed by cash and U.S. treasuries. Additionally, the evolution of Bitcoin is highlighted, showcasing its milestones and how recent government actions may bolster investor confidence.

21 snips
Mar 27, 2025 • 14min
The Prophecy is Fulfilled: Gamestop to Buy BTC
GameStop makes waves by integrating Bitcoin into its treasury strategy, stirring excitement in the stock market. The company’s comeback story under Ryan Cohen showcases a significant shift in its business model. Meanwhile, the podcast explores the evolving landscape of retail investment and looming banking regulations. Major players like Fidelity and BlackRock are diving into crypto ETFs, signaling traditional finance's growing commitment to the digital asset space. Plus, humorous tales of e-commerce challenges highlight the ever-complex world of finance.

Mar 26, 2025 • 15min
Real World Asset Tokenization Shows Positive Early Indicators
Dive into the fascinating world of real-world asset tokenization as major players like BlackRock and Fidelity reshape crypto finance. Discover how recent ETF developments and partnerships are igniting interest in the sector. Explore Bitcoin's strategic value, as experts suggest it could skyrocket to $90,000 in institutional portfolios. Uncover the UAE's rise as a financial hub with innovative data solutions while assessing the dynamics of the crypto market's recovery prospects amidst cautious optimism.

Mar 25, 2025 • 13min
A Win for Privacy as Tornado Cash Addresses are Unsanctioned
A significant victory for privacy emerges as the U.S. Treasury lifts sanctions on Tornado Cash, igniting hope in the crypto world. The discussion highlights the critical implications for financial privacy and ongoing legal battles for users. Despite this reversal, caution prevails as the Treasury's stance remains ambiguous, suggesting more challenges lie ahead. The evolving regulatory landscape under the Biden administration raises questions about the future of cryptocurrencies.
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