

The Breakdown
Blockworks
A daily analysis of macroeconomics, bitcoin, geopolitics and big picture power shifts, hosted by Nathaniel Whittemore @nlw. The Breakdown is part of Blockworks.Subscribe to The Breakdown newsletter: https://the-breakdown.carrd.co/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 11, 2024 • 15min
The Story in the Latest Bitcoin Price Action
Discover the intriguing recovery of Bitcoin as it marks a 5.8% rise after a slump. Experts share insights on market conditions, traders’ mixed feelings, and how Bitcoin could flourish amidst economic storms. Dive into the dynamic gap between Bitcoin's hashrate and price, hinting at potential undervaluation. The upcoming Permissionless conference promises discussions on the evolving regulatory scene. Plus, explore how Federal Reserve interest rate cuts and political events shape market sentiment, especially concerning Bitcoin ETFs.

Sep 10, 2024 • 14min
Recession or Soft Landing?
The discussion kicks off with insights into the fluctuating labor market, spotlighting a worrying increase in part-time jobs as full-time roles dwindle. Speculation swirls around impending Federal Reserve interest rate cuts, with opinions diverging on whether a 25bps or 50bps reduction is likely. The tension between narratives of a soft landing versus a looming recession adds an intriguing layer of debate. Experts weigh in on how these economic shifts might shape the financial landscape.

Sep 7, 2024 • 13min
Crypto's Pervasive Quiet Quitting
Explore the growing disillusionment in the crypto community as engagement wanes despite lingering ties to the industry. Discover how the Permissionless conference is shaping resilience amid regulatory challenges and workplace culture shifts. Learn about the current crypto landscape, where investing during downturns can prove beneficial, and gain insights into the parallels with the 1990s internet boom. Finally, assess the future of altcoins within this evolving market.

Sep 6, 2024 • 13min
Uniswap Settles with CFTC
Uniswap's recent $175,000 settlement with the CFTC raises questions about regulatory implications for the DeFi ecosystem. The conversation delves into the motivations behind legal actions against decentralized finance innovations. It also highlights the interplay between cryptocurrency and politics, including the growing acceptance of crypto donations in political campaigns. The impact of these developments on voting behavior and donor power adds intrigue to the discussion, showcasing a spirited debate between advocates and opponents.

Sep 5, 2024 • 13min
The SEC's Vicious "Qualified Custodian" Trap
Discover the fallout from Galois Capital's settlement with the SEC, which carries implications for crypto custody regulations and poses challenges for investment firms in the crypto market. Unpack the complexities behind the SEC's vague categorization of 'crypto-asset securities' and explore potential changes in regulatory policies amidst upcoming elections. Plus, learn about recent legal victories that showcase shifting political dynamics in the world of cryptocurrency.

Sep 4, 2024 • 15min
What September Has In Store For Bitcoin
September is notorious for being a challenging month for Bitcoin, often reflecting bearish trends. Analysts navigate the murky waters of historical price behaviors and uncertain market sentiment. Capital outflows from Bitcoin funds raise eyebrows, while interest rate changes and political dynamics add to the economic uncertainty. Despite a cautious outlook, traders are hopeful for a potential recovery as summer wraps up and activity increases. Will Bitcoin defy its September trend? The discussion dives deep into market psychology and its implications.

Sep 2, 2024 • 7min
Bitcoin as a DeFi Platform
Discover how Bitcoin is evolving from a static store of value to an active player in decentralized finance. Explore groundbreaking innovations like Segregated Witness and layer 2 solutions that are shaping its DeFi landscape. The podcast dives into the ongoing debate about Bitcoin's dual identity as digital gold versus its innovative potential, addressing both community excitement and skepticism. Tune in to learn about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for Bitcoin in a resilient financial ecosystem.

Aug 31, 2024 • 26min
Crypto and the Fight for Freedom
Hosts delve into a pivotal week for cryptocurrency, discussing the implications of macroeconomic shifts and the trend of institutional adoption. They break down the complex relationship between financial institutions and tech amidst changing regulations, highlighting legal challenges for executives. Key discussions focus on the SEC's stance on NFTs and significant court cases affecting the landscape. Finally, there’s an update on Bitcoin's stable price and an encouragement for community optimism in the future of crypto.

Aug 30, 2024 • 14min
Is This the SEC's Most Brazen Crypto Attack Yet?
The SEC's bold move against OpenSea raises eyebrows as it implies NFTs could be classified as securities. This could hinder innovation and creativity in the NFT realm, creating tension with traditional art values. The crypto community voices frustrations over perceived selective regulations, especially as political implications loom. Additionally, the episode dives into the overarching complexities of crypto regulation and its potential impacts on digital free speech. Will NFTs and the spirit of creativity survive this regulatory storm?

Aug 29, 2024 • 10min
The State Department's Unconscionable Abandonment of an American Citizen
Tigran Gambaryan, an executive at Binance, discusses his wrongful detention in Nigeria, where he faces serious charges and unconscionable conditions. He reveals alarming details about being held hostage for ransom related to Binance. The conversation highlights the shocking inaction from the U.S. State Department and raises critical questions about the safety of American citizens involved in the cryptocurrency sector. Gambaryan's situation serves as a reminder of the risks faced by global business leaders.


