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
Jul 4, 2024 • 14min
Polkadot Courts Controversy with Ad Spend
Controversy around Polkadot's $37 million marketing spending, debates on sustainability. Shift to community-focused marketing strategy discussed. Insights on fraudulent marketing tactics in crypto. Reflections on blockchain community amidst market concerns.
Jul 3, 2024 • 16min
Circle Becomes First European Licensed Stablecoin Issuer
The podcast delves into Circle becoming the first European licensed stablecoin issuer under MiCA rules, avoiding potential stablecoin-crypto trading issues. It also touches on Silvergate's settlement over anti-money laundering concerns. Other topics include SEC allegations, prediction markets, global crypto funds, SEC responses to Ethereum ETF issuers, ETH ETF speculations, Bitcoin price trends, and liquidity analysis.
Jul 2, 2024 • 15min
The SEC's Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Week
Exploring the legal implications for cryptocurrency and administrative state power, including the overturning of Chevron deference. Dive into the SEC's lawsuits against DeFi protocols and exchanges like Binance, focusing on the classification of stablecoins and tokens as securities.
Jul 1, 2024 • 9min
Is there Danger in Politicizing Crypto?
The podcast discusses the relationship between Bitcoin, cryptocurrency, and politics, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan support. It explores policymakers' evolving attitudes towards cryptocurrency and the contrasting political stances on crypto following the FTX collapse. Efforts for bipartisan unity in Congress are highlighted to prevent excessive politicization.
Jun 28, 2024 • 36min
The Five Most Important Stories In Crypto This Week
The podcast discusses the absence of crypto in the 2024 US presidential debate, Biden's performance repercussions, regulatory challenges faced by the industry, market shifts, significant events like Coinbase suing SEC, and stories on Assange, donations, and ETF speculation.
Jun 28, 2024 • 12min
The US Gov't Sells Its BTC Stack
US and Germany are selling BTC, Mt. Gox unlocks are looming. Shift in US policy towards crypto, Mt. Gox distribution analysis. Bitcoin price stability, ETF inflows, and mysterious Bitcoiner's kindness. UAE's regulatory shift on crypto and its impact on digital economy.
Jun 26, 2024 • 13min
Fairshake Helps Hand Anti-Crypto Army a Loss
Discussion on political figures' participation at the Bitcoin 2024 conference including Trump, defeat of anti-crypto candidates like Rep. Jamal Bowman, analysis of crypto industry's political power, SEC Chairman Gensler's regulatory issues discussion
Jun 26, 2024 • 16min
The Saga of Wikileaks' Julian Assange is Finally Coming to an End
Julian Assange, Wikileaks founder, on the brink of a plea deal with the US after years of legal battles. The podcast delves into the impact of Wikileaks' leaks, collaboration with media, Chelsea Manning's role, and struggles with donations and Bitcoin. It also covers Assange's asylum, arrest, journalistic status, legal battles, and the Biden administration's role.
Jun 25, 2024 • 13min
Why So Gloomy? Mt. Gox Unlocks Latest Bummer in Downward Sentiment Spiral
Exploration of recent Bitcoin market decline, including sentiment factors and trading strategies. Discussion on ex-Bitcoin being minted, ETF inflows, and basis trade. German government's Bitcoin movements spark market speculation. Challenges for Bitcoin miners, Mt. Gox distribution impact on markets.
Jun 23, 2024 • 9min
Does Crypto Need Memecoins?
Delving into the rise of meme coins in the crypto space and their potential crossover appeal to traditional finance. Examining celebrity-backed meme coins and their impact on blockchain technology testing and the broader crypto market.
