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
4 snips
May 3, 2024 • 33min
The Five Most Important Stories in Crypto This Week
Scott Melker joins NLW to discuss macro trends, CZ's legal troubles, Roger Ver's arrest, and more in the crypto world. They explore market reactions, monetary policy insights, and legal troubles facing prominent figures within the industry.
May 2, 2024 • 15min
Powell Dismisses Inflation Concerns
Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, discusses no rate cuts or hikes despite emerging stagflation concerns. Topics include Fed's focus on labor market, returning inflation to 2%, and market reactions to rate decisions. Exploring Fed's balance sheet adjustments, sponsorships like Ledger, Consensus 2024, and Super Intelligent platform. Analyzing Fed's stance on rates, market response, and implications of fiscal dominance on monetary policy.
May 2, 2024 • 14min
Roger Ver Arrested for Tax Evasion as Coinbase Enables Lightning
Roger Ver, a key Bitcoin figure, arrested for tax evasion, sparking controversy. Coinbase adds Lightning support. Discussion on Bitcoin development, stablecoin legislation, and US macro conditions impact on Bitcoin.
May 1, 2024 • 12min
Former Binance CEO CZ Gets 4 Months In Jail (Because Of COURSE He Got 4)
Former Binance CEO CZ receives a 4-month jail sentence for money laundering charges. The podcast discusses the legal battle, industry implications, predictions, and support for CZ. It highlights his cooperation, failures in curbing illegal activities, and reactions from the crypto community.
Apr 30, 2024 • 16min
Operation Chokepoint 2.0 (2.0)
Government crackdown on self-custody in crypto space similar to Operation Chokepoint. Legal analysis of Tornado Cash Co-founder's case and DeFi implications. Critiques of DOJ's handling of DeFi case. Risks in self-custodial wallets and regulatory uncertainties. Macro data analysis on Fed policy implications, inflation, and potential rate hikes.
Apr 28, 2024 • 9min
Why Bitcoin Will Drive the Next DeFi Summer
Exploring Bitcoin's pivotal role in the DeFi landscape, its potential in NFTs and tokens, and the evolution towards a $1 trillion asset class. Bitcoin's transition into a staking asset, promoting financial independence. The competition and implications of ordinal values in Bitcoin, debates on fungibility, and ongoing technological advancements.
Apr 26, 2024 • 34min
The Five Most Important Stories This Week
Counting down the top stories in crypto this week, covering Operation Chokepoint 2.0 and CZ jail. Explored topics include stablecoins adoption, Tether's US market position, and upcoming Consensus 2024 event. Also discussed crypto ETFs, legal challenges, and the IRS introducing new tax form for crypto transactions. Legal battle between crypto industry and SEC, focusing on Ethereum's foundation and ConsenSys.
Apr 26, 2024 • 16min
Samurai Wallet Founders Arrested
The podcast discusses the US crackdown on crypto mixers and the arrest of Samurai Wallet founders. Topics include community reactions, legal implications, decentralization debates, privacy rights, and the ongoing crypto war.
Apr 25, 2024 • 14min
SEC Lawyers Resign, But Is It Enough?
SEC lawyers resign amidst scandal involving false statements, abuse of power in legal case, implications on SEC's regulatory strategy, criticism on SEC's culture and leadership, analysis of IRS reporting requirements on crypto transactions, regulatory challenges and legal battles in the crypto industry
Apr 23, 2024 • 13min
The Halving and the First Fee War of the New Bitcoin Epoch
A discussion on the impact of Bitcoin's fourth halving and the fee war that ensued, highlighting the value of the first sat produced in each block. The surge in fees post-halving, the launch of Runes Protocol, and its effect on mining profitability. Insights on Bitcoin fees, miner economics, DeFi trends, and market dynamics post-halving, showcasing diverse perspectives within the crypto space.
