

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

31 snips
May 29, 2025 • 12min
Who Can Out-Saylor Saylor?
The podcast dives into companies emulating MicroStrategy's Bitcoin strategy, with big names like Trump Media and GameStop in the mix. It questions whether this wave is a potential market bubble or a game-changer for Bitcoin finance. The discussion also highlights a significant $425 million investment aiming to shift towards Ethereum and explores the market dynamics within Japan's Bitcoin landscape. Additionally, skepticism around MicroStrategy's practices adds an intriguing layer to the conversation about corporate cryptocurrency adoption.

12 snips
May 29, 2025 • 11min
The Big Bank Stablecoin Consortium
Major U.S. banks are teaming up to create a joint stablecoin, marking a significant shift in crypto adoption. As they navigate this new frontier, political backlash is growing, complicating legislation surrounding stablecoins. The discussion also touches on Bitcoin's market performance and the potential for banks to establish their own stablecoin systems. Controversies surrounding Trump's meme coin further complicate matters, highlighting the intricate relationship between politics and crypto regulation.

26 snips
May 23, 2025 • 13min
Bitcoin Hits All-Time High — But Nobody Seems to Care
Bitcoin has soared to new heights, yet the market response has been oddly subdued. The discussion highlights this unique moment in Bitcoin’s history and explores its evolving role in global finance. There's a dive into Japan's bond market turmoil and rising fiscal concerns in the U.S., suggesting a potential shift for safe haven assets. Are we witnessing Bitcoin decoupling from traditional markets, or are these signs of an impending larger credit crisis?

20 snips
May 22, 2025 • 11min
Bitcoin Inches Toward History as Politics, Policy, and Memecoins Collide
Bitcoin is flirting with a new all-time high, sparking excitement and anxiety among traders. Analysts debate whether political events, like a Trump meme coin gala, could push the market forward. The rise of Robinhood’s tokenization efforts and Kraken’s international derivatives expansion are reshaping the crypto landscape. Additionally, the political fallout from meme coins is causing waves in places like Washington and Buenos Aires. As the regulatory environment shifts, the future of crypto is as unpredictable as ever.

20 snips
May 21, 2025 • 11min
Senate Clears Stablecoin Bill Hurdle
The U.S. Senate recently took a significant step in crypto legislation by voting to advance the Genius Act for stablecoin regulation. The discussion highlights the surprising flip in Democratic support and Elizabeth Warren's fierce opposition. Additionally, Circle is exploring a potential $5 billion sale amid acquisition talks with Coinbase and Ripple, sparking new questions about the future of USDC. The intricate financial web among these companies and the challenges facing stablecoins add another layer of intrigue to the evolving crypto landscape.

18 snips
May 20, 2025 • 14min
US Credit Downgrade Hits—Bitcoin Pumps Anyway
Moody's downgrade of the U.S. credit rating sparks a discussion on the implications for financial markets and Treasury yields. Despite this, Bitcoin remains a beacon of hope as institutional investors show ongoing interest. Contrasting strategies emerge among institutions, with some divesting while others double down on Bitcoin holdings. The podcast also touches on cryptocurrency market dynamics, including changes in major firms' stances and the resilience of the sector amid challenges like the Coinbase hack. Insights into rising transaction fees and ETF flows provide a glimpse into Bitcoin's future.

May 19, 2025 • 10min
When Investors Should Say "No" vs. "Yes"
This discussion tackles the crucial decision-making process of investors, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to decline opportunities. The impact of urgency in financial markets is scrutinized, revealing how maintaining a stable perspective often yields better outcomes. Insights from Jeff Bezos underscore the value of focusing on enduring principles rather than fleeting trends. Moreover, the conversation celebrates the power of saying 'yes' to opportunities, particularly in cryptocurrency, as a pathway to personal and professional growth.

13 snips
May 18, 2025 • 19min
The Five Most Important Stories in Crypto This Week
Scott Melker, a crypto analyst and trader, shares insights on a bullish week for crypto. They discuss Coinbase's landmark inclusion in the S&P 500 and Galaxy's successful NASDAQ uplisting. Topics also include a surprisingly optimistic inflation report and the influx of new Bitcoin treasury players. Melker highlights significant regulatory shifts at the SEC and the resurgence of Meta's stablecoin ambitions. With IPOs on the rise and traditional finance embracing crypto, the future looks promising for mainstream integration.

6 snips
May 16, 2025 • 11min
As eToro IPO Pops is Wall Street Getting Crypto Fever?
eToro's impressive NASDAQ debut ignites interest in crypto-focused firms, sparking hopes for future IPOs like Kraken and Circle. Major banks like JPMorgan embrace blockchain, signifying a shift in traditional finance. Corporate investments in Bitcoin are on the rise, with 21 Capital leading the charge in creating innovative financial products. Discussions around the looming crypto bubble add to the excitement, positioning Bitcoin as a central figure in the evolving financial landscape.

6 snips
May 15, 2025 • 18min
5 Questions Shaping the Near Future of Crypto and Macro
Byron Gilliam, the insightful lead writer for Blockworks' daily newsletter, shares his perspectives on the rapidly evolving landscape of crypto and macroeconomics. He discusses Bitcoin's shifting role as a perceived safe haven amidst economic instability. The conversation highlights the complexities of market dynamics, including the impact of AI enthusiasm and interest rate hikes. Byron also considers how political factors could reshape the future of cryptocurrency, challenging conventional economic wisdom in the process.