

Empire
Blockworks
Empire features interviews with top crypto founders to get the real stories that aren’t shared elsewhere. Empire is your look behind the curtain of the crypto industry. We release two episodes per week: guest interviews on Monday and a weekly roundup on Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

54 snips
Sep 10, 2025 • 1h 1min
Ethena Founder: The Next Chapter For Ethena | Guy Young
Guy Young, the founder of Ethena Labs and innovator in decentralized finance, dives into the future of Ethena and its business model. He discusses the potential of DATs (Decentralized Autonomous Tokens) to ignite a breakthrough for DeFi. Guy also shares insights on fundraising strategies amid market challenges and the exciting partnerships with Pendle and Aave. Furthermore, he offers valuable advice for aspiring founders navigating the complex crypto landscape, emphasizing the importance of growth in stablecoin technology.

17 snips
Sep 5, 2025 • 1h 8min
Are DATs Sustainable, Stripe Launches Tempo & WLFI’s Token Launch | Weekly Roundup
This week, the discussion dives into the mechanics of decentralized asset tokens (DATs) and their implications for market stability. The hosts highlight Stripe's exciting launch of Tempo and its strategic focus on distribution. There's also a spotlight on World Liberty Financial’s token launch, delving into potential market concerns and unique features of its app. The conversation wraps up with an exploration of the future of tokenized US equities and how blockchain is shaping financial services. Enjoy the compelling insights!

36 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 1h 9min
Hivemind: Where Do Crypto Markets Go Next?
Dive into the current buzz of crypto markets with insights on Bitcoin's seasonal trends and liquidity dynamics. Explore the rivalry between Solana and Base, and how collectible card games like Pokémon are reshaping investment strategies. Unpack innovative models like creator coins and streaming platforms that merge entertainment with finance. Plus, get the latest on Plasma's TGE, stablecoins, and Tom Lee's views on Ethereum. With skepticism around market predictions, the discussion reveals the evolving landscape of digital assets and their future potential.

Sep 1, 2025 • 1h 13min
Kraken’s 10 Year Plan With Arjun Sethi
Arjun Sethi, Co-CEO of Kraken and an expert in tech and IPOs, shares his vision for Kraken's transformative decade-long growth plan. He discusses innovative compensation strategies designed to motivate performance and align with long-term goals. The conversation dives into the evolving landscape of venture capital and crypto, emphasizing data-driven decision-making and customer needs. Arjun also tackles the challenges of navigating competition and market adaptability, all while aiming to establish Kraken as a leading global crypto brand.

21 snips
Aug 29, 2025 • 1h 9min
Stablecoins & Prediction Markets, Nothing Else | Weekly Roundup
The hosts explore the booming world of stablecoins, highlighting notable fundraising efforts and innovative fintech models. They dive into the exciting realm of prediction markets, showcasing new platforms and discussing regulatory challenges. Insights on market dynamics reveal the impact of macroeconomic factors like interest rates and the surge in decentralized tech. Mixed in are light-hearted anecdotes from New York City, adding a humorous touch to their market analyses and investment strategies.

35 snips
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h
Commissioner Peirce On SEC’s Next Moves
Hester Peirce, SEC Commissioner and a champion for cryptocurrency innovation, discusses the evolving role of digital assets in the U.S. financial landscape. She highlights the need for adaptable regulations that can keep pace with technological advancements while ensuring consumer protection. Peirce addresses the challenges of regulating token sales, the impact of major banking entities, and the importance of self-custody in crypto. The conversation also touches on balancing financial privacy with regulatory compliance, showcasing the complexities of modern financial systems.

30 snips
Aug 22, 2025 • 1h 17min
No, We Have Not Topped Featuring Roshun Patel | Weekly Roundup
Roshun Patel, a savvy expert in market cycles and capital flows, joins Yano and Santi to dissect key indicators that may signal a market peak. They explore the implications of Chamath's SPAC, delve into the worlds of meme coins and NFTs, and the contrast between centralized and decentralized finance. Roshun emphasizes the cyclical nature of crypto markets and portfolio management strategies. The discussion offers a glimpse into trends affecting Ethereum, Solana, and more, all while reflecting on the emotional ties to investing in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.

10 snips
Aug 21, 2025 • 1h 17min
Where Are We In The Cycle, ETHs Outperformance & The Perpification of Markets
Kaledora Fontana Kiernan-Linn, Co-founder and CEO of Ostium, dives into the evolving landscape of trading TradFi on-chain. She explains the concept of 'perpification' in markets and its implications. The discussion also highlights Ethereum's impressive performance and its vital role in the crypto ecosystem. Kaledora shares insights on the tokenization of equities, the competition between crypto and traditional finance, and the future of decentralized finance. Her expertise offers a compelling vision of a seamless trading future with stable coins.

26 snips
Aug 18, 2025 • 1h 21min
What Liquid Funds Are Buying Featuring Seth Ginns & Cosmo Jiang
Seth Ginns from CoinFund and Cosmo Jiang from Pantera Capital bring their liquid fund expertise to discuss the dynamic world of cryptocurrency. They dive into the challenges fund managers face amid shifting market dominance and the importance of fundamental analysis in selecting outperforming tokens. The duo emphasizes strategic portfolio management, advocating for quality-focused investment strategies. They also explore the significance of digital asset treasuries and envision a future where 24/7 trading reshapes financial landscapes.

Aug 15, 2025 • 1h 20min
The Ether Machine Chairman: Real Risk of DATs And Who Wins From Stripe And Circle’s Chains | Weekly Roundup
Andrew Keys from The Ether Machine, a seasoned Ethereum expert, discusses the intriguing world of Digital Asset Trusts (DATs) and shares insights on private Layer 1 solutions like those from Stripe and Circle. He reveals how DATs, outside BTC and ETH, may present heightened risks for investors. The conversation navigates the competition among cryptocurrency players, revealing who stands to gain or lose from these emerging projects. Keys also touches upon the complexities of decentralized finance and the future of crypto investment strategies.