
Empire
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.
Latest episodes

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 10min
Winners & Losers From PUMP’S ICO With Santi, Yano & Rob Hadick | Weekly Roundup
Joining Santi and Jason, Rob Hadick, a seasoned investor in the crypto industry, shares his insights on PUMP'S ICO and the future of creator-driven revenue. They discuss the intense competition in cryptocurrency, exploring how platforms like PUMP offer better incentives for creators. The trio dives into the drama at Polymarket and the intricacies of stablecoins, while also analyzing recent mergers and acquisitions reshaping the market landscape. With humor and expertise, they unravel the evolving dynamics of content creation and investment opportunities in this fast-paced industry.

5 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 1h 18min
Hivemind: Pump.Fun Sale, Prediction Markets & ETH Comeback?
The discussion kicks off with the upcoming $1.3 billion Pump ICO, stirring a mix of excitement and skepticism. They dig into the potential for ETH's comeback and the impact of crypto treasury companies. The fallout from a $40 million hack highlights vulnerabilities in security measures. Prediction markets are positioned as powerful tools that might reshape information flows, contrasting free markets with state direction. Throughout, they dissect market dynamics, trends, and the nuances of demand in this ever-evolving crypto landscape.

Jul 7, 2025 • 1h 24min
How Arbitrum Landed Robinhood With A.J. Warner & Steven Goldfeder
A.J. Warner and Steven Goldfeder, both contributors at Offchain Labs, unpack the groundbreaking collaboration between Arbitrum and Robinhood aimed at tokenizing US stocks for European markets. They delve into strategic decisions surrounding blockchain integration, weighing public versus proprietary solutions. The duo highlights the benefits of Arbitrum's architecture for institutions and the evolving role of crypto in finance, especially in enhancing accessibility and user engagement in an ever-developing landscape. A fascinating look at the intersection of traditional finance and blockchain!

32 snips
Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 22min
It’s A Bull Market But Not The One You Wanted With Rob Hadick & Santiago Santos | Weekly Roundup
Rob Hadick, a stablecoin expert and industry speaker, joins Santiago Santos to discuss the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency. They dive into the surging interest in stablecoins, the ripple effects of Circle's IPO, and Robinhood's innovative move to tokenize private stocks. The duo also examines ongoing shifts in market dynamics, focusing on the distinction between institutional and retail investor behavior. With insights on decentralized exchanges and mirror tokens, they emphasize the importance of transparency and adaptation in today’s financial ecosystem.

Jul 3, 2025 • 23min
Crypto Meets Cards: Shaping the Future of Commerce Featuring Ivan Soto-Wright & Sherri Haymond | Permissionless IV Fireside Chat | Bonus Episode
Ivan Soto-Wright, CEO of MoonPay, shares insights on the company's mission to onboard users into the crypto realm, particularly through stablecoins. Sherri Haymond, representing MasterCard, discusses their commitment to crypto, focusing on compliance and choice. They explore the merging of DeFi and traditional finance, highlighting the potential of stablecoins in daily transactions. The conversation emphasizes blockchain's role in enhancing financial systems while addressing the needs of underserved markets, paving the way for a more inclusive financial future.

14 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 23min
How to Build Through Bull & Bear Markets With Konstantin Richter | Permissionless IV Fireside Chat | Bonus Episode
Konstantin Richter, Founder of Blockdaemon, shares insights on navigating the crypto landscape. He discusses the emotional toll of market fluctuations on businesses and the importance of maintaining core values while chasing innovation. The conversation dives into IPO strategies and the challenges of bridging traditional finance with Web3. Richter also explores the rise of stablecoins in institutional markets and the U.S.'s role as a crypto leader amidst regulatory challenges. His insights provide a roadmap for builders and investors in these turbulent times.

Jun 30, 2025 • 39min
Macro Updates, Industry Narratives & Big Tech Coming For Crypto | Permissionless IV Recap Bonus Ep
Felix, a macro analyst and podcast host at Blockworks, shares insights from the recent Permissionless IV conference. He discusses Bitcoin's significant role in shaping the crypto landscape and emerging trends in altcoins that mimic traditional equity structures. The conversation delves into the challenges of stablecoins amidst rising global debt and how legacy firms like Robinhood are influencing decentralized finance. Felix emphasizes the importance of a blended approach between centralized and decentralized systems for success in today's fast-evolving market.

11 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 47min
Bell Curve X Empire | Prediction Markets, Crypto’s Mag 7 & Stablecoin Growth | Weekly Roundup
Join a lively discussion on the rapidly evolving world of cryptocurrency! Hear insights on the growth of prediction markets, exploring platforms like Polymarket and the impact of stablecoins. Learn about the emerging 'mag seven' cryptocurrencies and what they mean for investors. Discover challenges in liquidity and the importance of innovative business models for tokens. Plus, delve into GeoNet's cutting-edge technology and the complexities surrounding capital investment in crypto. It's an intriguing dive into the future of digital finance!

Jun 26, 2025 • 59min
Hivemind: Crypto Feels Stuck, BTC DeFi & Ditching Staking
The discussion dives into why the crypto market feels stagnant despite rising prices, offering insights into real-world asset narratives and the rise of on-chain credit markets. Listeners will find an exploration of new token launches and critiques of the trend towards 'real yield.' The team highlights the successes of Ethena and Pendle, shedding light on the evolution of crypto. Additionally, the podcast examines Bitcoin's yield farming against diversified investment strategies, and the emerging concept of proof of governance over traditional staking.

Jun 23, 2025 • 1h 20min
Polygon’s Comeback & Katana’s Impact On The Agglayer Featuring Sandeep Nailwal And Marc Boiron
Join Sandeep Nailwal, CEO of Polygon Foundation, and Marc Boiron, CEO of Polygon Labs, as they explore the groundbreaking Katana project and its potential to transform the blockchain landscape. They discuss navigating the shifting crypto jungle post-2022, emphasizing the importance of liquidity and interoperability in DeFi. The guests highlight the shift from speculative investments to user engagement, and the strategic importance of rapid decision-making in blockchain development. Dive into innovative yield dynamics and the future of purpose-specific blockchains!