
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

May 31, 2025 • 1h 12min
LIVE Hivemind: Crypto Treasury Companies, Sui Hack & Solana’s New Consensus
The hosts explore the burgeoning trend of crypto treasury plays, spotlighting MicroStrategy's recent moves. They dive into the launch of the stablecoin Plasma and dissect the implications of the Sui hack on security and centralization. A fascinating discussion unfolds on Solana's new consensus model, balancing efficiency and decentralization. Plus, the looming threat of quantum computing on cryptocurrency security raises eyebrows. Tune in for insights that can shape the future of the crypto landscape!

May 30, 2025 • 1h
Consensus Bets Pay Off In 2025 | Weekly Roundup
This discussion dives into the exciting trends in the cryptocurrency market, spotlighting standout tokens like Hyperliquid and Fartcoin. It examines investor caution amid rising scams and contrasts retail and institutional interests. The conversation also uncovers the world of crypto-backed securities, revealing risks and rewards. Key insights from a recent Bitcoin conference highlight crypto's role as a hedge against political instability, while investment strategies are analyzed through notable company movements and the impending IPO of Circle. Get ready for a thrilling ride in the crypto landscape!

May 26, 2025 • 1h 4min
The Bitcoin Treasury Playbook With Tyler Evans & Josh Solesbury
Tyler Evans, CIO of UTXO and co-founder of BTC Inc., joins Josh Solesbury, an investor at Parify, to uncover the cutting-edge world of Bitcoin treasury strategies. They discuss Michael Saylor's influence on corporate Bitcoin strategies and delve into how companies are innovatively integrating Bitcoin into their financial models. Listeners learn about unique investment profiles, the complexities of financial engineering, and potential strategies for institutional investors. This engaging conversation sheds light on Bitcoin's evolving role in corporate finance.

11 snips
May 23, 2025 • 1h 9min
Entering Ethereum’s New Era | Tomasz Stańczak
Tomasz Stańczak, Co-Executive Director at the Ethereum Foundation, shares his insights on Ethereum's evolving culture and product focus. He explores Ethereum's dominance in DeFi and real-world assets, emphasizing the need for innovation and adaptability in its ecosystem. The discussion includes groundbreaking advancements in real-time proving and scaling Layer 1, as well as strategies to bridge on-chain and off-chain economies. Tomasz highlights Ethereum's vision for a transformative future in finance, making it indispensable in today's digital landscape.

44 snips
May 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
The Bull Case For Ethereum | Tom Dunleavy & Ryan Berckmans
Ryan Berckmans, an ETH OG and community member, and Tom Dunleavy, Head of Venture at Varys Capital, delve into the bull case for Ethereum. They discuss Ethereum's notable pivot, value proposition, and the implications of Layer 1 and Layer 2 dynamics. The conversation highlights Ethereum's challenges and successes, as well as economic factors like block space pricing. They also explore future growth strategies and competition within the crypto landscape, offering insights into personal investment approaches in a rapidly evolving market.

12 snips
May 16, 2025 • 1h 8min
The Next Phase of the Bull Market | Weekly Roundup
This week dives into the fascinating dynamics of the cryptocurrency market. There’s a spotlight on Ethereum's recent surge and the cultural factors shaping trading strategies. The discussion also analyzes investment strategies, including Bitcoin’s role in portfolios and the anticipated rise of crypto mergers and acquisitions. With insights on navigating volatile markets and the impact of major firms like Coinbase, listeners gain a comprehensive view of investing in this rapidly evolving space.

6 snips
May 15, 2025 • 1h 6min
Hivemind: ETH Pump, Solana’s Edge & the New Meme Meta
The team dives into Ethereum's impressive surge, analyzing if it's fueled by real market demand or just speculative moves. They also spotlight Solana's potential as a hub for 'Internet Capital Markets' and discuss the fresh narratives surrounding real-world asset tokens. The conversation ventures into Celestia's challenges, the innovative landscape of tokenized equity fundraising, and the buzz around meme coins. Add a sprinkle of humor from personal parenting anecdotes, and you have a lively take on the ever-evolving crypto scene!

26 snips
May 12, 2025 • 1h 12min
Why Apollo Created Their Onchain Credit Fund | Christine Moy, Carlos Domingo & Tarun Chitra
Christine Moy, a blockchain visionary at Apollo, Carlos Domingo from Securitize, and risk management expert Tarun Chitra of Gauntlet dive deep into the future of on-chain finance. They explore the launch of the industry's largest on-chain credit fund and what private credit means in this new landscape. Discussions highlight the transformative effects of tokenization, risk management mismatches with traditional finance, and the challenges and opportunities that come with integrating real-world assets into decentralized technologies.

12 snips
May 9, 2025 • 1h 3min
Coinbase Buys Deribit, Stripe’s Stablecoin Launch, and Ethereum’s Pectra Upgrade | Weekly Roundup
Bitcoin has soared past $100k, signaling a bullish trend. Ethereum's Pectra upgrade marks a significant shift to proof of stake, reshaping the crypto landscape. Coinbase's blockbuster acquisition of Deribit for $2.9 billion sets new standards in crypto derivatives. Meanwhile, the launch of Stripe's stablecoin adds another layer to digital finance. Corporate giants like Meta and Robinhood are exploring tokenization, hinting at a future where traditional stocks meet blockchain innovations. Regulation, particularly the GENIUS Act, is also stirring the pot.

16 snips
May 7, 2025 • 21min
Token2049 Takeaways (Live) | Weekly Roundup
Join a vibrant discussion from Token2049 as key players share insights on the evolving crypto landscape. The excitement surrounding institutional interest is palpable, reflecting a promising future for mainstream adoption. Explore Ethereum’s new direction with an emphasis on scaling and relevance in a competitive market. Discover emerging trends and user adoption strategies, alongside the balance between infrastructure and application development. It's a deep dive into the transformative ideas reshaping the cryptocurrency world.