

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

15 snips
Dec 10, 2024 • 1h 22min
Inside the Hidden Power Struggles of Bitcoin Upgrades | Steve Lee & Ren
Steve Lee, Head of Crypto at Block and a leader in Bitcoin open-source software, joins Ren to dive deep into Bitcoin's consensus mechanism. They dissect research on the six key stakeholder groups shaping Bitcoin's destiny, revealing how covenants could usher in a chain split. The discussion highlights the power of self-custody holders versus institutional investors and explores the rising role of ETFs. With insights into potential changes from application developers in 2025, this conversation is a must-listen for crypto enthusiasts!

42 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 1h 17min
Hivemind: BTC's $100K Run, Ethena's Yield Meta, and Our Bull Market Bets
Bitcoin's surge to $100k sparks a lively debate on market psychology and the power of conviction over fear of missing out. The discussion shifts to Ethena's yield mechanisms, challenging traditional DeFi narratives. Listeners also dive into the evolving landscape of AI's role in cryptocurrency, exploring innovation amidst skepticism. The team tackles potential corrections in crypto markets and highlights the necessity of strategic investment amidst emotional trading. Prepare for insights into the intertwining worlds of money and technology!

72 snips
Dec 6, 2024 • 56min
Timing Cycle Tops, AI Narrative Trade, and Bitcoin's Nation-State Adoption | Qiao Wang
Qiao Wang, a crypto market cycle expert, shares intriguing insights on the current psychology of crypto investors and the significance of the meme era. He discusses the secretive Bitcoin accumulation by BRICS nations in anticipation of U.S. policy shifts. Qiao predicts a potential market peak in March 2024 and delves into the narrative surrounding AI in crypto. He highlights Hyperliquid's innovative token launch strategies and explores the evolving dynamics of blockchain trading, setting the stage for future trends in the industry.

28 snips
Dec 4, 2024 • 55min
How To Trade This Cycle | 1000x
The discussion centers on trading strategies in the evolving crypto market. They analyze the resurgence of 'dino coins' and how psychological factors can shape trading success. Insights are given on Bitcoin's role in altcoin trends and the idea of establishing a strategic Bitcoin reserve. Additionally, they delve into the impact of Microstrategy's investments and how to maximize gains amid market volatility. Overall, it’s about navigating financial strategies and making informed trading decisions in a fluctuating landscape.

44 snips
Dec 3, 2024 • 1h 29min
Did Memecoins Ruin This Cycle? | Haseeb & Avichal
Haseeb, an insightful commentator on the crypto market, and Avichal, a seasoned expert in blockchain dynamics, dive into the current crypto landscape. They debate whether the market is facing a bubble or evolving into maturity. The duo highlights the intriguing role of memecoins, their effects on crypto adoption, and the potential disruption they bring to traditional financing models. They also discuss how Trump's possible presidency could reshape regulatory frameworks, and conclude with a thought-provoking comparison of Ethereum to Intel, touching on dominance and innovation risks.

18 snips
Nov 29, 2024 • 56min
Tornado Cash's Victory, PumpFun Content Moderation, and Geopolitical BTC Demand | Roundup
Explore the recent Fifth Circuit ruling on Tornado Cash, shedding light on crypto protocol implications. Dive into PumpFun's content moderation crisis and the tricky balance between free speech and community standards. Discover Brazil's proposed Bitcoin reserve bill and how global politics influence institutional crypto demand. The discussion also touches on the growth of Base, the dynamics of memecoins, and surprising shifts in legacy tokens, all wrapped in engaging banter and insightful analysis.

27 snips
Nov 26, 2024 • 2h 2min
ParaFi's 10 Crypto Predictions for 2030 | Ben Forman & Kevin Yedid-Botton
Ben Forman and Kevin Yedid-Botton, partners at ParaFi Capital, provide thrilling insights into the future of crypto. They predict Bitcoin could soar to $815K, achieving gold parity. The duo emphasizes the rise of stablecoins, projecting them to make up 10% of M2 supply. AI is set to dominate on-chain activities, significantly transforming the landscape. They also discuss the evolving role of wallets as new banks and highlight Bitcoin's growing geopolitical influence, hinting at global shifts in power dynamics.

14 snips
Nov 23, 2024 • 1h 6min
Hivemind: Saylor's MSTR Premium Playbook & Financializing AI Agents
The discussion dives into MicroStrategy's aggressive Bitcoin investments and what the company's premium means for the market. The impact of AI agents on the crypto landscape raises both excitement and skepticism. They explore the potential for altcoin seasons and the contrasting behaviors of institutional versus retail traders. Speculative investments, including meme coins and AI-driven trends, are analyzed alongside market dynamics. Finally, the conversation touches on navigating volatility and future opportunities in the ever-evolving crypto space.

22 snips
Nov 22, 2024 • 57min
Crypto's Euphoria, Mass Stablecoin Adoption, and What Santi's Buying | Roundup
Despite Bitcoin soaring to $98K, crypto Twitter is surprisingly muted. The discussion includes Trump’s involvement in pro-crypto policies and the underestimated potential of stablecoins. The hosts examine the current market dynamics, contrasting retail and institutional behaviors, while exploring the rise of AI agents. They also touch on recent Bitcoin purchases by MicroStrategy and the vibrant Solana community. Listeners are encouraged to stay engaged for updates on future events and community activities.

39 snips
Nov 19, 2024 • 48min
Finding Crypto's Next Big Trade | 1000x Live
Dive into the world of cryptocurrency as the hosts uncover strategies for finding the next big trade. Discover the impact of the BTC ETF options and how this cycle compares to 2021. The rise of Dogecoin takes center stage, reflecting its cultural significance. Listen in as they discuss investing in meme coins, assessing market risks, and effective tips for part-time traders. Join the conversation on ETH vs. XRP and gain insights into balancing portfolio management with market volatility!