

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

Sep 14, 2024 • 1h
All-In Summit, Inevitable Superintelligence, and Crypto's Role | Hivemind
Dive into the far-reaching impacts of AI on the economy and job market, with discussions on its potential to create deflationary trends. Explore the intriguing intersection of AI and cryptocurrency, examining innovative investment opportunities. Get highlights from a recent summit featuring diverse tech and geopolitics discussions. The podcast also contemplates the future challenges posed by AI on labor roles and the possible solutions like Universal Basic Income. Plus, hear insights about the evolving state of the crypto market and new decentralized projects.

Sep 13, 2024 • 1h 7min
What the West Misunderstands about Crypto in Asia | Allen Ng, Everest Venture Group
Allen Ng from Everest Venture Group dives into Asia's crypto landscape, shedding light on its distinct cultural and operational dynamics. He highlights misconceptions held by the West, revealing the sophistication of Asian crypto users. Interesting discussions include the varying crypto attitudes across countries like Vietnam and Japan, the hierarchical nature of business in Asia, and advice for Western firms aiming to expand in the region. Allen also shares insights on enterprise adoption, impactful events like FTX, and the vibrant crypto event scene in Asia.

Sep 10, 2024 • 1h 15min
How Crypto Fixes the Internet Monopoly | Neil Chatterjee, DAWN & Andrena
Neil Chatterjee, founder of DAWN and a pioneer in decentralized internet solutions, shares insights on transforming internet access. He discusses the hidden costs imposed by ISPs and how decentralized networks can empower users by lowering costs. The conversation highlights the innovative role of cryptocurrency, particularly Solana, in creating community-driven internet infrastructure. Neil envisions a future where households actively participate in their internet services, ultimately promoting an inclusive digital landscape.

Sep 6, 2024 • 1h 24min
Is Crypto Quietly Quitting? | Roundup
Dive into the intriguing world of crypto as the hosts unpack the trend of 'quiet quitting' in the market. They explore the regulatory hurdles facing major platforms like OpenSea and Binance. A fascinating look at the dominance of Asian markets reveals cultural insights that shape crypto adoption. The concept of 'time billionaires' sparks discussions about valuing our most precious resource. Finally, the recent rebranding of Maker and the future of DeFi and stablecoins are dissected, shedding light on an ever-evolving landscape.

4 snips
Sep 5, 2024 • 1h 7min
Why Is Crypto Dumping? | 1000x Live
Discover the political factors shaping Bitcoin's future and the challenges posed by upcoming elections. The hosts analyze the current bearish trend in altcoins and how investor psychology is shifting. Learn about disciplined trading strategies during market volatility and the complex interplay between monetary policy and cryptocurrency. The discussion also reflects on unexpected market changes, including the fallout from key figure arrests, all while keeping the tone light with humorous pet comparisons. Get ready for insights with a twist!

4 snips
Sep 3, 2024 • 1h 16min
Is MegaETH the AWS of Crypto Infrastructure? | Namik and Shuyao
Namik, an expert in centralized sequencing and decentralized validation, joins Shuyao, who specializes in node specialization, to discuss MegaETH. They explore its innovative blend of centralized block production and decentralized validation, addressing challenges in blockchain scalability. Their conversation touches on the critical role of Ethereum in ensuring performance, the need for a vibrant ecosystem, and the importance of diverse founders in driving meaningful projects. They also emphasize the urgency for broader adoption of crypto solutions akin to mainstream services.

Sep 2, 2024 • 48min
Gasless Crypto, Finding Narrative Market Fit, and Surviving Hype Cycles | Jack O'Holleran, Skale
Jack O'Holleran, an expert on gas-free blockchains, joins to discuss how these innovations are essential for mass adoption in cryptocurrency. He explains the concept of "narrative market fit," highlighting its dual role in enhancing and obstructing innovation. The dialogue shifts to the challenges crypto companies face in volatile markets, emphasizing strategic resilience and emotional detachment. O'Holleran also touches on the synergy between AI and blockchain, promising a bright future for niche markets like DeFi and on-chain gaming.

Aug 31, 2024 • 55min
What Durov's Arrest Means, Maker's Sky Money Pivot and Crypto's Censorship Bull Case | Hivemind
Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram and a champion of digital freedom, discusses the ramifications of his arrest. The conversation delves into the paradox of increasing censorship potentially benefiting crypto and the push toward decentralized platforms. They also explore Maker's rebranding to Skynet and its significance for DeFi. The panel debates the balance between innovation and regulation while reflecting on the evolving landscape of stablecoins and the implications for user privacy and freedom in the age of digital communication.

24 snips
Aug 30, 2024 • 1h 21min
Why the Dollar's Stablecoin Update is Inevitable | Jeremy Allaire, Circle
In this discussion, Jeremy Allaire, CEO of Circle, delves into the transformative role of stablecoins like USDC in global finance. He highlights how these digital currencies can enhance transaction speed and efficiency. Allaire also addresses the evolving regulatory landscape and the future of decentralized finance, likening the impact of stablecoins to the internet's revolutionizing of information sharing. He offers insights on challenges and innovations essential for a more integrated financial system.

Aug 28, 2024 • 49min
Can Bitcoin Break Through $70k, Or Lower? | 1000x Live
Avi Felman, a cryptocurrency expert, and Jonah, a knowledgeable figure in the crypto space, dive into the current Bitcoin market volatility, exploring trends between $61K and $65K. They discuss Ethereum's evolving role in the market, pondering if it's the new XRP of this cycle. The duo also navigates Telegram's controversial implications for decentralization and trading strategies in a shifting landscape. Finally, they engage with a live audience, providing valuable insights and answering pressing crypto questions in real time.