

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

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.

20 snips
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!

Jun 21, 2025 • 1h 3min
Supra’s Vision For Automatic DeFi aka AutoFi Featuring Joshua Tobkin
Joshua Tobkin, Co-founder and CEO of Supra, dives into the fascinating world of oracles and automation in blockchain. He reveals how Supra is revolutionizing decentralized finance with its AI-driven AutoFi system. Tobkin discusses the integration of AI and blockchain, emphasizing the need for rapid data updates to ensure DeFi stability. He also introduces the concept of a 'super treasury' for innovative treasury management, aiming for community-focused financial strategies. Tune in for insights on the future of blockchain and the importance of innovative project engagement!

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 18min
Token Transparency And The Hot Ball of Money (Hyperliquid/Circle) | Weekly Roundup
Yano and Santi dive into the newly launched Token Transparency framework, emphasizing the need for clear investing practices. They discuss Hyperliquid's game-changing potential and unpack the complexities of cryptocurrency market dynamics. The conversation highlights Tron's ambitious plans to go public and the crucial role of stablecoins in shaping market strategies. They also explore innovative hiring practices using AI and wrap up with insights on their recent reading adventures and upcoming events.

22 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 1h 8min
Introducing The Token Transparency Framework With Dan Smith, Louis T and Felipe Montealegre
Join Dan Smith, Head of Data at Blockworks Research, Felipe Montealegre, CIO of Theia Research, and Louis T, Investment Partner at L1D, as they unveil the groundbreaking Token Transparency Framework. They dive into how this framework aims to enhance trust in the crypto market, discussing lemon markets and the risk premiums of tokens versus traditional assets. Insightful anecdotes, including token horror stories and real-world implications, highlight the pressing need for transparency and accountability in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.

Jun 16, 2025 • 1h 19min
The State Of Crypto Derivatives With Shiliang Tang and Josh Lim
Join Josh Lim, Co-founder of Arbelos and Head of Strategy at FalconX, and Shiliang Tang, Co-founder of Arbelos and Head of Trading at FalconX, as they dive into the intriguing world of crypto derivatives. They discuss the significant lessons learned from the chaotic 2022 crypto market and the impact of decentralized finance on market dynamics. Discover their insights on navigating risk and regulatory challenges, the evolving role of Bitcoin, and emerging investment strategies in a rapidly changing landscape.

9 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 3min
Takeaways from the SEC Roundtable and Privy Acquisition | Weekly Roundup
The discussion begins with Stripe's acquisition of Privy, likening it to Instagram’s impact on Facebook. Insights emerge from the SEC Crypto Task Force Roundtable, where the significance of self-custody and DeFi token rallies are highlighted. The evolving landscape of venture capital and the shift towards crypto wallets are also explored. Additionally, the hosts address regulatory changes in Singapore and speculate on potential developments in crypto ETFs, particularly Solana and XRP, while emphasizing the importance of innovation and adaptability in the industry.

7 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 4min
Hivemind: Circle Valuation, Pump.Fun Token & What We’re Bullish
This week's discussion highlights the macro shift towards deficit-driven growth and the frenzy surrounding Circle's IPO. The hosts dive into the disruptive potential of stablecoins on traditional banking, alongside a critical look at Plasma's launch mechanics and the implications of Pump.Fun's token launch for Solana. They also evaluate crypto treasury companies, the prospects for ETFs, and share what they're feeling bullish about in the ever-evolving crypto landscape.


