

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

Apr 3, 2025 • 50min
Hivemind: Liberation Day, Timing Token Launches & Circle IPO
This discussion dives into the implications of Trump's tariffs and the concept of Liberation Day in a shifting geopolitical landscape. The team debates the best timing for crypto token launches and explores the potential IPO of Circle, noting its competitive challenges. They analyze market volatility and investment strategies, particularly in robotics and cryptocurrency. Personal anecdotes add a light-hearted touch, even as they confront the serious nuances of today's economic uncertainties.

34 snips
Mar 31, 2025 • 54min
Why Stablecoins Are Crypto's Biggest Opportunity | Charlie Noyes & Bam Azizi
Charlie Noyes, a General Partner at Paradigm, and Bam Azizi, founder of Mesh, dive into the world of stablecoins and their transformative potential. They discuss Mesh's impressive $82 million funding round and how it aims to bridge cryptocurrencies with traditional payment systems. Highlighting the importance of user experience, they explore the shift to multi-chain solutions and the competitive dynamics of the stablecoin market. The conversation also touches on innovations in crypto tools and the need for regulatory clarity as stablecoins gain traction.

Mar 29, 2025 • 58min
ChatGPT's Breakout Moment, Binance vs Hyperliquid & The Exchange Wars | Weekly Roundup
This week's discussion dives into the excitement and tensions witnessed at a recent cryptocurrency conference. Key topics include ChatGPT's rapid rise, the bullish sentiment surrounding stablecoins, and the unfolding drama between Binance and Hyperliquid. The podcast also highlights advancements in AI and no-code tools, showcasing their impact on business innovation. A notable trading incident with Jelly Jelly sparks a conversation about market integrity in decentralized finance. Tune in for insights on the evolving landscape of tokens and the future potential of stablecoins!

21 snips
Mar 26, 2025 • 24min
Why Institutions Are Bullish With Eric Peters
Eric Peters, CEO of Coinbase Asset Management and OneRiver, sheds light on institutional optimism around crypto. He discusses the rise of fiscal dominance and its impact on financial markets. Peters explores whether the four-year crypto cycle still holds and highlights upcoming opportunities in 2025. He also addresses the controversial role of meme coins in the market and compares the fundamentals versus narratives driving crypto investments. With insights from the frontlines, this conversation reveals how institutions are navigating today's turbulent landscape.

Mar 24, 2025 • 35min
What It Takes To Build In Crypto | Stani Kulechov & Jack O'Holleran
Stani Kulechov, founder of the leading DeFi protocol Aave, and Jack O'Holleran, founder of Scale Labs, dive deep into the intricacies of building in the crypto landscape. They contrast the challenges of Web 3 versus Web 2, emphasizing the significance of long-term vision and community engagement. The duo also discusses the dual nature of tokens and the need for collaboration in a multi-chain ecosystem. Their insights include strategies for effective fundraising and the importance of balancing innovative goals with community expectations in this rapidly evolving industry.

16 snips
Mar 21, 2025 • 1h 5min
Takeaways From DAS 2025 | Weekly Roundup
This week's discussion dives into the burgeoning landscape of stablecoins and real-world assets, emphasizing institutional interest and evolving market dynamics. The hosts reflect on their event experiences, contrasting institutional enthusiasm with foundational community perspectives. They explore innovative yield-generation strategies at the intersection of blockchain and energy, while also navigating the competitive shifts among crypto exchanges. Insightful dialogue on the future of crypto, including smart contracts and the impact of regulation, rounds out the conversation.

7 snips
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 6min
Hivemind: Peak Macro Uncertainty, Hyperliquid Bull Case & the New Era of Programming
The hosts dive into the current macroeconomic uncertainties and their effects on the cryptocurrency market. They explore the future of meme coins and how they might thrive despite volatility. A deep look into Hyperliquid reveals its potential as a leading decentralized exchange. The discussion also highlights Celestia's role in modular blockchain design and the innovative Converge platform. Lastly, concepts like 'vibe coding' and advances in AI spark insights on the new era of programming, enriching the crypto landscape.

33 snips
Mar 17, 2025 • 1h 3min
The State Of Crypto Lending | Membrane Labs
Carson Cook and James Roth, co-founders of Membrane Labs, delve into the current state of crypto lending. They explore the impacts of past failures like Terra/Luna and the lessons learned about risk management. The duo discusses how traditional financial institutions are cautiously eyeing the crypto lending landscape amid regulatory uncertainties. They highlight the differences between decentralized finance and traditional lending, while also predicting a shift towards more secure and efficient practices in the evolving market.

33 snips
Mar 14, 2025 • 55min
Why Is This Cycle Different? | Weekly Roundup
This week, the discussion dives deep into the bearish trends affecting both traditional finance and crypto markets. A major topic is MGX's massive investment in Binance and what it means for valuations in the sector. Insights on current VC dynamics reveal a shifting sentiment among younger professionals. The conversation also tackles the complexity of market timing and how external factors, meme coins, and investor fatigue are shaping the landscape. Lastly, a focus on crypto resilience and innovation sheds light on the industry's evolving nature.

13 snips
Mar 10, 2025 • 1h 15min
The Overton Window Is Shifting | Anthony Pompliano
Anthony Pompliano, a prominent entrepreneur and investor in crypto, shares his insights on various pressing topics. He examines the economic divide exacerbated by technological disruptions and the rise of populism in politics. The discussion highlights how tariffs can bolster domestic production rather than aid inflation. Pomp emphasizes the importance of independent thought in today's polarized environment and reflects on shifting investment personas, encouraging entrepreneurs to embrace curiosity and problem-solving for business success.