CoinDesk Podcast Network

Join the insightful discussion as Pennyether unpacks the recent surge of Bitcoin's hashrate crossing 1 zettahash. Discover how ASIC manufacturing influences mining revenue, with miners investing heavily in these chips. Learn about the competitive landscape between Bitdeer and Bitmain, and how AI and HPC could reshape mining economics. The fascinating interplay between mining stocks and the HPC narrative shows why valuations are on the rise, despite megawatt challenges. It's a transformative time in the world of Bitcoin mining!

Peter Schiff critiques Michael Saylor’s bitcoin strategy, arguing that large BTC exits could significantly impact market prices, unlike gold. The discussion explores liquidity dynamics between the two assets. Additionally, there’s a report on the potential for competition among stablecoins as new platforms emerge, promising better treasury yields. Bitcoin's recent price surge past $112,000 is also discussed, with analysts expressing caution about potential short-term dips.

Sanat Rao discusses the impact of recent Fed rate cuts on DeFi, highlighting how they enhance yields and attract investors. He explores the growing intersection of traditional finance and on-chain markets, predicting a future where institutions tokenize real-world assets. The conversation turns to the potential for a new DeFi summer, comparing today's environment to that of 2020. Rao also addresses current investment risks, noting the shift from hacks to stablecoin de-pegging, and emphasizes improved monitoring tools in the DeFi landscape.

Join NBA champion Tristan Thompson and Somnia founder Herman Narula as they explore the intersection of crypto and sports. They discuss elevating fan voices, challenge traditional sports markets, and reveal their innovative platform for trading player tokens. Hear about tokenized talent discovery and the drive to create new career opportunities. Tristan shares his teammates' curiosity about crypto while boldly predicting Bitcoin's future price. Discover how the synergy between sports and crypto can transform fan experiences!

Explore the intriguing world of Luke Dash Jr., a Bitcoin developer with extreme religious views and a belief in geocentrism. The discussion covers how his authoritarian ideology influences his Bitcoin Knots client, which filters transactions he finds disreputable. Delve into his controversial moral stances, including the notion that illegal actions are immoral. The hosts emphasize the importance of researching Bitcoin developers and their motivations, urging users to understand who they are endorsing in the cryptocurrency space.

Ronaldo Lemos, an advisor to Brazil’s central bank on the Drex CBDC and founder of the Institute for Technology and Society of Rio, shares insights on Brazil's upcoming digital currency. He explains how Drex, a programmable digital real, will integrate with existing financial systems like PIX. Ronaldo distinguishes CBDCs from stablecoins and discusses measures to enhance user privacy, including the potential use of homomorphic encryption. He also addresses why the initial Drex pilot won't use blockchain, advocating for a thoughtful approach to future digital innovations.

Cipher Mining makes waves with a groundbreaking $3 billion AI hosting deal, backed by Google's hefty guarantee. Meanwhile, MicroBT ushers in a new era by launching a U.S. distribution hub, promising 10,000 ASIC miners monthly. Amidst these developments, miners face challenges as hash prices dip below $50/PH/day with surging network hashrates at 1,100 EH/s. IREN also captures attention by doubling its GPU fleet to 23,000 units, aiming for a remarkable $500 million annual revenue by Q1 2026.

The looming threat of a U.S. government shutdown is rattling the crypto markets, pushing Ether below $4K. A recent surge in speculation highlights rising fears of furloughs within government agencies. In other news, Sam Bankman-Fried's social media activity leads to a significant rise in FTT trading. Meanwhile, the FTX Recovery Trust is set to distribute $1.6 billion to creditors as they navigate post-collapse finances. Lastly, European banks are gearing up to launch a euro stablecoin by 2026, marking a new chapter in the crypto landscape.

Luca Netz, CEO of Pudgy Penguins and Abstract, shares his insights from Korea Blockchain Week. He believes Korea is the epicenter of global culture and crypto, highlighting how local adoption rates are reshaping the market. Luca discusses the staggering KRW trading volumes and how American brands can learn from this vibrant retail-driven landscape. Excitingly, he hints at potential K-pop collaborations for Pudgy Penguins, all while emphasizing Abstract's mission to create fun, consumer-friendly experiences on Ethereum.

Jaime Leverton, CEO of ReserveOne and former CEO of Hut 8, dives deep into the evolving landscape of bitcoin mining. She discusses the pivotal role of transaction fees post-halving and how miners can adapt to shifting rewards. Jaime also introduces ReserveOne, a public digital-asset treasury company with a unique 80/20 Bitcoin to altcoin strategy. Highlighting their 'Avengers of Crypto' team, she emphasizes governance and market metrics that will define their innovative offerings in the bitcoin DeFi space.