CoinDesk Podcast Network

Bryan Johnson, founder and CEO of Blueprint and Don't Die, is on a mission to reverse human aging using systems and technology. He discusses how FinTech principles and the philosophy of crypto intertwine with longevity. Johnson shares his vision of 'Autonomous Health,' where AI manages our bodies through bio-algorithms. He also delves into his personal journey to defy aging and connects it to broader ideologies. His goal? To operationalize immortality by 2039, making healthy choices automatic and exploring practical tips for enhancing life.

Former NYC Mayor Eric Adams faces allegations of a rug pull after the NYC Token's value plummets due to suspicious withdrawals. A wallet linked to the token's deployer withdrew $2.5 million, leading to a dramatic 60% crash. In an interview, Adams claims the funds will be used to combat anti-Semitism, though critics remain skeptical. Additionally, MicroStrategy has made headlines by purchasing over 13,600 BTC for $1.25 billion, raising their total to more than 687,000 BTC. Intrigue in the crypto world keeps escalating!

James Check, co-founder of CheckOnChain and an insightful on-chain analyst, discusses the turbulent Bitcoin landscape of early 2026. He highlights Bitcoin's recent decoupling from equities, driven by significant sell-side pressure from long-term holders. The podcast dives into the intriguing effects of ETFs, including a staggering $6.5 billion in outflows, and explores the relationship between Bitcoin and gold as complementary assets. Check also critiques the four-year cycle narrative, emphasizing the importance of realized cap metrics in predicting market trends.

Charles Hoskinson, the visionary founder of Cardano, delves into the volatile intersection of crypto and politics. He critiques the impact of political memecoins, particularly the Trump-backed ones, on regulation and public perception. Hoskinson also shares his thoughts on the need for a balanced approach to digital asset regulation and the failure of leadership in the crypto space. With optimism, he outlines Cardano's future innovations and discusses the pressing challenges posed by AI versus quantum technology in the crypto landscape.

Join Katie Stockton, founder of Fairlead Strategies and expert in market analysis, as she discusses Bitcoin's shifting role from a safe haven to a risk asset. She examines critical technical support levels, suggesting a potential short-term relief rally that could push Bitcoin towards $105K. Additionally, she explores Ether's targets and the intriguing divergence between cryptocurrency and equities markets. With insights on altcoin rotations and risk management using the cloud model, this conversation provides a fresh perspective on current market dynamics.

Fed Chair Powell faces a DOJ probe amid allegations of intimidation from the Trump administration to influence interest rate cuts. Predictions show that traders believe there’s a low chance Powell will leave his position early, viewing the threats as mere noise. Meanwhile, Tether freezes over $182 million on Tron, raising concerns about USDT's centralization. In regulatory news, Dubai bans privacy tokens like Monero and Zcash, indicating stricter compliance requirements for digital assets.

In this discussion, Paul Grewal, Chief Legal Officer of Coinbase and former federal prosecutor, dives into the contentious landscape surrounding stablecoin yields. He highlights the banking industry’s efforts to limit these rewards and underscores the importance of consumer benefits in crypto. Grewal also shares insights on Coinbase's strategic pivot towards prediction markets and the implications of upcoming political scrutiny. With the 2026 Market Structure bill on the horizon, he reflects on the evolving role of derivatives and the future of market innovations.

Dive into the existential threat quantum computing poses to Bitcoin as Shor’s algorithm challenges encryption standards. Discover the difference between bits and qubits and learn why approximately 2-4 million bitcoins are currently at risk. The discussion explores Satoshi's vulnerable stash of nearly 1 million BTC and debates whether to freeze or preserve these funds. As the window for action narrows, hear about NIST's post-quantum standards and the massive planning hurdles the Bitcoin network faces to avert disaster.

The memecoin index has surged 25% in just five days, signaling a return of retail interest in the New Year. Discussion revolves around the October 10th market shock and its lingering effects on trading. Analysts explore why demand exhausted in Q4 and the significance of the memecoin index as a market mood indicator. Insights into the recent retail pullback and the decline in leverage add depth to the analysis. Market engagement is expected to rise, driven by new products and a recovering landscape.

In a revealing interview, Trump declares he won't pardon Sam Bankman-Fried, raising questions about the disgraced FTX founder's future. The latest jobs report sends mixed signals, with payroll numbers falling short and unemployment unexpectedly dropping. Meanwhile, Bitcoin remains resilient, trading above $90,000 as traders speculate on future federal rate adjustments. The Electric Coin Company is making a bold move, rebranding to CashZ to focus on consumer wallets. Join the discussion on these pivotal financial topics!