CoinDesk Podcast Network

In this discussion, Hut 8 eyes a massive 500 MW data center project in Illinois, pending zoning approval. MSCI decides to keep MSTR in its indices, which has implications for treasury companies. The hosts delve into bitcoin mining trends, noting that nearly half of all Bitcoin transactions are non-monetary. Florida makes a renewed push for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, sparking debate over its timing and policy risks. Riot’s leadership shakeup and compensation changes illustrate how mining firms are adapting to AI opportunities.

Rebecca Rettig, the Chief Operating and Legal Officer at Jito Labs, dives into why the Jito Foundation is moving back to the U.S., shedding light on significant Senate negotiations surrounding the 2026 Market Structure bill. She discusses the need for regulatory clarity to foster innovation in crypto, the challenges of offshore operations, and the pressing issues in DeFi regulation. Rettig also touches on the importance of tax clarity for staking and airdrops and shares insights on stablecoin yield discussions, revealing why now is a pivotal moment for crypto in America.

J.P. Morgan is taking a bold step by issuing JPM Coin on the Canton Network, enhancing real-time digital currency transactions. Meanwhile, Florida is considering a bill that could allow state funds to be invested in crypto as a hedge against inflation. Additionally, World Liberty Trust is applying for a national charter to launch a USD1 stablecoin and offer custody services. The podcast dives into the evolving regulatory landscape surrounding these initiatives, illustrating the growing institutional interest in blockchain technology.

Nike has made waves by selling its NFT subsidiary, RTFKT, just a year after halting operations. This raises questions about the future of the NFT market, especially as other platforms face closures and events like NFT Paris have been canceled. Additionally, a recent decision by MSCI has buoyed strategy shares, while Binance is stepping up with new silver perpetual futures. Interestingly, silver outperformed crypto in 2025, highlighting a shifting landscape in investment priorities.

Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, co-founder of Ledn and Venezuelan bitcoin mining expert, shares his firsthand experiences in a country rife with systemic corruption and government crackdowns. He recounts his family's harrowing escape after their mining facility was seized, highlighting how hyperinflation led many Venezuelans to mining as a lifeline. Mauricio critically debunks claims of a $60 billion bitcoin reserve, attributing the implausibility to mismanagement and lack of evidence, while detailing the chaos that government interference has wrought on miners.

Drake is facing a class-action lawsuit in Virginia, accused of using a crypto casino's tipping feature to launder money for inflating his music stats through bots. The lawsuit alleges that the casino, Stake.us, operates illegally to bypass U.S. laws. In an unexpected twist, discussions also touch on the U.S. national debt reaching a staggering $38.4 trillion and its implications. Plus, insights into Bitcoin's nearing $94,000 and new ETF filings are highlighted, capturing the financial landscape's current pulse.

Brady Dale, an independent crypto reporter and author of the Front Stage Exit newsletter, dives into the evolving landscape of crypto media. He critiques the decline of major publications, highlights the strengths of smaller outlets like The Rage and DL News, and discusses the challenges of traditional media in covering crypto. Brady also proposes new business models for media, including curated research newsletters, and discusses the rise of non-traditional journalists. Tune in for insights on what the future holds for crypto journalism!

Charlie Hu, Co-founder of BitLayer, dives into the critical financialization of Bitcoin and its 2026 outlook. He explains how Bitcoin emerged as a lifeline during Venezuela's hyperinflation crisis. The conversation covers the competition between Bitcoin and precious metals, highlighting the factors driving Bitcoin adoption. Hu identifies bottlenecks that hinder DeFi's integration with Bitcoin and discusses how stablecoins complement Bitcoin's role in the market. He emphasizes key indicators to watch in 2026, making a strong case for Bitcoin's potential rise.

Bitcoin skyrockets above $93,000 amidst U.S. military actions in Venezuela. The capture of President Maduro fuels speculation about a potential U.S. seizure of Venezuela's rumored bitcoin reserves. Discussion includes how accessing oil could trigger disinflation, along with concerns over a recent data breach at Ledger, exposing user contact information. Additionally, PwC is set to ramp up its crypto services thanks to evolving legislation, marking a significant shift in the financial landscape.

Predictions for 2026 are on the table, featuring a potential silver supply shock and stagnating Bitcoin hash rates. The rise of prediction markets is highlighted, along with big banks entering Bitcoin lending. Meanwhile, AI data centers face supply chain challenges that may hinder their growth. The internet is bracing for a flood of AI-generated content, raising questions about trust and authenticity. Join the discussion on how these trends could reshape financial landscapes and digital interactions.