CoinDesk Podcast Network

Peter Schiff, the founder of SchiffGold and a prominent critic of Bitcoin, shares his unique perspective on the cryptocurrency and gold markets. He reveals how his advocacy for gold has ironically led many to buy Bitcoin. Schiff discusses gold's record highs, predicting a continued upward trend into 2026, and questions Bitcoin’s status as sound money due to its lack of intrinsic value. He also unveils his new tokenized gold product, aiming to bridge the gap between traditional and digital assets.

The hosts kick off The Hashies, celebrating the highs and lows in Bitcoin for the year. They crown Daniel Roberts as the most ascendant BTC Mining CEO and Shayne Coplan in crypto. Notable deals are discussed, from the best (CoreWeave's headline-making acquisition) to the worst (Riot's failed takeover). Investor cultures are critiqued, highlighting IRON's community versus MARA's outdated base. They also touch on the biggest crashouts and most wrecked plays, including meme coins and struggling Bitcoin treasury firms. Valentin Rousseau's accurate hashrate prediction stands out, while extreme BTC price targets get a good laugh.

2025 was a wild ride for crypto, marked by an epic meme coin frenzy that even reached the White House. The infamous Hayden Davis exposed the dark side of meme coins, siphoning liquidity and revealing exploitation tactics. The Libra scandal created shockwaves, contributing to a major bubble burst. Amidst this chaos, over 140 companies pivoted to digital asset treasuries, stockpiling Bitcoin and Ether. The largest liquidation event in history wiped out $19 billion, causing swift market downturns and leaving a significant liquidity gap.

A fascinating look into the future of crypto reveals predictions for 2026, focusing on institutional participation and the importance of market plumbing. Changes to China's digital yuan are set to transform its financial landscape with interest payments and new bank deposit statuses. Meanwhile, Ethereum enthusiasts can look forward to the Higoda upgrade, which promises exciting enhancements alongside the already anticipated Glamsterdam. These discussions highlight the rapid evolution of privacy and inclusivity in the blockchain space.

French Hill, U.S. Representative and Chair of the House Financial Services Committee, shares insights on his significant legislative achievements in 2025. He emphasizes the crucial role of the Clarity Act for the success of stablecoins, likening it to essential market infrastructure. Hill discusses the implications of 'Operation Choke Point 2.0,' revealing systemic challenges facing the crypto sector. He also critiques the misconception that crypto regulations favor the wealthy, advocating for fair and practical enforcement instead.

In 2025, the crypto industry reached a staggering $8.6 billion in mergers and acquisitions, fueled by supportive policies from the White House. Coinbase made headlines with its $2.9 billion acquisition of Deribit, signaling a trend of consolidation among major players like Kraken and Ripple. Additionally, Trump Media's transfer of 2,000 BTC sparked speculation, while the market showed minimal price reaction. A security breach of Trust Wallet led to a $7 million loss, emphasizing the need for enhanced protections in the crypto space.

Dive into a spirited discussion on the 2025 rankings of bitcoin mining stocks, where hosts weigh the ups and downs of each player. Canaan’s vertical integration steals attention, while Cipher Mining battles for the top spot. Hive's mixed fortunes spark debates, and American Bitcoin faces trust issues. Hut 8 gets an A for strategic moves, while Terawulf shines in the S tier for its capital and Google ties. Join the team's fun and insightful rankings as they predict the future of these miners!

Ari Redbord, Global Head of Policy at TRM Labs and former prosecutor, explores the tumultuous landscape of crypto security in 2025. He highlights the staggering $53 billion in scams while also celebrating unprecedented asset recovery successes. Ari calls blockchains the "ultimate crime scene," showcasing how they're leveraged to reclaim stolen funds. The rise of AI-driven scams, escalating by 500%, poses new challenges, yet there's optimism as policymakers engage with the technology. Predictions for 2026 emphasize action and practical deployment of solutions.

The podcast dives into the current state of U.S. crypto market structure legislation, highlighting essential wins in 2025 but noting a crucial missing bill. It investigates the House's passage of the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act while the Senate drafts its version. The discussion also covers debates on anti-money laundering regulations for DeFi and the impact of political factors like shutdown risks and midterm elections on legislative progress. Finally, listeners learn about potential consequences if this critical legislation fails to pass.

Explore the wildest Bitcoin stories from 2025, including a dramatic ICE raid on a Texas mine and the end of Operation Chokepoint 2.0, reshaping crypto banking. Discover how miners adapted to AI workloads amidst panic over Trump’s tariffs and soaring ASIC imports. Dive into the mystery of the $8 billion OG whale sale and the amusing saga of a Bitcoin Puppets-branded race car. This is a rollercoaster of thrilling narratives that speak volumes about the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency.