CoinDesk Podcast Network

The latest high-profile moves in D.C. highlight the revolving door between government and the crypto sector. Outgoing CFTC Chair Caroline Pham joins MoonPay, while Trump's administration fills roles with private-sector veterans. Concerns about conflicts of interest arise, but some argue this shift modernizes governance. The discussion also covers significant transitions within other regulatory bodies. Tune in for insights on how these changes may shape the future of cryptocurrency.

Arthur Hayes, Co-founder of BitMEX and Maelstrom CIO, shares his bold predictions for Bitcoin, forecasting it to reach $250,000 by 2026 and even $750,000 by 2027. He delves into the macroeconomic forces behind these predictions, highlighting the impact of U.S. politics and money printing. Hayes also discusses his top three investments for 2025, including Zcash, and explains why it's gaining traction. He emphasizes the importance of self-custody for privacy and offers insights on the future of stablecoins and DeFi.

Join Jean-Marie Mognetti, CEO of CoinShares, as he unpacks the transformative impact of Bitcoin ETFs on the crypto landscape. He reveals how the financialization of Bitcoin through derivatives is compressing volatility and changing trading dynamics. Mognetti discusses the stark contrast in ETF adoption between Europe and the U.S., attributing European lag to cultural and regulatory hurdles. He also paints a thought-provoking picture of Bitcoin as a 'bittersweet' response to global debt crises, highlighting its potential role amidst economic turmoil.

Adam Hollander, CMO of OpenSea and a seasoned expert in crypto and NFTs, discusses the platform's transformative journey. He envisions OpenSea evolving from a simple NFT marketplace to a comprehensive on-chain hub for all digital assets. Adam details the challenges of competition and the need for a robust platform rebuild. He also highlights plans for user engagement, multi-chain wallet integration, and adapting to market dynamics. With a focus on scalability, his goal is to see OpenSea become a vital resource for millions in the digital economy.

Mike Selig's confirmation as the new CFTC chairman marks a significant shift towards a crypto-first regulatory landscape. He plans to replace enforcement-driven rules with clarity and principles-based guidelines. The podcast delves into Selig's career trajectory and critiques the traditional regulatory approach. Concerns are raised about leadership vacancies as Selig stands as the sole commissioner. His agenda emphasizes tougher enforcement and ending reliance on opaque regulations, signaling a new path for cryptocurrency oversight.

Jesse Pollak, a prominent blockchain builder and creator of Base, joins the conversation about his role in driving growth for this Ethereum Layer 2 solution. He discusses Base's explosive expansion and the increasing interest from institutions like JPMorgan and Shopify. Pollak delves into progressive decentralization, emphasizing the importance of community governance and the risks of centralization. Plus, he shares rapid-fire predictions for the crypto landscape in 2026, touching on market trends and opportunities for innovation.

Dive into the high-stakes showdown between quantum computing and Bitcoin. Explore whether quantum threats are real or just hype, as experts discuss the risk to 1-2 million vulnerable BTC. Unpack Nick Carter's thesis on impending cryptographic challenges by 2028-2033. Debate the ethics of 'burning' Satoshi's coins to protect the network from a potential $100 billion hack. Discover the technologies that could future-proof Bitcoin, alongside the philosophical implications of a possible civil conflict within the crypto community.

Michael Saylor, founder of Strategy and a leading voice in corporate Bitcoin treasuries, shares his insights on Bitcoin's evolution from a niche investment to a widespread asset. He discusses the rise of digital credit products that aim to mitigate volatility and enhance stability. Saylor confidently predicts a 30% annual appreciation for Bitcoin over the next two decades, while addressing the importance of ongoing education in the digital asset space. He also highlights the impact of regulatory changes and forthcoming innovations in digital finance.

Discover the latest Most Influential list in the crypto world! This year features heavyweights from Donald Trump to innovative developers like Roman Storm. Learn about Jeff Yan's groundbreaking DEX and Hayden Davis's meme-coin impact. Hear how Shane Copeland's Polymarket surged and Paolo Arduino's vision for Tether as a financial juggernaut. Explore Sam Altman's push for decentralized tech and Tom Lee's strategic crypto investments. Finally, get insights into Jerome Powell's economic influence on the crypto landscape!

Brady Dale, a dedicated journalist known for his on-the-ground reports in crypto, joins to discuss pressing issues in the mining sector. He shares insights on China's renewed crackdown on bitcoin in Xinjiang, which has led to significant mining shutdowns. The conversation dives into Hut 8's groundbreaking $7 billion deal with Fluidstack and the construction delays faced by CoreWeave in Texas. Brady also details local opposition to a mining facility in Granbury, revealing community dynamics and the complexities of regulating mining operations.