
Galaxy Brains
Welcome to Galaxy Brains, hosted by Alex Thorn, Head of Research at Galaxy. Our weekly podcast provides insights and analysis on trends and events across the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Each week Alex will be joined by members of the research team to discuss the latest developments on all things crypto and blockchain technology.
Latest episodes

Jul 17, 2025 • 50min
Bitcoin Flows at River with Alex Leishman
Alex Thorn talks with Alex Leishman (River) about building a bitcoin-only brokerage, how stablecoins interact with bitcoin, why small businesses are beginning to own BTC, the importance of Proof of Reserves, building with Bitcoin Core, and much more. Alex also talks with Beimnet Abebe (Galaxy Trading) about Jay Powell and the Federal Reserve’s independence.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday, July 16, 2025.
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Follow us on Twitter, @glxyresearch, and read our research at www.galaxy.com/research/ to learn more! This podcast, and the information contained herein, has been provided to you by Galaxy Digital Holdings LP and its affiliates (“Galaxy Digital”) solely for informational purposes. View the full disclaimer at www.galaxy.com/disclaimer-galaxy-brains-podcast/

8 snips
Jul 10, 2025 • 46min
Bitcoin Treasury Companies with Jason Urban
Jason Urban, Global Head of Trading at Galaxy, shares his expertise in the rise of crypto treasury companies and the significant interest from institutions. He discusses the unique aspects of these firms compared to traditional players and highlights the role of decentralized finance in driving market changes. Michael Harvey, Head of Franchise Trading, joins to analyze current market dynamics, emphasizing a 'Goldilocks' economic environment and its implications for trading strategies amidst rising equities and macroeconomic shifts.

Jul 3, 2025 • 44min
Future of Blockchain Infrastructure with Zane Glauber and Harry Austin
Zane Glauber and Harry Austin from Galaxy's Blockchain Infrastructure team delve into the intriguing trends shaping blockchain technology. They discuss the implications of recent SEC guidance on staking and the evolving landscape for institutional investors. Additionally, Beimnet Abebe analyzes the impact of Bitcoin's resurgence, emphasizing significant purchasing movements among treasury companies. The conversation highlights the transition from traditional finance to blockchain, showcasing the challenges and opportunities within this rapidly evolving field.

Jun 26, 2025 • 25min
Bitcoin Policy Summit Takes Over DC with Matthew Pines
In this episode of Galaxy Brains, Alex Thorn records live from Washington, D.C., where he’s attending the third annual Bitcoin Policy Summit, hosted by the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI). He welcomes BPI Executive Director Matthew Pines to discuss the growth of the summit, Bitcoin’s evolving role in U.S. policy conversations, and key legislative efforts like the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act. They explore how Bitcoin intersects with national strategy, energy policy, and emerging technologies like AI, and why BPI is opening a “Bitcoin embassy” in the heart of D.C.
Plus, Beimnet Abebe (Galaxy Trading) joins to break down a volatile week in markets.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
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Follow us on Twitter, @glxyresearch, and read our research at www.galaxy.com/research/ to learn more! This podcast, and the information contained herein, has been provided to you by Galaxy Digital Holdings LP and its affiliates (“Galaxy Digital”) solely for informational purposes. View the full disclaimer at www.galaxy.com/disclaimer-galaxy-brains-podcast/

Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 1min
Politics of Crypto Legislation with Austin Campbell
Alex Thorn talks to Austin Campbell, NYU professor and founder of Zero Knowledge Consulting, about the passage of the GENIUS Act, prospects for market structure in the House, and what a tie-up between crypto and traditional finance means for both. Alex also talks to Beimnet Abebe (Galaxy Trading) about the Federal Reserve’s latest FOMC meeting, geopolitical risks affecting the market, and what the risk of stagflation means for markets.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday, June 18, 2025.
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Follow us on Twitter, @glxyresearch, and read our research at www.galaxy.com/research/ to learn more! This podcast, and the information contained herein, has been provided to you by Galaxy Digital Holdings LP and its affiliates (“Galaxy Digital”) solely for informational purposes. View the full disclaimer at www.galaxy.com/disclaimer-galaxy-brains-podcast/

Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 23min
Life After Bitcoin with Peter McCormack
Peter McCormack, chairman of Real Bedford FC and former host of The Peter McCormack Show, shares his journey post-cryptocurrency. He discusses rebuilding Bedford amidst economic challenges and debates Bitcoin's potential role in local governance. Beimnet Abebe from Galaxy Trading provides insights on inflation and the interest rate landscape, exploring how these factors affect consumer behavior and markets. The conversation also touches on libel lawsuits in the crypto space, emphasizing the balance between free speech and accountability.

Jun 5, 2025 • 41min
Should MicroStrategy Do Proof of Reserves? with Sam Abbassi
Alex Thorn talks with Sam Abbassi, founder of Bitcoin Proof of Reserves company Hoseki, about Michael Saylor’s comments on proof of reserve, the strategic bitcoin reserve, and bitcoin’s auditability. Alex also talks with Beimnet Abebe about economic data, inflation, the Federal Reserve, and markets.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday, June 4, 2025.
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Follow us on Twitter, @glxyresearch, and read our research at www.galaxy.com/research/ to learn more! This podcast, and the information contained herein, has been provided to you by Galaxy Digital Holdings LP and its affiliates (“Galaxy Digital”) solely for informational purposes. View the full disclaimer at www.galaxy.com/disclaimer-galaxy-brains-podcast/

May 22, 2025 • 42min
The Philosophy of Bitcoin w/ Brad Rettler
Alex Thorn talks to Prof. Brad Rettler (University of Wyoming) about evaluating bitcoin through first principles and whether it’s a net positive or negative for the world. Brad also explains the Bitcoin Research Institute, a first-of-its-kind institution solely focused on producing academic grade research on Bitcoin. Alex also talks to Beimnet Abebe (Galaxy Trading) about bitcoin’s new all-time high and pressure in fixed income markets.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday, May 21, 2025.
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Follow us on Twitter, @glxyresearch, and read our research at www.galaxy.com/research/ to learn more! This podcast, and the information contained herein, has been provided to you by Galaxy Digital Holdings LP and its affiliates (“Galaxy Digital”) solely for informational purposes. View the full disclaimer at www.galaxy.com/disclaimer-galaxy-brains-podcast/

May 15, 2025 • 48min
Galaxy’s Nasdaq Debut w/ Mike Novogratz
In this episode of Galaxy Brains, Alex Thorn is joined by Galaxy Founder and CEO Mike Novogratz for a wide-ranging conversation on markets, Bitcoin momentum, and the company’s upcoming Nasdaq listing. They discuss crypto’s recent drawdown and rebound, the rise of Bitcoin treasury strategies, macro headwinds and dollar risks, and how stablecoin legislation could bolster U.S. financial leadership. Mike also shares why Galaxy is doubling down on AI infrastructure, what it means for the future of the firm, and how crypto and AI may converge.
Alex also speaks with Beimnet Abebe from Galaxy Trading about equity market momentum, institutional positioning, and what could break the rally.
This episode was recorded on Tuesday, May 13, 2025.
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Follow us on Twitter, @glxyresearch, and read our research at www.galaxy.com/research/ to learn more! This podcast, and the information contained herein, has been provided to you by Galaxy Digital Holdings LP and its affiliates (“Galaxy Digital”) solely for informational purposes. View the full disclaimer at www.galaxy.com/disclaimer-galaxy-brains-podcast/

May 8, 2025 • 52min
The DOJ’s Case Against Samourai Wallet With Zack Shapiro
In this episode of Galaxy Brains, Alex Thorn is joined by Zack Shapiro, Head of Policy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, to examine the DOJ’s criminal case against the developers of Samourai Wallet and its far-reaching implications for open-source software, financial privacy, and the future of non-custodial Bitcoin tools in the U.S. Alex also speaks with Natalia Li, Head of U.S. Policy at Galaxy, about the Senate’s stablecoin legislation and with Beimnet Abebe, Head of Credit Trading at Galaxy, about key Fed takeaways, market signals, and macro risks.
This episode was recorded on Wednesday, May 7, 2025.
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Follow us on Twitter, @glxyresearch, and read our research at www.galaxy.com/research/ to learn more! This podcast, and the information contained herein, has been provided to you by Galaxy Digital Holdings LP and its affiliates (“Galaxy Digital”) solely for informational purposes. View the full disclaimer at www.galaxy.com/disclaimer-galaxy-brains-podcast/