Galaxy Brains

Alex Thorn talks with Zack Shapiro, Head of Policy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, about the criminal case against the developers of Samourai Wallet, a non-custodial Bitcoin privacy tool, and the case’s serious implications for bitcoin and crypto legality in the U.S. Alex also talks with Galaxy’s Head of U.S. Policy, Natalia Li, about the Senate’s stablecoin bill and its chances of passage. Finally, Alex talks with Beimnet Abebe (Galaxy Trading) about the FOMC meeting, economic indicators, and markets generally.   This episode was recorded on Wednesday, May 7, 2025. ++ 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/

In this episode of Galaxy Brains, Alex Thorn is joined by Matt Pines, Executive Director of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, for a deep dive into national Bitcoin strategy, including the concept of a U.S. Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the mechanics and potential of BitBonds, and the looming risks of quantum computing to Bitcoin’s cryptography. They explore how sovereign adoption, fiscal policy, and geopolitical shifts may shape the future of Bitcoin. Alex also speaks with Galaxy Trading’s Beimnet Abebe about rising recession risks, tariff impacts, and why markets may be mispricing coming slowdowns.    This episode was recorded on Wednesday, April 30, 2025. ++ 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/

In this episode of Galaxy Brains, Alex Thorn speaks with Zack Pokorny, Galaxy Research Associate, about MESA, Galaxy Research’s first-ever governance proposal. Designed to reduce Solana inflation through a more democratic voting framework, the proposal introduces multiple voting options rather than a binary outcome. Zack unpacks the motivation behind the proposal, compares it to SIMD-228, and explores how token emissions shape lending, staking, and yield dynamics across DeFi. Plus, Beimnet Abebe (Galaxy Trading) joins to discuss volatile market action amid tariff uncertainty, shifting global sentiment, and signs of policy indecision.   This episode was recorded on Wednesday, April 23, 2025.++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/

Max Bareiss, Head of Lending at Galaxy, dives into the evolution of the bitcoin and crypto lending market, exploring the fusion of centralized and decentralized finance. He highlights innovative lending structures and the role of Bitcoin as collateral. Beimnet Abebe from Galaxy Trading offers sharp insights on economic policies, market fluctuations, and the broader implications of tariffs on consumer sentiment. They discuss the shifting dynamics of the dollar and how these factors affect investor behaviors in a landscape ripe with financial uncertainty.

Alex Thorn talks with James Check (Checkonchain) about the state of the bitcoin market. Alex and James discuss insights derived from onchain bitcoin data, what it tells us about bitcoin holder behavior, and what needs to change to build a base and move higher once again. Alex also talks with Connor Finemore (Galaxy Trading) about tariffs, treasuries, and trade wars.This episode was recorded on Wednesday, April 9, 2025.++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/

Arjun Sethi, Co-CEO of Kraken and General Partner at Tribe Capital, joins Bimnet Abebe from Galaxy Trading to dive into the dynamic world of cryptocurrency. They discuss the evolution of the U.S. banking system and the influence of regulatory shifts on Bitcoin prices. The conversation touches on Kraken's commitment to security, the rise of tokenized equities, and the merging of traditional and decentralized finance. Additionally, they explore the importance of trust and transparency in the crypto industry, highlighting innovative strategies to enhance customer experiences.

Alex Thorn talks with Anton Katz (Talos) about institutional crypto trading, adoption, and technology. Alex also talks with Connor Finemore (Galaxy Trading) about markets.This episode was recorded on Wednesday, March 19, 2025.++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/

Preston Pysh, host of the Bitcoin Fundamentals podcast and GP at Ego Death Capital, discusses the strategic Bitcoin reserve and its role in institutional adoption. He delves into the complex landscape of macroeconomic factors affecting Bitcoin's future, including the impact of a $7 trillion debt and fluctuating dollar value. Joined by Beimnet Abebe from Galaxy Trading, they analyze market dynamics influenced by Federal Reserve policies and the implications for investors. The conversation highlights Bitcoin and stablecoins' evolving roles in the U.S. financial system.

Alex Thorn talks with Will Foxley (Blockspace Media) about the future of Bitcoin. Alex also talks with Beimnet Abebe about markets.This episode was recorded on Wednesday, March 12, 2025.++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/

Jake Chervinsky, Chief Legal Officer at Variant and a key figure in digital assets policy, discusses the existential threats to crypto from U.S. regulations like the Bank Secrecy Act. He emphasizes the enormity of regulatory uncertainties the industry faces, particularly with the SEC's evolving stance. Alongside Beimnet Abebe from Galaxy Trading, they dive into market dynamics leading up to a critical crypto summit, emphasizing the urgency for actionable measures and the balancing act between innovation and regulation in the crypto landscape.