Bankless - podcast cover

Bankless

The Ultimate Guide to Crypto Finance. DeFi, NFTs, and cryptocurrencies. Level up. Go bankless.

Episodes

Robinhood Announces Tokenized Stocks! LIVE with CEO Vlad Tenev, Johann Kerbrat, and AJ Warner

In this series of three interviews from Cannes, we host Vlad Tenev, CEO of Robinhood, Johann Kerbrat, GM of Crypto at Robinhood, and AJ Warner from Arbitrum to explore key announcements from their recent Token Summit. They discuss the introduction of tokenized stock options for private companies like SpaceX and OpenAI, aiming to democratize access for retail investors. Vlad highlights Robinhood’s commitment to addressing investment inequities, while Johann shares insights on the technological ch...

Jul 01, 202556 min

Becoming a Crypto Millionaire with Sam Dogen

Sam Dogen, founder of Financial Samurai and one of the original F.I.R.E. voices, joins Ryan Sean Adams to break down the path to financial independence, whether you're investing in crypto or other asset classes. They unpack 10 milestones to millionaire status, from mindset and momentum to investing, real estate, and entrepreneurship. Sam and Ryan go deep on how to avoid financial landmines, get on the same page with a partner, and define a life where money serves purpose, not the other way aroun...

Jun 30, 20251 hr 13 min

ROLLUP: Bitcoin Dominance Hits 66% | Circle IPO 10x | Robinhood Flips Coin? | Kalshi vs Polymarket

This week, David and guest co-host Tom Schmidt (Dragonfly) unpack a deceptively quiet crypto market with Bitcoin dominance hitting 66% and altcoins eerily still. What meta could flip the trend? They dive into Circle’s explosive 10x IPO, Robinhood’s surprise crypto surge, and why Coinbase is finally catching up. Plus: the Kalshi vs. Polymarket drama, ICOs creeping back, and how meme coins might soon help you get a mortgage. Also: Vitalik’s Layer 1 pivot, prediction markets heating up, and signs o...

Jun 27, 202554 min

The Stablecoin King | Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino on GENIUS Act, Circle IPO, Bitcoin & Tether to Trillions

Tether CEO Paolo Ardoino returns to Bankless at a historic moment for stablecoins. With the Genius Act advancing in the U.S. Congress, Paolo discusses what regulatory clarity means for Tether, the future of USDT, and the company’s plans to launch a domestic stablecoin. We explore the Circle IPO hype, Tether’s eye-popping profits, its growing presence in the U.S. Treasuries and Bitcoin mining, and how grassroots distribution across emerging markets powers its dominance. Paolo also gives a glimpse...

Jun 23, 20251 hr 16 min

ROLLUP: The GENIUS Act Passes | JP Morgan Stablecoin | Stablecoin Summer

Welcome to the Weekly Rollup, where we cover this week in Crypto. We unpack the implications of the Genius Act's passage, which positions the U.S. to lead in digital assets and spurs optimism around stablecoins potentially hitting a $3.7 trillion valuation by 2030. Also: JP Morgan’s surprising entry into the stablecoin market and Coinbase’s launch of new products, including a Bitcoin cashback credit card. ——— 🤌 BANKLESS SUMMIT | SEE US AT DEVCONNECT https://lu.ma/0ph1qg6c ------ BANKLESS SPONSO...

Jun 20, 2025

The GENIUS Act Passes the Senate: Lead Sen. Bill Hagerty Discusses The US Stablecoin Bill

Today, we discuss the recently passed Genius Bill with Senator Bill Hagerty, a key architect behind the legislation aimed at stabilizing the U.S. stablecoin market. Following a significant bipartisan Senate vote of 68-30, Sen. Hagerty shares insights on the evolving congressional perception of cryptocurrency, moving from skepticism to support. The bill seeks to foster a regulatory environment that encourages innovation while protecting users and maintaining America’s leadership in financial tech...

Jun 18, 2025

LIMITLESS: U.S. vs China's Race to Superintelligence | Jeremie & Edouard Harris

In this episode, Jeremie and Edouard Harris, co-founders of Gladstone AI and national security advisors, join us to break down the real score in the U.S.–China AI race. We unpack what it actually means to “win” in AI: from cutting-edge model development and compute infrastructure to data center vulnerabilities, state-sponsored espionage, and the rise of robotic warfare. The Harris brothers explain why energy is the hidden battleground, how supply chains have become strategic liabilities, and why...

Jun 18, 2025

EigenLayer Introduces EigenCloud: The First Crypto-Native Cloud Service | Sreeram Kannan & JT Rose

EigenLayer is back with a major announcement: EigenCloud. Sreeram Kannan and JT Rose unveil the first crypto-native cloud platform—a verifiable, programmable environment for building applications beyond the limits of traditional blockchains. We explore how EigenCloud packages modules like EigenDA, EigenVerify, and EigenCompute into a developer-friendly product that brings cloud-scale computation and crypto-grade trust guarantees together. From meme coins and AI agents to fully sovereign applicat...

Jun 17, 2025

Ryan's Personal Reboot: 5 Types of Wealth with Sahil Bloom

In this deeply personal episode, Sahil Bloom joins Ryan Sean Adams to explore what it truly means to be wealthy and why so many high achievers get it wrong. After hitting burnout, Ryan stepped away from the grind to reassess his definition of success. What he found was a framework that reframed his entire life: the Five Types of Wealth. Together, they unpack why net worth alone is a poor scoreboard, how to avoid the trap of “never enough,” and what it means to build time, social, mental, physica...

Jun 16, 2025

ROLLUP: Circle’s $25B IPO Mania | Genius Act Passes? | Stripe Buys Privy | Polymarket Meets Twitter

This week, Ryan and David unpack Circle’s stunning IPO debut, soaring to a $25B market cap and triggering Wall Street’s stablecoin frenzy. They break down the landmark Genius Act vote, bringing unprecedented regulatory clarity to stablecoins, and dive into Stripe’s latest crypto bet, acquiring wallet innovator Privy. Polymarket goes mainstream in an official integration with Twitter, while SEC Chair Paul Atkins embraces DeFi as fundamentally American. Plus, Gemini quietly files for IPO, Plasma’s...

Jun 13, 2025

Ethereum is Digital Oil: The Bull Case for ETH with Vivek & Danny Ryan from Etherealize

Etherealize is back with a bold new thesis: ETH is digital oil. In this episode, Vivek and Danny Ryan unpack their freshly released report, The Bull Case for ETH, which positions ether as the next great store of value—and a future global reserve asset for the digital economy. We explore ETH’s misunderstood monetary design, its strategic role for institutions, and why Wall Street is waking up to Ethereum not just as a network, but as an investable asset. This is the case for ETH as the asymmetric...

Jun 12, 2025

ROUNDTABLE: Crypto's IPO Era | HYPE vs. SOL vs. PUMP | Jon & Bread

Crypto markets are buzzing and institutional appetite is peaking. With Circle’s IPO wildly oversubscribed and a new wave of companies racing to go public, we unpack what this means for the industry. Jon and Bread join us to break down the hype around crypto IPOs, why TradFi wants stablecoin exposure, and what it signals for projects like Solana, Ethereum, and Hyperliquid. We also debate value accrual, ETH vs BTC narratives, and whether apps or platforms will dominate the next phase of crypto. Th...

Jun 11, 2025

How Should ETH Be Valued? | Ryan Berckmans vs. Jon Charbonneau

Jon Charbonneau and Ryan Berckmans join Bankless to debate Ethereum’s future: is ETH undervalued, or has the market already spoken? We unpack whether Ethereum can rival Bitcoin as a store of value, if L2s will drive real value back to ETH, and whether Solana’s momentum signals deeper trouble for Ethereum. Jon argues ETH has lost its lead and may never reclaim it. Ryan contends Ethereum’s neutrality and institutional traction make it the inevitable hub for the onchain economy. This is the definit...

Jun 10, 2025

Is Joe Lubin the Michael Saylor of Ethereum? | The $SBET Opportunity

Joe Lubin returns to Bankless to break down his latest bold move—launching SBET, a publicly traded vehicle designed to accumulate and deploy Ether as a strategic treasury asset. We unpack whether Lubin is stepping into the Michael Saylor role for Ethereum, how SBET might outperform Bitcoin-backed models, and why ETH is poised for a monetary renaissance. From regulatory wins to Ethereum’s evolving narrative on Wall Street, this episode explores how ETH can become a multi-trillion-dollar asset and...

Jun 09, 2025

ROLLUP: Circle IPO Hits $20B | Stablecoin Summer Is On | Trump Wallet Chaos | EF Deploys Special For

This week, Ryan and David unpack Circle’s explosive $20B IPO—crypto’s second biggest—and what it signals about Wall Street’s newfound love for stablecoins. They break down the confusing Trump wallet drama, where even Trump’s own sons deny involvement, and explore why Pump.fun’s rumored $4B token raise has the industry split. Ethereum enters “wartime mode” as the Foundation lays off staff and spins up a lean new R&D force called Protocol. Plus, Ray Dalio says “a bit of Bitcoin,” Trump’s Big B...

Jun 06, 2025

LIMITLESS - AI DEBATE: Runaway Superintelligence or Normal Technology? | Daniel Kokotajlo vs Arvind

Two visions for the future of AI clash in this debate between Daniel Kokotajlo and Arvind Narayanan. Is AI a revolutionary new species destined for runaway superintelligence, or just another step in humanity’s technological evolution—like electricity or the internet? Daniel, a former OpenAI researcher and author of AI 2027, argues for a fast-approaching intelligence explosion. Arvind, a Princeton professor and co-author of AI Snake Oil, contends that AI is powerful but ultimately controllable an...

Jun 04, 2025

Doppler: A New Way to Launch Tokens with Austin Adams

Austin Adams, founder of Whetstone and creator of Doppler, joins to discuss the next evolution in token launches. We explore why the world needs more tokens—not fewer—and how Doppler enables creators, apps, and DAOs to build highly customized launchpads using modular tooling. We cover token market design, dynamic bonding curves to prevent sniping, and how this infrastructure could unlock more meaningful, value-connected tokens—from meme coins with DAOs to public market IPOs on-chain. ------ 📣SP...

Jun 03, 2025

Mike Novogratz: Bitcoin’s Escape Velocity, Bond Market Crisis, Crypto x AI, & the Genius Act

Mike Novogratz returns to Bankless to unpack Bitcoin’s surge to new all-time highs and what it means in a world grappling with fiscal uncertainty. We dive into the unfolding bond market crisis, why the Genius Act marks a new chapter for stablecoins, the tokenization of traditional finance, and how Galaxy is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of crypto and AI. This is a front-row seat to the changing macro tides and crypto’s place in the new financial order. ------ 📣SPOTIFY PREMIUM RSS FEED |...

Jun 02, 2025

ROLLUP: JD Vance Bitcoin 2025 | $425M ETH MicroStrategy | Tariffs Blocked | Stablecoin Summer

This week, Ryan and David break down the political storm brewing around crypto. From JD Vance’s fiery speech at Bitcoin 2025 to the Trump meme coin dinner that triggered bipartisan backlash. They dive into Ethereum’s biggest capital inflow yet, as a public company raises $425 million to buy and stake ETH, drawing comparisons to MicroStrategy. They also cover the court ruling that halted Trump-era tariffs, the Circle IPO finally moving forward, and early signs of a “Stablecoin Summer” as banks ey...

May 30, 2025

LIMITLESS - The Intelligence Curse: AI Makes Us All Obsolete | Luke Drago & Rudolf

Welcome to Limitless. Today we’re joined by Luke Drago and Rudolf, authors of the powerful essay series "The Intelligence Curse." Together, we explore a future where artificial general intelligence (AGI) threatens to upend the economic and social contracts that underpin modern civilization. Will AI empower us or make us obsolete? We unpack how labor-replacing AI could dismantle the very incentives that once gave rise to liberal democracies, social mobility, and human-centered innovation—and what...

May 28, 2025

Are We Headed for an Altseason Melt-up? | Michael Nadeau’s Defi Report #1

Is altseason finally here or just getting started? Michael Nadeau of the DeFi Report joins Ryan to break down the data behind a potential crypto rotation. We cover why ETH and select alts may be poised to outperform, how macro conditions are fueling risk-on sentiment, and why fundamentals—like protocol cash flows and MEV—matter more than ever. Michael also shares his current portfolio and reveals what he’s buying right now. If you’re positioning for what’s next, this is your rotation signal. Mic...

May 27, 2025

Introducing RSOV: A Better L1 Valuation Metric than REV | Jonah Weinstein

How should we value L1 tokens in crypto? Today’s guest, Jonah Weinstein of Skycatcher, introduces RSOV—“Realized Store of Value”—a new metric designed to fundamentally rethink how we evaluate Layer 1 assets like ETH, SOL, and BTC. In this episode, we explore why traditional models like DCF and REV fall short for monetary assets, how RSOV works, and why it may be a better way to understand crypto’s total addressable market. Tune in for a fresh perspective that could change how you analyze L1s for...

May 26, 2025

ROLLUP: Bitcoin Hits NEW ATH | Stablecoin Bill Advances | ETH’s ZK Miracle | Solana’s New Chain? | T

This week, Ryan and David unpack Bitcoin’s explosive run to $111K and the macro chaos driving it—specifically, the U.S. Treasury’s failed bond auction and what it signals for the dollar. They break down the Senate’s landmark stablecoin bill (and Elizabeth Warren’s meltdown), Ethereum’s ZK miracle that could 100x Layer 1 throughput, and Texas launching its own state Bitcoin reserve. Plus, why Stanley Druckenmiller’s portfolio strategy might justify going all-in on crypto—and whether alt season is...

May 23, 2025

ROUNDTABLE: The REV Debate - Real Metric or Fake News? Jon, Bread, & Andy8052

In this episode of the Bankless Podcast, hosts discuss Real Economic Value (REV). Triggered by Jon's exploration of how ETH and SOL prices correlate with REV, the team delves into REV's role as a value capture metric and demand signal for blockchain networks. We evaluate the implications for network valuations, debate the sustainability of relying on REV, and analyze competitive dynamics between Ethereum and Solana. The conversation concludes with musings on crypto investment risks and the evolv...

May 21, 20251 hr

Arthur Hayes: Money Printing & The Crypto Bet

Arthur Hayes returns to Bankless for a wide-ranging macro and crypto conversation. We cover why ETH ripped, why the Trump administration might walk away from US treasuries as the global reserve asset, and why capital controls—not tariffs—could redefine the global economic order. Arthur lays out his full thesis on how a massive shift in global liquidity is unfolding, what it means for crypto, and why he’s betting big on Bitcoin, gold, and “buying everything” as the money printers rev up again. --...

May 19, 2025

ROLLUP: ETH Pumps 50% | Tariff Deal Boosts Markets | Coinbase Data Leak | Robinhood Buys L2

📣 BANKESS x FRAX MEETUP | Permissionless 2025 https://lu.ma/uf9mmcoa ------ This week, Ryan and David break down Ethereum’s explosive 50% surge and the surprising macro catalyst behind it: a U.S.–China tariff deal that has markets ripping. They cover Coinbase’s massive customer data leak (and Brian Armstrong’s $20M bounty response), Robinhood’s stealthy Layer 2 acquisition, and the rise of meme coins funding real apps. Plus, why Arthur Hayes thinks the bull market is just beginning. ------ BANK...

May 16, 20251 hr 3 min

How ETH Wins | Ryan & David

Ryan and David reunite on Bankless Takes with a big question: What must Ethereum do to win? Ryan champions a memetic and cultural shift, calling for ETH maximalism and nationalism to reignite belief in ETH as a monetary asset. David brings a product-driven roadmap, urging Ethereum to strengthen its L1 as the economic hub of the internet. Together, they explore a vision for a unified Ethereum that can scale, coordinate, and ultimately win. This isn’t just a talk—it’s a strategy session for Ethere...

May 15, 20251 hr 19 min

Launchcoin & Believe | ETH's 50% Candle | Coinbase Listed on S&P 500 | Jon, Bread, & Andy8052

In this episode of the Bankless Roundtable, host David Hoffman is joined by crypto enthusiasts Zero X Bread Guy, John Charbonneau, and Andy8052 to discuss the recent surge in Ethereum's price, which skyrocketed nearly 50% this week. The panel analyzes the impact of the Believe app and Launchcoin on internet capital markets, Coinbase's entry into the S&P 500, and Robinhood's new Layer 2 solution. They explore the implications of these developments for investor confidence and market liquidity,...

May 14, 20251 hr 1 min

LIMITLESS: This Is Far Bigger Than The Internet Boom | Shaun Maguire

Shaun Maguire, partner at Sequoia and former physicist turned investor, joins the Limitless Podcast to explore why we’re on the verge of a technological renaissance. From AI and silicon photonics to humanoid robots and space infrastructure, Shaun makes the case that the next 20 years will make the internet boom look tame. We dive deep into why America needs 10 SpaceX-level companies, the return of hardware innovation, the energy constraints of the future, and how frontier technologies like Neura...

May 12, 2025

ROLLUP: ETH’s Pectra Upgrade | $2T Stablecoin Push | Apple’s Crypto Breakthrough | Coinbase Buys Deribit!

This week, Ryan and David unpack Ethereum’s game-changing "Pectra" upgrade, doubling Layer 2 blob space and sparking fresh debates on L1 scaling. Meanwhile, Washington sets its sights on a $2 trillion stablecoin market, Apple’s App Store monopoly cracks open to crypto, and Coinbase makes a historic acquisition of Deribit. Plus, Bitcoin breaks $100K and ETH $2k, are we officially back in bull territory? Find out on this week’s Weekly Rollup. ------ 💫 LIMITLESS | SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW https://ww...

May 09, 20251 hr 6 min
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android
Open in Metacast