Empire - podcast cover

Empire

Blockworksblockworks.co
Empire features interviews with top crypto founders to get the real stories that aren’t shared elsewhere. Empire is your look behind the curtain of the crypto industry. We release two episodes per week: guest interviews on Monday and a weekly roundup on Friday.
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Episodes

Hivemind: Bitcoin Decoupling, US Trade Deficits & Worldcoin

This week, the Hivemind team discuss Bitcoin decoupling from traditional markets, how tariffs and deficits play into the bid for US assets, and Worldcoin tackling the AI-identity issue. We also dig into the best launchpad for crypto onboarding, stablecoin adoption, Bitcoin & gold in DeFi, and more. Enjoy!. -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire Follow Ceteris: ht...

Apr 17, 202552 min

The Biggest Market Crash Since 2020, What Next? | Felix Jauvin & Quinn Thompson

Gm! This week we're joined by Felix Jauvin & Quinn Thompson from the Forward Guidance podcast to discuss where markets go next from here. After the market sold off in reaction to the Trump tariffs, we deep dive into the bull vs bear case in 2025, Trump's end game, building the perfect portfolio, Coinbase vs Robinhood, is Bitcoin really a safe haven asset & more. Enjoy! -- Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Quinn: https:/...

Apr 14, 20251 hr 14 min

How To Position During A Market Crash | Weekly Roundup

Gm! This week we're back with another weekly roundup where we discuss how to position during a market crash. We deep dive into the Trump tariff dump, are altcoins cooked, the state of crypto venture, why Ripple's $1.25b acquisition is more important than you think & more. Enjoy! -- Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitt...

Apr 11, 20251 hr 11 min

Ethereum Co-Founder: Why Crypto Has Failed | Gavin Wood

Gm! This week we're joined by Gavin Wood to discuss has the promise of crypto failed? We deep dive into hype vs fundamentals, why crypto needs more utility, why haven't we seen mass adoption, how to fix crypto's product problem & more. Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Gavin: https://x.com/gavofyork Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel Fol...

Apr 07, 20251 hr 3 min

The Trump Tariff Dump | 1000x

This week, we discuss the shock Trump Tariffs that spooked markets. We deep dive into will tariffs lead to a recession, what's next for markets, should you buy the dip or look for shorts & more. Enjoy! -- Go follow the new 1000x feed to keep up to date with all new episodes! Spotify: https://blckwrks.co/3WADHnL Apple: https://blckwrks.co/4aEt5u0 -- Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelman Follow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyz Follow 1000x: https://twitter.com/1000xPod Join the 1000x Tel...

Apr 04, 202546 min

Hivemind: Liberation Day, Timing Token Launches & Circle IPO

This week, the Hivemind team discuss Trump’s tariffs and Liberation Day, the shifting global power dynamics, and whether the outlook for crypto has changed. We also dig into the right time for projects to launch tokens, Circle preparing to IPO, and more. Enjoy!. -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire Follow Ceteris: https://x.com/ceterispar1bus Follow Jose: https://x...

Apr 03, 202550 min

Why Stablecoins Are Crypto's Biggest Opportunity | Charlie Noyes & Bam Azizi

Gm! This week we're joined by Charlie Noyes & Bam Azizi to discuss Meshs's $82M Series B raise. We deep dive into the Mesh origin story, how to unlock crypto payments, why the world needs stablecoins, crypto's multichain future & the biggest opportunity in 2025. Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Bam: https://x.com/bamazizii Follow Charlie:...

Mar 31, 202554 min

ChatGPT's Breakout Moment, Binance vs Hyperliquid & The Exchange Wars | Weekly Roundup

Gm! This week we're back with another weekly roundup where we discuss our takeaways from DAS NY, Chat GPT's breakout moment, why everyone is so bullish stablecoins, the Binance vs Hyperliquid drama & more .Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://...

Mar 29, 202558 min

Why Institutions Are Bullish With Eric Peters

Gm! This week Eric Peters joins the show live from DAS NY 2025 to discuss why institutions are bullish. We deep dive into the rise of fiscal dominance over the past few years, what institutions are interested in within crypto, does the four year cycle still exist, crypto's biggest opportunities in 2025 & more. Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow...

Mar 26, 202524 min

What It Takes To Build In Crypto | Stani Kulechov & Jack O'Holleran

Gm! This week Stani Kulechov & Jack O'Holleran join the show to discuss what it takes to build in crypto. We deep dive into how to build a great project in web 3 vs web 2, building long term vs short term narratives, are tokens productive, advice for founders & more. Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Stani: https://x.com/StaniKulechov Foll...

Mar 24, 202535 min

Takeaways From DAS 2025 | Weekly Roundup

Gm! This week we're back with another weekly roundup where we discuss our takeaways from DAS New York 2025. We deep dive into the growth of stablecoins & RWAs, what the institutions are focusing on, the future of crypto exchanges, who is best positioned going into 2025 & much more. Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts -- Follow Mike: https://x.com/M...

Mar 21, 20251 hr 5 min

Hivemind: Peak Macro Uncertainty, Hyperliquid Bull Case & the New Era of Programming

This week, the Hivemind team discuss the macro uncertainty impacting markets, the future of meme coins, and a deep dive into Hyperliquid and its valuation. We also dig into the bull case of Celestia, Ethena’s new L1, the new era of programming, and more. Enjoy!. -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire Follow Ceteris: https://x.com/ceterispar1bus Follow Jose: https://x...

Mar 20, 20251 hr 6 min

The State Of Crypto Lending | Membrane Labs

Gm! This week we're joined by Carson Cook & James Roth from Membrane Labs to discuss the current state of crypto lending. We deep dive into the differences between crypto's 2021 cycle & today, the Terra/Luna fallout, institutional appetite for lending in crypto & much more. Enjoy! -- Follow James: https://x.com/juniorroth22 Follow Carson: https://x.com/LiquidityWizard Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Join the Empire Teleg...

Mar 17, 20251 hr 3 min

Why Is This Cycle Different? | Weekly Roundup

Gm! This week we're back with another weekly roundup. We discuss why are markets so bearish as both TradFi & crypto continue grinding lower. We deep dive into why this cycle is so different, MGX's $2 billion investment in Binance, how to value protocols, the state of VC in crypto & more. Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Jason: https://twi...

Mar 14, 202555 min

The Overton Window Is Shifting | Anthony Pompliano

Gm! This week we're joined by Anthony Pompliano to discuss the current state of markets, the economy & politics. We deep dive into the rise of populism, why tariffs are not actually inflationary, how to build a great business, advice for founders & much more. Enjoy! -- Follow Pomp: https://x.com/APompliano Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh Start your day with crypto news...

Mar 10, 20251 hr 15 min

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, Crime, and the Ethereum Foundation

Gm! This week we're back with another weekly roundup. We discuss why the markets look bearish short term, but bullish in the long run, does the U.S need a strategic crypto reserve, Sui's announcement with World Liberty Financial, the Ethereum foundation's Silviculture Society strategy & more. Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Jason: https://tw...

Mar 07, 20251 hr 7 min

Cycles Don’t End Before They Start | David Kalk & Pranav Kanade

Gm! This week we're joined by David Kalk & Pranav Kanade to discuss the current state of crypto markets. We deep dive into the unwinding of the basis trade, what's next for BTC & alt's, the psychology of trading, market reflexivity, is the cycle over & much more. Enjoy! -- Follow David: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidkalk/ Follow Pranav: https://x.com/vaneckpk Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Join the Empire Telegram: h...

Mar 07, 20251 hr 7 min

Hivemind: Macro News Bearish, Crypto News Bullish & What We’re Bidding

This week, the Hivemind team discuss the effect of crypto scams and grifting on sentiment, whether the Trump Admin is actually better for crypto, and the key macro factors driving markets. We also delve into ETH Denver, what assets the team is bidding, and much more. Enjoy!. -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire Follow Ceteris: https://x.com/ceterispar1bus Follow Jo...

Mar 06, 20251 hr 14 min

Why Is Everyone So Bearish? | Weekly Roundup

Gm! This week we're back with another roundup. We discuss the current state of the market as sentiment follows price lower. We deep dive into is it time to be bullish or is the cycle over, do fundamentals in crypto matter, the Michael Saylor impact, the Bybit hack aftermath, stablecoin regulation & much more. Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow ...

Feb 28, 20251 hr 25 min

Memes are Dead, Long Live the Memes | Nick Tomaino

This week Nick Tomaino joins the show for a discussion on the current state of crypto. We deep dive into the recent LIBRA launch, investing in L1s vs apps, the rise of stablecoins, finding opportunities in crypto, advice for founders & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Nick Tomaino: https://twitter.com/NTmoney Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7...

Feb 24, 20251 hr 3 min

Crypto’s Momentum Shift, Kaito’s Token Launch, and Bridging UX | Roundup

No weekly Empire roundup this week unfortunately, but we'll be back next week! In the meantime, enjoy this episode from another Blockworks podcast Expansion. In this week's roundup, we discuss crypto’s momentum shift, Ethereum DA, and Kaito’s token launch. We also unpacked the implications of centralized companies operating onchain. Finally, we ended the episode with discussion on the current state of bridging UX. Enjoy! Resources C-node’s Take: https://x.com/colludingnode/status/189186244966346...

Feb 21, 20251 hr 7 min

How Trump became a Bitcoiner | David Bailey

Gm! This week we're joined by David Bailey for a discussion on the current state of the Bitcoin market. We deep dive into David's background building one of the largest Bitcoin media & events companies in the world, working with the Trump campaign, the 2025 corporate Bitcoin strategy, the outlook for a strategic reserve & so much more. Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockwork...

Feb 20, 20251 hr 30 min

Hivemind: Fate of ETH, Initia with Zon, & OpenAI's Deep Research

The Hivemind team discusses whether Ethereum can be saved, Initia with co-founder Zon, and what chains need to do to compete. The team also explores the outlook and market opportunity for Celestia and breaks down the Berachain and Story L1s. To close out, the team digs into market sentiment, whether the bottom is finally in for alts, and OpenAI’s Deep Research. -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https:...

Feb 15, 20251 hr 16 min

Why Santi Is Launching An L1 | Weekly Roundup

Gm! This week we're back with another roundup. We discuss Santi's big announcement as he prepares to launch an L1. We deep dive into the strategic decision to launch your own chain, value capture as an L1, crypto's biggest opportunity, why the future will be on chain & more. Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Jason: https://t...

Feb 14, 20251 hr 20 min

Why It's Time To Be Bullish

This week, we discuss the current state of the market as sentiment nears all time lows. We deep dive into the outlook for Bitcoin & alt's, what will outperform in this market environment, the AI trade, Trump's headline impact on markets & more. Enjoy! -- Go follow the new 1000x feed to keep up to date with all new episodes! Spotify: https://blckwrks.co/3WADHnL Apple: https://blckwrks.co/4aEt5u0 -- Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelman Follow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyz Follow ...

Feb 11, 202554 min

Crypto's Ultimate End State With Avery Ching

Gm! This week Avery Ching joins the show to discuss the Aptos 2.0 roadmap. We deep dive into the current vs end state of crypto, building a high performance L1, the rise of AI, misconceptions about Aptos & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Avery: https://x.com/AveryChing Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://bloc...

Feb 10, 202546 min

Where Are We In The Cycle? | Weekly Roundup

Gm! This week we're back with another roundup. We discuss the current state of the market, where are we in the cycle, altcoin unlocks, crypto venture & what are the most exciting projects in 2025 & more. Enjoy! -- Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santia...

Feb 07, 20251 hr 6 min

Trading Crypto's Weekend Meltdown | 1000x

This week, we discuss crypto's liquidation event over the weekend and how to trade the upcoming week. We deep dive into the weak performance of altcoins, Bitcoin's role in a multipolar world, shorting in this market environment & more. Enjoy! -- Go follow the new 1000x feed to keep up to date with all new episodes! Spotify: https://blckwrks.co/3WADHnL Apple: https://blckwrks.co/4aEt5u0 -- Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelman Follow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyz Follow 1000x: https:...

Feb 04, 20251 hr

Making Nuclear Markets Work Onchain | Alex Dolesky, Uranium Digital

In today's episode Alex Dolesky, founder of Uranium Digital, explains why a commodity powering 10% of global electricity still trades through phone calls and decade-long contracts. After discovering he couldn't express a bullish view on uranium like other commodities, Alex set out to build the first institutional-grade spot market on Solana, bringing transparency and efficiency to one of the world's most archaic markets. Today's conversation explores uranium's critical role in powering AI data c...

Feb 03, 20251 hr 4 min

Why DeepSeek Disrupted Markets & How Tokens Are The New GTM | Roundup

On this week's Empire roundup, Jason and Santi kick off by diving into DeepSeek's market impact and NVIDIA's historic selloff. They then explore Powell's comments on banks serving crypto customers and break down why tech founders – from Vine to Venmo – are suddenly rushing to launch tokens as their go-to-market strategy. Plus: Santi shares his portfolio moves, Jason explains why traditional finance will embrace tokens, and a look at Kraken's innovative approach to crypto payments. Thanks for tun...

Jan 31, 202559 min
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