

The Breakdown
Blockworks
The Breakdown dives into the deepest topics in crypto, blockchain, and the macro forces shaping markets and power structures. Each episode breaks down complex ideas into clear, grounded analysis — separating signal from noise across crypto, finance, and geopolitics.
Hosted by David Canellis, The Breakdown features explainers, interviews, and conversations with the people building, regulating, and challenging the financial system.
A Blockworks podcast.
Subscribe to The Breakdown newsletter: https://the-breakdown.carrd.co/
Hosted by David Canellis, The Breakdown features explainers, interviews, and conversations with the people building, regulating, and challenging the financial system.
A Blockworks podcast.
Subscribe to The Breakdown newsletter: https://the-breakdown.carrd.co/
Episodes
Mentioned books

Nov 3, 2024 • 23min
The Five Most Important Stories in Crypto Last Week [Pre-Election Edition]
Scott Melker, a distinguished crypto analyst and educator, joins for a lively discussion on recent market dynamics. They delve into Michael Saylor's ambitious Bitcoin buys, the volatility keeping BTC at around $70k, and the challenges of accurately valuing cryptocurrencies. The conversation also touches on the innovative exSat Network aiming to enhance Bitcoin's scalability without sacrificing its core values, and the increasing regulatory scrutiny surrounding Tether and its implications for the upcoming elections.

Oct 31, 2024 • 13min
Michael Saylor Celebrates Bitcoin Whitepaper Day with $42B in BTC Buy Plans
Celebrate 16 years of Bitcoin with a discussion on Bitcoin White Paper Day and its remarkable price stability around $70,000. Dive into MicroStrategy's audacious $42 billion acquisition plan, signaling a bold financial pivot. Explore the recent earnings of key players like Coinbase and Robinhood, uncovering their impacts on the crypto landscape. Meanwhile, the emergence of a new 'faketoshi' raises eyebrows in the community while innovative projects like the exSat Network aim to revolutionize Bitcoin DeFi.

Oct 31, 2024 • 12min
Treasury Snubs Crypto on Financial Inclusion
Bitcoin is nearing its all-time highs, sparking interest in Hong Kong's evolving crypto regulatory landscape amid recent fraud incidents. The U.S. Treasury faces criticism for neglecting crypto's role in financial inclusion, contrasting with proactive measures in Hong Kong. Meanwhile, the future of stablecoins is brightening as major firms endorse them, though the industry faces hurdles, highlighted by layoffs at key players like ConsenSys. Exciting developments aim to scale the Bitcoin ecosystem while maintaining its core principles.

Oct 30, 2024 • 11min
Bitcoin Smashes Through $70k
Bitcoin's recent surge past $70,000 sets the stage for an exciting end to October, despite historical patterns suggesting volatility. The rapid growth in Bitcoin ETFs signals increased institutional adoption, with major players like Emory University betting big. Additionally, the impact of upcoming disclosures from institutional investors is heating up discussions around Bitcoin's price, while the integration of AI in mining reveals a promising future for the ecosystem. It's a thrilling time for both seasoned investors and newcomers in the crypto world.

Oct 29, 2024 • 12min
Is the US Government Going After Tether?
...and if it is, is it real or just lawfare? NLW explores reporting from the WSJ and compares it to the leaks that started before the Binance settlement. Unlocking Bitcoin DeFi with ExSatThe exSat Network aims to unlock and scale the Bitcoin ecosystem without compromising Bitcoins Ideology. The network has partnered with the largest mining pools in the world, major custodians and exchanges, BitTrade, Cubolt, Matrixport, Everstake, OKX and aims to have over $200M TVL at mainnet launch on the 23rd of October. Follow exSat’s Twitter to stay up to date @exsatnetwork or visit the testnet exsat.networkEnjoying this content?
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Oct 28, 2024 • 6min
Bitcoin as a Tokenization Platform
Dive into the emerging role of Bitcoin as a leader in tokenization and its potential to reshape capital markets. Discover how advancements like Layer 2 solutions are enhancing its programmability and security. The discussion highlights Bitcoin's growing recognition among financial institutions and contrasts its advantages with Ethereum. Additionally, learn about the exSat Network, which aims to scale the Bitcoin ecosystem while maintaining its core ideologies, backed by major mining pools and custodians.

Oct 26, 2024 • 30min
The Friday Five: Bitcoin Custody Controversy
Scott Melker, a crypto commentator, joins Michael Saylor, CEO of MicroStrategy, to dive into the hot topic of Bitcoin custody. They discuss Saylor's controversial remarks and the ongoing debate about self-custody versus institutional trust. The conversation highlights the need for innovative solutions in the Bitcoin ecosystem, particularly with new initiatives like the exSat Network aiming to enhance Bitcoin's scalability. Additionally, the episode touches on the implications of Bitcoin’s role in corporate finance and evolving regulatory landscapes.

Oct 25, 2024 • 11min
All Roads Lead to Inflation (and Bitcoin)
Explore the intriguing connection between inflation and the upcoming U.S. elections. Analysts highlight rising bond yields and fiscal deficits shaping market sentiment. Discover concerns about global growth as the IMF downgrades forecasts and the implications of rising public debt. The discussion also covers how evolving monetary policies might spark interest in alternative investments, particularly Bitcoin, as an escape from traditional financial pressures. It's a deep dive into the shifting sands of the economy!

Oct 24, 2024 • 12min
The Biggest Acquisition in Crypto History
Stripe's recent $1.1 billion acquisition of Bridge signals a major shift in the cryptocurrency arena, spotlighting the power of stablecoins. Experts weigh in on how this deal could reshape financial services. The conversation dives into Bitcoin's resurgence and the growing interest in Bitcoin ETFs and institutional investments. Plus, the podcast highlights the role of political engagement among crypto leaders, painting a comprehensive picture of the evolving landscape.

Oct 23, 2024 • 13min
The Central Bankers Who Think Bitcoin Could Destroy Society
A recent paper from the European Central Bank warns that Bitcoin could destabilize society and democracy through wealth redistribution. The conversation delves into the backlash from Bitcoin supporters, questioning the assumptions behind the ECB’s claims. It also highlights the ideological clash between Bitcoin believers and traditional monetary policies, emphasizing Bitcoin's potential for economic freedom. Tensions rise as the podcast explores the relationship between Bitcoin and central banks, weighing its humanitarian promises against worries about its effects on monetary policy.


