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
May 18, 2024 • 13min
With SAB121 Overturned, A New Era of Crypto Politics Begins
The Senate's vote to repeal SAB121 defies the White House; changes crypto politics. SEC's guidance on crypto assets and Elizabeth Warren's critique discussed. Challenges in crypto policy making highlighted, with emphasis on grassroots involvement. Implications of potential veto on SAB121 and shifts in political dynamics explored.
May 17, 2024 • 13min
The First MEV-Related Arrest
The podcast discusses the recent arrest in an MEV-related case by the US Department of Justice, highlighting the growing sophistication in crypto criminal prosecution. It delves into the intricacies of MEV exploitation on the Ethereum blockchain, legal consequences, controversy surrounding the arrest incident, and legislative updates on the SAB 121 bill seeking to repeal SEC accounting guidelines impacting crypto custodians.
May 16, 2024 • 13min
Tornado Cash Developer Convicted
Guest Alexey Pertsev, convicted of money laundering charges in the Netherlands due to his involvement with Tornado Cash platform. Discusses the impact on developer responsibility in the crypto space, privacy rights, and the debate on holding developers accountable for software misuse. Also covers freedom of speech decisions, inflation concerns, and Powell's analysis of economic data and monetary policy.
May 15, 2024 • 12min
The Return of Roaring Kitty
Keith Gill, also known as Roaring Kitty, discusses his role in memestock mania and the GameStop short squeeze. The podcast delves into the implications of his actions on stock prices, market manipulation, and potential solutions in the crypto market. It also explores the Fit 21 Act's impact on crypto regulation and concerns over DOJ interpretation of money transmission laws in the crypto space.
May 14, 2024 • 14min
The Rise of the Crypto Single-Issue Voter
Former President Trump's pro-crypto stance sparks debate on single-issue voting. Political tensions around crypto and partisan concerns. Impact of NFT dinner on campaigns and crypto voting. Navigating the political landscape of cryptocurrency. Debating single-issue voting and political implications for crypto.
May 13, 2024 • 46min
The 5 Key Views on Stablecoins
Crypto researcher and writer Nic Carter discusses the importance and risks of stablecoins in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. Topics include differing perspectives on stablecoins, analysis of free banking systems, national security implications, regulatory oversight, and stablecoins' impact on global financial systems.
May 11, 2024 • 21min
The Week Crypto Truly Entered the Political Conversation
This podcast delves into the week when cryptocurrency stepped into the political spotlight, covering topics like Trump's acceptance of Bitcoin donations, political turmoil over regulations, bipartisan efforts to support crypto, and legal battles in the crypto space.
May 10, 2024 • 12min
Trump Completes His Crypto 180
Former President Trump hosts an event for Trump NFT holders, signaling a shift towards embracing crypto. The podcast explores Democrats' self-inflicted wounds and tensions within the party over crypto regulation. Biden's veto threat and a Democrat member breaking ranks hint at changing views on the SEC and crypto assets held by banks.
May 9, 2024 • 14min
Grayscale Withdraws ETH ETF
Grayscale surprised the cryptosphere by withdrawing an ETF application, sparking speculation on SEC's stance and grayscale's strategy. SEC Chair Gensler's concerns about investor protection and crypto scams are explored. Legislative proposals targeting money laundering via crypto mixers and voter interest in crypto policy were also discussed.
May 8, 2024 • 11min
Why the Robinhood Wells Notice Hits Harder
Discussion on SEC issuing a Wells Notice to Robinhood's crypto division. Analysis of regulatory actions against crypto firms. Exploration of political dynamics and regulatory challenges in the crypto industry. Navigating global acceptance of cryptocurrency amidst regulatory hurdles.
