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 7, 2024 • 10min
The Bitcoin Bull Mood (Starts) to Return
Exploring the resurgence of bullish sentiment in the Bitcoin market, whale accumulation of bitcoin, changing views of key figures, secure custody practices, recent M2 contraction, positive Bitcoin momentum, analyzing Bitcoin ETFs and blockchain milestones
May 5, 2024 • 8min
For Bitcoin, Is It "Sell in May and Go Away"?
The podcast discusses the impact of seasonality on Bitcoin returns, exploring statistical data on monthly performance trends. It compares Bitcoin's seasonal trading patterns to traditional market strategies, questioning the reliability of historical patterns in future markets.
4 snips
May 3, 2024 • 33min
The Five Most Important Stories in Crypto This Week
Scott Melker joins NLW to discuss macro trends, CZ's legal troubles, Roger Ver's arrest, and more in the crypto world. They explore market reactions, monetary policy insights, and legal troubles facing prominent figures within the industry.
May 2, 2024 • 15min
Powell Dismisses Inflation Concerns
Jerome Powell, Chair of the Federal Reserve, discusses no rate cuts or hikes despite emerging stagflation concerns. Topics include Fed's focus on labor market, returning inflation to 2%, and market reactions to rate decisions. Exploring Fed's balance sheet adjustments, sponsorships like Ledger, Consensus 2024, and Super Intelligent platform. Analyzing Fed's stance on rates, market response, and implications of fiscal dominance on monetary policy.
May 2, 2024 • 14min
Roger Ver Arrested for Tax Evasion as Coinbase Enables Lightning
Roger Ver, a key Bitcoin figure, arrested for tax evasion, sparking controversy. Coinbase adds Lightning support. Discussion on Bitcoin development, stablecoin legislation, and US macro conditions impact on Bitcoin.
May 1, 2024 • 12min
Former Binance CEO CZ Gets 4 Months In Jail (Because Of COURSE He Got 4)
Former Binance CEO CZ receives a 4-month jail sentence for money laundering charges. The podcast discusses the legal battle, industry implications, predictions, and support for CZ. It highlights his cooperation, failures in curbing illegal activities, and reactions from the crypto community.
Apr 30, 2024 • 16min
Operation Chokepoint 2.0 (2.0)
Government crackdown on self-custody in crypto space similar to Operation Chokepoint. Legal analysis of Tornado Cash Co-founder's case and DeFi implications. Critiques of DOJ's handling of DeFi case. Risks in self-custodial wallets and regulatory uncertainties. Macro data analysis on Fed policy implications, inflation, and potential rate hikes.
Apr 28, 2024 • 9min
Why Bitcoin Will Drive the Next DeFi Summer
Exploring Bitcoin's pivotal role in the DeFi landscape, its potential in NFTs and tokens, and the evolution towards a $1 trillion asset class. Bitcoin's transition into a staking asset, promoting financial independence. The competition and implications of ordinal values in Bitcoin, debates on fungibility, and ongoing technological advancements.
Apr 26, 2024 • 34min
The Five Most Important Stories This Week
Counting down the top stories in crypto this week, covering Operation Chokepoint 2.0 and CZ jail. Explored topics include stablecoins adoption, Tether's US market position, and upcoming Consensus 2024 event. Also discussed crypto ETFs, legal challenges, and the IRS introducing new tax form for crypto transactions. Legal battle between crypto industry and SEC, focusing on Ethereum's foundation and ConsenSys.
Apr 26, 2024 • 16min
Samurai Wallet Founders Arrested
The podcast discusses the US crackdown on crypto mixers and the arrest of Samurai Wallet founders. Topics include community reactions, legal implications, decentralization debates, privacy rights, and the ongoing crypto war.
