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
Feb 1, 2024 • 12min
Layoffs at Block
The podcast discusses recent layoffs at Block and PayPal, as well as layoffs in tech companies like Google and Amazon. It also explores predictions for Ethereum ETF approval and compares Bitcoin ETFs with GBTC. Additionally, it covers challenges faced by Kraken, a major crypto seizure in Germany, and safety concerns about Binance as an exchange.
Jan 31, 2024 • 13min
The State of Bitcoin Mining Heading into the Halving
This podcast explores the growth in hashrate and state of the mining markets leading up to the Bitcoin halving. It discusses the rapid expansion of hashing power, challenges faced by mining companies, Jihan Wu's role in the crypto industry, the rise of renewable mining, and recent developments in the Chinese stock market.
Jan 30, 2024 • 16min
Bitcoin Shows the Growing Supremacy of the ETF
The podcast discusses the growing supremacy of Bitcoin ETFs, with BlackRock and Fidelity leading the way in assets under management. It explores the efficiency and liquidity advantages of Bitcoin ETFs, the surge in AUM for value funds, Charles Schwab's potential entry into the market, and the strengths of Coinbase in the crypto industry.
Jan 27, 2024 • 28min
The Top Five Crypto Stories This Week
The podcast discusses selling pressures on Bitcoin, including the transfer of BTC from Grayscale to Coinbase. They also explore the state of the cryptocurrency market, the SEC lawsuits against Binance and Coinbase, and the delay in the SEC decision on Ethereum ETFs.
Jan 26, 2024 • 12min
Q4 GDP Was Better Than Expected: What Does It Mean for Rate Cuts?
Discussion on Q4 GDP growth surpassing expectations with potential implications for rate cuts. Mention of Swan Mining launch, outflows from Grayscale Bitcoin Trust, and negative sentiment among retail investors towards Bitcoin.
Jan 25, 2024 • 15min
When Will the GBTC Selling End!?!
Exploring the impact of GBTC selling on Bitcoin's price, outflows in GBDC, potential trends and market impact, Bitcoin correction and retail investor interest, donations to Bitwise, SEC's delay on Ethereum ETFs, and prospects of Ethereum ETFs.
Jan 24, 2024 • 15min
China's Stock Market Struggles
Discussion on weaknesses in China's stock market, interventions by the government, challenges faced, concerns about effectiveness, capital flight, declining real estate market, controversies surrounding property advertisements, fines imposed on property companies, predictions for continuing downturn, hidden debt issues, hesitancy of authorities for full-scale stimulus, stock market bailout, and significance of the real estate problem.
Jan 23, 2024 • 14min
Binance SEC Hearing Goes Much Less Well Than Coinbase Hearing
Binance crypto team's court battle with the SEC goes worse than Coinbase's. Judge's skepticism on crypto tokens as securities. Critique of SEC's tactics and a promotion for Kraken. Updates on the Binance case and the SEC Twitter hack. Discussion on Ethereum's client diversity and the upcoming Denkoon upgrade.
Jan 23, 2024 • 16min
Court Orders FTX Independent Examiner
FTX wins appeal for an independent examiner in the bankruptcy case. Concerns about conflict of interest and GBTC selling. Impact of GBTC trading and lack of options for ETFs. Decoupling of Bitcoin and Ethereum in the market. Legal issues and fraud allegations in the crypto industry.
Jan 20, 2024 • 34min
The Five Biggest Stories in Crypto this Week
The podcast discusses the SEC vs Coinbase hearing, Tether's impact on Wall Street, cryptocurrency legislation, Bitcoin price drop and GBTC outflows, recent developments in the crypto market, and a discussion on Cynthia Lummus' amicus brief and the misuse of 'respectfully'.
