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
Dec 21, 2023 • 17min
The Crypto Army Rallies!
The podcast discusses Senator Elizabeth Warren's accusations against blockchain associations and Coinbase, the responses from the industry defending their collaboration with law enforcement, the importance of staying focused and avoiding petty squabbles, Elizabeth Warren's stance on crypto, and the crypto industry's battle against anti-crypto legislation.
Dec 20, 2023 • 15min
BlackRock Bends The Knee on In-Kind Redemptions, Clearing ETF Approval Path
The podcast discusses BlackRock's switch to cash for ETFs, Binance's settlement with CFTC and concealment of US customers, developments in Binance governance and sale of access to law enforcement request panel, and Galaxy Digital's success in liquidating FTX estate and interest in acquiring assets from bankrupt crypto companies.
Dec 19, 2023 • 16min
The SEC Confirms They're Never Going to Provide Crypto Guidance
This podcast discusses the SEC's refusal to provide crypto guidance, Coinbase's claims against the decision, and dissenting opinions from SEC commissioners. It also explores FTX's bankruptcy plan, unequal treatment of creditors, the IRS claim hearing, and Tether's response to criticism.
Dec 17, 2023 • 10min
The Changing Tides and Why BTC Is Heading to $50K
A discussion on the state of the crypto industry and the conflicting forces between the anti-crypto army and the market. Critique of proposed IRS tax reporting rules for digital assets. Analysis of Bitcoin's recent highs and anticipation for spot Bitcoin ETF approval.
Dec 15, 2023 • 35min
What We Should Learn From the Ledger Exploit
The podcast discusses the Ledger exploit and the importance of self-custody practices and crypto asset security. They also explore Bitcoin demand, ETF approval, Powell's shift in tone, and the motives behind actions in the crypto industry. Additionally, they touch on the absurdity of a 30 million bonk token airdrop and the rise of NFTs, including Trump's NFT collection.
Dec 15, 2023 • 15min
The Fed Has Officially Pivoted
Discussion on the Fed's shift towards an easing policy with rate cuts, reactions from economists and the market, and the relationship between rate cuts and booming markets.
Dec 14, 2023 • 16min
The Integration of Crypto and TradFi
This podcast covers the growing integration of crypto into the mainstream financial system, including topics such as spot Bitcoin ETF applications, Blackrock's proposed hybrid model for ETFs, the SEC's positive involvement in the crypto space, S&P global's stable coin stability assessment, concerns about tether's operations, and the regulatory approval of El Salvador's Bitcoin bonds and investment visa program.
Dec 13, 2023 • 16min
The Anti-Crypto Army Attacks via AML!
Elizabeth Warren discusses her assault on the crypto industry through her bill, which aims to impose KYC rules and expand the Bank Secrecy Act. The potential negative impact on privacy and the crypto community is analyzed. The challenges and implications of regulating cryptocurrency are explored, with emphasis on resisting control attempts by the US government.
Dec 12, 2023 • 16min
BTC Down, Jobs Up, Tether Working with OFAC?
Bitcoin price action analyzed, strong job growth discussed, decrease in finance job openings, Kraken's invitation to crypto explored, Tether's compliance policy and blacklist, updates on North Korean threats and crypto legislation.
Dec 10, 2023 • 9min
What Drives BTC's Predictable Four Year Cylces?
The podcast discusses the structure and predictability of crypto market cycles using Bitcoin as a benchmark. It explores the macro trends that drive these cycles, including Bitcoin's role as a hedge against currency debasement and the impact of liquidity cycle uptrends on its bull markets. The relationship between US debt, Bitcoin's correlation, and the importance of a spot Bitcoin ETF is also analyzed. Lastly, the potential impact of including Bitcoin in traditional investment portfolios, with discussions on Bitcoin ETF applications and assets under management, is explored.
