

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 28, 2023 • 13min
Crypto Funds See Biggest Inflows Of 2023
Digital asset funds see largest inflows of the year; speculation on Grayscale's GBTC conversion; updates on Coinbase and Binance; prosecutors file motion in CZ's case; new CEO at Binance focuses on regulation and growth.

Nov 27, 2023 • 16min
Is CZ a Flight Risk? DOJ Says He Is
In this podcast, CZ, the CEO of Binance, discusses the aftermath of his guilty plea, including the DOJ's push for travel restrictions. They speculate about the motivations behind the settlement and its impact on the crypto industry. They also explore Binance's future dominance and provide updates on the extradition process and Sam Bagman-Fried's life in jail.

Nov 23, 2023 • 14min
CZ Guilty, Binance Settles Criminal Charges with the US Gov't
CZ, Founder and former CEO of Binance, pleads guilty to criminal charges and resigns. Binance settles with the US Gov't, facing a $4.3B fine. The podcast explores the violations, prioritization of profits, and concerns raised. Despite the settlement, CZ is confident in Binance's survival and discusses implications for the crypto industry and noncompliance prosecution.

Nov 21, 2023 • 12min
The SEC Sues Kraken (Again?!)
The SEC has filed a lawsuit against Kraken, accusing them of operating as an unregistered securities exchange broker and clearing house. The lawsuit raises concerns about Kraken's commingling of customer assets. The crypto-legal community questions the validity of the SEC's theories. The podcast also discusses the ongoing negotiations between Binance and the Justice Department.

Nov 21, 2023 • 17min
A Primer on Argentina's New Pro-BTC President Javier Milei
Javier Milei, winner of the Argentine presidential election, discusses the country's economic challenges, his plans for economic reform, the rise of a pro-Bitcoin politician in Argentina, and the potential effects of his presidency on the economy, including dollarization and increased access to cryptocurrencies.

Nov 19, 2023 • 9min
Is the Bank Secrecy Act Unconsitutional?
Exploring the potential unconstitutionality of the Bank Secrecy Act, including concerns about fairness and arbitrary enforcement. Discussing the power of surveillance and the need for Congress to define regulated financial institutions and maintain a balance between safety and personal liberty.

Nov 19, 2023 • 16min
This Presidential Candidate Has a Crypto Plan That Includes "Code is Law"
Presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy discusses his comprehensive crypto plan, including freedom to code, financial self-reliance, and reducing regulations. He emphasizes the importance of self-hosted wallets and downsizing the bureaucracy. The candidate's understanding of crypto asset regulation focuses on privacy rights and combating illicit activity. The controversy surrounding the funding of Hamas through digital assets is also explored.

Nov 17, 2023 • 14min
Delay Ends Mass BTC Spot ETF Approval Dream
Discussion on the delay in Bitcoin ETF approval, Coinbase as a compliance partner, crypto rebounds after ETF approval, growth in Bitcoin futures and options market, and increasing interest in Bitcoin as price nears $40,000.

Nov 16, 2023 • 13min
Not the BTC Decoupling We Were Looking For
Exploring the market response to inflation; Speculations on ETF approvals and SEC Chairman's motivations; Confusion surrounding Bitcoin ETFs and perspectives on its impact; Analysis of S1 filings, risk disclosures, and SEC enforcement actions; Events of school year 2023 and averted government shutdown.

Nov 15, 2023 • 14min
With Latest CPI, the Fed Hiking Cycle Finally Appears Over
Before today's CPI numbers were released, markets were pricing in a 14% chance of one more rate hike. After the numbers were released, that number plummeted to zero. NLW catches up on the macro. Today's Sponsor: KrakenKraken: See what crypto can be - https://kraken.com/TheBreakdownEnjoying this content?
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