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
Sep 6, 2023 • 13min
Visa Goes Deeper on Stablecoin Settlement
Visa expands its stablecoin settlement to include Solana blockchain, creating excitement even among non-crypto fintech folks. The podcast explores Visa's adoption of crypto networks for faster payments, discusses the role of stablecoins in the future of financial technology, and updates on Bitcoin spot ETF and Coinbase's crypto lending service.
Sep 5, 2023 • 13min
Beijing Bazooka: Why China Isn't Being More Aggressive As Economy Deteriorates
China's economic situation is deteriorating, but the government is using targeted interventions instead of more aggressive tactics. The podcast discusses the impact on housing and finance, challenges in the property market, and Beijing's reluctance to provide full-blown stimulus.
4 snips
Sep 3, 2023 • 59min
SEC Defeats, Binance Intrigue, and a Bitcoin Flop: The Biggest Stories of the Week
The podcast discusses the regulatory battles and legal actions faced by the crypto industry, including Grayscale's victory against the SEC, the SEC's action against Binance, and Impact Theory's charges. They also explore the potential of tokenization and the concept of DAOs, highlighting the role of venture capital in supporting these projects.
Sep 2, 2023 • 13min
SEC Punts ETF Applications Till October
SEC punted 7 ETF applications, JOLTS and nonfarm payroll reports discussed, revised GDP estimates, updates on SEC ruling on Grayscale's ETF application, updates on Binance including executive resignation and declining market share, discussion on stablecoin launch and speculation on sealed filing in SEC lawsuit, indictment tying Bizlato and Binance, lawsuit between NYDFS and Tether & Bitfinex, overview of US labor market and GDP report
Aug 31, 2023 • 12min
Judge In Uniswap Suit Says "Ask Congress, Not Me!"
Discussion about the dismissal of a class action lawsuit against Uniswap and the judge's ruling emphasizing individual responsibility. Analysis of the implications for developer liability, the need for congressional determination in crypto regulation, and the implications of a judge's order on the SEC's lawsuit against Coinbase.
Aug 30, 2023 • 12min
What's Going On with the SEC's Sealed Binance Filings?
The podcast discusses the SEC's sealed filings in their lawsuit against Binance, including missed deadlines and speculation on reduced charges. It also covers recent events involving CZ and Binance, Twitter's potential integration of crypto, and the bankruptcy proceedings of Genesis and Digital Currency Group. The ongoing dispute over a DCG contribution to pay back Genesis's creditors is also explored, emphasizing the importance of skepticism.
Aug 29, 2023 • 14min
BREAKING: Grayscale Wins Lawsuit Against SEC!
The podcast discusses Grayscale's lawsuit against the SEC over the denial of a Bitcoin Spot ETF. It explores the court ruling in favor of Grayscale and the implications for the SEC's stance on ETFs. The discussion also covers Bitcoin's price surge and ongoing redemption efforts by GBTC holders.
Aug 28, 2023 • 15min
The Treasury's Broker Definition Could Crush US Crypto
The podcast discusses the US Treasury's new guidance on crypto tax policy, specifically the updated definition of 'broker' that could impact decentralized finance. It covers concerns about reporting requirements for miners, validators, and self-hosted wallet providers. The podcast explores the potential consequences for the crypto industry and strategies to navigate the regulations. It also addresses the regulatory challenges and political environment surrounding crypto in the US.
Aug 27, 2023 • 8min
Crypto: It's So Over. We're So Back.
John Rizzo, an expert in the crypto debate, discusses how PayPal's introduction of PiUSD affected the regulatory framework for stablecoins. Daniel Kuhn, a commentator, talks about the renewed potential in the crypto industry despite challenges, including the entry of traditional finance companies.
Aug 26, 2023 • 14min
The Continued Fallout of the Tornado Cash Arrests
Community reactions to Tornado Cash arrests, Binance's challenges with MasterCard and Moonpay, FTX's plan to sell and hedge crypto, Bitfinex's integration with VakıfBank in Turkey, Circle's addition of 6 new chains to USDC, Solana Labs' integration with Shopify, and HashKey's upcoming crypto trading launch in Hong Kong.
