

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, 2022 • 20min
Elon Bans Journalists, Kills Spaces and Asks if He Should Quit
This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, Circle and Kraken. On today’s episode, NLW looks at the latest out of Twitter, including a dust-up about location doxxing and the journalists who were suspended as a result, a new policy banning links to external social networks and a poll from Elon Musk asking whether he should step down as CEO. - Nexo is a security-first platform where you can buy, exchange and borrow against your crypto. The company ensures the safety of your funds and keeps innovating with products like the Nexo Wallet - a non-custodial smart wallet that allows you to create your Web3 identity. Get early access at nexo.io/wallet. - Circle, the sole issuer of the trusted and reliable stablecoin USDC, is our sponsor for today’s show. USDC is a fast, cost-effective solution for global payments at internet speeds. Learn how businesses are taking advantage of these opportunities at Circle’s USDC Hub for Businesses. - Kraken, the secure, trusted digital asset exchange, is our sponsor for today's show. Kraken makes it easy to instantly buy 185+ cryptocurrencies with fast, flexible funding options. Your account is covered by regular Proof of Reserves audits, industry-leading security and award-winning Client Engagement, available 24/7. Sign up and trade today at kraken.com/breakdown. - Cryptowatch is the last crypto app you’ll ever need. Track prices up to two times faster than other apps. Catch market movements as they happen with powerful charting tools and custom alerts. Sync your portfolio and trade across multiple exchanges. And stay in the community conversation with leading influencers on Cryptowatch Social. cryptowatch.app.link/social. - “The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsors today is “Back To The End” by Strength To Last. Image credit: Dan Mullan/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Dec 20, 2022 • 15min
Audit Firms Don’t Want to Work With Crypto Companies, and That’s a Problem
This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, Circle and Kraken. On today’s episode, NLW catches up on the latest in the crypto industry, including: Sam Bankman-Fried changes his tune on extradition DCG-owned coins on the move Audit firms ceasing crypto operations (CoinDesk is an independent operating subsidiary of DCG.) - Nexo is a security-first platform where you can buy, exchange and borrow against your crypto. The company ensures the safety of your funds and keeps innovating with products like the Nexo Wallet - a non-custodial smart wallet that allows you to create your Web3 identity. Get early access at nexo.io/wallet. - Circle, the sole issuer of the trusted and reliable stablecoin USDC, is our sponsor for today’s show. USDC is a fast, cost-effective solution for global payments at internet speeds. Learn how businesses are taking advantage of these opportunities at Circle’s USDC Hub for Businesses. - Kraken, the secure, trusted digital asset exchange, is our sponsor for today's show. Kraken makes it easy to instantly buy 185+ cryptocurrencies with fast, flexible funding options. Your account is covered by regular Proof of Reserves audits, industry-leading security and award-winning Client Engagement, available 24/7. Sign up and trade today at kraken.com/breakdown. - “The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsors today is “Glasgow” by Falls. Image credit: Feodora Chiosea/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Dec 18, 2022 • 16min
What ChatGPT Might Mean for Web3
This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, Circle, Kraken and the Galaxy Brains Podcast. On this week’s “Long Reads Sunday,” NLW reads:“Starlink, Verizon 5G and Crypto: What the New ‘War of the Currents’ Means for Decentralization” by Tim Kravchunovsky “ChatGPT Will Kill Search and Open a Path to Web3” by Michael J. Casey - Nexo is a security-first platform where you can buy, exchange and borrow against your crypto. The company ensures the safety of your funds and keeps innovating with products like the Nexo Wallet - a non-custodial smart wallet that allows you to create your Web3 identity. Get early access at nexo.io/wallet. - Circle, the sole issuer of the trusted and reliable stablecoin USDC, is our sponsor for today’s show. USDC is a fast, cost-effective solution for global payments at internet speeds. Learn how businesses are taking advantage of these opportunities at Circle’s USDC Hub for Businesses. - Kraken, the secure, trusted digital asset exchange, is our sponsor for today's show. Kraken makes it easy to instantly buy 185+ cryptocurrencies with fast, flexible funding options. Your account is covered by regular Proof of Reserves audits, industry-leading security and award-winning Client Engagement, available 24/7. Sign up and trade today at kraken.com/breakdown. - Galaxy Brains: Whether it’s breaking down market volatility or analyzing the latest development, come for the latest market insights from our in-house trading professionals and renowned experts from across the industry. Stay for the occasional rap from host Alex Thorn. Check out the latest episodes here: https://www.galaxy.com/research/podcasts/galaxy-brains/?utm_source=BD&utm_medium=podcast&utm_id=CoinDesk - “The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsors today is “Back To The End” by Strength To Last. Image credit: Malte Mueller/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Dec 17, 2022 • 16min
Exchange Fears Roil Crypto Following SBF’s Arrest
This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, Circle, Kraken and the Galaxy Brains Podcast. On this edition of the “Weekly Recap,” NLW looks at how the FTX bankruptcy is proceeding following the arrest of disgraced founder Sam Bankman-Fried, as well as the concerns surrounding Binance that have been present all week. - Nexo is a security-first platform where you can buy, exchange and borrow against your crypto. The company ensures the safety of your funds and keeps innovating with products like the Nexo Wallet - a non-custodial smart wallet that allows you to create your Web3 identity. Get early access at nexo.io/wallet. - Circle, the sole issuer of the trusted and reliable stablecoin USDC, is our sponsor for today’s show. USDC is a fast, cost-effective solution for global payments at internet speeds. Learn how businesses are taking advantage of these opportunities at Circle’s USDC Hub for Businesses. - Kraken, the secure, trusted digital asset exchange, is our sponsor for today's show. Kraken makes it easy to instantly buy 185+ cryptocurrencies with fast, flexible funding options. Your account is covered by regular Proof of Reserves audits, industry-leading security and award-winning Client Engagement, available 24/7. Sign up and trade today at kraken.com/breakdown. - Galaxy Brains: Whether it’s breaking down market volatility or analyzing the latest development, come for the latest market insights from our in-house trading professionals and renowned experts from across the industry. Stay for the occasional rap from host Alex Thorn. Check out the latest episodes here: https://www.galaxy.com/research/podcasts/galaxy-brains/?utm_source=BD&utm_medium=podcast&utm_id=CoinDesk - “The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsors today is “Glasgow” by Falls. Image credit: Malte Mueller/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Dec 17, 2022 • 18min
Trump NFTs Sell Out In Hours
This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, Circle, Kraken and the Galaxy Brains Podcast. On today’s episode, NLW catches up on the latest non-FTX crypto news, including: Former President Trump’s NFT sellout Jack Dorsey funding decentralized social networks PayPal partnering with MetaMask - Nexo is a security-first platform where you can buy, exchange and borrow against your crypto. The company ensures the safety of your funds and keeps innovating with products like the Nexo Wallet - a non-custodial smart wallet that allows you to create your Web3 identity. Get early access at nexo.io/wallet. - Circle, the sole issuer of the trusted and reliable stablecoin USDC, is our sponsor for today’s show. USDC is a fast, cost-effective solution for global payments at internet speeds. Learn how businesses are taking advantage of these opportunities at Circle’s USDC Hub for Businesses. - Kraken, the secure, trusted digital asset exchange, is our sponsor for today's show. Kraken makes it easy to instantly buy 185+ cryptocurrencies with fast, flexible funding options. Your account is covered by regular Proof of Reserves audits, industry-leading security and award-winning Client Engagement, available 24/7. Sign up and trade today at kraken.com/breakdown. - Galaxy Brains: Whether it’s breaking down market volatility or analyzing the latest development, come for the latest market insights from our in-house trading professionals and renowned experts from across the industry. Stay for the occasional rap from host Alex Thorn. Check out the latest episodes here: https://www.galaxy.com/research/podcasts/galaxy-brains/?utm_source=BD&utm_medium=podcast&utm_id=CoinDesk - “The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsors today is “Obligated” by Daniele Musto. Image credit: collecttrumpcards.com, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Dec 16, 2022 • 17min
Jerome Powell Says ‘More Work to Be Done’ as FOMC Hikes Rates 50 Basis Points
This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, Circle, Kraken and the Galaxy Brains Podcast. Today’s episode is a deep dive into the Federal Open Market Committee meeting. NLW covers not just the policy updates but the details of Chair Jerome Powell’s speech and the Q&A after. The big message coming from the Federal Reserve is “there’s more work to be done.” - Nexo is a security-first platform where you can buy, exchange and borrow against your crypto. The company ensures the safety of your funds and keeps innovating with products like the Nexo Wallet - a non-custodial smart wallet that allows you to create your Web3 identity. Get early access at nexo.io/wallet. - Circle, the sole issuer of the trusted and reliable stablecoin USDC, is our sponsor for today’s show. USDC is a fast, cost-effective solution for global payments at internet speeds. Learn how businesses are taking advantage of these opportunities at Circle’s USDC Hub for Businesses. - Kraken, the secure, trusted digital asset exchange, is our sponsor for today's show. Kraken makes it easy to instantly buy 185+ cryptocurrencies with fast, flexible funding options. Your account is covered by regular Proof of Reserves audits, industry-leading security and award-winning Client Engagement, available 24/7. Sign up and trade today at kraken.com/breakdown. - Galaxy Brains: Whether it’s breaking down market volatility or analyzing the latest development, come for the latest market insights from our in-house trading professionals and renowned experts from across the industry. Stay for the occasional rap from host Alex Thorn. Check out the latest episodes here: https://www.galaxy.com/research/podcasts/galaxy-brains/?utm_source=BD&utm_medium=podcast&utm_id=CoinDesk - “The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsors today is "Glasgow" by Falls. Image credit: Alex Wong/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Dec 15, 2022 • 17min
For Once, a Positive Inflation Surprise
This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, Circle, Kraken and the Galaxy Brains Podcast. On today’s episode, NLW catches up on the most recent inflation numbers. U.S. headline inflation for November came in at 7.1%, vs 7.7% the previous month and the 7.3% expected by surveyed economists. The Federal Reserve’s preferred measure of core CPI was up just 0.2% month over month. This show looks at the numbers and market reactions, as well as what it might mean for the Federal Open Market Committee interest rate decision expected on Wednesday, Dec. 14. - Nexo is a security-first platform where you can buy, exchange and borrow against your crypto. The company ensures the safety of your funds and keeps innovating with products like the Nexo Wallet - a non-custodial smart wallet that allows you to create your Web3 identity. Get early access at nexo.io/wallet. - Circle, the sole issuer of the trusted and reliable stablecoin USDC, is our sponsor for today’s show. USDC is a fast, cost-effective solution for global payments at internet speeds. Learn how businesses are taking advantage of these opportunities at Circle’s USDC Hub for Businesses. - Kraken, the secure, trusted digital asset exchange, is our sponsor for today's show. Kraken makes it easy to instantly buy 185+ cryptocurrencies with fast, flexible funding options. Your account is covered by regular Proof of Reserves audits, industry-leading security and award-winning Client Engagement, available 24/7. Sign up and trade today at kraken.com/breakdown. - Galaxy Brains: Whether it’s breaking down market volatility or analyzing the latest development, come for the latest market insights from our in-house trading professionals and renowned experts from across the industry. Stay for the occasional rap from host Alex Thorn. Check out the latest episodes here: https://www.galaxy.com/research/podcasts/galaxy-brains/?utm_source=BD&utm_medium=podcast&utm_id=CoinDesk - “The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsors today is "Back To The End" by Strength To Last. Image credit: OsakaWayne Studios/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Dec 14, 2022 • 21min
Sam Bankman-Fried Arrested for Wire Fraud and Conspiracy to Defraud the United States
This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, Circle, Kraken and the Galaxy Brains Podcast. In a shocking turn of events, Sam Bankman-Fried was arrested on Monday, Dec. 12 by Bahamian authorities at the request of the U.S. Southern District of New York. On today’s episode, NLW covers the charges as well as reviews the SEC and CFTC complaints. - Nexo is a security-first platform where you can buy, exchange and borrow against your crypto. The company ensures the safety of your funds and keeps innovating with products like the Nexo Wallet - a non-custodial smart wallet that allows you to create your Web3 identity. Get early access at nexo.io/wallet. - Circle, the sole issuer of the trusted and reliable stablecoin USDC, is our sponsor for today’s show. USDC is a fast, cost-effective solution for global payments at internet speeds. Learn how businesses are taking advantage of these opportunities at Circle’s USDC Hub for Businesses. - Kraken, the secure, trusted digital asset exchange, is our sponsor for today's show. Kraken makes it easy to instantly buy 185+ cryptocurrencies with fast, flexible funding options. Your account is covered by regular Proof of Reserves audits, industry-leading security and award-winning Client Engagement, available 24/7. Sign up and trade today at kraken.com/breakdown. - Galaxy Brains: Whether it’s breaking down market volatility or analyzing the latest development, come for the latest market insights from our in-house trading professionals and renowned experts from across the industry. Stay for the occasional rap from host Alex Thorn. Check out the latest episodes here: https://www.galaxy.com/research/podcasts/galaxy-brains/?utm_source=BD&utm_medium=podcast&utm_id=CoinDesk - “The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsors today is "Back To The End" by Strength To Last. Image credit: Catherine Falls Commercial/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Dec 13, 2022 • 19min
SBF ‘Loaned’ the CEO of The Block $43M
This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, Circle, Kraken and the Galaxy Brains Podcast. Another day, another betrayal. On Friday, news broke that former FTX CEO Sam Bankman-Fried made three loans totaling $43 million to Michael McCaffrey, CEO of CoinDesk competitor The Block. Those loans went to buying out The Block’s investors, to expanding operations and (of course) to an apartment for McCaffrey in the Bahamas. On today’s episode, NLW looks at the latest betrayal. - Nexo is a security-first platform where you can buy, exchange and borrow against your crypto. The company ensures the safety of your funds and keeps innovating with products like the Nexo Wallet - a non-custodial smart wallet that allows you to create your Web3 identity. Get early access at nexo.io/wallet. - Circle, the sole issuer of the trusted and reliable stablecoin USDC, is our sponsor for today’s show. USDC is a fast, cost-effective solution for global payments at internet speeds. Learn how businesses are taking advantage of these opportunities at Circle’s USDC Hub for Businesses. - Kraken, the secure, trusted digital asset exchange, is our sponsor for today's show. Kraken makes it easy to instantly buy 185+ cryptocurrencies with fast, flexible funding options. Your account is covered by regular Proof of Reserves audits, industry-leading security and award-winning Client Engagement, available 24/7. Sign up and trade today at kraken.com/breakdown. - Galaxy Brains: Whether it’s breaking down market volatility or analyzing the latest development, come for the latest market insights from our in-house trading professionals and renowned experts from across the industry. Stay for the occasional rap from host Alex Thorn. Check out the latest episodes here: https://www.galaxy.com/research/podcasts/galaxy-brains/?utm_source=BD&utm_medium=podcast&utm_id=CoinDesk - “The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsors today is "Back To The End" by Strength To Last. Image credit: Juan Moyano/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Dec 11, 2022 • 20min
Why Is Bitcoin Dominance So Much Lower Than in Previous Bear Markets?
This episode is sponsored by Nexo.io, Circle and Kraken. On this episode of “Long Reads Sunday,” NLW reads Noelle Acheson’s “BTC Dominance Is Behaving Weirdly, and That’s Sort of Good” as well as comments from NLW’s Twitter thread on Bitcoin dominance. - Nexo is a security-first platform where you can buy, exchange and borrow against your crypto. The company ensures the safety of your funds and keeps innovating with products like the Nexo Wallet - a non-custodial smart wallet that allows you to create your Web3 identity. Get early access at nexo.io/wallet. - Circle, the sole issuer of the trusted and reliable stablecoin USDC, is our sponsor for today’s show. USDC is a fast, cost-effective solution for global payments at internet speeds. Learn how businesses are taking advantage of these opportunities at Circle’s USDC Hub for Businesses. - Kraken, the secure, trusted digital asset exchange, is our sponsor for today's show. Kraken makes it easy to instantly buy 185+ cryptocurrencies with fast, flexible funding options. Your account is covered by regular Proof of Reserves audits, industry-leading security and award-winning Client Engagement, available 24/7. Sign up and trade today at kraken.com/breakdown. - “The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsors today is "Back To The End" by Strength To Last. Image credit: Ja_inter/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.


