CoinDesk Podcast Network

Industry expert Ian Descôteaux from Pow.Re discusses the growing centralization of Bitcoin mining pools, including proxy pools and their impact on the network. Topics include risks of mining centralization, evidence of pool consolidation, potential solutions for decentralization, and the risks of block withholding attacks. The podcast explores the dynamics of mining pools like F2Pool, transaction accelerators, Merkle trees in Bitcoin mining, selfish mining, and the dangers of pools controlling over 51% of the network hash rate.

Circle becomes first stablecoin issuer to get MiCA license in the EU, Polymarket hits $100M volume in June on U.S. election bets, Silvergate Bank settles $63M with regulators for AML violations

Circle's Chief Strategy Officer and Head of Global Policy, Dante Disparte, discusses how they secured the first stablecoin license under MiCA. They also talk about stablecoins in cross-border payments, global stablecoin legislation progress, and the evolution of stablecoins and CBDCs in regulatory regimes.

U.S. Treasury unveils 2025 crypto tax rules, SEC sues Consensys for violations, Sony plans return to crypto exchange market

Federico Brokate, Head of U.S. Business at 21Shares, discusses bitcoin's price recovery, the evolving landscape of crypto ETFs, and blending traditional finance with cryptocurrency. The conversation highlights the importance of education in the crypto market, challenges in crypto investing, and the goal of making digital assets more accessible to a broader audience.

Industry leaders from Walmart and Niantic discuss how brands are utilizing the metaverse for social good at Consensus. Topics include virtual initiatives, celebrity tokens, media licensing in AI landscape, and leveraging immersive technologies for positive impacts. The podcast highlights Walmart's ventures, innovations at Cannes Lions, and the importance of engaging Gen Z through technology.

Guest Jesse Powell, Kraken Co-Founder, donated $1 million to Trump. Topics include Trump's rising odds on Polymarket after debate, ETH hitting $6.5K prediction by Steno Research, and speculation on Biden's nomination.

Alex Thorn from Galaxy discusses the minimal impact of Mt. Gox repayments on Bitcoin prices, Ethereum ETF projections, and hurdles for a Solana ETF approval. He explains why only a small fraction of bitcoins will be sold, potential market shocks, and the success of Ethereum ETFs compared to Bitcoin ETFs.

Adeniyi Abiodun, Co-founder of Mistin Labs discusses Sui as a global coordination layer for intelligent assets. Sui aims to be accessible to developers outside the Web3 community with its unique object-based system and unlimited throughput. The upcoming Mysticeti release will enhance the speed and efficiency of transactions, benefiting industries like gaming and AI, and bringing Web3 to Web2 users.

Portland Hodl, a Bitcoin developer with Marathon Digital, discusses Slipstream, Bitcoin Core, soft forks, and the future of Bitcoin. They explore Slipstream, unique block creation challenges, Bitcoin Core's significance, network vulnerabilities, and the importance of Bitcoin education and community involvement.