Beyond the Hype: Crypto’s Next Chapter | Weekly Roundup

On this week's Empire roundup, Jason and Santi kick off by diving into DeepSeek's market impact and NVIDIA's historic selloff. They then explore Powell's comments on banks serving crypto customers and break down why tech founders – from Vine to Venmo – are suddenly rushing to launch tokens as their go-to-market strategy. Plus: Santi shares his portfolio moves, Jason explains why traditional finance will embrace tokens, and a look at Kraken's innovative approach to crypto payments. Thanks for tuning in! - - Help us shape the future of Empire. Fill out our audience survey and give us your thoughts: https://empire-31ed59.beehiiv.com/forms/01a0ba12-61d0-4a12-a6c6-8bbcdb3b0060 Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - - GEODNET’s native token, GEOD, can be easily mined with a GEODNET Satellite Miner, presenting a unique opportunity to generate passive income. By setting up a GEODNET base station, you can join this groundbreaking Web3 ecosystem that is powering the future of AI and robotics. Join the revolution today and learn more at https://geodnet.com. - - Unichain is a fast, decentralized L2 that’s built to be the home for DeFi and liquidity across chains. To stay updated on news including the upcoming launch of Unichain, visit www.Unichain.org or follow @Unichain on X. - - Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today. Buy now at www.Ledger.com - - Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:07) DeepSeek's Market Impact (19:33) DeepSeek's Innovation (28:23) Geodnet Ad (29:22) Uniswap Ad (30:11) Santi's Portfolio Moves (41:45) Ledger Ad (42:29) Powell's Pro-Crypto Stance (45:29) Tokens as a GTM (54:40) Biggest Onchain Adopters - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

31 Tammi 202559min

In today's Hivemind episode Jose, Ceteris, Yan, and Duncan dive deep into three major narratives shaping crypto. They start with China's DeepSeek breakthrough, explore its ripple effects on AI token valuations and broader market sentiment. They then shift to an analysis of Solana's upcoming unlocks, breaking down timing, market impact, and why it might be over-indexed. Finally, they examine whether this cycle has peaked through the lens of Howard Marks' bubble indicators, discuss the rise of fundamentals-driven tokens, and explore what BlackRock's real-world asset tokenization could mean for crypto. Thanks for tuning in! - - Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Ceteris: https://twitter.com/ceterispar1bus Follow Jose: https://x.com/ZeMariaMacedo Follow Yan: https://x.com/YanLiberman Follow Duncan: https://x.com/FloodCapital Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - - Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:12) Deepseek's Market Impact (9:37) How Far Away is a BTC Reserve? (13:52) Are AI Coins Dead? (24:18) Solana's Unlock & App Moat (32:11) How Are We Positioned? (44:45) Macro Catalysts for Crypto (46:53) Is the Cycle Over? - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

30 Tammi 202558min

This week, we discuss the fallout after the announcement of DeepSeek. We deep dive into the difference between fundamental vs technical sell offs, are altcoins cooked this cycle, Ethereum in 2025, the collapse of memes & more. Enjoy! -- Go follow the new 1000x feed to keep up to date with all new episodes! Spotify: https://blckwrks.co/3WADHnL Apple: https://blckwrks.co/4aEt5u0 -- Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelman Follow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyz Follow 1000x: https://twitter.com/1000xPod Join the 1000x Telegram: https://t.me/+fz-2f0cwC6o0MWNh -- Kraken OTC unlocks premium, personalized services for high-net worth individuals and institutional clients to execute large orders. Trade over chat or access our self-service automated trading feature to receive executable quotes in seconds. Get 24/7 access to private and secure trading services and deep liquidity for competitive execution. Get in touch today: kraken.com/blockworks Availability of products may vary by jurisdiction. Not investment advice. Crypto trading involves risk of loss and is offered to US customers (excluding WA, NY and ME) through Payward Interactive, Inc. -- Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today. Buy now at Ledger.com -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:33) Fading The Market Meltdown (3:35) The DeepSeek Impact (10:52) Ads (Kranken OTC and Ledger) (11:55) Are Alt's Cooked? (19:33) Ethereum (27:05) Ads (Kranken OTC and Ledger) (28:43) Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (38:16) Berachain (41:14) Finding Crypto's Next Trade (48:39) Memecoins -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on 1000x is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Avi, Jonah and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed

28 Tammi 202556min

In today's episode Charles Cascarilla from Paxos and Nathan McCauley from Anchorage reveal why today's stablecoin giants keep billions in yield that could be flowing to users. They unpack USDG's approach through the Global Dollar Network, exploring why major companies might choose collaboration over competition. The conversation spans Tether's surprising resilience, USDC's challenging relationship with crypto builders, and bold predictions for stablecoin regulation and adoption in 2025. Thanks for tuning in! - - Help us shape the future of Empire. Fill out our audience survey and give us your thoughts: https://empire-31ed59.beehiiv.com/forms/01a0ba12-61d0-4a12-a6c6-8bbcdb3b0060 Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Charles: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlescascarilla Follow Nathan: https://x.com/nathanmccauley Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - - GEODNET’s native token, GEOD, can be easily mined with a GEODNET Satellite Miner, presenting a unique opportunity to generate passive income. By setting up a GEODNET base station, you can join this groundbreaking Web3 ecosystem that is powering the future of AI and robotics. Join the revolution today and learn more at https://geodnet.com. - - Unichain is a fast, decentralized L2 that’s built to be the home for DeFi and liquidity across chains. To stay updated on news including the upcoming launch of Unichain, visit www.Unichain.org or follow @Unichain on X. - - Petra Earn was designed to make DeFi more accessible for everyone—from seasoned pros to DeFi beginners. Manage your balance, claim rewards and deposit directly from the app. By supplying USDT to Aries lending pools, users have the potential to earn a higher yield compared to some traditional methods. Not financial advice. Participating in Defi carries risks. To learn more visit petra.app/earn - - Get up to speed on the biggest stories in crypto each week. In five minutes. Get the Bitwise Weekly CIO Memo delivered directly to your inbox at bitwiseinvestments.com/ciomemo/empire . - - Timestamps (00:00) Introduction (02:28) Paxos & Anchorage Business Model (05:45)  Stablecoin Landscape (14:38) USDC's Vampire Effect (24:53) Economics of USDG (39:03) Geodnet Ad (40:01) Uniswap Ad (40:48) Aptos Ad (41:31) Bitwise Ad (42:21) Dynamics of Consortium (49:35) Market Share of Stablecoins (55:36) Ethena's Business Model (59:13) Stablecoin Legislation Outloo (01:02:14)  Bullish Predictions - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

27 Tammi 20251h 4min

This week's roundup covers Ross Ulbricht's pardon, Trump's executive order on digital assets, and the mounting pressure on the Ethereum Foundation. The conversation shifts to institutional adoption challenges, DeFi's user growth problems, and finishes with insights on crypto replacing traditional finance rails. To close out Jason and Santi analyze the surge in memecoin launches following Trump's memecoin token launch, debating whether it signals market euphoria. Thanks for tuning in! - - Help us shape the future of Empire. Fill out our audience survey and give us your thoughts: https://empire-31ed59.beehiiv.com/forms/01a0ba12-61d0-4a12-a6c6-8bbcdb3b0060 Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - - GEODNET’s native token, GEOD, can be easily mined with a GEODNET Satellite Miner, presenting a unique opportunity to generate passive income. By setting up a GEODNET base station, you can join this groundbreaking Web3 ecosystem that is powering the future of AI and robotics. Join the revolution today and learn more at https://geodnet.com. - - Unichain is a fast, decentralized L2 that’s built to be the home for DeFi and liquidity across chains. To stay updated on news including the upcoming launch of Unichain, visit www.Unichain.org or follow @Unichain on X. - - Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today. Buy now at www.Ledger.com - - Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:38)  Top News this Week (05:29)  Ross Ulbricht is Free (08:34) SBR vs Stockpile (17:24) Why Isn't Market Reacting (22:41) Coinbase's Heat (26:42) Geodnet Ad (27:41) Uniswap Ad (28:28) Ledger Ad (29:11) What Happens to DeFi (33:26) Onboarding Users (38:58) Ethereum's BD & Marketing (49:25) Eth vs Sol Valuation (53:21) Vine's Token Launch - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

24 Tammi 20251h 6min

In this episode of Empire we dissect the surprise launch of Trump's memecoin, which rocketed to a $70 billion market cap in just 24 hours. We also discuss the implications for crypto adoption, US regulatory landscape, and the future of American based DeFi. We also analyze Solana's performance during the surge, examine the subsequent Melania token launch, and debate the broader impact on crypto's market cycle. To close out we discuss the potential shifts in institutional perception and what this means for the future of token launches by public figures and organizations. Thanks for tuning in! - - Help us shape the future of Empire. Fill out our audience survey and give us your thoughts: https://empire-31ed59.beehiiv.com/forms/01a0ba12-61d0-4a12-a6c6-8bbcdb3b0060 Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_ Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - - Timestamps (00:00) Introduction (00:41) Trump's Surprise Token Launch (08:22) What Does Mean for Crypto? (14:12) Implications for Tokens (17:28) Top Signal? (25:18) Lack of Communication (29:48) Should Presidents Launch Tokens? (36:04) American DeFi Resurgence (45:57) Value of Ethereum & Solana (58:40) Crypto's Takeaway - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

22 Tammi 20251h 6min

This week, we discuss the fallout over the weekend as Trump launched his meme coin. We deep dive into what this means for markets into 2025, what will benefit the most, how to pick winners coming out of this & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelman Follow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyz Follow 1000x: https://twitter.com/1000xPod Join the 1000x Telegram: https://t.me/+fz-2f0cwC6o0MWNh -- Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Empire podcast. Celebrating 10 years of protecting over 20% of the world’s crypto, Ledger ensures the security of your assets. For the best self-custody solution in the space, buy a LEDGER™ device and secure your crypto today. Buy now at Ledger.com -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (10:17) Trump's Meme Coin Launch (21:28) Ledger Ad (22:09) Picking Winners Post Trump (34:32) What's Next For Crypto? (38:38) State Of The Market -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on 1000x is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Avi, Jonah and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed

21 Tammi 202542min

In today's episode Optimism co-founder Ben Jones and growth lead Ryan Wyatt discuss the Superchain vision. They explore how the OP Stack and Superchain are transforming Ethereum scaling through unprecedented collaboration between major players like Base, Coinbase, and Kraken. The conversation covers the strategic importance of interoperability, the role of open source development, and Optimism's innovative approach to building sustainable tokenomics and governance. Featuring candid insights about enterprise adoption, the future of data analytics in crypto, and how AI could change DAO governance. Thanks for tuning in! devcon https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Tds-Bik7zM - - Help us shape the future of Empire. Fill out our audience survey and give us your thoughts: https://empire-31ed59.beehiiv.com/forms/01a0ba12-61d0-4a12-a6c6-8bbcdb3b0060 Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts Follow Ben: https://x.com/ben_chain Follow Ryan: https://x.com/Fwiz Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod Subscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2j Subscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7 Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - - GEODNET’s native token, GEOD, can be easily mined with a GEODNET Satellite Miner, presenting a unique opportunity to generate passive income. By setting up a GEODNET base station, you can join this groundbreaking Web3 ecosystem that is powering the future of AI and robotics. Join the revolution today and learn more at https://geodnet.com. - - Unichain is a fast, decentralized L2 that’s built to be the home for DeFi and liquidity across chains. To stay updated on news including the upcoming launch of Unichain, visit www.Unichain.org or follow @Unichain on X. - - Petra Earn was designed to make DeFi more accessible for everyone—from seasoned pros to DeFi beginners. Manage your balance, claim rewards and deposit directly from the app. By supplying USDT to Aries lending pools, users have the potential to earn a higher yield compared to some traditional methods. Not financial advice. Participating in Defi carries risks. To learn more visit petra.app/earn - - Timestamps (00:00) Introduction (01:55) What is Optimism Today (14:55)  Retaining L2s & Open Source (20:12)  Kraken vs Coinbase Interop (26:10)  Optimism's Stack in 5 Years (30:23) Interop as a Service (34:56)  Customizability on the SuperChain (40:19) Geodnet Ad (41:17) Uniswap Ad (42:05) Aptos Ad (42:49)  Leaving the SuperChain (46:27)  Ecosystem Model (51:00) OP Mainnet's Place (55:38) Andreessen Horowitz's Impact (01:00:09) Enterprise Crypto (01:05:10) Open Data Investment (01:10:44) Optimism's 2025 - - Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

20 Tammi 20251h 16min