Empire

In today's episode Jason and Santi evaluate their 2024 predictions, from successful calls on Solana's growth to misses on NFTs and explosion of restaking products. They then move on to their predictions for 2025, forecasting major L1 chain differentiation, explosive stablecoin adoption driven by banks and tech companies, Bitcoin reaching $150K with potential strategic reserves, and traditional companies being acquired by crypto firms. They also predict AI's growing influence on crypto markets, warn about the risks of overvalued AI projects, and discuss centralized companies launching tokens. They close out by emphasizing the importance of surviving crypto's volatility and how to sustainably grow in 2025. Thanks for tuning in! Chat with us in our new telegram: https://t.co/uvyS3SSdUn - - 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/ - - The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi. Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android. https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet - - Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:20) Santi's 2024 Predictions (17:50) Jason's 2024 Predictions (29:52)  L1 Differentiation (Real) (38:27) Uniswap Ad (39:03) Stabelcoin Mass Adoption (44:08) Bitcoin Price Prediction (49:38) ICO's and Crypto Regulation (54:30) Crypto Companies Acquiring Companies (59:56) Crypto AI Explosion (01:13:13) AI Agents vs Meme (01:17:17) Centralized Companies Launching Tokens - - 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.

Happy new year! This week, we discuss the current state of the market as we head into 2025. We deep dive into crypto's AI trade, the alt L1 narrative, trading trending markets vs technical analysis, what to expect in 2025 & much 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 -- Definitive is a multichain trading platform used by top funds, DAOs and pro traders. Get the best trade execution for every token on every chain, with your order routed to every liquidity pool. Maximize your gains with automated TWAPs and Limit orders. For our 1000x listeners - get no fees on your first $100K in trading volume: blockworks.definitive.fi -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (0:38) The AI Crypto Trade (7:22) Definitive Ad (8:15) The Setup Into 2025 (17:53) The L1 Trade (25:42) Trading Trends vs TA -- 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

In today's episode Jose, Ceteris, Yan, and Jason break down the year's biggest winners (Bitcoin, AI) and losers (Ethereum, L2s), covering the best founders, best investors, and top-performing sectors. The conversation then covers their 2025 predictions, making their Bitcoin price targets, crypto market cap expectations, and why AI might be the most explosive narrative. Wrapped up with wild predictions about agent swarms, crypto payments, and the future of decentralized blockchains. 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 Jason: https://x.com/3xliquidated 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 (2:08) Biggest Winners of 2024 (11:46) Biggest Loser of 2024 (21:24) Biggest Positive Surprise (29:32) Biggest Disappointments (37:18) Best Founder (47:37) Best Investor (1:00:49) Best Shitposter & Researcher (1:04:20) Bitcoin Price & Prediction (1:06:05) Total Crypto MCAP (1:08:53) Best Performing Sectors (1:22:41) Worst Performing (1:25:03) Wild 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.

In today's episode Kuzco founder Sam Hogan explores AI's major infrastructure shift, explaining why inference computing is set to dominate 99% of AI compute within five years. He details how Kuzco is building a global marketplace for idle GPU power, leveraging crypto for payments and verification. The conversation evolves from technical infrastructure to the emergence of AI agents, their potential impacts, and concludes with insights on preserving human value and authentic connections in an increasingly AI-driven world. Resources https://kuzco.xyz/ https://x.com/kuzco_xyz - - 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 Sam: https://x.com/0xSamHogan 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/ - - Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (00:26) AI Inference Marketplace (05:10) Training vs Inference (09:37) Why Found Kuzco (13:26) Why Crypto (23:47) Grand Product Vision (27:17) Ai Agent Explosion (38:39) Human vs AI Interaction (51:43) Evolution of Human Skillsets - - 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.

In today's episode Alex Botte and Alexander Pack from Hack VC break down Ethereum's controversial shift from monolithic to modular. Starting with ETH's foundational decision to embrace L2s, they analyze the four key impacts on price, token value distribution, market share, and future adaptability. The discussion explores parallels with AWS, debates "ETH as money," and examines Solana's coming challenges with modularity. They close with predictions on which L1s and L2s will dominate in 2025, offering insights into crypto's evolving infrastructure landscape. Thanks for tuning in! Resources https://blog.hack.vc/was-modular-a-mistake-a-data-driven-take-on-ethereums-grand-strategy/ - - 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 Alex: https://x.com/alpackaP Follow Alex: https://x.com/Alex__Botte 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/ - - Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork - - Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become onchain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain - - The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi. Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android. https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet - - Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (01:47) Ethereum's Modular Decision (09:14) Has Modularity Hurt ETH Price (16:45) Amazon vs Ethereum (24:59) 4 Impacts of Modularity (35:53) Skale Ad (36:32) Magic Eden Ad (37:16) Uniswap Ad (37:49) How to Fix ETH (43:15) ETH as Money is Dead (47:17) Ethereum Bull Case (57:12) Solana's Position - - 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.

Gm! This week, we discuss the market dump, the Fed, a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, how to approach dip buying, Hyperliquid, AI agents, and much 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 -- Definitive is a multichain trading platform used by top funds, DAOs and pro traders. Get the best trade execution for every token on every chain, with your order routed to every liquidity pool. Maximize your gains with automated TWAPs and Limit orders. For our 1000x listeners - get no fees on your first $100K in trading volume: blockworks.definitive.fi -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (0:00) The Market Dump (9:44) The Fed (14:53) Definitive Ad (15:46) Bitcoin Strategic Reserve (22:56) Bitcoin Price (28:05) Figuring Out What To Buy (32:15) Volatility & Dip Buying (39:25) Trading On-Chain (41:37) Hyperliquid & Decentralized Exchanges (50:03) AI Agents -- 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

In today's episode Mike Dudas and Carl Vogel of 6th Man Ventures join Jason to unpack their fund's strategy heading into 2025. They dive deep into their investment thesis across various sectors including DePin, AI, and consumer applications. The discussion explores the evolving landscape of token economies, the future of crypto venture capital, and their controversial takes on industry giants like Coinbase. They close out by highlighting the growing intersection of social media with financial applications. 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 Mike: https://x.com/mdudas Follow Carl: https://x.com/carlkvogel 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/ - - Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork - - Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become onchain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain - - Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:37  Are VCs Founders 06:37 Evolution of Fund Raising 12:07 Origins of 6th Man Ventures 18:24 Finding Top Founders & Companies 23:18 2025 Investing Landscape 38:03 Skale Ad 38:42 Magic Eden Ad 39:26 DePin Opportunity 50:44 Crypto & AI Venture 54:22 Explosion of Tokens 58:25 L1s vs L2s 01:02:55 Coinbase Hot Takes - - 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.

In this week's roundup we are joined buy Pudgy Penguins founder Luca Netz to unpack the recent Pengu token launch. He shares the journey from surviving the bear market with just $500k in the bank to becoming a global brand in Walmart, and explains why Pudgy Penguins is positioned to become crypto's first consumer conglomerate. The conversation delves into the challenges of fundraising for IP projects, strategic decisions around launching on Solana versus Abstract L2, and how the project aims to transcend traditional memecoins to become a cultural phenomenon. 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 Luca: https://x.com/lucanetz 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/mv4frfv7ww 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/ - - Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork - - It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge. Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain - - The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi. Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android. https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet - - $cmETH, a Mantle native liquid restaking token, will launch together with Season 2: Methamorphosis, allowing users to easily participate in restaking, and earn $COOK rewards in addition to other yields. $COOK, the governance token of mETH Protocol, will allow holders to play a pivotal role in directing the strategic future of mETH Protocol. Learn more: https://x.com/mETHProtocol - - 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 - - Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:51) Pudgy Airdrop Review (12:16) Why launch a coin (24:56) Solana, zkSync, L2 Decision Making (30:53) Skale Ad (31:32) Magic Eden Ad (32:16) Uniswap Ad (32:48) Mantle Ad (33:43) Ledger Ad (34:30) Walmart Deal making (51:48) Difficulty of Raising - - 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.

The Hivemind team dives into crypto's hottest narratives heading into 2025. They kick off with their expectations of Bitcoin heading into January and debate the odds of Trump's strategic reserve move. The team then unpacks the emerging AI agent ecosystem, debating whether platform tokens like Virtuals will outperform individual agents, before concluding an analysis of the merits of early-stage investing through platforms like Echo and Legion versus staying liquid in the current market cycle. 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 Jason: https://x.com/3xliquidated 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 (2:22) Crypto's EOY Outlook (19:27) Solana's Outlook & Competing App Chains (28:51) 2025 Markets Report (37:58) The Return of Fundamentals (40:28) AI Agent Meta (54:38) What's Next for AI Agents? (1:02:30) Liquid vs Venture - - 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.

Gm! This week, after a week off, we discuss Bitcoin breaking $100k! We deep dive into crypto’s 2025 cycle top, the Michael Saylor BTC bid, the rise of AI agents, the rotation to alt’s & what to expect in 2025. 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 -- Definitive is a multichain trading platform used by top funds, DAOs and pro traders. Get the best trade execution for every token on every chain, with your order routed to every liquidity pool. Maximize your gains with automated TWAPs and Limit orders. For our 1000x listeners - get no fees on your first $100K in trading volume: blockworks.definitive.fi -- 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) Bitcoin Breaks $100k (6:03) The Michael Saylor BTC Bid (11:31) Definitive Ad (12:24) Bitcoin Dominance & The Alt Rotation (14:01) Picking Winners This Cycle (22:19) Memes (26:06) AI Agents (44:03) Crypto's Cycle Top (55:26) Bullish Human Innovation (1:02:49) How To Trade This 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

In today's episode Dan from CMS and Ro from Hack join us to explore what's truly different about this crypto cycle and what patterns are destined to repeat. We examined the notable absence of credit markets compared to previous cycles and investigated why leverage hasn't built up in the system this time around. We unpacked the evolving L1 landscape, debated token distribution models, and analyzed the return of "hot money" flowing through various sectors from memecoins to NFTs. We closed out by diving into institutional perspectives on market structure and potential risks, providing listeners with a comprehensive framework for building their crypto portfolio strategy for 2025. 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 Ro: https://x.com/roshunpatel Follow Dan: https://x.com/cmsholdings 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/mv4frfv7ww 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/ - - Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork - - It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge. Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain - - Toku simplifies every part of global token compensation — everything from paying full time employees in stablecoins, issuing token grants to your team and investors, all in 100 countries on one platform. Talk to Toku today at: https://www.toku.com/ - - 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 - - Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:57  Tungsten Cube & Pepe Mural Stor 04:47  Is this Cycle different? 15:20  Biggest Risks in Crypt 22:24  Eth/Btc & Sol/Eth Chart 25:26  New Altcoin 30:28 The L1 Trade 37:25 Skale Ad 38:05 Magic Eden Ad 38:49 Toku Ad 39:39 Ledger Ad 40:24  Death of Crypto Venture 55:14  Crypto's IPO Craze 58:34  A16z/s Monopol 01:05:08  Do Dino Coins Run 01:08:14 Chasing the hot ball 01:10:13  When you Retire - - 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.

In today's episode Rushi from Movement Labs joins us right after their token launch to discuss what actually happens behind the scenes when launching a token in today's market. They cover the realities of working with exchanges, market makers, and dealing with the immense pressure founders face. We explore Movement's vision for bringing Web2 companies into crypto, why the next four years are critical for the industry, and how to grow from 30 million to 100 million real crypto users. 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 Rushi: https://x.com/rushimanche 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/mv4frfv7ww 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/ - - Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork - - It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge. Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain - - Toku simplifies every part of global token compensation — everything from paying full time employees in stablecoins, issuing token grants to your team and investors, all in 100 countries on one platform. Talk to Toku today at: https://www.toku.com/ - - 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 - - Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:15  Movement Token Launch 16:07  Behind the Scenes of Token Launch 29:06  Move's Narrative 38:14 Skale Ad 38:53 Magic Eden Ad 39:37 Toku Ad 40:28 Ledger Ad 41:11  How Early is Crypto 49:47 Incentivizing Apps & Ecosystem 01:02:57 Addressing CT - - 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.

In today's episode Steve Lee and Ren break down their latest research paper on Bitcoin's consensus mechanism and power dynamics. They analyze the six key stakeholder groups that influence Bitcoin's future and discuss why covenants could trigger the next major chain split. The conversation then explores the unique powers of self-custody Bitcoin holders, the growing influence of ETFs, and why application developers might push for contentious changes in 2025. Thanks for tuning in! https://github.com/bitcoin-cap/bcap/blob/main/bcap_v1.0.pdf - - 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 Ren: https://x.com/0xren_cf Follow Steve: https://x.com/moneyball 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/mv4frfv7ww 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/ - - Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork - - It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge. Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain - - The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi. Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android. https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet - - $cmETH, a Mantle native liquid restaking token, will launch together with Season 2: Methamorphosis, allowing users to easily participate in restaking, and earn $COOK rewards in addition to other yields. $COOK, the governance token of mETH Protocol, will allow holders to play a pivotal role in directing the strategic future of mETH Protocol. Learn more: https://x.com/mETHProtocol - - 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 - - Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:58 Bitcoin's Block Size Wars 14:07 Bitcoin Consensus Overview 21:25 Stakeholders in Blockchains 51:24 Skale Ad 52:03 Magic Eden Ad 52:47 Uniswap Ad 53:19 Mantle Ad 54:13 Ledger Ad 54:56 Protocol vs App Devs 58:59 Who has the Power? 01:04:17 Value of Self Custody 01:09:45 Who Pushes for Changes? - - 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.

The Hivemind team unpacks Bitcoin hitting $100k, from strategic reserves to market psychology. They explore the importance of conviction over FOMO and the challenges of narrative rotation. Jose and Yan breakdown Ethena's yield mechanisms and their impact on the broader DeFi landscape taking center stage. The episode wraps with a discussion about the realness of AI innovation in 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 (1:42) Bitcoin $100k Prediction (9:59) Catching Narratives VS Conviction (20:27) HyperLiquid's Template Airdrop (39:34) Ethena Yield & Sustainability (51:39) Ethena's Investment Case (1:02:06) AI Winners - - 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.

In today's episode Qiao joins us to check in on the current stage of the crypto market cycle. Qiao shares why the lack of celebration signals a fundamental shift in market psychology as evidence by the rampant growth of AI and memes. The conversation then explores how BRICS nations may be secretly accumulating Bitcoin ahead of US policy changes, and why March 2024 could mark a local top. Qiao breaks down why AI agents in crypto are primarily a narrative trade for now, and explains how Hyperliquid's unique approach to token launches could reshape the industry. 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 Qiao: https://x.com/QwQiao 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/mv4frfv7ww 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/ - - Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork - - It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge. Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain - - Toku simplifies every part of global token compensation — everything from paying full time employees in stablecoins, issuing token grants to your team and investors, all in 100 countries on one platform. Talk to Toku today at: https://www.toku.com/ - - 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 - - Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:20) ETH's Flows & Return (12:47) Bitcoin Reserve Odds (17:33) Consensus Trade this Cycle (19:52) Everyone is Looking for Tops (26:42) AI Agents (33:52) Skale Ad (34:31) Magic Eden Ad (35:15) Toku Ad (36:05) Ledger Ad (36:48) Airdrop Success (41:15) Best Cities for Crypto Founders (44:08) Where Should Apps Build? (47:30) Flow of Information (52:45) Return of Normies - - 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.

Gm! This week, we discuss how to trade the current market regime as the alt roulette wheel spins. While Bitcoin consolidates just below $100k, we deep dive into the return of dino coins, trading in the trenches, how to play crypto's trickle down wealth effect, the impact of Microstrategy & much 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 -- Definitive is a multichain trading platform used by top funds, DAOs and pro traders. Get the best trade execution for every token on every chain, with your order routed to every liquidity pool. Maximize your gains with automated TWAPs and Limit orders. For our 1000x listeners - get no fees on your first $100K in trading volume: blockworks.definitive.fi -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (5:03) Dealing With P&L Bias (7:50) Are We Ranging? (13:54) Definitive Ad (14:47) Retail Is Back (24:52) Trading The Trenches (27:41) Crypto's Wealth Effect (32:44) Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (47:50) SOL/ETH (49:19) NFTs (50:57) Microstrategy -- 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

In today's episode Haseeb and Avichal return to Empire for a deep dive into the current state of the crypto market cycle. They debate whether we're heading toward a massive bubble or a more mature market phase. They also discuss the growing competition from Solana in the L1 sector. Then Haseeb and Avichal also dissect the impact of memecoins on crypto adoption, debate the real value of network effects, and analyze how Trump's potential election could reshape crypto's regulatory landscape. The episode concludes with a fascinating comparison between Ethereum and Intel, examining the risks of market dominance and innovation stagnation. - - 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 Haseeb: https://x.com/hosseeb Follow Avichal: https://x.com/avichal 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/mv4frfv7ww 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/ - - Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork - - It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge. Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain - - The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi. Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android. https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet - - $cmETH, a Mantle native liquid restaking token, will launch together with Season 2: Methamorphosis, allowing users to easily participate in restaking, and earn $COOK rewards in addition to other yields. $COOK, the governance token of mETH Protocol, will allow holders to play a pivotal role in directing the strategic future of mETH Protocol. Learn more: https://x.com/mETHProtocol - - 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 - - Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 02:44 Is this Crypto's Boom & Bust Cycle? 14:03 Does the Market Understand Crypto? 18:20 Super Cycle (Real) 28:14 Return Dispersion 36:00 Why People are Buying Memecoins 48:02 Skale Ad 48:41 Magic Eden Ad 49:25 Uniswap Ad 49:57 Mantle Ad 50:51 Ledger Ad 51:36 Impact of Memecoins on VCs 58:46 Ethereum's Position 01:21:46 Impact of New US Admin - - 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.

Jason and Santi break down the Fifth Circuit's ruling against Tornado Cash sanctions and its implications for crypto protocols. They also examine PumpFun's content moderation crisis and how platforms should navigate these issues. The discussion then shifts to Brazil's proposed Bitcoin reserve bill and broader government adoption, exploring how geopolitical dynamics are reshaping institutional crypto demand. They close out by discussing Base's growth, memecoin dynamics, and surprising movements in legacy tokens. Thanks for tuning in! Chat with us in our new telegram: https://t.co/uvyS3SSdUn - - 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/ - - Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork - - 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 https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00 - - Toku simplifies every part of global token compensation — everything from paying full time employees in stablecoins, issuing token grants to your team and investors, all in 100 countries on one platform. Talk to Toku today at: https://www.toku.com/ - - Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:59 Thanksgiving Vibes 12:27 PumpFun Content Moderation 19:08 Will Memes Continue? 23:02 Tornado Cash Court Victory 31:30 Skale Ad 32:09 Toku Ad 33:00 Ledger Ad 33:45 Metrics Dive 45:52 Central Banks Buying Bitcoin - - 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.

In today's episode we are joined by ParaFi partners, Ben Forman and Kevin Yedid-Botton. They unpack their biggest predictions for crypto in 2030. They unpack their vision of Bitcoin reaching gold parity at $815K, stablecoins hitting 10% of M2 supply, and AI dominating 90% of on-chain activity. They also explain the evolution of prediction markets, Solana's path to Ethereum parity, and why wallets will become the new banks. To close out they discuss the rising geopolitical influences Bitcoin may have for the coming decade, and its transformative role for nation state accumulation. 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 ParaFi: https://x.com/paraficapital Follow Kevin: https://x.com/yedidbotton 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/mv4frfv7ww 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/ - - Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork - - It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge. Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain - - The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi. Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android. https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet - - $cmETH, a Mantle native liquid restaking token, will launch together with Season 2: Methamorphosis, allowing users to easily participate in restaking, and earn $COOK rewards in addition to other yields. $COOK, the governance token of mETH Protocol, will allow holders to play a pivotal role in directing the strategic future of mETH Protocol. Learn more: https://x.com/mETHProtocol - - 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 - - Timestamps: (00:00) Introduction (02:15) Predictions for 2030  (05:02) Bitcoin Price 2030 Prediction  (13:42) Stablecoin Growth (29:55) Tokenized RWA Growth (40:14) Prediction Markets (47:54) Media & Prediction Market Relationship (55:43) Skale Ad (56:22) Magic Eden Ad (57:06) Uniswap Ad (57:38) Mantle Ad (58:33) Ledger Ad (59:18) AI is 90% of Onchain Activity (01:07:50) Application Layer Boom (01:14:52) Wallets as the New Banks  (01:24:43) Solana Parity with Ethereum (01:32:16) 98% of Tokens Underperform BTC (01:41:24) Blockchain GDP to $1T (01:50:24) Honorable Mentions (01:53:42) Geopolitical BTC Race - - 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.

The Hivemind team unpacks MicroStrategy's leveraging of its premium to accumulate billions in Bitcoin. Yan discusses the sustainability of this strategy as BTC hits 95k and what this could imply for the wider market. Then the team explores how financialization of emerging AI agents may continue. To close out they discuss general market sentiment and their outlook and what tokens may perform the best. 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: 00:00 Introduction 02:01 Saylor's BTC Buys 18:02 Bitcoin Dominance & Alt Season 22:08 AI Meta Over Hyped? 40:06 Increased CEX Listing Appetite 47:16 Was Murad Right? 54:33 Market Outlook 01:02:17 What to Buy? - - 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.