CoinDesk Podcast Network

Bitcoin developers are clashing over relaxing OP_RETURN limits. This technical debate about arbitrary data on Bitcoin has sparked divisions about what constitutes "spam" and revealed tensions between Bitcoin Core devs and those seeking a "purer" Bitcoin experience.You're listening to Bitcoin Season 2. Subscribe to the newsletter, trusted by over 12,000 Bitcoiners: https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.comWhat started as a technical proposal has exploded into community division, with accusations of "destroying Bitcoin" flying around. The hosts break down what OP_RETURN is, why some devs want to increase its size limit, and why others view it as enabling "spam" on the blockchain. At its core, this fight reveals deeper tensions about who controls Bitcoin's future and what the network should be used for.Notes:- OP_RETURN limit currently set at 83 bytes- Proposal would increase limit to ~1 megabyte- 30-45% of Bitcoin transactions are "non-financial"- Bitcoin Knots node usage has grown to 7-8%- Out-of-band transactions bypass node relay- Core devs facing diminished community trustTimestamps:00:00:00:00 Start00:00:36:16 Why's everyone so mad?00:02:04:14 Claim your bias00:04:00:03 The backstory00:08:27:09 Changing the OP_RETRUN limit00:11:24:06 Post to relax the limit00:15:39:23 Out of Band payment00:17:39:06 Standard vs valid consensus00:19:52:29 What is spam?00:28:41:05 Arch Network00:29:13:14 Cons of increasing the limit00:32:34:25 That's too "woke" bro!00:35:56:27 Knots-👉 Brought to you by Arch Network! Arch brings the speed of Solana & the best of crypto UX to Bitcoin. Tap into the rich app ecosystem on Arch & try out the testnet while you’re still early! Visit arch.network to learn more.-👋Bitcoin Season 2 is produced Blockspace Media, Bitcoin’s first B2B publication in Bitcoin. Follow us on Twitter and check out our newsletter for the best information in Bitcoin mining, Ordinals and tech!Enjoy the show? Check out our website and newsletter by clicking here.Questions or want to sponsor? hello@blockspace.mediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Christine Lee breaks down the latest news in the crypto industry as American Robert Prevost became pope, beating crypto prediction market odds.American Robert Prevost didn't think he would become pope, and neither did crypto prediction markets. Plus, Meta re-joins the stablecoin race and Celsius' Alex Mashinsky lands 12 years in prison. CoinDesk's Christine Lee presents "CoinDesk Daily."-This episode was hosted by Christine Lee. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Christine Lee and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The GPU financing market could be on the cusp of a transformation.FILL OUT THE MINING POD SURVEY BY CLICKING HEREYou're listening to The Mining Pod. Subscribe to the newsletter, trusted by over 15,000 Bitcoiners: https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.comWelcome back to The Mining Pod! Bitcoin’s back above $100k and hashrate is rebounding above 900 EH/s with it. In this week's news roundup, Kelly Greer from Crucible Capital joins to explain trends in the GPU financing and hosting markets – and what ASIC market cycles can tell us about where they might be going. We also cover Alpha's IPO valuation, the Digital Energy Council's push against tariffs on ASIC miners, and how Bitfarms is joining other miners in halting hash expansion to focus on HPC and AI infrastructure builds.Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com# Notes:- Network hash rate rebounding to ~900 exahashes- GPU rental prices down to $1.45-2.10 per hour- Alpha IPO valued at $215-300 million- Tariffs on ASICs could reach 24-36%- BitFarms halting hash expansion for HPC/AI focus- Trump admin signals support but tariffs persistTimestamps:00:00 Start02:33 Difficulty Report Presented By Luxor04:42 GPU rental, financing landscape is shifting18:00 Antalpha valuation23:55 ASIC tariff exclusion29:00 Bitfarms pauses mining to focus on AI👉 Fractal Bitcoin, Reduces up to 50% of your pool fee. No new hardware, no extra energy.And it’s easy. FB rewards go straight to your existing Bitcoin wallet address. Over 50% of Bitcoin’s hashpower is already merge mining Fractal. Get more from the same resources — start on Fractal today!👉 Luxor, Leaders In Bitcoin Mining and Compute Power!Get game-changing mining results with Luxor Firmware. Boost hashrate, cut energy costs, protect your hardware, and maximize mining profits with LuxOS.Published twice weekly, "The Mining Pod" interviews the best builders and operators in theBitcoin and Bitcoin mining landscape. Subscribe to get notifications when we publish interviewson Tuesday and a news show on Friday!👉 @Digital_Shovel, All Things Crypto Mining!Are you a Crypto miner looking to expand your operations leading into this next Bull Market? Digital Shovel is a leading manufacturer of modular mining pods, as well as PDUs & Switchgears. Industry leading prices for a complete datacenter, including Smart PDUs and switchgear.For more information, visit www.DigitalShovel.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Christine Lee breaks down the latest news in the crypto industry as bitcoin soared over $100,000 again.Bitcoin soared over $100,000 again Thursday after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a trade deal with the United Kingdom. Plus, Arizona became the second U.S. state to sign a crypto reserve bill into law and the OCC is further relaxed rules to allow banks offer crypto services. CoinDesk's Christine Lee hosts "CoinDesk Daily."-This episode was hosted by Christine Lee. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Christine Lee and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest price moves and insights with Christine Lee and Arthur Hayes.To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.Former BitMEX CEO Arthur Hayes explains how bitcoin will reach $1 million by 2028, the likely outcome of U.S. and China trade talks, and the Federal Reserve’s irrelevance. Plus, find out what's in his portfolio, whether alt season will make a comeback and how he received a pardon from President Donald Trump.Arthur:X - https://x.com/cryptohayesLinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/arthur-hayes-b493b42/IG - https://www.instagram.com/cryptohayes/ [instagram.com]Maelstrom:X - https://x.com/MaelstromFundLinkedin - https://www.linkedin.com/company/maelstromfundThis content should not be construed or relied upon as investment advice. It is for entertainment and general information purposes.-This episode was hosted by Christine Lee.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Christine Lee breaks down the latest news in the crypto industry as optimism grows for a potential U.S.-China trade deal.Bitcoin surging to about $97,000 along with the Nasdaq and S&P 500 as optimism grows for a potential U.S.-China trade deal as U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced plans to meet Chinese officials in Switzerland this weekend. Plus, Ethereum's Pectra upgrade goes live and the first U.S. crypto reserve is signed into law in New Hampshire. CoinDesk's Christine Lee hosts "CoinDesk Daily."-This episode was hosted by Christine Lee. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Christine Lee and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Udi Wertheimer discusses Bitcoin Core's controversial OP_RETURN changes, mounting community backlash, and why Core developers are losing social capital with Bitcoiners over technical decisions they can't properly communicate.You're listening to Bitcoin Season 2. Subscribe to the newsletter, trusted by over 7,000 Bitcoiners: https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.comUdi Wertheimer, co-founder of the Taproot Wizards and famous Bitcoin provocateur, joins us to talk about the explosive OP_RETURN debate dividing the Bitcoin community. We dive deep into why Bitcoin Core developers are facing unprecedented backlash, how they've lost touch with newer Bitcoiners, and what Greg Maxwell's sudden reappearance signals about Core's weakening position. Udi offers surprising insights on both sides and proposes solutions for rebuilding trust between developers and the community.Follow our guests: @udiwertheimer**Notes:**• OP_RETURN controversy spans over a decade• Greg Maxwell returns after years of silence• Core devs disconnected from 5+ year Bitcoiners• ~50 readers engage with Bitcoin OpTech weekly• 6-month delay suggested for PR merge• JPEGs benefit from controversy attentionTimestamps:00:00 Start03:08 OP_RETURN Debate Summary10:21 SPAM on Bitcoin17:17 Is this a Core blunder?27:26 How SHOULD Core do?34:42 What if Core doesn't communicate better?37:38 What does a pleb do?-👉 Brought to you by Arch Network! Arch brings the speed of Solana & the best of crypto UX to Bitcoin. Tap into the rich app ecosystem on Arch & try out the testnet while you’re still early! Visit arch.network to learn more.-👋Bitcoin Season 2 is produced Blockspace Media, Bitcoin’s first B2B publication in Bitcoin. Follow us on Twitter and check out our newsletter for the best information in Bitcoin mining, Ordinals and tech!Enjoy the show? Check out our website and newsletter by clicking here.Questions or want to sponsor? hello@blockspace.mediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest price moves and insights with Jennifer Sanasie and Bitpanda Deputy CEO Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad.To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.Bitpanda Deputy CEO Lukas Enzersdorfer-Konrad joins CoinDesk to discuss the state of crypto in Europe under the impact from previous ECB rate cut decisions and the MiCA regulatory framework. Plus, he weighs in on Bitpanda's recent partnership with FC Basel 1893 and the intersection between sports and crypto.This content should not be construed or relied upon as investment advice. It is for entertainment and general information purposes.-This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie. “Markets Daily” is produced by Jennifer Sanasie and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Christine Lee breaks down the latest news in the crypto industry as traders brace for this week's Fed rate decision.Traders brace for this week's Fed rate decision, while a weakening dollar could boost bitcoin. Plus Senate Democrats stall on stablecoin legislation amid President Trump's financial ties to crypto. CoinDesk's Christine Lee hosts "CoinDesk Daily."-This episode was hosted by Christine Lee. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Christine Lee and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bitcoin mining is thriving in Iran – but mostly in the shadows.FILL OUT THE MINING POD SURVEY BY CLICKING HEREYou're listening to The Mining Pod. Subscribe to the newsletter, trusted by over 15,000 Bitcoiners: https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.comWelcome back to The Mining Pod! Today, Masih Alavi, CEO of ViraMiner, joins us to discuss an overlooked mecca for bitcoin mining: Iran. He estimates that miners in the country operate with just 5 MW of legal, while 2 GW of mining activity hums away in the shadows of basements, offices, and even jewelry stores. Plus, Alavi discusses how Iranian citizens use outdated mining equipment to evade sanctions, convert crypto to USD, and survive capital controls from within and sanctions from without. Alavi explains why the government's hardline stance and tax code pushes miners underground and the ingenious methods Iranians use to hide their operations from authorities.Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com# Notes:- Only 5MW legal mining vs. 2GW illegal in Iran- Outdated S9 miners still profitable in Iran- Illegal miners caught by authorities- High tariffs push miners to operate illegally- 18 million Iranians own crypto assets- Iran Bitcoin hashrate dropped 10-15% during protestsTimestamps:00:00 Start01:47 Mashi background07:03 Mining ETH07:37 ViraMiners08:11 BTC mining in Iran10:09 Illegal mining operations13:33 Mining with older hardware14:14 Electrical tariffs17:49 Industrial scale mining21:16 Exchanges or under the table30:21 Obtaining hardware32:41 Legal routes for hardware?38:52 IP logging with pools42:41 Hashrate waiting to come online👉 Fractal Bitcoin, Reduces up to 50% of your pool fee. No new hardware, no extra energy.And it’s easy. FB rewards go straight to your existing Bitcoin wallet address. Over 50% of Bitcoin’s hashpower is already merge mining Fractal. Get more from the same resources — start on Fractal today!👉 Luxor, Leaders In Bitcoin Mining and Compute Power!Get game-changing mining results with Luxor Firmware. Boost hashrate, cut energy costs, protect your hardware, and maximize mining profits with LuxOS.Published twice weekly, "The Mining Pod" interviews the best builders and operators in theBitcoin and Bitcoin mining landscape. Subscribe to get notifications when we publish interviewson Tuesday and a news show on Friday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Razorfish President, Dani Mariano, explores how brands can build authentic connections through emerging technologies and explains why Gen Alpha is reshaping the future of marketing and commerce.In this episode of Gen C, host Sam welcomes Dani Mariano, President of Razorfish, a 30-year-old creative agency known for innovation in the marketing world. Dani discusses how Razorfish has evolved from a digital agency to a "marketing transformation agency" helping brands navigate emerging technologies like blockchain, Web3 and AI. She shares insights on the shift from points-based loyalty programs to creating authentic emotional connections with consumers and reveals research about Gen Alpha's sophisticated digital behavior and their surprising influence on household purchasing decisions.Links mentioned from the podcast: Razorfish’s TwitterRazorfish’s WebsiteWatch this episode on video:YouTubeCoinDeskFollow us on Twitter: Sam Ewen, CoinDesk-"Gen C" features hosts Sam Ewen. Executive produced by by Uyen Truong. Our theme music is "1882” by omgkirby x Channel Tres with editing by Doc Blust. Artwork by Nicole Marie Rincon.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest price moves and insights with Jennifer Sanasie and Enzyme founder Mona El Isa.To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.Enzyme founder Mona El Isa joins CoinDesk to discuss the current "strange bear market" in the crypto space, with a few assets remaining close to their highs while the broader market experiences significant underperformance. Plus, potential of a DeFi summer and the state of M&A in the crypto industry.This content should not be construed or relied upon as investment advice. It is for entertainment and general information purposes.-This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie. “Markets Daily” is produced by Jennifer Sanasie and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Christine Lee breaks down the latest news in the crypto industry as China officially acknowledges the U.S. is reaching out for trade talks.China officially acknowledges the U.S. is reaching out for trade talks sparking market optimism, Ethereum co-founder Vitalik Buterin wants to make the layer 1 blockchain as simple as bitcoin, and Tether announces its entry into the crypto AI sector. CoinDesk's Christine Lee hosts "CoinDesk Daily."-This episode was hosted by Christine Lee. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Christine Lee and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Arizona leads the race to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve as two bills await the governor's signature. There are 38 other SBR bills, we break it down!You're listening to Bitcoin Season 2. Subscribe to the newsletter, trusted by over 12,000 Bitcoiners: https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.comArizona has taken the lead in the race to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve, with two bills passing through the legislature and now awaiting the governor's signature. These bills would allow the state to hold and buy Bitcoin and other digital assets with up to 10% allocation. The hosts dissect the different approaches states are taking, from Texas's expert advisory committee structure to New Hampshire and North Carolina's advancing legislation. With 40 strategic Bitcoin reserve bills filed across the US, and states navigating custody options, yield strategies, and political roadblocks, the Bitcoin state race is heating up!Notes:- Arizona passed two SBR bills awaiting governor's signature- 40 SBR bills filed across US states, 6 are dead- Texas bill allows up to 1% of general fund for Bitcoin- Arizona bills allow up to 10% allocation to Bitcoin- $500B minimum market cap requirement in Texas bill- Oklahoma bill failed in committee by one vote (6-5)Follow our guests: @cbspears @asilayhodling @btcszn2Timestamps:00:00 Start00:32 Arizona SBR vote08:42 State custody11:50 Arch Network12:22 Not your keys, not your strategic reserve15:28 Other states drafting Bitcoin laws16:51 Texas bill20:31 Market cap provisions25:31 Alabama27:19 Fails: Oklahoma32:08 Fails: Pennsylvania-👉 Brought to you by Arch Network! Arch brings the speed of Solana & the best of crypto UX to Bitcoin. Tap into the rich app ecosystem on Arch & try out the testnet while you’re still early! Visit arch.network to learn more.-👋Bitcoin Season 2 is produced Blockspace Media, Bitcoin’s first B2B publication in Bitcoin. Follow us on Twitter and check out our newsletter for the best information in Bitcoin mining, Ordinals and tech!Enjoy the show? Check out our website and newsletter by clicking here.Questions or want to sponsor? hello@blockspace.mediaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Alexander Karys, product lead at Uniswap Labs for Protocols & Platform, joins CoinDesk to discuss the advancements and challenges addressed by Unichain. Plus, how Unichain aims to improve user experience in decentralized finance (DeFi).This interview is presented as partner content.-Friends, DeFi is having a moment — Uniswap Labs' web app and wallet connect you to the excitement. Swapping and bridging are simple, low cost, and lightning fast across 13 chains, including Base, Arbitrum and Unichain, the new Layer 2 network designed for DeFi.Thanks to deep liquidity on Uniswap Protocols, you get minimal price impact on every trade, now with even greater efficiency through Uniswap v4.Swap, send, on-ramp, off-ramp, and bridge into a bright future — get started at https://app.uniswap.org/.-This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Kraken's security team identified a North Korean hacker trying to infiltrate the company - how did they do it?Kraken's security team recently identified a North Korean hacker who attempted to infiltrate the company by applying for a job at the crypto exchange. Kraken Chief Security Officer, Nick Percoco joins CoinDesk to discuss how it happened.This content should not be construed or relied upon as investment advice. It is for entertainment and general information purposes.-This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Christine Lee breaks down the latest news in the crypto industry as Chinese state media acknowledges that the U.S. is reaching out to them to hold tariff talks.Chinese state media acknowledges that the U.S. is reaching out to them to hold tariff talks, boosting bitcoin above $97,000 as optimism about a possible U.S.-China trade deal emerges. Plus, an April U.S. jobs report surprise and Tether plans to launch a U.S.-focused stablecoin by late 2025. CoinDesk's Christine Lee hosts "CoinDesk Daily.-This episode was hosted by Christine Lee. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Christine Lee and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

For this week’s news round up, Tether is seeking a $25M stake in Anatalpha, CoreWeave expands at Galaxy’s Helios site, and more.FILL OUT THE MINING POD SURVEY BY CLICKING HEREYou're listening to The Mining Pod. Subscribe to the newsletter, trusted by over 15,000 Bitcoiners: https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.comWelcome to The Mining Pod News Roundup! The gang breaks down Tether's latest foray into the bitcoin mining sector as it seeks a $25M stake in AntAlpha, Galaxy's CoreWeave deal expanding to a total of 393MW, and the dramatic impact of the 2024 halving one year later. Plus, they dive into Cambridge's latest report showing Bitcoin uses 0.5% of total global electricity, and for this week’s cry corner: the contentious proposal to abolish the OP_RETURN data limit.# Notes:- Bitcoin price approaching $97,000- 100 EH/s hash rate disappeared recently- 40% difficulty increase post-halving- Tether eyeing $25M stake in Ant Alpha IPO- Galaxy secured additional 260MW from Helios- Bitcoin uses 0.5% of total global electricityTimestamps:00:00 Start07:51 Tether Antalpha stake12:21 Galaxy + CoreWeave + AI20:01 1-year after the halving29:35 Cambridge Report: Miners Turn to Renewables35:47 Cry corner: OP_RETURN wars👉 Fractal Bitcoin, Reduces up to 50% of your pool fee. No new hardware, no extra energy.And it’s easy. FB rewards go straight to your existing Bitcoin wallet address. Over 50% of Bitcoin’s hashpower is already merge mining Fractal. Get more from the same resources — start on Fractal today!👉 Luxor, Leaders In Bitcoin Mining and Compute Power!Get game-changing mining results with Luxor Firmware. Boost hashrate, cut energy costs, protect your hardware, and maximize mining profits with LuxOS.Published twice weekly, "The Mining Pod" interviews the best builders and operators in theBitcoin and Bitcoin mining landscape. Subscribe to get notifications when we publish interviewson Tuesday and a news show on Friday!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Host Christine Lee breaks down the latest news in the crypto industry with the focus on the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs.The impact of U.S. President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs are starting to be felt, sending bitcoin higher as odds of a Fed rate cut in May improve. Plus, Robinhood, Microsoft and Meta earnings beat estimates and Ripple's offer to buy Circle was rejected. CoinDesk's Christine Lee hosts "CoinDesk Daily."-This episode was hosted by Christine Lee. “CoinDesk Daily” is produced by Christine Lee and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The latest price moves and insights with Jennifer Sanasie and 10T & 1RT CEO Dan Tapiero.To get the show every day, follow the podcast here.10T and 1RT CEO Dan Tapiero joins CoinDesk to discuss economic indicators such as the Richmond Fed survey and potential interest rate cuts, projecting a possible $300,000 Bitcoin if short rates hit zero. Plus, his bullish outlook for the broader crypto markets in the U.S.Dan Tapiero will be joining CoinDesk at Consensus 2025 in Toronto from May 14-16. Get your tickets here: https://consensus2025.coindesk.com/This content should not be construed or relied upon as investment advice. It is for entertainment and general information purposes.-This episode was hosted by Jennifer Sanasie. “Markets Daily” is produced by Jennifer Sanasie and edited by Victor Chen.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.