Podcast
Empire
Hosted by Blockworks · EN
Empire features interviews with top crypto founders to get the real stories that aren’t shared elsewhere. Empire is your look behind the curtain of the crypto industry. We release two episodes per week: guest interviews on Monday and a weekly roundup on Friday.
69episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Building a Crypto Portfolio for 2025 | Dan Matuszewski & Roshun Patel
Dec 17, 202401:18:20Tap to summarizeIn 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=podcastsFollow Ro: https://x.com/roshunpatelFollow Dan: https://x.com/cmsholdingsFollow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroelFollow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepodSubscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2jSubscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7wwSubscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprwGet 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 Introduction01:57 Tungsten Cube & Pepe Mural Stor04:47 Is this Cycle different?15:20 Biggest Risks in Crypt22:24 Eth/Btc & Sol/Eth Chart25:26 New Altcoin30:28 The L1 Trade37:25 Skale Ad38:05 Magic Eden Ad38:49 Toku Ad39:39 Ledger Ad40:24 Death of Crypto Venture55:14 Crypto's IPO Craze58:34 A16z/s Monopol01:05:08 Do Dino Coins Run01:08:14 Chasing the hot ball01:10:13 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.
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Movement Labs' Token Launch & Ecosystem Strategy | Rushi Manche
Dec 13, 202401:08:08Tap to summarizeIn 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=podcastsFollow Rushi: https://x.com/rushimanche Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroelFollow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepodSubscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2jSubscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7wwSubscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprwGet 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 Introduction02:15 Movement Token Launch16:07 Behind the Scenes of Token Launch29:06 Move's Narrative38:14 Skale Ad38:53 Magic Eden Ad39:37 Toku Ad40:28 Ledger Ad41:11 How Early is Crypto49:47 Incentivizing Apps & Ecosystem01:02:57 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.
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Inside the Hidden Power Struggles of Bitcoin Upgrades | Steve Lee & Ren
Dec 10, 202401:21:45Tap to summarizeIn 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=podcastsFollow Ren: https://x.com/0xren_cf Follow Steve: https://x.com/moneyball Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroelFollow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepodSubscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2jSubscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7wwSubscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprwGet 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 Introduction02:58 Bitcoin's Block Size Wars14:07 Bitcoin Consensus Overview21:25 Stakeholders in Blockchains51:24 Skale Ad52:03 Magic Eden Ad52:47 Uniswap Ad53:19 Mantle Ad54:13 Ledger Ad54:56 Protocol vs App Devs58:59 Who has the Power?01:04:17 Value of Self Custody01:09:45 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.
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Hivemind: BTC's $100K Run, Ethena's Yield Meta, and Our Bull Market Bets
Dec 7, 202401:16:43Tap to summarizeThe 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/ceterispar1busFollow Jose: https://x.com/ZeMariaMacedoFollow Yan: https://x.com/YanLibermanFollow Duncan: https://x.com/FloodCapitalFollow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepodSubscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2jSubscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprwGet 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.
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Timing Cycle Tops, AI Narrative Trade, and Bitcoin's Nation-State Adoption | Qiao Wang
Dec 6, 202400:56:26Tap to summarizeIn 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=podcastsFollow Qiao: https://x.com/QwQiaoFollow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroelFollow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepodSubscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2jSubscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7wwSubscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprwGet 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.
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ParaFi's 10 Crypto Predictions for 2030 | Ben Forman & Kevin Yedid-Botton
Nov 26, 2024Tap to summarizeIn 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 $815K, stablecoins hitting 10% of M2 supply, and AI dominating 90% of on-chain activity. They also explain the evolution of prediction markets, Solana's path to Ethereum parity, and why wallets will become the new banks. To close out they discuss the rising geopolitical influences Bitcoin may have for the coming decade, and its transformative role for nation state accumulation. Thanks for tuning in!- -Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross and David Canellis. Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcastsFollow ParaFi: https://x.com/paraficapitalFollow Kevin: https://x.com/yedidbottonFollow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroelFollow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepodSubscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2jSubscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7wwSubscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprwGet top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - -Explore the SKALE Ecosystem at skale.space/ecosystem and stay up to date with the gas-free blockchain on X at @skalenetwork- -It's time for an on chain Binance to emerge.Magic Eden is getting into token trading and their vision is to become on chain Binance and then much more as the entire world ends up moving on chain- -The self-custody wallet that's built for swapping. Created for a multi-chain world by the most trusted team in DeFi. Available on Chrome, iOS, and Android.https://blckwrks.co/UniswapWallet- -$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.
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Can Crypto Bounce? | 1000x
Aug 21, 2024Tap to summarizeIn this episode, we try to figure out how to use Twitch. We discuss Pump.fun, can crypto bounce & catch up to equities, finding crypto's next big trade, BTC miners, the AI narrative & more. Enjoy!--Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelmanFollow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyzFollow 1000x: https://twitter.com/1000xPodGet top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ --Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(1:23) Pump.fun & Memes(11:09) Time To Be Bullish?(16:51) Tron & The L1 Trade(20:46) Portfolio Structure & Pair Trading(25:52) Bitcoin Miners & AI(36:41) L2s Are Cannibalizing ETH(41:42) Macro Tailwinds For Bitcoin--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
Transcribe →The Blockworks Origin Story | Michael & Jason
Aug 8, 2023Tap to summarizeIn today's episode, the tables have flipped. Santi & Michael interview Co-founders of Blockworks Michael and Jason. They dive into the Blockworks origin story, from conception, surviving COVID, the hiring difference, and the evolving thesis for Blockworks growth & trajectory. - -Follow Michael I: https://twitter.com/MikeIppolito_Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Michael A: https://twitter.com/im_mandersonFollow Santiago: https://twitter.com/santiagoroelFollow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepodSubscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2jSubscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprwGet top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ - -Use code EMPIRE30 to get 30% off Permissionless 2023 in Austin: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-2023- -Timestamps:(00:00) The Blockworks Start(08:20) Entrepreneur Mindset Origination(11:42) Determining Product Categories(19:18) The COVID Pivot(24:12) Competitive Landscape(30:26) The Hiring Difference(34:36) Cycle Sentiment Check-in(39:24) Aligning Teams in Crypto(43:37) Target Audience(47:04) Permissionless(48:30) Evolving Thesis Approach(57:03) Narrative Pulse Check-in(01:00:02) Crypto's Killer App(01:02:38) Why Back Blockworks?(01:13:11) The Biggest Mistake(01:16:16) DAO Bullishness(01:23:12) Staying Interested Advice- -ResourcesGo to Permissionless https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-2023- -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.
Transcribe →Bear Market Advice | Weekly Roundup
May 27, 2022Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Empire's Weekly Roundup, Jason and Santiago discuss how to navigate the current bear market. Things aren't looking pretty, but this isn't the team's first rodeo. The duo explores what to expect, how to stay in the game and where opportunities might emerge. Highlights include: where will crypto's total market cap bottom? are Jason and Santi buyers at these prices? why are funds ignoring liquid markets? how founders should approach the bear thoughts on a16z's new $4.5B fund will Coinbase be acquired? and much more - -Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitzFollow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroelSubscribe on YouTube: https://tinyurl.com/4fdhhb2jSubscribe on Apple: https://tinyurl.com/mv4frfv7Subscribe on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/wbaypprw- -Referenced in the show:Chris Dixon Permissionless Keynotehttps://youtu.be/Znkpa64J7qASanti's Coinbase Acquisition Tweethttps://twitter.com/santiagoroel/status/1525941336070922242Bill Gurley's "All In" Panelhttps://youtu.be/lcyec3pvAEY- -BitMEX is back and better than ever. Sign up for BitmEX's new Spot Exchange for a chance to win a piece of $500,000 in BTC (new users).Learn more about them at https://www.bitmex.com/--(00:00) Introduction(01:11) Crypto Marketing(04:04) Why Santi Missed Permissionless(05:45) Advice For This Bear Market(17:32) A 16z Raises 4.5B(22:04) How Founders Can Embrace The Bear(26:34) ETH And Assessing Value Today(29:13) Overleveraged(33:05) How Capital Calls Work(34:55) Will Funds Leave The Space?(37:00) Bitmex Ad(38:02) When Do You Buy?(45:10) Stay In The Game?(47:16) Coinbase Acquisition Thesis(53:07) Three Leading Indicators(54:07) Smaller Funds Underwater(57:35) Liquid Assets Have Been Ignored(1:00:27) Investing Isn't Easy
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