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The Breakdown

Business & Economics Podcasts

A daily analysis of macroeconomics, bitcoin, geopolitics and big picture power shifts, hosted by Nathaniel Whittemore @nlw. The Breakdown is part of Blockworks.

Location:

United States

Description:

A daily analysis of macroeconomics, bitcoin, geopolitics and big picture power shifts, hosted by Nathaniel Whittemore @nlw. The Breakdown is part of Blockworks.

Language:

English


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Episodes
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The Trump Crypto Era Begins with a Surprise Memecoin

1/21/2025
No day 1 executive orders on crypto, but we did get one of the craziest and most massive memecoin launches ever, courtesy of an official Trump memecoin promoted by the then-President Elect. The launch has Crypto Twitter feeling all sorts of ways. Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:13:11

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Making the US the Crypto Capital of the World

1/19/2025
A reading and discussion inspired by: https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/01/16/how-to-make-the-united-states-the-crypto-capital-of-the-world Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:13:55

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SEC to Hit the Ground Running on Crypto

1/18/2025
NLW and Scott Melker discuss the five most important stories in crypto this week. Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:22:58

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Bitcoin's Big $100K Rebound

1/17/2025
After a week of macro jitters, Bitcoin has rightsized and seems to have stabilized above $100k. Is it anticipation of a new administration or the clear signal from the CPI numbers? NLW explores. Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:15:42

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The Great Bitcoin Market Upsizing

1/15/2025
NLW explores how institutional demand (and institutional builders) are significantly upsizing the Bitcoin and crypto markets, and how that trend will play out further in 2025. Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:13:48

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Macro Roils After Surprising Jobs Report (and Bitcoin Follows)

1/14/2025
NLW covers the latest moves in Bitcoin's price, exploring what they say about the larger macro environment for risk assets and the likelihood of changes in Fed policy. Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:13:22

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E. Warren's CFPB Tries Some Midnight Crypto Rulemaking

1/14/2025
It wouldn't be an outgoing administration without some last minute political intrigue. This time it's the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (an agency firmly in the crosshairs of Elon Musk's DOGE) attempting to impose rules on crypto payments. Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:13:57

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Is 2025 the Year of Crypto x AI Agents?

1/12/2025
A reading and discussion inspired by: https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2024/12/24/2025-will-be-the-year-that-ai-agents-transform-crypto https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/01/09/the-ai-revolution-will-spawn-millions-of-new-tokens Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:14:47

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The Five Most Important Stories in Crypto This Week

1/11/2025
Turns out it was a very heavily macro-influenced week, with some policy and price action thrown in. NLW and Scott Melker break it down. Recorded live Jan 10th, 2025. Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:26:51

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Macro Jitters Roil the Crypto Markets

1/10/2025
Fresh off starting the year at $100,000, Bitcoin (and the rest of crypto) tanked. Some thought it was all about concerns of USG selling their Silk Road stash, but it appears to be more rooted in broader macro concern of returning inflation. NLW explores. Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:15:04

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Is the FDIC Whistleblower Account Real?

1/8/2025
Some disturbing allegations about the FDIC coverup about its role in Operation Chokepoint 2.0 are gripping cryptotwitter. But how much credibility is there behind the claims? Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:14:11

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Crisis Averted: Fed Vice Chair for Supervision Steps Down

1/7/2025
A significant conflict was brewing at the Fed. Some suspected that Vice Chair for Supervision Michael S. Barr would try to fight President Trump to stay in power. That scenario has now been averted, although some are wondering if it signals a change in the independence of the Fed. Plus Bitcoin back at $100,000. Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:11:59

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Operation Chokepoint 2.0 Finally Has Smoking Guns

1/6/2025
Updated compliance with a Coinbase FOIA request shows not only how extensive the FDIC's campaign against crypto business was, but also shows how many novel digital asset products from banks were strangled in the crib. Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:16:34

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2 of the 4 Best Performing Assets of 2024 Were BTC Related

1/4/2025
NLW catches up on all the stories from the Holiday, including the outperformance of Bitcoin related assets (and digital asset hedge funds) in 2024. Sponsored by: Ledn Need liquidity without selling your Bitcoin? For 6+ years, Ledn has been the trusted choice for Bitcoin-backed lending. With transparency, security, and trust at our core, we help you access your BTC’s wealth while HODLing. Discover what your Bitcoin can do at ledn.io/borrowing. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:12:40

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The Ghosts of Bitcoin's Future

12/31/2024
Part 3 of a three part end of year special exploring where we've been, where we are, and where we're headed in Bitcoin and crypto more broadly. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:11:24

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The Ghosts of Bitcoin's Present

12/30/2024
Part 2 of a three part end of year special exploring where we've been, where we are, and where we're headed in Bitcoin and crypto more broadly. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:12:34

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The Most Important Essays in Crypto 2024

12/29/2024
A retrospective on the essays that defined crypto in 2024. The essays: https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=4985877 https://time.com/7111315/kamala-harris-crypto-laura-shin-essay/ https://vitalik.eth.limo/general/2024/07/17/procrypto.html https://x.com/Travis_Kling/status/1753455596462878815 https://x.com/Travis_Kling/status/1764696621097378299 https://x.com/Travis_Kling/status/1830981118566244633 https://www.piratewires.com/p/crypto-choke-point Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:11:13

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The Ghosts of Bitcoin's Past

12/27/2024
Part 1 of a three part end of year special exploring where we've been, where we are, and where we're headed in Bitcoin and crypto more broadly. Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:12:01

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Tether Steps Beyond Stablecoins

12/23/2024
Tether is spending $775M investing in alternative video platform Rumble. How much is it trying to curry favor with the incoming administration vs. a genuine attempt to diversify? Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:11:06

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One Crypto VC's 2025 Predictions

12/22/2024
A reading and discussion inspired by https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2024/12/16/paul-veradittakit-8-predictions-for-crypto-in-2025 Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast: https://pod.link/1438693620 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nathanielwhittemorecrypto Subscribe to the newsletter: https://breakdown.beehiiv.com/ Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Duration:00:12:43