The Breakdown

Latest Episodes:

A Primer on the Debate Around Ordinal Inscriptions, aka Bitcoin NFTs Feb 02, 2023

Show notes

For the last week, the Bitcoin community has been locked in fierce debate around Ordinal Inscriptions, a type of Bitcoin-native NFT that allows people to associate data like JPEGs with individual sats. Some find it an interesting, novel experiment. Others – including at least one core dev – think they should be censored as an illegitimate usage of the Bitcoin blockchain. NLW breaks down the debate(s).

Enjoying this content? SUBSCRIBE to the Podcast Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1438693620?at=1000lSDb Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/538vuul1PuorUDwgkC8JWF?si=ddSvD-HST2e_E7wgxcjtfQ Google: https://podcasts.google.com/feed/aHR0cHM6Ly9ubHdjcnlwdG8ubGlic3luLmNvbS9yc3M= Join the discussion: https://discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8 Follow on Twitter: NLW: https://twitter.com/nlw Breakdown: https://twitter.com/BreakdownNLW

Join the most important conversation in crypto and Web3 at Consensus 2023, happening April 26–28 in Austin, Texas. Come and immerse yourself in all that Web3, crypto, blockchain and the metaverse have to offer. Use code BREAKDOWN to get 15% off your pass. Visit consensus.coindesk.com.

“The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsor today is “Swoon” by Falls. Image credit: Takoyaki Tech/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Independent Examiner Excoriates Celsius as a Ponzi Feb 01, 2023

Show notes

On today’s episode, NLW breaks down the newly filed report from the Celsius Network bankruptcy court’s independent examiner. The extremely thorough document argues that not only was Celsius engaged in extremely problematic practices, but that numerous employees raised concerns around them. The show also covers the debate around an independent examiner in the FTX case.

“The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsor today is “Swoon” by Falls. Image credit: Malte Mueller/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Hawks vs. Bulls: The Fed Clashes With Optimistic Investors Jan 31, 2023

Show notes

On today’s episode, NLW previews the Federal Open Markets Committee meeting this week. While most still believe the Federal Reserve will raise rates by just 0.25%, there is a growing sense the hike will be accompanied by some harsh talk for a market the Fed thinks is getting overly optimistic around rapidly loosening financial conditions.

“The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsor today is “Swoon” by Falls. Image credit: kevin willans/500px/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Is 2023 the Year the US Gets Serious About Protecting Privacy? Jan 29, 2023

Show notes

On this week’s “Long Reads Sunday,” it’s all about privacy. NLW reads:

“Sweeping Crypto Regulation? First Update the Bank Secrecy Act” - Mark Lurie

“Privacy Is a Human Right – and the 118th Congress Must Defend It” - Lia Holland, Eseohe Ojo

“The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsor today is “Swoon” by Falls. Image credit: Matt Anderson Photography/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

What’s Next for NFTs? Jan 28, 2023

Show notes

On this edition of the “Weekly Recap,” NLW looks at a number of stories from the non-fungible token (NFT) industry this week that suggest where the industry might be headed, including Doodles’ acquisition of an animation studio and Porsche’s contentious entrance into the space.

“The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsor today is “Swoon” by Falls. Image credit: Yaroslav Kushta/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Commingling Customer Funds? Binance Under Scrutiny for B-Token Wallet Jan 28, 2023

Show notes

On today’s episode, NLW catches up on the continued fallout of Crypto 2022, including:

Scrutiny around wallet balances that suggest Binance has had commingled user funds and company reserves around B-tokens
The latest from the FTX bankruptcy, including accidental revelations around BlockFi
A Celsius Network proposal for an asset-recovery token

“The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsor today is “Swoon” by Falls. Image credit: Antonio Masiello/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

‘We Want to Make Sure America Is the Place for Innovation in FinTech’ Jan 27, 2023

Show notes

On today’s episode, NLW examines recent interviews with Republican congressional leaders including Representatives Patrick McHenry, Tom Emmer, Warren Davidson and French Hill, around the state of crypto in Washington, D.C. NLW argues that the key plans and talking points are pretty clear when the interviews are looked at as a whole.

“The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsor today is “Swoon” by Falls. Image credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Here Comes Nuclear-Powered Bitcoin Mining Jan 26, 2023

Show notes

Today is a mining day on “The Breakdown” as NLW looks at:

News of nuclear-powered bitcoin-mining coming to the U.S.
A new report on the state of mining from Galaxy Digital
The impact of Kazakhstan’s miner exodus on the global bitcoin energy mix

“The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsor today is “Swoon” by Falls. Image credit: Photo by Mike Kline (notkalvin)/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Up 40% YTD, Bitcoin Is 2023’s Best-Performing Asset Jan 25, 2023

Show notes

On today’s episode of “The Breakdown,” NLW looks at bitcoin’s impressive January rally and discusses what’s driving it. Specifically, he explores claims of market manipulation versus simple mean reversion. Finally, he looks at whether it is reflective of a broader macro shift as well.

“The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsor today is “Swoon” by Falls. Image credit: Craig Hastings/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Does Crypto Have a Banking Problem? Jan 24, 2023

Show notes

On today’s episode, NLW breaks down the latest news from the weekend, including:

Signature Bank limiting services, and what it means for the industry as a whole
U.S. government seizing $700 million of assets associated with Sam Bankman-Fried
Genesis first-day bankruptcy hearing information

(Genesis and CoinDesk are both subsidiaries of Digital Currency Group.)

“The Breakdown” is written, produced by and features Nathaniel Whittemore aka NLW, with editing by Rob Mitchell and research by Scott Hill. Jared Schwartz is our executive producer and our theme music is “Countdown” by Neon Beach. Music behind our sponsor today is “Swoon” by Falls. Image credit: Craig Hastings/Getty Images, modified by CoinDesk. Join the discussion at discord.gg/VrKRrfKCz8.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected