285 episodes

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.

Empire Jason Yanowitz & Santiago Santos | Blockworks

    • Business
    • 4.9 • 148 Ratings

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.

    What's Next for the Cosmos Appchain Thesis? | Ethan Buchman and Sam Hart

    What's Next for the Cosmos Appchain Thesis? | Ethan Buchman and Sam Hart

    In today's episode of Empire, Jason and Santi are revisiting the Cosmos appchain thesis and are joined by Ethan Buchman, Cosmos co-founder, and Sam Hart, head of product & strategy at Skip Protocol. They revisit the App Chain thesis and how it is playing out both within Cosmos and L2-Ethereum based rollups. The ideal protocol for launching an App Chain is unpacked, addressing functionality needs, integration requirements, governance models and more. Sam and Ethan dive into IBC enabling multi-chain flows, shared security models and key learnings from governance processes in Cosmos. Thanks for tuning in!

    - -
    Follow Ethan: https://twitter.com/buchmanster
    Follow Sam: https://twitter.com/hxrts
    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/
    - -
    Planning to grant token awards for your team? Toku makes implementing global token compensation and incentive awards simple.

    With Toku, you get unmatched legal and tax support to grant and administer your global team’s tokens. Toku navigates it across the lifecycle  — from easy to use token grant award templates through tracking vesting to managing tax withholdings.

    Make it simple today, at
    https://www.toku.com/empire
    - -
    Join us at DAS (Digital Asset Summit) in London this March! DAS is the #1 institutional conference in crypto, hosted by Blockworks.

    Use the link below to learn more, and use EMPIRE20 to get 20% off your ticket! Sign up now because the price goes up every month. See you there!

    Learn more + get your ticket here: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2024-london/home
    - -
    Timestamps:
    (00:00) The App Chain Thesis Was Right
    (05:49) Ideal Protocol for an App Chain
    (12:31) Cosmos Tech vs BD Strategy
    (19:32) Why Select Cosmos for an App Chain
    (29:48) DAS 2024
    (31:00) Toku Ad
    (32:23) Bootstrapping Validator Sets
    (45:53) How do Appchains Unlock Killer Apps
    (51:28) Cosmos Governance Learnings
    - -
    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.

    • 1 hr 9 min
    Why Solana Could Flip Ethereum | Roundup

    Why Solana Could Flip Ethereum | Roundup

    In today's episode of Empire Santi and Jason unpack the biggest debates in crypto including integrated vs. modular blockchains and whether Solana can flip Ethereum. The conversation also explores the dynamics of hardware requirements, blockchain execution environments, parallel execution, network consensus, and how these factors shape the development and adoption of networks. To lighten the mood the duo chat about Spotify Wrapped, NFT collecting mindset, and their personal favorite songs. Thanks for tuning in!

    - -
    Northstake simplifies the way institutional investors own a stake in Web3 by offering regulatory-compliant staking products. By ensuring institutional investors can participate in the burgeoning crypto market while adhering to the necessary legal and regulatory requirements.

    To learn how Northstake is bridging the gap between crypto and institutions go to:
    https://www.northstake.dk/tokenized-eth-staking
    - -
    Chronicle Protocol is a novel Oracle solution that has exclusively secured over $10B in assets for MakerDAO and its ecosystem since 2017. With a history of innovation, including the invention of the first Oracle on Ethereum, Chronicle Protocol continues to redefine Oracles. A blockchain-agnostic protocol, Chronicle overcomes the current limitations of transferring data on-chain by developing the first truly scalable, cost-efficient, decentralized, and verifiable Oracles, rewriting the rulebook on data transparency and accessibility.

    Learn more about Chronicle Protocol: https://chroniclelabs.org/
    Join the Chronicle Labs team: https://chroniclelabs.org/careers#open_roles
    - -
    Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel
    Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz
    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/
    - -
    Join us at DAS (Digital Asset Summit) in London this March! DAS is the #1 institutional conference in crypto, hosted by Blockworks.

    Use the link below to learn more, and use EMPIRE20 to get 20% off your ticket! Sign up now because the price goes up every month. See you there!

    Learn more + get your ticket here: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2024-london/home
    - -
    Timestamps:
    01:29 Spotify Wrapped and Blockworks Merch
    07:56 Modular vs Monolithic Debate
    18:13 Protocol Layering vs Integrated Designs
    34:57 DAS 2024
    36:12 Chronicle Ad
    37:27 Northstake Ad
    38:28 Will Solana Flip Eth?
    56:12 The Solana NFT Craze & NFT Investing Mindset
    01:03:10 Drop your Spotify Wrap in the Comments
    - -

    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.

    • 1 hr 5 min
    Building Modular Move Networks on Ethereum | Nick White, Rushi Manche & Avery Ching

    Building Modular Move Networks on Ethereum | Nick White, Rushi Manche & Avery Ching

    In today's episode of Empire we explore the current state and future of modular blockchains. With special guests Avery Ching, Rushi Mache, and Nick White, the discussion revolves around the pros and cons of Modular and Monolithic Blockchain Architecture, aptness of execution environments, the importance of scalability, and the standardization and consolidation in the blockchain space. The conversation further dives into the performance and potential of Move Virtual Machine, the struggles of the Ethereum Virtual Machine, and the promise of innovative solutions like Celestia to offer more cost-effective and efficient data availability. We hope you Enjoy!

    --
    Follow Avery: https://twitter.com/AveryChing
    Follow Nick: https://twitter.com/nickwh8te
    Follow Rushi: https://twitter.com/rushimanche?lang=en
    Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel
    Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz
    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/
    - -
    Join us at DAS (Digital Asset Summit) in London this March! DAS is the #1 institutional conference in crypto, hosted by Blockworks.

    Use the link below to learn more, and use EMPIRE20 to get 20% off your ticket! Sign up now because the price goes up every month. See you there!

    Learn more + get your ticket here: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2024-london/home
    - -
    Timestamps
    00:00 Introduction
    02:00 The Modular Blockchain Thesis
    04:26 MOVE-Based Blockchains
    17:33 Is Monolothic Dated?
    32:21 DAS London
    33:38 Measuring Blockchain Performance & Scalability
    43:31 The Future of DEV Activity
    52:29 The Killer App
    57:07 Will there be a Final Optimal Stack?
    01:03:46 DAS London
    - -
    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.

    • 1 hr 4 min
    Why Polychain Capital Founder Never Sells His Crypto | Olaf Carlson-Wee

    Why Polychain Capital Founder Never Sells His Crypto | Olaf Carlson-Wee

    In today's episode of Empire, Olaf Carlson, the founder of Polychain and first Coinbase employee, shares why he believes crypto is going to be the greatest wealth redistribution of the modern era. The conversation covers the impact of the leverage cycle, the viability of restaking, and the importance of privacy. They also touch on the L2 and Appchain thesis, embedding financial markets into social platforms, and the potential of wearables. Olaf breaks down why crypto is a one-way street and why it will outlive fiat currency. We hope you enjoy! 

    - -
    Follow Olaf: https://twitter.com/zxocw
    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/ 

    - -
    Planning to grant token awards for your team? Toku makes implementing global token compensation and incentive awards simple.

    With Toku, you get unmatched legal and tax support to grant and administer your global team’s tokens. Toku navigates it across the lifecycle — from easy to use token grant award templates through tracking vesting to managing tax withholdings.

    Make it simple today, at
    https://www.toku.com/empire
    - -
    Join us at DAS (Digital Asset Summit) in London this March! DAS is the #1 institutional conference in crypto, hosted by Blockworks. 

    Use the link below to learn more, and use EMPIRE20 to get 20% off your ticket! Sign up now because the price goes up every month. See you there! 

    Learn more + get your ticket here: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2024-london/home
    - -
    Timestamps:
    (00:00) Crypto Sentiment Check
    (06:38) The L2 Wave
    (14:52) App-chain Thesis
    (24:20) Impact of the Leverage Driven Cycle
    (33:35) DAS 2023
    (34:51) Toku Ad
    (36:03) Crypto in 10 years
    (43:44) Privacy Solutions, Shared Security, and Wearables 
    (53:24) Why Olaf Doesn't Sell

    - -
    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.

    • 1 hr
    CZ Steps Down from Binance and a Blast L2 Debate | Roundup

    CZ Steps Down from Binance and a Blast L2 Debate | Roundup

    In today's episode of Empire Santi and Jason discuss the bombshell news of Binance pleading guilty and paying over $4 billion in fines related to money laundering violations. They analyze the implications for Coinbase, DeFi, and institutional adoption. They then shift gears to the controversial launch of L2 platform Blast and its native yield offerings. This takes the duo into a deep discussion of why should more L2s exist and what are vital heuristics for valuing these scaling solutions. We hope you enjoy! 
    - -
    Northstake simplifies the way institutional investors own a stake in Web3 by offering regulatory-compliant staking products. By ensuring institutional investors can participate in the burgeoning crypto market while adhering to the necessary legal and regulatory requirements. 

    To learn how Northstake is bridging the gap between crypto and institutions go to:
    https://www.northstake.dk/tokenized-eth-staking
    - -
    Chronicle Protocol is a novel Oracle solution that has exclusively secured over $10B in assets for MakerDAO and its ecosystem since 2017. With a history of innovation, including the invention of the first Oracle on Ethereum, Chronicle Protocol continues to redefine Oracles. A blockchain-agnostic protocol, Chronicle overcomes the current limitations of transferring data on-chain by developing the first truly scalable, cost-efficient, decentralized, and verifiable Oracles, rewriting the rulebook on data transparency and accessibility.  

    Learn more about Chronicle Protocol: https://chroniclelabs.org/
    Join the Chronicle Labs team: https://chroniclelabs.org/careers#open_roles
    - -
    Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel
    Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz
    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/
    - -
    Crypto’s premier institutional conference returns to London in March 2024 and we’ve got a killer deal for Black Friday...or as we call it BlackRock Friday.

    For a limited time we’re running a 20% promo on our 4 pack of DAS tickets. For just 399 GBP per ticket you can share the room with the world's top executives and hear from some of the largest institutions in crypto. 

    Grab 3 friends or 3 colleagues and use code BLACKROCK for 20% off on 4 pack tickets. Only valid until Nov 27th.

    Use code "BLACKROCKEMPIRE" at: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2024-london/home
    - -
    Timestamps
    (01:38) In-Laws, Working in Crypto, and Good Mood Santi
    (04:00) Binance CZ Steps Down 
    (28:46) Blast L2 Controversial Launch
    (38:08) DAS 2024
    (39:23) Chronicle Ad
    (40:38) Northstale Ad
    (41:38) Bearish Takes on Blast L2
    (01:04:33 )Why Does Paradigm Experiment?
    (01:09:34) Coindesk Acquired by Bullish
    - -

    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.

    • 1 hr 24 min
    The King Of Retail: Trading Crypto Cycles | Ansem

    The King Of Retail: Trading Crypto Cycles | Ansem

    Follow 1000x On Spotify: https://spoti.fi/45htDli
    Follow 1000x On Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3Kz0Bpw
    Follow 1000x On YouTube: https://bit.ly/3DNc5C6
    --
    Happy thanksgiving! On today's episode of 1000x, Ansem joins the show for a discussion on trading crypto cycles.

    We deep dive into Ansem's introduction to crypto, the Solana thesis & where we are in the cycle right now. To hear all this & more, you'll have to tune in!
    --
    Follow Ansem: https://twitter.com/blknoiz06
    Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelman
    Follow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyz
    Follow 1000x: https://twitter.com/1000xPod

    Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/
    --
    Timestamps
    (0:00) Introduction
    (1:19) Binance Agrees to Settle $4.3B Fine
    (2:59) Ansem's Introduction To Crypto
    (6:01) Have Alt's Topped?
    (8:47) The Solana Thesis
    (13:47) Cycle Bags
    (20:39) The Crypto Thesis
    (26:33) Trading Crypto Cycles
    (31:26) Sentiment In Crypto
    (40:41) Only Possible On Solana
    (46:30) NFTs & Meme Coins
    (54:30) The Next Crypto Market Top
    (1:04:45) Crypto Twitter
    --
    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.

    • 1 hr 12 min

Customer Reviews

4.9 out of 5
148 Ratings

148 Ratings

Cheesemachine ,

Accessible, clear fun

As someone serving brands in Web3, Empire is my favorite spot to learn and stay in the know. Yanowitz brings it!

Nick2187 ,

10/10 Listen

One of the best crypto pods out there! Highly recommend for anyone interested in the space.

connac ,

One of the best crypto podcasts

Informative content with great guests

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