Empire

Blockworks
  • 4.9 (158)
  • INVESTING
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY
Empire

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 Tuesday and a weekly roundup on Friday.

  1. Luca Netz on the Pudgy Penguin Airdrop | Roundup

    1 DAY AGO

    Luca Netz on the Pudgy Penguin Airdrop | Roundup

    In this week's roundup we are joined buy Pudgy Penguins founder Luca Netz to unpack the recent Pengu token launch. He shares the journey from surviving the bear market with just $500k in the bank to becoming a global brand in Walmart, and explains why Pudgy Penguins is positioned to become crypto's first consumer conglomerate. The conversation delves into the challenges of fundraising for IP projects, strategic decisions around launching on Solana versus Abstract L2, and how the project aims to transcend traditional memecoins to become a cultural phenomenon. 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 Luca: https://x.com/lucanetz 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/mv4frfv7ww 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/ - - 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 (02:51) Pudgy Airdrop Review (12:16) Why launch a coin (24:56) Solana, zkSync, L2 Decision Making (30:53) Skale Ad (31:32) Magic Eden Ad (32:16) Uniswap Ad (32:48) Mantle Ad (33:43) Ledger Ad (34:30) Walmart Deal making (51:48) Difficulty of Raising - - 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.

    1h 6m

  2. 2 DAYS AGO

    Hivemind: Bitcoin's 2025 Momentum, AI Agent Platform Wars, and Liquid vs Private Markets

    The Hivemind team dives into crypto's hottest narratives heading into 2025. They kick off with their expectations of Bitcoin heading into January and debate the odds of Trump's strategic reserve move. The team then unpacks the emerging AI agent ecosystem, debating whether platform tokens like Virtuals will outperform individual agents, before concluding an analysis of the merits of early-stage investing through platforms like Echo and Legion versus staying liquid in the current market cycle. 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/ceterispar1bus Follow Jose: https://x.com/ZeMariaMacedo Follow Yan: https://x.com/YanLiberman Follow Jason: https://x.com/3xliquidated 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/ - - Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:22) Crypto's EOY Outlook (19:27) Solana's Outlook & Competing App Chains (28:51) 2025 Markets Report (37:58) The Return of Fundamentals (40:28) AI Agent Meta (54:38) What's Next for AI Agents? (1:02:30) Liquid vs Venture - - 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.

    1h 13m
  3. Welcome To The Banana Zone | 1000x

    4 DAYS AGO

    Welcome To The Banana Zone | 1000x

    Gm! This week, after a week off, we discuss Bitcoin breaking $100k! We deep dive into crypto’s 2025 cycle top, the Michael Saylor BTC bid, the rise of AI agents, the rotation to alt’s & what to expect in 2025. Enjoy! -- Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelman Follow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyz Follow 1000x: https://twitter.com/1000xPod Join the 1000x Telegram: https://t.me/+fz-2f0cwC6o0MWNh -- Definitive is a multichain trading platform used by top funds, DAOs and pro traders. Get the best trade execution for every token on every chain, with your order routed to every liquidity pool. Maximize your gains with automated TWAPs and Limit orders. For our 1000x listeners - get no fees on your first $100K in trading volume: blockworks.definitive.fi -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (2:12) Bitcoin Breaks $100k (6:03) The Michael Saylor BTC Bid (11:31) Definitive Ad (12:24) Bitcoin Dominance & The Alt Rotation (14:01) Picking Winners This Cycle (22:19) Memes (26:06) AI Agents (44:03) Crypto's Cycle Top (55:26) Bullish Human Innovation (1:02:49) How To Trade This Market -- 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

    1h 7m
  4. Building a Crypto Portfolio for 2025 | Dan Matuszewski & Roshun Patel

    4 DAYS AGO

    Building a Crypto Portfolio for 2025 | Dan Matuszewski & Roshun Patel

    In 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=podcasts Follow Ro: https://x.com/roshunpatel Follow Dan: https://x.com/cmsholdings 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/mv4frfv7ww 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/ - - 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 01:57  Tungsten Cube & Pepe Mural Stor 04:47  Is this Cycle different? 15:20  Biggest Risks in Crypt 22:24  Eth/Btc & Sol/Eth Chart 25:26  New Altcoin 30:28 The L1 Trade 37:25 Skale Ad 38:05 Magic Eden Ad 38:49 Toku Ad 39:39 Ledger Ad 40:24  Death of Crypto Venture 55:14  Crypto's IPO Craze 58:34  A16z/s Monopol 01:05:08  Do Dino Coins Run 01:08:14 Chasing the hot ball 01:10:13  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.

    1h 18m
  5. Movement Labs' Token Launch & Ecosystem Strategy | Rushi Manche

    DEC 13

    Movement Labs' Token Launch & Ecosystem Strategy | Rushi Manche

    In 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=podcasts Follow Rushi: https://x.com/rushimanche 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/mv4frfv7ww 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/ - - 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 02:15  Movement Token Launch 16:07  Behind the Scenes of Token Launch 29:06  Move's Narrative 38:14 Skale Ad 38:53 Magic Eden Ad 39:37 Toku Ad 40:28 Ledger Ad 41:11  How Early is Crypto 49:47 Incentivizing Apps & Ecosystem 01:02:57 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.

    1h 8m
  6. Inside the Hidden Power Struggles of Bitcoin Upgrades | Steve Lee & Ren

    DEC 10

    Inside the Hidden Power Struggles of Bitcoin Upgrades | Steve Lee & Ren

    In 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=podcasts Follow Ren: https://x.com/0xren_cf Follow Steve: https://x.com/moneyball 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/mv4frfv7ww 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/ - - 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 02:58 Bitcoin's Block Size Wars 14:07 Bitcoin Consensus Overview 21:25 Stakeholders in Blockchains 51:24 Skale Ad 52:03 Magic Eden Ad 52:47 Uniswap Ad 53:19 Mantle Ad 54:13 Ledger Ad 54:56 Protocol vs App Devs 58:59 Who has the Power? 01:04:17 Value of Self Custody 01:09:45 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.

    1h 22m

  7. DEC 7

    Hivemind: BTC's $100K Run, Ethena's Yield Meta, and Our Bull Market Bets

    The 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/ceterispar1bus Follow Jose: https://x.com/ZeMariaMacedo Follow Yan: https://x.com/YanLiberman Follow Duncan: https://x.com/FloodCapital 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/ - - 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.

    1h 17m
  8. Timing Cycle Tops, AI Narrative Trade, and Bitcoin's Nation-State Adoption | Qiao Wang

    DEC 6

    Timing Cycle Tops, AI Narrative Trade, and Bitcoin's Nation-State Adoption | Qiao Wang

    In 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=podcasts Follow Qiao: https://x.com/QwQiao 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/mv4frfv7ww 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/ - - 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.

    56 min
See All (444)

4.9
out of 5
158 Ratings

About

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 Tuesday and a weekly roundup on Friday.

Information

  • Creator
    Blockworks
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2024
  • Episodes
    444
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 384141 Blockworks 2021-2023
  • Show Website
    Empire

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.
Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada