The Breakdown

Binance has raised $2B in crypto's biggest ever fundraise. What's more interesting than the dollar amount, however, is the geopolitical implications underlying it. Is it part of a broader Gulf-state realignment? US dollar hegemony through stablecoins? NLW explores. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

Congress has followed the Senate in their vote to repeal a damaging IRS crypto broker rule, and has done so by an even bigger supermajority than the Senate vote. NLW argues that this shows an emerging strand of common-sense bipartisanship around crypto in Washington. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

The White House held its first Crypto Summit last week. While some people are complaining that it was a nothingburger, NLW argues that they're missing the point. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

NLW explores macro turmoil, including the growing (at least in analysts' estimation) possibility of a recession. He also looks at how it's impacting the crypto markets. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

The big White House Crypto Summit happens on Friday March 7th in DC. NLW covers the scuttlebutt and chatter leading into the event. c er in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

That's the argument in discussion today. Source: https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/03/06/mass-adoption-of-web3-through-the-self-writing-internet Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

NLW and Scott Melker count down the five most important stories in crypto this week, including the profound news that the US is actually getting a strategic bitcoin reserve. NLW argues that the way they did the BSR actually solves many of the major concerns with it. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

This is one of the most confusing times in market history. NLW explores the chaos and volatility which is ranging from crypto to macro and beyond. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

Things might seem weird out there for crypto policy, but a bipartisan group is coming together to vote as a crypto block. NLW argues that beyond the hype and hoopla, things are moving in the right direction. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

Not the Strategic Crypto Reserve we wanted, but the Strategic Crypto Reserve we deserve? For an administration that set out to be the best friend of crypto, it's been amazing to see how many are up in arms at their various crypto decisions. In today's episode, NLW wades through the aghast takes to try to provide some semblance of analysis around why XRP and ADA are being included in a US Strategic Crypto Reserve. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

A reading and discussion inspired by: https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/02/26/the-u-s-war-on-crypto-isn-t-over https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/02/28/why-trump-s-potential-plan-to-make-crypto-gains-tax-free-could-be-a-bad-idea Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

NLW and Scott Melker discuss the most important stories in crypto, including the painful market reset, the response to the Bybit hack, and much more. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

The Bybit hack was the largest exchange hack in history. NLW is joined by Ledger CTO Charles Guillemet to break down what happened and what the implications are for crypto security. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

NLW does a check in on the state of Bitcoin mining. AI is having some interesting impacts that could shape how the industry evolves. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

We might not now the future of a US Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, but serious progress is being made at the state level. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

An exploration of how Nick Szabo's exploration of micropayments from 25+ years ago holds up, and why while most of it holds true, AI agents could be the X-factor. Source: https://bitcoinmagazine.com/technical/szabos-micropayments-and-mental-transaction-costs-25-years-later- Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

After a few days enmeshed in memecoin scandal, NLW checks in on the latest stories out of D.C. Individually none of the stories is a showstopper, but together they show just how quickly the regulatory landscape for crypto is being transformed. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

NLW brings you the latest updates in the LIBRA scandal, including some seriously gross text messages and the latest geopolitical machinations. Does this mean that memecoins are dead? That's the exploration. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

The absolutely wild story of $LIBRA and Argentina's Javier Milei. Even in a world of rugs and scams, this one is brazen. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

A reading and discussion inspired by: https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/02/10/why-we-need-a-bipartisan-stablecoin-bill https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/02/13/why-congress-needs-to-act-on-digital-assets Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

Congressional hearings. Stablecoin legislation. The wild sentiment dichotomy between institutions and retail. Major outperformance for Coinbase and Robinhood. And more. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

To go on Crypto Twitter, you'd think that we were back in the doldrums of 2023. And yet according to the people closest to the institutions, everything is raging. So what gives? What explains the divergence of attitude? Could it be as simple as some Binance forced selling? Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

Three different assets. Three VERY different buyer profiles and sentiment stories. Is it the return of sound money or financial nihilism driving the investor train right now? NLW explores. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

Despite $95,000+ sentiment is absolutely in the garbage. NLW explores the reasons, from memecoin misery to macro. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

A reading and discussion inspired by: https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/02/05/it-s-time-to-end-the-bureaucrat-s-secret-weapon-debanking Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

A changing of the policy guard takes over Washington as crypto digs in for a much friendlier regulatory environment. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

With a set of recent actions, the FDIC has completely reversed its aggressive anti-crypto campaign, nearly two years to the day after Nic Carter first termed it "Operation Chokepoint 2.0." In this episode, a recently voice losing NLW turns to OpenAI's Deep Research and Google's NotebookLM to do a history of the campaign against crypto. Read the original research paper: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1F_zV0uyI5MRa5TNN3fh8X7EQPKDoD_zOT6JUZi1ryQY/edit?usp=sharing Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

SEC Commissioner Hester Pierce, long a holdout stalwart for the crypto industry, is now empowered to lead policy via the SEC's new Crypto Task Force. In a recent speech, she laid out the group's specific priorities. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

.....or is that just insane wishful thinking? NLW explores the latest Trump executive action. Once again, mainstream economic wisdom is skeptical, but should we reserve judgement until we see the specific proposal? Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

The Trump Tariffs broke absolutely everyone's mind this weekend. Most, frankly, didn't see the logic and even those with a pro-Tariff bent were surprised at the direction and scale of the move. NLW argues that the one thing that's for sure is that these weren't primarily economic moves; they were all about geostrategic realignment. Sponsored by: Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

A reading and discussion inspired by: https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2025/01/28/investing-crypto-tech-robinhood-stock-market/ https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/01/30/put-securities-on-chain 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. Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

Recorded live with Scott Melker on Friday 1.31.25 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. Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

NLW rattles off a slate of forward-looking news that shows where Bitcoin and crypto are headed in a new regulatory context. He specifically hones in on Robinhood's push for stock tokenization as a way to democratize access to financial investment opportunities. 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. Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

It might have been the world's most predictable Fed meeting when it came to interest rates, but there was a decided shift in tone from Fed Chair Jerome Powell when it came to the Fed's stance on crypto and the banks. 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. Ledger Ledger, the world leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors The Breakdown 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 on Ledger.com. 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

Everyone everywhere is talking about DeepSeek. It sent Bitcoin down under $100k temporarily and ripped trillions of the US stock market. NLW breaks down what happened and why markets reacted so strongly. 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

NLW breaks down the specific language of the Trump crypto executive order, including the controversial lack of "bitcoin." Should bitcoiners be worried? 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

A reading and discussion inspired by https://www.coindesk.com/opinion/2025/01/22/ross-is-free-now-let-s-free-the-internet-of-money 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

From $TRUMP to the inauguration to executive orders on crypto to the SEC rocking a pro-crypto stance, it was a BIG week. NLW and Scott Melker break it all down. 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

We've officially moved from "things seem likely to get better in the future" to "okay, good stuff is actually happening." Today NLW talks about the shift in the SEC, where pro-crypto Commissioners Hester Pierce and acting-Chair Mark Uyeda are driving serious and meaningful chain with no delay. 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

One of the most important campaign promises for many bitcoiners was President Trump's pledge to pardon Ross Ulbricht. That pardon was officially granted on day 1 of the new administration, leading to optimism that more good news could be on the horizon. 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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