The Breakdown

A daily analysis of macroeconomics, bitcoin, geopolitics and big picture power shifts, hosted by Nathaniel Whittemore @nlw. The Breakdown is part of Blockworks.
Website : http://nlwcrypto.libsyn.com/
IPFS Feed : https://ipfspodcasting.net/RSS/398/TheBreakdown.xml
Last Episode : April 25, 2025 2:03am
Last Scanned : 1.4 hours ago

Episodes
Episodes currently hosted on IPFS.
Confirmed 4
Bessent Says US to Stick with Bretton Woods Institutions NLW discusses market reactions to US tariff negotiations, potential tariff reductions with China, and Bretton Woods institutions facing criticism from the Trump administration for mission creep. He explores Bitcoin's reduced volatility, increased institutional adoption—including the controversial SoftBank-Tether Bitcoin venture—and ends on Trump's meme coin gala announcement driving speculative crypto behavior.
Sponsored by:
Crypto Tax Calculator
Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!
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
Expires in 28 hours
Published Friday
Bitcoin Rallies as Both Hedge and Risk-On
There are indicators that trade tensions are dissipating, seeing rallies in both stocks and crypto. Bitcoin is taking its unique place as an asset that can do double duty in a portfolio. Plus the latest on institutional adoption.
Sponsored by:
Crypto Tax Calculator
Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!
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
Published Thursday
Respect the Bitcoin Pump
Stocks were down bad again on Monday on concern around the Powell-Trump tiff, but Bitcoin started soaring. How real is this pump? What does it mean for BTC going forward? NLW explores.
Sponsored by:
Crypto Tax Calculator
Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!
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
Published Wednesday
How Trade Negotiations Are Impacting Crypto
NLW catches up on the key macro and crypto stories shaping the news heading into a new week.
Sponsored by:
Crypto Tax Calculator
Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!
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
Published Monday
Bell Curve: Beyond the Hype: Crypto’s Next Phase | Roundup
In this episode, we’re joined by Santi from Empire! We discuss today’s crypto market conditions, stablecoin proliferation, and how long-term allocators are accumulating Bitcoin. We also touch on crypto’s data and transparency issues, and the valuation of L1s before wrapping with speculation on alien life.
Sponsored by:
Crypto Tax Calculator
Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!
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
Published 04/18
0xResearch: Crypto Meets TradFi: The New Convergence
In this episode, our Blockworks Research analysts cover shifting macro conditions, the growth of tokenized gold, Solana’s rising institutional interest, and the evolving overlap between crypto and traditional finance. They also examine airdrop mechanics, critique Berachain’s approach, and debate what trends will define the next two years.
Sponsored by:
Crypto Tax Calculator
Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!
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
Published 04/17
Lightspeed: Launching Crypto's Largest Tokenized Fund On Solana | Michael Sonnenshein
This week we're joined by Michael Sonnenshein to discuss the future of tokenization. We deep dive into the launch of BUIDL: crypto's largest tokenized fund, institutional demand to build on Solana, Ripple's $1.25b acquisition & more.
Sponsored by:
Crypto Tax Calculator
Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!
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
Published 04/16
Supply Shock: The BPI's Plan To Make America A Bitcoin Nation | Grant McCarty
In this episode, Grant McCarty of the Bitcoin Policy Institute joins the show to discuss his early political engagements and origins of BPI, challenges and opportunities around implementing crypto legislation, and the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. We also delve into advancing Bitcoin as a debt instrument, the evolving political landscape, and more.
Sponsored by:
Crypto Tax Calculator
Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!
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
Published 04/16
EMPIRE: The Biggest Market Crash Since 2020, What Next? | Felix Jauvin & Quinn Thompson
An Interview with Felix Jauvin & Quinn Thompson from the Forward Guidance podcast to discuss where markets go next from here. After the market sold off in reaction to the Trump tariffs, they deep dive into the bull vs bear case in 2025, Trump's end game, building the perfect portfolio, Coinbase vs Robinhood, is Bitcoin really a safe haven asset & more.
Sponsored by:
Crypto Tax Calculator
Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!
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
Published 04/14
The Five Most Important Stories in Crypto This Week
NLW and Scott Melker count down the top five stories in crypto. While tariffs continue to dominate the discussion, there was also a significant amount of news around collaborations between crypto-native and tradfi institutions.
Sponsored by:
Crypto Tax Calculator
Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!
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
Published 04/13
How Much Does the 90-Day Tariff Pause Actually Change?
After bond markets started absolutely puking, President Trump reconsidered his tariffs and announced a 90-day pause. The at least partial reprieve (the trade war with China is still very much on) send stocks soaring -- but how significant is the policy shift actually? Will it be enough to calm rattled nerves or is it just another indicator of how little consistency and assuredness markets are operating with.
Sponsored by:
Crypto Tax Calculator
Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!
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
Published 04/11
Everything in Crypto That ISN'T the Tariffs
Despite tariffs dominating the news (and the markets), there have been a number of important stories in crypto, including a wave of institutional tradfi-crypto collabs, a big $1B+ acquisition, and Tether considering launching a US-based stablecoin.
Sponsored by:
Crypto Tax Calculator
Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms. Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant. Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!
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
Published 04/10