Empire

Uncommon Core - one of my favorite podcasts of all time - is back! This reboot is hosted by Hasu and Jon Charbonneau, two of the brightest minds in crypto. We are dropping their first episode here to share the news and because you’ll want to add this show to your podcast lineup!

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In this episode, we explore Jon’s journey into crypto and our mutual passion for research and the writing process. We then give an overview of the key areas of crypto infrastructure today. Finally, we zoom into rollup decentralization roadmaps, and Jon shares a controversial new thesis about sequencer decentralization.

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Intro

(02:42) Interview start

(03:44) Jon's work week

(08:04) ChatGPT & writing

(10:57) Jon's start in crypto

(14:45) How to pick things to work on

(17:08) Outsider's perspective on crypto

(19:05) Jon's research process

(22:00) Jon's proudest moment in crypto

(23:06) Crypto Infrastructure overview

(29:58) Why crypto infrastructure is interesting

(35:57) Rollup decentralization overview

(42:44) Challenges decentralizing the sequencer

(47:46) Ethereum vs Cosmos approach to governance & decentralization

(53:35) User ability to opt out

(56:37) Staking vs. governance deciding sequencers

(01:08:31) L3s

(01:13:34) Superchain

(01:16:38) Summary of rollup decentralization

(01:21:08) Outro

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Hasu - https://twitter.com/hasufl

Jon Charbonneau - https://twitter.com/jon_charb

UCC2 - https://twitter.com/UCC2_xyz

Website - https://ucc2.xyz

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Disclaimer: The material and information presented in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered investment advice. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are solely those of the speakers and are not the views of any entity or other person with whom the speaker is affiliated, including, without limitation, DBA Crypto, LLC. The “DBA Crypto” name and all forms thereof are the sole property of its owner, and its use does not imply endorsement of or opposition to any specific organization, product, or service.

In today's episode, Jason and Santiago dive into Ripples landmark victory over the SEC, Celsius CEO's arrest, the first smart contract exploit criminal case, On-chain RWAs, and Coinbase's Wallet-to-wallet messaging.

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Follow Santi: https://twitter.com/santiagoroel

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

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This episode is brought to you by QuickNode.

QuickNode is an end-to-end blockchain developer platform that makes building Web3 apps easy. Go to QuickNode.com and use code Empire for a free month on their feature-packed Build Plan!

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Use code EMPIRE30 to get 30% off Permissionless 2023 in Austin: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-2023

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Resources

Solana Hacker

https://cointelegraph.com/news/new-york-prosecutor-charges-hacker-over-exploit-of-solana-dex

SEC Ripple Lawsuit

Ripple Determination

Celsius CRO Notes

https://twitter.com/tier10k/status/1679486245754535936?s=20

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Federal Judge Sides with Ripple

(17:09) Alex Mashinsky Charged with Fraud

(20:41) First Ever Smart Contract Exploit Criminal Case

(24:12) Patek Philippe NFT & RWAs On-Chain

(37:20) Quicknode ad

(39:09) Permissionless ad

(40:34) Coinbase Wallet-to-wallet Messaging

(46:10) Google Play to Earn Crypto

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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.

In today's episode, Jason is joined by Rob Leshner, former founder of Compound, to discuss his newly created venture Superstate. We cover the challenges & impacts of bringing RWAs on-chain, the go-to-market strategy and competitive landscape for Superstate, and the upcoming battleground for stablecoins. 

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Timestamps:

(00:00) What is Superstate

(08:06) Challenges of bringing RWAs on-chain

(18:27) Impact of Trad Assets on Crypto

(28:52) Quicknode ad

(30:39) Carbon Ad

(32:18) Superstate Raise & Competitive Landscape

(38:07) Legal Challenges of Superstate GTM

(41:24) Taking on Stablecoins & Token Model

(47:48) Exploring On-Chain KYC

(51:31) Business Model & Founding a Company

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Follow Rob Leshner: https://twitter.com/rleshner

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Santi: 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/ 

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This episode is brought to you by Carbon. 

Carbon is a new DEX on Ethereum that makes concentrated liquidity easy. LPs can automate their liquidity strategy with custom on-chain limit and range orders: all from a beautiful UI. 

Don't miss out on Carbon's "ROI Trading Competition" that's live until July 11! Here’s how to play:

Click this Carbon link: https://bit.ly/43Vo2AB

Create a new Carbon strategy 

Boom. You're eligible to win USDC rewards based on the performance of your strategy

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This episode is brought to you by QuickNode. 

QuickNode is an end-to-end blockchain developer platform that makes building Web3 apps easy. Go to QuickNode.com and use code Empire for a free month on their feature-packed Build Plan!

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Resources

Superstate Website

https://superstate.co/ 

https://twitter.com/superstatefunds

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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.

In today's episode, Jason and Santiago discuss institutional impacts on crypto including BlackRock CEO Larry Fink's comments on Bitcoin as digital gold and Coinbase ETF rally affect. We also cover the NFT market capitulation, Blur scapegoating, Lido treasury conversion, and the excitement around Permissionless. 

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Timestamps:

00:00 Introduction

3:10 Threads: The Twitter Killer?

13:41 Larry Fink on BTC as Digital Gold

21:09 Coinbase ETF Rally

26:50 NFT Capitulation: Is Blur a scapegoat?

37:43 Lido Converts Ethereum Treasury

40:30 Permissionless & Crypto Conferences

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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/

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Resources

Adam Mosseri on ActivityPub Support

https://www.threads.net/t/CuRtcYTNY3J/

Blur Founder: Why Optimizing for Creators is a Bad Strategy

https://blockworks.co/podcast/empire/76db49fe-b1b0-11ed-97b4-1ff56c36f1b8

Blend: Unlock The Value of Your NFTs | Pacman, Blur

https://blockworks.co/podcast/empire/bc263054-e9a6-11ed-b6cc-e309579281c5

Bell Curve: The End Game for Liquid Staking | S5 Premiere

https://blockworks.co/podcast/bellcurve/51960928-1a55-11ee-b504-7700561a4789

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Research, news, data, governance and models – now, all in one place. As a listener of Empire, you can use code "EMPIRE10" for a 10% discount when signing up to Blockworks Research https://www.blockworksresearch.com/ 

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Use code EMPIRE30 to get 30% off Permissionless 2023 in Austin: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-2023

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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.

In today's episode of 1000x, Jonah and Avi discuss markets and trading ETH:BTC. We also cover our worst trades and what we learned, why OG DeFi tokens pumped, how most NFTs resemble brands (not art), trading a BTC ETF approval, the setup for the next bull run and more!

We'll drop a new 1000x episode on Empire's RSS feed and the 1000x YouTube channel every two weeks. Hit the links below and give us a follow!

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:56) Our Worst Trades and Lessons from History

(17:18) Addressing Crypto Naysayers

(19:23) The OG DeFi Token Pump

(24:51) Why Are You Bullish NFTs?

(35:01) What Happens to ETH:BTC if an ETF is Approved?

(43:40) The Setup for a Bull Run in 24/25

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Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelman

Follow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyz

Follow 1000x: https://twitter.com/1000xPod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3FuSarX

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/

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Resources:

The Great Game

https://www.amazon.com/Great-Game-Emergence-Street-1653-2000/dp/0743200438/

The Alchemy of Finance

https://www.amazon.com/Alchemy-Finance-George-Soros-ebook/dp/B0BHR5B749

Baruch My Own Story

https://www.amazon.com/Baruch-My-Own-Story-Bernard/dp/163823289X/

The Prize

https://www.amazon.com/The-Prize-Daniel-Yergin-audiobook/dp/B001GX9W5Y

Golden Tree

https://www.goldentree.com/

Cumberland

https://cumberland.io/

https://twitter.com/CumberlandSays

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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.

Today we are joined by Josh Rosenthal to learn how history predicts crypto's future. We discuss how history's revolutions shaped our beliefs and culture, what happens when technology outpaces society, what's next for crypto, why increased volatility is coming and more!

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Technology Drives History

(07:11) How the Renaissance Changed Everything

(13:41) Global Revolutions: The Domino Effect

(33:26) Carbon Ad

(35:08) The SEC’s Clampdown Contextualized by History

(57:44) How Crypto Will Shape Society

(01:12:30) Incoming Chaos and Managing Volatility

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Follow Josh: https://twitter.com/JoshuaRosenthal

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Santi: 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/ 

- -

This episode is brought to you by Carbon. Carbon is a new DEX on Ethereum that makes concentrated liquidity easy. LPs can automate their liquidity strategy with custom on-chain limit and range orders: all from a beautiful UI. 

Don't miss out on Carbon's "ROI Trading Competition" that's live until July 11! Here’s how to play:

Click this Carbon link: https://bit.ly/43Vo2AB

Create a new Carbon strategy 

Boom. You're eligible to win USDC rewards based on the performance of your strategy

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Resources

Josh Rosenthal on Empire (The Crypto Renaissance, May 2021)

https://spoti.fi/3NLnh8c

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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.

In today's episode, Jason and Santiago discuss if now is the time to buy a Punk! We also cover our takeaways from the Punk6529 interview, how to pick which NFT to buy, NFT business models, Santi's view on the current investing/fundraising environment, the Prime Trust debacle and more.

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:31) Punk6529 Interview Takeaways

(06:16) Is Now the Time to Buy a Punk?

(021:24) “Blockworks Research Ad”

(22:56) Azuki’s “New” Collection & NFT Business Models

(27:43) Santi on Crypto Fundraising/Investing

(42:32) The Prime Trust Debacle

(49:59) Superstate: Rob Leshner’s New Company

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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/

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Resources:

Punk6529: Why Crypto Matters

https://spoti.fi/3JDghrv

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Research, news, data, governance and models – now, all in one place. As a listener of Empire, you can use code "EMPIRE10" for a 10% discount when signing up to Blockworks Research https://www.blockworksresearch.com/

--

Use code PODS20 to get 20% off Permissionless 2023 in Austin:

https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-2023

- -

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.

We are joined by Punk6529 to discuss how NFTs and Web3 rails will shape our digital lives. We cover the evolution of the metaverse, why we need permissionless protocols, the need for digital ownership, why 6529 bought The Goose and loves generative art, community-owned NFTs and more!

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Timestamps:

00:00 Defining the Metaverse

13:53 Why We Need Permissionless Protocols

36:48 The Value of Digital Ownership

53:38 Thales ad

54:33 Carbon Ad

56:13 NFT Deep Dive

01:08:54 The Pushback on NFTs

01:13:32 The Goose & Generative Art

01:30:11 Punk 6529’s Museum

01:46:18 Community-Owned NFTs and Punk 6529’s Fund

01:56:58 Thoughts on Punks, CryptoDickbutts and the NFT Future

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Follow Punk6529: https://twitter.com/punk6529

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Santi: 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/

- -

This episode is brought to you by Carbon. Carbon is a new DEX on Ethereum that makes concentrated liquidity easy. LPs can automate their liquidity strategy with custom on-chain limit and range orders: all from a beautiful UI.

Don't miss out on Carbon's "ROI Trading Competition" that's live until July 11! Here’s how to play:

Click this Carbon link: https://bit.ly/43Vo2AB

Create a new Carbon strategy 

Boom. You're eligible to win USDC rewards based on the performance of your strategy

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This episode is brought to you by Thales.

Thales is an innovative digital options platform on Arbitrum and Optimism that gets you exposure to crypto assets in the simplest way possible. As simple as choosing UP or DOWN! Experience the simplicity and power of Thales by visiting https://thalesmarket.io/mtm_campaign=blockworks today!

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Resources

"The Goose" Twitter thread

https://twitter.com/punk6529/status/1669733924317143042

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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.

In today's episode of 1000x, Jonah and Avi discuss markets and how to trade crypto's mispriced volatility. We cover options strategies, how to evaluate the GBTC trade, why alts look dead, the bifurcation of crypto, if traders can pre-position telegraphed events and more!

We'll drop a new 1000x episode on Empire's RSS feed and the 1000x YouTube channel every two weeks. Hit the links below and give us a follow!

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(01:04) How to Spot Mispriced Volatility

(16:34) Evaluating the GBTC Trade

(24:13) Blackrock’s BTC ETF Filing

(28:02) What’s Going on with Alts?

(33:02) The Bifurcation of Crypto

(38:40) Reflexivity and Macro Bullishness

(41:52) Pre-Positioning Telegraphed Events

(44:25) Miners are Pivoting to AI

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Follow Avi: https://twitter.com/AviFelman

Follow Jonah: https://twitter.com/jvb_xyz

Follow 1000x: https://twitter.com/1000xPod

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3FuSarX

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/

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Resources:

Golden Tree

https://www.goldentree.com/

Cumberland

https://cumberland.io/

https://twitter.com/CumberlandSays

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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.

In today's episode, the fellas discuss what a Blackrock BTC ETF would mean for crypto, why you should watch BTC's dominance, if NFTs will make a comeback, Binances L2 and more!

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(02:24) BTC ETF Filings & The Clash of Narratives

(24:33) “Valora Ad”

(25:31) Who Will Trade on EDX Markets?

(33:11) SAP’s Announcement: Cross-Border USDC Payments

(40:49) The Ethscriptions Thesis

(45:46) Will NFTs Make a Comeback?

(52:02) Binance’s L2 Announcement

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Follow Michael: https://twitter.com/im_manderson

Follow Mike: https://twitter.com/MikeIppolito_

Follow Jason: https://twitter.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Vance: https://twitter.com/pythianism

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH

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This episode is brought to you by Valora. Valora is a self-custody, mobile-first wallet... and the easiest way to send, swap, collect and purchase digital goods on the Celo blockchain. Download the app and start exploring today at valoraapp.com/empire.

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Resources:

SAP USDC blog post

https://blogs.sap.com/2023/06/15/cross-border-payments-made-easy-with-digital-money-experience-the-future-today/

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve or 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. Mike, Jason, Michael, Vance and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.