Crypto went from being laughed out of the room in Washington to becoming one of the most aggressive forces in modern lobbying. Now, it’s not just part of the conversation, it’s reshaping the rules from the inside.

Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, reveals the real dynamics between crypto and Capitol Hill. Amanda and Kristin unpack how crypto gained power in DC and what it actually takes to keep it. They explore the anatomy of influence, how relationships are built, how policy narratives are crafted, and why building in the open won’t matter if the industry doesn’t defend itself in the halls of power.

TIMESTAMPS:00:00 Understanding Lobbying: A Primer03:04 The Life of a Lobbyist: Daily Activities and Challenges06:10 The Evolution of Crypto Lobbying in Washington09:02 From Zero to Hero: Crypto's Journey in Politics12:05 The Role of Relationships in Lobbying15:03 The Impact of Sam Bankman-Fried on Crypto Lobbying18:12 Navigating Regulatory Capture in the Crypto Space20:54 The Future of Crypto Lobbying and Industry Influence29:20 Understanding Crypto Advocacy Organizations35:59 The Political Landscape of Crypto43:02 Legislative Efforts and Industry Influence49:51 Kristin's Transition to Solana51:56 Bridging the Gap Between Crypto and Washington

RESOURCES:

Kristin on X: https://x.com/KMSmithDCSubscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkdEndgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440