Empire

In this special episode, Blockworks announces its acquisition of Messari and unpacks what it means for crypto’s next phase. Michael and Jason explore why Messari’s breadth of data, APIs, and research complement Blockworks’ deep on-chain analytics, investor relations, and disclosure products. They also address crypto’s trust problem, the need for standardized data and disclosures, and how Blockworks aims to become the trusted data layer connecting issuers, investors, exchanges, regulators, and AI agents in on-chain markets.

Learn more: https://blockworks.com/insights/blockworks-acquires-messari

Follow Blockworks on X: https://x.com/Blockworks

Follow Messari on X: https://x.com/MessariCrypto

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This week, CFTC Chair Michael Selig joins the show to discuss the CFTC's recent policy announcement on perps in the U.S. We deep dive into how to regulate crypto in the U.S, prediction markets, 24/7 markets, working with the SEC and more. Enjoy!

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Robots will soon outnumber humans onchain. peaqOS turns them into a new trusted liquid asset class, with yield tied to real-world workloads. It gives robots all they need to do business on any chain — and lets humans earn from automation. Explore the Machine Economy: https://peaq.xyz

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(04:20) Working With The SEC

(08:40) Bringing Perps To The U.S

(19:03) peaq Ad

(19:49) How To Regulate DeFi?

(26:08) Becoming The Crypto Capital of The World

(29:10) Prediction Markets

(45:28) 24/7 Capital Markets

(56:39) The Clarity Act

(01:00:14) Final Thoughts

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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, Rob and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, we’re back with another weekly roundup to discuss the upcoming SpaceX IPO with early investor Ryan Zurrer. We deep dive into how to value SpaceX, why this crypto bear market feels worse than others, opportunities in DeFi today, Strategy selling Bitcoin and more. Enjoy!

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Follow Ryan: https://x.com/kukulabanze

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

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

Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM

Follow Empire: https://x.com/theempirepod

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Robots will soon outnumber humans onchain. peaqOS turns them into a new trusted liquid asset class, with yield tied to real-world workloads. It gives robots all they need to do business on any chain — and lets humans earn from automation. Explore the Machine Economy: https://peaq.xyz

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:52) Takeaways From Money 2020 & All-In Summit

(07:50) The Bull vs Bear Case For SpaceX

(19:02) peaq Ad

(19:48) Why This Bear Market Feels Worse Than Others

(30:17) The Aftermath of SpaceX’s IPO

(36:20) DeFi Opportunities In 2026

(48:50) Strategy Sells Bitcoin, Will BTC Hit $40k?

(01:10:40) Content of The Week

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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, Rob and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, Avichal Garg joins the show to discuss how he is currently allocating to crypto in 2026. We deep dive into the opportunity in crypto and AI venture, how to build a breakout app, the future path for Ethereum, why Avichal is still bullish on SOL & ETH, why tokens trade at a discount and more. Enjoy!

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Follow Avichal: https://x.com/avichal

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

Follow Empire: https://x.com/theempirepod

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(13:58) How To Build A Breakout App

(21:46) Where Electric Sees the Most Opportunity

(33:35) Why Do Tokens Trade At A Discount?

(39:42) Why Avichal Is Still Bullish On SOL & ETH

(42:46) Who Wins The Crypto Exchange Wars?

(48:10) The Ethereum Roadmap

(54:16) How To Make DeFi Safe Again

(57:50) Final Thoughts

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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, Rob and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

This week, we’re back with another weekly roundup to discuss why everyone in crypto feels so bearish. We then dive deep into whether stablecoins significantly improve payment rails, Robinhood’s AI agent announcement, Rob’s takeaways from a trip to D.C., MicroStrategy and RoboStrategy NAV premiums, and more. Enjoy!

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

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

Follow Rob: https://x.com/HadickM

Follow Empire: https://x.com/theempirepod

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Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:50) Why’s The Timeline So Bearish?

(22:12) Robinhood Launches AI Agents

(32:23) Morpho Midnight

(44:27) Is DeFi Uninvestable?

(49:15) Takeaways From D.C.

(54:14) MicroStrategy & RoboStrategy NAV Premiums

(58:22) Content of The Week

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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, Rob, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.