- 15
- Episodes
- Daily
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About Layer One
The Layer One podcast, created in collaboration with Avalanche, features co-hosts Kelvin Sparks and John Wu as they unpack the real forces driving the crypto market forward. Through candid conversations with the industry’s true movers and shakers, the show delivers clear, grounded insights that cut through the noise.
- Publisher
- The Block
- Category
- news · technology
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 20 Nov 2025
- Latest episode
- 11 Jun 2026
Latest episodes
15 episodes in the feed.
11 Jun 2026
Blockchain Capital’s Contrarian Bet on Crypto’s Next Decade
In Episode 15 of Layer One, The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and co-host Ava Labs President John Wu are joined by Blockchain Capital General Partner Spencer Bogart. The conversation explores stablecoins, prediction markets, token value accrual, privacy, public versus private blockchains and why the most valuable crypto applications of the future may not even exist today. OUTLINE 00:00 - Introduction 02:01 - Things That Don't Exist 05:25 - Token Buybacks 09:11 - Privacy Challenge 11:06 - Regulation vs Privacy 12:17 - Value Accrual Debate 13:59 - Public vs Private Chains 17:43 - The Great Repricing 20:42 - Stablecoin Adoption 28:06 - Prediction Markets 45:18 - Crypto's Next Opportunity Guest links: Spencer Bogart - https://x.com/CremeDeLaCrypto Blockchain Capital - https://x.com/bcap Host links: Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks John Wu - https://x.com/John1wu The Block - https://x.com/TheBlockCo Ava Labs - https://x.com/avalabs --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus
28 May 2026
Stablecoins Are Creating a New Financial System
In Episode 14 of Layer One, The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and co-host Ava Labs President John Wu are joined by OpenTrade CEO David Sutter and Mercury Partner Samantha Lewis to break down the rapid growth of stablecoins and why yield infrastructure could become one of the most important layers of the onchain financial economy. OUTLINE 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMaA0QjQx0k&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1) - Introduction 01:26 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMaA0QjQx0k&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=86s) - Bitcoin Origins 02:46 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMaA0QjQx0k&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=166s) - Mercury’s Thesis 06:09 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMaA0QjQx0k&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=369s) - Stablecoins Win 08:47 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMaA0QjQx0k&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=527s) - Yield Infrastructure 11:58 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMaA0QjQx0k&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=718s) - OpenTrade’s Model 20:59 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMaA0QjQx0k&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=1259s) - Stablecoin Adoption 31:32 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMaA0QjQx0k&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=1892s) - Clarity Act 38:07 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMaA0QjQx0k&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=2287s) - AI and Blockchain 51:46 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMaA0QjQx0k&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=3106s) - Bear Market Builders 55:31 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMaA0QjQx0k&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=3331s) - Closing Thoughts Guest links: David Sutter - https://x.com/btc_dave (https://x.com/btc_dave) Samantha Lewis - https://x.com/sjolewis (https://x.com/sjolewis) OpenTrade - https://x.com/opentrade_io (https://x.com/opentrade_io) Mercury - https://x.com/mercuryfund (https://x.com/mercuryfund) Host links: John Wu - https://x.com/John1wu (https://x.com/John1wu) Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks (https://x.com/imyoungsparks%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0) The Block - https://x.com/TheBlockCo (https://x.com/TheBlockCo) Ava Labs - https://x.com/avalabs (https://x.com/avalabs) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus
11 May 2026
Dinari’s Anna Wroblewska on Bringing US Stocks Onchain
In Episode 13 of Layer One, The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and co-host Ava Labs President John Wu are joined by Anna Wroblewska, Chief Business Officer at Dinari, to break down how tokenized equities are expanding access to U.S. capital markets globally. She explains Dinari’s custodial model, how liquidity is sourced across traditional and onchain markets, and why infrastructure, not speculation, is the real unlock. OUTLINE 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNE_jRCW8dc) - Introduction 01:32 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNE_jRCW8dc&t=92s) - What Dinari Is 03:21 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNE_jRCW8dc&t=201s) - Institutions Arrive 06:01 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNE_jRCW8dc&t=361s) - Tokenized Trades 08:38 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNE_jRCW8dc&t=518s) - 24/7 Markets 13:24 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNE_jRCW8dc&t=804s) - Why B2B Rails 16:18 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNE_jRCW8dc&t=978s) - Regulation and Access 24:31 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNE_jRCW8dc&t=1471s) - Global Investor Demand 30:29 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNE_jRCW8dc&t=1829s) - S&P Digital Index 47:54 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNE_jRCW8dc&t=2874s) - DeFi and Collateral Guest links: Anna Wroblewska - https://x.com/annabelleacta (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbGV6cnp5aTBOdlJFZVBQd0RzSjF3bENsZkg3UXxBQ3Jtc0tsWHFCZFFxNjQ4SW5PSC03QkxpMkdyVExyMTU4ZUsyV2NneTJtc0dCWjd5a2hBT19sWVp6Njh2cHItcEMtQUU3Y01hR2R4UjNBb1pST3hVSHN4cGF0TUxJYzkwYjRadVBFSTZ2RlpVU2tfWVpZWnduMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fannabelleacta&v=RNE_jRCW8dc) Dinari - https://x.com/DinariGlobal (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbF9zYWI3T3pZdTJheE8yZVFzdUVDdW9EajMxd3xBQ3Jtc0trSk9qM1N0RFFYV2tNUUlUY0JFNVVnbHF6b1N5THpQODNtZ2R2VmtlXzEyNUtmV2VJMWZ5YkVmdDN1cmRJS0U4X1E0SDhCSGhTa2Jrbkd2dzRGYkFkQ0hUNFctOXBWRVhqd29mVEFEcEVfenY3QUVaZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FDinariGlobal&v=RNE_jRCW8dc) Host links: John Wu - https://x.com/John1wu (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVpfWVM4SWlWUFlKNDFsbTY3dFFKdllzR21DZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuc1N1a1pfR2wwMFFvOHRCLUQ3Z3ZQRVkxdTY5dFBRNi1aMHpncldQUFhEbF9raTVQQi1kYThleUNMdW45YW1BUy0yMm8zVFZSSUFJMWNoTWlSWnlyZ2ppVnlRWWZSNDNYR2pIOW9KeTJUWWIxZlpzUQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FJohn1wu&v=RNE_jRCW8dc) Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazhhMDhIQzk5azhVeFhIWGxvX1A1eEIyNWZkd3xBQ3Jtc0tuakFZUVZkd25XcXZCVlZCTXBNUnJraTZZWjFmeEZCMHh5R2laY0xXcDNMOWpUU1FaUG8tVjZBUkdaRzhPLXFwTUVsVmR2Sy1sVncwVWtRLVVXRU1CSy11MzNWUzIzYUM5Y18wUTZjSmFSb3B5c3hIbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fimyoungsparks%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=RNE_jRCW8dc) The Block - https://x.com/TheBlockCo (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbFJkMUF3Vjk0WU9DVTEzSlRicXhBeS1UMDVaQXxBQ3Jtc0ttQ29OR3hWWHMtVzNONHA5ei0tNy1tM2c2bU5NYjRaS1BJWnRzRFY2VkJRN201dG9VWHQ0WklxblBHOTlHclo5a3A1eURyM2ttU3NKUUJzd25xT0FtWVkxOGNmMlVjVnI1aFVhVTBRNm9xeUw2NWpSbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FTheBlockCo&v=RNE_jRCW8dc) Ava Labs - https://x.com/avalabs (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbHFIWVg5RU5QTnUxYm92QmtlR0J4VUdHdUg2UXxBQ3Jtc0tubWlzRWFGaWV3UjlXTlVaTVE1YlpwM0xnVGxlb3RvVTA3VW9fWGVEMzVSdHd6SHlkcXQxRWZKMzJWUXF1NnZuT2UzWTRuc21jRExrS3NqYTlJOUt3dnZEdWpKeVBiY1ZjT3FXQXJVamI2TFZuc2hYZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Favalabs&v=RNE_jRCW8dc) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa0RkUXBOeEs0RkJDcVJHZlRlamJBUzl1TWlhZ3xBQ3Jtc0trLTNRZkEycEpHMnRzYVA4TTN5d2d6X1gxbUFjdkJSbVpraG9XVFc4b2hkR3k4OXZjTURiVnp1dmVhZjM5LUV4b3VNOGZTU2hJdjlzVDhjMW5OeWRNalVzbGRXZ2pSUmJGSzRPb01GUHhyd211eTdhdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theblock.co%2Fnewsletters%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=RNE_jRCW8dc) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmFmRERjS2QwNTB5ZEJHREVDOEVPUnlUMnJKd3xBQ3Jtc0tuRlhXVDY5akRsbTE2aG90ZUc4TVFPSDY2WnZjelBKZzBqOHFSVjdQdHdVbDhXa3BmTEJrU1kyLWdVZTRTOFlJWkpjNlhHVkhJR3A5ZjU2cXlTLXlPQUZNb0xfbWdXRnBFRnAtSnRQWmZSZjZLb1J4dw&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftheblock.co%2Fcampus&v=RNE_jRCW8dc)
29 Apr 2026
How Tassat and Lynq Are Rebuilding Financial Infrastructure
After appearing in recent episodes, Ava Labs President John Wu officially joins Layer One as co-host. 🥳 In Episode 12, he joins Kelvin Sparks alongside Andre Frank, COO of Tassat, and Jerald David, CEO of Lynq, to discuss how Tassat and Lynq are rebuilding financial infrastructure with real-time settlement and yield-bearing assets on Avalanche. The conversation covers the shift from legacy banking rails to always-on blockchain systems, capital efficiency through “yield in transit,” and the growing demand from institutions for compliant, risk-managed solutions. OUTLINE 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1cn7rNYlKY&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1) - Introduction 01:38 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1cn7rNYlKY&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=98s) - Tassat Background 03:37 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1cn7rNYlKY&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=217s) - What Lynq Is 05:55 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1cn7rNYlKY&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=355s) - Episode Overview 06:42 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1cn7rNYlKY&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=402s) - Avalanche Migration 08:48 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1cn7rNYlKY&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=528s) - Why Avalanche 10:57 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1cn7rNYlKY&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=657s) - Institutional Adoption 17:15 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1cn7rNYlKY&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=1035s) - Regulation and Compliance 25:23 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1cn7rNYlKY&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=1523s) - Yield in Transit 36:59 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1cn7rNYlKY&list=PLWOf5LXf8YNWsDYNiDg2LSRhDVxUYWUUC&index=1&t=2219s) - Real-World Use Cases Guest links: Andre Frank - / andre-frank (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmllWXBTSHNsdEhZS0lTOWJMZEJHOTVpUlFTd3xBQ3Jtc0ttTUkxSWtTSFFNaVcwYUdsRVVCMFUtbDl4X2plTWg2TzNvN0lkaW5qQ2lUU0xCUkR5cEFhT3hZTlotVkZvdXdXUURYa05QdmEyZEVxSFFPbWNuRHh4emxTVmxXMXNnMlFacVdxVU9DZ0Jna1pQdGJNWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fandre-frank%2F&v=Z1cn7rNYlKY) Tassat - https://x.com/tassatgroup (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmk3RlBGeHBXbm1mUEcya3FGRHdwMVd2eXJQUXxBQ3Jtc0tudENwdlZwSGM2MnZpSk5zQkpCSTVZQmhMcnM3TC1GbzFPNV96NUpRVTB3M3VBVzJCYUZoZHlUc29ONzdzUi1Rb3hYNEplR3Awck1TMGtlb2JsMTFUdFU2VUhGbWNWbm5oVHp1bWtFb3JPX0drRDBCMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Ftassatgroup&v=Z1cn7rNYlKY) Jerald David - / jerald-david (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqblNFRF81M0stOWdRMWxZdjI0THlodnh1M2xoQXxBQ3Jtc0tuWi1adzlSQ0VXai1OX0xoeHlQMnJNLU94dnkwQVJlSG04TzI2Tnc4T0xBZXR3MHhHQzZXdFVZTlhxTndaWkJKdEFvWUdLV085RlNuSHhBRElmODExbkQxSGJwSjBXWHF0OVIwWlFmUnZKS01oVVZTaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.linkedin.com%2Fin%2Fjerald-david%2F&v=Z1cn7rNYlKY) Lynq - https://x.com/Lynq_Network (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkNzMlM3VFl0d1Y0djlHWnV4RG5NR2dodGdRQXxBQ3Jtc0tsS3BRbEdpUVNkaGk2LWpDWXdiZFA1VEJFTVJyaGhaZlJvTWxXN3BlOHl3cV9OMVJ3MHVpLUs4NjEtS0xqY0h0a0cySXVPczZ4YmFNd0lUa3NoRHVfOUoyOENjVC1TN3RGbGJ6QnVydjFNRDRNczVWaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FLynq_Network&v=Z1cn7rNYlKY) Host links: John Wu - https://x.com/John1wu (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbVV5S0Y3Z0tHdVh5Z0R3LS0xY0dnV0lmazNTUXxBQ3Jtc0tsbUo1ZGw4ZmE1N3VpeE9XTGp0S3VWUURSS3p5TkFJRUNobGU5TFhhTkRVbzE3aGp5TW9ZNUtnYkJySERPYlk4ckdmeHpxZlVzRFZiMFJMc0FJNGlpbm9VSmh3aFBNUXJnWFNnUjdhVFNnbVNhN2Z1bw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FJohn1wu&v=Z1cn7rNYlKY) Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2xyUHdWNTlfb0NZdFNmOFdZdjdkcjdjS3V2UXxBQ3Jtc0trNndzbEE2NTdTX3ZIcXM3cTJFSU9NdXFBdmJZdVRaSlNBdG1FLTViUlJqZm5YbnZPZllVTkdPOEFBYlM4WXRtOFBfX3RoQmhjWlFYNWhRY2xXT05KWS1URHFEZUVXVWwyMC1aSHRjQXBmM09ySXJ1RQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fimyoungsparks%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=Z1cn7rNYlKY) The Block - https://x.com/TheBlockCo (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1MxaW5vbDR2VGQzOE51YWtkTFk2XzVhenh5QXxBQ3Jtc0treUlOTTZvM29YNTFiLWIwQ1pJVVdXNkNmXzVLYkV3dDZJc0E5TGo4TWI4bWJ1NWp1emJjWVJTSWR4eFNhaFgxdFR6TnY3VXFsVHJGQkZsY2t1c1pLUHExdUZqY0d0Y25VLWNNQVozbk5xbktZUjdKYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FTheBlockCo&v=Z1cn7rNYlKY) Ava Labs - https://x.com/avalabs (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbEtBRHcwa2VCSkJYUDBJQklxbkVuMVZ5dHhuQXxBQ3Jtc0tsaEQ4YzQ0RlRXWU1IMFVqYmRmTEpjaW5JdFoyN2YwdGUyY19DUkZhQUhKeXlKME9NUHd3b1BFUmxGT3RrOWxjWDJhSTRDTVBsbDZPVUdQMkMtenVkSV9BNTJfNWRoNDlUeWx3Z0E5cEQwRE5zUi1pTQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Favalabs&v=Z1cn7rNYlKY) Avalanche - https://x.com/avax (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUpIWXpNbmZBMHRibzNpbG1kQ2pCemFuUl9CUXxBQ3Jtc0ttLWtzXzdvQVBMVmtQTi1JbEU2Yy01OHl2RHBVS1NtX3JGUTZsamtYWkFPLUdrazVTTGlnVGRRd0RJZEFLN1RTanQ2eWtwbnZwaEE3NUdyWWRLODI1Q2tENkYwS2RlUnMyRi1naGg1TEZ1U1oyRzF1aw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Favax&v=Z1cn7rNYlKY) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbUtwMkVQZWxQN3NoS3N3aUt5LVN1RkRPa1lrZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuQmRxOVh6V0pjSEg1VUU0ZjBqU3VxM3ROSGdWZW1SMXJXMHJ6azVJeU9iTHZ1bHJqRmMwa21EOWNGTXlFU0UtamFoVnpTa1NRVXBMeXc2UV9uQnpvaG1IbHBvZHN5ZmFBMVRfNmdoRE13QU1QZFNjQQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theblock.co%2Fnewsletters%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=Z1cn7rNYlKY) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa29OVTdrbzg1em8yUHNqdVpEQmZwVDl6SnhqUXxBQ3Jtc0ttSFI5MXFuMjF3Y01qVkpBdGxNX2tQa05QOTZpYXo3LWc4ejVEREJGekFmQzF0elNKd1BnU2dlNmJPVWlHQjItbVllalU0ZWxOMmw1a3VKX2VNeUxnUHlYTmowRGZZZFNVZUxSd0xlSzRBNUw2STRhMA&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftheblock.co%2Fcampus&v=Z1cn7rNYlKY)
20 Apr 2026
Inside Bitwise’s Avalanche ETP and Institutional Strategy with Matt Hougan
In Episode 11 of Layer One, The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and special co-host Ava Labs President John Wu are joined by Matt Hougan, CIO of Bitwise, to discuss the launch of the Avalanche ETP and how institutional investors are approaching crypto exposure. He breaks down the rapid expansion of tokenized real-world assets, the role of ETFs in onboarding capital, and why this cycle may differ from previous ones. OUTLINE 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10R2p98YLPw) - Introduction 01:40 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10R2p98YLPw&t=100s) - Avalanche ETP Overview 02:45 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10R2p98YLPw&t=165s) - ETF Differentiation 04:34 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10R2p98YLPw&t=274s) - Staking and Yield 06:19 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10R2p98YLPw&t=379s) - Institutional Strategy 09:04 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10R2p98YLPw&t=544s) - Competing L1 Models 14:22 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10R2p98YLPw&t=862s) - Bitcoin Price Thesis 18:49 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10R2p98YLPw&t=1129s) - Dual Market Narratives 21:57 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10R2p98YLPw&t=1317s) - Institutional Capital Flows 30:02 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=10R2p98YLPw&t=1802s) - AI and Crypto Future Guest links: Matt Hougan - https://x.com/Matt_Hougan (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkVQOUQ3RVlXaFVMSjd0ZndyZXcwT1BJZFdtd3xBQ3Jtc0tsekNadjB2bEFGWld5LXk4R25wTUx2bkl3X01wdHJ5aTc5Wi0yUUR4QTVJVE5xeFRIN21UZUZPVm9CUjgxYWdNNTdmc3dEV2FaQUQwV0ZEUTJFTjlRLWFTZmhMNlB1RjZXcDZGVHdiem1KVUNMODhtcw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FMatt_Hougan&v=10R2p98YLPw) Bitwise - https://x.com/Bitwise (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbm9ZdVBtdHRiblg4ZUpIQkExcjBEbl9ucGp2Z3xBQ3Jtc0tsaGpOSlFWMEwwMFlhX3JJQThXU1o3eTFDTWdWdDdwcnRKOHBPcTNLazBjVkJTQ2NqYW1XaDR3c29MUHlrYXJuNWtXbndjZ1VLY2Z3MmdTVHE3dkl6aWZVd2FyMllJYVJjTXhJVEhQUVRwZFNqLWZJWQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FBitwise&v=10R2p98YLPw) Ava Labs - https://x.com/avalabs (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbktKQ2lHVGoxZTd5UHd5azdhUjcyVm5kdFRZZ3xBQ3Jtc0traUFfcEp0WElXSnVQQVNQWUJCODBmLWl4UkFxQ2g4OWdOZzQxYy16bk1kTVFNM3RRX3pBRzZGTTdLNjkwYXZhZEVZY1pyVVhHejNVaEw0MWpjWURiX1pSQmRhcUpFTWd0U0JINXJyWEdNY0JfUmZLSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Favalabs&v=10R2p98YLPw) Host links: John Wu - https://x.com/John1wu (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazk4Z25Hdjg3WmRXanAwd05sWVI0QUdiYU1EQXxBQ3Jtc0tuZ1c5QnJfVGtSMldOZkgyeGJGVm82bnJLTllCQVlidnc5cE1fQ0t6RFNTZVdJckdVRUZ2QjU3eGdHSHNJcHNFOWMyb3Y3Um1BZ0dDMXEydkV5dXRjbld1bW9xR2poeXhUaUJnVjh5SE9DT19tTUxuZw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FJohn1wu&v=10R2p98YLPw) Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazV4UE4xbGJENkFVVk5iY2w5dFNyaW4xamRfd3xBQ3Jtc0trUW5Od0ZhU0xSYnlDUGdzN0tqTUxnRHF3RE9MMGpPSUliMXhBT1BiMGdpRUZUUzg4VFVwNmpsVC1KQWNOdHJwYWVDMFhBelhrenJsQmt1MkVJbjNzaHdheXJNUGw2eTJXclA4WXp6X2dCT3RSZVcwRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fimyoungsparks%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=10R2p98YLPw) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbmc4bTZlU0F2ZkZ3VWpDc3R2LUVVTXM0R3BWd3xBQ3Jtc0tsazRSOGtSODl0cU9vTUM5Rl9weHlNZ0ZMV3FnTUhrSF9NZS1HeTkyWEEweXc2aXpZaW1FYmFNZDNxV1p0bWJLcGVweHI2VVEwYjVyQzJBNDgtZks4cndDYU85WHozenlndWZNNlJuWWpfWFgzLVEtbw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theblock.co%2Fnewsletters%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=10R2p98YLPw) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXMwZG04UVFMMmlWc0RPRmpIVVhObkp1U3ZHZ3xBQ3Jtc0ttdFZOU0NTakFFR28wZnVYQi1MUVVJRWJzVkFiV2JxYkd3Y3lENi1oR1NhTHlHMVZGUmxsbXpCdFBRMTZfblRQNXJEekdEZFdtZk45U1BGQjhmQTBpdXBSazNRODR5S1Y0MUp2eVpCRkZnSjZKWmJSSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftheblock.co%2Fcampus&v=10R2p98YLPw)
2 Apr 2026
How Securitize is working with NYSE to bring equities onchain
In Episode 10 of Layer One, The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and special co-host Ava Labs President John Wu are joined by Carlos Domingo, CEO of Securitize, to discuss the rapid rise of tokenized financial assets and what it takes to bring them into regulated markets. The conversation also covers regulatory clarity, BlackRock’s role in accelerating the space, and how tokenized assets will reshape capital markets over the next decade. OUTLINE 00:00 - Intro 00:52 - Background and Origins 01:45 - First Tokenized Securities Trade 03:30 - Early Institutional Adoption 04:36 - NYSE Tokenization Partnership 07:05 - Why Public Equities First 09:57 - From Why to What 11:10 - Why Avalanche Was Chosen 12:48 - Compliance and Settlement 17:15 - What Drove Adoption Guest links: Carlos Domingo - https://x.com/carlosdomingo (https://x.com/carlosdomingo) Securitize - https://x.com/Securitize (https://x.com/Securitize) John Wu - https://x.com/John1wu (https://x.com/John1wu) Ava Labs - https://x.com/avalabs (https://x.com/avalabs) Host links: Steven Gates - https://x.com/stvngts (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXVQUDE5UmduME9jMW40b3pqN1pBQUxzTTNad3xBQ3Jtc0ttR3FHM3dnNzNUMUZDeWpUbGFHTWxlSHlBU3I2QXhyRDEyU1ZrZTF6MHdIN015cFluaGJIS3dGWnlQOFlKU1hmZzJFMFhGOFZkZ0ZmWld4SWlYMmtUV2lDS1FsbmJzMUNkQ1owTXZqNGQ5eWZTdFRySQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fstvngts%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=uDhnOenEIL4) Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjc0dWxsOFkxTTd0Yy1ZcFFRMUpqcGttTVh5QXxBQ3Jtc0tubVhxMGVrdEIxaG9kTHk5QjkyQmt0RlhqUEt5TzU1bDZVek5yTENKMHFjRGdsWFgzX213Y2dHTXJhZTh1NDNhdk90WkRGSllkeG5LWC1CSmItXzV4dG1sazR5aHRXM193bjBHbHB6T05DUGFYUXYtSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fimyoungsparks%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=uDhnOenEIL4) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXFocERqMGlIMm5uVlhMTEVmLThsUWtoZjFpUXxBQ3Jtc0tuTVgxUHRhU0xVTnFCOEtMZXhycS1sRTd2N3RLYkVVSExUQTBsb3luTTNvUF9uTWxoNzgyNWZQa3hLZ2wtM0ppQzAwT3doUEc2TE1NQzJ6YmVDMU9qeVFZdEliTEVHckFhYjMwSUVrNVRTcF9nWkh3UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theblock.co%2Fnewsletters%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=uDhnOenEIL4) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3hwX1VISnk5bWhqWXBZS1E0R1pKSUtHdWxEQXxBQ3Jtc0tuel95X1lEcHFoY2tCUlFVMlhUdVllNEoycTBrZW42WTlMTl9IOUxzQTBSU2lrT1NNUXdmQUgwS3pyMVRtQnBzWnBOR19YSXpCazFGVnZBYzg1SWw2Um95dUxqWmRocFEzMDBJdjc5dFFzQmEzS1NoNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftheblock.co%2Fcampus&v=uDhnOenEIL4)
18 Mar 2026
Why tokenized assets are DeFi’s biggest unlock
In Episode 9 of Layer One, The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and Hypha founder Steven Gates were joined by Nicholas Kunkel (Chronicle) and Rhett Shipp (Avant) to break down the current state of DeFi and what’s actually holding the industry back. They argue that core primitives are already built, and the real unlock lies in tokenized assets, improved liquidity, and seamless integration with traditional finance. The conversation also explores stablecoin economics, DAO limitations, on-chain credit markets, and what founders need to succeed in crypto today. OUTLINE 00:00 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDhnOenEIL4) - Intro 01:11 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDhnOenEIL4&t=71s) - Getting Into DeFi 04:38 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDhnOenEIL4&t=278s) - Early MakerDAO Days 08:43 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDhnOenEIL4&t=523s) - Where Value Accrues 12:23 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDhnOenEIL4&t=743s) - Yield and Stablecoins 17:56 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDhnOenEIL4&t=1076s) - How DeFi Yield Works 23:34 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDhnOenEIL4&t=1414s) - SubDAOs and Governance 30:33 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDhnOenEIL4&t=1833s) - Do We Need New Primitives 36:25 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDhnOenEIL4&t=2185s) - Tokenized Assets Unlock 53:55 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDhnOenEIL4&t=3235s) - Founder Advice Guest links: Rhett Shipp - https://x.com/RhettShipp (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqazQzb21YYnZ1cEZpTEhyb2FUeURnblBTOTBDd3xBQ3Jtc0trTTFFYzZndElKbG5uVElqWmpadTc4dnNQcVNMOGxOLVoycXNZN0Faa0hpNUh1azF3VnRlZFprQzJidTQxOUIwSEdkM3BCRHZ2SW1uOVJWQjZST3pTR0hpbHpNems1aVRMV0xIS1I1Q0w5YWplUXd5VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FRhettShipp&v=uDhnOenEIL4) Avant - https://x.com/avantprotocol (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbE1Zb1JVM3kzdDBrWl9LTVAweXFfM2hyWkZxUXxBQ3Jtc0trVXBLWkx2OXZTNzNBSkZlU3FKRWpPcUVSS0xCZ3Y2eVFmNTdWNlNZeUVyakl1SHctcXZQZG52X09ORTFsYXcyNnlDNFNLeG5MenZDeWNvdFFqSTJJYUxONVdoV0J6MVg5TE8zNXZCTGtLMndKMWlhdw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Favantprotocol&v=uDhnOenEIL4) Niklas Kunkel - https://x.com/nomos_paradox (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbkFYVnBVcFJyT1Z3bWxMbl9YYUFzWHdTVXRyUXxBQ3Jtc0tsYzA4ai1qR0pvd3BiZ2JRT25JQzVXWjJCTTAtRHY3ZVl3V0UtQ3V3SDBOTXBDQkFwb2RBNjAwTmtvanZESjUwSGR6UTdfYUVCZ210aTV4cG5rUExmaHd2T041SkdCVU8zRlRqZm1jRXloU1hBQmlCRQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fnomos_paradox&v=uDhnOenEIL4) Chronicle - https://x.com/ChronicleLabs (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa1lPZ1VEQzFoVC1ORThTbWt1YVMyYjlFMFFSQXxBQ3Jtc0tua01HT3ZJdTByb1hLcU1EQ1lzVTN1U2l6VVBiYmxWTi1vWmJTcmJ0UkdCZVkyVEtzamhlbmZ5NFRFMGxxaGMwVFg3elZHa1ZhOEZxMUFGOHVKU3pTTTB5bFB1d0psdVdZWUtVNGhmWk9rS2NETW1rYw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FChronicleLabs&v=uDhnOenEIL4) Host links: Steven Gates - https://x.com/stvngts (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXVQUDE5UmduME9jMW40b3pqN1pBQUxzTTNad3xBQ3Jtc0ttR3FHM3dnNzNUMUZDeWpUbGFHTWxlSHlBU3I2QXhyRDEyU1ZrZTF6MHdIN015cFluaGJIS3dGWnlQOFlKU1hmZzJFMFhGOFZkZ0ZmWld4SWlYMmtUV2lDS1FsbmJzMUNkQ1owTXZqNGQ5eWZTdFRySQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fstvngts%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=uDhnOenEIL4) Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbjc0dWxsOFkxTTd0Yy1ZcFFRMUpqcGttTVh5QXxBQ3Jtc0tubVhxMGVrdEIxaG9kTHk5QjkyQmt0RlhqUEt5TzU1bDZVek5yTENKMHFjRGdsWFgzX213Y2dHTXJhZTh1NDNhdk90WkRGSllkeG5LWC1CSmItXzV4dG1sazR5aHRXM193bjBHbHB6T05DUGFYUXYtSQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fimyoungsparks%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=uDhnOenEIL4) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXFocERqMGlIMm5uVlhMTEVmLThsUWtoZjFpUXxBQ3Jtc0tuTVgxUHRhU0xVTnFCOEtMZXhycS1sRTd2N3RLYkVVSExUQTBsb3luTTNvUF9uTWxoNzgyNWZQa3hLZ2wtM0ppQzAwT3doUEc2TE1NQzJ6YmVDMU9qeVFZdEliTEVHckFhYjMwSUVrNVRTcF9nWkh3UQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.theblock.co%2Fnewsletters%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0%E2%81%A0&v=uDhnOenEIL4) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus (https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa3hwX1VISnk5bWhqWXBZS1E0R1pKSUtHdWxEQXxBQ3Jtc0tuel95X1lEcHFoY2tCUlFVMlhUdVllNEoycTBrZW42WTlMTl9IOUxzQTBSU2lrT1NNUXdmQUgwS3pyMVRtQnBzWnBOR19YSXpCazFGVnZBYzg1SWw2Um95dUxqWmRocFEzMDBJdjc5dFFzQmEzS1NoNA&q=https%3A%2F%2Ftheblock.co%2Fcampus&v=uDhnOenEIL4)
25 Feb 2026
Supply, demand and durability: A framework for surviving cycles
In Episode 8 of Layer One, The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and Hypha founder Steven Gates were joined by Santiago R. Santos of Inversion Capital. He explains why many crypto token valuations are structurally flawed and outlines his framework for investing in durable, cash-flow-supported adoption, with a focus on B2B stablecoin use cases. The group debates how to value crypto beyond tribal narratives, arguing that many token prices overpay for a future that still requires regulatory clarity and real demand for blockspace. OUTLINE 00:00 - Intro 00:00:27 - Scope and disclaimer 00:01:41 - FDV and investor framing 00:04:02 - Valuation bias 00:12:23 - Investing through cycles 00:21:44 - Choosing Avalanche infrastructure 00:28:29 - Retrofitting real businesses 00:35:46 - Who’s building this model 00:41:52 - Writing, thinking, first principles 00:50:16 - Fieldwork beats theory 00:52:53 - Asking the right questions 01:00:23 - TGE and FDV reality 01:07:30 - Final takeaways Host/Guest links: Santiago R Santos - twitter.com/santiagoroel Inversion Capital - twitter.com/inversion_cap Steven Gates - twitter.com/stvngts Kelvin Sparks - twitter.com/imyoungsparks --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus
18 Feb 2026
Loyalty becomes lifestyle: Rain and Uptop on stablecoin rewards
In Episode 7 of Layer One, The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and Hypha founder Steven Gates were joined by Charles Yoo-Naut, co-founder of Rain, and John Gomez, co-founder and former CEO of Uptop. The group discussed the convergence of stablecoin payments and on-chain loyalty infrastructure, why rewards plus payments are becoming table stakes, and how sports and IP are driving real-world adoption. OUTLINE 00:00 - Intro 03:58 - What is Rain 04:30 - Uptop + acquisition fit 06:01 - Fundraise & M&A lessons 12:43 - Why rewards matter 16:29 - Stablecoin “aha” moment 25:26 - Regulation, timing, builders 33:53 - Lifestyle banking & IP 41:59 - Marketplaces, on-ramps, costs 47:35 - Why raise $250M 50:11 - Stablecoins in 3 years 51:56 - Proliferation of issuers 53:59 - Closing remarks Host/Guest links: Charles Yoo-Naut - twitter.com/cnaut Rain - twitter.com/raincards John Gomez - linkedin.com/in/john-timoney-gomez-a64b669b/ Uptop - twitter.com/uptop_xyz Steven Gates - twitter.com/stvngts Kelvin Sparks - twitter.com/imyoungsparks --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teams Start your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus
9 Feb 2026
VanEck's AVAX thesis: product-market fit, economic clarity & institutional distribution
In episode six of Layer One, The Block's Kelvin Sparks and Hypha Founder Steven Gates were joined by Ava Labs's VP of Business Development of Onchain Finance, Morgan Krupetsky and VanEck's Head of Digital Asset Research Matthew Siegel. Together, the group discussed what actually drives institutional conviction in crypto. Siegel explained why VanEck chose Avalanche for its first alt-L1 ETF, citing product-market fit, economic clarity, and an active BD team onboarding real institutions. The conversation covers DATs vs ETFs, the innovator's dilemma facing banks, and why market downturns are exactly when serious builders separate from tourists. Host/Guest links: Matthew Siegel - twitter.com/matthew_sigel (https://x.com/matthew_sigel) VanEck - twitter.com/vaneck_us (https://x.com/vaneck_us) Morgan Krupetsky - twitter.com/MorganKrupetsky (https://x.com/MorganKrupetsky) Ava Labs - twitter.com/AvaLabs (https://x.com/AvaLabs) Steven Gates - twitter.com/stvngts (https://twitter.com/stvngts) Kelvin Sparks - twitter.com/imyoungsparks (https://twitter.com/imyoungsparks) --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters (https://www.theblock.co/newsletters) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus (https://theblock.co/campus)
27 Jan 2026
"From Sand to Stone: Two GCs on the New Legal Foundation Shaping Crypto's Future"
In episode five of Layer One, The Block's Kelvin Sparks and Hypha Founder Steven Gates were joined by Ava Labs General Counsel Lee Schneider and Plume General Counsel Salman Benaei, to discuss how the Senate bill turns crypto's legal foundation from sand to stone, and what that means for the next generation of builders. OUTLINE 00:00 - Introduction 01:28 - Salman's Path: CFTC to Crypto 05:52 - Lee on Token Sales & Legal Structures 08:17 - RWA Rights & Disclosures 12:26 - What Buyers Should Care About 15:15 - Pre-IPO Tokenized Shares 18:49 - The Governance Token Question 22:03 - The Decentralization Test Debate 28:13 - What Clarity Means for Builders 36:41 - TradFi's Crypto Play 44:31 - Open vs Closed Networks 51:20 - Outro Host/Guest links: Salman Banaei - https://x.com/banamlas Lee Schneider - https://x.com/leelaughs5x Steven Gates - twitter.com/stvngts Kelvin Sparks - twitter.com/imyoungsparks --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus
20 Jan 2026
Building AI-Native Blockchain Infrastructure with Kite AI's BD Chief Lei Lei
In episode four of Layer One, The Block's Kelvin Sparks and Hypha Founder Steven Gates were joined by Kite AI's Head of Business Development and Strategy, Lei Lei, to discuss why AI agents need dedicated blockchain infrastructure rather than general purpose blockchains. The trio also touch on the recent hype around Claude Code, why enterprise giants are panicking about AI disruption, and how the X-402 payments protocol did $600M in volume last year. OUTLINE 00:00 - Introduction 01:13 - Claude Code 04:26 - Why Avalanche 09:40 - X-402 Explained 13:01 - General Purpose Chains 19:37 - Swarms Gone Rogue 26:53 - Crypto-Native Enterprises? 30:03 - $600M & Counting 37:04 - Big Name Backers 42:07 - Winners & Losers 47:30 - Outro Host/Guest links: Lei Lei - https://x.com/lei_lei0904 KiteAI - https://x.com/GoKiteAI Steven Gates - twitter.com/stvngts Kelvin Sparks - twitter.com/imyoungsparks --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus
16 Jan 2026
Jason DeSimone on The Arena's revival and the future of SocialFi
In episode three of Layer One, The Block's Kelvin Sparks and Hypha Founder Steven Gates were joined by The Arena CEO Jason DeSimone to discuss the platform’s revival and two-year growth, creator monetization via ticket rails, and the future of SocialFi, M&A, and AI-driven content. Host/Guest links: Jason DeSimone - x.com/jasonmdesimoneThe Arena - x.com/TheArenaSteven Gates - twitter.com/stvngts Kelvin Sparks - twitter.com/imyoungsparks OUTLINE 00:00 - Introduction 02:03 - Arena’s Takeover Story 07:08 - Lessons from SocialFi Craze 09:39 - Arena’s Feature Stack 12:13 - Tickets, Identity, Monetization 15:49 - Arena’s Growth Strategy 19:20 - Competing with SocialFi Rivals 24:42 - Community, Culture, Moats 31:24 - Tokens, Equity, Exits 40:07 - AI Agents and SocialFi’s Future --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus
11 Dec 2025
Anthony Scaramucci on tokenizing Wall Street and why it's '1998 for Crypto'
In episode two of Layer One, The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and Hypha Founder Steven Gates, were joined by guest co-host and Ava Labs President John Wu, and Skybridge Founder and Managing Partner, Anthony Scaramucci to discuss we are in the crypto cycle, how Avalanche is positioned to facilitate institutional adoption, and how upcoming U.S. regulation like the Clarity Act could unlock the next wave of onchain finance. Host/Guest links: Anthony Scaramucci - https://x.com/Scaramucci John Wu - https://x.com/John1wu Steven Gates - https://x.com/stvngts Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks OUTLINE 00:00 - Introduction 01:05 - Scaramucci’s Background 04:25 - FTX, Abu Dhabi & Leadership Lessons 08:58 - Why Avalanche Wins Institutions 12:24 - Project Crypto, Policy & Partisanship 17:04 - The Clarity Act & Tokenization Boom 25:39 - Stablecoins vs Traditional Payments 32:24 - DeFi, RWAs & Liquidity 47:23 - Where We Are in the Cycle 49:41 - Fed, Macro Outlook & Closing --------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus
20 Nov 2025
Introducing Layer One: Poker Logic Meets Crypto Reality
The Block is proud to introduce our newest podcast: Layer One — created in collaboration with Avalanche. Hosted by The Block’s Kelvin Sparks and Hypha Founder Steven Gates, Layer One explores the people, ideas, and technologies shaping the future of crypto. In this inaugural episode, Kelvin and Steven are joined by Haseeb Qureshi, Managing Partner at Dragonfly, and Sean Lippel, General Partner at Fintech Collective. Together, our dive into their origins in the world of poker — and how the decision-making frameworks, risk management skills, and psychological insights they developed at the table carry over into crypto, trading, and investing. Host/Guest links: Haseeb Qureshi - https://x.com/hosseeb Sean Lippel - https://x.com/seanlippel Steven Gates - https://x.com/stvngts Kelvin Sparks - https://x.com/imyoungsparks OUTLINE 00:00 Introduction 1:07 Poker-to-Crypto Pipeline 5:36 Biggest Risks & Bad Beats 11:38 Poker Brains, VC Games 17:08 Reading the Market Regime 21:54 Betting on 2029 25:09 DeFi Growing Pains 31:44 Institutions Meet DeFi 37:17 Stablecoins, RWAs, Alts 46:13 DATs, Staking & Yield 54:47 The Avalanche Thesis 1:00:44 Vertically Integrated Moments 1:06:52 Pump.Fun & Sign-Off ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Subscribe to The Block's Newsletters! 🚨 Breaking News 👨🔬 Expert Analysis 📈 Market Insights Subscribe now 👉 https://www.theblock.co/newsletters ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Hiring in crypto? 🧠 Find top talent fast with Campus, powered by The Block! ✅ Challenge candidates with our Crypto Assessment Test ⚡ Hire faster, build stronger teamsStart your free trial today 👉 https://theblock.co/campus
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