Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 days ago
Crypto adoption is accelerating, but does that mean token prices follow?
This week, we unpack growing institutional interest in crypto as brokerages and fintechs push onchain, even as CLARITY stalls and memecoin activity dominates.
We explore SEC and CFTC catalysts, Fomo versus Pump.fun, the durability of meme-driven markets, token value accrual, and crypto’s financialization problem. Enjoy!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
02:17 Has Crypto Found A Bottom?
08:22 Can Regulation Replace Clarity?
14:42 Fomo Vs Pump Fun
22:07 How Founders Survive The Reckoning
26:31 Is Crypto Worth The Venture Bet?
34:39 Is Erebor Worth $8 Billion?
41:40 Is Collector Crypt Just Gambling?
48:03 Everything Is Becoming Financialized
54:23 Why Santi Is Long AI
57:26 What Benchmark Gets Right
FOLLOW THE SHOW
› Empire – https://x.com/theempirepod
› Jason – https://x.com/jasonyanowitz
› Santi – https://x.com/santiagoroel
› Rob – https://x.com/HadickM
› Telegram – https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh
› Blockworks – https://x.com/Blockworks
EVENTS
› Join us at Digital Asset Summit 2026 Asia October 7th & Digital Asset 2026 London November 10-11th
blockworks.com/events
DISCLAIMER
Nothing said. onEmpire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Any views expressed are opinions, not financial advice. Hosts and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Crypto adoption is accelerating, but does that mean token prices follow?
This week, we unpack growing institutional interest in crypto as brokerages and fintechs push onchain, even as CLARITY stalls and memecoin activity dominates.
We explore SEC and CFTC catalysts, Fomo versus Pump.fun, the durability of meme-driven markets, token value accrual, and crypto’s financialization problem. Enjoy!
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Intro
02:17 Has Crypto Found A Bottom?
08:22 Can Regulation Replace Clarity?
14:42 Fomo Vs Pump Fun
22:07 How Founders Survive The Reckoning
26:31 Is Crypto Worth The Venture Bet?
34:39 Is Erebor Worth $8 Billion?
41:40 Is Collector Crypt Just Gambling?
48:03 Everything Is Becoming Financialized
54:23 Why Santi Is Long AI
57:26 What Benchmark Gets Right
FOLLOW THE SHOW
› Empire – https://x.com/theempirepod
› Jason – https://x.com/jasonyanowitz
› Santi – https://x.com/santiagoroel
› Rob – https://x.com/HadickM
› Telegram – https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh
› Blockworks – https://x.com/Blockworks
EVENTS
› Join us at Digital Asset Summit 2026 Asia October 7th & Digital Asset 2026 London November 10-11th
blockworks.com/events
DISCLAIMER
Nothing said. onEmpire is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Any views expressed are opinions, not financial advice. Hosts and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.







![War Stories From a Crypto Founder | Kain Warwick
This week, Kain Warwick joins the show to discuss building Infinex and the march towards TGE. We deep dive into Kains experience building in crypto, the next stage for Infinex, taking down CEXs, running a startup, dealing with drug addiction & more. Enjoy!
Follow Kain: https://x.com/kaiynne
Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz
Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod
Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh
Zcash is encrypted Bitcoin. Your digital bill of rights securing your freedom for the 21st century.
Buy, store and spend ZEC privately using Zashi Wallet download today:
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Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users.
Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates]
GEODNET is the world’s largest RTK network, delivering real-time, centimeter-level precision for drones, robots, farmers, and first responders. Recognized by the U.S. Congress, this blockchain-powered network supports mission-critical applications across a wide range of industries.
Discover how GEODNET is changing the world: [https://geodnet.com]
00:00 Intro
05:36 Investing vs Building In Crypto
13:11 The Opportunity For Prediction Markets
17:51 Ads (Zcash, Katana)
18:48 Whats Next For Infinex?
21:39 Taking Down Centralized Exchanges
30:52 Why Infinex Is Launching A Token
38:38 Ads (Zcash, Katana)
39:50 The Problem with Airdrops
52:10 Most Influential Accounts on CT
56:42 Ads (Goednet)
57:27 Surviving in Crypto
01:00:50 Dealing with Drug Addiction
01:07:10 Running A Startup
01:08:57 Where Are We in The Cycle?
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. War Stories From a Crypto Founder | Kain Warwick](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/xUa-9CfKcYA/mqdefault.jpg)


