Senator Cynthia Lummis and the US crypto comeback: ‘Help is on the way’

In this special interview, Shark Tank investor and entrepreneur Kevin O’Leary joins Cointelegraph US Reporter Vince Quill for a wide-ranging conversation on the future of artificial intelligence, stablecoins and the battle for technological dominance between the US and China. 

Mr. Wonderful shares why he refuses to back companies that aren’t integrating AI, explains how stablecoins could stabilize inflation globally and dives into his investments in Bitcoin mining and AI-powered infrastructure. Plus, O’Leary gives blunt advice to tech founders on why Washington, not Wall Street, is where the real power lies.

(00:13) Why Kevin O’Leary refuses to invest in companies that don’t use AI
(02:02) How AI cut 60% of production costs for O’Leary’s commercial
(03:34) “Who’s running your AI stack?”
(04:10) AI’s impact on insurance, banking and even the wine industry
(06:37) “We’re in a technological war with China,” O’Leary explains the chip race
(09:04) Why he's “violently” against U.S. tech sanctions on China
(11:49) Stablecoins and USDC: “The biggest buyers of U.S. treasuries are now crypto firms”
(13:18) How stablecoins could stabilize inflation in volatile economies
(17:24) Lobbying for small business: “It’s all about job creation, not politics”
(19:14) Why O’Leary invested in Bitcoin infrastructure instead of just the asset
(24:49) AI and data centers are reshaping global energy demand
(29:49) O’Leary’s #1 advice for tech founders

This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.

Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.

If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

The US House of Representatives has declared July 14–18 “Crypto Week,” with lawmakers set to debate and potentially vote on three major crypto bills — the CLARITY Act, the GENIUS Act and the Anti-CBDC Surveillance State Act.

In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we break down what’s at stake, who’s behind the legislative push and whether any of these bills stand a real chance of becoming law.

We hear from Cointelegraph US policy reporter Turner Wright and Mason Lynaugh, community director of Stand With Crypto, to unpack the political tensions, lobbying power plays and what this moment could mean for the future of crypto regulation in the US.

(00:30) What is “crypto week” 
(02:16) Why Congress is suddenly focused on crypto
(03:04) Bipartisan signals: Is crypto finally getting cross-aisle support?
(05:14) Political roadblocks: Skepticism and Trump ties
(06:27) Stand With Crypto: Industry momentum and why timing matters
(07:30) Has crypto become too politicized?
(08:52) Inside crypto lobbying: What advocacy actually looks like
(11:15) What’s at stake if Congress fails to act
(13:29) Listener spotlight: Comment of the week from X

This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.

Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.

If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

As the US races ahead with crypto legislation and capital inflows, Europe and the UK are betting on more even-paced regulatory clarity. But who’s actually leading the West’s crypto future?

In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we map the geopolitical landscape of digital assets across the US, UK and EU  and uncover the trade-offs between speed, certainty, and innovation. With commentary from Mark Jennings, Head of Europe at Gemini, we break down the momentum behind MiCA, the policy pivots in Washington, and whether the UK is falling behind or playing the long game.

(01:16) Crypto policy divides across the US, UK and EU
(02:00) Inside the U.S. crypto surge: new bills and political momentum
(03:28) What the U.S. legislative wave signals for innovation and investment
(05:59) How MiCA is reshaping crypto business strategy in Europe
(07:12) The UK’s cautious regulatory stance and what’s at stake
(10:28) Adoption vs. innovation: Where the real activity is happening
(13:09) The U.S. edge: capital markets and crypto growth potential
(14:47) Assessing the frontrunners: who’s leading the crypto race in the West?
(15:45) Final reflections from Gemini: regulation, opportunity, and balance

This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.

Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.

If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

In times of crisis, markets may react but technology adapts. In this episode of Byte-Sized Insight, we examine how crypto behaves under pressure. 

First, Cointelegraph head of markets Ray Salmond and market analyst Marcel Pechman break down how digital assets react in times of war, political instability and macroeconomic uncertainty. Then, we shift focus from speculation to real-world utility. Featuring Megan Klimen of the Filecoin Foundation and Vivek Raman, CEO of Etherealize, to explore how decentralized technologies are being used to preserve truth, protect local journalism, and provide access to stable value in times of crisis.

(02:26) How crypto markets respond to global instability
(05:14) Bitcoin’s evolving role as a financial safe haven
(07:37) What to watch for in crypto markets in the days ahead
(10:27) Real-world use cases for crypto in times of crisis
(12:03) Preserving journalism in conflict zones with blockchain: Fasila’s mission
(13:16) Decentralized vs. centralized tech in unstable environments
(15:13) Why decentralized infrastructure matters, especially in crisis

This episode was hosted and produced by Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.

Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.

If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.

Is Bitcoin still the decentralized money movement it set out to be — or has it been co-opted by politics and institutions? 

In this week’s Byte-Sized Insight, Gareth Jenkinson travels to Las Vegas for Bitcoin 2025, where political figures, Bitcoin treasury companies, and institutional giants shared the stage. Featuring interviews with Metaplanet’s Dylan LeClair, Twenty One’s Jack Mallers and legendary cryptographer Adam Back, we explore the rise of Bitcoin-native public companies, the implications of mainstream political embrace, and what this all means for the future of BTC.

(00:46) Cointelegraph heads to Bitcoin 2025 
(01:32) The rise of Bitcoin treasury companies 
(04:56) Metaplanet on the risks of Bitcoin treasury companies 
(06:50) Jack Maller on the rise of institutional and political Bitcoin 
(09:11) The evolution of Bitcoin’s use cases
(11:23) Adam Back on the future of Bitcoin
(14:01) Institutions vs individuals, who really owns Bitcoin now?

This episode was hosted by Gareth Jenkinson and produced by Gareth Jenkinson and Savannah Fortis, @savannah_fortis.

Follow Cointelegraph on X @Cointelegraph.
Check out Cointelegraph at cointelegraph.com.

If you like what you heard, rate us and leave a review!

The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this podcast are its participants’ alone and do not necessarily reflect or represent the views and opinions of Cointelegraph. This podcast (and any related content) is for entertainment purposes only and does not constitute financial advice, nor should it be taken as such. Everyone must do their own research and make their own decisions. The podcast’s participants may or may not own any of the assets mentioned.