Most of us can’t read it all. But we can listen.

Podcasts have quietly become the best cheat code in the space. We pulled together 10 of the best real ones where builders get honest, VCs drop their filters, and hosts ask the questions you'd never get answered at a conference.

Whether you’re in it for the alpha, the stories, or just trying to sound smart on your next X post, this list is for you.

Web3 with a16z

This one’s backed by @a16z, but don’t let the VC weight fool you! It’s refreshingly straightforward and down-to-earth. Host @smc90 makes big concepts click without dumbing things down. 

You’ll hear from engineers, economists, and artists in a sharp, conversational format that doesn’t waste your time. You’ll probably walk away smarter and maybe a little more optimistic about where Web3’s headed.

The Pomp Podcast

@PompPodcast has been a steady presence since the early days of crypto. While Bitcoin remains central to his perspective, the conversations range from macroeconomics and asset management to AI and startup strategy. Guests include investors, founders, policymakers, and operators - people with experience, not just opinions.

This is where traditional finance and emerging tech meet, and the mix of voices keeps things grounded and surprisingly fresh.

Web3 Unlocked

Hosted by @0xkenzi and @dikshadutta, @0xbeaconpodcast focuses less on buzzwords and more on people. It’s built around thoughtful interviews with founders, often going into the decisions, values, and personal stories behind the tech. 

There’s clarity here, but also honesty because this is a space full of pivots, pressure, and experiments. You get grounded conversations with builders who’ve seen the hype cycles and stayed in.

The Defiant Podcast

@CamiRusso goes straight into the belly of DeFi, where the real action (and drama) lives. Camila Russo created one of the best editorial platforms in DeFi, and this podcast is an extension of that same DNA: curious, direct, and informed. 

If you’ve read The Infinite Machine, you know she doesn’t miss. The show mixes timely analysis with sharp interviews, often with the people who are one tweet away from moving markets. 

DeFi moves fast, and this podcast keeps pace with thoughtful questions, sharp analysis, and the kind of access you only get from someone who’s been in the middle of it all. 

CryptoNews

@mattzahab’s style is easygoing, but don’t let that fool you! This show had some serious names. CEOs, ecosystem leads, and the focus is on what’s happening now, not three months ago.
The whole vibe is like catching up with your overly enthusiastic crypto friend, locked in CT, so you don’t have to. And sometimes, Matt gets them to say the quiet parts out loud.

Glitchwire

@marissa_trew’s got range. The @Glitchwiremedia podcast covers NFTs, smart contracts, DAO tooling, the creator economy, and everything in between. What makes this show good is the way it bridges technical depth and cultural relevance. 

You don’t need to be a Solidity dev to follow along, you just need curiosity (and maybe a slight obsession with the internet).

BlockFuel

Hosted by @AviNMash, Jody Flournoy, and @SeanRistau, this trio has serious energy. It’s less polished and more punchy. BlockFuel covers the dev side of blockchain but always ties it back to real-world effects. It’s great for when you want to learn something technical without feeling like you’re in a lecture.

Empire by Blockworks

@theempirepod, hosted by @JasonYanowitz and @santiagoroel, focuses on real conversations about crypto’s most significant pressure points. 

Episodes break down regulation, decentralization, AI crossovers, and the economic models behind Web3 projects. The format is stripped back, with little space for hype or spin. Episodes often explore practical issues such as the challenges of go-to-market strategies for crypto projects, the role of stablecoins, scaling solutions like Ethereum’s OP Stack and Superchain, and the intersection of AI and DAOs.

Bankless

Bankless is one of the most influential podcasts in the crypto and blockchain space, co-hosted by @RyanSAdams and @TrustlessState. It is dedicated to educating users to try DeFi, crypto, and internet-native financial systems, with the ultimate vision of helping listeners "go bankless" that is, to move beyond traditional finance and embrace blockchain. 

The show is recognized for not shying away from controversial or challenging topics, such as the legal risks for developers and the future of digital privacy.

The Scoop by The Block

@fintechfrank’s got the journalist brain and the insider access. The Scoop leans more formal but delivers high-signal insights on deals, market shifts, and behind-the-scenes moves. They provide direct access to founders, investors, and policy experts, providing unique perspectives not easily found elsewhere. 

Perfect for when you want to sound smarter in meetings without reading six whitepapers.

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Still scrolling?

Good. That’s the sign of a solid list. The space moves fast, but the right podcast can help you move smarter. Pick one, press play, and let it run in the background while you check charts, write proposals, or question your entire strategy. 

Have a project that deserves to be heard, seen, or known for what it really is? We work with founders, teams, and ideas that are pushing things forward - authentically. Let’s talk: rzlt.io/contact