In this episode, host JR sits down with Viktor Popovic, a veteran entrepreneur who went from selling heavy machinery online in the early 2000s to disrupting the modern fintech landscape. Viktor shares his journey from a refugee fleeing war-torn Yugoslavia to founding a fintech SaaS company that pits payment processors against each other in real-time to save merchants money. They also dive into the future of crypto, stablecoins, and the opacity of merchant statements.

Host

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of MintLocke
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/
X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa
Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Guest: 

Viktor Popovic: Founder & CEO in the Fintech SaaS space.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/viktor-popovic-b8a6b416/

Website: https://www.avendo.tech/
Avendo LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/avendotech/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostchannel
Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Key Takeaways & Core Concepts

▪️ The Power of Real-Time Competition: Traditional merchants pick one processor at the start of their business and remain locked in. ViKtor's company acts as an orchestration layer. During checkout, card details are sent to multiple processors simultaneously; the system automatically routes the transaction to whichever processor offers the lowest rate for that exact card in real-time.

▪️ The "Painkiller" for Opaque Billing: Credit card statements for merchants are notoriously complex, filled with confusing terminology, and structured differently by every provider. Many business owners are paying upwards of 4.2% in fees without even realizing it because they simply pass statements directly to their accountants.

▪️ Crypto vs. Legacy Networks: Legacy giants like Visa and Mastercard will always tolerate fintech infrastructure that routes through them because they still get their cut. True disruption happens through stablecoins (like USDC) and cryptocurrencies, which bypass the traditional rails entirely, eliminating legacy network fees and enabling near-instantaneous settlement.

▪️ Actionable Advice for Entrepreneurs: You do not need perfect information to launch a business. You only need enough information to make the very next decision. Agility, execution, and resilience matter far more than day-one industry expertise.

Host

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of MintLocke
LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/
X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa
Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Guest: 

Phil Ganz, President of Next Wave Mortgage
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/askthemortgageexpert/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/askamortgageexpert/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostchannel
Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Key Takeaways

• Track Every Penny: High earnings don't prevent bankruptcy; spending control does. Review and defend your monthly expenses to stop unnecessary leaks.
• The Real Estate Advantage: Real estate allows you to compound off the entire asset value from day one (skipping the slow start of typical investments). Its slightly illiquid nature also prevents emotional, reactionary selling.
• Crypto in Housing: Fannie Mae now makes it easier to use cryptocurrency for down payments without forcing full liquidation and triggering massive tax losses.
• Utility vs. Speculation: True assets provide value, Bitcoin acts as a scarce store of value, real estate yields rent, and stocks pay dividends. Avoid celebrity meme coins and "pump and dump" schemes that lack utility.

Notable Quote

"Investing is like golf: the goal is not to lose money. A lot of people play it like a long drive competition... but you will win nothing in professional investing if you're all in." - Phil Ganz

Connect with Phil Ganz

• Phone/Text: 617-529-9317
• Social Media: @askthemortgageexpert

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Key Topics

1. Jamie Dimon vs. The Clarity Act

JPMorgan’s CEO slammed the bill for lacking legal protections. The hosts note that after rampant DeFi hacks, even crypto natives are starting to want institutional safety frameworks.

2. Crypto Perpetuals Hit the US

The CFTC approved Koshi’s Bitcoin perpetual contracts ($perps$). Unlike traditional futures, perps have no expiration date, letting traders hold positions indefinitely.

3. The Flawed $KAPOW$ Index

Koshi launched a tradable index tracking US political power dynamics. However, it weights markets by "prominence" rather than volume, meaning a $500k market can swing the index just as much as a $13M market.

4. $12.3M AI Scam & Robinhood Agents

The SEC busted a $12.3M scam pushing fake AI bots. While AI fraud is up 4.5x, legitimate tech is scaling, Robinhood just launched AI trading via MCP, moving the industry toward a "headless" chat interface.

Notable Quotes

Leon: "If somebody's telling you 'give me $1,000 and I'll get you two grand,' you're either in a Ponzi scheme or someone is about to get screwed."

Support the Show!

We've almost hit 300 subscribers this month! Help us grow by hitting Subscribe, leaving a comment about the upcoming midterms, and liking the video.

⚡ Protocol Upgrades: Hyperliquid & Solana
- Hyperliquid (HIP 3 & HIP 4)
➡️ HIP 4 introduces fully collateralized outcome contracts, pushing Hyperliquid heavily into the prediction and event-based trading markets (e.g., elections, macro events).
- Solana’s "Alpenlow" Upgrade:
➡️ A major consensus overhaul aimed at replacing Proof of History (PoH).
➡️ Moves voting off-chain to eliminate heavy validator fee overhead.
➡️ Targets a 100x improvement, bringing transaction finality down from 12 seconds to 120–150 milliseconds on testnet. Expected mainnet rollout is Q3 2026.

🔮 Closing Thoughts: Crypto as Pure Infrastructure
"Crypto is going to become infrastructure. When you buy a house or a car in the future, it will be a tokenized title run by the state. Retail users won't know or care if it's running on Solana, Chainlink, or Bitcoin, they will just care that they have instant access to their assets." Leon

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Co-Host:

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Find Us:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SocialLedgerReport

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Episode Highlights

• Geopolitics & Market Reaction
• The Jane Street "Conspiracy"
• The Rise of Agentic Wallets
• Institutional Shift
• Security Risks

Key Discussion Points

1. The "Jane Street" Enigma

2. Agentic Wallets: Money on Autopilot

3. 24/7 Tokenized Markets

Resources Mentioned

• Jane Street story:

https://fortune.com/2026/02/26/bitcoin-slump-jane-street-conspiracy-theory/

• Coinbase agent wallets:

https://www.coinbase.com/developer-platform/discover/launches/agentic-wallets

• Solana Openclaw reddit post:

https://www.reddit.com/r/solana/comments/1r963cf/this_is_what_solana_usdc_openclaw_agent_payments/

• Openclaw Skill Marketplace Malware:

https://www.reddit.com/r/cybersecurity/comments/1r9cuew/the_1_most_downloaded_skill_on_openclaw/

• MintLocke:

https://mintlocke.com/

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of fMintLocke

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of MintLocke

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Guest: 

Ryan Beltran (Founder of ChainCraft)
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanbeltran/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostchannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Key Discussion Points

• The ChainCraft Vision
• AI-Powered "Vibe Coding"
• Building on Arbitrum & Senko
• Token Duels

The State of Web3 Gaming

The Bear Case: Market Hurdles

• Token Dependency
• Onboarding Friction

The Bull Case: The Ownership Revolution

• True Asset Value
• Rapid Iteration

Quotes of the Episode

"Vitalik started Ethereum because one of his items was nerfed in WoW... there are deep roots in gaming for this whole space," , Ryan Beltran

Resources & Links

• Play ChainCraft: https://chaincraft.games/
• Twitter/X: https://x.com/chaincraftgames
• Ryan’s Nonprofit: https://www.makewater.org/

Founder J.R. announced the end of their "social market" features to focus on MintLocke, a leaner, decentralized "autopilot for crypto."

Key Features:

• Automation: Automated strategies for DCA, stop-loss, and yield.
• Connectivity: Easy deposits via MetaMask or Phantom wallets.
• Insights: Real-time performance alerts and portfolio projections.

Join the waitlist at mintlocke.com.

2026 Crypto Market Predictions

1. Bitcoin & Macro Adoption

Will Bitcoin trade above $100,000 at any point before the end of 2026?

Yes - JRB, Yes - Leon

Will at least one G20 country officially hold Bitcoin as part of its treasury or reserves?

Yes - JRB, No - Leon

Will Bitcoin’s market cap exceed gold’s market cap at any moment?

No - JRB, No - Leon

Will another major spot Bitcoin ETF be approved outside the US (e.g. Asia, Middle East)?

Yes - JRB, Yes - Leon

2. Regulation & Institutions

Will the US pass a comprehensive crypto market structure bill by 2026?

Yes - JRB, Yes - Leon

Will crypto exchanges be regulated like traditional broker-dealers in major economies?

Yes - JRB, Yes - Leon

Will a major global bank launch on-chain settlement for retail customers?

No - JRB

Yes - Leon

Will stablecoins be formally regulated and issued by banks in the US or EU?

Yes - JRB, Yes - Leon

3. Stablecoins & Payments

Will stablecoin transaction volume exceed Visa’s annual volume by end of 2026?

Yes - JRB, Yes - Leon

Will one stablecoin lose its dominance (e.g. USDT or USDC) due to regulation or trust issues?

Yes - JRB, Yes - Leon

Will a non-USD stablecoin (EUR, GBP, gold-backed) reach meaningful adoption?

No - JRB, No - Leon

Will stablecoins become a default B2B settlement layer for international trade?

No - JRB, No - Leon

4. DeFi & On-Chain Finance

Will DeFi TVL exceed its 2021 all-time high by the end of 2026?

Yes - JRB, Yes - Leon

Will a DeFi protocol become a top-10 global financial platform by revenue?

No - JRB, No - Leon

Will real-world assets (RWAs) on-chain exceed $500B in value?

Yes - JRB, Yes - Leon

Will on-chain lending replace a meaningful portion of private credit markets?

No - JRB, No - Leon

5. NFTs, Social & Culture

Will NFTs regain mainstream relevance outside speculation?

No - JRB, No - Leon

Will at least one major global brand use NFTs as a core loyalty or identity layer?

No - JRB, No - Leon

Will social media platforms integrate on-chain identity or wallets by default?

No - JRB, No - Leon

Will creators earn more from on-chain platforms than Web2 platforms in aggregate?

No - JRB, No - Leon

6. AI × Crypto (High-Variance, High-Reward Predictions)

Will AI agents hold and transact crypto wallets autonomously at scale?

Yes - JRB, Yes - Leon

Will decentralized compute or data markets compete with centralized AI providers?

No - JRB, No - coexisting - Leon

Will a crypto-native AI protocol reach a $50B+ market cap?

No - JRB, No - Leon

Will AI-driven trading dominate on-chain volume?

No - JRB, Yes - Leon

They also cover a major $30M Upbit hack, growing threats from North Korean cyber groups, and the increasing dangers of centralized exchanges.

The episode closes with a bigger question:
Are self-custody wallets becoming the new “neo-banks”?

And why keeping your money on Coinbase, Binance, or any exchange might not be as safe as you think.

Hosts:

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Co-Host:

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Find Us:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Key Talking Points

✓ Tether nearly became insolvent due to Bitcoin price drops

✓ Why USDT’s reserves (Bitcoin + gold) create unnecessary risk

✓ USDC’s transparency advantage and why Coinbase pushes it

✓ The Upbit $30M Solana hack and what it exposed about wallet patterns

✓ Rising threats from Lazarus Group

✓ Why self-custody is becoming crucial as exchanges remain high-value targets

✓ The future of wallets acting like decentralized banks

✓ Crypto influencer scams and why you shouldn’t trust hype

✓ JR & Leon’s personal strategies for holding BTC, ETH, SOL, and USDC

Takeaway

Stablecoins aren’t all equal. Exchanges aren’t invincible.
Self-custody is becoming essential, and the crypto world is shifting fast.

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

 Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel 

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

What We Cover in This Episode:

• Bitcoin’s New All-Time High
   Bitcoin hit $124,000 this week, shaking the markets and setting the stage for what might be a fresh altcoin season.
• Altcoin Season on the Horizon?
   Despite muted activity, history suggests altcoins could surge as traders rotate profits from Bitcoin. 
• Ripple vs SEC — Case Closed (Almost)
   After years of uncertainty, Ripple’s battle with the SEC has reached its conclusion. 
• Stablecoins, Ripple’s Future, and Banking Use Cases
   With Ripple’s own stablecoin in the mix, we explore how XRP might carve out a role in global banking and payments.
• The Meme Takeover: Pengu’s Rise
   From Solana launch to toys, games, and major partnerships, Pengu is proving that meme coins and NFTs can grow into mainstream IP. 
• Crypto ATMs: Opportunity or Risk?
   We debate the real utility of crypto ATMs, the fraud risks they pose, and how future adoption.

Why This Episode Matters

Whether you’re here for Bitcoin milestones, altcoin speculation, Ripple’s legal clarity, or the meme-fueled cultural wave, this episode highlights how crypto continues to shape finance, law, and internet culture.

Links & Resources

1. Pengue continues on its meme march to mainstream. 

• https://x.com/krakenfx/status/1954984707508039851?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA
• https://x.com/lucanetz/status/1955668444139180436?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA
• https://x.com/beausecurity/status/1955374105240408338?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA

2. Cyrpto ATMs are a fraud and crime risk? 

• https://cointelegraph.com/news/crypto-atm-limits-bans-sweep-across-us
• https://x.com/crispybull/status/1953436640330002504?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA

3. XRP lawsuit OVER

• https://www.ainvest.com/news/xrp-news-today-ripple-sec-reach-final-settlement-year-legal-battle-2508/
• https://www.reuters.com/legal/government/sec-ends-lawsuit-against-ripple-company-pay-125-million-fine-2025-08-08/
• https://thecryptobasic.com/2025/08/16/sec-updates-court-on-latest-developments-in-ripple-lawsuit/

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostchannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

TOPICS

• Aftermath of the U.S.–China tariff breakdown and market whiplash
 • Historic $19,000,000,000 in crypto liquidations, outages at major exchanges, and claims of a $190,000,000 profit by one trader
 • Trump meme coin, speculation about foreign investments and pardons, and why mainstream outlets may not cover the angle
 • Ripple acquires GTreasury for roughly $1,000,000,000 and what that means for corporate treasury and TradFi convergence
 • Influencer and investor Konstantin Galish reportedly found dead after a $65,000,000 loss during the crash
 • SEC chair signals the United States is 10 years behind and outlines an innovation exemption path for digital assets
 • Kraken makes a $100,000,000 acquisition to expand U.S. derivatives, intensifying competition with Coinbase

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

The crypto trenches are dangerous. Things can flip faster than anywhere else in finance.

REFERENCED SOURCES

1. Historic $19B liquidation followed by insider trading:

• https://x.com/animocabrands/status/1978558290117149024?s=46
• https://x.com/cryptoemre10/status/1978212360541327723?s=46
• https://x.com/jackmaccfb/status/1977074516133396559?s=46

2. Trumps crypto movements

• https://x.com/stealthex_io/status/1978047269606707514?s=46
• https://x.com/darrigomelanie/status/1978062741484036222?s=46
• https://x.com/ashcryptoreal/status/1979253984792842251?s=46

3. Ripple (XRP) $1B acquisition of GTreasury

• https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ripple-acquires-treasury-management-firm-164744012.html

4. Crypto founder and influencer found dead

• https://x.com/cryptopsalm/status/1977016595944755334?s=46

5. SECs push for crypto innovation

• https://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-years-behind-sec-chair-140908231.html

6. Krakens $100M acquisition for US Derivatives push

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel 

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Key Topics Covered

1. Balancer Protocol Exploit – $100M Gone Overnight

2. Trump’s Controversial Pardon of CZ (Binance Founder)

3. DeFi, Memes & Centralization

4. The Polymarket Controversy – Fake Traffic & Market Manipulation

5. SBF Appeals & the “Forbes Curse”

Big Takeaways

• DeFi Security Needs Evolution: One-time audits and DAOs aren’t enough to protect users.
• Crypto & Politics Collide: Trump’s pardon of CZ could reshape the crypto landscape in the U.S.
• Public Perception Matters: Scandals and fake engagement are eroding trust in DeFi projects.
• Transparency & Accountability Win: Whether in crypto or traditional finance, trust still rules the game.
  
  

References

Balancer DeFi Protocol Exploit (Nov 4, 2025)

• https://x.com/TronWeekly/status/1987169488773787847
• https://www.tronweekly.com/balancer-dao-issues-deadline-to-hacker-after/
• https://x.com/the_c_protocol/status/1987168734847418596

Trump’s CZ Pardon and Crypto Politics

• https://x.com/asemirim/status/1987132183887192517
• https://x.com/MalayaS31/status/1987036569455501774
• https://x.com/cryptonews/status/1986031772208181507
• https://cryptonews.com/news/trump-white-house-clarifies-cz-pardon-thorough-review/?feed_id=22839&_unique_id=690b33d796520

SBF Appeals His 25-Year Sentence

• https://x.com/davidzmorris/status/1986828824860840191
• https://x.com/ParrotCapital/status/1986638571248492650
• https://x.com/davidzmorris/status/1986622512290033815
• https://x.com/

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X, & Website 

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

Find Us: 

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

YouTube

Website

Key Topics:

Market Overview

• A look at the current market signals leaning towards altcoin season.
• Inflation rates hovering at 2.9%, with a positive trend in traditional financial markets like the NASDAQ and S&P 500.
• Bitcoin holding steady at around $116k, Ethereum at $4600, and XRP staying stable despite news momentum.

Gemini's IPO

Resources:

• https://x.com/beardmars/status/1966552190136299883?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA
• https://x.com/qwqiao/status/1967168084785102968?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA
• https://x.com/btc_archive/status/1966536132750954646?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA

Polymarket's $10 Billion Venture Capital Investment

Resources:

• https://x.com/watcherguru/status/1966561064641802415?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA
• https://x.com/shayne_coplan/status/1962903170859843759?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA
• https://x.com/ericli1_/status/1966566017393451051?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA
• https://x.com/rawsalerts?s=21&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA

World Liberty Finance Controversy

Resources: 

• https://x.com/cointelegraph/status/1965456568465449180?s=46
• https://x.com/cryptoworldd__/status/1965448541968777534?s=46
• https://x.com/web3hammster/status/1964351094936535421?s=46

Jesse Pollack’s Shift to Y Combinator

Resources:

• https://blockchain.news/flashnews/y-combinator-is-open-for-crypto-startups-s

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

Find Us: 

Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube & Website

Episode Overview

In this week’s jam-packed episode of Social Ledger Report, JR checks in from the Aegean Sea (freshly engaged), while Leon dials in from the rustic north of Michigan — internet woes and broken bones included.

Crypto Market Highlights

Bitcoin has officially smashed through its all-time high, now sitting above $118,000. ETH and XRP are trailing with strong momentum:

—Bitcoin tops $112,700 – Coindesk

—Bitcoin live data | Ethereum | XRP

—Viral updates from @WatcherGuru & @btctn

Coinbase Wallet 2.0 — The All-in-One DApp Hub

Coinbase is rebuilding their wallet from scratch, rolling out a beta with built-in mini apps, NFTs, DeFi, and better UI/UX—a major leap toward the "everything app" future.

—Coinbase Wallet Beta launch tweet

— Crypto Economy’s breakdown of wallet changes

Robinhood’s OpenAI Token Debacle

Robinhood launched an “OpenAI Token” claiming to represent a portion of OpenAI equity—despite no affiliation and no actual ownership rights.

—Coindesk's legal take

— OpenAI's official denial

— @parikpatelcfa nails the satire

AI x Crypto: A New Era

Coinbase is partnering with Perplexity AI to deliver predictive market analytics, real-time token insights, and soon, full AI-powered trading strategies.

—Brian Armstrong’s announcement

— Technical breakdown from @sae3ds

— AI + crypto infrastructure from @mira_network

GROK’s 4chan Problem

While Grok 4 pushes deeper into real-time chain data, it’s also hallucinating wild takes due to training on 4chan and other chaotic sources. The boys revisit Grok's "Mecha Hitler" moment and the dangers of unrestricted LLMs.

Resources Mentioned

—

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X, & Website 

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

Find Us: 

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

YouTube

Website

Key Topics Covered:

• Kevin Durant’s lost Bitcoin and the realities of centralized exchanges
• MetaMask’s stablecoin + speculation on its upcoming native token and airdrops
• Coinbase Basecamp: USDC lending, equity index futures, and a Solana bridge
• Base teasing a native token and creator coin integrations with Zora
• Robinhood Ventures giving retail investors VC-style access
• Social Market’s evolving platform with live token activity, wallet creation, and more

Resources:

1. Keven Durant lost access to Coinbase 
   • https://x.com/cointelegraph/status/1968646358157381842?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA
   • https://x.com/brian_armstrong/status/1968844394921926755?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA
   • https://x.com/saylordocs/status/1969014181950050362?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA
2. Metamask token coming soon?
   • https://x.com/coindesk/status/1967624986568376708?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA
   • https://x.com/whaleinsider/status/1968811366254358570?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA
   • https://x.com/theblock__/status/1968802233094480193?s=46&t=s8yVwGuFo_-mfaLuY948hA\

3. Coinbase launches several things:

• Onchain USDC Lending
  • https://www.coinbase.com/blog/earn-competitive-yields-by-lending-your-usdc
  • https://x.com/brian_armstrong/status/1967939364882915695
• Base Blockchain Expansion and New Token Initiatives
  • https://www.thecoinrepublic.com/2025/09/18/coinbase-expands-base-with-these-3-huge-announcements-what-it-means-for-coin-stock/
  • https://x.com/cindytypes/status/1969491227533029843
• Mag7 + Crypto Equity Index Futures: 
  • https://www.co

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/  

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

 Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel 

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Key Topics Covered:

1. X402 – A New Payment Protocol by Coinbase

2. Coinbase Partners with Riot Games for League of Legends and Valorant

3. Coinbase’s Acquisition of Deribit – Crypto Derivatives Expansion

4. Silk Road-Linked Bitcoin Wallet Moves 3,000 BTC

5. NFT Doodles Launches Meme Coin on Solana

Resources:

• https://x.com/CoinbaseDev/status/1919784224170889696
• https://x.com/MurrLincoln/status/1920572524666237188
  https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1919973097303666864
• https://x.com/ChadSteingraber/status/1920099364329959830
• https://www.leagueoflegends.com/en-us/news/community/prime-gaming-subscription-perks/
• https://x.com/brian_armstrong/status/1920497993100222610
• https://www.coindesk.com/business/2025/05/08/coinbase-buys-deribit-for-usd2-9b
• https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1919766857923379666
• https://dig.watch/updates/long-dormant-bitcoin-wallets-awaken-moving-322m-in-btc#:~:text=Two%20long%2Dinactive%20Bitcoin%20wallets,at%20the%20time%20of%20transfer
• https://bitinfocharts.com/bitcoin/address/1CQvW4U4ZEbdmazX2Rbn5URWgd6MfWoPx1

Host:

Leon Hitchens:

LinkedIn, X & Website

Jesus Burgoa:

LinkedIn, X 

Find Us: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Website:  https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

What We Covered

🇨🇳 1. Bitcoin’s Tariff-Fueled Volatility

• Bitcoin plunged from $88,400 to $82,200 early in the week amid fears of new U.S. tariffs from President Trump.
• On Wednesday, April 9, Bitcoin surged over 7% to $82,300 after the U.S. announced a 90-day pause on tariffs (excluding China).

This rally boosted crypto-related stocks:

• MicroStrategy rose by +23%
• Coinbase gained +17%

📌 Sources:

• https://x.com/Elchabera/status/1909749366891725011
• https://x.com/King1Dera/status/1908489312603193349

2. GameStop’s Bold Bitcoin Bet

• On April 6, it was revealed that GameStop raised $1.48 billion to buy Bitcoin, aiming to reposition itself amidst economic turbulence.
• GameStop's shift drew attention not just for its meme status, but as a sign of retailers hedging with BTC.
• Their stock jumped nearly 12%, fueled by hype and institutional speculation.

📌 Sources:

• https://www.reuters.com/technology/gamestop-board-approves-adding-bitcoin-treasury-reserve-asset-reports-rise-2025-03-25/
• https://www.cnbc.com/2025/03/25/gamestop-says-it-will-add-bitcoin-as-a-treasury-reserve-asset.html
• https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/GME/

3. MetaMask’s Crypto Debit Card Launches in Argentina

• MetaMask officially launched its crypto debit card in Argentina on April 7, after debuting at SXSW in Austin.
• The card offers 1% cashback in USDC, works wherever Mastercard is accepted, and is available digitally now with physical cards rolling out soon.
• A step forward in real-world crypto utility, especially relevant for high-inflation regions like Argentina.
• JR shares his firsthand experience using the card and what it means for adoption.

📌 Sources:

•  BitPinas Crypto News (April 5) 
• Reddit Review: MetaMask Card 
• Official MetaMask Announcement

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Episode Highlights

• Podcast Update: Starting September, the show will begin livestreaming so you can watch, chat, and even join the conversation in real time.
• Japan’s Digital Yen: Japan Post Bank launches a $1.3 trillion initiative to introduce a digital yen, enabling tokenized trades and possibly NFT integration through LINE.
• U.S. Commerce on the Blockchain: The Department of Commerce posts GDP data on-chain across nine different blockchains with Chainlink and Polygon helping lead the effort. What does this mean for transparency and gas fees?
• Crypto True Crime: Scammers posing as Mr Beast and Mark Rober trick tech entrepreneur Eric Bergman into losing $1.25M in a fraudulent “Team Water” charity pitch. MrBeast has since placed a $100K bounty on leads to catch the culprits.
• BlockDAG Raises Big: The lesser-known blockchain secures $387M in funding and a whale drops $4.4M of personal funds into the project. Smart move or risky gamble?
• The Yeezy Token Scam: A fake Kanye West-backed token lures investors. While a few traders profit, thousands lose millions. Possible ties emerge to Argentina’s Libra token scandal.

Market Overview

• Traditional Markets:
  • S&P 500: $6,460
  • Dow Jones: $456
  • NASDAQ (QQQ): $570
  • Gold: $3,407
• Crypto Markets:
  • Bitcoin: $109,071 (down from $114K peak)
  • Altcoins showing volatility, with sentiment leaning fearful at 39%.

👉 Subscribe on YouTube or your favorite podcast app. Don’t forget to leave a comment with your thoughts—especially on the new livestream format coming soon!

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Episode Highlights:

Markets Surge Amid Geopolitical Calm

• S&P 500: https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/%5ESPX/
• Nasdaq: https://finance.yahoo.com/quote/%5EIXIC/
• Meme Breakdown via Morning Brew: https://x.com/MorningBrew/status/1938591024697225564

Trump with China adds fuel to the market's momentum:

• https://x.com/nicksortor/status/1938334010851397981
• https://x.com/grok/status/1938572136421237219

Polymarket Insights:

• https://polymarket.com/event/us-china-tariff-agreement-before-90-day-deadline?tid=1751040273304
• https://polymarket.com/event/us-recession-in-2025?tid=1751040312246

Tesla’s RoboTaxi Launches in Austin

• Official Tesla Page: https://www.tesla.com/robotaxi
• Demo of RoboTaxi Ride: https://x.com/RimaSukhadia/status/1938684276574429265
• Tesla’s Announcement Thread: https://x.com/Tesla/status/1937076031417913822

Polymarket Predictions:

• https://polymarket.com/markets/all/robotaxi

Bitcoin as a Mortgage-Approved Asset

• https://x.com/pete_rizzo_/status/1937419862390784252
• https://x.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1937951168996479395
• https://x.com/Swan/status/1938636722235154684
• https://www.cnbc.com/2025/06/25/trump-crypto-mortgage.html
  
  

Final Thoughts:

• Markets are bullish but caution remains.
• RoboTaxi rollout is limited for now, but it's a bold vision for urban mobility.
• Bitcoin's integration into traditional finance is accelerating fast.
  
  

On this week’s Social Ledger Report, JR and Leon break down a monumental week in crypto with massive market movements, landmark legislation, and product rollouts that could redefine Web3. From the rise of altcoins to the Clarity and Genius Acts passing in Congress, plus Polymarket’s strategic $112M re-entry into the U.S., this episode is packed.

Hosts:
Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market
LinkedIn, X, & Website

Co-Host:
Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market
LinkedIn, X, & Website

Find Us:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, & Website

Topics & Takeaways

Altcoin Season Begins

Bitcoin and Ethereum are at all-time highs, but altcoins are the real winners this week. Ethereum pushed past $3,700, and attention is shifting to Sui, Solana, and Ripple. The Social Market dashboard shows clear signals of altcoin momentum.

Clarity & Genius Acts Pass

On July 17, the U.S. House passed the Clarity and Genius Acts, signaling the start of a new regulatory framework for crypto.

Stand With Crypto’s thread summarizing the legislation
Wall Street Journal coverage of Tether’s risks
WSJ podcast on what the bills mean for stablecoins
Cointelegraph’s take on the legislative implications

🇺🇸 Polymarket’s $112M U.S. Return

Prediction market Polymarket is re-entering the U.S. by acquiring QCEX, a CFTC-regulated exchange, for $112M. 

Coindesk coverage on the $112M acquisition
Official announcement by Shayne Coplan
WatcherGuru’s breakdown thread

Coinbase Launches the Base App

Coinbase rebrands its wallet into the Base App, aiming to create a crypto “super app” that combines USDC payments, trading, Farcaster integration, and mini apps—all on Base Layer 2. 

WatcherGuru announcement
Official Base App X page
Learn more at base.org

LetsBonk Surpasses Pump.fun in Volume

Meme token LetsBonk shocked the market by overtaking Pump.fun in daily trading volume. 

Solana News reports the volume milestone

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Key Topics Covered

Tron’s Surge & Stablecoin Dominance
Tron mints 81.2 billion USDT, pushing its market cap past $32 billion and daily trading volume close to $1 billion. 

Telegram’s Built-In Crypto Wallet
Telegram quietly rolls out a self-custody TON wallet to its 87 million U.S. users.

SEC’s “Project Crypto” & a Shift in U.S. Regulation
Under Chair Paul Atkins, the SEC unveils a friendlier approach to crypto.

American Bitcoin (ABTC) Heads to NASDAQ
Backed by Eric Trump, American Bitcoin Corp is targeting a September 2025 NASDAQ debut. 

Trump’s Executive Order & Crypto in Your 401(k)
A groundbreaking order opens retirement plans to Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other assets.

Market Snapshot

• Altcoin Season Index: Leaning toward Bitcoin
• Fear & Greed Index: 70% (Greed)
• Inflation: ~3%
• Bitcoin: ~$120,000
• Ethereum: Above $4,000 for the first time since 2022
  
  

Links & Resources

• https://www.ainvest.com/news/tron-surpasses-81-2-billion-usdt-supply-stablecoin-dominance-grows-2508/
• https://x.com/mirza/status/1904258424491442587
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_gc5oOd5PAM
• https://x.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1950959125359141067
• https://finance.yahoo.com/news/american-bitcoin-gryphon-announce-commencement-103000891.html
• https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/08/46987640/eric-trump-teases-american-bitcoin-stock-market-listing-next-stop-nasdaq?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• https://www.wsj.com/finance/investing/trump-executive-order-to-help-open-up-401-k-s-to-private-markets-c90c6788?mod=Searchresults_pos6&page=1

Subscribe to stay ahead on crypto trends, market moves, and blockchain innovations.

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

 Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X, & Website

Find Us: 

Spotify

Apple Podcasts

YouTube

Website

Key Takeaways:

Coinbase Joins the S&P 500
Resources:
https://x.com/brian_armstrong/status/1922051880068305111
https://x.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1922040503647748572
https://www.reuters.com/business/coinbase-shares-jump-addition-sp-500-index-2025-05-13/

Coinbase Hackers Demand $20M Ransom
Resources:
https://x.com/coinbase/status/1922967576209998133
https://x.com/brian_armstrong/status/1922967787309256807
https://www.coinbase.com/en-ca/blog/protecting-our-customers-standing-up-to-extortionists

Robinhood Acquires WonderFI Canadian Exchange
Resources:
https://x.com/WatcherGuru/status/1922249824713200118
https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/robinhood-woos-canadian-crypto-users-with-nearly-180-million-wonderfi-purchase-2025-05-13/

Mastercard & MoonPay Team Up for Stablecoin Cards
Resources:
https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1922950927146795265
https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/05/15/moonpay-users-can-now-make-stablecoins-to-make-payments-with-mastercard-partnership
https://x.com/moonpay/status/1923008313710534794?s=46&t=-iJQBIoyiHm332O0Bwu4BA

Regulatory Landscape in Crypto

They begin by unveiling Social Market’s new direction, shifting from trading platforms to crypto coverage, a safer, more affordable protection system for users facing hacks, technical errors, or scams. Then, they explore key developments in the crypto world, including the rise of blockchain-based malware, Logan Paul’s CryptoZoo lawsuit dismissal, and Trump’s controversial pardon of Binance founder CZ.

The discussion expands to how major institutions, such as Western Union and Zelle, are adopting stablecoins, signaling that mass crypto adoption is closer than ever. The hosts end on a reflective note about how AI, developers, and blockchain technology are reshaping finance and what that means for the next decade of innovation.

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/  

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel 

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Key Takeaways

• Crypto Coverage is coming: A new way to protect users from hacks and losses without the bureaucracy of traditional insurance.
• Blockchain security is under threat: Even the blockchain isn’t immune — malware is evolving.
• Crypto and politics are merging: Trump’s pardon and Binance’s $2B deal blur the line between governance and business.
• Mainstream adoption is inevitable: With Western Union, Zelle, and major banks jumping in, crypto’s infrastructure is becoming a financial reality.
• Crypto ≠ Get-Rich-Quick: It’s becoming the invisible backbone of finance, from stablecoin payments to global remittances.
  
  

Resources: 

Trump's Pardon of Binance Founder CZ Sparks Political and Regulatory Buzz

— https://x.com/siglabs_xyz/status/1982840348402716726

— https://ca.news.yahoo.com/even-trump-insiders-were-shocked-145053469.html

CryptoZoo Lawsuit Dismissed

— https://x.com/Dexerto/status/1984196027633861084

Stablecoins are coming to banking 

— https://x.com/WatcherGuru/status/1982446286293852387 

— https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1984183764319154190

— https://x.com/WatcherGuru/status/1983215978746929483 

— https://x.com/coinbase/status/1982846056460386551  

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/  

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

 Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel 

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

In this episode, JR and Leon break down three of the biggest stories shaping crypto right now:

1. U.S. Crypto Regulation Advances

Resources:

• https://x.com/GOPMajorityWhip/status/1932117303455547814
• https://www.skadden.com/insights/publications/2025/06/house-introduces-digital-asset-market
• https://x.com/brian_armstrong/status/1932233967425704243

2. Polymarket x X: AI-Powered Predictions Go On-Chain

Resources:

• https://x.com/xai/status/1932481207180406923
• demo: https://x.com/Polymarket/status/1932482381866303947
• https://x.com/shayne_coplan/status/1933542933481066543

3. State of Crypto Report – Q2 2025 by Coinbase

Resources:

• https://x.com/coinbase/status/1932487826039357919
• https://www.coinbase.com/blog/the-state-of-crypto-the-future-of-money-is-here
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wN9w_4dO968&t=1690s
• https://fortune.com/crypto/2025/06/12/shopify-coinbase-stripe-stablecoin-payments-usdc-protocol/

Bonus Segment: The Decline of Credit Cards & the Rise of Crypto Rewards

• Gemini’s Bitcoin card, Visa’s stablecoin integration, and the launch of the Coinbase One Card signal a new era.
• Learn why stablecoins might become your default way to pay.

Resources:

• https://corporate.visa.com/en/solutions/crypto/stablecoins.html
• https://corporate.visa.com/en/solutions/crypto/stablecoins.html

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

What We Covered:

1. Farcaster hits 10,000 Pro subs

Resources:

• subscription post: https://x.com/varunsrin/status/1927824084680737080
• airdrop post: https://x.com/farcaster_xyz/status/1927925982385819769

2. Sui ecosystem rocked by $200M+ liquidity hack

Resources:

• Projects on SUI LP refunding users: https://x.com/JoshuaOrhue_/status/1927614169123086653
• SUI foundation helping the CETUS with refunds: https://x.com/SuiNetwork/status/1927439620091834569
• CryptoWendyO goes over it: https://www.tiktok.com/@cryptowendyo_account/video/7508222992413953310?q=cryptowendyo&t=1748531000035

3. All the buzz from Bitcoin Conference 2025

Resources:

• CCN article: https://www.ccn.com/news/crypto/bitcoin-conference-2025-us-officials-industry-giants-signal-turning-point-for-btc-adoption/
• Ross Ulbrich Speech: https://x.com/DavidShares/status/1928443630462677130

The team unpacks the massive $20 trillion+ in USDC transaction volume, the regulatory hurdles Circle faces, and what it means for the future of stablecoins and cross-border digital payments. They also explore the rise of meme coins on Solana, the explosive debut of Pump Swap, and how that signals a cultural shift in how investors and platforms treat meme-based assets.

On the TradFi side, Mastercard’s blockchain ambitions and PayPal’s expansion into Solana and Chainlink highlight the growing overlap between legacy institutions and decentralized technologies.

Host:

Leon Hitchens:

LinkedIn, X & Website

Jesus Burgoa:

LinkedIn, X & Website

Key Topics Covered:

• Circle’s Second IPO Attempt – What's different this time and why it might succeed
• Stablecoins as the New Global Currency – USDC, URC, and the rise of fiat-backed tokens
• Regulatory Risks & US Dollar Weakness – How global shifts might impact Circle’s IPO
• Kraken’s Potential 2026 IPO – Why going public might put them in the top 3
• Pump.fun’s DEX Launch – $20M in trading fees in just 10 days
• The Rise of Meme Coins – From Salana's growth to the legitimacy of meme tokens
• Mastercard’s Blockchain Payment Network – Are we about to see a Mastercard token?
• PayPal Adds Solana & Chainlink – The biggest move in traditional finance meets crypto.
  
  

Resources:

Circle ($USDC issuer) IPO

1. https://x.com/cointelegraph/status/1906712479561830558?s=42

2. https://fortune.com/2025/03/31/circle-jpmorgan-chase-crypto-usdc-citi-ipos-spac-sec/

3. https://www.linqto.com/ipo/circle/

PumpSwap new DEX for Pump.fun reaches $10B in tradnig volume in 10 days

1. https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1906801408893927448

2. https://99bitcoins.com/news/presales/is-sol-back-pumpswap-slams-10bn-volume-since-launch-best-solana-meme-coin-to-buy/

3. https://www.banklesstimes.com/articles/2025/03/31/pumpswap-on-solana-breaks-2-5b-volume-as-memecoins-slump/

Kraken Exchange IPO

1. https://www.axios.com/2025/03/25/kraken-ipo 

2. https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/crypto-exchange-kraken-ipo-set-2026-report.amp 

3. https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/03/07/crypto-exchange-kraken-is-mulling-ipo-in-2026-bloomberg

4. https://cointelegraph.com/news/crypto-exchange-kraken-exploring-1-billion-raise-report

Paypal on Twitter from Cointelegraph

1. https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1907452025555636238

Mastercard on Twitter from CoinTelegraph:

1. https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1907052315544035513

Why It Matters:

This episode captures the growing momentum behind mainstream crypto adoption—from corporate IPOs and regulatory hurdles to how meme culture is shaping the next generation of token launches. If you're watching the intersection of Web3 and traditional finance, this is the episode to catch.

In this jam-packed episode, JR (Founder & CEO of Social Market) and Leon Hitchens (CMO of Social Market) break down everything you need to know from the latest in crypto, NFTs, and digital assets. From Bitcoin’s price surge to major institutions embracing crypto, and the resurgence of NFT trading, this week is a snapshot of how fast the digital asset landscape is evolving.

Hosts:
Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market
LinkedIn, X, & Website

Co-Host:
Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market
LinkedIn, X, & Website

Find Us:
Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube, & Website

Topics Covered

1. PNC & Coinbase Join Forces for Crypto Banking

PNC becomes the first major U.S. bank to launch direct crypto trading with Coinbase.
Resources: 

• Reuters: PNC taps Coinbase
• Watcher Guru Tweet
• Vivek's Tweet Commentary

2. Elon Musk Still Only Loves Dogecoin

Elon says he’s not a crypto pumper—except for Doge.

Resources: 

• Economic Times Article
• Dogecoin Community Tweet

3. BitGo Files for IPO as Crypto Goes Institutional

Crypto custodian BitGo quietly files to go public.
Resources: 

• CoinDesk Coverage
• Injective Labs Tweet

4. Why ‘Buy Bitcoin’ Is the Hottest Business Strategy of 2025

From Tesla to GameStop to K-pop companies—Bitcoin is a corporate play.
Resources: 

• WSJ Article: The Bitcoin Treasury Strategy
• WSJ: Company Balance Sheets and Crypto

5. NFTs Are BACK?! Why Everyone’s Talking About Them Again

Pudgy Penguins, Hoodie Punks, and meme coins dominate trading floors again.
Resources: 

• Tweet on NFT Market Resurgence
• Follow-up Tweet with Live Sales

Join the Conversation
Drop your thoughts in the YouTube comments, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and tell us what you’re investing in this altcoin season.

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/  

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

 Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel 

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Here's what they covered:

Segment 1: Trump Memecoin – Meme or Milestone?

Trump launches a memecoin with a utility twist — top 220 investors get a private dinner at his golf club and a White House tour.

• Utility with Access: This memecoin offers exclusive real-world perks, potentially reshaping how meme coins are perceived.
  
  
• NFT Parallels: The event echoes early NFT utilities like Bored Ape Yacht Club’s parties.
  
  
• Token Dynamics: The coin saw a massive spike (up to ~$70), driven by hype and investor rush.
  
  
• Skepticism: While the access utility is unique, JR and Leon debate the sustainability and ethical implications of "pay-to-access" influence.

Blockchain: Solana-based token
Takeaway: Memecoins may be evolving beyond jokes — but is this a new form of elite gatekeeping?

Resources:
- https://x.com/JohnReedStark/status/1915467964809175324

- https://x.com/MikeSington/status/1915386029495783750

- https://x.com/blocknewsdotcom/status/1880550049865941125

- https://coinmarketcap.com/currencies/official-trump/

Segment 2: Coinbase x PayPal – Stablecoin Power Move

Coinbase partners with PayPal to support their USD-backed stablecoin, PYUSD.

• Zero Conversion Fee: 1:1 USD-to-PYUSD conversions on Coinbase platforms.
  
  
• Use Case Potential: A step toward faster, global, low-cost payments — but skepticism remains on true user benefits.
  
  
• Debit Card Utility: Leon discusses the potential if PayPal lets users spend stablecoins via debit cards, avoiding excessive transaction and currency fees.
  
  
• Critique: Without major fee reductions or cross-border exchange improvements, it’s unclear how PayPal users truly benefit.
  
  
  

Token: PYUSD (ERC-20), backed by Paxos
Takeaway: A necessary step forward for stablecoin adoption, but real us

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/  

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

 Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel 

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

In this week’s episode of the Social Ledger Report, JR (Founder & CEO of Social Market) and Leon (CMO) break down the biggest crypto headlines—without the noise.

Worldcoin Is Back in the Spotlight

Sam Altman's iris-scanning crypto ID project launched in the U.S., partnering with dating apps and prediction platforms like Koshi. The team discusses privacy concerns, blockchain security, and the real impact of Worldcoin’s tech in verifying identity across platforms—plus whether it's worth getting your retina scanned (hint: there’s free crypto involved).

Ripple’s $20 Billion Power Play for Circle

A bidding war is heating up. Ripple started with a $5B offer to acquire Circle (the company behind USDC), which was rejected. Now, Ripple has upped the ante to $20B in a strategic move to dominate the stablecoin space. JR and Leon unpack the motives, IPO implications, and whether the government would even allow the deal.

EU’s Privacy Coin Ban & What It Means

The EU moves to ban anonymous crypto and privacy coins like Monero for financial institutions. The hosts debate privacy vs. regulation, draw parallels to past crackdowns, and talk about how this could shift innovation away from Europe.

Hot Take of the Week:

The crypto narrative has changed—from “F the banks!” in 2017 to “please regulate and give us ETFs” in 2024. Is this growth or selling out?

Stay updated on crypto, tech, and market trends. Subscribe, follow us on socials, and check the episode links below for all the sources discussed.

Links Mentioned:

https://x.com/cryptobeastreal/status/1918279964509782492

https://cointelegraph.com/news/eu-crypto-ban-anonymous-privacy-tokens-2027

https://x.com/Crypto_Briefing/status/1917644734002082295

https://x.com/Tytaninc/status/1917771656220795294

https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2025/04/30/why-ripples-5-billion-offer-to-circle-was-more-than-a-power-play/

https://cointelegraph.com/news/sam-altman-eye-scanning-crypto-project-worldcoin-launches-us

https://x.com/rovercrc/status/1917784314231640458

https://www.cryptopolitan.com/ripple-20-billion-bid-to-buy-circle/

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/  

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel 

Key Market & Tech Takeaways
⚡Bitcoin & Market Fear: Market sentiment is currently "Extreme Fear." Bitcoin has fallen below $100,000, trading in the $93,941- $95,900 range. The hosts suggest Dollar-Cost Averaging (DCA), noting a potential floor at $84,000. Historically, BTC has soared up to 700% after past government shutdowns ended.
⚡MicroStrategy: The company remains a massive holder with over 640,000 BTC (3% of the total supply). Despite market dips, its stock (MSTR) is up 26.1% Year-to-Date.
⚡The AI Bubble: The industry is described as an "inbreeding market" due to intense cross-investment among giants like Nvidia and OpenAI. A recent MIT Report indicates that 95% of Generative AI projects fail to deliver ROI. Nvidia is the biggest winner, providing the essential chips.
⚡AI Model Race: Google's Gemini is gaining favor over OpenAI, primarily because of its superior ability to render JavaScript fully, allowing it to crawl the modern web more accurately.
⚡Hype vs. Value: The hosts stress that value, not novelty, wins; consumers are only engaged when AI delivers real outcomes, like automation and friction removal.
⚡Sam Altman Bailout: His request for government debt relief for OpenAI was heavily criticized as "corporate socialism." The hosts argue that taxpayers must receive significant equity in return for any bailout.
⚡NFT Bubble Burst: The hosts note the tragic decline of the NFT market, with collections like Invisible Friends and Bored Apes seeing values plummet from millions to a mere fraction of their peak.

Resources:
💥1. Market Overview
Credited sources: https://t.co/fZ5CiynmXP (from post [post:10])

💥2. Bitcoin $95K
Credited sources: https://cryptoslate.com/bitcoin-tests-the-95k-hodl-wall-after-cascade-knocks-out-655m-from-bulls/ (from posts [post:21] and [post:22])

💥3. Strategy Bitcoin position
Credited sources: None directly external.

💥4. Government Shutdown
Credited sources: https://bitrss.com/u-s-government-shutdown-impact-on-crypto-liquidity-analyzed-146992 (from post [post:1])
https://cointelegraph.com/news/house-reps-vote-end-government-shutdown (from post [post:8])

💥5. Crypto bubble + AI bubble
Credited sources: None directly external beyond post contexts.

💥6. Sam Altman asking the gov for bailout
More shares of the bailout video discussion.
Credited sources: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beDspJEBa1Y (multiple posts linking to Jimmy Dore video)
https:

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jesus-rafael-burgoa-b34874170/  

X: https://x.com/jesusrburgoa

Website: https://jrburgoa.com/

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/leonhitchens/

X: https://x.com/Leonhitchens

Website: https://www.leonhitchens.com/

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel 

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Episode Highlights

• World Liberty Finance Launch
• Trump Media x Crypto.com Partnership
• Market Overview
  • Altcoin Season Index: 53/100 (mixed, leaning altcoins)
  • Fear & Greed Index: 51% (neutral to slightly greedy)
  • Inflation: steady under 3%
  • Bitcoin: ~$112,000, Ethereum: ~$4,300, with strong institutional inflows into “blue chip” cryptos.
• Massive NPM Supply Chain Hack

Geopolitical & Economic Context

We also touch on global events shaping investor sentiment, from U.S. job reports at 2008 levels, to ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Gaza, and Venezuela, as well as shifting alliances among Russia, China, India, and Pakistan.

Key Takeaway

Crypto continues to gain mainstream traction, but with increased adoption comes heightened risk. Whether it’s political projects like World Liberty Finance or systemic vulnerabilities like the NPM hack, investors must tread carefully, do their own research, and stay vigilant.

Resources: 

• https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-wlfi-world-liberty-financial-crypto-wealth/
• https://cointelegraph.com/news/whales-lose-millions-on-trump-linked-wlfi-s-40-dip-despite-47m-burn
• https://crypto.com/us
• https://mcga.com/news/trump-media-group-cro-strategy-to-acquire-cro-digital-asset-treasury
• https://x.com/P3b7_/status/1965094840959410230 
• https://x.com/WatcherGuru/status/1965114627643375647

👉 If you enjoyed the episode, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and subscribe on YouTube for weekly updates.
 💬 Drop a comment with your thoughts. We’d love to hear from you.

In this week’s episode of The Social Market Report, JR and Leann break down five major stories shaking up the tech, crypto, and financial landscapes. 

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn X & Website: 

Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

Find Us: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/3cfUVNwIm2AXt2oZ0nx2Dv

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-social-ledger/id1803475184

YouTube: @TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm/social-ledger-report/

Highlights & Topics Covered

1. The GENIUS Act Passes the Senate

• Brian Armstrong on the Genius Act
• Faryar Shirzad on stablecoin clarity

2. Brave Browser Blocks Twitch Ads – And Gets Blocked Back

• PirateNation on Brave blocking Twitch ads
• YouTube strike on Brave usage
• Twitch blocks Brave login

3. Meta Offers $100M to Poach OpenAI Engineers

• Fernando Chao’s breakdown of Meta’s strategy
• Sam Altman interview highlights
• Ivan’s take on the AI arms race
• Bindu Reddy calls out Meta’s irony

4. Pump.fun Banned (Briefly) from the U.S.

• Crypto Beast on the suspension
• Coinbase Duck on the SEC’s possible involvement
• Pump.fun's official post

5. Middle East Conflict & Market Fallout

• Polymarket: Will a nuke detonate in 2025?
• Polymarket: Will the U.S. strike Iran?
• Polymarket: Odds of nuclear escalation

Hosts: 

Jesus Burgoa (JR), Founder & CEO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

 Co-Host: 

Leon Hitchens, CMO of Social Market

LinkedIn, X & Website

Key Topics Covered

• Crypto Market Update
  • https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1958302956219986021 
  • https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1957857810038854080 
  • https://www.ccn.com/analysis/crypto/crypto-market-down-worst/
• Politics, Policy & Regulation
• Stablecoin Mania
  • Announcing MetaMask USD ($mUSD)
  • MetaMask set to launch $mUSD stablecoin on Ethereum and Linea.
  • The Wyoming Stable Token Commission’s FRNT
  • Wyoming launches Visa-supported FRNT stablecoin on 7 blockchains
• China quietly prepares yuan stablecoins as 99% of supply minted in dollars
• China considering yuan-backed stablecoins to boost global currency usage
• China Weighs Yuan-Backed Stablecoin Likely Based in Hong Kong
• China considers Yuan stablecoin to challenge Dollar dominance
• Gemini’s Big Moves
  • Gemini Files Registration Statement with SEC for Proposed Initial Public Offering
  • Winklevoss twins' Gemini reveals lower revenue and wider loss in US IPO filing
  • https://coincentral.com/gemini-announces-launch-date-for-xrp-themed-credit-card/
  • https://www.ainvest.com/news/xrp-news-today-gemini-unveils-xrp-mastercard-billboard-august-25-launch-2508/
• Bigger Picture

Welcome to the first-ever episode of Social Ledger Report! Hosts JR Burguaba (founder of Social Market) and Leon Hitchens kick things off by exploring the chaotic and entertaining overlap of AI, crypto, memes, and internet culture. In this pilot, they unpack viral trends, legal implications, and the evolution of digital currencies — all while keeping it light and meme-heavy.

Host:

Leon Hitchens:

LinkedIn, X & Website

Jesus Burgoa:

LinkedIn, X & Website

Find Us: 

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheBoostChannel

Website: https://theboost.fm


Key Topics Covered:

• Crypto vs. AI – Why JR Chose Crypto:
  JR shares his background in coding and AI research, revealing why he pivoted to crypto. While AI is powerful, crypto offers an exciting mix of chaos, fun, and constant innovation that keeps things interesting.
  
  
• The Ghibli Meme Explosion:
  The internet went wild over AI-generated “Ghibli-fied” versions of classic memes. Even the White House got in on it. JR and Leon break down how the trend exploded within 48 hours and became one of the most viral moments in recent memory.
  
  
• Memes Meet Legal Trouble – Studio Ghibli Pushes Back:
  The hosts discuss the cease-and-desist reportedly issued by Studio Ghibli to AI tools and apps using their signature style. This brings up a larger question: can you copyright a visual style, and what does that mean in the age of AI art?
  
  
• AI Art vs. Originality – Where Do We Draw the Line?
  Leon compares this to the Andy Warhol estate's prior lawsuits and explores whether using distinctive styles generated by AI crosses legal or ethical lines. The episode touches on the evolving discussion around ownership and creative integrity in generative art.
  
  
• The Meme-to-Coin Pipeline – Enter: Ghibli Token:
  In a classic case of meme culture fueling crypto speculation, a Ghibli-themed meme coin popped up on Solana. The hosts break down how meme tokens are born, where they live (like Pump.fun), and why platforms like Solana are becoming hotbeds for these launches.
  
  
• Pump.fun and the Rise of Solana-Based Tokens:
  JR explains how tools like Pump.fun make it incredibly easy to spin up meme coins — creating both opportunities and chaos. The duo also touches on the risks, fraud potential, and the broader impact on the crypto ecosystem.
  
  
• WorldCoin and the Dystopian Side of AI-Driven Crypto:
  The episode shifts to OpenAI’s lesser-known crypto project, WorldCoin. JR and Leon unpack how the token works, its reliance on biometric scans (yes, scanning your eyes), and why this vision of identity + currency feels more sci-fi than ever.
  
  
• Visa + WorldCoin + Stablecoins – Real-World Adoption Begins:
  With WorldCoin reportedly in talks with Visa and other stablecoins like USDC being accepted on crypto cards, the episode dives into the growing use of digital currency in everyday life and the role traditional finance is starting to play.
  
  
• Stablecoins, USD Pegs, and Economic Risks:
  The duo debate the pros and cons of stablecoins like USDC and EURC — and what happens if their underlying fiat currencies (like the U.S. dollar or Euro) falter. They also explore the possibility of st

JR is back from Cancun, and the crypto world didn’t wait. In this week’s Social Ledger Report, we break down the biggest stories shaking up Web3—from massive IPOs to meme coin madness.

Top Headlines Covered

Circle IPOs, reaches all time high of $95 and closes at $87

1. https://x.com/WatcherGuru/status/1930670265563742459
2. https://x.com/jerallaire
3. Stablecoin issuer Circle doubles in NYSE debut after IPO
4. Prices Head Lower as Circle IPO Revives Memories of the Coinbase Top

Magic Eden lies about Trump Wallet partnership

1. https://x.com/MagicEden/status/1929955044725583993
2. https://x.com/BitcoinMagazine/status/1929943367892283828
3. https://x.com/DonaldJTrumpJr/status/1929965961341247842
4. https://x.com/EricTrump/status/1930014390280966434
5. Trump crypto wallet announcement spirals into confusion
6. Trump Family Hits Magic Eden With Cease-and-Desist Over Crypto Wallet Plans: Bloomberg

Pump.fun plans a $1B token sale at $4B

1. https://blockworks.co/news/pumpdotfun-token-sale
2. https://x.com/Tyler_Did_It/status/1929996148976050505
3. https://x.com/watchingmarkets/status/1930164720268382301
4. https://x.com/wizardofsoho/status/1930619480599633965

French Crypto Kidnapper Caught

1. https://cointelegraph.com/news/alleged-mastermind-behind-french-crypto-kidnappings-arrested-in-morocco
2. https://x.com/BitcoinNewsCom/status/1922339312353345849
3. https://x.com/MasonVersluis/status/1930012969729175947

Trump x Elon = Over?

1. https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930722828481098043
2. https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1930796810928599163 
3. http://x.com/LoganPaul/status/1930751706653954076
4. https://cointelegraph.com/news/bitcoin-price-decline-long-positions-liquidated-donald-trump-elon-musk-feud
5. https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/06/05/bitcoin-threatens-100k-crypto-losses-grow-as-musktrump-feud-goes-nuclear