The Other Side of the Bitcoin: Crypto & Corruption w/Ben McKenzie | The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart

As cryptocurrency continues to embed itself in American politics, Jon is joined by Ben McKenzie, author of “Easy Money” and director of “Everyone Is Lying to You for Money.” Together, they investigate why digital currency appeals to those failed by traditional finance, examine how crypto reproduces and amplifies the same exploitative dynamics with even less regulation, and explore how it undermines democratic institutions while enriching the insiders closest to power. Plus, Jon talks pardons, TDS, and DMs!

0:00 – Intro
02:52 – Ben McKenzie Joins
05:24 – What Exactly is Crypto?
16:30 – One Fundamental Critique of Crypto
30:56 – A Solution in Search of a Problem
35:41 – Bitcoin vs. “Sh*tcoins”
42:16 – Political Corruption & Regulation
55:12 – What are “Stable Coins”?
1:17:25 – Do the Banks Plead Ignorance?
1:22:23 – Breaking Down the Discussion

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About The Weekly Show:
On Mondays, Jon Stewart hosts The Daily Show, but on Thursdays he hosts The Weekly Show — A podcast featuring in- depth conversations with special guests that explores the biggest threats to our democracy. Also hear from producers and friends of the show who discuss the latest headlines, what’s on their minds, and more!

The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart releases new episodes every Thursday wherever you get your podcasts & full episode is available on YouTube, Fridays at 9AM ET.

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