Crypto went from being laughed out of the room in Washington to becoming one of the most aggressive forces in modern lobbying. Now, it’s not just part of the conversation, it’s reshaping the rules from the inside.
Kristin Smith, CEO of the Blockchain Association, reveals the real dynamics between crypto and Capitol Hill. Amanda and Kristin unpack how crypto gained power in DC and what it actually takes to keep it. They explore the anatomy of influence, how relationships are built, how policy narratives are crafted, and why building in the open won’t matter if the industry doesn’t defend itself in the halls of power.
TIMESTAMPS:
00:00 Understanding Lobbying: A Primer
03:04 The Life of a Lobbyist: Daily Activities and Challenges
06:10 The Evolution of Crypto Lobbying in Washington
09:02 From Zero to Hero: Crypto's Journey in Politics
12:05 The Role of Relationships in Lobbying
15:03 The Impact of Sam Bankman-Fried on Crypto Lobbying
18:12 Navigating Regulatory Capture in the Crypto Space
20:54 The Future of Crypto Lobbying and Industry Influence
29:20 Understanding Crypto Advocacy Organizations
35:59 The Political Landscape of Crypto
43:02 Legislative Efforts and Industry Influence
49:51 Kristin's Transition to Solana
51:56 Bridging the Gap Between Crypto and Washington
RESOURCES:
Kristin on X: https://x.com/KMSmithDC
Subscribe to Endgame: https://www.youtube.com/@endgamepodcast
Amanda on X: https://x.com/amandacassatt
Serotonin on X: https://x.com/serotonin
Endgame on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6iSvbKOJWoEPiAoGmiulkd
Endgame on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/endgame-with-amanda-cassatt/id1801809440
