In this episode of Rabbit Hole, Dave Nadig sits down with Teddy Fusaro, President of Bitwise Asset Management, to dive deep into the mechanics and implications of Bitcoin ETFs. They break down how creations and redemptions really work, the SEC’s role in shaping the market, custody and compliance issues, and what the future of tokenization may hold. If you’ve ever wondered how crypto and traditional finance connect at the ETF level, this conversation offers a rare inside look from one of the industry’s leaders.
Topics Covered:
Evolution of ETFs and lessons for crypto ETFs
How Bitcoin ETF creations and redemptions actually work
The SEC’s restrictions and why cash creations dominated early on
Transition to in-kind creations and their efficiency benefits
Concerns around custody, AML/KYC, and “bad” Bitcoin
Transparency of the blockchain and proof of reserves
Custody risk, Coinbase’s role, and future diversification
Common myths: paper Bitcoin, tax advantages, and wash sales
Why large holders are moving into ETFs (estate planning, collateral, convenience)
How this paves the way for multi-asset crypto ETFs
The bold future: tokenized ETFs and on-chain finance
Timestamps:
00:00 – Bitcoin ETFs and echoes of past ETF debates
01:19 – Introduction of Teddy Fusaro, President of Bitwise
02:59 – ETFs as “weapons of financial mass destruction” concerns
04:12 – SEC’s stance on in-kind creations and custody rules
07:00 – How cash creations work in practice
10:59 – Benchmark pricing and execution in Bitcoin markets
14:28 – Transition to in-kind creations and cost savings
20:05 – AML/KYC concerns and custody protections
23:11 – Transparency of blockchain and proof of reserves
26:50 – Coinbase custody and single-custodian risk
31:00 – SAB 121 and the rise of traditional custodians in crypto
32:08 – Myths about tax advantages and wash trading
35:12 – Why big Bitcoin holders are moving into ETFs
37:47 – Implications for multi-coin ETFs
39:00 – Future of tokenization and on-chain ETFs
40:33 – Closing thoughts and where to follow Teddy
ETF innovation or madness?
In this episode of Rabbithole, Dave Nadig is joined by Bloomberg’s Eric Balchunas for a candid and wide-ranging conversation on the explosion of new ETFs—some useful, some ridiculous, and some outright dangerous. They debate where the line should be drawn between investor freedom and regulatory responsibility, why the current ETF boom feels different, and whether the rise of private markets and derivatives in ETFs is creating cracks in the financial system. From yield-maxing “hot sauce” products to private equity in public wrappers, this is a no-holds-barred look at where the ETF industry is heading.
🔍 Topics Discussed:
Why not all ETF buyers are your mom—and why that matters
The ETF rating philosophy: truth in labeling over moral judgment
ESG ETFs and the dangers of overpromising
The rise of “YieldMax” style products and their behavioral appeal
Are leveraged and options-based ETFs pushing the ecosystem too far?
ETF structure vs. mutual funds during liquidity crises
When ETFs outgrow their underlying markets (and what that breaks)
The problem with private equity ETFs and mark-to-myth pricing
Buffers, derivatives, and the new face of retail-friendly structured products
Eric’s crypto ETF thoughts, hopes for a uranium spot ETF, and more
What does it mean to come of age during chaos—and how does that shape the generations who must lead us through it? In this thought-provoking episode of Rabbit Hole, Dave Nadig speaks with Neil Howe—author of The Fourth Turning Is Here—about the evolving role of Gen X in today's world, the generational dynamics underpinning societal shifts, and what history teaches us about crisis, community, and rebirth. This is not just a theory session—it’s a practical guide to understanding where we are in the cycle and what might come next.Topics Covered:
Why generational transitions are slowing—and why that matters
The Gen X identity crisis: from latchkey kids to future elders
How community rises from conflict during fourth turnings
Millennials' collective investing mindset vs. Gen X contrarianism
The historical role of financial repression and inflation in crises
Parallels between Gen X and the Lost Generation
How institutions are built—and who builds them
Will the next societal reboot be state-driven or community-driven?
Global synchronization of generational crises and what that implies
What comes after the fourth turning—and how Gen X fits into it
For transcripts, commentary and further reading, visit https://www.nadig.com/
Join Dave Nadig as he dives deep into the complex world of ETF tax strategies with expert Brent Sullivan from Tax Alpha Insider. In this illuminating conversation, they break down the often misunderstood concept of "return of capital" distributions in ETFs and how these can impact your investment strategy and tax planning.
## Key Topics Covered:
- What return of capital actually means and how it works in different market conditions
- The origin of return of capital in Master Limited Partnership (MLP) ETFs
- How modern buy-write and covered call strategies utilize return of capital
- Tax implications when your cost basis reaches zero
- Potential downsides and risks of aggressive return of capital strategies
- How ETF sponsors manufacture return of capital through tax-loss harvesting
- The difference between capital gains and ordinary income in distribution planning
- What investors should track and monitor when investing in these products
- How to find reliable information about an ETF's distribution characterization
In this initial episode of Rabbithole, Dave Nadig explores the psychology of money and investing with Barry Ritholtz, author of "How Not to Invest."
Their conversation challenges conventional financial wisdom and reveals insights about what money is, and how we use and invest it.
Key topics include:
Why money is a tool for freedom and agency, not a store of value or end goal
How childhood experiences shape our lifelong money behaviors and attitudes
Why market crashes affect us differently at various life stages
The dangers of algorithmic social media and information overload for investors
Why avoiding mistakes is more important than chasing extraordinary returns
Rethinking Bitcoin and other investments through better framing
The wisdom of humility in financial decision-making
Barry shares candid personal stories and draws on decades of experience as a trader, strategist, and wealth manager to identify the ideas, numbers, and behaviors that typically destroy wealth.
Buy Barry's Book
https://amzn.to/3F7APZP
