In a bold move that underlines just how far crypto has come in the mainstream political discourse, Coinbase has invested a whopping $25 million into an NFT—a digital asset—designed to bring back “UpOnly”, the crypto podcast that once captured the wild energy of the last big bull run.
The move isn’t just about entertainment. By resuscitating a cultural touchstone from the roaring days of crypto, Coinbase is signaling confidence not just in Bitcoin’s price, but in the broader influence of on society and, more crucially, politics.
The Stakes: Why $25 Million for a Podcast?
For those outside the space, spending millions on an NFT tied to a podcast might seem outlandish. But for insiders, it’s a sign of increasingly high-stakes battles for cultural legitimacy. Crypto companies have been at the sharp end of regulatory fights with Washington, each side angling for young Americans’ trust and attention.
Coinbase, as the largest U.S.-based crypto exchange, has frequently clashed with regulatory bodies like the . By investing heavily in a media platform, Coinbase is doubling down on grassroots influence—exactly the kind of soft power that shapes how the next generation views digital liberty, financial freedom, and political engagement.
Beyond the Meme: Crypto, Media, and the 2024 Election
As we speed toward the next U.S. presidential election, crypto policy has become a wedge issue. Lawmakers ranging from Elizabeth Warren to Ron DeSantis have taken bold stances, and recent hearings in Congress underscore just how politicized Bitcoin and blockchain have become.
UpOnly’s revival isn’t just nostalgia—it’s a play in the ongoing battle for mindshare among young voters, who consistently rank financial autonomy and technology as top political concerns. Political analysts recognize that Gen Z and Millennials, raised on decentralized apps and meme culture, could push candidates to take definitive stances on .
Why Young Voters Should Care Now
Right now, the political power of your favorite crypto podcast might seem indirect—but think again. The fight for crypto regulation will determine who controls your financial future: Wall Street, Washington, or you. As Coinbase and other platforms ramp up their investment in media, they’re not just selling coins—they’re staking a claim for the hearts, minds, and votes of America’s digital natives.
Whether you’re in for the tech, the memes, or the politics, watch what happens next. Crypto isn’t just about making money; it’s becoming a force in shaping the future of policy, freedom, and the very definition of wealth in America.
