Episode 4: Crypto’s Next Phase? Utility, Regulation & Institutional Adoption

After a short break for Good Friday, JR and Leon return to break down the week’s biggest stories in the world of crypto, fintech, and decentralization.

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