Picture this: a crypto podcast so iconic it’s practically a time capsule of the 2021 bull market, memes, moon-talk, and all. Now imagine Coinbase, the buttoned-up crypto giant, dropping a cool $25 million to bring it back from the dead. Oh, and it’s all tied to a single NFT that’s basically a golden ticket to make two podcasters perform like dancing monkeys. Welcome to the UpOnly situation, the wildest crypto story of October 2025 that’s got X talking with memes and FOMO. Buckle up, this one’s a riot.
Of course, these two aren’t the real hosts
What’s UpOnlyTV? A Quick Rewind
If you missed the 2021 crypto craze, UpOnlyTV was the podcast where hosts Cobie (aka Jordan Fish) and Ledger Status served up raw, unfiltered takes on markets, scams, and shenanigans. Think of it as crypto’s version of a dive bar, gritty, hilarious, and packed with big names like Do Kwon (post-Terra implosion) and even Martin “Pharma Bro” Shkreli. From Ethereum’s Merge to the FTX meltdown, they covered it all with zero chill. The show went quiet in the 2022 bear market, but its episodes on uponly.tv remain a nostalgic hit for crypto OGs.
The NFT That Started It All
Fast-forward to 2025, and Cobie, ever the mad genius, minted a one-of-a-kind UpOnly NFT. This isn’t your average Bored Ape. The prize? The buyer gets to force Cobie and Ledger to produce an 8-episode season of UpOnlyTV. But here’s the kicker, straight from the NFT’s on-chain fine print:
- No sponsorships or script control. The hosts can roast the buyer on air, calling them a “stupid person who bought this thing” if they feel like it.
- Guests and topics? Totally up to Cobie and Ledger. They might take suggestions if the buyer’s “interesting enough” (good luck with that).
- If the NFT is burned (destroyed on the blockchain), the duo has just three months to drop the new season.
It’s less a purchase and more a chaotic bet on crypto’s most bold voices. And who took the bait? None other than Coinbase.
Coinbase’s $25M Power Move
On October 20, 2025, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong confirmed the exchange shelled out $25 million in USDC for this NFT in a single, eyebrow-raising on-chain transaction. No press release, no fanfare, just a blockchain flex that sent X into a meme explosion. Why would Coinbase, known for playing it safe, drop millions to revive a podcast that might just mock them? Here’s the tea:
- Bull Market Vibes: With crypto heating up in 2025, a rebooted UpOnly could be Coinbase’s ticket to winning over retail traders. Picture branded episodes hyping up the next Bitcoin run, chaotic, but effective.
- Cultural Appeal: UpOnly isn’t just a podcast; it’s a crypto culture relic. Snagging it is like buying the rights to Woodstock for millennials. It’s a bold move to own the narrative.
- Meme Fuel: X users are losing it, joking about Coinbase “buying back the bull market vibes” or Cobie and Ledger dedicating an episode to clowning their new bosses. One viral post joked, “Coinbase just paid $25M to get roasted on stream, peak crypto.”
Why This Is Peak Crypto Absurdity
This deal is less about podcasts and more about crypto’s love for the absurd. A $25M NFT to force a show revival? It’s performance art. It’s a middle finger to traditional media. And it’s a reminder that crypto thrives on bold, weird bets. Fans are already hyped for a new season, speculating on dream guests (Vitalik? Saylor? A random memecoin dev?) and whether Cobie and Ledger will lean into the chaos or play nice with Coinbase.
Oh, and let’s clear up a side note: there’s a Solana memecoin called $UPONLY (unrelated, but Cobie burned $17M of its supply last year for laughs) and a separate $UPO token for some play-to-earn data thing. But the NFT deal is the real “situation” lighting up feeds.
What’s Next?
Will UpOnlyTV return with its signature attitude, or will it go corporate? Nobody knows, but the crypto world is watching, and memeing, like it’s 2021 all over again. For now, head to uponly.tv to binge old episodes and catch the vibe. And if you’re on X, search #UpOnlyNFT for the latest roasts and hot takes.
In crypto, the only thing crazier than the markets is the culture. Coinbase just bet $25M on that truth. Let’s see if it pays off, or if Cobie and Ledger just take the money and run. This article is for entertainment and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always do your own research and consult with financial professionals before making investment decisions. For more crypto insights, visit blog.millionero.com. When you’re ready to trade, explore spot and perpetual futures on Millionero, your gateway to the crypto market.