The Peter McCormack Show

Mark Moss is a serial entrepreneur, author, speaker and host of The Mark Moss Show. In this interview, we discuss how to play the game of money, using debt and inflation to your advantage and how to retire off Bitcoin. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/how-to-play-the-money-game This episode's sponsors: Iren - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13 Casa - Take control of your digital wealth

Bitcoin Mechanic is a Bitcoin educator and Chief Boiling Officer at OCEAN. In this interview, we discuss the issues with arbitrary data on the Bitcoin blockchain, if filters can work as well as OCEAN mining pool and the need for greater decentralisation in mining. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-battle-for-bitcoin-with-bitcoin-mechanic This episode's sponsors: IREN - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13 Casa - Take control of your digital wealth

Andy Edstrom is a financial advisor, and the author of Why Buy Bitcoin.Bitcoin. In this interview, we discuss Michael Saylor's Bitcoin strategy, Bitcoin vs gold & real estate as well as demand, adoption and the four year cycle. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/michael-saylors-bitcoin-moonshot-revisited This episode's sponsors: IREN - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13 Casa - Take control of your digital wealth

David Seroy is a ZK rollup researcher. In this interview, we discuss the tradeoffs when scaling Bitcoin, the reality of ZK rollups in theory vs in practice as well as, the fee market and MEV on Bitcoin. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-challenge-of-scaling-bitcoin This episode's sponsors: IREN - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13 Casa - Take control of your digital wealth

Nik Bhatia is the founder of 'The Bitcoin Layer' & author of 'Layered Money'. In this interview, we discuss Bitcoin as an optimal base layer for the financial system, how the largest economic actors may be allocating to Bitcoin, and where the price could go. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoin-etfs-have-changed-the-game This episode's sponsors: IREN - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13 Casa - Take control of your digital wealth Bitcoin Policy Summit - Washington, D.C - April 9th, 2024

Grant McCarty is the Co-Executive Director of the Bitcoin Policy Institute. In this interview, we discuss evangelism and the Bitcoin revolution, why BPI is a crucial resource, flawed incentives in the education system, journalism and the shifting perception of Bitcoin. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-maturing-bitcoin-narrative This episode's sponsors: Iren - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13 Casa - Take control of your digital wealth Bitcoin Policy Summit - Washington, D.C - April 9th, 2024

Raphael Zagury is a CIO at Swan Bitcoin. In this interview, we discuss Bitcoin adoption, how the ETFs changed everything, Bitcoin vs real estate and Bitcoin portfolio allocation. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-perfect-bitcoin-allocation This episode's sponsors: Iren - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13 Casa - Take control of your digital wealth Bitcoin Policy Summit - Washington, D.C - April 9th, 2024

Dhruv Bansal is a co-founder of Unchained Capital. In this interview, we discuss how Satoshi approached creating Bitcoin, Bitcoin's deep relationship with time, how markets drive decentralisation, and scaling vs ossification. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoin-satoshis-vision This episode's sponsors: Iren - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13 Casa - Take control of your digital wealth Bitcoin Policy Summit - Washington, D.C - April 9th, 2024

Samson Mow is the CEO at JAN3, the developer of Aqua Bitcoin, architect of Bitcoin Bonds and CEO at PixelMatic. In this interview, we discuss orange pilling nation states, scaling bitcoin to billions with Liquid and AQUA, and why he thinks Bitcoin could reach $1 million by 2025. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-case-for-1-million-bitcoin This episode's sponsors: Iren - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13

The Rational Root is a Bitcoin on-chain & cycle analyst. In this interview, we discuss the pace of the current bull market, the impact of spot ETFs, what we can expect post-halving, and changing dynamics in the market. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoins-biggest-bull-run This episode's sponsors: IREN - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13

Checkmate is Glassnode's Lead On-chain Analyst and creator of checkonchain. In this interview, we discuss the validity of on-chain data, the different phases of the market, the impact of spot Bitcoin ETFs & how Wall St are coming for your Bitcoin. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-wall-street-bull-market This episode's sponsors: Iren - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13

Grant Gilliam is the co-founder and Managing Partner at Ten31. In this interview, we discuss the state of venture capital in Bitcoin, the importance of sats flow, and Bitcoin treasury strategies. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-bitcoin-strategy This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13

Doomberg is an anonymous collective producing the world's most popular financial substack. In this interview, we discuss why 2024 could be bullish for gold, global monetary warfare, the role of Bitcoin and the chaos of the election year. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-year-of-sound-money-with-doomberg This episode's sponsors: Iren - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here OpenSats - Support free and open source contributors CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13 PlebLab - Startup Day - March 14 2023

John Light is a bitcoin researcher working on product at Sovryn and previously the ZK-Rollup Research Fellow at the Human Rights Foundation. In this interview, we discuss rollups on Bitcoin, privacy & scaling and scaling bitcoin in a self sovereign way. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/scaling-bitcoin-privately This episode's sponsors: Iren - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here OpenSats - Support free and open source contributors CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13 PlebLab - Startup Day - March 14 2024

John Arnold is a Principal at Ten31. In this interview, we compare tradfi to bitcoin, discuss Bitcoin's total addressable market, why bitcoin is a paradigm shift for businesses and how Bitcoin is eating the world. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoin-is-eating-the-world This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here OpenSats - Support free and open source contributors CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13

Dennis Porter is the CEO & co-founder of the Satoshi Action Fund. In this interview, we discuss Satoshi Action Fund's mission, the importance of self custody, working with regulators and the challenges of pushing pro-bitcoin regulation. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-right-to-bitcoin This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here OpenSats - Support free and open source contributors CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13

Macro Alf is the founder of The Macro Compass, an investment strategy firm. In this interview, we discuss government spending, debt & deficits as well as the death of the dollar and the role of Bitcoin in the macroeconomic environment. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/will-the-dollar-implode This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here OpenSats - Support free and open source contributors CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13

Shinobi is a pseudonymous Bitcoin educator and the technical editor at Bitcoin Magazine. In this interview, we discuss scaling bitcoin in a self-sovereign way, covenants, OP_CAT and Bitcoin development culture & risks. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-bitcoin-scaling-dilemma This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here OpenSats - Support free and open source contributors CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13

Quoth The Raven is an independent financial researcher. In this interview, we discuss why he was sceptical about Bitcoin, his distrust in the traditional system, inflation & quantitative easing and what led to him changing his mind on Bitcoin. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-bitcoin-revolution This episode's sponsors: IREN - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13

Whitney Webb is an independent investigative journalist and founder of Unlimited Hangout & Mark Goodwin is Editor in Chief at Bitcoin Magazine. In this interview, we discuss the BlackRock ETF, their plans for a new financial system, media psy-ops & tokenizing everything. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/why-we-shouldnt-trust-blackrock This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13

Seb Bunney is the co-founder of Looking Glass Education and author of The Hidden Cost of Money. In this interview, we discuss what money is, the effect that broken money has on society, fiat incentives and how Bitcoin fixes this. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-hidden-cost-of-money This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here CheatCode - Bedford, UK - April 12-13

Colin Harper is Head of Research and Content at Luxor Technology. In this interview, we discuss Bitcoin adoption, media FUD, the impact of the halving on miners and we look back at the mining industry in 2023. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoin-adoption-the-halving-mining This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here

Sam Callahan is the Senior Analyst at Swan Bitcoin and host of Swan Signal. In this interview, we discuss hyperbitcoinisation, the Bank for International Settlement, and the threat of central bank digital currencies. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoins-cbdc-shadow This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Braiins - Bitcoin Mining Company

Carla Kirk-Cohen is a software engineer working on the Lightning Network at Chaincode Labs & a Board Member at Btrust. In this interview, we discuss bitcoin development & how it is currently funded, development culture & the state of the Lightning Network. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoin-dev-culture This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Swan Bitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Braiins - Bitcoin Mining Company

Harry Sudock is the Chief Strategy Officer at Griid. In this interview, we discuss the importance of Bitcoin third places, censorship, ETFs & adoption, bitcoin mining and whether Bitcoin has just crossed the Chasm. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/is-bitcoin-crossing-the-chasm-with-harry-sudock This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Braiins - Bitcoin Mining Company

Preston Pysh is a co-founder of The Investor Podcast Network and Nico Lechuga is a General Partner at Ego Death Capital. In this interview, we discuss Bitcoin's compound growth, how to gauge bitcoin adoption and how bitcoin is repricing the world. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/repricing-the-world-in-bitcoin This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan Braiins - Bitcoin Mining Company

Sam Abbassi is the founder and CEO of Hoseki and Xander Carpousis is Chief Revenue Officer at Hoseki. In this interview, we discuss the launch of the Bitcoin ETFs and the importance of transparency, proof of reserves and gold vs Bitcoin. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/avoiding-the-bitcoin-etf-rug-pull This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Marty Bent is a Venture Partner at Ten31 and founder of the Bitcoin-focused media company TFTC.io, Harry Sudock is Chief Strategy Officer at Griid and Parker Lewis is a Bitcoin writer and educator and Head of Business Development at Zaprite. In this interview, we discussed bitcoin mining, regulations, ETFs and Bitcoin culture wars. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/live-in-nashville-bent-sudock-lewis This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Dylan LeClair is a Bitcoin and macro analyst working for Bitcoin Magazine. In this interview, we discuss the pros and cons of spot ETFs, Bitcoin accelerationism and the culture war around ordinals and inscriptions. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/accelerate-bitcoin This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably itcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Pete Rizzo is the editor of Bitcoin Magazine, and one of Bitcoin's leading journalists. In this interview, we discuss the role of Ordinals, Inscriptions and BRC20 tokens, whether they are a positive or negative for Bitcoin and the growing divide in Bitcoin culture. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-bullish-case-for-ordinals This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Dave Smith is a comedian and host of 'Part Of The Problem Podcast'. In this interview, we discuss libertarianism, government responses to COVID and the political climate in the UK and US. We also reflect on economic challenges facing individuals, particularly the younger generation's struggle with housing affordability, whilst critiquing government control over money and how Bitcoin limits this power. The episode also covers the role of comedians in defending free speech. - - - - In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with the legend that is Dave Smith, comedian, political commentator, and libertarian activist, to explore a myriad of topics that are shaping our world today. From the nuances of libertarianism to the transformative potential of Bitcoin, our conversation delved into the heart of current societal and economic challenges. We covered the government's response to the pandemic, the influence of experts and politicians, and the pressing need to counter propaganda. The conversation progressed to the role of libertarianism in politics and the common misconceptions that cloud its true essence. We then discussed the societal impacts of social media, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the rise of feminism. Economic issues are at the heart of a lot of societies' pivotal problems, such as the growing wealth divide and the impact of inflation on everyday life. We shared stories of individuals struggling to afford housing and basic necessities, despite their hard work. These stories speak to the erosion of the middle class and the direction of society as the concept of money loses its value and the government's control over the money supply is shown to be a charade. The rising cost of living and its effects led us to the topic of Bitcoin. Dave articulated his support for it as a tool to challenge government control over money, underscoring its potential to prevent wars and promote peace. Our conversation ended with us celebrating the crucial role of comedians in safeguarding freedom of expression, underscoring the importance of challenging authority and advocating for liberty in an ever-changing world. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-orange-pill This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Hunter Horsley is the Co-founder and CEO of Bitwise. In this interview, we discuss the launch of the Bitcoin ETFs, including the impact on investors and the investment market, and the broader implications for the monetary system and the future of Bitcoin. We talk about regulatory challenges and the importance of educating financial advisors on Bitcoin. The conversation also covers the mechanics of ETFs, the role of authorized participants and the services Bitwise provide. - - - - The approval of the Bitcoin ETFs marks a historic moment, akin to the launch of the first gold ETF in 2003, and sets the stage for future developments in the ETF space. However, the road to launching a Bitcoin ETF has been fraught with regulatory hurdles and challenges. Hunter Horsley sheds light on the arduous process Bitwise underwent to obtain approval for their ETF. One of the most significant advantages of a Bitcoin ETF is providing a regulated and disciplined investment option for Bitcoin. Hunter highlights how ETFs offer investors peace of mind and protection against risks, which is particularly beneficial for retirement accounts like IRAs. The introduction of the ETF has also led to a substantial reduction in fees, making Bitcoin investment more accessible and cost-effective. We discuss how the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs has changed the landscape for financial advisors. Historically, advisors were reluctant to recommend Bitcoin due to its volatility and perceived risks. However, the ETF provides a more secure and familiar investment vehicle, which is shifting attitudes in the market. Hunter stresses the need for education and resources to help advisors incorporate Bitcoin into their clients' portfolios. Hunter foresees a future where most investment portfolios will include some allocation towards Bitcoin. This shift could introduce a significant new buyer into the market. With the macroeconomic backdrop, potential rate cuts, and the upcoming halving, there is optimism about the setup and potential benefits for investors. There is now real potential for Bitcoin to become a relevant asset for long-term-oriented investors. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/orange-pilling-wall-street This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Lyn Alden is a macroeconomist and investment strategist. In this interview, we discuss the challenges of promoting Bitcoin and its growing acceptance in mainstream media and finance. We delve into Bitcoin scaling, the trade-offs between self-sovereignty and convenience, and the need for education to onboard new users. The episode also covers Bitcoin's role in countries with economic challenges, the empowerment it offers individuals and its transformative potential in society. - - - - Promoting Bitcoin is no walk in the park. We, as advocates, face resistance from various entities. The scepticism isn't surprising, given the disruptive nature of Bitcoin, but it underscores the need for persistent education to change perceptions and address the biases that often cloud the true potential of this technology. In this latest podcast with Lyn Alden, we dissect the multifaceted nature of Bitcoin, its challenges, and its profound impact on the global stage. We discuss the marked shift in how Bitcoin is being portrayed in the media, which could signal a move towards hyperbitcoinization – the point where Bitcoin becomes the predominant form of money globally. We also touched on the impact of ETFs on Bitcoin, which could potentially bring more mainstream acceptance and investment into the cryptocurrency space. I questioned Lyn regarding one of the most contentious topics surrounding Bitcoin i.e. its environmental impact. The energy consumption narrative has been a sticking point for critics, yet Bitcoin mining can incentivize renewable energy development and provide a use case for excess energy that would otherwise go to waste. Moreover, the positive effects of Bitcoin projects in Africa, where access to energy can be a challenge, demonstrate the nuanced relationship between Bitcoin and the environment. A significant part of our discussion revolved around the scaling of Bitcoin and the concept of self-sovereignty. As Bitcoin grows, the base chain becomes more expensive to use, raising questions about the trade-offs between self-sovereignty and convenience. We talk about the role of the Lightning Network and the importance of education in onboarding new users. We also cover the concept of "mints", which could revolutionize the way Bitcoin is managed and distributed. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-economics-of-bitcoin-scaling This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

James Seyffart is an analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence covering ETFs, and Alex Thorn is the Head of Firmwide Research at Galaxy. In this interview, we explore the implications of the recently launched Bitcoin ETFs. We delve into the mechanics of ETF trading, analyse how ETFs might reduce Bitcoin's volatility, and speculate on the future introduction of Ethereum ETFs and their potential effects. - - - - There's an old joke about waiting ages for a bus only for three to finally arrive at once. Well, after a decade of submissions, arguments and delays, 11 Bitcoin spot ETFs were given the green light by the SEC on Wednesday 10th January, then launched onto the market on Thursday 11th January where they attracted $4.6 billion in investment. This broke records for ETF investment. I have had the chance to speak to Alex Thorn and James Seyffart about this seismic event. But what exactly are Bitcoin ETFs, and how do they function? In essence, these financial instruments allow investors to buy and sell shares that represent a certain amount of Bitcoin, so individuals can invest in Bitcoin without the complexities of directly buying, storing, and securing the asset. The value of each share is pegged to a fraction of a Bitcoin, making it more accessible to retail traders and opening the door for a broader audience to participate in the Bitcoin market. One of the most intriguing aspects of Bitcoin ETFs is their potential to dampen the volatility of Bitcoin's spot market. A substantial portion of Bitcoin will now be held in advisor accounts, which are not prone to frequent trading. This shift could lead to more stability in the market, as Bitcoin is placed in "stronger hands." Bitcoin ETFs might also alter the pattern of surges in altcoin prices, as Bitcoin becomes less readily available for quick trades into other cryptocurrencies. The revolutionary nature of Bitcoin and its potential to empower individuals cannot be overstated. We reflected on the need for broader support from institutions and investors to unlock Bitcoin's full potential. Regulatory challenges, such as proposed AML legislation, pose significant hurdles that could impact competitiveness, market growth and restrictions on Bitcoin's use. It's crucial therefore for ETF issuers to promote the true value of Bitcoin and oppose restrictive legislation. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-arrival-of-bitcoin-etfs This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Aaron Van Wirdum is a Bitcoin journalist and author of 'The Genesis Book'. In this interview, we discuss the history of Bitcoin, including the importance of consensus algorithms and public key cryptography, early scepticism towards Bitcoin from cypherpunks, Satoshi's decision to remain anonymous, and its fixed monetary policy. We also talk about the influence of Austrian economics on Bitcoin's foundation, and the significance of privacy in digital transactions. - - - - The esteemed journalist Aaron Van Wirdum has authored a new book on the origins of Bitcoin called 'The Genesis Book'. Our discussion naturally focuses on the influence of Austrian economics: Aaron explains how Hayek's ideas about money supply were instrumental in shaping Bitcoin's principles, and how the cypherpunk movement of the 90s aspired to create technologies beyond government control - echoing Hayek's vision of market-driven money. We examine the reasons behind the failure of early digital cash projects and the lessons learned that paved the way for Bitcoin's success. Hashcash and its Proof of Work (PoW) concept, developed by Adam Back, was a key innovation contributing to the creation of Bitcoin. Equally important was the role of cypherpunks in exploring electronic scarcity and the transferability of digital cash, particularly Nick Szabo's efforts in addressing the double spend problem. Aaron explains how Bitcoin emerged, and the significance of its white paper in introducing a novel approach that integrated currency creation technology and consensus algorithms through PoW. Reflecting on the early days of Bitcoin, we discussed the initial reaction towards Bitcoin's proposal from the cypherpunk movement and the importance of the mailing list. We also touch upon the significance of Satoshi's anonymity and the timing of Bitcoin's launch. This episode is a deep dive into the confluence of history, economics, and cryptography that has shaped the world of Bitcoin and digital currency. As we explored the origins, challenges, and innovations that have led us to this point, including the critical Blocksize wars. The journey of Bitcoin is as much about the past as it is about the future. And, it's a narrative that continues to unfold. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-genesis-of-bitcoin This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Giacomo Zucco is a Bitcoin educator, John Carvalho is CEO of Synonym, and Matt Corallo is a Bitcoin Core developer and open-source engineer at Block/Spiral. In this interview, we discuss how to scale Bitcoin while maintaining self-sovereignty. - - - - The best way to scale Bitcoin has been a hot topic since its inception. Whether it be through Bitcoin-backed banks as Hal Finney suggested back in 2010, increasing the throughput on the Bitcoin blockchain, layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network, or federated custodian options like Fedimints. Over the past year, the surge in Bitcoin transaction fees, largely attributed to the emergence of BRC20 tokens, ordinals, and inscriptions, has once again brought the topic of scaling Bitcoin to the forefront of conversation. High fees have priced smaller transactions out of the market, and the Lightning Network, hailed as a potential solution to scalability challenges, has faced some initial hurdles. The different scaling solutions all have different trade-offs. Trustlessness and trust minimization are key tenets of Bitcoin, ensuring that users do not need to trust any central authority or third party. The Lightning Network aligns with these principles as it enables trustless, peer-to-peer transactions, reducing the need for custodial services and enhancing individual control over funds. While Bitcoin's primary focus is on decentralization and self-sovereignty, some developments, such as the concept of the "Wallet of Satoshi" or Bitcoin ETFs, aim to make Bitcoin more accessible and user-friendly to a broader audience. Wallet of Satoshi is a custodial Lightning wallet designed to simplify the user experience, while Bitcoin ETFs provide a means for traditional investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding the asset. These developments have the potential to expand Bitcoin's adoption, but may raise concerns about centralization and counterparty risk. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/scaling-bitcoin-with-zucco-carvalho-corallo This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your Bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Rachel Geyer is Head of Education at Terahash, co-founder of Les Femmes Orange and Vice-Chair of the European Bitcoin Energy Association. In this interview, we delve into Bitcoin's role in addressing energy challenges and fostering sustainable mining practices in Europe. We also discuss the formation of the EBEA, the importance of engaging with policymakers to prevent the banning of PoW and the growth of Bitcoin communities in Europe. - - - - Rachel Geyer's story is a testament to the transformative power of Bitcoin. Initially sceptical, her son's enthusiasm for the digital currency in 2017 piqued her interest. Rachel's growing fascination with Bitcoin spurred her to seek opportunities within the industry in her homeland of Germany. Her conviction that individuals should invest their talents domestically, especially in the context of Bitcoin, resonates with the idea that innovation can flourish anywhere. We discussed the intricacies of Bitcoin within the energy sector. Rachel stressed how individuals within companies could influence decision-makers by showcasing the benefits of Bitcoin mining. She shared Terahash's approach to showing how Bitcoin mining tackles energy challenges, including working with landfill companies and miners to create long-term, eco-friendly projects; a strategy that could have far-reaching implications for Europe's energy landscape. Contrary to the perception that Europe lags behind the US in Bitcoin adoption, Rachel provided a compelling argument for Europe's burgeoning Bitcoin scene. She pointed to the growth of meetups and projects in Germany, Austria, and Switzerland, and the development of Bitcoin innovations across the continent. These innovations are crucial for driving adoption and showcasing Europe's unique contributions to the Bitcoin ecosystem. Rachel also explained how Terahash is building a hash rate market for European investors, and the details behind them helping to establish the European Bitcoin Energy Association to promote the benefits of Bitcoin mining and defend Proof of Work. Collaboration is key, and Rachel emphasised the importance of engaging with policymakers, miners, and energy institutions to develop sustainable solutions. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoin-in-europe This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Allen Farrington is the co-author of 'Bitcoin Is Venice' and Eric Yakes is the author of 'The 7th Property'. In this interview, we do a deep dive into the future of the Bitcoin-centric financial system, focusing on self-sovereignty, scalability, and the future of banking. We also explore the potential of Bitcoin to serve as a superior form of money addressing issues of custody and sovereignty, and the separation of money from state influence. - - - - The development of Bitcoin's ecosystem is a balancing act: making Bitcoin scale whilst ensuring it maintains its offer as a medium for self-sovereignty. In this podcast, we discuss the current trade offs being debated within the community, focusing on the impact of high transaction costs, whether the Lightning Network equates to true self-sovereignty, a growing concern that UTXO ownership might become a privilege, and the role of covenants. The underlying issue is the potential for the community to develop a neutral financial system directed by market participants. We discuss the potential for Bitcoin to serve as a better form of money, particularly in terms of its scarcity, its speed and cost of movement benefits, and the potential for shared custody models. We address the risks and trade-offs associated with moving into a Bitcoin-centric financial system, particularly in terms of custody and sovereignty. Eric and Alan explore the idea of reducing information asymmetry and constraints within economies, and the implications for fractional reserve systems. They emphasize the importance of creating systems that increase information transparency and reduce the likelihood of fraudulent activities. The guests also discuss the proposal for "Ark", its prospective role in a Bitcoin financial system and its potential to address Lightning liquidity issues. As we move forward, it's clear that the Bitcoin ecosystem is at a crossroads, with emerging technologies offering both solutions and new challenges. The path to a Bitcoin-centric financial system is fraught with technical, economic, and philosophical questions that require our collective attention and ingenuity. This podcast is a chance to hear how two of the community's leading thinkers are collaborating to consider these complex issues. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/banking-bitcoin This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Lyn Alden is a macroeconomist and investment strategist. In this interview, we discuss the success of Lyn's book before delving into the complexities of the current economic landscape, including the correlation between global liquidity and asset prices, notably Bitcoin. The conversation covers the bond market, inflation measures, bank insolvency issues, and the impact of fiscal policies on the economy. Lyn also shares insights on Bitcoin's price cycles. - - - - Lyn Alden provides a comprehensive overview of the fiscal and monetary forces shaping 2023 in this podcast. She details how the Federal Reserve's tightening measures were counterbalanced by the Treasury's actions, leading to a stabilization in global liquidity measures. This balance is crucial for understanding asset price movements, with Bitcoin's sensitivity to liquidity dynamics serving as a prime example. We evaluated the Federal Reserve's performance, monetized fiscal deficits and the state of the bond market. Lyn acknowledged the central bank's challenges and the limitations of their tools in addressing fiscal deficits, a primary inflation driver. Despite relying on potentially outdated models and theories, the Fed has shown adaptability in adjusting policies to the economic climate. Albeit, the level of public debt and deficits may limit the central bank's control. Lyn posits that inflation, driven by unresolved fiscal issues and energy dynamics, could define the next decade. She discussed the historical context of high inflation and the role of gold and Bitcoin as hedges against currency crises, noting the increasing institutional interest in these alternative assets. We covered the outlook for Bitcoin in 2024, with Lyn underscoring the importance of viewing its price in logarithmic form, revealing a pattern of resilience and potential normalization among institutions. We also discussed the need for scaling solutions in Bitcoin to make interactions with the asset easier, cheaper, and more efficient. Lyn mentioned the possibility of soft forks and covenants, aiming to empower hubs in the Bitcoin network and improve the user experience. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/2024-the-year-of-the-bitcoin-bull This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Fran Finney is the widow of the legendary Hal Finney, who received the first Bitcoin transaction. In this interview, we discuss her husband's impact, their life together, and his battle with ALS. We also talk about the importance of Bitcoin, the challenges Hal and her faced due to harassment, and the concept of cryopreservation. The conversation also touches on the significance of fundraising for ALS research and how the Bitcoin community can contribute to this cause. - - - - Hal Finney was not only the first person to receive a Bitcoin transaction (Satoshi sent him 10 Bitcoins in January 2009 as a test), he was also the first person after Satoshi to download and run Bitcoin software. Hal came across the Bitcoin whitepaper through a Cypherpunks mailing list. As a champion of personal privacy, he saw the potential for Bitcoin to provide for censorship-resistant transactions. Driven by his concerns about government overreach in the digital age, Hal became a pioneer in the world of cryptography, gaining recognition for his part in the development of PGP. He was also part of a band of cypherpunks trying to develop a new form of money providing personal sovereignty. Hal co-authored the first paper detailing the concept of reusable cryptographic proofs of work, which would later be adapted in Bitcoin. Hal famously walked away from Bitcoin for a full year. During that time he was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Despite the debilitating nature of the disease, Finney continued to work tirelessly on Bitcoin's development until his passing on August 28, 2014. His untimely death left behind a legacy of innovation and a lasting impact on the foundation of the digital currency landscape. Despite his personal struggles, Hal Finney's intellect and relentless pursuit of knowledge cemented his place as a legendary figure in the world of cryptography and Bitcoin. In this podcast, I talk to Fran Finney, who is tirelessly committed to honouring his memory by raising funds for ALS victims and advocating for increased understanding of the disease. - ALS Golden West Running Bitcoin Challenge Join the WBD Team - ALS Golden West Running Bitcoin Challenge Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/running-bitcoin-with-fran-finney This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence OrangePillApp - Stack Friends Who Stack Sats SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Peter Van Valkenburgh is director of research at Coin Center. In this interview, we discuss Coin Center's role in educating lawmakers, analysing policy proposals, and advocating for reasonable regulations. Peter talks about their current lawsuits against the US Treasury and IRS, challenging the misapplication of tax and sanctions regulations. We also cover the changing dynamics of political support for Bitcoin and the challenges posed by figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren. - - - - Coin Center has been at the forefront of cryptocurrency policy issues since it launched in 2014. Initially, their work was focused on educating lawmakers about Bitcoin and blockchain technology. They addressed concerns about money laundering, emphasised the importance of privacy and speech rights, and explained the technology's potential. However, over time, Coin Center's work has expanded to include policy research and analysis. The non-profit group now examines how existing laws apply to crypto, and they promote reasonable regulations that protect innovation and constitutional rights. They also engage in lobbying efforts, presenting Congress with preferred solutions to policy problems. When these efforts are unsuccessful, they resort to lawsuits. Currently, they have two lawsuits against the US Treasury and IRS, challenging tax regulations and sanctions that harm privacy rights. In this podcast, we discussed the split opinions regarding crypto in US politics. Peter explained that the narrative around digital assets has shifted, partly due to influential figures like Senator Elizabeth Warren taking an anti-crypto stance, and partly due to the reputation damage caused by various actors in the space. We also discussed the emerging regulatory threats such as the use of the Bank Secrecy Act to impose strict regulations on core infrastructure providers. All of this work obviously has to be paid for. While Coin Center is financially stable, donations are still crucial as there will be more lawsuits and lobbying efforts in the future: for example, Coin Center may raise a future lawsuit challenging legislation that classifies Bitcoin miners as regulated entities. And, you can sign up for Coin Center's newsletter to find out the other ways you can help them play a crucial role in shaping a robust future for digital assets. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-unconstitutional-attack-on-privacy-with-peter-van-valkenburgh This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence OrangePillApp - Stack Friends Who Stack Sats SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Whitney Webb is an independent investigative journalist who founded Unlimited Hangout, which covers intelligence, tech, surveillance and civil liberties. In this interview, we discuss the importance of independent journalism, the challenges of media manipulation and the rise of tyranny. We also talk about the risks of AI, the influence of powerful figures like Elon Musk and the need for public scrutiny, and the potential co-opting of Bitcoin by powerful institutions. - - - - Whitney Webb left mainstream media to pursue independent investigative journalism, a decision driven by her commitment to sharing accurate information and encouraging readers to do their own research. In this interview, she highlighted the lack of coverage on certain topics by both mainstream and independent media. Whitney also emphasized the need to question the actions of those in power who have never been held accountable. We discussed the current state of the world, including the potential for global conflict and the rise of tyranny. Many people questioned the motives behind certain decisions made during the pandemic and raised concerns about the manipulation of information and the control exerted by those in power. We delved into the potential dangers of AI controlling and curating online content, as well as the cognitive impact of relying too heavily on AI. Our conversation shifted to the topic of Elon Musk and his mixed reputation. We questioned his true motivations and the extent of his influence, raising concerns about his ties to the government and his involvement in censorship on Twitter. Whitney highlighted the need to scrutinize the actions of powerful figures like Musk and not blindly trust their words. Finally, we talked about the potential co-opting of Bitcoin by powerful institutions and the need for people in the Bitcoin space to be aware of this. Whitney focused on the importance of personal responsibility and being aware of the push to regulate the internet and the destruction of the existing financial system. Powerful interests take advantage of events to grab more power, but their power grab can only succeed if we consent and give in to fear and panic. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence OrangePillApp - Stack Friends Who Stack Sats SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Jeff Booth is the Author of The Price of Tomorrow & General Partner at Ego Death Capital and Alex Gladstein is Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation. In this interview, we discuss the devastating effects of currency devaluation, the systemic issues of exploitation, debt, and inequality, and the potential of Bitcoin to provide economic hope and empowerment. - - - - In mid-November, the Malawian government announced a sharp devaluation of its currency, which resulted in instant price increases for commodities such as fuel and electricity of 40%. This has devastating effects on people already struggling to make ends meet. To add further insult, there is a serious lack of transparency in the process. The injustice of the situation is glaring, with no one held accountable for the harm caused by the devaluation. Our conversation touched on the hidden nature of modern-day slavery disguised as economics. We highlighted how the West's living standards are based on stealing resources and exploiting cheap labour from countries like Malawi. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) plays a role in ensuring cheap goods for the West, but their public statements focus on stabilising the world and reducing poverty. We also discussed the issue of wages in sub-Saharan African countries, which have not recovered from their peak in the 1970s. The impact of debt and interest payments on these countries' budgets is ruinous, with a significant percentage of their annual budget going towards paying off debt. The entire global economic system is based on theft, and the uncomfortable truth is that the rate of theft influences economic conditions in the West. Bitcoin, as a decentralised system, reveals the truth about what is happening in the world. Bitcoin allows individuals to protect themselves from devaluation and move into a system that doesn't constantly steal their wages. We were fortunate to see how Bitcoin can bring positive change to countries like Malawi, where Bitcoin mining is enabling a remote village to utilise hydro energy to power the village and generate income. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoin-a-30000ft-view This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence OrangePillApp - Stack Friends Who Stack Sats SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Perianne Boring is the Founder and CEO of the Chamber of Digital Commerce. In this interview, we discuss Senator Elizabeth Warren's stance on crypto, her proposed anti-crypto legislation and the status of Bitcoin ETFs. We talk about the political system, the influence of special interest groups and the need for reform. Perinanne explains why engagement with policymakers is critical, and how she is fighting for the future of Bitcoin and the digital asset industry. - - - - Senator Warren has made a name for herself as a progressive Democrat who champions consumer protection. Following the Great Financial Crisis, but before entering the Senate, Warren proposed and established the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, and then served as President Obama's special advisor for the Bureau. Since being elected as a Senator for Massachusetts, she has been a prominent critic of the banking sector. More recently, Warren has arguably become the staunchest anti-crypto politician, a shift that has left many confused. In this podcast, Perianne Boring uses her knowledge of the system in DC to try and understand Warren's stance. The working assumption is that some of her motivation is driven by the incentive to generate news coverage, attention and political donations. The result is retrograde proposals such as the 'Digital Asset Anti-Money Laundering Legislation'. Organisations such as the Chamber of Digital Commerce, have made great efforts to educate Warren and her office about the industry's efforts to combat illicit finance. However, Senator Warren seemingly lacks an understanding of the technology behind Bitcoin and crypto. The organisations involved are left with the impression that there hasn't been a good-faith effort on Warren's part to understand the facts and technology. My discussion with Perianne covered the more fundamental issue of a broken political system and the subsequent negative impact on voter trust in the political process. We discussed the challenges faced by third-party candidates in the current system and the emergence of new political groups. We also cover the mechanisms, such as impeachment or recall, to hold politicians accountable for their actions, and why these aren't seen as being effective. Finally, we discussed the vital work being undertaken on the ground in Washington. They are fighting for the future of Bitcoin and the digital asset industry in part by lobbying against policies that could hinder the growth of Bitcoin and blockchain technology in the US. Perianne emphasized the importance of the Bitcoin community having a voice in Washington, as the industry is still relatively small compared to more established legacy industries. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/elizabeth-warrens-anti-bitcoin-agenda This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence OrangePillApp - Stack Friends Who Stack Sats SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Erik Hersman is a co-founder of Gridless. In this interview, we discuss Africa, focusing on economic issues like inflation, devaluation and people's struggles to make a living. We talk about Bitcoin's potential to create economic opportunities in Africa, the importance of building products that meet the needs of people and provide real value, and the use of mobile money. Finally, we cover Bitcoin mining in Africa and its impact on energy infrastructure. - - - - On previous podcasts, we've had the pleasure of interviewing Erik Hersman to better understand how his company, Gridless, is partnering with East African communities in need of energy to provide subsidised power using Bitcoin mining. Last week we had the incredible honour of being invited to visit one of Gridless's operational sites in Malawi. This will be included in a forthcoming film we will release in 2024. But, we used the opportunity to record another interview with Erik. Being here, in person, allowed us to gain a better understanding of the context and ask relevant questions. We were not just discussing abstract concepts; we were seeing them first-hand and interviewing people on the ground. As per our previous podcast with Femi Longe, this interview has provided us with valuable insights into the Bitcoin story in Africa. We delved into the challenges and complexities of addressing the historical and current inequalities between Western countries and Africa, and why such inequalities are being allowed to perpetuate. Erik and I talk about why there is a belief in the potential of Bitcoin to create economic opportunities in Africa. We covered the challenges of implementing Bitcoin-focused initiatives, the need for a comprehensive plan and how Bitcoin adoption in Africa. Erik emphasized the importance of building products that meet the needs of people and provide value in their lives, rather than creating products based on assumptions or fantasies. We consider some of the plenty of examples of unique innovations utilising Bitcoin across Africa that address real needs. We also cover the concerns of government surveillance of mobile money that Bitcoin could help address. Finally, Erik explained how Gridless has helped communities in Kenya and Malawi increase their usage of hydropower. This has led to financial and energy sustainability for such communities, but more fundamentally, it has also provided families with electricity for the first time. Erik emphasised the amazing potential for Bitcoin mining to bootstrap renewable energy infrastructure in Africa. As he stated "There's nothing to fight against here. It's good for everyone." - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoin-vs-economic-imperialism This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence OrangePillApp - Stack Friends Who Stack Sats SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Femi Longe is program director for Btrust Builders, which educates developers in Africa about Bitcoin. In this interview, we discuss societal issues faced by people in different parts of the world, the economic imperialism hampering emerging economies, and the challenges Africans face in accessing the global financial system. We also talk about the impact of external powers on Africa and the potential of Bitcoin to change the global financial conversation. - - - - Femi Longe has extensive experience in promoting transformative innovation across Africa to drive social change. It was perhaps inevitable that he would end up working within the Bitcoin ecosystem. Currently, through his work for Btrust Builders, Femi is helping to build a critical mass of Bitcoin and Lightning engineers from the Global South starting with Africa. This podcast explores how the global system is designed in a way that prevents emerging economies from thriving. The conversation shines a light on the damaging effects of economic imperialism upon the Global South, best expressed in Alex Gladstein's work. External powers, such as the World Bank and IMF, often prioritise their interests over the well-being of African people. Femi and I also discussed the numerous practical challenges faced by Africans in accessing global commerce. Companies like Western Union and MoneyGram take a significant cut from remittance transactions (with the US government even requesting information on transactions from these platforms), and there are significant limitations placed on Africans trying to access financial services such as PayPal across borders. Africa's problems are compounded by the influence of outside powers: the historical fragmentation of Africa by European powers has made it difficult for African countries to come together and collaborate effectively; latterly, international aid to Africa has distorted local markets and influenced government spending, often to benefit Western businesses at the expense of African countries. Femi sees Bitcoin as an opportunity for Africans to change the conversation and have a stake in the global financial system, as it cannot be controlled by external powers. He aims to empower Africans to engage with Bitcoin as producers, rather than just consumers, by training developers and connecting them to open-source projects. That way Bitcoin can be integrated into real-life scenarios that are important to people. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoin-in-africa This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence OrangePillApp - Stack Friends Who Stack Sats SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Marty Bent is a Venture Partner at Ten31 and founder of the Bitcoin-focused media company TFTC.io, Thomas Pacchia is a Bitcoin entrepreneur and co-owner of the NY Bitcoin bar Pubkey, and James McAvity is the founder and CEO of the Bitcoin Mining company Cormint. In this interview, we discuss Bitcoin's potential future, its interaction with financial institutions, the challenges and risks of the Bitcoin mining industry, and why Texas is favourable for Bitcoin. - - - - It is no surprise that a podcast with three eminent Bitcoiners will cover a lot of ground, and yet, the discussions on this show cover a myriad of fascinating topics that are the subject of fervent debate within the community. The initial debate focused on whether users will continue to pay high fees, the operational constraints and cash flow concerns of a growing network, and the issues affecting the adoption of Lightning and Liquid. We talked about the profitability and health of the mining ecosystem, exploring the idea of miners cooperating to reduce electricity consumption while maintaining the same revenue. We also touched on the possibility of chip manufacturers restricting supply and the potential commodification of ASICs. Our speakers provided their opinions on the future of Bitcoin and its scalability. We explored the concept of self-sovereignty with Bitcoin, the potential need for multi-institution custody solutions, the importance of maintaining the 21 million supply cap and ensuring mining is sufficiently distributed. We discussed the potential future of Bitcoin and its interaction with financial institutions, speculating that the institutions offering the best monetary utility, such as fast settlement and low costs, will likely win the battle for user trust. The conversation raised the prospect that Bitcoin exchanges will need exposure to mining in order to provide liquidity to their users. The impact of the Chinese hashrate and the centralised market for mining hardware and software on the mining industry was covered. Our guests explained the challenges and risks associated with entering the mining industry, specifically, the effect of the upcoming Bitcoin halving, volatile power prices and weather conditions upon Bitcoin mining. We also discussed why Texas is viewed as a favourable environment for the Bitcoin industry. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/bitcoin-mining-game-theory This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence OrangePillApp - Stack Friends Who Stack Sats SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Bob Burnett is the Chairman and CEO of Barefoot Mining. In this interview, we discuss his transition from the PC industry to Bitcoin and his passion for Bitcoin mining. Bob explains the complexities of mining, its potential future and the role of fees in sustaining the industry. We also talk about the scarcity of block space in the Bitcoin network, the importance of the Lightning Network, the early years of Bitcoin and the public's current perception of Bitcoin. - - - - Bob Burnett shared his fascinating journey, from his work on developing one of the world's first laptop computers to his current involvement in the Bitcoin industry. Bob drew parallels between the personal computer and Bitcoin, emphasizing the role of technologists like Satoshi Nakamoto in pushing society forward and ushering in new eras, and the different motivations of technologists and capitalists. Bob initially designed Ethereum mining servers but eventually pivoted towards Bitcoin due to his dissatisfaction with Ethereum. He expressed his admiration for the technological brilliance of Bitcoin and the ongoing process of uncovering its layers. Bob shared his passion for Bitcoin mining, and his mission as a technologist and systems "guy" who wants to contribute to building a monetary system that will last for a thousand years. We discussed the intricacies of the Bitcoin mining industry. Bob explained the mining trilemma, i.e. the challenge of combining the three fundamental factors that need to come together to build a mining site: a consistent and competitive source of energy, mining equipment, and money. We also discussed the impact of changes to Bitcoin's price on the mining industry, the importance of collaboration, the need for diversity and the dangers of monopolies. The podcast delved into the scarcity of block space in the Bitcoin network and its implications. Current block space is limited and cannot accommodate everyone who wants to transact on the base layer. This poses a challenge for individuals who want to store their Bitcoin securely and be self-sovereign. We covered the importance of Lightning Network as a solution to allow more people to access and use Bitcoin. Finally, we reflected on the early years of Bitcoin and the upcoming changes in fees. We also talked about the perception of Bitcoin among those who are unfamiliar with it, and the challenge of bridging the gap between what people think about Bitcoin and the reality. However, in terms of the famous saying "show, don't tell", it's the efforts of people like Bob, working to serve people around the world, that will go a long way to enlightening people on the value of Bitcoin. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-bitcoin-mining-trilemma This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence OrangePillApp - Stack Friends Who Stack Sats SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Gary Leland is the founder of the BitBlockBoom Bitcoin conference. In this interview, we discuss the importance of Bitcoin conferences, how to organise, market and run Bitcoin events, and Gary's path to Bitcoin. We also talk about approaches to Bitcoin investment and spending, our entrepreneurial journeys, travel experiences and approaches to parenting. The conversation concludes with a discussion about football and the offside rule! - - - - Gary Leland is a seasoned entrepreneur, Bitcoin enthusiast and podcaster with whom I have a lot in common: we have shared experiences, insights, and lessons learned, and we are now both Bitcoin conference organisers! Albeit, I have a long way to go to match Gary's impact, given the BitBlockBoom event in Texas next year will be his 7th consecutive conference. The positive influence such conferences have on the Bitcoin community can not be understated. Gary's journey into Bitcoin began at the Texas Bitcoin Conference, which sparked his interest in the concept of Bitcoin as an internet protocol for money. This led him to invest in Bitcoin and become a staunch advocate. We discussed the importance of Bitcoin in relation to our upcoming events. While the price of Bitcoin can influence ticket sales, we agreed that it alone won't determine the success of the conference. We shared our experiences of selling tickets with Bitcoin and how it has impacted our sales. Gary mentioned that he had more Bitcoin sales for his previous conference, even when the price was down. Concerning Bitcoin investment and spending, Gary compared his approach to holding onto his Bitcoin to being like a "crack addict," not wanting to dip into his stack unless absolutely necessary! He believes in using Bitcoin for things he couldn't afford otherwise, like gifts for others or a house for himself. Gary shared his entrepreneurial journey to where he is now, which is a testament to resilience and learning from failures. Gary reflected on how running his Bitcoin event, BitBlockBoom, has given him a different perspective on Bitcoin. He believes that being involved with the event has allowed him to connect with a larger network of people than the average person. It has also connected him to me and allowed me to explain football's offside rule, so, every silver lining… - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/driving-bitcoin-forward This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence OrangePillApp - Stack Friends Who Stack Sats SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

John Carvalho is CEO of Synonym, a Bitcoin and Lightning Network service provider. In this interview, we discuss the potential impact of ETFs, the culture of Bitcoin developers, and the risks associated with AI technology. We also talk about the importance of understanding and investing in the Bitcoin protocol, the inefficiency in how relays are handled in the Bitcoin community, and the vision of Synonym for a post-Bitcoin digital economy. - - - - John Carvalho is one of the Bitcoin industry's best advocates because of his unwavering commitment to its ideology and his high standards regarding its treatment and development. The last time I interviewed him was over three and a half years ago, so it was an honour to have him back on the podcast to ask him about a variety of current issues important to the Bitcoin community. The first topic of discussion was Bitcoin ETFs, which John sees this as a corrupting force within the Bitcoin community; he criticises Bitcoiners who only support things they think will increase the value of their holdings. John also fears ETFs could be used by the state or major banks to manipulate the price of Bitcoin. Instead of buying ETFs, he believes people should educate themselves about holding the underlying asset themselves. John also raises concerns about the increasing fragmentation within the Bitcoin community and how it may be dangerous for the base ethos of Bitcoin. He mentions that the culture of the Bitcoin mailing list has changed, with newer members constantly pushing for complexity and change. He explains that engineers are focused on solving their own problems rather than addressing the needs of Bitcoin users. We discuss the cultural issues among Bitcoin developers. John suggests some experienced developers may be tired after years of battling and facing criticism. Also, younger developers may be trying to make a name for themselves and leave their mark on Bitcoin, which could contribute to the cultural problem. John acknowledges that not all core developers exhibit this behaviour, but he has had private conversations with some who confirm his observations. John then brings up his interest in AI development, particularly in using ChatGPT and Midjourney. He mentions seeing both opportunities and fears in the fast-moving AI field. John also explains the concept of the atomic economy, which is Synonym's vision for a post-Bitcoin digital economy. He emphasises that it's not just about hyper-bitcoinization, but about creating a mental model for what replaces big tech, big banks, and big state. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-road-to-digital-serfdom This episode's sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence OrangePillApp - Stack Friends Who Stack Sats SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan