Stephan Livera Podcast

In this episode, Stephan Livera and Max K discuss the recent Baltic Honey Badger conference, highlighting the shift in focus from institutional adoption to innovative projects like Ark. They explore the workings of Debifi, a Bitcoin-backed lending platform, explaining its marketplace model, loan structures, and interest rates. The discussion revolves around the evolving landscape of Bitcoin lending, focusing on the differences between custodial and non-custodial lending, the future growth of the market, and the implications for borrowers and lenders. Max highlights the trade-offs between security and convenience, the increasing demand for non-custodial solutions, and the potential for lower interest rates as the market matures. The importance of understanding the risks involved in borrowing against Bitcoin and the need for responsible lending practice is emphasized as well. Takeaways

In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Calle discuss the critical importance of privacy in financial systems, particularly in the context of Bitcoin and eCash. They explore the evolution of privacy technology, the challenges posed by current financial regulations, and the need for user-friendly privacy-preserving systems. Calle elaborates on the mechanics of eCash and the Cashu protocol, highlighting its potential for enabling microtransactions while maintaining user privacy. The discussion emphasizes the urgency of building a decentralized financial ecosystem that respects individual privacy rights.Takeaways

In this conversation, Andrew Poelstra discusses the recent launch of Simplicity on Liquid, a federated sidechain of Bitcoin. He explains the technical aspects of Liquid, its advantages, and how Simplicity serves as a new scripting language that enhances expressivity and formal verification capabilities. The discussion covers potential use cases for Simplicity, including advanced covenant implementations, ZK verification, and its role in capital markets and asset issuance. The conversation also touches on the implications of stablecoins moving to their own chains and contrasts Liquid with other Layer 2 solutions like Lightning.Takeaways

In this episode, Stephan Livera and Calvin talk about Utreexo. They discuss the latest updates, including the publication of three BIPs related to Utreexo, which aim to improve the efficiency of Bitcoin nodes. The conversation covers the mechanics of Utreexo, including its accumulator structure and the concept of a Merkle forest. They also explore different types of nodes, such as compact state nodes and bridge nodes, and how these innovations can enhance user experience and participation in Bitcoin. Additionally, they touch on the growing Bitcoin community in Korea and the potential for future developments in the Utreexo space.Takeaways

Stephan & Rod Roudi discuss the importance of building Bitcoin communities, the evolution of Bitcoin narratives, and the future of Bitcoin custody and treasury strategies. They explore the role of local meetups in fostering Bitcoin adoption, the significance of educating the next generation of Bitcoiners, and the impact of events on the Bitcoin ecosystem. Rod shares insights on upcoming events, including the Custody and Treasury Summit and the Imagine IF Summit, emphasizing the need for high-signal Bitcoin information and community engagement.Takeaways

In this episode, Jan Kotas discusses the growing Bitcoin community in Paraguay, the benefits of living there for digital nomads, and the tax advantages of Paraguayan residency. He shares insights on the local infrastructure, safety, and the vibrant expat community. Jan also explains how to structure income through US LLCs for tax efficiency and the regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrency in Paraguay. The conversation highlights the importance of community and education in promoting Bitcoin adoption, culminating in the announcement of the upcoming Accelerating Bitcoin Conference.Takeaways

In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Kane McGukin discuss the evolving landscape of Bitcoin treasury companies, exploring the risks, potential failures, and the role of Bitcoin in financial services. They explore the dynamics of equity versus preferred shares, the importance of education in Bitcoin investments, and the impact of market volatility on investor behavior. The discussion highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the financial instruments associated with Bitcoin and the potential for treasury companies to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the Bitcoin ecosystem.Takeaways

In this episode, Stephan Livera interviews Evan (VNPRC), the creator of HashPool, discussing the importance of decentralizing Bitcoin mining. They explore the current state of mining centralization, the risks it poses, and how HashPool aims to empower small miners through innovative technologies like eCash and e-Hash tokens. The conversation also explores the challenges of privacy, custodial risks, and the future of decentralized mining, emphasizing the need for regular payouts and sustainable practices.Takeaways

In this conversation, Albert Buu, founder and CEO of Neutron, discusses the evolution of Bitcoin and financial services in Vietnam. He highlights the changing regulatory landscape, the increasing acceptance of Bitcoin and stablecoins, and the innovative offerings of Neutron, including lending products and APIs for businesses. The discussion also touches on the challenges of KYC regulations and the future potential of Bitcoin in Vietnam's economy.Takeaways

In this episode, Stephan Livera and Jad Mubaslat discuss the emerging trend of Bitcoin treasury companies, exploring the potential risks and rewards associated with investing in these entities. Jad expresses skepticism about the sustainability of these companies, particularly regarding their cash flow and financial engineering strategies. The conversation delves into the implications of convertible notes versus preferred shares, tax considerations, and the historical context of financial bubbles. Ultimately, both acknowledge the importance of self-custodying Bitcoin while considering the role of treasury companies in the evolving financial landscape.Takeaways

In this episode, Stephan Livera interviews Pascal Eberle, Chief of Staff at Signum Bank, discussing the bank's unique offerings in the Bitcoin and digital assets space. They explore the growing interest in Bitcoin as a corporate treasury asset, common misconceptions about Bitcoin, and the evolving landscape of lending against Bitcoin. Pascal shares insights on Signum's custody solutions, interest rates, and the future of lending products that integrate Bitcoin. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding both Bitcoin and corporate finance for successful adoption.Takeaways

Stephan and Cory discuss the current trends in Bitcoin and cryptocurrency, focusing on the dynamics of altcoins, the emergence of treasury companies, and the implications of regulatory changes. They explore the long-term outlook for Bitcoin, the role of mining companies, and the potential for institutional adoption. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding the market landscape and the various strategies for investing in Bitcoin and related assets.Takeaways

Praveen discusses the user experience of setting up a Bitcoin wallet, emphasizing the need for improved onboarding for new users. He explains the flow for both hardware and hot wallets, highlighting the importance of personal responsibility in Bitcoin custody. The discussion also covers the concept of graduated wallets, the role of layer 2 solutions, and the ongoing debate about filters and mining centralization. Praveen shares his vision for Cove wallet, including future features and the importance of catering to users who prioritize self-sovereignty in their Bitcoin journey.Takeaways

In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Fernando Nikolic discuss the evolving narratives surrounding Bitcoin, the fragmentation of its community, and the role of media in shaping public perception. They explore the differences between institutional and retail adoption, the importance of cultural moments, and Blockstream's innovations in the Bitcoin space. The discussion highlights the challenges and opportunities for Bitcoin as it continues to grow and adapt in a rapidly changing landscape.Takeaways

In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Marty Kendall explore the dynamics of Bitcoin treasury companies, focusing on power laws, market dynamics, and investment strategies. They discuss the sustainability of mNAV greater than one, the lifecycle of these companies, and the importance of community engagement. The conversation emphasizes the need for risk management and the potential for significant opportunities in the Bitcoin equity space.Takeaways

Becca Rubenfeld, COO and co-founder of Anchor Watch, discusses the evolution of Bitcoin insurance and custody. She shares her personal journey to Bitcoin, insights on the economic implications of national debt, and how Anchor Watch addresses the need for insurance in the Bitcoin space. The conversation covers the technical aspects of Bitcoin custody, the claims process, and the costs associated with insurance policies. Becca also highlights the importance of custom solutions for companies and the future of Bitcoin insurance in corporate adoption.Takeaways

In this episode, Hunter Beast discusses the potential threats posed by quantum computing to Bitcoin and the proposed solutions, including BIP 360, which aims to introduce quantum-resistant hashes. The conversation delves into the technical aspects of Bitcoin's cryptography, the vulnerabilities associated with address reuse, and the importance of community feedback in developing effective solutions. Hunter emphasizes the urgency of preparing for quantum threats and the need for a collaborative approach to ensure Bitcoin's security in the future.Takeaways

In this episode, Stephan reconnects with Stephen Cole to discuss the evolving landscape of Bitcoin, particularly focusing on the rise of Bitcoin treasury companies and the launch of Castle, a new venture aimed at automating Bitcoin treasury management for small and medium businesses. They explore the implications of Bitcoin adoption for small businesses, the importance of hard tech, and the potential for Bitcoin to serve as a foundational asset for future innovations. The conversation emphasizes the need for businesses to adapt to sound money principles and the role of technology in facilitating this transition.Takeaways

Clara Shikhelman Head of Research at ChaincodeLabs and Anthony Milton join me to explain the quantum threat to Bitcoin and possible mitigations:Timestamps:(00:00) Intro(02:46) Understanding Quantum Computing and Bitcoin Security(05:42) The Impact on Bitcoin Private keys(08:34) Mining and Quantum Computing(10:50) How many coins are vulnerable? (14:00) Bitcoin script types(19:37) Sponsors(21:25) Immediate call to action - stop address re use(25:20) What do we do if a QC appears? Burn vs Steal(34:00) Short Range vs Long Range Quantum attacks(37:04) Sponsors(41:25) Mitigating Quantum Threats: CDR and QRAMP Schemes(47:09) Selecting Quantum Resistant Algorithms(53:18) The Dual Track Approach to Quantum Security(57:38) Summary and closing thoughtsLinks: Report: https://chaincode.com/bitcoin-post-quantum.pdf Site: https://pq-bitcoin.org/https://x.com/ozdeadmanhttps://x.com/ClaraShikSponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

Zach Pardey, CEO and co-founder of Bold, a Bitcoin-focused banking platform, discusses Zach's journey into the Bitcoin space, the societal issues stemming from fiat systems, and how Bitcoin can serve as a solution. The conversation delves into the integration of Bitcoin with traditional banking, the unique offerings of Bold, including Bitcoin rewards and self-custody options, and the emerging trend of Bitcoin treasury companies. Zach emphasizes the importance of self-custody and the need for financial education in the Bitcoin space.Takeaways

In this episode, Aaron discusses his book 'The Sovereign Child' and his unique approach to parenting, which is influenced by libertarian philosophy and the ideas of David Deutsch. Stupple emphasizes the importance of understanding children's reasons for their behavior rather than imposing authoritarian discipline. He advocates for a parenting style that maximizes freedom and autonomy while still providing guidance and support. The conversation also explores the importance of allowing children to make their own choices, particularly regarding food and screen time. He emphasizes the need for parents to create an engaging environment that fosters autonomy while also ensuring safety. The discussion further covers the balance between providing structure and allowing freedom, the misconceptions surrounding screen time, and the critical role of trust in parent-child relationships.Takeaways

Stephan & Matt discuss the ‘Save Our Wallets' campaign, which aims to protect non-custodial wallets from regulatory challenges posed by the U.S. government. He highlights the legal risks developers face due to broad interpretations of regulations and the potential consequences of future administrations. The importance of advocacy for legislative change, user engagement, and improving user experience in Bitcoin transactions are emphasized. Additionally, the conversation touches on the implications of AML and FATF regulations, the evolution of wallet technologies, and the need for research into Miner Extractable Value (MEV) in Bitcoin. They also discuss various aspects of Bitcoin and Ethereum, focusing on the implications of MEV (Miner Extractable Value), the risks of mining centralization, and the importance of investing in solutions rather than relying on consensus changes. They explore the challenges posed by private order flow, the philosophical differences in Bitcoin development, and the future of Bitcoin Core and node adoption.Takeaways

Blake & Stephan discusses the emerging concept of Bitcoin treasury companies, their role in the debt market, and the potential benefits and risks associated with them. He emphasizes the proactive approach these companies take to bring capital into Bitcoin, the importance of understanding the mechanics behind their operations, and the sustainability of their net asset value (MNAV). The discussion also touches on investment strategies, personal perspectives on risk, and the future of Bitcoin treasury companies in the evolving financial landscape.Takeaways

Lyudmyla Kozlovska, President, Open Dialogue Foundation discusses the intersection of Bitcoin, human rights, and the weaponization of financial regulations. She highlights the dangers of transnational financial repression, where authoritarian regimes exploit financial action task force (FATF) and anti-money laundering (AML) regulations to target individuals and organizations. The discussion emphasizes the need for privacy protection, legislative change, and active advocacy to safeguard civil liberties in the face of increasing surveillance and repression.Takeaways

Igor Neumann, co-founder of Firefish, discusses the innovative approach of their Bitcoin lending platform. Firefish operates as a decentralized marketplace connecting borrowers and lenders, allowing users to leverage their Bitcoin as collateral for loans. Igor explains the unique features of their protocol, the loan terms, user demographics, and the growing interest in Bitcoin collateralized loans. He also addresses the technical aspects of their platform, including liquidation processes and compliance with regulations, while highlighting the evolving landscape of Bitcoin lending in the EU.Takeaways

Reed Wommack shares his journey into Bitcoin, transitioning from a role at Swan Bitcoin to running Groundluxe, a company focused on grounding products. He discusses the evolving landscape of Bitcoin treasury companies, the risks and rewards associated with leveraging debt for investments, and the importance of a long-term perspective in navigating market cycles. Reed also emphasizes the potential for Bitcoin to dominate the equity market and the impact of capital gains tax on investment strategies. He encourages listeners to consider their risk profiles when adopting aggressive investment strategies.Takeaways

Stephen and Zac discuss the innovative intersection of Bitcoin and life insurance. They explore how Bitcoin can disrupt traditional life insurance markets, the recent funding successes of Meanwhile, and the unique benefits of Bitcoin-denominated policies. The conversation dives into the mechanics of these policies, the yield generation strategies employed by Meanwhile, and the tax advantages that make them appealing to customers. The episode concludes with insights into the customer experience and the future of Bitcoin in the insurance industry. Takeaways

Stephan and Antoine discuss the complexities surrounding Bitcoin's OP_RETURN functionality and the ongoing debate about spam filtering on the Bitcoin network. They explore the implications of consensus rules, standardness, and the historical context of these discussions. Antoine provides insights into the motivations behind changes in Bitcoin Core's policies and the potential future of Bitcoin as both a currency and a data storage solution. The conversation highlights the urgency of addressing OP_RETURN issues while also considering the broader implications of spam filtering and its impact on Bitcoin's usability and miner centralization. The conversation also touches upon the growth of the UTXO set, the challenges of managing spam, and the philosophical differences between Bitcoin Core and alternative implementations. Takeaways

In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Michael Tanguma explore the current landscape of Bitcoin, focusing on the challenges of self-custody, the role of custodians, and the emergence of multi-institution custody solutions. They discuss the importance of education in the Bitcoin space, the dynamics of Bitcoin treasury companies, and the unique opportunities for Bitcoin adoption in the Middle East. The conversation emphasizes the need for evolving security measures as Bitcoin adoption increases and the complexities of integrating Bitcoin with traditional finance.Takeaways

Shehzan Meredia, CEO and founder of Lava, a non-custodial Bitcoin lending platform shares the unique features of Lava, including its focus on security, user experience, and the use of Discreet Log Contracts (DLCs) to provide cryptographic guarantees for borrowers. Shehzan explains the loan process, interest rates, and how Lava differentiates itself from traditional custodial lending platforms. The conversation also touches on the impact of previous lending failures in the crypto space and the importance of transparency and security in lending products. Stephan & Shehzan also explore the diverse use cases for borrowing against Bitcoin, the implications of gas fees, and the changing demographics of Bitcoin users.Takeaways

At the Tuscany Lightning Summit 2025, we discussed Ark and VTXOs, batching, RGB, DLCs, what constitutes spam on Bitcoin, Bitcoin payments market, miniscript, bitcoin inheritance tools and more.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(01:48) - Tiero(09:17) - Alekos Filini(18:40) - Sponsors(20:56) - Anant Tapadia (33:16) - Andi Pitt(44:24) - Sponsors(45:21) - Giacomo ZuccoLinks: https://x.com/tierotiero https://x.com/ArkLabsHQ https://x.com/giacomozucco https://x.com/planb_network https://x.com/1andipitt https://x.com/egodeathcapital https://x.com/anant_tap https://x.com/bitcoinKeeper_ https://x.com/afilini https://x.com/TwentyTwoHW Sponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

Stephan discusses the significance of Bitcoin as money and the concept of monetary maximalism with guests Rockstar Dev and Di from BTC Inc. They explore the current state of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange, the challenges of adoption, and the innovations being introduced, such as the Bolt Card, to facilitate Bitcoin payments. The conversation emphasizes the importance of leading by example in the Bitcoin community and the need for better technology to enhance user experience and drive adoption.Takeaways

Leon Wankum shares his journey from studying philosophy to becoming a property expert and Bitcoin enthusiast. He discusses the intersection of real estate and Bitcoin, emphasizing the monetary premium in real estate, the impact of the fiat system on property prices, and the social consequences of property investment. Leon differentiates between property speculation and development, highlighting the business aspects of real estate. He also compares investment yields in real estate versus Bitcoin, arguing that Bitcoin offers superior returns and flexibility as a store of value. In this conversation, Stephan and Leon discuss the evolving landscape of investment strategies, particularly the integration of Bitcoin into real estate investments. They explore the barriers that traditional property investors face when considering Bitcoin, the potential benefits of incorporating Bitcoin into investment portfolios, and the future implications for real estate if Bitcoin is not adopted. The discussion emphasizes the importance of understanding Bitcoin as a superior monetary technology and its role in counterbalancing inflation and enhancing financial strategies.Takeaways

Stephan & NVK discuss the current state of self-custody in Bitcoin, highlighting the advancements in hardware wallets like Coldcard and the importance of understanding trade-offs in wallet solutions. Coldcard introduces new features such as co-signing and key teleport, which enhance security and usability. The conversation also touches on the future of wallet software, including the promising Cove Wallet and the potential of Miniscript in Bitcoin transactions. NVK also highlights the significance of seed phrases in Bitcoin custody, critiques the current OP_Return dynamics and GitHub moderation, and reflects on the implications of BitVM and Layer 2 solutions. Takeaways

Stephan & Vijay discuss the current state of Bitcoin, its market cycle, and its comparison with gold. They explore the implications of geopolitical factors on gold and Bitcoin, the rise of Bitcoin treasury companies, and the evolving liquidity channels in the market. The discussion also touches on speculation in Bitcoin and how it contributes to its growth, while emphasizing the importance of understanding the underlying economic theories. They also explore the evolving landscape of Bitcoin, the implications of MNAV (Market Net Asset Value) in the context of Bitcoin companies, and the transformative potential of AI on the economy. AI could lead to hyperabundance, affecting various sectors and potentially changing the role of money. The conversation also touches on the risks posed by quantum computing to Bitcoin's security and the need for proactive measures in the Bitcoin community.Takeaways

At Bitcoin Oasis 2025, we discussed Bitcoin tools & innovation, bitcoin cycles, financialization of bitcoin, adoption in the MENA region and India's first bitcoin treasury company.Timestamps:(00:00) - Intro(00:57) - Preston Pysh(12:47) - Sponsors(15:03) - Sooly Kobayashi(21:49) - Max Hillebrand(28:46) - Sponsors(29:43) - Siddarth Bharwani(40:07) - Lara EggimanLinks: https://bitcoin-oasis.com/ https://x.com/BTCArabiaLtd https://x.com/PrestonPyshhttps://primal.net/sooly  https://primal.net/p/nprofile1qqst0mtgkp3du662ztj3l4fgts0purksu5fgek5n4vgmg9gt2hkn9lqv6g2cl https://x.com/sidbharwani https://x.com/SwissAlice1 Sponsors:Bold BitcoinCoinKite.com (code LIVERA)Lana by GaloyStephan Livera links:Follow me on X: @stephanliveraSubscribe to the podcastSubscribe to Substack

Stephan & Gilded Pleb, a developer who created StackMath, a financial calculator for Bitcoin, discuss Gilded's personal journey with Bitcoin, its potential impact on homelessness, and the importance of understanding financial models for retirement planning. Gilded explains how traditional financial calculators often fail to account for the volatility of Bitcoin and introduces the Monte Carlo simulation as a more effective tool for predicting financial outcomes. The conversation also touches on inflation, retirement strategies, and the significance of model selection in financial planning. They also explore the emerging role of Bitcoin treasury companies and how they can provide access to fiat leverage, while also emphasizing the importance of self-custody. The discussion shifts to risk management strategies, including the allocation of portfolios between Bitcoin and high-risk investments. Takeaways

In this episode, Stephan discusses the latest updates on Fedimint with its founders Eric Sirion and Joschi. They delve into the concept of eCash, its significance in the Bitcoin ecosystem, and the differences between Fedimint and other systems like Cashu. The conversation highlights the real-world applications of Fedimint, recent updates including version 0.7, and the introduction of IROH, which simplifies the setup process. They also explore the importance of client agnosticism, the integration of LN URL and BOLT 12 for enhanced user experience, and the role of Lightning Gateways in facilitating transactions. The conversation also dives into the intricacies of Fedimint - a decentralized solution for Bitcoin custody and management. The speakers discuss the roles of clients and guardians, the ease of setting up a Fedimint, and the future of community adoption. They explore the comparative advantages of Fedimint over other Bitcoin solutions, including Liquid and custodial wallets, emphasizing the importance of privacy, trust, and decentralization in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Takeaways

In this episode, Stephan Livera speaks with Matyas Kuchar about the evolving landscape of Bitcoin, particularly focusing on the BTC Prague conference and the changing demographics of Bitcoin enthusiasts. They discuss the shift in sentiment towards Bitcoin, the importance of education in fostering self-sovereignty, and the role of corporate strategies in Bitcoin treasury management. The conversation also touches on the Czech Republic's unique position in the Bitcoin ecosystem and the upcoming BTC Prague conference, which aims to unite the Bitcoin community and promote individual empowerment.Takeaways

In this episode, Alejandro de la Torre, CEO and founder of Demand Pool, discusses the launch of their new Stratum V2 mining pool. Alejandro explains the importance of decentralization in Bitcoin mining, the risks associated with traditional mining pools, and how Demand Pool aims to create a fair and transparent system for miners. The conversation covers the differences between payout structures like FPPS and PPLNS, the innovative Slice payment system, and the role of translation proxies in facilitating mining operations. Alejandro also addresses the viability of mining pools and the importance of hash rate coordination. He also shares insights on global mining trends, the shift towards liquid cooling, and the challenges of censorship in the mining space. Takeaways

Stephan Livera and James Check discuss the evolving dynamics of the Bitcoin market, emphasizing the shift from traditional market cycles to a more complex interplay of macroeconomic factors and investor behavior. They explore the impact of institutional investors and ETFs on market sentiment, the psychological aspects of trading, and the importance of on-chain metrics in understanding market movements. The discussion highlights the need for investors to adapt their strategies and perspectives in a rapidly changing environment. James emphasizes the importance of understanding market behavior and debunks several false narratives surrounding Bitcoin trading. The discussion also touches on the role of ETFs in the market and how they interact with on-chain data. Ultimately, James encourages listeners to trust their instincts while utilizing available data to make informed decisions in the ever-evolving Bitcoin landscape.Takeaways

In this episode, Mason Jappa, CEO of Blockware Solutions, discusses the current state and future of Bitcoin mining, particularly in the U.S. He highlights recent regulatory clarity from the SEC, the evolving mining landscape, and the economic dynamics affecting miners. Mason emphasizes the importance of technology, liquidity, and strategic partnerships in successful mining operations, while also addressing the ongoing debate between mining and simply holding Bitcoin. The discussion provides insights into the challenges and opportunities within the Bitcoin mining industry as it continues to grow and adapt. Takeaways

In this episode, Conor, Open Source product manager at Spiral & Stephen, Product Designer at Voltage & Co founder of ATL Bitlab join Stephan to discuss the current state of Bitcoin user experience, particularly focusing on payments and the challenges faced by users. They explore the comparison between Bitcoin and physical cash, the Western perspective on Bitcoin payments, and the importance of user experience in facilitating Bitcoin transactions. They also touch upon various payment protocols like BOLT11, LNURL, and BOLT12, highlighting the need for interoperability and better privacy features in the Bitcoin ecosystem. The discussion also covers resources available for developers and designers to enhance wallet usability and integration.Takeaways

Stephan chats with Steven Roose, CEO of SecondBTC, about Ark, a new Layer 2 solution for Bitcoin that aims to simplify self-custodial payments. They discuss the challenges of onboarding new users to Bitcoin, the unique features of Ark compared to other solutions like Liquid and Cashu, and the importance of maintaining user control over funds. The conversation also touches on the recent Signet launch, scalability concerns, and practical use cases for Ark in facilitating Bitcoin transactions. Steven also explores future plans for the Mainnet launch, the possibility of competing ARC servers, and the implications of CTV and CheckSig from Stack on efficiency gains in the Bitcoin ecosystem.Takeaways

In this conversation with Stephan, David and Simanta discuss the implications of ZK Roll-ups for Bitcoin. They explore the benefits of ZK Roll-ups as a scaling solution, the trade-offs compared to other technologies like Lightning Network and sidechains, and the vision behind Alpen Labs. The discussion also touches on the mechanics of ZK Roll-ups, user experience, and the potential impact of BitVM on the ecosystem. The conversation highlights the challenges and limitations of current technology while emphasizing the future possibilities for Bitcoin's programmability and user interaction. David & Simanta also address the risks associated with ZK Rollups, particularly in terms of data availability and trust assumptions, while exploring the future of Bitcoin and the implications of increased data usage on the network.Takeaways

Lisa, the founder of Base 58 and BTC++, discusses her focus on Bitcoin education and the growth of the Bitcoin++ conference series. She highlights the importance of building a global community of Bitcoin developers and the challenges of funding open-source projects. In this conversation, Lisa and Stephan discuss the evolving landscape of Bitcoin, focusing on decentralization in block construction, the challenges faced by small miners, and the importance of mining incentives. They explore upcoming Bitcoin conferences and their themes, innovations in privacy, and the growth of the Lightning Network. The discussion emphasizes the need for better tooling and understanding of protocol changes to foster Bitcoin adoption and maintain its decentralized nature.Takeaways

Stephan discusses the evolution of Bitcoin and the challenges of self-custody with Philip Hoenisch, co-founder of Lendasat. They explore the transition from traditional finance to on-chain solutions, the importance of self-custody, and the ideological divides within the Bitcoin community. Philipp shares his insight on the intricacies of Bitcoin lending, focusing on liquidation processes, collateralization ratios, and the role of technology in managing these aspects. He explains the cost structures associated with lending, including origination fees and transaction costs, and explores the potential for loan rollovers and credit lines. The discussion also touches on the future of stablecoins amidst regulatory risks and the growth of the lending market, particularly from the perspective of lenders. Finally, the conversation highlights the impact of technological innovations like CheckTemplateVerify (CTV) on the Bitcoin ecosystem.Takeaways

Eric Semler, chairman of Semler Scientific, shares his journey from being an investor in technology and media to adopting a Bitcoin treasury strategy for his company. He discusses the origins of Semler Scientific, the challenges faced in the healthcare sector, and how he became convinced of Bitcoin's potential as a store of value. Eric elaborates on the transition from personal conviction in Bitcoin to implementing a corporate strategy, navigating regulatory hurdles, and the evolution of Bitcoin treasury strategies. He also addresses the concept of zombie companies and their potential to benefit from adopting Bitcoin as part of their financial strategy. The strategic timing for deploying Bitcoin in business operations, the high hurdle rate associated with Bitcoin investments, and the evolving landscape of Bitcoin treasury companies are few of the other aspects discussed in depth. Takeaways

In this episode, Stephan speaks with Nick Slaney about the current state and future of the Lightning Network. They discuss the misconceptions surrounding Lightning adoption, the legal challenges faced by developers, and the opportunities for Lightning Service Providers (LSPs). Nick shares insights on hosted channels, liquidity management, and the user experience of Lightning, emphasizing the importance of understanding costs associated with using the network. The conversation highlights the potential for growth and innovation in the Lightning ecosystem as it continues to evolve. In this conversation, Stephan and Nick Slaney delve into the intricacies of the Lightning Network, Bitcoin fees, and the role of stablecoins in the crypto ecosystem. They discuss the real-world user experience with Bitcoin and Lightning, emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs and the misconceptions prevalent in online discussions. The conversation also touches on the implications of Taproot assets for the Lightning Network and the future of Bitcoin development, highlighting the need for better user experiences and broader adoption.Takeaways

In this episode, Stephan Levera interviews Ethan from Bitaroo, discussing the current state of Bitcoin in Australia, regulatory challenges, the importance of self-custody, and the evolving landscape of cryptocurrency exchanges. They explore the implications of regulations like the FATF and AFSL, the role of banks in facilitating or hindering Bitcoin transactions, and the need for consumer protection and self-responsibility in the crypto space. The conversation also touches on proof of reserves and market trends influencing Bitcoin adoption.Takeaways

Harsha & Stephan discuss the challenges Bitcoin businesses face regarding regulation, particularly the tightening KYC and AML requirements. Harsha highlights the implications of these regulations on the Bitcoin ecosystem and the role of custodians. The discussion also touches on the evolving regulatory landscape, the impact of political administrations on crypto regulation, and the future of stablecoins. Harsha emphasizes the need for clarity in regulations and the importance of maintaining a balance between compliance and the freedom that Bitcoin offers. The conversation also highlights the challenges developers face in creating tools that respect user privacy while navigating regulatory landscapes. They conclude by exploring the potential future of Bitcoin upgrades and the importance of lobbying for less restrictive regulations to foster industry growth.Takeaways