Join us as we explore the transformative power of bitcoin, delving into how it has reshaped the lives and perspectives of our guests. Joe Burnett’s engaging conversations offer a unique insight into their collaborative journey in exploring this monetary revolution. Discover firsthand accounts of innovation, disruption, and inspiration as we navigate the ever-changing landscape of the bitcoin frontier. Whether you're a seasoned bitcoin enthusiast or just starting to explore its potential, The Bitcoin Frontier is your passport to understanding the future of finance.
What if bitcoin really is decoupling from the stock market? In this episode, we're joined by Rational Root, creator of the Bitcoin Strategy Platform and one of the top on-chain cycle analysts in the space. We explore whether macro chaos and rising gold prices are setting the stage for bitcoin to chart its own path. Root breaks down how the 4-year cycle could break, what historical data says about the current inflection point, and why he believes institutional flows are quietly limiting downside volatility. He also shares his custom spiral and 3D valuation charts, how to track hype in the market, and why 100k bitcoin might be harder to break than most think.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier→ Watch the video premiere of Bitcoin, Not Crypto: https://unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:06 - Why bitcoin's fundamentals have never looked better4:20 - Could macro chaos trigger bitcoin's decoupling?10:06 - Bitcoin trades on optimism, gold trades on fear17:09 - Is gold's rise setting up bitcoin's breakout?22:01 - Will the next recession break the 4-year cycle?30:23 - Why 100k bitcoin may face resistance36:09 - The 3D chart that could predict the cycle top44:10 - Bitcoin's floor price keeps rising50:23 - Will bitcoin crack 100k or break down?WHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained X: https://twitter.com/unchained→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Rational Root's Twitter: https://x.com/therationalroot
Energy production is broken—and rebuilding it could unlock a new era of abundance. In this episode, we sit down with Isaiah Taylor, founder of Valor Atomics, to explore how cheap energy can reshape the world. Isaiah shares his family's history with the Manhattan Project, why nuclear innovation stalled in the West, and how Valor is building modular giga-sites to produce cleaner, cheaper energy at scale. We discuss how robotics, AI, and manufacturing are shifting cost curves, the future of energy demand, and why decentralization is key to national resilience. Isaiah also shares his thoughts on bitcoin, the dangers of regulatory bloat, and how restoring antifragility to America's legal system could unleash a new industrial boom.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier→ Watch the video premiere of Bitcoin, Not Crypto: https://unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:04 - Isaiah Taylor's Manhattan Project family history3:18 - Secrecy inside America's Secret City5:37 - Why America needs new Manhattan Projects today7:39 - How Valor Atomics is rethinking nuclear reactors10:01 - How a nuclear reactor really works13:38 - Why building reactors became a legal and talent problem16:59 - How AI is pushing investors toward hard tech18:59 - The future of energy: exponential demand and production21:46 - Why energy prices have been broken since the 1970s26:06 - Valor's giga-site model to transform energy markets30:27 - Could machines create an infinite energy feedback loop?33:57 - Humanity's mission: garden the universe36:19 - Will money still matter in a post-scarcity world?40:34 - How regulatory bloat crushed American industry48:10 - Why Isaiah Taylor is suing the Nuclear Regulatory CommissionWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained X: https://twitter.com/unchained→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Isaiah Taylor's Twitter: https://x.com/isaiah_p_taylor
What if bitcoin development stopped tomorrow? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Schmidt, Executive Director at Brink, and Buck Perley, Director of Product Engineering at Unchained, to explore the state of open source development and why it matters more than ever. Mike shares his path from software engineer to funding bitcoin core developers, while Buck recounts his early bitcoin experiences in China. We cover what bitcoin core developers actually do, how brink evaluates contributors, and why maintenance, security, and review are essential—even without major protocol changes. The conversation also touches on ossification, governance, and the future of soft forks. If you've ever wondered who maintains bitcoin's foundation and why it matters, this episode pulls back the curtain.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier→ What is bitcoin: A tech stock? An inflation hedge? A ponzi scheme? Can DOGE Fix The Dollar? Come listen to Professor Peter St. Onge give a keynote presentation on April 16th: https://unchained.com/dogeTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:14 - Why open source matters for bitcoin6:20 - How Buck discovered bitcoin in China11:12 - What bitcoin core developers actually do16:57 - How brink evaluates developers before funding22:15 - What brink would do with unlimited funding27:34 - Why bitcoin needs more reviewers, not just coders32:10 - Should bitcoin ossify or stay flexible?36:36 - The messy politics of soft forks and consensus42:18 - What is bitcoin governance really?47:18 - Unpopular opinions from Mike and Buck51:25 - The biggest long-term risk to bitcoinWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Mike Schmidt's Twitter: https://x.com/bitschmidty→ Buck Perley's Twitter: https://x.com/puckberley
In this episode, we dive into bitcoin's impact on the future global monetary order with Natalie Smolenski, an anthropologist and bitcoiner. We discuss her thoughts on how bitcoin challenges the state's monopoly on currency, invoking Karl Marx's unexpected agreement that gold, a commodity, originally embodied money—not the state-minted currencies. Natalie explains her fascination with the concept of the invaluable—elements of culture and society that transcend monetary value—and how bitcoin fits in today's culture. We also tackle bitcoin's role as a deflationary currency in contrast to fiat's inflationary tendencies, highlighting its potential to redefine economic and social hierarchies. Join us as we explore bitcoin's potential to reshape not just economies but cultural identities.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier→ Meet Natalie in Austin on April 16th: https://www.meetup.com/bitcoin-park-austin/events/306342336/TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro01:12 - Natalie's journey into bitcoin02:19 - Anthropology and the concept of value06:06 - Modern monetary theory and social power10:09 - Central banking and national economic performance15:12 - The challenge of physical currencies and the role of central banks20:27 - Money as the most salable good: Carl Menger's insights26:17 - Debunking the myth: Bitcoin and collective hallucination30:01 - Bitcoin as a protocol for new societal frameworks34:10 - Bitcoin's potential impact on societal structures38:23 - The state's interest in bitcoin and potential risks42:27 - Legal challenges and the future of bitcoin ownership45:24 - The future of privacy, property, and political action in the bitcoin eraWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Natalie Smolenski's Twitter: https://x.com/NSmolenski
What happens when a certified financial planner sells two homes to buy bitcoin? In this episode, we sit down with Jessy Gilger, Senior Advisor at Sound Advisory, to explore the radical shift happening inside the financial advisory industry. Jessy shares how he went from flipping houses to building multi-generational wealth on a bitcoin standard, and why more clients—and even advisors—are quietly making the leap. We cover how ETFs are changing incentives, how to navigate capital allocation between real estate and bitcoin, and the risks of high bitcoin exposure in retirement. Jessy explains why volatility planning matters, how to survive bitcoin drawdowns, and how to protect your family with proper inheritance planning. We also get into his take on the national bitcoin reserve and potential tax changes.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier→ If you can't talk about your bitcoin wealth with your financial advisor, it might be time to find a new advisor. Check out Sound Advisory at thesoundadvisory.com.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro01:18 - Why Jessy sold two houses for bitcoin02:35 - Jessy's thesis for bitcoin as internet-native money04:13 - How financial advisors react to buying bitcoin05:34 - Why ETFs changed the game for advisors07:26 - When to buy a house vs. buy more bitcoin09:17 - Using long-term mortgages as low-cost leverage12:03 - How Jessy thinks about portfolio allocation13:15 - What 90% bitcoin portfolios look like in real life15:09 - Why retirees need a bitcoin bear market survival plan20:01 - Bitcoin's volatility and the four-year cash barbell24:37 - Could the next 80% bitcoin drawdown be the last?27:06 - The return of austerity and why it matters for bitcoiners30:04 - Tax changes coming in 2025 and what to do now43:37 - When it's time to fire your financial advisorWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Jessy Gilger's Twitter: https://x.com/idahohodl
What happens when corporations and nations wake up to bitcoin's dominance? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Cole, former CalPERS portfolio manager, to discuss why every public company will eventually hold bitcoin and how the U.S. is already falling behind in the global bitcoin race. Matt shares his journey from managing $70 billion in fixed income to realizing bitcoin's role as the ultimate savings vehicle. We explore his viral letter urging GameStop to adopt bitcoin, the concept of bitcoin as a corporate hurdle rate, and the growing pressure for businesses to rethink treasury strategies. Matt breaks down the risks and misconceptions around MicroStrategy's leverage, how AI could reshape business moats, and why a higher hurdle rate could force a more productive economy. We also discuss why he believes regulatory risks for bitcoin have dropped to near zero and what this means for the future.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro01:32 - From Wall Street to bitcoin: Matt Cole's journey03:45 - Managing $70 billion at CalPERS and the pension crisis05:34 - Buying US treasuries and questioning the system07:22 - The moment Matt first heard about bitcoin (on a bodybuilding forum!)10:17 - Why institutions are always late to bitcoin12:19 - The fight between bitcoin and CBDCs15:36 - Why the US must buy bitcoin before it's too late16:05 - The viral letter urging GameStop to adopt bitcoin20:06 - Could GameStop become the next MicroStrategy?23:25 - Why every public company will hold bitcoin27:02 - Bitcoin as the new corporate hurdle rate35:36 - Why most businesses are losing to bitcoin's hurdle rate39:59 - Does MicroStrategy have too much leverage?46:56 - Will bitcoin force a more productive economy?WHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Matt Cole's Twitter: https://x.com/ColeMacro
What happens when a small AI company moves its entire treasury into bitcoin? In this episode, we sit down with Drew D'Agostino, founder of Crystal, to unpack his bold decision to adopt a bitcoin standard. Drew shares how the 2022 bear market forced him to rethink his company's financial strategy, the challenges of onboarding employees to bitcoin, and how he uses bitcoin as a hurdle rate for business spending. We compare his approach to Microstrategy's aggressive accumulation, explore AI's role in disrupting traditional business models, and discuss whether AI and bitcoin together could decentralize the world.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:01 - Why drew moved his company to a bitcoin standard3:46 - The bear market forced a critical decision5:28 - How bitcoin saved the company from collapse7:11 - Using bitcoin as a hurdle rate for business spending9:05 - How employees reacted to the bitcoin strategy12:42 - How bitcoin aligns with long-term company culture18:17 - Comparing microstrategy's strategy to a private business23:15 - Will more businesses adopt a bitcoin-first strategy?25:30 - AI is accelerating faster than expected29:56 - Why AI gives small companies an edge over big corporations32:35 - Can bitcoin and AI decentralize the world?35:41 - Will AI accelerate hyperbitcoinization?45:00 - The biggest risk to bitcoin's future57:15 - Where to find DrewWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Drew D'Agoostino's Twitter: https://x.com/DrewDAgostino
This episode was recorded moments before the U.S. made its biggest financial decision since 1971. In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Jacoutot, attorney and bitcoin policy expert, to break down the push for a U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve. We explore the 20-year HODL mandate in Senator Lummis' bill, Trump's policy shift, and why nation-states could face bitcoin FOMO. Bryan explains how the U.S. could acquire 1 million bitcoin, the debate over funding it with gold revaluation, and the risks of waiting too long. We also discuss whether altcoins should be included, shifting banking regulations, and how a sovereign wealth fund could reshape global finance.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro2:12 - The 20-year bitcoin HODL mandate in Senator Lummis' bill4:29 - Trump's surprising shift on bitcoin policy5:31 - EO vs legislative strategic reserve10:14 - How the U.S. could acquire 1 million bitcoin12:14 - The genius idea to fund bitcoin purchases with gold revaluation15:02 - How the crypto summit could influence bitcoin policy20:35 - Is the U.S. front-running the world on bitcoin?23:50 - The case against a U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve29:28 - Why the U.S. must hedge against not buying bitcoin31:58 - Sovereign wealth fund vs. strategic bitcoin reserve35:38 - Why Texas and Georgia may lead the state-level bitcoin reserves42:10 - SAB 121 repeal: A game-changer for bitcoin banking?51:51 - Why only bitcoin belongs in a U.S. strategic reserveWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Bryan Jacoutot's Twitter: https://twitter.com/BryanJacoutot
How did a simple golf tournament turn into one of the most unique bitcoin events in the world? In this episode, we sit down with the key organizers and participants of the Max & Stacy Bitcoin Golf Invitational in El Salvador to unpack how this event came to life. We explore the surprising connection between bitcoin and golf, the challenges of organizing a major bitcoin event from scratch, and why the tournament attracted bitcoiners from around the world. The conversation covers El Salvador's rapid transformation, its growing role in the bitcoin community, and the inspiring story of the country's top golfer. We also discuss bitcoin's long-term adoption, the power of a strong network, and the future of bitcoin sports events.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:12 - How the bitcoin golf tournament started3:46 - From article to international event8:20 - Why bitcoin and golf share the same mindset12:32 - The rise of bitcoin sports events18:25 - Inside the Max & Stacy Invitational22:05 - El Salvador's top golfer and his bitcoin connection25:41 - The unique culture of bitcoiners31:10 - El Salvador's transformation and first impressions34:09 - The best food in El Salvador39:32 - Why hash rate signals bitcoin's strength42:18 - Executing a flawless bitcoin event45:42 - How bitcoin reshapes time and wealth50:06 - The power of taking action52:35 - The future of bitcoin sports and elite events55:00 - Final thoughts on bitcoin, El Salvador, and the tournamentWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett (Host) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Max Keiser on Twitter: https://x.com/maxkeiser→ Stacy Herbert on Twitter: https://x.com/stacyherbert→ Bitcoin Sports Network on Twitter: https://x.com/BSN_Events→ Trey Sellers on Twitter: https://x.com/ts_hodl→ Rocky Wold on Twitter: https://x.com/rkywld
Could bitcoin mining reshape the global energy grid? In this episode, we sit down with Zach Bradford, CEO and President of CleanSpark, to uncover how mining and energy industries are converging. Zach shares how stoicism influences his leadership, why CleanSpark navigated past bull and bear cycles so effectively, and his take on whether bitcoin will ever see another 80% drawdown. We discuss the risks of market euphoria, how SAB 121 could open the floodgates for institutional adoption, and why nation-states may begin accumulating serious amounts of bitcoin. Zach also explains CleanSpark's distributed mining strategy, the future of energy integration, and how bitcoin could ultimately transform global trade and finance.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:00 - How stoicism shapes bitcoin mining leadership5:09 - Will bitcoin ever see another 80% drawdown?7:29 - Strategy over ideology in bitcoin mining9:34 - How CleanSpark capitalized on the bull and bear cycles13:39 - Is the market too euphoric right now?16:20 - How SAB 121 could change the financial system18:10 - Will bitcoin mining and energy industries fully converge?21:44 - Could bitcoin mining fundamentally disrupt the power industry?25:36 - Bitcoin as digital gold or digital capital?30:40 - Why nation-states are accumulating bitcoin32:26 - Will the United States adopt a strategic bitcoin reserve?37:34 - How CleanSpark balances short-term execution with long-term vision42:31 - Why CleanSpark focuses on efficiency over size46:00 - The unexpected second-order effects of bitcoinWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett (Host) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Zach Bradford on Twitter: https://x.com/ZachKBradford
Is the U.S. on the brink of creating a national strategic bitcoin reserve or will Zoom (NASDAQ: ZM) buy bitcoin first? In this episode, we sit down with Eric Semler, Chairman of Semler Scientific, seasoned investor, and founder of TCS Capital, to discuss why he believes bitcoin will not only match gold's valuation but far exceed it. Eric shares his early exposure to bitcoin, the pivotal moments that shaped his conviction, and the strategy behind his firm's aggressive accumulation. We break down BTC Yield, the real hurdles stopping corporations from adopting bitcoin, and why institutional investors are still skeptical. Eric also gives his take on the evolving role of banks in bitcoin custody and how global trade shifts could accelerate bitcoin's rise. We wrap up with insights on bitcoin's long-term trajectory, the risks it still faces, and why even skeptics may soon become bitcoin savers.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:07 - How Eric first heard about bitcoin3:06 - The debate among top investors in bitcoin's early days5:14 - Why Eric didn't buy bitcoin immediately6:48 - How Eric values publicly traded bitcoin companies10:16 - The significance of BTC yield and its impact on valuations14:10 - Why institutional adoption of bitcoin is still lagging17:35 - The biggest hurdles stopping companies from putting bitcoin on their balance sheets20:25 - Will banks start custodying bitcoin soon?24:58 - Should bitcoiners be concerned about banks lending bitcoin?27:59 - How tariffs, trade wars, and inflation impact bitcoin's future29:52 - Could the U.S. create a national strategic bitcoin reserve?33:20 - Why Eric believes bitcoin will far exceed gold's valuation36:52 - What happens once bitcoin reaches full adoption?38:06 - Thoughts on MicroStrategy's rebrand to Strategy43:55 - Are any CEOs actually considering putting bitcoin on their balance sheet?46:22 - The biggest risk to bitcoin's futureWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett (Host) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Eric Semler on Twitter: https://x.com/SemlerEric
In this episode, we sit down with Jeff Park, Head of Alpha Strategies at Bitwise, to discuss his journey from trading derivatives at Morgan Stanley to becoming a leading voice in bitcoin. Jeff shares his perspective on the nature of money, why he sees bitcoin as speech rather than currency, and how its volatility is both a challenge and an opportunity. We break down the implications of the US dollar's structural weaknesses, the potential for a Plaza Accord 2.0, and the role of tariffs in reshaping global trade. Jeff explains why he believes bitcoin will surpass gold, how corporations are beginning to embrace bitcoin on their balance sheets, and whether a major tech company like Meta could be next. We also explore the impact of SAB 121's repeal, the future of bitcoin custody in traditional finance, and the biggest risks to bitcoin's long-term adoption.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:14 - What is money? Jeff Park's take3:13 - Bitcoin is not money—it's speech5:13 - Is bitcoin more like gold or a commodity?8:43 - How Jeff Park went from Wall Street to bitcoin10:56 - Why is bitcoin so volatile?13:56 - The US dollar's hidden dilemma and the role of tariffs16:26 - How the Plaza Accord 2.0 could change everything21:27 - Bitcoin vs. gold: competition or complementary?25:12 - Could bitcoin surpass gold's market cap?32:17 - Will foreign nations pivot to bitcoin instead of treasuries?39:50 - The US sovereign wealth fund and bitcoin's role44:03 - Could Mark Zuckerberg put bitcoin on Meta's balance sheet?46:41 - What does SAB 121's repeal mean for banks and ETFs?52:37 - The biggest risk to bitcoin's long-term futureWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett (Host) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Jeff Park on Twitter: https://x.com/dgt10011
In this episode, we sit down with Radu, an engineer at Amazon and deep thinker in the bitcoin space. Radu shares his journey from discovering bitcoin in 2015 to developing a unique thermodynamic perspective on its inevitability. We discuss how he ties bitcoin to the laws of energy, his insights into bitcoin as perfected digital energy, and the role of proof of work in anchoring its value. Radu explains bitcoin's function as an energy conduit and how it drives perpetual innovation in mining and energy efficiency. We explore his views on bitcoin as a singularity, its potential to reshape global capital flows, and the long-term impact on nation-states and human consciousness. Radu also touches on the philosophical implications of a bitcoin standard and how technology, like AI, accelerates this transformation.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro01:09 - Radu's journey from engineering to bitcoin03:14 - The first bitcoin opportunity missed at $40004:02 - How a coworker sparked Radu's bitcoin curiosity05:19 - Riding bitcoin from $20K to $3K and back06:46 - Discovering bitcoin's inevitability through thermodynamics08:20 - The Michael Saylor moment that changed everything10:03 - Why bitcoin is perfected digital energy13:05 - Bitcoin as the ultimate energy conduit21:00 - Bitcoin's perpetual flywheel: the gradient minimization engine27:20 - How bitcoin is pulling global capital like a waterfall31:47 - The future: from digital capital to digital energy32:07 - Bitcoin and the path to universal consciousness38:52 - Can humanity handle the coming singularity?WHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett (Host) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Radu on Twitter: https://x.com/LizardWizardBTC
In this episode, we sit down with Skot, electrical engineer and creator of Bitaxe, the first open-source ASIC bitcoin miner. Skot shares his journey from IoT hardware development to designing hardware for bitcoin mining, including his early experiments with FPGAs in a university lab. We discuss the significance of open-source mining for bitcoin's future, the challenges of hardware and firmware development, and how Bitaxe compares to industry giants like Bitmain. Skot explains the potential for decentralized mining, the risks of centralization in mining hardware and pools, and why making mining accessible and transparent is critical. We also touch on the concept of incorporating miners into household devices and the role of small-scale miners in bitcoin's long-term resilience.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro01:16 - Meet Skot, the mind behind Bitaxe02:34 - From IoT projects to bitcoin mining innovation05:20 - Skot's bitcoin origin story and the PayPal saga09:35 - Mining bitcoin with university lab FPGAs12:11 - Why Skot started the first open-source ASIC miner14:55 - The challenges of open-source bitcoin mining hardware19:59 - Bitaxe vs. Bitmain: efficiency showdown21:25 - Who's building Bitaxes and why?25:01 - The importance of open-source mining for bitcoin's future28:26 - Can Bitaxe become a significant part of bitcoin's hash rate?33:39 - The dream of decentralized mining in household devices41:02 - The future of bitcoin mining: big grids vs. home miners47:06 - Skot's take on mining centralization risks53:37 - How open-source mining could save bitcoinWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett (Host) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Skot on Twitter: https://x.com/skot9000
In this episode, we sit down with Tad Smith, founder of Durable Money, partner at One Roundtable Partners, and former CEO of Sotheby's and Madison Square Garden. Tad reflects on his journey from leading global companies to teaching strategy and finance at NYU Stern. We discuss his teaching methods, including the Amazon case study that captivated students, and how it applies to understanding bitcoin and MicroStrategy today. Tad shares insights on risk versus volatility, the challenges of valuing bitcoin and MicroStrategy, and the role of patterns in investment decisions. We also explore the concept of a U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve, the biggest risks to bitcoin, and why Tad believes bitcoin is reshaping capital allocation worldwide.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:00 - From Sotheby's to Madison Square Garden3:00 - Teaching at NYU Stern: Lessons from students5:30 - The Amazon case study that wowed students9:00 - Patterns in history: Bitcoin's historical rhymes12:30 - MicroStrategy's bold bitcoin bet17:00 - Volatility vs. risk: What investors get wrong22:00 - Why is bitcoin so volatile?33:00 - Should the U.S. create a strategic bitcoin reserve?48:30 - The biggest risks to bitcoinWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett (Host) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Tad Smith on Twitter: https://x.com/tadtweets
In this episode, we sit down with Kenny Florian, former UFC fighter, broadcaster, and co-host of the Anik & Florian Podcast, to discuss his journey from martial arts to bitcoin. Kenny reflects on his fighting career, the lessons learned from competition, and how his mindset shifted when he discovered bitcoin in 2017. We explore the parallels between the discipline of fighting and the principles of bitcoin, misconceptions about volatility, and its role as a defensive asset. Kenny shares his thoughts on bitcoin's potential as a global reserve, the growing race for adoption among nations, and the unique advantages it offers over traditional assets like real estate. We also discuss self-custody, the importance of educating newcomers, and how tools like Unchained's bitcoin retirement calculator can help individuals better understand bitcoin's long term potential.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 - Intro00:01:06 - Introducing Kenny Florian00:02:30 - From law school dreams to the UFC00:05:15 - What it's like training as a professional fighter00:07:35 - The mental and physical challenges of weight cutting00:10:17 - Discovering bitcoin: first impressions and early doubts00:13:55 - Going all in on bitcoin in 201700:15:35 - Why bitcoin is the ultimate underdog00:18:12 - Bitcoin's defensive qualities and wealth preservation00:22:03 - Misconceptions about bitcoin: volatility and risk00:24:18 - Bitcoin vs. traditional investments like real estate00:26:50 - Lessons from Michael Saylor's bitcoin advocacy00:29:45 - Bitcoin's role in geopolitical and financial systems00:33:02 - The race for bitcoin adoption among nations00:36:12 - How bitcoin changes personal finance and wealth strategy00:40:02 - The importance of self-custody in bitcoin ownership00:42:15 - The power of bitcoin as a tool for individuals and nations00:45:25 - The future of bitcoin: 10 to 20 years from now00:48:05 - Advice for beginners: understanding bitcoin's potential00:50:50 - Reflections on bitcoin's journey and its role in global changeWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Kenny Florian's Twitter: https://x.com/kennyflorian
In this episode, we sit down with George Selgin, Director Emeritus at the Cato Institute's Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives, to explore his views on money, markets, and bitcoin's role in the global economy. George shares his journey from studying marine biology to becoming a leading voice in monetary economics and discusses how definitions of money have evolved. We examine bitcoin's classification as a synthetic commodity, its potential as a store of value, and whether it could ever replace the US dollar. George also analyzes the proposed bitcoin strategic reserve, highlighting its costs, risks, and implications for government debt.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 - Intro00:01:11 - Introducing George Selgin's background and career00:07:42 - Moving from Hong Kong to the University of Georgia00:09:50 - Defining money and its role in economics00:12:12 - Explaining why bitcoin doesn't meet the definition of money00:13:31 - Defining the dollar and its place in the economy00:15:52 - Understanding gold's history and modern role00:19:11 - Analyzing bitcoin as a synthetic commodity00:21:51 - Evaluating bitcoin as a store of value vs. medium of exchange00:24:52 - Discussing bitcoin's long-term price potential00:29:21 - Examining markets, prices, and bitcoin's future00:36:13 - Questioning if the US dollar could be replaced00:42:36 - Evaluating the bitcoin strategic reserve proposal00:49:11 - Breaking down the costs and risks of a bitcoin reserve00:55:00 - Closing thoughts and where to follow George SelginWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ George Selgin's Twitter: https://x.com/GeorgeSelgin
In this episode, we recap the top 5 episodes of 2024 on The Bitcoin Frontier, reflecting on the show's growth, standout moments, and what's ahead in 2025. We're joined by Jose, Director of Media Production at Unchained, to discuss the podcast's journey, including hitting 1.5 million views and 17 years of watch time this year. We highlight key episodes featuring expert guests who tackled topics like bitcoin ETFs, mining, macroeconomic trends, health, science, AI, and the philosophical debates shaping bitcoin's future. From bitcoin's role as a reserve asset to its vulnerabilities and the risks of quantum threats, this countdown captures the most important conversations of the year while setting the stage for what's next.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:14 - Jose, Director of Media Production3:07 - 2024 growth and podcast milestones5:25 - Unchained hits 1.5M views and 17 years watched in 202411:22 - Honorable mention13:42 - Episode #516:56 - Episode #421:32 - Episode #327:04 - Episode #230:27 - Episode #134:55 - 2025 podcast plans and bitcoin growth outlook37:55 - Is bitcoin just digital gold or the best form of money?43:30 - Bitcoin risks from fiat dominance to quantum threatsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos' Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD
In this episode, we sit down with Daniel Batten to explore the six megatrends shaping bitcoin this cycle, from sovereign wealth funds and pension funds entering the market to miners becoming net buyers instead of sellers. Daniel shares his take on bitcoin ETFs as a game-changer for traditional finance and the growing potential for national bitcoin reserves. We discuss whether this cycle will break the pattern of diminishing returns, why volatility isn't the risk many think it is, and how bitcoin's adoption could accelerate at unprecedented levels.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 — Why sovereign wealth funds are the next big bitcoin adopters00:01:22 — The six megatrends shaping bitcoin this cycle00:05:06 — How pension funds are allocating to bitcoin00:11:42 — Why miners are buying, not selling, bitcoin this cycle00:15:19 — Will this cycle break bitcoin's diminishing returns trend?00:27:33 — Blow-off tops vs. steady growth: what to expect this cycle00:30:47 — Why the bitcoin ETF success is just beginning00:35:14 — The rise of bitcoin strategic reserves among nations00:40:54 — Addressing the “too late for bitcoin” mindset00:49:57 — The biggest risks to bitcoin's futureWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Daniel Batten's Twitter: https://x.com/DSBatten
In this episode, we sit down with Hunter Beast, a developer focused on making bitcoin quantum resistant. Hunter shares his journey from discovering bitcoin in 2017 to working on a Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) aimed at securing the protocol against future quantum threats. We explore how quantum computers could compromise elliptic curve cryptography, why P2PK coins are at risk, how address reuse poses risks, and Hunter's proposed pay-to-quantum-resistant hash solution. He explains the challenges of implementing post-quantum cryptography, the trade-offs between security and efficiency, and the timeline for potential quantum threats. Hunter also discusses the importance of community collaboration on upgrades and how bitcoin can prepare for a secure future while maintaining its core values.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 - Intro00:01:02 - Meet Hunter: Bitcoin and quantum focus00:01:51 - Fixing money: Bitcoin's potential to fix the world00:03:06 - Real risks vs myths00:04:41 - Elliptic curve cryptography: Bitcoin's security backbone00:06:08 - Why bitcoin matters: Grounding the digital world00:07:07 - Quantum risks: Shor's algorithm and private keys00:10:33 - Quantum threat: An existential risk to bitcoin00:11:44 - Resilience: Lessons from Carrington event00:12:57 - Quantum resistance00:14:26 - Hunter's proposal: Pay-to-quantum-resistant hash00:17:04 - Public key risks: Old coins, mempool, reuse, taproot00:20:22 - Quantum solutions: SegWit v3 and new algorithms00:26:21 - Resistant addresses: Naming conventions and tips00:31:06 - Securing bitcoin with new cryptography00:34:06 - Signature challenges: Balancing security and block space00:37:07 - Future cryptography: Preparing for quantum security00:43:27 - Trade-offs of quantum-proof cryptography00:50:00 - Quantum risk timeline: Predictions and unknowns00:55:27 - Satoshi's coins: Why not burn vulnerable addresses01:00:18 - Soft fork challenges: Consensus and activation risks01:03:10 - Closing thoughts: Hunter's work and resourcesWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Hunter Beast's Twitter: https://x.com/cryptoquick
In this episode, we sit down with Junseth, a long-time bitcoiner and co-host of the legendary Bitcoin Uncensored podcast. Junseth shares how he got started in bitcoin, his views on the evolution of the bitcoin community, and his take on the cycles of bitcoin podcasts and companies. He provides insights into the rise of social engineering scams, his experience confronting phishing attackers, and the mentality behind young scammers. We also discuss the challenges of self-custody, the risks of bitcoin centralization, and the potential implications of a national bitcoin reserve. Junseth offers a unique perspective on the future of bitcoin, libertarian ideals, and the lessons learned from his years in the space.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 – Introduction00:01:06 – How Junseth got involved in bitcoin00:04:42 – Libertarianism and bitcoin's evolution00:09:04 – Background of Junseth's scammer calls00:15:21 – Why young scammers do what they do00:17:16 – Protecting yourself from phishing scams00:24:45 – Self-custody00:31:02 – Evolution of bitcoin podcasts00:36:22 – Michael Saylor's infinite money glitch00:42:30 – Current bitcoin cycle and price movements00:46:46 – Reflections on bitcoin's rapid adoption00:51:16 – Bitcoin strategic reserve: pros and cons00:54:14 – Unique perspectives and risks to bitcoinWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Junseth's Twitter: https://x.com/verysmallclaims
In this episode, we sit down with Willy Woo, a leading on-chain analyst and bitcoin market expert. Willy provides insights into the current state of the market, highlighting how corporate and institutional players like MicroStrategy and BlackRock are shaping bitcoin's adoption. He explains bitcoin's role as a potential global reserve asset and its energy-based scarcity model, which sets it apart from traditional assets like gold. We discuss the impact of upcoming FASB accounting changes on companies holding bitcoin, the risks of centralization, and the sustainability of bitcoin's four-year cycles. Willy also shares his thoughts on how bitcoin's growth could reshape geopolitics and global monetary systems, offering a clear vision for a decentralized financial future.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 Intro01:31 Current state of the bitcoin market03:02 Bitcoin dominance, altcoins, and institutional impact07:08 MicroStrategy and the future of ETFs10:37 FASB accounting and potential S&P 500 inclusion13:54 BlackRock's role in legitimizing bitcoin16:54 Bitcoin as digital gold and its exponential growth22:15 Energy scarcity and bitcoin's long-term viability28:11 Bitcoin's potential as a global reserve asset38:25 Geopolitical implications of a bitcoin standard43:23 Where are we in the current bitcoin cycle?50:19 Bitcoin's biggest risks and future challenges54:05 Optimism for bitcoinWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Willy Woo's Twitter: https://x.com/woonomic
In this episode, we sit down with Dhruv Bansal, co-founder of Unchained, and Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3, for a friendly debate on whether bitcoin was invented or discovered. We examine how historical inventions and discoveries like mathematics and fire compare to bitcoin, explore the philosophical implications of digital scarcity, and discuss its relevance across civilizations. Dhruv and Samson share their insights on bitcoin as a living organism, potential challenges from quantum computing, and the evolution of its network over time. The conversation also touches on the future of money and mining in a spacefaring civilization, how energy markets intersect with bitcoin, and the practicality of sidechains for interplanetary use. Throughout, we question the boundaries of bitcoin's definition, its adaptability, and its role as the ultimate form of energy money.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 Intro1:43 Welcome to the debate: invented vs. discovered3:48 Definitions: what makes something invented or discovered?7:53 Analyzing historical examples: math, melodies, and fire12:03 Was bitcoin invented or discovered? Opening arguments20:25 The ship of theseus analogy for bitcoin's evolution24:09 Addressing quantum computing and potential bitcoin changes30:58 Bitcoin as a living organism and its self-regulation33:19 Does digital scarcity truly exist across civilizations?39:09 Bitcoin's impact on energy grids and global sustainability42:00 Mars colonization: should Martians adopt bitcoin or a sidechain?47:09 Decentralization vs. centralization of hash power in space52:50 Concluding thoughts: bitcoin's universal role as energy money1:01:10 The biggest risk to bitcoin—aliens?WHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Dhruv Bansal's Twitter: https://x.com/dhruvbansal→ Samson Mow's Twitter: https://x.com/Excellion
In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jack Kruse, a neurosurgeon with over 30 years of experience, to explore his transformative journey from centralized medicine to decentralized health and his discovery of bitcoin as a tool for freedom and time preservation. Jack discusses the flaws in traditional medicine, the significance of circadian biology, and why sunlight and sleep are critical for optimal health. He explains his perspective on bitcoin as a “time machine” and the parallels between decentralized money and biology. The conversation touches on the importance of self-custody, the role of technology in shaping health outcomes, and whether Americans should consider moving to El Salvador for greater personal freedom. Jack also shares insights on the challenges of population growth, the potential to extend human lifespan, and how bitcoiners can prioritize health to secure their future.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 Intro1:06 Jack Kruse's background and medical journey3:32 Decentralized medicine: what it means9:20 Why centralized medicine is broken11:19 The importance of circadian biology18:25 Bitcoin and time: connecting decentralized money to health23:11 "Bitcoin is a time machine": explained33:53 How sunlight and darkness affect health37:10 The role of technology in health outcomes43:08 Living a healthier, longer life: practical advice49:47 El Salvador: should Americans move there?57:29 Is bitcoin a time machine for everyone? Victor's story1:01:13 The case for decentralizing your lifeWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Dr. Jack Kruse's Twitter: https://x.com/DrJackKruse
In this episode, we sit down with Joe Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Unchained, to discuss his journey from his first ‘aha' moment with bitcoin to building a company that prioritizes long term bitcoin security and self-custody. Joe reflects on Unchained's evolution into a bitcoin-only company, his personal donation to the University of Austin's bitcoin endowment, and Unchained's new bitcoin donor-advised fund product. We explore the critical importance of self-custody, why new bitcoiners should care about self-custody, the challenges and opportunities for global bitcoin adoption, and Unchained's future roadmap. Joe also shares his thoughts on the risks and potential of AI, phishing threats in the digital space, and the balance between security and user experience in bitcoin financial services.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 Intro1:18 ‘Aha' moment, Dhruv's influence4:19 Founding Unchained, long-term vision7:47 Bitcoin-only focus10:27 University of Austin donation13:18 Bitcoin donor-advised funds15:23 Beyond bitcoin: family, consciousness17:45 Favorite podcast20:23 Why self-custody matters26:01 Accelerating adoption28:52 Phishing threats32:20 Bitcoin ETFs35:41 AI, identity verification38:17 Unchained's future40:03 Roadmap, sustainability41:30 Favorite products44:44 ECB bitcoin paper46:50 Contrarian views on money49:05 Bitcoin's biggest risk50:44 Closing remarksWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Joe Kelly's Twitter: https://x.com/josephkelly
In this episode, we sit down with Marty Bent, founder of TFTC, Managing Partner at Ten31 VC, and Director at Cathedra Bitcoin. Marty shares his journey, from starting his newsletter and TFTC podcast to recording at Barstool Sports and now recently being cited by the European Central Bank in an academic paper. We explore his take on the ECB's paper, bitcoin's adoption speed, and the risks of mining centralization. Marty dives into vulnerabilities in bitcoin core, the future of mining, and Ten31's unique approach to supporting bitcoin-only companies on a bitcoin standard. We also discuss the balance between clickbait and integrity in bitcoin media and AI's impact on content and media.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 Introduction1:05 Starting Marty's newsletter and TFTC3:22 Expectations vs. reality: Marty's journey5:47 Recording at barstool sports and potential acquisition10:21 Talking about bitcoin with co-workers at the managed futures fund13:05 European central bank citing Marty's newsletter23:25 Vulnerabilities in bitcoin29:04 Mining centralization—is it a problem?40:30 Worst and best business models you've seen at Ten3147:26 What's the end goal for Ten31 portfolio companies?52:08 How will VC change after the monetization of bitcoin?58:23 How will media and AI evolve over the next decade?1:02:23 Hyperbitcoinization faster than we expect?1:08:00 Biggest risk for bitcoin?WHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital
In this episode, we sit down with Dennis Porter, CEO and Co-Founder of the Satoshi Action Fund, for an in-depth look at bitcoin's place in U.S. politics. Dennis opens with an overview of how each political party approaches bitcoin and discusses the importance of bipartisan support. He examines bitcoin's resonance with American values, its appeal across political lines, and how policies can balance innovation and openness with consumer protection. Dennis reflects on the role of single-issue bitcoin voters and the potential impact on future elections including the 2024 US presidential election. He also explores how states are beginning to adopt bitcoin-friendly policies and the importance of creating scalable templates for state-level adoption.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 Intro1:09 Breaking down each party's stance on bitcoin3:04 Bipartisan effort and why it matters for bitcoin5:39 Kamala Harris vs. biden on bitcoin7:04 Protecting consumers while supporting innovation8:32 Bitcoin's inclusiveness and appeal to democrats9:36 Why bitcoin resonates with American values10:16 Importance of bipartisan support for bitcoin11:38 Working with both sides of the aisle17:17 Role of broken money in political division20:40 ECB's stance on bitcoin holders23:14 Debunking the ECB paper26:16 Bitcoin's potential as a bipartisan issue29:20 Single-issue bitcoin voters and future elections32:14 Bitcoin voters as a swing factor in elections36:43 Strategic bitcoin stockpile plan39:17 How bitcoin influences future elections41:17 Adoption of bitcoin-friendly policies at the state level47:15 Influence of presidential cycles vs. halvings on bitcoin cycles50:07 Creating template policies for state adoption53:02 Risk to bitcoin: if earth falls into the sunWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Dennis Porter's Twitter: https://x.com/Dennis_Porter_
In this episode, we sit down with Pierre Rochard, VP of Research at Riot Platforms, and Bitstein, co-founder of the Nakamoto Institute, to discuss hyperbitcoinization and more. Pierre and Michael open by reflecting on its price history, historical cycles, and long-term outlook. They explore bitcoin's progression onto the global stage, considering how central banks view it and where we are in the context of hyperbitcoinization. They address the critical balance between self-custody and bitcoin banks, including insights into the evolving role of custody solutions and associated risks. Discussing perspectives like those of Michael Saylor and Saifedean Ammous, they weigh in on bitcoin's function as both an asset, a money, and the concept of bitcoin “yield.” The conversation covers MicroStrategy's strategic approach to bitcoin and their perspective on the various models like S2F, power law, and Bitcoin24.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:17 - Reflections on bitcoin cycles3:21 - Long-term outlook5:12 - Bitcoin on global stage7:05 - Central banks' view on bitcoin14:03 - Defining hyperbitcoinization17:05 - Self-custody vs. bitcoin banks25:16 - Future of bitcoin custody30:10 - Risks in custodial options35:38 - Saylor vs. Saifedean on bitcoin banking42:27 - Bitcoin yield vs. fiat yield50:02 - MicroStrategy's strategy55:10 - Modeling bitcoin's value1:02:31 - Fiat vs. bitcoin volatility1:04:15 - Challenging views in bitcoin communityWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Pierre Rochard's Twitter: https://x.com/BitcoinPierre→ Bitstein's Twitter: https://x.com/bitstein
In this episode, we sit down with Chaitanya Jain (CJ), an MBA candidate at Harvard Business School and strategist at MicroStrategy, who worked closely with Michael Saylor on the recent open source Bitcoin24 model. CJ shares his experience talking about bitcoin at HBS, detailing efforts to distinguish it from broader crypto discussions. We explore Michael Saylor's perspective on whether bitcoin is money or just another asset. CJ offers insights into building the Bitcoin24 model and MicroStrategy's evolving custody strategy, including the future of bitcoin in banking and other companies adopting MicroStrategy's bitcoin strategy. We also cover their acquisition strategy using equity and convertible notes, the constraints they face, and how to think about valuing MicroStrategy in relation to their NAV. Last, CJ discusses MicroStrategy's potential future S&P 500 inclusion, effective bitcoin advocacy techniques, and the most significant risks to bitcoin today.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Introduction and background00:03:23 Experience at HBS with bitcoin00:06:06 Efforts to differentiate bitcoin from crypto at HBS00:08:13 Bitcoin and crypto courses at HBS00:10:21 Michael Saylor's view of bitcoin: money or asset?00:12:12 Catalysts for HBS interest in bitcoin00:14:06 Key takeaways from interacting with Michael Saylor00:18:25 Valuing bitcoin without cash flows00:20:36 Building the Bitcoin24 model with MicroStrategy00:24:24 MicroStrategy's bitcoin custody strategy00:26:32 Future of bitcoin in banking00:30:55 Other companies following MicroStrategy's bitcoin strategy00:38:21 MicroStrategy's bitcoin acquisition strategy: equity and convertible notes00:46:24 Limits on equity issuances and convertible notes00:50:24 Common misunderstandings about MicroStrategy00:52:42 MicroStrategy's inclusion in the S&P 50000:58:26 Bitcoin advocacy and persuasion techniques00:59:10 Biggest risks to bitcoinWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Chaitanya Jain's Twitter: https://x.com/_ChaitanyaJ
In this episode, we sit down with Luke Gromen to unpack the U.S. fiscal landscape, exploring the growing strain of true interest expense and why the world may be entering a liquidity acceleration phase. Luke highlights some of the most crowded and least crowded trades in the market today and explains why gold miners are taking on a new role, while commodity stocks resemble bonds. We also discuss the potential release valves of gold, oil, and bitcoin. Luke provides insights into the shifting dynamics of physical versus paper assets, the repricing of bonds and hard assets, and bitcoin's potential place in central bank reserves. Additionally, we cover China's latest economic moves, the ongoing global debt bubble, and the potential impact of the U.S. Presidential election.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro01:06 - The U.S. fiscal situation and 'true interest expense'02:49 - U.S. fiscal tightening and liquidity needs04:03 - 'America doesn't get to do collectively stupid stuff with borrowed money forever'04:51 - What is money?07:13 - Most crowded and least crowded trades today08:39 - 'Gold miners are the new commodity stocks, commodity stocks are the new bonds'12:07 - The release valve: gold, oil, and maybe bitcoin14:21 - Bitcoin miners as the new gold miners?16:06 - The importance of physical versus paper assets20:10 - The accelerating repricing event in bonds and hard assets23:49 - How bitcoin and gold fit into the reserve asset narrative33:14 - Will central banks eventually hold bitcoin?35:00 - China's aggressive stimulus and what it means for global markets39:00 - The global sovereign debt bubble and the U.S. deficit40:21 - U.S. Presidential election and fiscal largesse41:59 - Repricing of gold and bitcoin49:10 - What most bitcoiners disagree with Luke on50:24 - The biggest risks to bitcoin and gold55:00 - Outro and where to find more of Luke's workWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Luke Gromen's Twitter: https://x.com/LukeGromen
In this episode, we sit down with James Check to tackle common misconceptions in bitcoin, from misunderstood on-chain metrics to the real impact of long-term holders. We break down key market indicators, discuss risks of audience capture, and explore whether bitcoin is set for slow, steady growth or another 80% drop. We also dive into the relevance of entity-adjusted metrics, the potential impact of ETFs, and how Checkmate optimizes bitcoin allocation strategies. Looking ahead, we speculate on bitcoin's role in future portfolios, touch on large-scale gold buying, and even consider whether aliens might have their own version of bitcoin.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction01:40 What is one thing you think most people are wrong about?08:14 Misinterpreted on-chain metrics and long-term holders13:00 Key metrics to watch for market tops19:10 Protecting against audience capture in bitcoin narratives22:44 Slow grind up vs fast exponential growth?25:48 Will bitcoin fall another 80% at some point?29:25 Bitcoin was not a ZIRP phenomenon30:10 Optimizing DCA and portfolio allocations through cycles35:00 How accurate are “entity-adjusted” on-chain metrics?41:10 Do ETFs destroy the potential usefulness of on-chain analytics?46:35 Decades from now, how much bitcoin is in a typical portfolio?50:50 Who is buying gold in size now?56:50 Do aliens exist and did they discover their own bitcoin?1:02:50 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Checkmate's Twitter: https://x.com/_Checkmatey_
In this episode, we sit down with Troy Cross to examine the environmental impact of bitcoin mining and its potential role in stabilizing energy grids. Troy shares his journey into bitcoin and peer-to-peer systems, addressing early concerns about energy consumption and how his views have evolved. We explore key data from bitcoin miners on energy usage and discuss the challenges of gathering accurate information. Troy highlights bitcoin mining's unique flexibility in reducing emissions and compares its energy impact to other technologies like AI. We also cover the political implications of bitcoin, potential risks, and the importance of effective branding for bitcoin's future growth.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-descriptionTIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction01:40 The environmental impact of bitcoin mining04:28 How Troy got into bitcoin and peer-to-peer systems07:33 Early concerns about bitcoin's energy consumption11:21 Bitcoin's role in stabilizing energy grids14:53 Data from bitcoin miners on energy consumption18:47 Challenges in gathering bitcoin mining data21:25 Bitcoin mining's flexibility and reduced emissions25:02 Halvings, miners, and price28:37 Bitcoin's superpower: Flexible energy consumption32:12 Comparing bitcoin to AI in energy use34:44 The future of energy and bitcoin38:12 How bitcoin mining adapts to market conditions42:28 Political ramifications of bitcoin46:08 The biggest risk to bitcoin50:09 Bitcoin's branding challenges54:12 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Troy Cross's Twitter: https://x.com/thetrocro→ Troy's bitcoin ownership report: https://www.thenakamotoproject.org/report→ Troy's bitcoin mining report: https://www.btcpolicy.org/articles/bitcoin-mining-reduces-carbon-emissions
In this episode, we sit down with Rational Root to explore whether bitcoin is on the verge of entering a parabolic growth phase. We discuss key indicators, including on-chain data, market cycles, and global liquidity trends, to assess the current state of bitcoin and its potential for rapid price acceleration. Root breaks down the importance of short-term holder behavior, ETF flows, and the psychology of the market. We also consider external factors, such as macroeconomic conditions and regulatory developments, that could fuel or hinder bitcoin's next major move.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:01:40 Where are we in the 4 year cycle?04:55 Bitcoin goes sideways or down a majority of the time08:14 Cycles from the bottom13:03 On-chain value map21:21 Do ETFs change on-chain analytics?24:00 Psychology of a bitcoin market cycle26:23 Global liquidity catalyst30:14 Short-term holder supply34:38 Bitcoin ETF flows43:30 Bitcoin ETF cost basis45:55 Bitwise proof of reserves49:40 HODL Model update1:01:40 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Rational Root's Twitter: https://x.com/therationalroot
In this episode, former FBI agent Ren McEachern breaks down financial crime and fraud in the digital age. We cover how criminals use different monetary tools for money laundering, whether the FBI can reverse wire transfers, and their work on the dark web. Ren explains asset seizures, including high-value items like yachts, and the unique challenges of seizing and liquidating bitcoin. We also discuss the FBI's evolving stance on bitcoin, tracing crypto transactions, and using off-chain data to prevent fraud. Lastly, we tackle the potentially fraudulent NFT market, and Ren shares what he sees as the biggest risk to bitcoin today.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:01:30 Introduction and Background06:00 Most common monetary tool used in money laundering?09:08 Can the FBI reverse wire transfers?12:48 FBI and the dark web15:12 Brazil banning X.com17:15 Seizing assets and chasing yachts21:55 Liquidating seized assets and yachts24:00 The difficulty of seizing bitcoin29:00 Government seizure of bitcoin and liquidation37:00 Trump's strategic bitcoin stockpile40:00 The FBI's perspective on bitcoin50:10 Future of fraud with bitcoin and crypto?01:01:25 Is the NFT market just money laundering?01:04:30 Most commonly used crypto for fraud?01:08:13 Biggest risk to bitcoin?WHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Ren McEachern's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-ren-mceachern
In this episode, Joe Consorti joins us to explore the impacts of trillion-dollar deficits on the fiscal landscape and what it means for bitcoin's future. We start with a look at the current liquidity environment and how asset prices are responding, followed by a discussion on rate cuts and capital deployment strategies. Joe shares his outlook on bitcoin's trajectory through 2025 and the central bank actions we should be keeping a close eye on. We then examine key models like the power law and stock-to-flow to understand how they relate to bitcoin's growth. Joe also addresses whether excessive monetary and fiscal stimulus could harm bitcoin, and why crypto is in decline while bitcoin continues to thrive. Finally, we talk about the acceleration of exponential growth, before wrapping up with Joe's thoughts on unpopular beliefs and the biggest risks facing bitcoin today.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00 Introduction01:30 Trillion-dollar deficits and the fiscal situation10:43 The liquidity spigot and asset prices17:21 Rate cuts and capital deployment25:35 Bitcoin's future and monitoring central bank actions30:35 Predicting bitcoin in 2025 and factors to watch37:12 The power law model vs. the stock-to-flow model40:05 Does too much monetary and fiscal stimulus harm bitcoin?46:50 The decline of crypto and the thriving of bitcoin51:00 Acceleration and exponential growth01:02:20 Unpopular beliefs and the biggest risks to bitcoinWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Joe Consorti's Twitter: https://x.com/JoeConsorti
In this episode, Dylan LeClair joins us to discuss positive feedback loops around bitcoin's extreme volatility and a collapsing crypto industry. We kick off with Vitalik's questions about the sustainability of yield in the crypto space and whether ethereum and other cryptocurrencies are at risk of fading away. Dylan offers his insights on the VIX spike in early August and what it might mean for the broader market. We then shift to the success of bitcoin ETFs and dive into how companies like Metaplanet and MicroStrategy are using financial engineering to increase their bitcoin holdings per share. Dylan shares his thoughts on the concept of corporate "bitcoin yield" versus holding bitcoin in cold storage, and how volatility can create a highly positive feedback loop. We also touch on the power law and S2F models, rounding off with a personal note as Dylan reflects on his high school teachers congratulating him on his success.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Intro00:01:50 Vitalik questioning where the yield comes from00:04:07 Are crypto and ethereum dying?00:08:03 Vix spike in early August—bottom for risk assets?00:14:34 Success of bitcoin ETFs00:17:30 Metaplanet and Microstrategy financial engineering more bitcoin00:33:42 Bitcoin “yield” or bitcoin per share?00:36:58 Metaplanet and MSTR vs cold storage bitcoin00:43:00 Volatility results in a positive feedback loop00:54:13 Power law and S2F model00:56:45 Dylan's high school teachers00:59:35 What's something you believe that most bitcoiners would disagree with?01:04:29 What's the biggest risk to bitcoin?01:08:15 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Dylan LeClair's Twitter: https://x.com/DylanLeClair_
In this episode, Sean Buckley, former professional baseball player and scout, shares his journey from college baseball to being drafted by the Cincinnati Reds. He reflects on the challenges of transitioning from the minors to the majors and the mental toll of playing the game at a high level. Sean discusses his shift from player to scout, offering insights into player dynamics, scouting's impact on his view of baseball, and how it influenced his approach to investing. He explores the parallels between identifying value in baseball and in markets, particularly bitcoin. Sean also touches on the difficulties of generating market alpha, the reasons behind his interest in capital allocation, and how he introduced the concept of bitcoin to other players.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Intro00:01:17 Sean's intro into college baseball and MLB draft00:03:00 How did you get started with baseball?00:03:58 Ever feel burnt out playing too much baseball?00:05:40 What was Sean's college major?00:07:49 Drafted by the Cincinnati Reds00:10:55 Did you think you could be one of the best players?00:12:35 Minors vs majors—big difference?00:14:39 Transitioning from player to scout00:18:39 Player dynamics and drama00:20:38 Did scouting change your perspective on baseball?00:23:05 Investing vs scouting00:24:57 Has identifying value become more difficult?00:26:55 When did you get interested in capital allocation and bitcoin?00:33:16 Generating market alpha—why bitcoin?00:38:00 Did you tell players about bitcoin?00:40:22 Did other minor league players buy gold and single family homes?00:42:10 What's the catalyst for players to get interested in bitcoin?00:44:19 What is the player's union?00:45:41 Should the union do anything about bitcoin and personal finance?00:47:45 Retiring after professional sports00:50:58 What podcast or books do you recommend?00:53:30 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Sean Buckley's Twitter: https://x.com/seancbuckley
In this episode, Nazar Khan, COO of Terawulf, discusses his entry into power and bitcoin mining, weighing the importance of inexpensive energy versus more efficient machines. He shares his thoughts on the growth of mining capacity, the competition between AI and mining for power, and the possibility of utilities acquiring bitcoin miners. Nazar also explores Terawulf's dual exposure to AI and mining, strategies for managing bitcoin's volatility, and the challenges of operating in a hyper competitive market. He addresses the impact of miners on bitcoin's price, potential international expansion plans, and whether mining could lead to lower consumer electricity prices. The episode wraps up with Nazar's views on mining's natural decentralization, a contrarian belief he holds, and the biggest risks facing bitcoin today.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Intro00:01:17 Nazar's into to power and mining00:06:51 More energy or better machines?00:08:32 Was bitcoin mining intuitive to you at first?00:13:08 8 GWs added over the last few years, what about the next 4 years?00:15:00 Do AI and mining compete for power?00:22:37 Will utilities acquire bitcoin miners?00:25:27 WULF—AI vs mining exposure00:28:03 Mining through the volatility00:30:14 Is mining a brutally competitive market?00:34:00 Most difficult part about operating a bitcoin mine?00:35:15 Do miners affect the price of bitcoin?00:36:59 Is WULF US only? When international mining?00:40:47 Magnitude of mining power00:42:00 Is global energy production about to explode?00:48:56 Does mining lead to lower consumer electricity prices?00:56:30 Does mining naturally decentralize to low cost power?00:56:55 What's something you believe that most bitcoiner's disagree with?00:59:12 What's the biggest risk to bitcoin?00:59:36 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital
In this episode, Alyse Killeen discusses bitcoin's presence at the Bloomberg Invest Summit and its connection to AI, including insights from Jeff Booth's thesis. She examines the positive feedback loop between AI and the Lightning Network, comparing it to other bitcoin Layer 2 solutions. Alyse also touches on Fold's SPAC, her motivation for founding Stillmark, and the regulatory challenges facing bitcoin and bitcoin startups. She shares her thoughts on educating politicians about bitcoin, the future of Taproot assets, and how startups should navigate bitcoin's volatility. The episode concludes with a discussion on the most underrated bitcoin products and how to balance between holding bitcoin and investing in bitcoin startups.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Intro00:01:43 Bitcoin at the Bloomberg Invest Summit00:05:45 Bitcoin, LLMs, and generative AI00:08:04 Jeff Booth thesis + AI00:11:26 AI and Lightning positive feedback loop00:15:58 Lightning vs other bitcoin L2s00:19:20 Fold's SPAC and bitcoin VC00:21:15 Why did you found Stillmark?00:23:49 Regulatory hurdles for bitcoin or bitcoin startups?00:28:27 Educating politicians on bitcoin vs crypto00:30:55 What's the biggest challenge for bitcoin startups?00:33:29 Taproot assets00:36:51 Credit cards vs Lightning decades from now00:39:59 Should bitcoin startups operate differently because of bitcoin volatility?00:42:07 Most underrated bitcoin product or service00:47:28 Holding bitcoin vs investing in bitcoin startups00:56:23 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Alyse Killen's Twitter: https://x.com/AlyseKilleen
In this episode, James Lavish discusses the potential of bitcoin against the current fragile financial system. He starts by explaining why bitcoin is short the current world and long a new world. James examines how weak leadership can create challenging times and its impact on financial cycles. He explores the next wave of institutional adoption and whether Wall Street still laughs at bitcoin. Emphasizing the need for critical thinking, James questions if excessive economic stimulus actually slows bitcoin adoption. He speculates on bitcoin's potential value, considering $10 trillion, $100 trillion, or $1,000 trillion scenarios. The episode also covers how long he thinks the market can fall and analyzes the national debt, and what it means for America and bitcoin.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Intro00:01:10 Bitcoin—short the current world and long a new one00:05:00 Weak men create hard times00:06:34 Institutional cycle—next wave of adoption?00:15:39 Does Wall Street still laugh at bitcoin?00:20:15 Bitcoin requires critical thinking00:29:38 Does extreme stimulus actually slow bitcoin adoption?00:34:30 What's the endgame for bitcoin? $10T, $100T, $1,000T+?00:37:50 How long will this market crash last?00:39:35 National debt–something is wrong, but what?00:46:43 Will the transition from a fiat standard to bitcoin standard be smooth?00:48:29 What's something you believe that most bitcoiners would disagree with?00:50:20 What is the biggest risk to bitcoin?00:52:25 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Caitlin Long's Twitter: https://x.com/jameslavish
In this episode, Caitlin Long analyzes bitcoin businesses under the Biden Administration. She begins with her reasons for building Custodia and the importance of opening banking to all industries. Caitlin critiques the SEC's recent court losses and explores Custodia's efforts to obtain a master account at the Federal Reserve, contrasting Custodia's approach with the Federal Reserve's stance. The discussion moves to Operation Choke Point 2.0, the future of banking, and whether de-banking is a subtle attempt to ban bitcoin and crypto. Caitlin shares her thoughts on the surprise of ETF approvals and the more unknown risks of centralized exchanges. She speculates on the products banks might offer once they enter the bitcoin space and the impact of rehypothecation on bitcoin's price. SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Intro00:01:26 Why did Caitlin build Custodia?00:02:43 Opening banking to all industries00:04:26 SEC continues losing court cases00:05:46 Master account at the Federal Reserve00:11:49 Custodia vs Federal Reserve00:16:13 Operation Choke Point 2.000:21:05 Future of banking?00:22:50 Is de-banking a roundabout way to ban bitcoin and crypto?00:30:38 How surprising were the ETF approvals?00:35:54 Unknown risk of centralized exchanges00:38:50 When banks come what products will they offer?00:43:08 Does rehypothecation affect the price of bitcoin?00:46:37 Banking industry endgame–fractional reserve vs full reserve?00:52:35 Are you surprised Tether never died?00:57:00 What is the biggest risk to bitcoin?01:00:12 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Caitlin Long's Twitter: https://x.com/CaitlinLong_
In this episode, Brian Brookshire provides a comprehensive analysis of MicroStrategy's bitcoin acquisition strategy. He begins with his background in fintech product marketing, including experiences at Stanford and in Asia. Brian explores MicroStrategy's use of convertible debt to accumulate more bitcoin per share, evaluating the marginal returns and looking back at the NAV discount in 2022. He discusses the risks of MicroStrategy as a bitcoin yield vehicle, potential new products, and future acquisitions. The conversation compares spot bitcoin to spot MSTR and considers whether other companies will soon follow MicroStrategy's lead. Last, Brian dives into his perspective on the stock-to-flow and power law models.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show out with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Intro00:01:11 Brian's background—Stanford, Asia, and fintech product marketing00:02:49 MSTR's bitcoin convertible debt strategy00:12:08 Accumulating more bitcoin per share00:15:26 Marginal returns on increasing bitcoin per share?00:18:27 MSTR's NAV blowing out?00:19:41 MSTR's NAV discount in 202200:21:50 MSTR as bitcoin yield?00:22:48 MSTR new products and potential future acquisitions00:24:12 Spot bitcoin vs spot MSTR00:25:49 Will other companies finally follow MSTR?00:30:08 S2F, power law, and the models00:32:00 What's the biggest risk to bitcoin?00:34:44 What's something you believe about bitcoin that many bitcoiners would disagree with?00:35:26 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Brian Brookshire's Twitter: https://x.com/btc_overflow
In this episode, Nik Bhatia provides a comprehensive analysis of current market conditions, starting with an overview of the macroeconomic landscape and its implications for various assets, including bitcoin. He explores bitcoin's potential performance under different macro scenarios and examines whether broken monetary systems actually hinder bitcoin adoption. The discussion extends to global liquidity trends and their impact on bitcoin, insights into the efficiency of markets, log bitcoin charts, and academic perspectives. Bhatia also identifies potential catalysts for the next wave of bitcoin adoption and debates whether paper bitcoin is suppressing its price.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show out with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Intro00:01:57 Macro—where do you see markets right now?00:06:47 How will bitcoin perform in various macro conditions?00:10:56 Does broken money actually slow bitcoin adoption?00:15:12 Global liquidity and bitcoin00:26:10 Efficient markets, log bitcoin chart, and academics00:30:54 Catalyst for next adoption wave00:35:17 Is paper bitcoin suppressing the price?00:45:10 Does bitcoin weaken or strengthen the Dollar over the next decade?00:49:00 What's it like teaching young people about bitcoin?00:49:51 What's something you believe that most bitcoiners would disagree with?00:50:09 What's the biggest risk to bitcoin?00:50:35 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Nik Bhatia's Twitter: https://x.com/timevalueofbtc
In this episode, Andrew Bailey, author of Resistance Money, explores the philosophical foundations of bitcoin and its role as resistance money. He discusses the need for resistance in today's socio-economic landscape, who benefits from it, and why he wrote another bitcoin book. Andrew argues for bitcoin's adoption based on more widely held beliefs and examines its value in a censorship-free world. He addresses the role of privacy, bitcoin's future, and the importance of self-custody versus centralized custody. The conversation also covers the ossify versus non-ossify debate, personal reputational risks, its political impact, and its biggest risks.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show out with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:24 What is Resistance Money?00:02:17 Andrew's philosophy background00:04:46 What do people need to resist?00:07:52 Who needs resistance money?00:10:58 Why write another bitcoin book?00:12:38 Arguing for bitcoin from more widely held beliefs00:14:37 Is bitcoin valuable if there is no censorship?00:15:47 How does philosophy help us understand bitcoin?00:19:49 Bitcoin as an alien technology drop00:21:36 What's the role of privacy and money?00:23:32 Can there be too much privacy?00:27:05 Bitcoin is a new tool in today's reality00:28:00 Where is bitcoin in a decade?00:31:59 How can we accelerate self-custody adoption?00:33:55 What's the concern with centralized custody?00:37:35 Ossify vs not ossify fork00:42:56 Risking your reputation talking positively about bitcoin?00:46:23 When will bitcoin become not fringe?00:48:53 How might bitcoin transform politics?00:52:46 Biggest risk to bitcoin?00:55:27 What's something you believe about bitcoin that many bitcoiners would disagree with?00:56:45 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Andrew Bailey's Twitter: https://x.com/resistancemoney→ Andrew's book: https://www.resistance.money
In this episode, former 12x USA national mountain bike champion and Olympian Jeremy HK Nova shares his journey from the trails to bitcoin. He reflects on life lessons, proud achievements, and the evolution of mountain biking globally and in the US. Jeremy discusses his transition from professional racing, discovering bitcoin, and his interest in macroeconomics. He explains why he sold his rental properties for bitcoin and why extreme sports athletes should start embracing bitcoin. The conversation explores exercise science misconceptions, Jeremy's bitcoin pitch to mountain bikers, and bitcoin's impact in El Salvador. Jeremy also talks about his work at Studio Shed, demonetizing real estate, and his unique views on bitcoin. SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show out with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:20 Jeremy's journey into professional mountain biking00:04:20 Mountain biking and life00:05:35 Most proud mountain biking achievement?00:07:10 Various mountain biking disciplines00:08:19 Living in the olympic athlete village00:09:22 How big of a sport is mountain biking?00:10:29 Evolution of professional mountain biking00:12:55 How big is professional mountain biking in the US?00:13:23 Post-professional mountain biking00:16:12 Jeremy discovering bitcoin00:20:06 Why interested in macro, finance, and economics?00:21:45 Selling rental properties for bitcoin00:24:06 Extreme sport athletes earning bitcoin00:26:00 Bitcoin and extreme sports counter culture00:28:36 Exercise science and bitcoin–what else are experts wrong about?00:30:09 Are athletes more likely to have a healthy skepticism?00:30:50 Jeremy's bitcoin pitch to other mountain bikers00:34:42 Bitcoin in El Salvador00:37:51 Spouses and bitcoin00:41:36 Do other pro athletes earning bitcoin really understand bitcoin?00:42:27 Other pro mountain bikers deep into bitcoin?00:42:50 How else can bitcoin help pro athletes?00:45:35 Jeremy's day job at Studio Shed00:47:05 Demonetizing real estate00:50:27 What's the biggest risk to bitcoin?00:52:23 What's something you believe about bitcoin that many bitcoiners would disagree with?00:54:09 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jeremy HK Nova's Twitter: https://x.com/JeremyHK
In this episode, Ray Kamrath, Chief Commercial Officer of Bakkt, shares his journey from Wall Street to embracing bitcoin. Starting with a light-hearted recount of riding scooters and breaking his arm in Austin, Ray narrates his first encounter with bitcoin and the concept of sound money. He contrasts gold and bitcoin, explains his decision to join Bakkt, and he explores the potential for an institutional driven bull market. Ray offers insights into political interactions with bitcoin, valuation methods, and a potential monetary reset. The discussion also covers collaborative custody, differentiating bitcoin from other cryptocurrencies, and Bakkt's future trajectory.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show out with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:20 Who is Ray Kamrath?00:02:38 Riding scooters and breaking arms in Austin00:03:36 Ray first hearing about bitcoin00:07:50 Talking about sound money on Wall Street00:10:37 Gold vs bitcoin00:11:36 Why join Bakkt?00:16:15 An institutional-driven bull market00:22:20 Government and bitcoin00:24:39 How do you value bitcoin?00:27:20 Monetary reset–what does it look like?00:31:30 Which countries will influence the market most?00:38:30 Collaborative custody and a network of keys00:42:18 Bitcoin vs crypto00:45:47 Where is Bakkt in 5 years?00:47:10 Where is bitcoin in 5 years?00:48:54 Passive flows, MSTR, and bitcoin00:50:41 What's something you believe that most bitcoiners would disagree with?00:51:47 What's the biggest risk to bitcoin?00:53:59 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Ray Kamrath's Twitter: https://x.com/Ray_Kamrath→ Bakkt's Twitter: https://x.com/Bakkt
In this episode, David Marcus, CEO and co-founder of Lightspark, discusses his journey from Facebook to bitcoin and the challenges of integrating Lightning at Coinbase. He explores the pace of bitcoin adoption, differentiates between custodial and non-custodial Lightning services, and addresses the market for goods transactable only over the Lightning network. The conversation also touches on the impact of AI on financial services, the future of Visa and Mastercard with bitcoin, and issues with taxes on smaller bitcoin payments.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show out with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:35 Founded and exited multiple companies—why so much success?00:02:50 Leaving Facebook to start Lightspark?00:07:03 Telecom and paypal to bitcoin?00:08:19 David's first touchpoint with bitcoin00:12:26 Adoption occurring faster or slower than you expected?00:15:20 Implementing Lightning at Coinbase00:17:50 What took Coinbase so long to implement Lightning?00:20:30 Transaction fees on L1 and L200:23:05 Is Lightning broken?00:25:55 Custodial Lightning vs non-custodial Lightning00:33:40 Spending bitcoin vs Lightning as payment technology only00:35:19 Concerns with stablecoins on Lightning?00:36:50 Tether's rapid growth00:38:24 Goods and services only sold over the Lightning network?00:40:17 Future of AI and AI agents00:42:45 Wealth created from AI?00:45:07 Lightspark, Visa, and Mastercard00:47:09 Barriers to break into in person retail payments00:49:50 Will Visa and Mastercard be forced to adopt bitcoin and Lightning?00:50:40 Will taxes always be a hurdle for bitcoin payments?00:51:25 Will the Visa and bank “3% payment fee” eventually go away?00:52:39 What's something you believe that most bitcoiners would disagree with?00:54:44 What's the biggest risk to bitcoin and Lightning?00:56:46 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ David Marcus's Twitter: https://x.com/davidmarcus→ Lightspark's Twitter: https://x.com/lightspark
In this episode, Alex Thorn, Head of Research at Galaxy, explores the implications of states attacking bitcoin and discusses how the U.S. can support bitcoin. He analyzes potential catalysts for the U.S. government buying bitcoin and questions if Nvidia and mega-cap tech are in a bubble. The conversation covers bitcoin's stability and volatility, the prospect of MicroStrategy in the S&P 500, and when more companies might adopt similar strategies. He also addresses another wave of CPI inflation, Balaji's $1,000,000 bitcoin prediction, the beliefs of MMTers, and what drives bitcoin cycles. The episode concludes with discussions on bitcoin scaling, contrarian beliefs, risks to bitcoin, and Alex's Unchained and Bitcoin Commons rap.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show out with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:52 “Attacking bitcoin will harm america more than bitcoin.”00:04:35 How can America support bitcoin?00:08:15 Catalyst for U.S. government buying bitcoin00:10:08 Is Nvidia and mega cap tech a bubble?00:13:52 Bitcoin's stability and volatility00:15:42 Microstrategy in S&P 500?00:18:01 When will more companies copy Microstrategy?00:19:37 Different corporate bitcoin strategies00:20:50 When may bitcoin become less volatile?00:26:50 Why do academics and economists still disregard bitcoin?00:28:35 Will bitcoin be obvious in hindsight?00:30:20 Is another wave of CPI inflation coming?00:32:15 Are assets going up regardless of decreasing or increasing rates?00:34:47 Balaji's $1,000,000 bitcoin prediction in 90 days00:37:26 MMTers—do they believe what they say?00:39:50 What drives bitcoin cycles? Halving, macro or something else?00:42:37 Bitcoin was not just a ZIRP phenomenon00:45:06 S2F and power law models00:47:38 Research at Galaxy00:51:48 Will bitcoin scale on Lightning or a different L2?00:56:20 What's something you believe that most bitcoiners would disagree with?00:57:58 What's the biggest risk to bitcoin?01:02:42 Alex's Unchained, Bitcoin Commons, and Joe rap01:04:03 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Alex Thorn's Twitter: https://x.com/intangiblecoins
In this episode, John Ratcliff, a bitcoin blockchain analytics pioneer and early bitcoin adopter since 2013, explores the extremity of bitcoin scarcity. John shares his extensive background as a game developer and how he initially began to understand bitcoin. He discusses the similarities between early game development and bitcoin's block size limit, as well as the interesting connection between bitcoin and freemasonry. The conversation also covers topics like Modern Monetary Theory (MMT), UFOs, and the mindset needed to analyze the bitcoin blockchain. Listeners will learn John's perspective on bitcoin price models, the true scarcity of bitcoin, and practical advice for young people incorporating bitcoin into their lives.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show out with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:35 John's background as a game developer and 2013 bitcoiner00:02:57 Did being a video game developer help you understand bitcoin?00:07:38 John's catalyst to understanding bitcoin00:11:42 Money or markets within video games00:13:05 Resource constraints in bitcoin and early game development00:19:39 Bitcoin video games00:20:17 You're a freemason–what is a freemason?00:23:29 Bitcoin and freemasons00:27:19 Do MMTers actually believe what they say?00:29:26 UFOs, aliens, and open mindedness00:34:30 Analyzing the bitcoin blockchain00:51:00 How scarce is bitcoin01:05:18 Bitcoin price models—S2F and power law01:06:16 Advice for young people making bitcoin a part of their life01:14:20 Something you believe that most holders of bitcoin would disagree?WHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ John Ratcliff's Twitter: https://x.com/jratcliff
In this episode, Christopher David, a self-taught software engineer with two decades of experience, dives into the future of AI and bitcoin. Christopher offers his expert analysis on OpenAI's GPT-4o model release, the evolving dynamics between humans and AI, and the pivotal question of whether AI will replace or create millions of jobs. He also examines the future landscape of closed-source versus open-source models, the innovative ways software engineers are leveraging LLMs, and the potential arrival of AGI.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show out with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:35 Christopher's software and bitcoin background00:02:47 Thoughts on Open AI GPT-4o?00:07:00 Is technology actually accelerating?00:13:08 Will we use AI as a personal assistant or as autonomous agents?00:19:18 What is AGI? When will we see AGI?00:24:30 How will humans continue to interact with AI models?00:28:14 Will AI replace or create jobs?00:31:20 AI models and software engineering00:36:14 Will open source models keep pace with closed source models?00:38:13 One big AGI model or many niche models?00:41:22 How does bitcoin fit into the future of AI?00:43:05 What is OpenAgents?00:45:53 What is an AI agent?00:49:22 Does AI destroy moats around SaaS companies?00:51:23 Are we approaching a technological singularity?00:52:53 Is AI a centralizing or decentralizing technology?00:53:58 Closing thoughtsWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Christopher David's Twitter: https://x.com/AtlantisPleb
In this episode, Bitstein discusses critical aspects of bitcoin's history. We begin with an analysis of the 2015-2017 blocksize war and its implications. Bitstein offers insights on potential future bitcoin fork wars and whether he would ever support any future hard forks. We explore bitcoin's antifragility and why institutions like the Mises Institute haven't fully embraced it. Bitstein also outlines the long-term vision of the Nakamoto Institute. We then examine stock-to-flow and power law models to understand bitcoin's “boundless” total addressable market (TAM).SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show out with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.comTIMESTAMPS:00:00:00 Introduction00:01:36 2015-2017 blocksize war00:21:21 Will there be future bitcoin fork wars?00:27:27 Will Bitstein ever choose a future hardfork?00:32:34 Antifragility of bitcoin00:43:25 Why is the Mises Institute not a massive bitcoin proponent?00:48:00 Nakamoto institute—long term vision?00:58:26 Supporting the Nakamoto Institute01:00:43 S2F and power law models01:07:39 Bitcoin's total addressable market?01:12:22 Closing thoughtsSUPPORTING LINKS:Nakamoto Institute: https://nakamotoinstitute.org/Support the Nakamoto Institute: https://nakamotoinstitute.org/get-involved/ Donate to the Nakamoto Institute: https://nakamotoinstitute.org/donate/ Contact the Nakamoto Institute: https://nakamotoinstitute.org/contact/ WHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett's Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Bitstein's Twitter: https://x.com/bitstein
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
