What Bitcoin Did
Danny Knowles
What Bitcoin Did unpacks Bitcoin’s role in reshaping money, freedom, and the future of finance.
THE BITCOIN REVOLUTION w/ Pierre Rochard & Michael Goldstein
In this episode, I am joined by Pierre Rochard & Michael Goldstein. We discuss the Nakamoto Institute, why they believe money is a foundational pillar of civilisation, how Austrian economics helped them recognise Bitcoin’s potential so early and why everyone should hoard Bitcoin. We also get into speculative attacks, why they think Bitcoin’s incentives are designed to win, and how a state adopting Bitcoin represents a peaceful transfer of monetary power. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www
Mar 26, • 1:35:49
BITCOIN & THE END OF THE DOLLAR SYSTEM w/ Luke Gromen
Luke Gromen is the founder of FFTT, an economic research firm focused on global macro trends. In this episode, we discuss why Luke believes the U.S. is approaching a sovereign debt crisis, how rising interest costs and capital outflows are driving the system toward a breaking point, and why the current path could lead to inflation, capital controls, and a repricing of gold. We also get into the potential role of Bitcoin as a neutral reserve asset, whether the U.S. could strategically adopt Bitco
Mar 24, • 1:15:58
THE WORLD WILL CONVERGE ON BITCOIN w/ Parker Lewis
Parker Lewis is the author of Gradually, Then Suddenly and Head of Business Development at Zaprite. In this episode, Parker pushes back on Jeff Snider’s ideas about the monetary system, challenging the idea that central banks don’t actually print money, the fallacy of elastic money and why the world will ultimately converge on Bitcoin as its dominant currency. We also discuss why Parker believes the U.S. is locked into perpetual money printing, how fiat debt cycles will inevitably collapse, and
Mar 20, • 1:25:10
BITCOIN & THE U.S. DEBT CRISIS w/ Avik Roy
Avik Roy is a policy analyst, and the president of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. In this episode, we discuss why Avik believes the U.S. fiscal situation is heading toward a crisis within the next 20 years, the growing debt problem, and the likelihood of government-imposed capital controls and repression. We also get into Bitcoin's role in this economic landscape, whether the U.S. could adopt Bitcoin in a strategic reserve, and how past monetary shocks—like Executive Order 610
Mar 18, • 1:32:10
THE FED CAN’T SAVE THE ECONOMY w/ Jeff Snider
Jeff Snider is a macro analyst and the host of Eurodollar University. In this episode, we discuss why Jeff believes the Federal Reserve has far less control over the economy than people assume, the true nature of money creation, and whether inflation was ever really about money printing. We also get into his perspective on the global economic landscape, the long-term effects of the pandemic’s economic policies, why he thinks central banks are more about signalling than substance, and Bitcoin Bon
Mar 12, • 1:01:06
WILL QUANTUM BREAK BITCOIN? W/ Hunter Beast
Hunter Beast is a Bitcoin researcher focused on mitigating the risks quantum computing may pose to Bitcoin. In this episode, we discuss the potential threat quantum computers pose to Bitcoin’s cryptographic security, whether Q-Day—the moment when quantum computers can break Bitcoin’s encryption—is an imminent reality, and how governments and institutions are preparing for this future. We also get into Hunter’s Bitcoin Improvement Proposal, BIP 360, which aims to introduce post-quantum cryptograp
Mar 11, • 1:10:34
THE STRATEGIC BITCOIN RESERVE IS HERE w/ American HODL & Matthew Pines
Matthew Pines is a national security consultant and a Fellow at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. American HODL is an OG Bitcoiner. In this episode, we discuss the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the geopolitical game theory behind nation-states accumulating Bitcoin and the details of the executive order. We also get into the implications for monetary policy, how this shifts incentives for developers, and whether this signals the beginning of a global Bitcoin arms race. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS:
Mar 8, • 1:22:35
BITCOIN & THE MONETARY REVOLUTION w/ Josh Hendrickson & William Luther
Josh Hendrickson is a professor of economics and Chair of the Department of Economics at the University of Mississippi, William Luther is an associate professor of economics at Florida Atlantic University and a senior fellow at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. In this episode, we discuss why many mainstream economists misunderstand Bitcoin and why monetary economists remain skeptical, the flaws of modern economics and the dominance of naive empiricism. We also get into Gresham’s Law, the potential
Mar 6, • 1:42:44
NATION STATE BITCOIN MINING w/ Daniel Batten
Daniel Batten is a Bitcoin environmental analyst and investor focused on mining and sustainable energy. In this episode, we break down why this cycle is different, with sovereign funds, pension funds, and miners driving demand. We discuss landfill gas-powered mining, methane mitigation, and how Bitcoin turns stranded energy into an asset. We also get into the collapse of environmental FUD, the shift in institutional investment, and why Bitcoin’s volatility cycles are smoothing out. MASSIVE THANK
Mar 4, • 1:18:18
THE BITCOIN SHAKEOUT w/ Checkmate
Checkmate is an on-chain analyst and founder of Checkonchain. In this episode, we break down the recent Bitcoin correction, what’s driving sentiment, and whether this is just a shakeout. We discuss the role of long-term holders in market cycles, how ETFs are reshaping Bitcoin’s liquidity flows, and why Bitcoin dominance has caught many off guard. We also get into the macro forces influencing Bitcoin’s price action and explore how its market structure mirrors natural systems like earthquakes. MAS
Feb 27, • 56:13
THE MONEY PRINTER IS COMING w/ James Lavish
James Lavish is a macro investor, former hedge fund manager, and managing partner at the Bitcoin Opportunity Fund. In this episode, we discuss global liquidity cycles, the role of the Federal Reserve in managing market liquidity, and the implications of U.S. deficit spending. We also get into Bitcoin’s correlation with liquidity cycles, the potential for Bitcoin-backed bonds, whether Bitcoin will eventually break free from its perception as a risk asset and what incoming QE could mean for Bitcoi
Feb 24, • 1:16:00
BITCOIN BONDS & THE FIAT PONZI w/ Preston Pysh & Nico Lechuga
Preston Pysh is an investor, GP at Ego Death Capital and host of The Investor’s Podcast & Nico Lechuga is Founding Partner at Ego Death Capital. In this episode, we discuss Bitcoin-backed bonds, the role of Bitcoin in corporate finance, and whether the U.S. or nation-states will adopt Bitcoin as a strategic reserve. We also get into game theory behind sovereign wealth funds, companies following MicroStrategy’s playbook, and the broader implications of financial markets being forced to adapt to B
Feb 21, • 1:15:16
BITCOIN PRICE, ADOPTION, MSTR & NATION STATES w/ Eric Yakes
Eric Yakes is the author of The 7th Property and Managing Partner at Epoch, a Bitcoin venture firm. In this episode, we discuss Bitcoin adoption trends, the role of ETFs and institutional buyers, and whether nation-states will adopt Bitcoin as a reserve asset and the rise of Bitcoin-backed corporate finance. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CASA: https://casa.io/ LEDGER: https://www.ledger.com/
Feb 19, • 1:24:24
THE FUTURE OF BITCOIN CUSTODY w/ Becca Rubenfeld
Becca Rubenfeld is the co-founder and COO of Anchor Watch. In this episode, we discuss Becca’s journey from corporate America to Bitcoin, Anchor Watch’s Trident Vault, the role of MiniScript in securing Bitcoin, the role of Lloyd’s of London, and why insured custody is the future. We also get into the challenges of startup life, raising money in a bear market, and what it takes to insure all the Bitcoin. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CA
Feb 18, • 1:23:22
DEBATE: CAN BITCOIN RESIST THE STATE? w/ Alex Gladstein & Fictitious Capital
Alex Gladstein is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation and Fictitious Capital is a writer and researcher. In this episode, Alex and Fictitious Capital discuss Bitcoin's potential to challenge the current global financial order. They debate the feasibility of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the implications for U.S. financial dominance, and whether Bitcoin adoption can truly constrain state power. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://rive
Feb 14, • 1:37:59
TRUMP, INSTITUTIONS & BITCOIN DOMINANCE w/ Alex Thorn
Alex Thorn is the Head of Research at Galaxy Digital. In this episode, we discuss the growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin, the role of the U.S. government, whether a strategic Bitcoin reserve is on the table and Trump's Policies on Bitcoin. We a also get into the end of Operation Choke Point 2.0, Bitcoin’s current cycle, the role of ETFs, and why Bitcoin not crypto. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CASA: https://casa.io/ LEDGER: htt
Feb 12, • 1:33:36
IS THE BITCOIN BULL MARKET OVER? W/ Rational Root
Rational Root is a Bitcoin on-chain & cycle analyst. In this episode, we discuss the current state of the Bitcoin market, why institutional adoption remains in its early stages, and how on-chain metrics suggest there’s still room for upside. We also get into the impact of Trump's policies, why Bitcoin is still considered a risk asset, the role of ETFs and the likelihood of a Bitcoin strategic reserve, and Root’s outlook for the rest of the cycle. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://ww
Feb 6, • 1:05:05
SHOULD BITCOIN OSSIFY? W/ Jameson Lopp
Jameson Lopp is the co-founder of Casa, and a long-time Bitcoin security expert. In this episode, we discuss the state of Bitcoin self-custody, the growing threat of physical attacks on Bitcoiners, and why UX remains a major barrier to adoption. We also get into the ossification debate, whether Bitcoin development is stalling, and how institutional adoption could impact Bitcoin’s ability to upgrade. Finally, we explore inheritance planning, decoy wallets, on-chain privacy, and whether Bitcoin co
Feb 4, • 1:08:45
WILL MICROSTRATEGY BECOME THE BIGGEST COMPANY IN THE WORLD? w/ Jeff Walton
Jeff Walton is a financial analyst and a former reinsurance broker with a focus on MicroStrategy. In this episode, we discuss MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin playbook, the impact of FASB fair value accounting, and how MSTR are using convertible debt and equity issuances. We also get into the risks of leverage, the potential for MicroStrategy to become the most valuable company in the world, and whether corporations will follow its Bitcoin strategy. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren
Jan 31, • 1:10:49
SELF CUSTODY, SECURITY, & THE QUANTUM THREAT TO BITCOIN w/ Alex Leishman
Alex Leishman is the CEO & CTO of River. In this episode, we discuss the nuances of self-custody versus custodial solutions, the challenges of securing Bitcoin, and the trade-offs between decentralisation and scalability. We also get into the quantum threat to Bitcoin, scaling self-custody and the implications of protocol changes in Bitcoin’s future. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CASA: https://casa.io/ LEDGER: https://www.ledger.com/
Jan 28, • 49:59
THE BITCOIN TROJAN HORSE W/ ERIK CASON
Erik Cason is a Bitcoin OG and author of Crypto Sovereignty. In this episode, we discuss the philosophy of Bitcoin, it's role in preserving freedom and resisting censorship, its parallels to historical moments of change, and its potential to reshape societal structures. We also get into its connection with cryptography and tools like Nostr, and why he believes Bitcoin represents a shift in the balance of power. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com
Jan 24, • 1:23:26
TRUMP, INFLATION, MSTR & BITCOIN w/ Lyn Alden
Lyn Alden is a macro analyst, investment strategist and the author of Broken Money. In this episode, we discuss the impact of fiscal policy on inflation, the Federal Reserve's constraints under fiscal dominance, and the role of tariffs in shaping the economic landscape. We also get into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, and what Donald Trump’s Administration will mean for Bitcoin. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CASA: https://casa.io/ LEDGER:
Jan 21, • 1:05:48
DID THE US GOVERNMENT CREATE BITCOIN? W/ Mark Goodwin
Mark is the former editor in chief of Bitcoin Magazine and the author of The Bitcoin-Dollar: An Economic Monomyth. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of the Bitcoin-dollar thesis, Tether, and Bitcoin as a tool for challenging state power. We also get into the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, if Bitcoin was created by intelligence agencies, and Mark's latest article, The Evolution of the Militarized Data Broker. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.co
Jan 17, • 1:26:34
PREPARING FOR $475K BITCOIN w/ Dr. Jeff Ross
Jeff Ross is a macroeconomist, bitcoiner and Founder & CEO of Vailshire Capital Management. In this episode, we discuss global liquidity cycles and its impact on Bitcoin price movements, predictions for Bitcoin in 2025, and the potential for nation-state adoption. We also get intothe Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, the challenges of global stagflation, and why Jeff chose to go “Nostr-only”. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CASA: https:/
Jan 15, • 1:05:13
INFLATION, THE FED & BITCOIN w/ Lawrence Lepard
Lawrence Lepard is an investment manager and author of upcoming book The Big Print, which covers the broken monetary system and how Bitcoin fixes this. In this episode, we discuss the Federal Reserve’s role in economic inequality, the effects of inflation, and how unsound monetary policies have led to repeated financial crises. We also get into Bitcoin as a solution, its impact on the traditional banking system, and how it empowers individuals. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.
Jan 10, • 1:19:14
CBDCs, BITCOIN & CHINA w/ Roger Huang
Roger Huang is the author of Would Mao Hold Bitcoin? And an expert on the intersection of Bitcoin and China. In this episode, we discuss China's economic turmoil, the implications of the property bubble collapse, and how deflation is shaping the nation's future. We also get into Bitcoin's role in China, the government's mining ban, the legal and cultural dynamics of Bitcoin adoption under authoritarian control, the CCP's strategic approach to CBDCs and the geopolitical game surrounding Bitcoin.
Jan 8, • 1:16:08
16 YEARS OF BITCOIN w/ Pete Rizzo
Pete Rizzo is a Bitcoin historian and Editor at Bitcoin Magazine. In this episode, we discuss Bitcoin 16 years on, the 100k milestone, Saylor's 100k party, and the broader implications of Bitcoin's systemic importance and adoption trends. We also get into the rise of institutional Bitcoin adoption, the challenges to the Bitcoin orthodoxy, and the strategic potential of nation-states accumulating Bitcoin reserves. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.
Jan 3, • 1:11:10
2024: BITCOIN IN REVIEW w/ HODL & ODELL
American HODL is an OG Bitcoiner & Matt Odell is host of Citadel Dispatch, co-host of Rabbit Hole Recap, managing partner at Ten31 and co-founder of OpenSats and Bitcoin Park. In this episode, we recap 2024 and get into Bitcoin's Strategic Reserve potential, the impact of institutional adoption, and the game theory behind nation-state accumulation. We also discuss Nostr, Ecash and get into Bitcoin's implications for global financial systems and freedom. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: htt
Dec 31, 2024 • 1:49:25
DEBATE: CAN BITCOIN RESIST THE STATE w/ Alex Gladstein & Fictitious Capital
Alex Gladstein is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation and Fictitious Capital is a writer and researcher. In this episode, Alex and Fictitious Capital discuss Bitcoin's potential to challenge the current global financial order. They debate the feasibility of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the implications for U.S. financial dominance, and whether Bitcoin adoption can truly constrain state power. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.
Dec 28, 2024 • 1:33:12
THE RISE OF BITCOIN w/ Parker Lewis
Parker Lewis is the author of Gradually, Then Suddenly and Head of Business Development at Zaprite. In this interview, we discuss the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the feasibility of executive action to acquire Bitcoin, and the implications for U.S. financial policy. We also get into Bitcoin's role as a monetary system, the potential for nation-state adoption, and whether fiat currencies can coexist with Bitcoin. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/
Dec 24, 2024 • 56:09
BITCOIN & THE GLOBAL ECONOMIC REORDERING w/ Matthew Pines
Matthew Pines is the Director of Intelligence at SentinelOne and Head of Strategy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. In this interview, we discuss the concept of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the feasibility of executive action to acquire Bitcoin, and the game theory behind nation-state adoption. We also get into the geopolitical competition between the US and China, the risks of global economic reordering, the impact of stablecoins, the role of treasury bonds in the financial system, UAPs, and the
Dec 21, 2024 • 1:54:08
STRATEGIC BITCOIN RESERVE, NATION STATE ADOPTION & BITCOIN MINING w/ Harry Sudock
Harry Sudock is the SVP at CleanSpark. In this interview, we discuss the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the game theory behind nation-state adoption, and the impact of Bitcoin on the global monetary system. We also get into sovereign Bitcoin mining, the evolution of Bitcoin mining business models and centralisation risks in Bitcoin. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CASA: https://casa.io/
Dec 18, 2024 • 1:08:05
REPRICING THE WORLD IN BITCOIN w/ Jeff Booth
Jeff Booth is an entrepreneur and the author of The Price of Tomorrow. In this interview, we discuss why Bitcoin is inevitable, the parallels between Bitcoin and the early internet, and the role of layers like Lightning and Fedimint in scaling Bitcoin. We also get into the challenges of maintaining decentralisation, the potential for nation-state adoption of Bitcoin, and how Bitcoin can reshape global trade, empower the underserved, and create the first true global free market. MASSIVE THANKS T
Dec 12, 2024 • 1:11:59
SAMOURAI WALLET & THE FIGHT FOR BITCOIN PRIVACY w/ Roger Burlingame & Zack Shapiro
Roger Burlingame is the defense attorney for William Hill, co-founder and CTO of Samourai Wallet, a privacy-focused Bitcoin wallet. Zack Shapiro is the head of Policy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. In this interview, we discuss the legal case against Samourai Wallet and the implications for Bitcoin privacy and non-custodial tools. We also get into the historical context of the Bank Secrecy Act, comparisons to cases like PGP and Tornado Cash, and the impact of discovery challenges and legislati
Dec 10, 2024 • 1:09:42
HYPERBITCOINISATION & UPGRADING BITCOIN w/ Rob Hamilton
Rob Hamilton is the co-founder and CEO of Anchor Watch, a Bitcoin custody and insurance provider. In this interview, we discuss hyperbitcoinisation, the evolving cultural and technical landscape of Bitcoin, and the role of custodial solutions like ETFs. We also get into Bitcoin development proposals such as covenants and opcode restoration, as well as Anchor Watch's approach to Bitcoin insurance and risk management.
Dec 8, 2024 • 1:19:53
