Debating bitcoin: Invention or discovery? + its future in space with Samson Mow and Dhruv Bansal

The Bitcoin Frontier

#Tech #Trading #Business #Unchained Capital, Inc #Bitcoin

48:45

FREE TICKETS?! Yes, really. In this episode of Tickets to Travel: The Business of Travel Experiences , we’re joined by the ultimate guest list insider, Lance Dashoff, founder of Loudie — the app that’s quietly revolutionizing how fans score free concert, comedy, and festival tickets across the U.S. From his early days at WME curating VIP access, to launching a platform that fills empty seats and fuels unforgettable nights out, Lance spills the tea on: Why 30–40% of tickets go unsold How promoters are secretly using free ticketing to boost bar sales and fan buzz The economics behind live events and why not all sold-out shows are actually sold out How Loudie helps fans and venues win — without the scammy vibes Why travel pros and concierges should start recommending this app yesterday Whether you’re in LA, NYC, or stuck in traffic on the way to Philly — this is the episode you can’t afford to miss (literally). Download Loudie, follow us @tix2travelpod on TikTok, IG, and YouTube, and grab your next night out before someone else does. Because every ticket is a ticket to travel — and sometimes the best ones are free. www.tttpod.com…

about a year ago 1:05:27

MP3•Episode home

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/frontier

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Intro

1:43 Welcome to the debate: invented vs. discovered

3:48 Definitions: what makes something invented or discovered?

7:53 Analyzing historical examples: math, melodies, and fire

12:03 Was bitcoin invented or discovered? Opening arguments

20:25 The ship of theseus analogy for bitcoin’s evolution

24:09 Addressing quantum computing and potential bitcoin changes

30:58 Bitcoin as a living organism and its self-regulation

33:19 Does digital scarcity truly exist across civilizations?

39:09 Bitcoin’s impact on energy grids and global sustainability

42:00 Mars colonization: should Martians adopt bitcoin or a sidechain?

47:09 Decentralization vs. centralization of hash power in space

52:50 Concluding thoughts: bitcoin’s universal role as energy money

1:01:10 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

87 episodes

Debating bitcoin: Invention or discovery? + its future in space with Samson Mow and Dhruv Bansal

The Bitcoin Frontier

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

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

TIMESTAMPS:

0:00 Intro

1:43 Welcome to the debate: invented vs. discovered

3:48 Definitions: what makes something invented or discovered?

7:53 Analyzing historical examples: math, melodies, and fire

12:03 Was bitcoin invented or discovered? Opening arguments

20:25 The ship of theseus analogy for bitcoin’s evolution

24:09 Addressing quantum computing and potential bitcoin changes

30:58 Bitcoin as a living organism and its self-regulation

33:19 Does digital scarcity truly exist across civilizations?

39:09 Bitcoin’s impact on energy grids and global sustainability

42:00 Mars colonization: should Martians adopt bitcoin or a sidechain?

47:09 Decentralization vs. centralization of hash power in space

52:50 Concluding thoughts: bitcoin’s universal role as energy money

1:01:10 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

87 episodes

#Tech #Trading #Business #Unchained Capital, Inc #Bitcoin

All episodes

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
Is bitcoin’s wealth creation era over or just beginning? with Trace Mayer 1:01:42

4 days ago1:01:42

1:01:42

Bitcoin’s volatility is falling—and Trace Mayer thinks that may signal the end of its wealth creation era. In this episode, we sit down with early bitcoin investor and proof of keys holiday founder Trace Mayer to unpack where we are in bitcoin’s lifecycle and what comes next. Trace breaks down his recent debate with Peter Schiff, explaining why subjective value theory and entrepreneurship are at the heart of bitcoin’s superiority over gold. We explore bitcoin’s declining volatility, why Strategy’s strategy may be riskier than it looks, and how bitcoin financialization is accelerating faster than expected. Trace also shares why proof of reserves matters, the long-term risk of custodial centralization, and how legal frameworks might evolve to protect against contentious forks. 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 → Read Joe Burnett’s new report, Repricing the Economy in Bitcoin: https://www.unchained.com/go/repricing-the-economy-in-bitcoin?utm_campaign=strivereport&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=tbf&utm_content=youtube TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:24 - Debating Peter Schiff on sound money and bitcoin 5:44 - Why Satoshi was a monetary entrepreneur 10:07 - Bitcoin vs gold: scarcity, portability, and use cases 20:36 - The light side vs dark side of investing with bitcoin 23:18 - Saylor’s strategy: capital gains vs cash flow 28:01 - Bitcoin volatility is declining—is the wealth creation phase over? 33:45 - The financialization of bitcoin is accelerating 40:01 - Global instability, geopolitics, and bitcoin 49:46 - Capital controls: bitcoin’s role 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 → Trace Mayer’s Twitter: https://x.com/TraceMayer…

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
Hal Finney was right about $10mm bitcoin with Adam Back 1:04:53

12 days ago1:04:53

1:04:53

Bitcoin might still be wildly undervalued—and Adam Back explains why. In this episode, we sit down with Adam Back, CEO of Blockstream, early cypherpunk, and inventor of hashcash, the proof-of-work system that inspired bitcoin mining. Adam shares the story of receiving the first known email from Satoshi Nakamoto, why he didn’t buy bitcoin until it hit $100, and how early ideas like b-money and bit gold shaped Satoshi’s breakthrough. We explore the importance of a fixed supply, why halvings still move the market, and how doubt keeps bitcoin underpriced. Adam weighs in on treasury adoption, supply shocks, and whether this cycle could break the diminishing returns theory. We also discuss volatility, long-term thinking, and the $100 trillion opportunity bitcoin is unlocking. 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 → Read Joe Burnett’s new report, Repricing the Economy in Bitcoin: https://www.unchained.com/go/repricing-the-economy-in-bitcoin?utm_campaign=strivereport&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=tbf&utm_content=youtube TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:00 - Why selling bitcoin is like playing against a rigged casino 7:38 - Why Adam didn’t buy bitcoin until it hit $100 10:11 - Realizing bitcoin had bootstrapped into something real 13:35 - The underrated role of Nick Szabo, Wei Dai, and Hal Finney 19:24 - Why the 2008 financial crisis was perfect timing for bitcoin 22:32 - Is bitcoin drifting from its cypherpunk roots? 26:01 - How doubt keeps bitcoin undervalued 27:52 - Why $10 million bitcoin is still possible 31:19 - Why volatility makes bitcoin hard to sell 36:36 - Why halvings still impact the price despite being predictable 42:35 - Why this cycle could invalidate the diminishing returns theory 46:14 - The global unbanked: a $100 trillion bitcoin market 48:12 - The 200-week moving average as a price floor 50:10 - Price reflexivity: why people buy because it’s going up 53:07 - The shrinking tradable supply and why halvings still matter 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 → Adam Back’s Twitter: https://x.com/adam3us…

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
What if $100,000 bitcoin is just the beginning? with Vijay Boyapati 57:51

19 days ago57:51

57:51

In this episode, we sit down with Vijay Boyapati, author of The Bullish Case for Bitcoin, to explore where we really are in the current market cycle and what comes next. Vijay breaks down four frameworks for valuing bitcoin, explains why gold parity is almost inevitable, and outlines how ETFs and corporate treasury strategies are reshaping adoption. We talk through HODL waves, why the current price action still feels boring, and what it might take to push bitcoin to $10mm+ per coin. Vijay also discusses quantum computing and AI as emerging risks, the importance of ossification, and how a future of abundance may still require sound money. Finally, he shares what he’d update in his original thesis and why the story of Satoshi may become one of the defining legends of the next thousand years 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 → Read Joe Burnett’s new report, Repricing the Economy in Bitcoin: https://www.unchained.com/go/repricing-the-economy-in-bitcoin?utm_campaign=strivereport&utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=tbf&utm_content=youtube TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 2:08 - Valuing bitcoin at $1M and $10M 4:01 - HODL waves and the psychology of selling 5:49 - Four frameworks for bitcoin valuation 10:06 - Why bitcoin surpassing gold is nearly certain 12:27 - How early we still are in global adoption 14:38 - Why ETFs changed the bitcoin game 17:32 - How MicroStrategy tapped the bond market 20:36 - What’s holding bitcoin back today 22:41 - Why hyperbitcoinization is unlikely this cycle 23:18 - How bitcoin cycles crash and reset 27:11 - What could break the MicroStrategy model 29:34 - How long-term investors may soften future crashes 30:27 - Would you change anything in the bullish case? 35:06 - Quantum computing and bitcoin’s biggest risk 38:02 - Will AI abundance make money obsolete? 41:29 - Why time guarantees bitcoin’s role in the future 46:00 - Bitcoin ossification vs. protocol changes 49:27 - Will self-custody or custodians win long term? 51:40 - What would Satoshi think today? 54:19 - Is bitcoin a digital organism? 56:05 - Outside of bitcoin, what excites Vijay most? 57:09 - Where to find Vijay and his work 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 → Vijay Boyapoti’s Twitter: https://x.com/real_vijay…

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
Can bitcoin spark a nuclear renaissance? 54:29

26 days ago54:29

54:29

What if bitcoin could spark a nuclear renaissance? In this episode, we’re joined by Ryan, better known as Nuclear Bitcoiner, to explore the intersection of nuclear energy and bitcoin. Ryan shares how bitcoin aligns with long-term infrastructure like small modular reactors and how it may reshape the economics of power generation. We walk through the advantages of nuclear over wind and solar, the implications of AI and data center demand, and how microgrids could decentralize the future energy landscape. Ryan also breaks down fusion vs. fission, the role of hash rate flexibility, and why nation-states will inevitably compete for mining dominance. From financing nuclear with bitcoin bonds to rethinking scarcity itself, this episode offers a forward-looking view of energy, incentives, and acceleration. 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 → Learn why every business will buy bitcoin: https://unchained.com/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 01:01 - Why Ryan became the nuclear bitcoin 03:03 - How bitcoin mining fits perfectly with nuclear microgrids 06:36 - Why nuclear beats wind and solar on resilience 11:32 - Can small nuclear reactors decentralize the grid? 14:11 - The AI and data center energy boom is bullish for nuclear 16:24 - Why Microsoft wants to own a nuclear plant 20:02 - Bitcoin may fix nuclear financing 22:43 - How radiation is misunderstood—and actually saves lives 25:14 - What’s the difference between nuclear fusion and fission? 27:33 - The myth of “cheap” wind and solar energy 30:09 - Bitcoin mining adds unmatched flexibility to the grid 36:25 - Could bitcoin mining one day use more energy than the world does today? 41:05 - Why perfect scarcity is so hard to understand 44:51 - How bitcoin bonds could revolutionize nuclear financing 52:30 - Final thoughts on bitcoin, nation-states, and the future of energy 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 → Nuclear Bitcoiner’s Twitter: https://x.com/NuclearBitcoinr…

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
From fighter jets to $2.4mm bitcoin with George Bodine 1:10:35

5 weeks ago1:10:35

1:10:35

What happens when a former underground miner and Navy fighter pilot goes all in on bitcoin? In this episode, we sit down with George Bodine to find out. George shares his unique journey—from hauling rock beneath the earth to flying jets—and how it led him to see bitcoin as the only escape from a broken monetary system. We explore his view on inflation, the collapse of the American dream, and why he believes bitcoin could reach $2.4 million by 2030. George breaks down the risks of yield products, the role of ETFs and MicroStrategy, and the repeal of SAB 121. He shares his thoughts on Tether and 21 Capital, the rise of the national strategic bitcoin reserve, and the possibility of sovereign accumulation. We close with a thoughtful discussion on whether bitcoin is ultimately for optimists or pessimists—and his message to the next generation. 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 → Watch the video premiere of Bitcoin, Not Crypto: https://unchained.com/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:14 - From underground miner to Navy pilot to Delta captain 4:17 - Realizing you can’t outrun fiat money after the GFC 6:57 - Living through Nixon’s gold shock and the petrodollar pivot 9:06 - Why gold bugs are future bitcoiners 12:51 - Will young people be locked out of owning meaningful bitcoin? 16:49 - A volatile but hopeful transfer of wealth to ethical builders 18:59 - Coinbase yield product and the future of bitcoin financial services 27:52 - Tether, 21 Capital, and Strategy 30:19 - SAB 121, stablecoin legislation, and the national strategic reserve 46:51 - Bitcoiners will inherit the world 50:11 - TradFi anger, denial, and inability to accept yield-less assets 01:05:28 - Will art improve on a bitcoin standard? 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 → George Bodine’s Twitter: https://x.com/Jethroe111…

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
Bitcoin at an Inflection Point: Macro, 4-year Cycle & On-Chain Insights with Rational Root 1:02:50

6 weeks ago1:02:50

1:02:50

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/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:06 - Why bitcoin’s fundamentals have never looked better 4:20 - Could macro chaos trigger bitcoin’s decoupling? 10:06 - Bitcoin trades on optimism, gold trades on fear 17:09 - 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 resistance 36:09 - The 3D chart that could predict the cycle top 44:10 - Bitcoin’s floor price keeps rising 50:23 - 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…

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
The new Manhattan Projects: 50x cheaper energy, the race to space, and bitcoin 57:40

7 weeks ago57:40

57:40

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/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:04 - Isaiah Taylor’s Manhattan Project family history 3:18 - Secrecy inside America’s Secret City 5:37 - Why America needs new Manhattan Projects today 7:39 - How Valor Atomics is rethinking nuclear reactors 10:01 - How a nuclear reactor really works 13:38 - Why building reactors became a legal and talent problem 16:59 - How AI is pushing investors toward hard tech 18:59 - The future of energy: exponential demand and production 21:46 - Why energy prices have been broken since the 1970s 26:06 - Valor’s giga-site model to transform energy markets 30:27 - Could machines create an infinite energy feedback loop? 33:57 - Humanity’s mission: garden the universe 36:19 - Will money still matter in a post-scarcity world? 40:34 - How regulatory bloat crushed American industry 48:10 - Why Isaiah Taylor is suing the Nuclear Regulatory Commission 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 → Isaiah Taylor’s Twitter: https://x.com/isaiah_p_taylor…

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
What if bitcoin development stopped tomorrow? with Mike Schmidt and Buck Perley 55:05

8 weeks ago55:05

55:05

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/doge TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:14 - Why open source matters for bitcoin 6:20 - How Buck discovered bitcoin in China 11:12 - What bitcoin core developers actually do 16:57 - How brink evaluates developers before funding 22:15 - What brink would do with unlimited funding 27:34 - Why bitcoin needs more reviewers, not just coders 32:10 - Should bitcoin ossify or stay flexible? 36:36 - The messy politics of soft forks and consensus 42:18 - What is bitcoin governance really? 47:18 - Unpopular opinions from Mike and Buck 51:25 - The biggest long-term 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 → 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…

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
Value beyond price: Bitcoin, Marx, Menger, and MMT with Natalie Smolenski 51:31

9 weeks ago51:31

51:31

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 - Intro 01:12 - Natalie's journey into bitcoin 02:19 - Anthropology and the concept of value 06:06 - Modern monetary theory and social power 10:09 - Central banking and national economic performance 15:12 - The challenge of physical currencies and the role of central banks 20:27 - Money as the most salable good: Carl Menger's insights 26:17 - Debunking the myth: Bitcoin and collective hallucination 30:01 - Bitcoin as a protocol for new societal frameworks 34:10 - Bitcoin's potential impact on societal structures 38:23 - The state's interest in bitcoin and potential risks 42:27 - Legal challenges and the future of bitcoin ownership 45:24 - The future of privacy, property, and political action in the bitcoin era 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 → Natalie Smolenski’s Twitter: https://x.com/NSmolenski…

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
This Certified Financial Planner (CFP) sold his house to buy bitcoin 52:47

10 weeks ago52:47

52:47

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 - Intro 01:18 - Why Jessy sold two houses for bitcoin 02:35 - Jessy’s thesis for bitcoin as internet-native money 04:13 - How financial advisors react to buying bitcoin 05:34 - Why ETFs changed the game for advisors 07:26 - When to buy a house vs. buy more bitcoin 09:17 - Using long-term mortgages as low-cost leverage 12:03 - How Jessy thinks about portfolio allocation 13:15 - What 90% bitcoin portfolios look like in real life 15:09 - Why retirees need a bitcoin bear market survival plan 20:01 - Bitcoin’s volatility and the four-year cash barbell 24:37 - Could the next 80% bitcoin drawdown be the last? 27:06 - The return of austerity and why it matters for bitcoiners 30:04 - Tax changes coming in 2025 and what to do now 43:37 - When it’s time to fire your financial advisor 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 → Jessy Gilger’s Twitter: https://x.com/idahohodl…

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
Bitcoin is the hurdle rate with Matt Cole, CEO of Strive 54:00

11 weeks ago54:00

54:00

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/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 01:32 - From Wall Street to bitcoin: Matt Cole’s journey 03:45 - Managing $70 billion at CalPERS and the pension crisis 05:34 - Buying US treasuries and questioning the system 07:22 - The moment Matt first heard about bitcoin (on a bodybuilding forum!) 10:17 - Why institutions are always late to bitcoin 12:19 - The fight between bitcoin and CBDCs 15:36 - Why the US must buy bitcoin before it's too late 16:05 - The viral letter urging GameStop to adopt bitcoin 20:06 - Could GameStop become the next MicroStrategy? 23:25 - Why every public company will hold bitcoin 27:02 - Bitcoin as the new corporate hurdle rate 35:36 - Why most businesses are losing to bitcoin’s hurdle rate 39:59 - 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…

The Bitcoin Frontier

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Will bitcoin and AI decentralize the world? 59:02

12 weeks ago59:02

59:02

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/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:01 - Why drew moved his company to a bitcoin standard 3:46 - The bear market forced a critical decision 5:28 - How bitcoin saved the company from collapse 7:11 - Using bitcoin as a hurdle rate for business spending 9:05 - How employees reacted to the bitcoin strategy 12:42 - How bitcoin aligns with long-term company culture 18:17 - Comparing microstrategy’s strategy to a private business 23:15 - Will more businesses adopt a bitcoin-first strategy? 25:30 - AI is accelerating faster than expected 29:56 - Why AI gives small companies an edge over big corporations 32:35 - Can bitcoin and AI decentralize the world? 35:41 - Will AI accelerate hyperbitcoinization? 45:00 - The biggest risk to bitcoin’s future 57:15 - Where to find Drew 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 → Drew D’Agoostino’s Twitter: https://x.com/DrewDAgostino…

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
Unpacking the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: America’s most consequential decision since 1971 59:40

13 weeks ago59:40

59:40

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/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 2:12 - The 20-year bitcoin HODL mandate in Senator Lummis' bill 4:29 - Trump's surprising shift on bitcoin policy 5:31 - EO vs legislative strategic reserve 10:14 - How the U.S. could acquire 1 million bitcoin 12:14 - The genius idea to fund bitcoin purchases with gold revaluation 15:02 - How the crypto summit could influence bitcoin policy 20:35 - Is the U.S. front-running the world on bitcoin? 23:50 - The case against a U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve 29:28 - Why the U.S. must hedge against not buying bitcoin 31:58 - Sovereign wealth fund vs. strategic bitcoin reserve 35:38 - Why Texas and Georgia may lead the state-level bitcoin reserves 42:10 - SAB 121 repeal: A game-changer for bitcoin banking? 51:51 - Why only bitcoin belongs in a U.S. strategic reserve 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 → Bryan Jacoutot’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/BryanJacoutot…

The Bitcoin Frontier

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Inside the Max & Stacy Invitational in El Salvador 1:02:08

14 weeks ago1:02:08

1:02:08

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/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:12 - How the bitcoin golf tournament started 3:46 - From article to international event 8:20 - Why bitcoin and golf share the same mindset 12:32 - The rise of bitcoin sports events 18:25 - Inside the Max & Stacy Invitational 22:05 - El Salvador’s top golfer and his bitcoin connection 25:41 - The unique culture of bitcoiners 31:10 - El Salvador’s transformation and first impressions 34:09 - The best food in El Salvador 39:32 - Why hash rate signals bitcoin’s strength 42:18 - Executing a flawless bitcoin event 45:42 - How bitcoin reshapes time and wealth 50:06 - The power of taking action 52:35 - The future of bitcoin sports and elite events 55:00 - Final thoughts on bitcoin, El Salvador, and the tournament 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 → 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…

The Bitcoin Frontier

1
The stoic strategy to survive bitcoin’s extreme volatility with Zach Bradford 58:27

15 weeks ago58:27