What Bitcoin Did

Ben Perrin, creator of BTC Sessions, dives into the essentials of Bitcoin self-custody. He discusses different wallet options, from user-friendly hot wallets to advanced multi-sig setups, emphasizing the importance of protecting your family's Bitcoin. Ben shares insights on inheritance planning and the pitfalls of complexity, alongside practical advice for living on Bitcoin. He highlights teaching future generations about the value of freedom over convenience and recounts his experience building a vibrant Bitcoin economy in Calgary.

Marty Bent, Founder of TFTC, explores Bitcoin's role in societal transformation, arguing it can safeguard individual freedom against authoritarianism. Erik Cason, co-founder of Vora, shares insights on Bitcoin's ideological journey and the dangers of institutional adoption undermining cypherpunk values. American HODL discusses using state power for Bitcoin advocacy and warns of potential scapegoating of Bitcoin in societal issues. Together, they analyze the risks of surveillance and the necessity of active engagement to preserve Bitcoin's vision.

Obi Nwosu, CEO and co-founder of Fedi, is on a mission to revolutionize community finance through Bitcoin. He discusses how tools like Fedimint can foster privacy and freedom in financial systems. Obi warns against Bitcoin’s potential drift towards convenience at the cost of liberty and emphasizes the need for decentralized solutions. He unveils Fedi’s innovative features for low-income users, advocating for a collaborative approach to custody that balances ease of use and protection against risks.

Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation and author, discusses Bitcoin as a revolutionary tool for human rights. He explains how money has shifted from freedom to control, with Bitcoin capable of reversing financial repression used by authoritarian regimes. Gladstein shares insights from his travels and meetings in Southeast Asia, highlighting Bitcoin's role in empowering activists. He contrasts Bitcoin's potential for freedom against stablecoins, which he argues strengthen state power, reinforcing the idea that Bitcoin is more than a financial asset—it's freedom money.

Nik Bhatia, a financial researcher and author of 'Layered Money' and 'The Bitcoin Age,' dives deep into the implications of recent repo market spikes and liquidity trends. He explains how the Fed’s mechanics impact reserve scarcity and why banks are hoarding funds instead of lending. Bhatia predicts a private credit boom that could fuel U.S. growth and inflation while enhancing Bitcoin’s status as collateral. He also discusses the geopolitical signals behind gold's rally and Bitcoin’s evolving role in an unpredictable macro environment.

Leopoldo López, a Venezuelan opposition leader and former political prisoner, shares his harrowing journey from mayor to exile. He discusses the psychological toll of four years in solitary confinement and how he orchestrated a prison uprising. Now, he uses Bitcoin to fund resistance movements in Venezuela, defying dictator Maduro. Leopoldo highlights innovative ways crypto supports activists, from humanitarian aid to election monitoring. His insights into building a freedom network through the World Liberty Congress reveal a powerful intersection of activism and technology.

Andrew Hohns, Founder and CEO of Battery Finance, shares his insights on how Bitcoin-backed credit can revolutionize the financial sector. He explains why Bitcoin is superior collateral compared to traditional assets, along with its unique ability to minimize loan-to-value risk. Andrew introduces his innovative concept of BitBonds, proposing a way to integrate Bitcoin into sovereign debt. They also discuss Bitcoin's potential to democratize finance and rejuvenate local economies, promoting freedom and accessibility for savers worldwide.

In this discussion, Matt Odell, a Bitcoin podcaster and co-founder of OpenSats, dives into crucial issues surrounding surveillance capitalism and the importance of freedom tech. He shares insights on why he deleted Twitter to prioritize privacy and healthier internet habits. Odell explains how Nostr can enable an open digital environment for speech, while also addressing the ethical considerations surrounding Bitcoin treasury companies. His vision for a sovereign digital society combines permissionless protocols with sustainable business models to accelerate Bitcoin adoption and user agency.

In this discussion, Luke Gromen, founder of Forest for the Trees and a macro analyst, dives into the precarious U.S. debt situation. He explores the potential for financial repression and inflation as tools to manage debt while emphasizing how AI could disrupt the current monetary system. Luke predicts stablecoins might replace the petrodollar and highlights gold and Bitcoin as the safest investments of this decade. He also reflects on the societal implications of job loss due to AI and the crisis of meaning that may emerge in a rapidly changing economy.

Checkmate, a renowned Bitcoin on-chain and macro analyst, joins to dissect the recent market chaos. He reveals how a staggering $20 billion in liquidations was triggered by cascading leverage and the exit of market makers. Discussing Bitcoin's strength, he argues it's becoming a key macro indicator despite short-term volatility. Checkmate explores the decline of altcoins, the emergence of new Bitcoin maximalists, and critical price levels that could dictate future market behavior. His insights highlight Bitcoin's resilience and evolving market dynamics.