Stephan Livera Podcast

NVK, the co-founder and CEO of CoinKite, dives into the essentials of Bitcoin self-custody, stressing its importance for genuine ownership. He shares valuable insights on managing private keys, the risks of third-party wallets, and security best practices. NVK likens the learning process of self-custody to driving, emphasizing the need for confidence and practice. The discussion also covers common scams, tailored security strategies for different users, and the significance of hardware wallets for safeguarding assets.

Susie Violet Ward, Co-founder and CEO of Bitcoin Policy UK, passionately discusses the media's negative portrayal of Bitcoin, particularly by the BBC. She highlights the dangers of misinformation and the ineffective FATF travel rule affecting privacy. The conversation touches on the need for better public understanding of Bitcoin and critiques the regulatory landscape, emphasizing how misconceptions can hinder adoption. Susie warns of the risks of centralized control over finances and stresses the importance of accurate reporting to foster financial freedom.

OpnState, a policy advisor and former banker, shares his transformative journey from financial disillusionment to advocating for compliance and anti-money laundering laws. He highlights the complexities of banking regulations and the troubling presumption of guilt placed on clients. Delving into the impact of the FATF, OpnState warns about the erosion of national sovereignty and the culture of compliance that stifles individual freedoms. The discussion covers the potential risks for self-hosted wallets and the importance of embracing personal responsibility in navigating this regulatory landscape.

In this engaging discussion, BTC Sessions, a Bitcoin expert with a focus on wallet management, and K3tan, a specialist in Bitcoin hardware, dive into the rapidly evolving landscape of Bitcoin tools. They share essential wallet recommendations for beginners and explore the pros and cons of software versus hardware wallets. Listeners learn about the importance of security, effective merchant solutions, and the significance of running a personal node. Additionally, they highlight the need for careful planning when managing larger Bitcoin amounts, making this a must-listen for enthusiasts.

Maya Parbhoe, a presidential candidate from Suriname and Bitcoin advocate, discusses her entrepreneurial journey and bold vision for transforming her country’s economy. She highlights Suriname’s economic challenges, including corruption and the lack of a capital market. Maya believes Bitcoin could revolutionize governance and promote decentralization for transparency. She outlines plans for a technocratic government, innovation through privatization, and even suggests Bitcoin as legal tender to enhance Suriname's financial future, emphasizing sustainable development and new industry transitions.

Giovanni Santostasi, a data analyst and astrophysicist, dives deep into the fascinating world of Bitcoin, using power laws to decode its price dynamics. He critiques traditional economic models and emphasizes data-driven analysis for understanding market behavior. Giovanni reveals that 94% of Bitcoin's actions can be modeled through power laws. He argues against the notion of bubbles and highlights the importance of acknowledging diminishing returns in Bitcoin's growth. Concluding with predictions, he suggests Bitcoin could soar past $1 million in the next decade.

Miljan SLP623, a member of the Primal team, dives into the revolutionary updates of the Nostr protocol and introduces Primal 2.0. He discusses how the new feed marketplace empowers users to curate their content experiences and the significant shift towards user agency. Miljan highlights features like long-form content capabilities and ethical monetization through Primal Premium, positioning Nostr as a promising alternative to traditional social media. The conversation underscores the evolving dynamics of decentralized networks and the importance of authenticity in user interactions.

Michael Bumann, co-founder of Alby, discusses the project's journey from a browser extension to a self-custodial Lightning wallet, Alby Hub. He highlights the integration of Nostr to enhance digital identity and user sovereignty. The conversation covers security considerations for browser extensions, innovative features like 'zapping', and the potential of a mobile app for seamless payments. Bumann also emphasizes merchant adoption and the challenges of Lightning payments, alongside the future prospects of self-custodial solutions in the cryptocurrency landscape.

Explore the fascinating world of Bitcoin as experts dive into the power law's impact on its price dynamics. Discover how diminishing returns shape growth and why Bitcoin's volatility is decreasing over time. Learn about the power law's predictive power and its surprising accuracy, alongside the effects of adoption and liquidity. They discuss the 'S-curve' phenomenon and its parallels with past tech trends. The conversation also highlights market stability, potential fluctuations, and the importance of historical patterns for current investors.

Matthew Zipkin, a Bitcoin open-source developer focused on education, and Stacie Waleyko, also an open-source developer with backend experience, delve into the crucial role of community participation in Bitcoin. They discuss the various layers of Bitcoin development and the urgent need for more contributors. Highlighting innovative educational tools, they share success stories from their initiatives aimed at welcoming diverse backgrounds into the ecosystem. Passion and collaboration are emphasized as key drivers for advancing Bitcoin technology.