Stephan Livera Podcast

Harris Irfan, CEO of Cordoba Capital Markets and advisor at OnRamp MENA, dives into Islamic finance and Bitcoin's ethical dimensions. He shares his journey from conventional finance and discusses the unique challenges Islamic finance faces in today's fiat systems. Particularly intriguing is his perspective on Bitcoin as a potential modern currency that aligns with Islamic principles. The importance of real economic transactions over speculation is emphasized, along with evolving custody solutions for Bitcoin and the promise they hold in reimagining finance.

Kenji Tateiwa, CEO of Agile Energy X and nuclear engineering expert, shares his insights on addressing Japan's energy challenges through Bitcoin mining. He discusses the legacy of the Fukushima disaster and its impact on nuclear perception. Kenji highlights how Bitcoin mining can leverage wasted renewable energy to solve grid congestion issues, showcasing its flexibility as an energy buyer. He also delves into the integration of a circular economy in energy solutions and Japan's need for a diverse energy portfolio, setting an innovative path for the country's energy future.

Lawrence Lepard, Managing Partner at Equity Management Associates, discusses the urgent issues surrounding national debt and inflation. He highlights the contrasting roles of gold and Bitcoin as sound money, suggesting Bitcoin's potential to reach $300,000. The conversation delves into the upcoming US election's economic implications and the generational shift from gold ETFs to Bitcoin investments. Lepard also addresses the legacy of price suppression in gold markets while emphasizing the critical need for a monetary reset as the dollar's value declines.

Dr. Jeff Ross, founder of Vailshire Capital Management, shares his bullish perspective on Bitcoin, attributing it to rising liquidity and favorable central bank policies. He explores how liquidity influences asset prices and discusses Bitcoin's potential as a solution to wealth inequality. The conversation includes insights on the changing landscape of global currencies, the financial risks of high liquidity, and why younger investors may favor Bitcoin over gold. Ross even delves into investment strategies, including a bold 8% withdrawal rate for Bitcoin holders.

Join Andy Edstrom, Head of Managed Wealth at Onramp Bitcoin, as he unpacks the evolving landscape of Bitcoin amidst soaring government debt. He delves into the unpredictable nature of Bitcoin price modeling and the risks posed by leverage. Andy discusses the uncertain future of Bitcoin loans and the role of gold in this new financial paradigm. With retirement planning under a Bitcoin standard in mind, he emphasizes the importance of adaptability in today's economic climate. Get ready for insights that blend caution with optimism!

In this discussion, Alexander Leishman, CEO and CTO of River, dives into the growing demand for transparency in Bitcoin with Proof of Reserves amidst rising institutional adoption. He highlights the need for exchanges like Coinbase to demonstrate their asset claims convincingly. The conversation also covers the challenges and excitement surrounding Bitcoin custody, its role as a store of value versus a medium of exchange, and the vital relationship between stablecoins and Bitcoin's future. Alex emphasizes the crucial need for clear regulations and community education.

Ryan McMaken, Executive Editor and Economist at the Mises Institute, dives into the unexpected advantages of secession in this engaging discussion. He highlights historical instances where political decentralization led to prosperity, contrasting small, successful states with centralized governments. The conversation addresses the economic and social dynamics that influence breakaway movements, from migration flexibility to national identity. McMaken also critiques the federal structure's shortcomings, proposing alternative local governance as a pathway for individual freedoms and economic vitality.

Pierre Rochard, VP of Research at Riot Platforms, delves into Bitcoin's role in long-term savings and its market fit. He introduces a new metric for evaluating Bitcoin savings through UTXO age, highlighting its implications for hodlers. The conversation navigates the challenges of running businesses in a Bitcoin environment and the need for financial decisions to align with personal goals. They discuss the transformative potential of Bitcoin on societal behaviors and the impact of government adoption, emphasizing a shift toward a decentralized future.

Tankred Hase, a seasoned expert in Bitcoin and Lightning networks, dives into the evolution of Bitcoin and Liquid. He discusses real-world challenges developers face, such as liquidity issues and capital gains taxes. Tankred emphasizes the necessity for user-friendly solutions, including custodial and trust-minimized options like Fedimint. He introduces StashPay as a promising low-fee payment solution on Liquid. The conversation also highlights the contrasting preferences between self-sovereign and custodial solutions among users, particularly in regions like Dubai and South America.

Philipp Bagus, an economist and author, dives into the nuances of banking theory, specifically addressing his latest work on full reserve banking versus the real bills doctrine. He dissects the historical conflict between the currency school and the banking school, shedding light on the implications of fractional reserve banking. Bagus critiques fiduciary media, emphasizing the distinction between true savings and perceived wealth. The discussion also touches on Bitcoin's potential role in evolving banking systems and Argentina's monetary struggles.