THE Bitcoin Podcast

Eric Yakes, founder of Epoch Ventures and author of the 2026 Bitcoin Ecosystem Report, lays out 21 predictions for Bitcoin’s path. He discusses app-layer adoption like BitChat, the $150K valuation thesis tied to taking gold’s share, rotation trades and institutional allocation, regulatory dynamics, and measured concerns about quantum threats.

Ben Justman, a winemaker and entrepreneur behind Peony Lane Wine, chats with Richard Greaser, a journalist and podcaster focused on Bitcoin. They dive into the concept of 'pleb slop,' debating its generational impacts and the narrative crafting needed for Bitcoin culture. Ben shares stories from his Bitcoin-friendly wine business, while Richard critiques the divisive nature of political slop. The duo also explores the value of honest content versus misleading narratives in the Bitcoin community.

Tom Taber, Executive Director of The Beef Initiative, dives into the systemic issues plaguing the beef industry, highlighting how corporate consolidation and government subsidies leave independent ranchers powerless. He discusses the importance of food sovereignty alongside monetary sovereignty and announces the acquisition of Beef.com as a 'digital ranch' to empower ranchers and ensure transparency. The conversation also touches on initiatives in El Salvador aimed at revitalizing local beef production and the role of Bitcoin in supporting this transformative effort.

Mauricio Di Bartolomeo, a Venezuelan commentator and Bitcoin advocate, shares his firsthand experiences of Venezuela's political and economic collapse. He discusses the devastating impacts of socialism, hyperinflation, and capital controls, emphasizing the destruction of property rights. Mauricio highlights why Bitcoin offers a path to real ownership and financial sovereignty. The conversation also touches on the complexities of removing dictators, public anxiety about freedom, and what lessons can be learned from El Salvador's security turnaround under President Bukele.

In this engaging discussion, Nathan, a Bitcoin educator and host, shares key insights on market reactions to Bitcoin's volatility, emphasizing the importance of calm amidst dips. They dive into institutional buying trends, including El Salvador's bold moves, and explore the psychological impact on investors. Nathan highlights the risks of measuring Bitcoin against fiat and underlines the significance of stacking during downturns. With a focus on educating others, they also tackle generational adoption challenges and the need for personal conviction in the Bitcoin journey.

Preston Byrne, a savvy technology and free-speech lawyer, dives into the fascinating world of online speech and censorship. He sheds light on how the UK and EU's new regulations aim to control American platforms like 4chan and Kiwi Farms, posing a direct threat to the First Amendment. Preston discusses his advocacy through the Granite Act, designed to shield U.S. entities from foreign censorship. The conversation also explores the cultural clash in speech regulation and the importance of preserving free expression on the global internet.

In this discussion, Jeff G, an open-source developer and architect of privacy-focused tools, dives into the ongoing battle between freedom tech and the surveillance state. He shares insights on White Noise, a decentralized messaging app, and the innovative Marmot protocol for secure communication. Topics like the dangers of centralized platforms, metadata surveillance, and the importance of private communications for activists are explored. Jeff provides a glimpse into the future of decentralized identity and the pivotal role of Bitcoin in safeguarding individual freedom.

David Marcus, a fintech pioneer and CEO of Lightspark, shares his insights on the evolving landscape of Bitcoin as a global settlement layer. He discusses how Bitcoin's neutrality positions it as the essential architecture for future money movement. The conversation delves into the challenges with Lightning and the significance of self-custody in wallets. Marcus emphasizes the role of stablecoins in encouraging Bitcoin adoption, while also detailing LightSpark's innovative solutions for low-cost, real-time cross-border payments and the integration of various payment rails.

Marty Bent, co-founder of TFTC and host of Rabbit Hole Recap, dives deep into the future of Bitcoin, expressing his bullish outlook amid market volatility. The conversation touches on live streaming trends via Nostr, community-building strategies, and the cultural shift toward open protocols. They also discuss the impact of family values on Bitcoin adoption, contrasting modern societal issues with the importance of legacy. Marty highlights immigration debates, the Overton window, and how Bitcoin stands as a beacon of hope in these changing times.

Keonne Rodriguez, co-founder of Samourai Wallet, shares his harrowing journey after a militarized FBI raid in April 2024 led to serious charges against him and his partner. He explains the intentions behind Samourai's non-custodial wallet design and criticizes the government's legal overreach affecting privacy-focused developers. Keonne details the pressures of plea deals and highlights the unfair treatment of code creators versus big banks. With a looming prison sentence, he appeals for a pardon from President Trump, arguing against the overreach of the DOJ.