In this discussion, Stephan Livera, a seasoned Bitcoin podcaster and expert, advocates for small blocks in Bitcoin, countering recent calls for larger sizes. He dives into the intricate scaling dilemma, stressing the balance between growth and decentralization. Livera examines the power dynamics within Bitcoin's ecosystem, emphasizing the crucial roles of miners and node operators. He also explores the layered architecture of transactions, including the benefits of the Lightning Network, underscoring the importance of self-custody and the overall evolution of Bitcoin.

Adam Haman returns to discuss Trump's recent tweet promising 100% tariffs if the BRICS nations try to develop an alternative to the US dollar.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The YouTube version of this episode.A recent Human Action podcast where Bob clarifies some arguments about international trade.Bob's book Understanding Money Mechanics.The Haman Nature page.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Bob covers John 1: 32-42, where John the Baptist identifies Jesus as the Son of God, and Jesus calls His first disciples.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The previous episode in this series, i.e. BMS ep. 339, Installment 5: The Lamb of God.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Adam Haman asks Bob what advice he would give the Donald on US energy policy. A fun blend of libertarian theory and practice.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The YouTube version of this episode.The North American Energy Inventory.Bob's proposal for privatizing federal assets.The Haman Nature page.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Steve Patterson, co-author of 'Hijacking Bitcoin,' challenges mainstream views on Bitcoin's evolution. He defends Roger Ver's perspective on the alleged hijacking of Bitcoin from its original libertarian vision. The discussion dives into Ver's legal troubles and the implications of evolving narratives within the cryptocurrency community. Patterson critiques Bitcoin's shift to speculation, debates the effects of KYC laws, and questions whether Bitcoin's foundational principles are at risk. He ultimately suggests that alternative cryptocurrencies might better embody decentralization.

Bob explains his epiphany to resolve what Darrow had in mind during his famous cross-examination of William Jennings Bryan in the famous Scopes Trial. Note this is a follow-up to his prior episode on the trial.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:BMS ep 355, the analysis of the Scopes Monkey Trial.The complete transcript of the 1925 Scopes trial.The History Channel short on the trial.Excerpt from the Civic Biology textbook that Scopes used.Bryan’s final statement (that he didn’t get to deliver to the court).Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Adam Haman, an insightful economic thinker, joins to dissect the complex world of tariffs. They explore whether tariffs could replace income taxes and debate their role in national defense. The conversation highlights how tariffs affect consumers and producers through humor and engaging analogies. They also analyze price elasticity in various industries and question the necessity of protective tariffs, ultimately critiquing their broad application and advocating for a more nuanced trade policy.

Adam Haman returns to complain about the Drake Equation as well as Nick Bostrom's argument that we are almost certainly living in a simulation. Bob provides amplification and devil's advocate feedback.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The YouTube version of this episode.The Haman Nature page.Bob's July 2008 smarta$$ answer to Brad Sherman's question about oil prices. (Start video at 4:12 mark.)The BMS episode featuring his "red dot on the movie screen" argument.A recent InFi episode making the case against self-aware computers.A quick explainer on the Boltzmann Brain argument.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Keith, a fellow Hillsdale grad, joins Bob to discuss his new book, which is technically historical fiction but uses the New Testament accounts to construct Paul's journal.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The YouTube version of this interview.The website for Paul's Journal.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.

Adam Haman returns for another crossover, this time discussing Bob's decision to write in "Jesus of Nazareth" for the presidential election.Mentioned in the Episode and Other Links of Interest:The YouTube version of this episode.Bob's 2016 talk making the case against voting "strategically but immorally."Adam Haman substack and podcast.Help support the Bob Murphy Show.