

The Bitcoin Standard Podcast
Dr. Saifedean Ammous
Saifedean's The Bitcoin Standard Podcast is the place to discuss Bitcoin and economics from the Austrian school's perspective. Listen to the weekly saifedean.com discussion seminar, where a group of learners from all over the world discuss the website's online courses, as well as a wide variety of economic, political, and social issues, and occasionally host special guests for the discussion. The podcast also includes the most interesting interviews conducted with Saifedean on other shows.
Episodes
Mentioned books

4 snips
Aug 19, 2025 • 53min
287. The Fiat Standard Lecture 6: What Is Fiat Good For?
The discussion reveals fiat currency's ability to facilitate global adoption and government financing. It contrasts fiat with gold, highlighting the risks of fractional-reserve banking fostered by the Federal Reserve. The critique of money-printing illustrates how it contributes to dollar devaluation and the illusion of economic growth. Additionally, the podcast delves into the intricacies of banking systems, examining how low interest rates and shadow banking shape modern money creation, raising questions about sustainability and true financial stability.

15 snips
Aug 12, 2025 • 48min
286. The Fiat Standard: Lecture 5: Fiat Balances: Universal Debt Slavery
Delve into the intricacies of fiat currencies and their detrimental influence on personal finances. Discover how the shift from gold-backed systems to fiat contributes to debt dependence and economic instability. The discussion highlights the illusion of fiscal health with credit ratings amid rampant inflation. Explore the evolution of investment strategies in a post-crisis world, emphasizing the tension between saving and investing. Finally, challenge the narrative that inflation fuels growth while acknowledging its burdens on savers.

21 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 1h 2min
285. The Fiat Standard: Lecture 4 - Fiat Mining
Discover how fiat money is 'mined' through credit creation, driving people into debt and inflating prices. Listen to a critique of the flimsy Consumer Price Index and the flawed narratives around inflation and deflation. Explore the motivations behind irresponsible lending and its consequences, contrasting these with the stability offered by Bitcoin. This enlightening discussion sheds light on the economic mechanisms that impact savings and purchasing power, making it a must-listen for anyone curious about modern money.

12 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 42min
284. The Fiat Standard: Lecture 3 - Fiat Technology
Discover the fascinating mechanics of the fiat monetary system, where debt fuels money creation and wealth is subtly devalued. Dive into the monopolistic influence of central banks, questioning their role in a free market. The discussion challenges the necessity of state-controlled currency and explores how competition could thrive without central intervention. Additionally, the contrast between centralized fiat and decentralized currencies like Bitcoin highlights the innovative aspects of money creation.

15 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 35min
283. The Fiat Standard: Lecture 2 - The Never-Ending Bank Holiday
The podcast dives into the historical roots of the Fiat Standard, revealing how the Bank of England's actions during World War I set the stage. It discusses the complex transition from gold to fiat currencies, highlighting inflation challenges and central banking's role. Listeners learn about the emergence of the fiat system and its historical consequences, critically examining its so-called successes and connections to major events like the 1929 stock market crash and the Great Depression.

39 snips
Jul 15, 2025 • 53min
282. The Fiat Standard: Lecture 1
Dive into the intricate world of fiat currency and its societal effects, exploring how it fuels debt and influences government finance. Discover the alarming impact of inflation on food production and education, with the unsettling connection between fiat funding and academic corruption. Analyze the costs and benefits of the fiat system, while questioning its necessity amidst the rise of Bitcoin. Finally, uncover how Bitcoin might not only transform monetary landscapes but also pave the way for a debt jubilee, all while contrasting with hyperinflation risks.

33 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 60min
281. How Bitcoin Defunds The War Machine
Saifedean Ammous, author of The Bitcoin Standard, joins Ben Wehrman to discuss how Bitcoin can help defund global warfare, drawing from his personal journey from Palestine to a notable economics advocate. They delve into the transformative power of Bitcoin on financial systems and critique central banking practices that fuel inflation and moral decay. Saifedean argues that a shift to Bitcoin could lead to more ethical economic behavior and reduce warfare by imposing financial constraints on government actions.

48 snips
Jul 1, 2025 • 52min
280. Can Bitcoin Rebuild Civilization?
Robert Breedlove, an entrepreneur and freedom maximalist, engages in a compelling dialogue on the intersections of Austrian economics, morality, and civilization at the Bitcoin Las Vegas 2025 conference. They explore time preference's role in decision-making and the importance of private property rights in sustaining societal integrity. Breedlove discusses the devastating impacts of hyperinflation on trust and how Bitcoin could potentially revive moral frameworks. The dynamic contrasts between Austrian and Keynesian economics are also examined, highlighting the narrative conflicts within modern economic thought.

27 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 45min
279. Bitcoin and Tether: Las Vegas Keynote
Dive into the potential of Tether in shaping the future of the U.S. dollar and public debt. Examine how Tether could pivot from a dollar-backed stablecoin to one backed by Bitcoin. Discover the institutional shift in Bitcoin as Wall Street firms embrace it, alongside the evolution of Bitcoin culture from grassroots to mainstream. Reflect on wealth inequality and how Bitcoin’s divisibility can influence economic transactions. An insightful discussion that tackles the psychological barriers to Bitcoin adoption and the impact on future monetary systems.

20 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 44min
278. Gaza with Khalil Sayegh
Khalil Sayegh, founder of the Agora Initiative, shares his compelling insights as a Gazan deeply affected by the ongoing conflict. He discusses the personal toll of violence and loss, shedding light on generational trauma within Palestinian families. The podcast delves into the historical injustices faced by Palestinians since 1948, highlights the misrepresentation of Christian narratives in U.S. foreign policy, and critiques the roles of U.S. military aid in the Israeli-Palestinian dynamic. Sayegh also emphasizes the importance of education in fostering understanding and hope amid turmoil.