Dollar Auction Show

In this "Special World Economic Forum Edition" of the Dollar Auction Show, Alex and Shimon take a deep dive into the seismic shifts currently reshaping the global order. We move beyond the headlines to analyze how the "Western global elite" at Davos are losing their grip on power as a new era of geopolitics emerges.This episode explores the "Trump Doctrine"—a radical departure from traditional U.S. foreign policy. Instead of endless regime changes and "forever wars," we discuss a strategy focused on "monetizing power" and leveraging economic pressure to force alignment with U.S. interests. From the strategic necessity of Greenland to the reality of "Space Wars," we unpack the high-stakes moves that the mainstream media is largely ignoring.Key Discussion Points:* The Decline of the WEF: Why the World Economic Forum is transitioning from an exclusive "elite club" to a more mainstream "paid-to-play" conference, and what this means for global influence.* The Trump Doctrine vs. Traditional Diplomacy: Alex explains the "Play Action Pass" strategy—how faking or acting on early threats (like tariffs on allies) builds the credibility needed for major geopolitical negotiations.* Funding "European Early Retirement": A provocative look at NATO funding. Shimon argues that U.S. defense spending has effectively subsidized Europe's expansive welfare states and pensions, and why that era is coming to an end.* Energy Independence as a Game Changer: How American fracking and energy self-sufficiency have removed the primary motivation for Middle Eastern interventions, allowing the U.S. to take a harder line with regimes like Maduro's in Venezuela.* Greenland and the First "Space War": Why Greenland is critical for future military infrastructure, data centers, and controlling the "space war" frontier, especially in light of how Starlink changed the landscape of the Ukraine conflict.* Onshoring Critical Manufacturing: The strategic danger of outsourcing essentials (like medical PPE and IV bags) to adversaries like China, and why tariffs are being used as a tool to bring production back home.Join the Conversation: Is the era of global cooperation through organizations like the WEF truly over? Is "monetizing power" a sustainable path for the U.S., or does it risk alienating vital allies? Let us know your thoughts on the new world realignment in the comments below!Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/36u8fmbrSpotify Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/4zv6syfcHardcorefinanceshow.comFollow us on X:@MrEBITDA@ShimonLazarovSupport the show

Join hosts Shimon Lazarov and Alex Chizhik (@MrEBITDA) for a no-holds-barred dive into the world's hottest topics! From the media blackout in Iran's potential revolution to Trump's geopolitical chess moves, Bitcoin's volatile flatline, and the explosive productivity gains from AI— this episode unpacks it all with sharp analysis, humor, and unfiltered insights.In this episode:Bitcoin's "boring" year: Flat gains, underperforming bonds, but packed with volatility and alpha tips.Iran's crisis: Regime scenarios, nuclear threats, and why a partial change could be disastrous.Global realignments: Venezuela as a power play, Ukraine stalemate, Greenland grabs, and 80-year cycles.Economic optimism: AI-driven productivity, job disruptions, micro-startups, and bold policies like inflating Bitcoin to offset debt.Whether you're into finance, foreign policy, or futuristic tech, this is your go-to for thought-provoking discussions that cut through the noise.Timestamps:00:01 - Introduction and Personal Updates00:33 - Bitcoin Performance Debate02:15 - Iran Crisis and Scenarios09:46 - Trump's Foreign Policy and Venezuela11:13 - Broader Geopolitical Implications17:41 - Benefit of Doubt for Trump and Past Conflicts22:35 - European Weakness and Greenland Acquisition24:00 - Global Realignments and Cycles25:47 - Markets and AI Productivity30:14 - Job Disruption and Future Economy33:49 - Economic Policies and Inflation Strategies40:05 - US Economic Power and Closing ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this, smash that LIKE button, SUBSCRIBE for more episodes, and drop a comment with your take on Iran's future or AI's job impact! Follow us on X: @ShimonLazarov and @MrEBITDA.#Geopolitics #IranRevolution #Bitcoin #AI #TrumpForeignPolicy #Economics #Podcast #DollarAuctionShowSupport the show

In this episode of The Dollar Auction Show, Shimon and Alex talk through why Bitcoin is lagging despite risk assets ripping, and then pivot hard into geopolitics: Iran’s internal unrest, Venezuela’s Maduro capture, and what these events signal about deterrence, U.S. power projection, and the media ecosystem.They explore a “power law” framing for Bitcoin’s long-term adoption, argue mainstream media has become incentive-driven content creation, and debate realpolitik vs “procedure-first” foreign policy. The conversation ties together oil flows, Russia/Ukraine funding pressure, China/Taiwan deterrence, and why unconventional leverage (like blockades and tariffs) can move outcomes faster than traditional diplomacy.0:07 Intro + markets check0:27 Bitcoin lagging stocks/gold/silver2:17 Power law optimism for Bitcoin adoption5:37 Pivot: politics, social strife, “post-truth” era6:47 Iran background + why the uprising matters11:57 Media incentives: news as “content for the base”15:07 U.S. foreign policy split: status quo vs pressure16:37 Venezuela: “surgical” action + results vs process23:07 Rules of war + proportionality logic24:07 Escalation dominance + Iran air defense narrative27:07 X/Twitter, Grok, and Wikipedia bias claims33:07 Trump as consequential actor (even if abrasive)34:07 Oil + geopolitics ripple effects (Russia/China)42:27 Tariffs as leverage, not just economics44:07 Critique of economists/models; “common sense” lens47:47 Outlook: 2026 optimism, volatility caveatsApple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/36u8fmbrSpotify Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/4zv6syfcHardcorefinanceshow.comFollow us on Twitter@MrEBITDA@ShimonLazarovSupport the show

After an eight-month hiatus, Shimon and Alex return to The Dollar Auction Show with their sharpest, most wide-ranging conversation yet. What begins as a simple question—“Why is the Bitcoin sentiment so bearish when the price is doing fine?”—unfolds into a two-hour exploration of markets, psychology, technology, geopolitics, AI, and humanity’s future.Together they dive deep into:Why Bitcoin volatility is shrinking—and why that’s actually bullishThe role of institutions, ETFs, and political cycles in shaping the next decadeHow index investors and concentrated-bet traders see the world differentlyWhether the AI boom is a bubble or a genuine civilizational shiftWhat happens when robotics, energy supply, and AI compute collideWhy generational cycles, the “fourth turning,” and human psychology matterThe paradoxical optimism of living through the most transformative era in history1. Introduction — Eight Months LaterCatching upWhy Bitcoin sentiment feels off despite strong fundamentalsBear market jokes and “when Bitcoin dips, it dips”2. Market Volatility, Macro Jitters & Investor PsychologyComparing today’s volatility to prior cyclesWhy investors are more nervous than the data suggestsTariffs, Fed tension, and the jittery political backdropThe irony of “digital asset treasury companies” replicating 2017’s ICO mania3. Institutional Adoption & the Slow Grind of LegitimizationMajor banks warming up to BitcoinETFs, allocations, custodians, and bondsWhy big money moves slowly but relentlesslyHow sideways price action transfers coins from speculators to pension funds4. Bitcoin’s Long-Term TrajectoryIs Bitcoin still the fastest horse?Why upside shrinks as adoption growsCompounding vs. risk-taking as investing stylesThe trendline, technical analysis, and market-moving whalesCan a 20–40% yearly growth Bitcoin still change your life?5. The AI Boom: Bubble or Transformation?Is Nvidia overvalued?What happens if OpenAI becomes the Enron of AI?Why data centers don’t “go to zero”AI agents disrupting SaaS, legal work, customer support, and moreThe massive, overlooked link between energy generation and AI computeWhy “overbuilding” might not be real6. Robotics, Chips, and the Second Industrial RevolutionChips for compute → chips for robotsCities blocking safer autonomous fleetsWhy AI + robotics = the true economic revolutionThe coming overcapacity vs. demand explosion in energy7. Civilizational Shifts, Spirituality, and the Fourth TurningGenerational cyclesCould 9/11 have been the real start of the fourth turning?Human psychology, Fibonacci, TA, and why markets obey “natural laws”Why we’re lucky to live through the Internet → smartphone → AI → robotics transition in one lifetime8. Closing Thoughts — Gratitude for a Wild EraLiving through historyManaging fear vs. embracing transformationLooking ahead to Bitcoin’s and AI’s next leapWhy optimism is the only way through massive changeFollow us on Twitter@MrEBITDA@ShimonLazarovSupport the show

SummaryIn this episode, Alex and Shimon discuss Bitcoin's power law and its implications for the future of the cryptocurrency. They explain the concept of power law and how it differs from previous models of Bitcoin's price. They also draw parallels between power law in nature and Bitcoin's price corridor. The hosts highlight the significance of the power law model and its rigorous analysis compared to previous models. They conclude by exploring the potential of AI and robotics, showcasing a demo of a robot interacting with Chad GPT-4. The conversation covers various topics related to AI, including the power of AI chips, the potential increase in energy demand, the importance of open-source AI, and the need for trust and transparency in AI development. The intersection of crypto, AI, and open source is also discussed, highlighting the role of cryptographic proof and on-chain data. The dangers of concentrated power in AI and the importance of societal input in shaping AI values are explored. The hosts express disappointment with a podcast interview style that lacks depth and critical questioning.Takeaways* Bitcoin's price follows a power law, which is a mathematical model that predicts a straight line on a log-log scale graph.* The power law model provides a more rigorous and accurate analysis of Bitcoin's price compared to previous models.* Power law is a common phenomenon in nature, seen in the relationship between body mass and metabolic rate in animals.* The power law model suggests that Bitcoin's price will continue to grow over time, with a predicted floor price and a slower rate of growth in the future. AI chips are becoming increasingly powerful and are driving advancements in AI technology.* The use of AI will likely lead to an increase in energy demand, which could lower the cost of energy and benefit industries like Bitcoin mining.* Open-source AI allows for innovation and collaboration, ensuring that AI development is not controlled by a single company or entity.* The intersection of crypto, AI, and open source has the potential to create more transparent and trustworthy AI systems.* Concentrated power in AI development poses risks, and it is important to involve society in shaping AI values and decision-making.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Bitcoin's Power Law02:45 Understanding Power Law and Bitcoin's Price07:59 Power Law in Nature and Bitcoin's Price Corridor13:00 Implications of Power Law for Bitcoin's Future22:05 Predictions and Investment Potential22:56 Exploring AI and Robotics26:47 Reflection on Performance27:11 The Power of AI Chips27:40 Nvidia's AI Chip Innovations28:29 AI at the Chip Level29:18 Increased Energy Demand30:17 Energy Consumption and Efficiency31:04 The Excitement of Using More Energy31:23 Open Source AI and Innovation32:19 Genetic Algorithms and Open Source AI37:39 The Intersection of Crypto, AI, and Open Source42:32 The Importance of Open Source AI and Trust43:28 The Need for Cryptographic Proof and On-Chain Data45:47 The Dangers of Concentrated Power in AI46:16 The Role of Society in Shaping AI Values47:58 Disappointment with Interviewing Style50:09 The Dollar Auction Show and Strong OpinionsApple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/36u8fmbrSpotify Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/4zv6syfcHardcorefinanceshow.comFollow us on Twitter@MrEBITDA@ShimonLazarovSupport the showSupport the show

SummaryIn this conversation, Shimon and Alex discuss the all-time high of Bitcoin and the excitement surrounding it. They also delve into the role of technology in various industries and the exponential growth of tech advancements. The conversation then shifts to Tesla's full self-driving algorithm and the value of edge cases in machine learning. They touch on media manipulation and the biased portrayal of Bitcoin in the media. Finally, they highlight notable Bitcoin critics and the impact of their opinions. In this conversation, Alex and Shimon discuss various topics related to Bitcoin, AI, and energy. They criticize financial experts who have made inaccurate predictions about Bitcoin and housing affordability. They explore the impact of Bitcoin and AI on energy demand and the need for low latency in AI and Bitcoin transactions. They also discuss the role of nuclear power in meeting energy demand and the potential for renewable energy to shape the future of energy markets. The conversation concludes with a celebration of Bitcoin's success and the potential for its continued growth.TakeawaysBitcoin reaches an all-time high, generating excitement among investors.Technology is infiltrating every industry, leading to exponential growth and advancements.Tesla's full self-driving algorithm demonstrates the value of edge cases in machine learning.Media manipulation can shape public perception of Bitcoin and other topics.Chapters00:00Introduction and All-Time High00:41Bitcoin Price Update02:26Bitcoin Trading Strategies03:01The Purpose of the Podcast04:05Technology in Every Industry05:12Bitcoin and Technological Advancements06:10Understanding Tech and Exponential Curves06:30Deep Dive into Tech Podcasts07:24Tesla's Full Self-Driving Algorithm08:22The Value of Edge Cases in Machine Learning09:18The Scalability of Tesla's Self-Driving Model10:31Media Manipulation and Bitcoin Critics15:12Bitcoin as the Cockroach of Investments16:11The Media's Influence on Perception19:24Engagement Farming and Bitcoin Critics20:20The Impact of Bitcoin Critics20:52Criticism of Financial Experts22:13Bitcoin and AI's Impact on Energy Demand23:40The Role of Nuclear Power in Meeting Energy Demand28:02The Need for Low Latency in AI and Bitcoin30:02Renewable Energy and the Future of Energy Markets32:05The Geopolitical Implications of Energy Independence35:12Bitcoin's Role in Increasing Energy Demand36:21Bitcoin's Price Action and the Impact of ETFs39:14The Future of Bitcoin Cycles41:29Barriers to Bitcoin Adoption42:00Celebrating Bitcoin's SuccessApple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/36u8fmbrSpotify Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/4zv6syfcHardcorefinanceshow.comFollow us on Twitter@MrEBITDA@ShimonLazarovSupport the show

In this conversation, Alex and Shimon discuss various topics related to AI and its impact on society. They explore the concept of 'justisms' in AI, where people downplay advancements by saying it's 'just' a certain capability. They also discuss the level of artificial intelligence that would be considered 'actual intelligence' and the challenges of defining intelligence on a linear scale. The conversation delves into tokenization and predicting the next token as a measure of intelligence, as well as the perception of time and power law. They speculate on the future of work in a world with advanced AI and the potential shift towards jobs that require empathy and human touch. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the value of accomplishment and the need for new paradigms in a society where basic needs are met by AI. The conversation explores the potential for advancing humanity on Earth through technological advancements, such as AGI and incremental improvements. It discusses the rapid pace of technological change and the uncertainty it brings. The goal of achieving universal basic needs and the changing path of careers are also examined. The conversation delves into the requirements for technological breakthroughs and the potential of AI and replicas. It concludes by addressing the impact of technology on society and the challenge of maintaining emotional connection.Apple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/36u8fmbrSpotify Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/4zv6syfcHardcorefinanceshow.comFollow us on Twitter@MrEBITDA@ShimonLazarovSupport the show

In this conversation, Shimon and Alex discuss the recent Google Gemini launch debacle and the challenges of AI alignment. They also explore the issue of trust in Google's AI and the potential impact on the company's future. Additionally, they delve into the importance of understanding and avoiding the spinning of information. The conversation covers topics such as the Hunter Biden scandal and Russian interference, concerns about AI bias, the impact of AI bias on Google's stock, the need for cryptographic proof in AI, China's AI and digital assets, the challenge of ensuring unbiased AI, the arms race of AI, the role of blockchain in open source AI, the difficulty of obtaining objective information from Google, and the disruption of established companies.TakeawaysThe Google Gemini launch debacle highlights the challenges of AI alignment and the potential unintended consequences of bias correction.Trust in Google's AI may be compromised due to the perceived biases and limitations of the system.The future of Google's AI depends on its ability to address these issues and provide more accurate and unbiased results.Understanding and avoiding the spinning of information is crucial in ensuring the dissemination of truthful and unbiased content. Former US spies warned in 2020 that the Hunter Biden scandal had Russian fingerprints, and recent developments have vindicated their claims.The Justice Department confirmed that an informant invented a story about $5 million bribes paid to Joe and Hunter Biden, further supporting the Russian interference narrative.The disconnect between the Hunter Biden laptop and the Russian interference allegations highlights the need for careful analysis and critical thinking when consuming news.The bias in AI systems, such as Google's, raises concerns about the potential manipulation of information and the need for cryptographic proof to ensure transparency and accountability.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Bitcoin01:40 Google Gemini Launch Debacle06:22 AI Alignment09:27 Trust in Google's AI14:44 Google's Future24:40 The Hunter Biden Scandal and Russian Interference25:10 The Justice Department's Statement25:25 Confirmation of Russian Involvement26:16 The Disconnect from the Hunter Biden Laptop27:11 Concerns about AI Bias28:08 The Impact of AI Bias on Google's Stock29:36 The Need for Cryptographic Proof in AI31:24 China's AI and Digital Assets32:30 The Challenge of Ensuring Unbiased AI33:39 The Arms Race of AI36:17 The Role of Blockchain in Open Source AI39:22 The AI Arms Race: Western AI, Chinese AI, and Pirate AI45:03 The Difficulty of Obtaining Objective Information from Google47:15 The Disruption of Established CompaniesApple Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/36u8fmbrSpotify Podcast: https://tinyurl.com/4zv6syfcHardcorefinanceshow.comFollow us on Twitter@MrEBITDA@ShimonLazarovSupport the show

In this conversation, Ken Egan, a retired CIA officer, shares his insights on Bitcoin and its implications within the intelligence community. He discusses how Bitcoin is viewed as a tool and emphasizes that it is not optimized for illicit activity. Ken also highlights the importance of educating lawmakers about Bitcoin and the need for a broader perspective in the discussion of its future. He addresses the idea of imposing restrictions on US miners and emphasizes the role of other tools in combating ransomware. Ken concludes by expressing his excitement about Bitcoin's potential to modernize energy grids and protect wealth. In this conversation, Ken discusses the fundamental use case of Bitcoin and why he believes it is important for Americans to own and use it. He emphasizes that Bitcoin provides a safety net and can bring a sense of calm to society in times of crisis. The conversation also touches on the lack of war and financial strife in the US, the resilience of the country, and the role of Bitcoin in making the nation more resilient. Ken and the hosts express their passion for Bitcoin and the need for education about investing in alternative assets. They discuss the volatility and uncertainty in the US and the potential for social and financial strife. The conversation concludes with Ken sharing his experiences and insights from his career in intelligence and the freedom to explore new opportunities and perspectives.TakeawaysBitcoin is viewed as a tool within the intelligence community and is not optimized for illicit activity.Educating lawmakers about Bitcoin is crucial to ensure a balanced and informed approach to regulation.Bitcoin has the potential to modernize energy grids and provide economic opportunities in developing countries.Imposing restrictions on US miners may not effectively address the issue of non-OFAC compliant transactions.Bitcoin can serve as a means of protecting wealth in times of financial calamity. Bitcoin provides a safety net and can bring a sense of calm to society in times of crisis.Owning Bitcoin can make a nation more resilient and less susceptible to financial and social strife.There is a need for education about investing in alternative assets like Bitcoin.The US is currently facing volatility and uncertainty, and there is a potential for social and financial strife.Chapters00:00Introduction and Guest Introduction02:34Views on Bitcoin within the Intelligence Community08:27Bitcoin as a Tool for Illicit Activity10:03Bitcoin and Financial Sovereignty16:28Traceability of Bitcoin Transactions18:19Educating Lawmakers about Bitcoin24:18The Threats to Dollar Dominance26:15Implications of OFAC Compliance for Miners29:18Miners and Non-OFAC Compliant Transactions36:36The Positive Potential of Bitcoin40:51The Fundamental Use Case of Bitcoin41:20The Importance of Bitcoin in Times of Crisis41:53The Lack of War and Financial Strife in the US43:17The Resilience of the US and the Role of Bitcoin44:42Passion for Bitcoin and the Need for Education45:40The Volatility and Uncertainty in the US46:05The Potential for Strife and the Arrogance of Westerners47:50The Resilience of the System and the Role of Statesmen48:15The Chaos and Charm of Living in Developing Countries50:13The Unique Experiences and Insights of a Career in Intelligence55:01The Freedom to Explore New Opportunities and Perspectives55:27How to Connect with KenApple Podcast: Support the show

In this episode, Alex and Shimon discuss various topics including the intelligence community's interest in Bitcoin, the impact of regulation on markets, Elizabeth Warren's misunderstanding of interest rates, concerns about Biden's cognitive abilities, Putin's unhinged interview, India's potential, and the situation in Gaza. The conversation discusses the challenges and potential solutions in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. It highlights the difficulties in conquering the city of Ra'afah, where terrorists, hostages, and leadership are located. The conversation also mentions the problem of IEDs on the border with Egypt and the fear of creating holes in the fence. However, the speaker believes that these problems are solvable. The conversation ends with a hopeful note, expressing the desire for an end to the suffering and a return to normalcy for the people in Gaza.Takeaways* Intelligence agencies have a long history of using encryption, making it unsurprising that they are interested in Bitcoin.* Regulation can distort markets and create inefficiencies, hindering innovation and hurting investors.* Elizabeth Warren's misunderstanding of interest rates highlights the need for policymakers to have a strong understanding of economics.* Biden's cognitive abilities have raised concerns, and there are rumors that the Democratic Party may consider a replacement.* China's demographic challenges and India's entrepreneurial culture may impact their future trajectories.* The situation in Gaza is ongoing, with surgical operations targeting terrorists and an increasing number of surrenders.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Format Change01:19 Feedback and Audience Engagement03:47 Intelligence Agencies and Bitcoin06:18 Bitcoin Inflows and Regulatory Distortions07:36 Regulation and Market Inefficiencies15:12 Elizabeth Warren's Misunderstanding of Interest Rates19:31 Biden's Cognitive Abilities and Potential Replacement22:21 Putin's Unhinged Interview26:35 India's Potential and China's Demographic Challenges37:40 Conclusion and Recap of Gaza Situation42:06 Challenges in Conquering Ra'afah43:05 Solutions to the Challenges44:00 Hope for an End to the ConflictSupport the show