The Bitcoin Frontier

Isaiah Taylor, founder of Valor Atomics, aims to revolutionize energy with modular giga-sites for cleaner and cheaper production. He shares insights from his family's ties to the Manhattan Project and discusses why innovative nuclear solutions stalled in the West. The conversation dives into the potential of robotics and AI in energy, the need for regulatory reforms, and how decentralization can boost national resilience. Taylor also explores Bitcoin's role in a changing economy and advocates for real-world engineering over software-centric approaches.

What if bitcoin development stopped tomorrow? In this episode, we sit down with Mike Schmidt, Executive Director at Brink, and Buck Perley, Director of Product Engineering at Unchained, to explore the state of open source development and why it matters more than ever. Mike shares his path from software engineer to funding bitcoin core developers, while Buck recounts his early bitcoin experiences in China. We cover what bitcoin core developers actually do, how brink evaluates contributors, and why maintenance, security, and review are essential—even without major protocol changes. The conversation also touches on ossification, governance, and the future of soft forks. If you’ve ever wondered who maintains bitcoin’s foundation and why it matters, this episode pulls back the curtain.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier→ What is bitcoin: A tech stock? An inflation hedge? A ponzi scheme? Can DOGE Fix The Dollar? Come listen to Professor Peter St. Onge give a keynote presentation on April 16th: https://unchained.com/dogeTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:14 - Why open source matters for bitcoin6:20 - How Buck discovered bitcoin in China11:12 - What bitcoin core developers actually do16:57 - How brink evaluates developers before funding22:15 - What brink would do with unlimited funding27:34 - Why bitcoin needs more reviewers, not just coders32:10 - Should bitcoin ossify or stay flexible?36:36 - The messy politics of soft forks and consensus42:18 - What is bitcoin governance really?47:18 - Unpopular opinions from Mike and Buck51:25 - The biggest long-term risk to bitcoinWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Mike Schmidt’s Twitter: https://x.com/bitschmidty→ Buck Perley’s Twitter: https://x.com/puckberley

In this episode, we dive into bitcoin's impact on the future global monetary order with Natalie Smolenski, an anthropologist and bitcoiner. We discuss her thoughts on how bitcoin challenges the state's monopoly on currency, invoking Karl Marx's unexpected agreement that gold, a commodity, originally embodied money—not the state-minted currencies. Natalie explains her fascination with the concept of the invaluable—elements of culture and society that transcend monetary value—and how bitcoin fits in today’s culture. We also tackle bitcoin's role as a deflationary currency in contrast to fiat's inflationary tendencies, highlighting its potential to redefine economic and social hierarchies. Join us as we explore bitcoin's potential to reshape not just economies but cultural identities.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier→ Meet Natalie in Austin on April 16th: https://www.meetup.com/bitcoin-park-austin/events/306342336/TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro01:12 - Natalie's journey into bitcoin02:19 - Anthropology and the concept of value06:06 - Modern monetary theory and social power10:09 - Central banking and national economic performance15:12 - The challenge of physical currencies and the role of central banks20:27 - Money as the most salable good: Carl Menger's insights26:17 - Debunking the myth: Bitcoin and collective hallucination30:01 - Bitcoin as a protocol for new societal frameworks34:10 - Bitcoin's potential impact on societal structures38:23 - The state's interest in bitcoin and potential risks42:27 - Legal challenges and the future of bitcoin ownership45:24 - The future of privacy, property, and political action in the bitcoin eraWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Natalie Smolenski’s Twitter: https://x.com/NSmolenski

What happens when a certified financial planner sells two homes to buy bitcoin? In this episode, we sit down with Jessy Gilger, Senior Advisor at Sound Advisory, to explore the radical shift happening inside the financial advisory industry. Jessy shares how he went from flipping houses to building multi-generational wealth on a bitcoin standard, and why more clients—and even advisors—are quietly making the leap. We cover how ETFs are changing incentives, how to navigate capital allocation between real estate and bitcoin, and the risks of high bitcoin exposure in retirement. Jessy explains why volatility planning matters, how to survive bitcoin drawdowns, and how to protect your family with proper inheritance planning. We also get into his take on the national bitcoin reserve and potential tax changes.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier→ If you can’t talk about your bitcoin wealth with your financial advisor, it might be time to find a new advisor. Check out Sound Advisory at thesoundadvisory.com.TIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro01:18 - Why Jessy sold two houses for bitcoin02:35 - Jessy’s thesis for bitcoin as internet-native money04:13 - How financial advisors react to buying bitcoin05:34 - Why ETFs changed the game for advisors07:26 - When to buy a house vs. buy more bitcoin09:17 - Using long-term mortgages as low-cost leverage12:03 - How Jessy thinks about portfolio allocation13:15 - What 90% bitcoin portfolios look like in real life15:09 - Why retirees need a bitcoin bear market survival plan20:01 - Bitcoin’s volatility and the four-year cash barbell24:37 - Could the next 80% bitcoin drawdown be the last?27:06 - The return of austerity and why it matters for bitcoiners30:04 - Tax changes coming in 2025 and what to do now43:37 - When it’s time to fire your financial advisorWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Jessy Gilger’s Twitter: https://x.com/idahohodl

What happens when corporations and nations wake up to bitcoin’s dominance? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Cole, former CalPERS portfolio manager, to discuss why every public company will eventually hold bitcoin and how the U.S. is already falling behind in the global bitcoin race. Matt shares his journey from managing $70 billion in fixed income to realizing bitcoin’s role as the ultimate savings vehicle. We explore his viral letter urging GameStop to adopt bitcoin, the concept of bitcoin as a corporate hurdle rate, and the growing pressure for businesses to rethink treasury strategies. Matt breaks down the risks and misconceptions around MicroStrategy’s leverage, how AI could reshape business moats, and why a higher hurdle rate could force a more productive economy. We also discuss why he believes regulatory risks for bitcoin have dropped to near zero and what this means for the future.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:00:00 - Intro01:32 - From Wall Street to bitcoin: Matt Cole’s journey03:45 - Managing $70 billion at CalPERS and the pension crisis05:34 - Buying US treasuries and questioning the system07:22 - The moment Matt first heard about bitcoin (on a bodybuilding forum!)10:17 - Why institutions are always late to bitcoin12:19 - The fight between bitcoin and CBDCs15:36 - Why the US must buy bitcoin before it's too late16:05 - The viral letter urging GameStop to adopt bitcoin20:06 - Could GameStop become the next MicroStrategy?23:25 - Why every public company will hold bitcoin27:02 - Bitcoin as the new corporate hurdle rate35:36 - Why most businesses are losing to bitcoin’s hurdle rate39:59 - Does MicroStrategy have too much leverage?46:56 - Will bitcoin force a more productive economy?WHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Matt Cole’s Twitter: https://x.com/ColeMacro

Drew D’Agostino, founder of Crystal, an AI company with a bold bitcoin strategy, dives into his decision to move the company's treasury into bitcoin during the bear market. He discusses how this move not only saved the company but also transformed employee engagement with digital currencies. The conversation explores the synergy between AI and bitcoin, contemplating their collective potential to disrupt traditional business models and promote decentralization. Drew shares insights on integrating bitcoin into corporate culture and the future of finance.

This episode was recorded moments before the U.S. made its biggest financial decision since 1971. In this episode, we sit down with Bryan Jacoutot, attorney and bitcoin policy expert, to break down the push for a U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve. We explore the 20-year HODL mandate in Senator Lummis' bill, Trump's policy shift, and why nation-states could face bitcoin FOMO. Bryan explains how the U.S. could acquire 1 million bitcoin, the debate over funding it with gold revaluation, and the risks of waiting too long. We also discuss whether altcoins should be included, shifting banking regulations, and how a sovereign wealth fund could reshape global finance.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro2:12 - The 20-year bitcoin HODL mandate in Senator Lummis' bill4:29 - Trump's surprising shift on bitcoin policy5:31 - EO vs legislative strategic reserve10:14 - How the U.S. could acquire 1 million bitcoin12:14 - The genius idea to fund bitcoin purchases with gold revaluation15:02 - How the crypto summit could influence bitcoin policy20:35 - Is the U.S. front-running the world on bitcoin?23:50 - The case against a U.S. strategic bitcoin reserve29:28 - Why the U.S. must hedge against not buying bitcoin31:58 - Sovereign wealth fund vs. strategic bitcoin reserve35:38 - Why Texas and Georgia may lead the state-level bitcoin reserves42:10 - SAB 121 repeal: A game-changer for bitcoin banking?51:51 - Why only bitcoin belongs in a U.S. strategic reserveWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Bryan Jacoutot’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/BryanJacoutot

How did a simple golf tournament turn into one of the most unique bitcoin events in the world? In this episode, we sit down with the key organizers and participants of the Max & Stacy Bitcoin Golf Invitational in El Salvador to unpack how this event came to life. We explore the surprising connection between bitcoin and golf, the challenges of organizing a major bitcoin event from scratch, and why the tournament attracted bitcoiners from around the world. The conversation covers El Salvador’s rapid transformation, its growing role in the bitcoin community, and the inspiring story of the country’s top golfer. We also discuss bitcoin’s long-term adoption, the power of a strong network, and the future of bitcoin sports events.SUPPORT THE PODCAST:→ Subscribe→ Leave a review→ Share the show with your friends and family→ Send us an email podcast@unchained.com→ Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontierTIMESTAMPS:0:00 - Intro1:12 - How the bitcoin golf tournament started3:46 - From article to international event8:20 - Why bitcoin and golf share the same mindset12:32 - The rise of bitcoin sports events18:25 - Inside the Max & Stacy Invitational22:05 - El Salvador’s top golfer and his bitcoin connection25:41 - The unique culture of bitcoiners31:10 - El Salvador’s transformation and first impressions34:09 - The best food in El Salvador39:32 - Why hash rate signals bitcoin’s strength42:18 - Executing a flawless bitcoin event45:42 - How bitcoin reshapes time and wealth50:06 - The power of taking action52:35 - The future of bitcoin sports and elite events55:00 - Final thoughts on bitcoin, El Salvador, and the tournamentWHERE TO FOLLOW US:→ Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom→ Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter → Joe Burnett (Host) on Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital→ Jose Burgos (Director of Media Production) on Twitter: https://x.com/DeFBeD→ Max Keiser on Twitter: https://x.com/maxkeiser→ Stacy Herbert on Twitter: https://x.com/stacyherbert→ Bitcoin Sports Network on Twitter: https://x.com/BSN_Events→ Trey Sellers on Twitter: https://x.com/ts_hodl→ Rocky Wold on Twitter: https://x.com/rkywld

Zach Bradford, CEO of CleanSpark and a leader in Bitcoin mining, dives into the intersection of energy and Bitcoin. He discusses how stoic philosophy shapes his leadership style, enabling resilience amid market volatility. Bradford analyzes whether Bitcoin will face another dramatic price drop and highlights the implications of potential regulations on institutional adoption. He also explores how decentralized mining can enhance energy efficiency and transform global trade dynamics, asserting Bitcoin's potential as a future currency.

In this engaging discussion, Eric Semler, Chairman of Semler Scientific and founder of TCS Capital, dives into the future of Bitcoin and its potential to surpass gold. Eric shares his initial experiences with Bitcoin and highlights the hurdles corporate adoption faces. He examines how banks might evolve their custody services and the impact of global trade on Bitcoin's rise. The conversation also touches on the risks posed by quantum computing and the potential for a U.S. strategic Bitcoin reserve, emphasizing the generational shift in investment perspectives.