The Bitcoin Layer
The Bitcoin Layer
The Bitcoin Layer is a premium markets research provider, covering bitcoin through a global macro lens | Research, Analysis, & Education
Featuring Nik Bhatia, author of the #1 Amazon bestseller Layered Money and USC Marshall School of Business professor.
Subscribe to our research publication and YouTube channel to learn about global macroeconomics, bitcoin, Lightning Network, the monetary and financial system, the Federal Reserve, interest rates, and geopolitics. Most importantly, develop a framework for understanding global markets—connect the dots between economic and financial concepts to see the bigger picture. Look no further for your bitcoin and macro education!
Featuring Nik Bhatia, author of the #1 Amazon bestseller Layered Money and USC Marshall School of Business professor.
Subscribe to our research publication and YouTube channel to learn about global macroeconomics, bitcoin, Lightning Network, the monetary and financial system, the Federal Reserve, interest rates, and geopolitics. Most importantly, develop a framework for understanding global markets—connect the dots between economic and financial concepts to see the bigger picture. Look no further for your bitcoin and macro education!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 15, 2025 • 35min
The Global Refugee Crisis & The Bitcoin Solution
Daniel Batten, a researcher focused on Bitcoin's environmental and humanitarian benefits, discusses the transformative power of Bitcoin for refugees. He reveals how over 329,000 refugees have utilized Bitcoin to escape crises, emphasizing its advantages over traditional financial tools. The conversation highlights inspiring stories from Ukraine, Venezuela, and Somalia, showcasing Bitcoin's ability to enable borderless transactions and promote financial dignity. Batten also addresses the growing recognition of Bitcoin's humanitarian and environmental potential by policymakers and financial institutions.
22 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 48min
What If the Dollar Ran on Bitcoin?
Ian Major, co-founder of Joltz and expert in wallet and swapping technology, dives into the revolution of stablecoins on Bitcoin. He discusses the innovative infrastructure enabling dollar-backed smart contracts, and how Tether has paved the way for on-chain dollar adoption. Major highlights the Lightning Network's evolution, transforming it into a multi-asset platform that enhances transaction scalability. The conversation also touches on how these developments address currency instability and reimagine digital finance.
29 snips
Aug 11, 2025 • 1h 3min
$1 Million Bitcoin: A Scientific Prediction Explained
Nik Bhatia talks with Stephen Perrenod, an astrophysicist and mathematician with expertise in Bitcoin power laws. They dive into the scientific reasoning behind Bitcoin potentially reaching $1 million, examining mathematical modeling and historical price patterns. Stephen explains how this approach contrasts with the stock-to-flow model and highlights the importance of market volatility. They discuss future price trajectories, the role of institutional investments, and Bitcoin's evolution, framing it as a transformative force in finance.
24 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 27min
Is It Too Late to Buy Bitcoin in 2025?
Is it too late to invest in Bitcoin with its price soaring above $100,000? Discussions delve into Bitcoin's transformative journey from niche currency to a global monetary asset. The potential shift from being viewed as digital gold to a trade settlement tool is explored, highlighting its implications for the future of finance. The podcast also reflects on the changing landscape of generational wealth, underscoring why institutional investors are only starting to recognize its value. Long-term potential takes center stage!
9 snips
Aug 2, 2025 • 17min
Bitcoin Drops as Yields Crash: What the Fed Will Do Next
U.S. Treasury yields have plummeted due to weak employment data, leading to speculation about imminent Fed rate cuts. Delve into the implications of the declining two-year yield and the Fed's neutral rate dilemma. Explore how inflation trends are shifting policy discussions and what that means for Bitcoin. The latest moves in the dollar and signals from ISM data hint at recession risks, affecting Bitcoin's consolidation around $108,000. Finally, a deep dive into the TBL Liquidity Index reveals the new volatility driving risk asset repricing.
19 snips
Jul 30, 2025 • 1h 14min
Bitcoin Collateral & GSE Reform: A $40 Trillion Credit Revolution
Matt Dines, Chief Investment Officer at Build, shares insights on the intersection of Bitcoin and traditional finance. He discusses the GENIUS Act and its implications for U.S. dollar stablecoin regulation linked to Bitcoin collateral. Dines explains how utilizing Bitcoin for mortgages could revolutionize access to homeownership for Gen Z, driving a $40 trillion private credit boom. He emphasizes the need for reform in government-sponsored enterprises to integrate private capital, enhancing mortgage lending and supporting a Bitcoin-centric financial future.
19 snips
Jul 29, 2025 • 17min
Why $1 Million Bitcoin Is Closer Than You Think
A staggering $9 billion Bitcoin transaction recently shook the market, showcasing its resilience and maturity. The discussion highlights how such large transfers reflect growing institutional interest and confidence in the cryptocurrency. The potential for Bitcoin to reach $1 million by 2031-2033 is explored through impressive growth projections, marking its evolution from a digital collectible to a formidable economic asset. With compounding growth rates of 30 to 50 percent, the path to this milestone appears more attainable than ever.
27 snips
Jul 25, 2025 • 26min
Global Macro Update: Liquidity Cycles Higher While Bitcoin Consolidates
The discussion dives into how the end of quantitative tightening is enhancing liquidity in financial markets and supporting Bitcoin's foundation. There’s a focus on the rise of Treasury bill issuance and its implications for banking stability. The breakdown of the dollar index and its connection to U.S. industrial policy is highlighted. On the Bitcoin front, topics include six-figure price consolidation, decreasing volatility, and favorable on-chain signals, painting a picture of strength amid evolving macro conditions.
12 snips
Jul 23, 2025 • 27min
Bitcoin Grows as Stablecoins Absorb U.S. Debt
Explore how the Genius Act is reshaping the future of currency, as stablecoins like Tether rise to prominence. Discover the shift in U.S. Treasury demand and its implications for global finance. Tether's potential as a world reserve asset stirs political debates around national security. The podcast delves into Bitcoin's competition with traditional reserve currencies, and sheds light on how stablecoins might accelerate Bitcoin's adoption amidst a changing monetary landscape.
12 snips
Jul 22, 2025 • 32min
This CEO Just Raised $750 Million to Buy Bitcoin With ZERO Debt
Matt Cole, CEO of Strive Funds and former manager of a $70 billion portfolio at CalPERS, discusses how his company raised $750 million to become a major Bitcoin player without incurring debt. He emphasizes the dangers of fiat currency and debt monetization, positioning Bitcoin as a resilient alternative. Cole addresses the potential decline of the dollar, Tether's role in the Bitcoin market, and the strategic importance of building a transparent, long-term Bitcoin treasury. His insights reflect a keen understanding of financial systems and emerging market dynamics.
