
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!
Latest episodes

7 snips
Jun 27, 2025 • 24min
Global Macro Update: Bitcoin Holds Steady as Trade and Treasury Regs Shift
Discover the latest global macro developments impacting Bitcoin as trade tensions escalate between Europe and China. Explore how U.S. regulatory changes affect Treasury market dynamics and the demand for cryptos. Delve into the rivalry between the U.S. and China over technological supremacy and AI advancements. Get insights into Bitcoin's price analysis, focusing on key resistance levels and market stabilization. Uncover the implications of the revised Supplementary Leverage Ratio on alternative assets like Bitcoin and gold.

7 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 34min
U.S. Bitcoin Boom: 50M Users, $30B Mining & Bipartisan Momentum
Sam Baker, Head of Research at River Financial, sheds light on America’s strategic position in Bitcoin adoption. He dives into the fact that 40% of Bitcoin's supply is held by Americans and discusses the surge in business adoption, emphasizing Bitcoin as an emerging treasury asset. The conversation highlights the explosive growth of Bitcoin mining, especially in Texas, and the increasing bipartisan momentum in Congress for supportive legislation. Explore how Bitcoin could reshape U.S. economic dynamics and strengthen its global stance.

8 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 53min
Bitcoin’s Hidden Signals REVEALED in the TBL Chart Pack
Augustine Carrasco, lead statistician at The Bitcoin Layer, dives into macro and on-chain dynamics that shape Bitcoin today. He explores how long-term holding returns reveal investment advantages and analyzes the impact of ETF flows on market strategy. The conversation highlights Bitcoin's interplay with financial metrics, emphasizing how macro volatility and inflation expectations could influence its future. Strategies for trading based on liquidity indicators are shared, presenting actionable insights for investors.

Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 1min
Why Bitcoin EMERGES from Global Chaos
Matt Pines, the Executive Director of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, offers deep insights into how global conflicts, like the Iran-Israel tension, are reshaping the political and economic landscape. He discusses Bitcoin's emergence as a hedge against instability and its potential role in a new monetary era. Pines examines America's strategic concerns with Iran, the implications of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, and the evolving picture of Bitcoin as a digital gold in a world full of uncertainty, urging policymakers to adapt without delay.

6 snips
Jun 16, 2025 • 27min
Corporations Just Surpassed ETFs in Bitcoin Buying—Here’s What It Means with Matthew Sigel
Matthew Sigel, Head of Digital Assets Research at VanEck, discusses a pivotal shift in Bitcoin ownership as corporations outpace ETFs in Bitcoin purchases, adding over 350,000 BTC in just a year. He explains the implications for capital markets and risks for shareholders. The conversation dives into 'BitBonds,' linking U.S. treasury issuance to Bitcoin, and highlights how countries like El Salvador and Pakistan use Bitcoin mining as a tool against IMF influence. The landscape of Bitcoin is rapidly changing, and so is its role in the global economy.

Jun 12, 2025 • 1h 12min
The Physics Behind Bitcoin’s $10 Million Future
Giovanni Santostasi, an astrophysicist with a PhD, delves into the Bitcoin Power Law Theory, likening Bitcoin's growth to natural phenomena. He argues that Bitcoin isn't just a typical asset but a living system influenced by complex interactions. By discussing six power laws, Giovanni reveals how price, user growth, and time intertwine to suggest a trajectory toward $10 million. This bold theory connects Bitcoin's dynamics with scientific concepts, offering fresh insights into its expansion as both a financial and collaborative entity.

20 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 39min
Bitcoin’s Bull Market Is Being Built—One Credit Tranche at a Time
The podcast dives into the structural drivers behind Bitcoin's impressive market performance, particularly near its all-time highs. It discusses how tightening credit spreads on Bitcoin-backed debt signal increasing investor confidence. Capital is flowing into Bitcoin through corporate strategies and yield-bearing products. The interplay between U.S. treasuries and Bitcoin is analyzed, especially in light of recent financial upheavals. Insights on market correlations highlight the dynamics between treasury yields, gold, and Bitcoin prices.

Jun 7, 2025 • 37min
Trump vs. Musk: A Public Breakup, A Deeper Economic Story
Tensions between Elon Musk and Donald Trump reveal deeper issues in U.S. governance and economic policy. The fallout sparks a discussion on excessive government spending and its impact on credit expansion. The clash between Main Street and Wall Street highlights the political difficulties surrounding fiscal agendas. Key topics include Medicare, Medicaid, and the U.S. welfare state, contrasted with international models. Lastly, the growing role of Bitcoin in reshaping financial dynamics is explored as fiscal dominance drives today's markets.

13 snips
Jun 4, 2025 • 27min
Global Macro Update: The Fed Isn’t Easing—And Bitcoin Doesn’t Care
Dive into the intricate dance of Bitcoin, interest rates, and market liquidity. Discover how the Treasury market's cycles influence Bitcoin's price behavior and what metrics like the Mayer Multiple reveal about its valuation. Uncover the implications of stagnant oil prices on the US dollar during a global monetary reset. Explore bond volatility and the dynamics of the yield curve while evaluating the Federal Reserve's influence on the market. This insight-packed discussion redefines how we understand Bitcoin in today’s macro landscape.

9 snips
May 31, 2025 • 19min
Bitcoin 2025 Recap: What the Crowd Proved, What the Price Shows
In Las Vegas, excitement centered on Bitcoin's real-world adoption rather than just price hype. Conversations revealed a notable institutional presence, indicating growing legitimacy and acceptance. Major players like Shell and BlackRock showcased their interest, highlighting Bitcoin's evolving role in corporate treasuries. Additionally, a technical analysis pointed to recent bearish trends, hinting at future market movements. The gathering marked a significant shift from mere speculation to a deeper understanding of Bitcoin’s implications in the financial landscape.