

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

45 snips
Sep 4, 2025 • 46min
Inside the Global Liquidity Shift Powering Bitcoin with Dr. Jeff Ross
Nik hosts Dr. Jeff Ross, a seasoned Bitcoin advocate and hedge fund manager, to dissect the current U.S. economy and its implications for Bitcoin. They explore how fiscal policies post-2020 shape market dynamics and assess risks with China. Jeff introduces his liquidity blob framework, explaining how it influences Bitcoin's appeal. The conversation turns to the potential for an economic growth cycle into 2026, the role of AI and energy in reshaping markets, and existential questions about employment in an AI-driven world.

24 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 41min
Collateral Wars: Bitcoin, Chips, & The Next Dollar System
Kane McGukin, a keen analyst of Bitcoin and macroeconomics, joins the discussion to explore the future of collateral in global finance. They delve into how chips and energy are emerging as strategic assets, and the transformative potential of stablecoins in redefining bank reserves. The conversation shifts to Bitcoin as a pivotal digital collateral and its place in new credit markets. Furthermore, they discuss how current U.S. policies might be intentionally devaluing the dollar to foster tech advancement and revitalize supply chains.

Aug 30, 2025 • 26min
Bitcoin & Liquidity Academy 1: Understanding Balance Sheets, Capital, and Treasuries
Nik dives into the essentials of balance sheets, breaking them down from personal finance to government structures. He highlights the dynamic between assets, liabilities, and equity, showcasing how corporations use capital and cash flow. The discussion extends to the federal balance sheet and the unique standing of U.S. debt in global finance. Listeners also learn how these concepts tie into Bitcoin’s emerging role in the financial ecosystem, setting the stage for a deeper understanding of liquidity and its impact.

21 snips
Aug 28, 2025 • 13min
Is Bitcoin Wealth or Just Money?
Discover the intriguing distinctions between money and wealth, and how Bitcoin fits into this dynamic. The discussion highlights three pillars crucial for societal wealth: production, capital goods, and innovation. Comparisons draw Bitcoin alongside productive real estate, showcasing its nature as a form of digital capital. Delve into the role of Austrian economics in understanding prosperity and why Bitcoin isn't just currency, but a store of long-term wealth that reflects broader economic value.

Aug 25, 2025 • 31min
HODLing Alone Won’t Secure Your Bitcoin
In this episode, Nik is joined by Mitch Moore, founder of Strong Wealth, to explain why simply HODLing Bitcoin is not enough. Mitch lays out a real financial plan for Bitcoiners, including estate strategies, tax planning, and inheritance protocols. He covers the three pillars of Bitcoin estate planning: legal title transfer, mechanical key access, and heir education. The conversation explores tradeoffs between self custody and custodians, how to set up trusts, and how to avoid costly mistakes when passing Bitcoin to future generations. If you consider Bitcoin a multi decade asset, this episode is essential viewing.📚 Bitcoin Age is here, order yours today: https://a.co/d/5gau08H📊 The Bitcoin Layer is a bitcoin and global macroeconomic research firm. ▶️ Subscribe and turn on notifications for TBL on YouTube.📚 Subscribe to TBL’s research letter: https://thebitcoinlayer.com/subscribe🎧 Subscribe to The Bitcoin Layer on your favorite podcast platform.📱 Follow TBL on X: https://twitter.com/TheBitcoinLayer📩 Join the official TBL channel on Telegram: https://t.me/thebitcoinlayerofficial🧢 Use code TBLYT10 for 10% off all The Bitcoin Layer Merch at http://TheBitcoinLayer.com/merch⛓️ ₿lock Height 911241⚡ Contribute to The Bitcoin Layer via Lightning Network: thebitcoinlayer@zbd.ggNik Bhatia's Twitter: https://twitter.com/timevalueofbtcCreative Director Matthew Ball's Twitter: https://twitter.com/matthewrballResearcher Demian Schatt's Twitter: https://x.com/demianschattLead Statistician Augustine Carrasco Twitter: https://x.com/AugustineCarrB
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

29 snips
Aug 20, 2025 • 42min
Is Bitcoin’s Liquidity Tailwind Ending? MOVE, Repo, and the Dollar Explained
Nik and Demian dive into a spike in the MOVE Index, signaling caution for the financial markets. They discuss the implications of Treasury refunding and increased rollover risk on Bitcoin's liquidity. The duo analyzes the link between dollar strength and global debt, emphasizing its impact on market volatility. They also explore corporate debt dynamics and how rising costs affect distressed businesses. Finally, they caution about potential reversals in liquidity trends and their significance for credit creation and market health.

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!