
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

Mar 12, 2025 • 31min
Bitcoin’s 21 Million Supply: Planning for Taxes, Estate & Retirement
In this episode, Nik welcomes Vaughn Kellerman of Sound Advisory to discuss financial planning for Bitcoin holders. With Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million, they explore strategies for managing taxes, estate planning, and retirement while minimizing risk. Vaughn breaks down tax-efficient selling, inheritance planning, and portfolio structuring to balance Bitcoin with traditional assets. They also cover capital gains, multi-bucket tax planning, and charitable giving, outlining practical steps to preserve wealth and ensure a seamless transfer of assets. 📚 Bitcoin Age is here, order yours today: https://www.amazon.com/Bitcoin-Age-Nik-Bhatia-ebook/dp/B0DZY38QR1 📊 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 887396 ⚡ 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/matthewrball Chapters:00:00:00 Navigating Bitcoin Investment with Sound Advisory 00:03:32 Strategies for Tax Planning with Bitcoin00:06:38 Importance of Seeking Professional Financial Advice00:10:14 Navigating Bitcoin Tax Implications00:13:31 The Role of Estate Planning in Financial Security00:16:39 ETF Strategies for Bitcoin Investors00:20:27 Fiduciary Duty and Bitcoin Investment Strategy 00:23:42 The Epiphany on Bitcoin's Scarcity and Value00:27:23 The Scarcity of Bitcoin Compared to Gold
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Mar 8, 2025 • 48min
Global Liquidity Update with Michael Howell: The Case for a U.S. Gold Revaluation Is Building
Michael Howell, founder of CrossBorder Capital and author of Capital Wars, dives deep into global liquidity trends. He argues that M2 is becoming obsolete and emphasizes asset-based liquidity as a crucial metric. Howell discusses the U.S. debt spiral and the pressure on the Fed to resume quantitative easing, while also spotlighting China's growing influence. A gold revaluation emerges as a potential solution to inject liquidity into the market. Ultimately, he posits that liquidity—not interest rates—will dictate market movements.

Mar 5, 2025 • 1h 5min
America Moves Toward a Bitcoin-Backed Future
In this episode, Nik sits down with Matt Pines, the new Executive Director of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, to discuss the U.S. government's evolving Bitcoin strategy. They break down the push for a Bitcoin strategic reserve, the political forces shaping policy, and why Bitcoin is essential for economic resilience. Matt explains how government agencies are aligning on Bitcoin’s role, the potential for funding through gold revaluation, and the broader geopolitical stakes. With Bitcoin at the center of financial and policy debates, this conversation highlights how the U.S. is positioning for a Bitcoin-backed future. 📚 Bitcoin Age is here, pre-order yours today: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQK2RQ5J 📊 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 886335 ⚡ 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/matthewrball
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Mar 4, 2025 • 16min
Bitcoin Whipsaws as Markets Brace for Trump’s Next Move
📚 Bitcoin Age is available for pre-order now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQK2RQ5J
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Feb 26, 2025 • 25min
Global Macro Update: Bitcoin Dips, Stocks Stall, Yields Continue to Fall
In this episode, Nik delivers a global macro update as Bitcoin tumbles over 12% this week, down more than 20% from all-time highs. He breaks down the drivers behind this pullback, from shifting risk sentiment to key technical levels, and what it means for the broader market. Nik also unpacks the latest stock market weakness, the sharp drop in Treasury yields, and emerging policy signals from the White House. With TBL’s proprietary metric providing critical insights, he connects the dots across Bitcoin, stocks, bonds, and global liquidity to assess what’s next for markets. 📚 Bitcoin Age is available for pre-order now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQK2RQ5J 📊 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 885460 ⚡ 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/matthewrball
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Feb 24, 2025 • 12min
Welcome to the BITCOIN AGE: Nik Bhatia’s Latest Book on Money’s Transformation
Bitcoin Age is available for pre-order now: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DQK2RQ5J
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Feb 20, 2025 • 25min
Global Macro Update: Bitcoin’s Liquidity Setup, ETF Flows, and the $300,000 Gold Ratio Path
In this episode, Nik delivers a global macro update as Bitcoin coils for its next major move, with key indicators flashing signals of imminent volatility. He analyzes Bitcoin’s price action relative to its 200-day moving average and short-term holder realized price, revealing why the market is primed for expansion. Nik examines ETF-driven on-chain movements, breaking down how institutional flows are reshaping liquidity and driving demand. With TBL’s proprietary metric signaling a supportive environment, he connects the dots across stocks, bonds, and commodities, explaining why macro conditions are setting up for Bitcoin’s breakout. 📊 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 884531 ⚡ 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/matthewrball
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Feb 13, 2025 • 14min
Will U.S. States Buy Bitcoin? $23 Billion in Proposed Bills Say Yes
In this episode, Nik explores the growing movement among U.S. states to establish strategic Bitcoin reserves, with 20 proposed bills representing up to $23 billion in potential Bitcoin purchases. He breaks down the states pushing these initiatives, the legislative progress of key bills, and the impact of these reserves on state budgets and pension funds. The discussion moves to the broader implications of government Bitcoin adoption, the limited daily supply available, and how these purchases could drive significant price pressure. Closing with insights on global adoption, Nik examines how Bitcoin reserve strategies are spreading beyond the U.S., with signs of interest from Japan, Russia, and other nations. 📊 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 883491 ⚡ 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/matthewrball
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Feb 12, 2025 • 38min
America’s Big Reset: Kill the IRS, Split the Dollar, and Fund It All with Sovereign Wealth
In this episode, Nik unveils a bold idea to split the U.S. dollar, separating the eurodollar system from a new national currency. Before diving in, he breaks down key economic shifts shaping Bitcoin, including the administration’s focus on productivity, deregulation, and credit expansion. The discussion moves to government efficiency, Elon Musk’s audit of federal spending, and how cutting waste could strengthen the Treasury market. Nik then examines the push to eliminate the IRS, the sovereign wealth fund as a potential revenue source, and Bitcoin’s role in this new framework. Closing with his dollar split concept, he explores how a new national currency could break free from the Fed’s global banking system, redefining America’s financial future. 📊 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 883376 ⚡ 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/matthewrball
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Feb 8, 2025 • 48min
Bitcoin, Treasuries & Sovereign Wealth: The U.S Economy's Fate Under Trump
In this episode, Nik answers questions from Augustine Carrasco, TBL’s own researcher, on U.S. Treasuries, sovereign wealth, and Bitcoin’s role in government reserves. Nik breaks down the Treasury market’s size, liquidity, and the need for continuous debt issuance, explaining how deficits, interest rates, and market demand shape economic policy. The discussion moves to tariffs, their impact on inflation, and whether ISM manufacturing’s rise signals inflationary pressures. Augustine asks if tariffs are meant to restore U.S. manufacturing, while Nik argues they are driven by geopolitical strategy. Turning to the sovereign wealth fund, Nik examines its ties to China, the risks of moral hazard, and whether Bitcoin could play a role as a strategic reserve in a rapidly shifting global financial order. 📊 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 882497 ⚡ 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/matthewrball
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.