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
9 snips
Sep 17, 2025 • 22min
Bitcoin & Liquidity Academy 3: Primary Dealers, U.S. Treasuries & the Fed
Nik dives into the intricate U.S. Treasury market and the pivotal role of primary dealers. He unpacks how the Federal Reserve manages its balance sheet through quantitative easing and tightening. The discussion highlights how treasuries transition from issuance to investor portfolios, along with the concept of liability-driven investing. Gain insights into how these elements shape the long-term demand for treasuries and Bitcoin's significance within the larger liquidity framework.
29 snips
Sep 15, 2025 • 29min
How Bitcoin Is Powering a New Credit Market
In this discussion, Dhruv Patel, CEO and co-founder of Arch Lending, shares insights on the emerging world of Bitcoin-backed lending. He explains how overcollateralization allows individuals and institutions to leverage Bitcoin without rehypothecation. The conversation dives into risk management, interest rates, and the legitimacy Bitcoin gains through credit markets. Dhruv also highlights strategic borrowing against Bitcoin and the transformative potential of these loans for economic growth.
33 snips
Sep 12, 2025 • 38min
Bitcoin Hits $116,000 as the Fed Eyes Rate Cuts
The discussion kicks off with how the Federal Reserve's rate cuts are influencing the markets, particularly Bitcoin, which recently soared past $116,000. Unpacking U.S. labor market trends reveals intriguing insights into rising unemployment and inflation pressures. The conversation shifts to the effects of Treasury yields and a growing interest in gold amid a global monetary reorientation away from the dollar. Finally, MVRV signals hint at a bullish trend for Bitcoin, suggesting a potential exciting trajectory ahead for the cryptocurrency.
18 snips
Sep 8, 2025 • 26min
Bitcoin & Liquidity Academy 2: How $37 Trillion in US Debt Shapes Global Markets
Delve into the fascinating world of fixed income securities and their pivotal role in capital markets. Discover how loans transform into securities and explore the vast $120 trillion bond market. Unravel the connection between U.S. Treasuries, GDP, and the overall economic landscape. The intricate dynamics of global monetary policy and the collaboration of central banks also come to light. Finally, examine the crucial ties between tax receipts and national debt, setting the stage for future liquidity discussions.
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.


