
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

Dec 13, 2024 • 33min
Bitcoin’s Fight for Freedom: U.S. Regulations, Court Battles, and the Future of Financial Privacy
In this episode, Nik Bhatia speaks with Yaël Ossowski of @ConsumerChoiceC and @btcpolicyorg to explore the intersection of Bitcoin and U.S. banking laws. They dive into how regulations like the Bank Secrecy Act have shaped Bitcoin's evolution, the impact of financial surveillance on privacy, and the growing issue of debanking for cryptocurrency entrepreneurs. Yaël breaks down key controversies, including legal cases involving Tornado Cash and Samurai Wallet, and explains the proposed Savings Privacy Act, which could redefine financial privacy for Bitcoin users. Together, they examine the challenges and opportunities for Bitcoin in an era of increasing regulatory scrutiny and highlight the future of decentralized tools in a rapidly changing landscape. 📊 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 874464 ⚡ 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.

13 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 47min
Trump's POTENTIAL Economic and Dollar Playbook REVEALED by Former Treasury Official
Stephen Miran, a PhD economist and senior strategist at Hudson Bay, shares invaluable insights from his time at the U.S. Treasury. He discusses the strategic role of tariffs in reshaping global trade dynamics and their potential effects on the dollar. Miran explores how a strong U.S. dollar affects American manufacturing, suggesting that tariffs could bolster competitiveness. He dives into the relationship between Federal Reserve policies and inflation, proposing strategies that might redefine the U.S. economy's future while navigating challenges in critical industries.

Dec 10, 2024 • 37min
MicroStrategy Wants All the Bitcoin—And Their Stock Is Exploding Because of It
In this episode, Nik Bhatia sits down with Jeff Park to dissect MicroStrategy’s bold strategy to dominate the Bitcoin market. They explore how the company’s use of convertible bonds and debt-fueled Bitcoin accumulation has made it a unique force in the financialization of Bitcoin. Delving into the mechanics of MicroStrategy’s stock performance, they analyze its correlation with Bitcoin’s volatility and the opportunities it presents for retail and institutional investors alike. Nik and Jeff also discuss yield generation strategies and the role of options trading, offering insights into navigating crypto investments in an increasingly complex and evolving market landscape. 📊 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 874167 ⚡ 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:00:04:24 Understanding Capital Structure and Debt Instruments 00:08:24 Understanding Yield and its Importance for Credit Investors00:12:17 The Unique Position of MicroStrategy in Bitcoin Strategy 00:16:21 Understanding MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Strategy00:20:19 Understanding the Options Market for Bitcoin ETFs 00:24:42 Future of MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Strategy 00:28:46 Trend Strategies in Crypto Investing 00:32:53 Understanding Volatility Harvesting00:36:55 Closing Remarks and Farewell
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Dec 10, 2024 • 23min
China’s Money Printer Set to Explode: Massive Stimulus Amid Trump’s Trade War 2.0
In this video, Nik unravels the complex dynamics between the United States and China, exploring the profound shifts in the global monetary system triggered by Donald Trump's return to office. Drawing on insights from Russell Napier's groundbreaking thesis, Bhatia touches on China's strategic response to changing geopolitical tensions, revealing the complex dynamics between Chinese ownership of U.S. Treasuries and money printing. In that same vein, Nik also explains the intricate manipulation of currency markets, as well as the emergence of dual supply chains and escalating trade wars. This video is part of Nik's research to better understand how China is preparing to navigate Trump's nationalist policies and what this means for international trade, monetary policy, and asset liquidity in the coming years. Article Links:- https://americanaffairsjournal.org/2024/11/america-china-and-the-death-of-the-international-monetary-non-system/- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-09/china-shifts-monetary-policy-stance-for-first-time-since-2011?sref=ieet9cdI 📊 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 874042 ⚡ 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. Chapters:00:00:00 Renewed Trade Tensions Between the US and China 00:02:23 Chinese Currency Manipulation and Its Impact on US Interest Rates00:05:17 China's Shift from US Treasuries 00:07:30 Who's Buying US Treasuries?00:10:04 China's Strategic Shift in Economic Policy00:12:36 Impact of U.S. Tariffs on China and Global Economy 00:14:59 Impact of US Asset Side Liquidity on Stock Market00:17:26 China's Currency Strategy and Economic Tensions00:20:03 US-China Trade War and AI Technology Cold War
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

8 snips
Dec 7, 2024 • 50min
$100,000+ Bitcoin: The Revelation Behind Its Path to $1 Million
Explore the fascinating surge of Bitcoin surpassing $102,000 and its potential climb to $1 million. Delve into the transformative impact of credit creation on Bitcoin's growth, while reassessing traditional asset strategies. Gain insights into macroeconomic factors, trading algorithms, and recent price trends. Discover the implications of inflation, dollar strength, and geopolitical shifts on financial markets. This engaging discussion highlights how Bitcoin is poised to redefine investment landscapes in the coming years.

Dec 5, 2024 • 50min
Can We Really Abolish the Federal Reserve? An Interview with Peter St Onge
In this video, Peter St. Onge breaks down the complex machinery of the Federal Reserve, exploring the historical, economic, and political dimensions of potentially abolishing central banking. From the evolving landscape of populism to the intricate power structures governing monetary policy, Peter dissects the moral hazards of bailouts, examines the historical context of financial crashes, and challenges conventional wisdom about the Fed's necessity. Peter also walks Nik through the shifting Overton window, the potential for radical tax reforms, and a provocative look at how free speech and economic policy intersect in shaping our financial future. This interview provides a blueprint for reimagining the fundamental structures of modern economics. 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/subscribeFollow TBL on X: https://twitter.com/TheBitcoinLayerSubscribe to The Bitcoin Layer on your favorite podcast platform.Join the official TBL channel on Telegram: https://t.me/thebitcoinlayerofficialUse code TBLYT10 for 10% off all The Bitcoin Layer Merch at http://TheBitcoinLayer.com/merch Block Height 873128 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 #TheBitcoinLayer #NikBhatia #Bitcoin #FederalReserve #EndCentralBanking #PopulismAndEconomics #MonetaryPolicy #PeterStOnge #FedPolicy #FinancialCrashes #Bailouts #AbolishTheFed #EconomicReform #TaxReform #FreeSpeechAndEconomics #OvertonWindow #FinancialPolicy #RadicalEconomics #MonetarySystem #CentralBankingDebate #ReimagineEconomics #ModernEconomics #FinancialFuture #FedCriticism #EconomicStructures #BailoutDebate #PopulismAndFinance #FinancialTransparency #FedHistory #EconomicInequality #MarketCrashHistory #EconomicFreedom #ReformTheFed #MoneyAndPolitics #FinancialPolicyReform #FinancialJustice #TaxPolicy #EconomicRevolution #FedAccountability #EconomicBlueprint #ChallengingTheFed #EconomicPhilosophy #MoneyCreation #FedReserves #Bloomberg #Analysis #Charts #Tradingview #InvestmentStrategy #MarketWatch #StockMarket #PassiveInvesting #IndexFunds #FinancialMarkets #MarketWatch #FreeMarket #FreeMarkets #Markets #USTreasury #TreasuryBills #BalanceSheet #FED #Debt #Inflation #Statistic #Rates #Interest #Asset #Bitcoin #Dollar #Sats #BTC #Gold #Market #Trading #Currency #Crypto #Analysis #Investment #News #Finance #Education #Blockchain #Mining #BitcoinMining #macro
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Dec 4, 2024 • 1h 3min
Global Liquidity with Michael Howell: Trump 2.0, US Dollar Influence, and the Next Economic Era
In this episode, liquidity expert Michael Howell explores the economic implications of Trump 2.0, focusing on the US dollar's pivotal role in global liquidity and market dynamics. He examines how a strong dollar helps contain domestic inflation while tightening monetary conditions abroad, fueled by capital inflows into the US and the risks of exceptionalism driving market bubbles. Howell also discusses the Federal Reserve’s easing stance, rising public debt, and the challenges posed by the 2025 maturity wall. Offering a global outlook, he addresses Europe’s economic struggles, China’s dollarized economy, and investment strategies for inflation hedges like Bitcoin and gold, highlighting opportunities amid shifting market conditions. 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/subscribeFollow TBL on X: https://twitter.com/TheBitcoinLayerSubscribe to The Bitcoin Layer on your favorite podcast platform.Join the official TBL channel on Telegram: https://t.me/thebitcoinlayerofficialUse code TBLYT10 for 10% off all The Bitcoin Layer Merch at http://TheBitcoinLayer.com/merch Block Height 873128 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 #TheBitcoinLayer #NikBhatia #Bitcoin #GlobalLiquidity #USDollar #MarketDynamics #Trump2024 #StrongDollar #InflationHedges #BitcoinAndGold #FederalReserve #EconomicOutlook #InvestmentStrategies #PublicDebt #MarketBubbles #LiquidityExpert #MichaelHowell #GlobalEconomy #MonetaryPolicy #CapitalInflows #EconomicTrends #DollarDominance #InflationControl #ChinaEconomy #EuropeEconomy #2025MaturityWall #MarketAnalysis #InvestmentOpportunities #EconomicChallenges #BitcoinAsHedge #GoldInvestment #USExceptionalism #MacroEconomics #MarketShifts #EconomicRisks #FedPolicy #EconomicInsights #InvestmentTips #DollarStrength #BitcoinFuture #GoldAndInflation #FinancialOutlook #ShiftingMarkets #Bloomberg #Analysis #Charts #Tradingview #InvestmentStrategy #MarketWatch #StockMarket #PassiveInvesting #IndexFunds #FinancialMarkets #MarketWatch #FreeMarket #FreeMarkets #Markets #USTreasury #TreasuryBills #BalanceSheet #FED #Debt #Inflation #Statistic #Rates #Interest #Asset #Bitcoin #Dollar #Sats #BTC #Gold #Market #Trading #Currency #Crypto #Analysis #Investment #News #Finance #Education #Blockchain #Mining #BitcoinMining #macro
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Nov 28, 2024 • 15min
Bitcoin $100,000 Journey: Our Most Powerful Conversations of 2024
In this video, we highlight the groundbreaking conversations that shaped Bitcoin’s historic rise to $100,000 in 2024. Featuring Senator Cynthia Lummis on Bitcoin’s role in U.S. financial policy, Caitlin Long’s insights on regulatory clarity, Eric Balchunas’s analysis of ETF market dynamics, and Daniel Batten’s environmental breakthroughs, this compilation connects the dots between macroeconomic uncertainty, political shifts, and Bitcoin’s emergence as a global financial instrument. With additional perspectives from Checkmate on on-chain analytics, Jeff Booth on deflationary principles, Michael Howell unpacking liquidity trends that fueled Bitcoin’s growth and Alex Thorn on institutional adoption, The Bitcoin Layer presents the story of Bitcoin’s transformation into a mainstream economic force. 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/subscribeFollow TBL on X: https://twitter.com/TheBitcoinLayerSubscribe to The Bitcoin Layer on your favorite podcast platform.Join the official TBL channel on Telegram: https://t.me/thebitcoinlayerofficialUse code TBLYT10 for 10% off all The Bitcoin Layer Merch at http://TheBitcoinLayer.com/merch Block Height 872271 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 #TheBitcoinLayer #NikBhatia #BitcoinTo100K #Bitcoin2024 #BitcoinBullRun #BitcoinHistory #BitcoinPolicy #BitcoinAdoption #SenatorLummis #CaitlinLong #ETFMarket #BitcoinETFs #OnChainAnalytics #BitcoinEnvironment #DeflationaryEconomics #InstitutionalAdoption #BitcoinLiquidity #MacroEconomics #BitcoinMainstream #BTCExplained #BitcoinTransformation #BitcoinRegulation #BitcoinFuture #BitcoinMilestone #BitcoinInsights #WhyBitcoin #BitcoinPriceAnalysis #BitcoinAsMoney #BitcoinExplained #BitcoinAndFinance #GlobalBitcoin #BitcoinAndPolicy #BitcoinRise #BitcoinGrowth #BitcoinMarketTrends #BitcoinInvestment #BTCNews #BitcoinSustainability #BitcoinInnovation #FinancialEvolution #BitcoinLeadership #Bloomberg #Analysis #Charts #Tradingview #InvestmentStrategy #MarketWatch #StockMarket #PassiveInvesting #IndexFunds #FinancialMarkets #MarketWatch #FreeMarket #FreeMarkets #Markets #USTreasury #TreasuryBills #BalanceSheet #FED #Debt #Inflation #Statistic #Rates #Interest #Asset #Bitcoin #Dollar #Sats #BTC #Gold #Market #Trading #Currency #Crypto #Analysis #Investment #News #Finance #Education #Blockchain #Mining #BitcoinMining #macro
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Nov 27, 2024 • 23min
The Bitcoin Classroom Part 3: Bitcoin’s Scarcity and Global Impact
In this episode, USC professor Nik Bhatia builds on his conversation with economics student Demian Schatt, addressing new questions about Bitcoin’s hard cap, credit systems, and global accessibility. Demian asks whether the fixed supply of 21 million coins limits Bitcoin’s adoption and how it fits into a world reliant on credit. Nik explains the dynamics of lending in a Bitcoin-based system, explores the role of stablecoins like Tether in volatile economies, and discusses Bitcoin’s potential to empower individuals in inflationary environments. They close by exploring whether Bitcoin could reduce inequality and how its adoption might impact wealth distribution over time. 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/subscribeFollow TBL on X: https://twitter.com/TheBitcoinLayerSubscribe to The Bitcoin Layer on your favorite podcast platform.Join the official TBL channel on Telegram: https://t.me/thebitcoinlayerofficialUse code TBLYT10 for 10% off all The Bitcoin Layer Merch at http://TheBitcoinLayer.com/merch Block Height 872125 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 #TheBitcoinLayer #NikBhatia #Bitcoin #WhatIsBitcoin #BitcoinForBeginners #LearnBitcoin #HowBitcoinWorks #BitcoinExplained #BitcoinBasics #BitcoinEducation #BitcoinMining101 #BitcoinAndSavings #IsBitcoinWorthIt #HowToUseBitcoin #BitcoinMadeSimple #BitcoinForStudents #WhyBitcoin #BitcoinQuestions #UnderstandingBTC #BitcoinFuture #BitcoinInPlainEnglish #BitcoinVsMoney #BitcoinStarter #BitcoinValueExplained #BitcoinJourney #BitcoinAndEconomics #BitcoinNewbie #Bitcoin101 #BitcoinTips #BitcoinDemystified #IntroToBitcoin #FirstStepsInBitcoin #BitcoinInvesting101 #BitcoinAsMoney #BitcoinForEveryone #BitcoinHistory #BitcoinWalletBasics #Bloomberg #Analysis #Charts #Tradingview #InvestmentStrategy #MarketWatch #StockMarket #PassiveInvesting #IndexFunds #FinancialMarkets #MarketWatch #FreeMarket #FreeMarkets #Markets #USTreasury #TreasuryBills #BalanceSheet #FED #Debt #Inflation #Statistic #Rates #Interest #Asset #Bitcoin #Dollar #Sats #BTC #Gold #Market #Trading #Currency #Crypto #Analysis #Investment #News #Finance #Education #Blockchain #Mining #BitcoinMining #macro
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.

Nov 25, 2024 • 30min
The Bitcoin Classroom Part 2: Bitcoin’s Intrinsic Value
In this episode, USC professor Nik Bhatia continues answering questions from economics student Demian Schatt, diving deeper into the challenges and opportunities of integrating Bitcoin into modern economic systems. Demian asks about Bitcoin's impact on savings, its intrinsic value, and the feasibility of a Bitcoin-backed system. Nik explains how mining and hashing create Bitcoin’s value, reflects on lessons from historical bank runs, and explores Bitcoin’s coexistence with fiat as an alternative asset. Wrapping up, they consider the potential future of banking in a Bitcoin-centric world and the importance of understanding Bitcoin’s technical and economic foundations for shaping sustainable financial systems. 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/subscribeFollow TBL on X: https://twitter.com/TheBitcoinLayerSubscribe to The Bitcoin Layer on your favorite podcast platform.Join the official TBL channel on Telegram: https://t.me/thebitcoinlayerofficialUse code TBLYT10 for 10% off all The Bitcoin Layer Merch at http://TheBitcoinLayer.com/merch Block Height 871987 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 #TheBitcoinLayer #NikBhatia #Bitcoin #WhatIsBitcoin #BitcoinForBeginners #LearnBitcoin #HowBitcoinWorks #BitcoinExplained #BitcoinBasics #BitcoinEducation #BitcoinMining101 #BitcoinAndSavings #IsBitcoinWorthIt #HowToUseBitcoin #BitcoinMadeSimple #BitcoinForStudents #WhyBitcoin #BitcoinQuestions #UnderstandingBTC #BitcoinFuture #BitcoinInPlainEnglish #BitcoinVsMoney #BitcoinStarter #BitcoinValueExplained #BitcoinJourney #BitcoinAndEconomics #BitcoinNewbie #Bitcoin101 #BitcoinTips #BitcoinDemystified #IntroToBitcoin #FirstStepsInBitcoin #BitcoinInvesting101 #BitcoinAsMoney #BitcoinForEveryone #BitcoinHistory #BitcoinWalletBasics #Bloomberg #Analysis #Charts #Tradingview #InvestmentStrategy #MarketWatch #StockMarket #PassiveInvesting #IndexFunds #FinancialMarkets #MarketWatch #FreeMarket #FreeMarkets #Markets #USTreasury #TreasuryBills #BalanceSheet #FED #Debt #Inflation #Statistic #Rates #Interest #Asset #Bitcoin #Dollar #Sats #BTC #Gold #Market #Trading #Currency #Crypto #Analysis #Investment #News #Finance #Education #Blockchain #Mining #BitcoinMining #macro
The Bitcoin Layer and its guests do not provide investment advice.