The Peter McCormack Show

Sam Abbassi is the founder and CEO of Hoseki  and Xander Carpousis is Chief Revenue Officer at Hoseki. In this interview, we discuss the launch of the Bitcoin ETFs and the importance of transparency, proof of reserves and gold vs Bitcoin. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/avoiding-the-bitcoin-etf-rug-pull This episode’s sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Marty Bent is a Venture Partner at Ten31 and founder of the Bitcoin-focused media company TFTC.io, Harry Sudock is Chief Strategy Officer at Griid and Parker Lewis is a Bitcoin writer and educator and Head of Business Development at Zaprite. In this interview, we discussed bitcoin mining, regulations, ETFs and Bitcoin culture wars. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/live-in-nashville-bent-sudock-lewis This episode’s sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Dylan LeClair is a Bitcoin and macro analyst working for Bitcoin Magazine. In this interview, we discuss the pros and cons of spot ETFs, Bitcoin accelerationism and the culture war around ordinals and inscriptions. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/accelerate-bitcoin This episode’s sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably itcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Pete Rizzo is the editor of Bitcoin Magazine, and one of Bitcoin’s leading journalists. In this interview, we discuss the role of Ordinals, Inscriptions and BRC20 tokens, whether they are a positive or negative for Bitcoin and the growing divide in Bitcoin culture. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-bullish-case-for-ordinals This episode’s sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Dave Smith is a comedian and host of ‘Part Of The Problem Podcast’. In this interview, we discuss libertarianism, government responses to COVID and the political climate in the UK and US. We also reflect on economic challenges facing individuals, particularly the younger generation's struggle with housing affordability, whilst critiquing government control over money and how Bitcoin limits this power. The episode also covers the role of comedians in defending free speech. - - - - In this episode, I had the privilege of sitting down with the legend that is Dave Smith, comedian, political commentator, and libertarian activist, to explore a myriad of topics that are shaping our world today. From the nuances of libertarianism to the transformative potential of Bitcoin, our conversation delved into the heart of current societal and economic challenges. We covered the government's response to the pandemic, the influence of experts and politicians, and the pressing need to counter propaganda. The conversation progressed to the role of libertarianism in politics and the common misconceptions that cloud its true essence. We then discussed the societal impacts of social media, the Israel-Palestine conflict, and the rise of feminism. Economic issues are at the heart of a lot of societies' pivotal problems, such as the growing wealth divide and the impact of inflation on everyday life. We shared stories of individuals struggling to afford housing and basic necessities, despite their hard work. These stories speak to the erosion of the middle class and the direction of society as the concept of money loses its value and the government's control over the money supply is shown to be a charade. The rising cost of living and its effects led us to the topic of Bitcoin. Dave articulated his support for it as a tool to challenge government control over money, underscoring its potential to prevent wars and promote peace. Our conversation ended with us celebrating the crucial role of comedians in safeguarding freedom of expression, underscoring the importance of challenging authority and advocating for liberty in an ever-changing world. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-orange-pill This episode’s sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Hunter Horsley is the Co-founder and CEO of Bitwise. In this interview, we discuss the launch of the Bitcoin ETFs, including the impact on investors and the investment market, and the broader implications for the monetary system and the future of Bitcoin. We talk about regulatory challenges and the importance of educating financial advisors on Bitcoin. The conversation also covers the mechanics of ETFs, the role of authorized participants and the services Bitwise provide. - - - - The approval of the Bitcoin ETFs marks a historic moment, akin to the launch of the first gold ETF in 2003, and sets the stage for future developments in the ETF space. However, the road to launching a Bitcoin ETF has been fraught with regulatory hurdles and challenges. Hunter Horsley sheds light on the arduous process Bitwise underwent to obtain approval for their ETF. One of the most significant advantages of a Bitcoin ETF is providing a regulated and disciplined investment option for Bitcoin. Hunter highlights how ETFs offer investors peace of mind and protection against risks, which is particularly beneficial for retirement accounts like IRAs. The introduction of the ETF has also led to a substantial reduction in fees, making Bitcoin investment more accessible and cost-effective. We discuss how the introduction of Bitcoin ETFs has changed the landscape for financial advisors. Historically, advisors were reluctant to recommend Bitcoin due to its volatility and perceived risks. However, the ETF provides a more secure and familiar investment vehicle, which is shifting attitudes in the market. Hunter stresses the need for education and resources to help advisors incorporate Bitcoin into their clients' portfolios. Hunter foresees a future where most investment portfolios will include some allocation towards Bitcoin. This shift could introduce a significant new buyer into the market. With the macroeconomic backdrop, potential rate cuts, and the upcoming halving, there is optimism about the setup and potential benefits for investors. There is now real potential for Bitcoin to become a relevant asset for long-term-oriented investors. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/orange-pilling-wall-street This episode’s sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Lyn Alden is a macroeconomist and investment strategist. In this interview, we discuss the challenges of promoting Bitcoin and its growing acceptance in mainstream media and finance. We delve into Bitcoin scaling, the trade-offs between self-sovereignty and convenience, and the need for education to onboard new users. The episode also covers Bitcoin's role in countries with economic challenges, the empowerment it offers individuals and its transformative potential in society. - - - - Promoting Bitcoin is no walk in the park. We, as advocates, face resistance from various entities. The scepticism isn't surprising, given the disruptive nature of Bitcoin, but it underscores the need for persistent education to change perceptions and address the biases that often cloud the true potential of this technology. In this latest podcast with Lyn Alden, we dissect the multifaceted nature of Bitcoin, its challenges, and its profound impact on the global stage. We discuss the marked shift in how Bitcoin is being portrayed in the media, which could signal a move towards hyperbitcoinization – the point where Bitcoin becomes the predominant form of money globally. We also touched on the impact of ETFs on Bitcoin, which could potentially bring more mainstream acceptance and investment into the cryptocurrency space. I questioned Lyn regarding one of the most contentious topics surrounding Bitcoin i.e. its environmental impact. The energy consumption narrative has been a sticking point for critics, yet Bitcoin mining can incentivize renewable energy development and provide a use case for excess energy that would otherwise go to waste. Moreover, the positive effects of Bitcoin projects in Africa, where access to energy can be a challenge, demonstrate the nuanced relationship between Bitcoin and the environment. A significant part of our discussion revolved around the scaling of Bitcoin and the concept of self-sovereignty. As Bitcoin grows, the base chain becomes more expensive to use, raising questions about the trade-offs between self-sovereignty and convenience. We talk about the role of the Lightning Network and the importance of education in onboarding new users. We also cover the concept of "mints", which could revolutionize the way Bitcoin is managed and distributed. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-economics-of-bitcoin-scaling This episode’s sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

James Seyffart is an analyst for Bloomberg Intelligence covering ETFs, and Alex Thorn is the Head of Firmwide Research at Galaxy. In this interview, we explore the implications of the recently launched Bitcoin ETFs. We delve into the mechanics of ETF trading, analyse how ETFs might reduce Bitcoin's volatility, and speculate on the future introduction of Ethereum ETFs and their potential effects. - - - - There’s an old joke about waiting ages for a bus only for three to finally arrive at once. Well, after a decade of submissions, arguments and delays, 11 Bitcoin spot ETFs were given the green light by the SEC on Wednesday 10th January, then launched onto the market on Thursday 11th January where they attracted $4.6 billion in investment. This broke records for ETF investment. I have had the chance to speak to Alex Thorn and James Seyffart about this seismic event. But what exactly are Bitcoin ETFs, and how do they function? In essence, these financial instruments allow investors to buy and sell shares that represent a certain amount of Bitcoin, so individuals can invest in Bitcoin without the complexities of directly buying, storing, and securing the asset. The value of each share is pegged to a fraction of a Bitcoin, making it more accessible to retail traders and opening the door for a broader audience to participate in the Bitcoin market. One of the most intriguing aspects of Bitcoin ETFs is their potential to dampen the volatility of Bitcoin's spot market. A substantial portion of Bitcoin will now be held in advisor accounts, which are not prone to frequent trading. This shift could lead to more stability in the market, as Bitcoin is placed in "stronger hands." Bitcoin ETFs might also alter the pattern of surges in altcoin prices, as Bitcoin becomes less readily available for quick trades into other cryptocurrencies. The revolutionary nature of Bitcoin and its potential to empower individuals cannot be overstated. We reflected on the need for broader support from institutions and investors to unlock Bitcoin's full potential. Regulatory challenges, such as proposed AML legislation, pose significant hurdles that could impact competitiveness, market growth and restrictions on Bitcoin's use. It's crucial therefore for ETF issuers to promote the true value of Bitcoin and oppose restrictive legislation. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-arrival-of-bitcoin-etfs This episode’s sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Aaron Van Wirdum is a Bitcoin journalist and author of ‘The Genesis Book’. In this interview, we discuss the history of Bitcoin, including the importance of consensus algorithms and public key cryptography, early scepticism towards Bitcoin from cypherpunks, Satoshi's decision to remain anonymous, and its fixed monetary policy. We also talk about the influence of Austrian economics on Bitcoin's foundation, and the significance of privacy in digital transactions. - - - - The esteemed journalist Aaron Van Wirdum has authored a new book on the origins of Bitcoin called ‘The Genesis Book’. Our discussion naturally focuses on the influence of Austrian economics: Aaron explains how Hayek's ideas about money supply were instrumental in shaping Bitcoin’s principles, and how the cypherpunk movement of the 90s aspired to create technologies beyond government control - echoing Hayek's vision of market-driven money. We examine the reasons behind the failure of early digital cash projects and the lessons learned that paved the way for Bitcoin's success. Hashcash and its Proof of Work (PoW) concept, developed by Adam Back, was a key innovation contributing to the creation of Bitcoin. Equally important was the role of cypherpunks in exploring electronic scarcity and the transferability of digital cash, particularly Nick Szabo’s efforts in addressing the double spend problem. Aaron explains how Bitcoin emerged, and the significance of its white paper in introducing a novel approach that integrated currency creation technology and consensus algorithms through PoW. Reflecting on the early days of Bitcoin, we discussed the initial reaction towards Bitcoin's proposal from the cypherpunk movement and the importance of the mailing list. We also touch upon the significance of Satoshi’s anonymity and the timing of Bitcoin's launch. This episode is a deep dive into the confluence of history, economics, and cryptography that has shaped the world of Bitcoin and digital currency. As we explored the origins, challenges, and innovations that have led us to this point, including the critical Blocksize wars. The journey of Bitcoin is as much about the past as it is about the future. And, it's a narrative that continues to unfold. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/the-genesis-of-bitcoin This episode’s sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan

Giacomo Zucco is a Bitcoin educator, John Carvalho is CEO of Synonym, and Matt Corallo is a Bitcoin Core developer and open-source engineer at Block/Spiral. In this interview, we discuss how to scale Bitcoin while maintaining self-sovereignty. - - - - The best way to scale Bitcoin has been a hot topic since its inception. Whether it be through Bitcoin-backed banks as Hal Finney suggested back in 2010, increasing the throughput on the Bitcoin blockchain, layer 2 solutions like the Lightning Network, or federated custodian options like Fedimints. Over the past year, the surge in Bitcoin transaction fees, largely attributed to the emergence of BRC20 tokens, ordinals, and inscriptions, has once again brought the topic of scaling Bitcoin to the forefront of conversation. High fees have priced smaller transactions out of the market, and the Lightning Network, hailed as a potential solution to scalability challenges, has faced some initial hurdles. The different scaling solutions all have different trade-offs. Trustlessness and trust minimization are key tenets of Bitcoin, ensuring that users do not need to trust any central authority or third party. The Lightning Network aligns with these principles as it enables trustless, peer-to-peer transactions, reducing the need for custodial services and enhancing individual control over funds. While Bitcoin's primary focus is on decentralization and self-sovereignty, some developments, such as the concept of the "Wallet of Satoshi" or Bitcoin ETFs, aim to make Bitcoin more accessible and user-friendly to a broader audience. Wallet of Satoshi is a custodial Lightning wallet designed to simplify the user experience, while Bitcoin ETFs provide a means for traditional investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin without directly holding the asset. These developments have the potential to expand Bitcoin's adoption, but may raise concerns about centralization and counterparty risk. - Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/scaling-bitcoin-with-zucco-carvalho-corallo This episode’s sponsors: Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default Unchained - Secure your Bitcoin with confidence Bitcoin Atlantis - A Bitcoin conference in the Atlantic SwanBitcoin - Invest in Bitcoin with Swan