Supply Shock

In this discussion, Boaz Sobrado, a seasoned fintech analyst focused on crypto and regulatory trends, reveals why October was a rough month for Bitcoin. He explores how institutions are reshaping market narratives and discusses the rise of corporate Bitcoin adoption. The conversation dives into the impact of exchange shifts, with CME growing in influence, and the possibility of 24/7 trading reducing volatility. Sobrado also examines the strategic accumulation of Bitcoin by governments and the potential for Square to boost merchant payments.

Joakim Book, a prominent writer and editor in the Bitcoin space, joins the discussion to unpack the latest crypto developments. He explores the impact of potential government shutdowns on Bitcoin interest, while also delving into recent U.S. Bitcoin seizures and their legal implications. Joakim examines the growing influence of stablecoins like Tether and critiques mainstream media's framing of the crypto narrative. Lastly, he debates whether Bitcoin's traditional four-year cycle is shifting under new market dynamics.

Paul Sztorc, Founder and CEO of Layer2Labs and an insightful Bitcoin researcher, dives into the complexities of Bitcoin governance and development. He critiques the Lightning Network, discusses the divide between users and developers, and highlights the issues with Bitcoin Core’s authority. Sztorc also explains the importance of informed consent in upgrades and the inevitable competition among implementations. With a keen focus on Bitcoin’s future, he explores the role of fees and user adoption in driving sustainable growth.

Mike Tidwell, a Lightning developer at ZBD Pay and organizer of TABConf, dives into the thrilling debates surrounding Bitcoin's future. He discusses TABConf's unique community-driven approach and the tensions between Bitcoin Core and Knots governance. The conversation probes whether the Lightning Network is misallocated or successful and whether quantum computing really poses a threat. Tidwell also sheds light on how user preferences impact mempool policies and the political dynamics at play in Bitcoin's development. Tune in for an insightful exploration!

Pierre Rochard, a Bitcoin developer and educator, shares insights on the future of Bitcoin's protocol and governance. He dives into the cultural shift brought by ordinals and Taproot, debating how these changes influence spam mitigation. The discussion covers miner versus node operator incentives and the implications of arbitrary data on the Bitcoin network. Pierre critiques the dissenting implementation of Knots and highlights the legal challenges posed by relaying harmful content, arguing for a future that prioritizes monetary users while managing network strain.

Mike Alfred, Founder & Managing Partner at Alpine Fox, shares insights on why the current Bitcoin bull run might extend until 2026-27. He discusses the game-changing role of institutional investors and treasury companies, and how retail interest remains subdued. Alfred evaluates overhyped narratives around miners and emphasizes fundamental investing strategies. He also highlights the evolving consumer access to Bitcoin, predicting a shift towards user-friendly apps and the importance of differentiating between Bitcoin and its proxies.

Mike Schmidt, Executive Director at Brink and a veteran contributor to Bitcoin Optech, dives into the technical controversies surrounding Bitcoin. He tackles myths about Bitcoin Core, discusses the implications of OP_RETURN changes, and sheds light on how node operators influence the network's structure. The conversation also explores the risks of multiple implementations, the significance of funding sources, and the challenges of aligning developer decisions with popular opinion. It's a thought-provoking look at Bitcoin's evolving landscape!

Shehzan Maredia, Founder and CEO of Lava, shares insights on making life on a Bitcoin standard feasible. He discusses innovative Bitcoin-backed loans that help users avoid capital gains taxes. The conversation explores yield products and payroll conversion, highlighting how Lava enables spending in Bitcoin through unique cards. Shehzan also addresses security measures against rehypothecation risks and presents intriguing use cases, like financing homes with Bitcoin. His vision anticipates Bitcoin's ascent as a dominant savings asset.

Arthur Hayes, Co-founder of BitMEX and CIO of Maelstrom Investments, delves into the future of money in a rapidly changing economic landscape. He discusses the Fed's looming independence erosion and the inevitability of money printing, positioning Bitcoin as a prime asset amidst this chaos. The conversation covers how AI's productivity surge may compel political choices regarding wealth distribution and highlights the critical role of DeFi and stablecoins in this dollarized future. Hayes contrasts Western and Asian responses to these shifts, emphasizing the potential for decentralized markets.

Murch, a prolific Bitcoin Core contributor and co-founder of Localhost Research, dives into the exciting changes of the upcoming Bitcoin Core v30 release. He discusses the evolution of the development process, including the transition to descriptor wallets and benefits for power users. Murch highlights performance improvements like faster indexing and upgrades to networking and mining interfaces. He also tackles the cultural debates around developer neutrality and the importance of balancing conservatism with necessary protocol evolution.