TFTC: A Bitcoin Podcast

Miles Suter, the Product and Engineering Lead at Block/Cash App, shares insights from his journey integrating Bitcoin payments across major platforms. He discusses the early days of Bitcoin, overcoming challenges at Cash App, and the importance of making Bitcoin accessible to a wide audience. Miles also emphasizes the significance of Lightning payments and the strategy behind accessible Bitcoin for merchants. With a focus on user experience, he reveals how the right timing and tools can empower everyday users and businesses alike.

Jordi Visser, an investor and commentator on macro trends, technology, and crypto, joins the discussion to illustrate how Bitcoin’s price action mirrors the post-dot-com IPO era. He delves into the democratization of crypto and emphasizes the potential of AI-driven productivity as a new economic force. Jordi also highlights concerns like inequality exacerbated by AI, the transformative impacts of Bitcoin and Tesla, and the future of work in an AI-driven landscape. His insights reveal the intricate links between technology and the future of finance.

Marty chats with Dr. John Lott, an economist and founder of the Crime Prevention Research Center, known for his insights into gun policy and crime data. They tackle the ineffectiveness of gun registries and assault weapon bans, highlighting how these measures often fail to reduce crime. John emphasizes the troubling media portrayal of gun violence and discusses how attackers frequently target gun-free zones. He also argues that disarmament can lead to increased homicide rates, making the case for the rights of vulnerable communities to arm themselves.

Andy Schoonover, founder of CrowdHealth, dives into the crisis of skyrocketing health insurance premiums and the ACA's looming death spiral. He reveals how CrowdHealth offers a cash-pay alternative that empowers members to opt-out of the traditional system. Discussing the problems with fraudulent billing and price inflation, he highlights how their negotiation techniques save money for members. Andy also touches on the growing interest in integrating Bitcoin into healthcare and the cultural shifts towards a cash-pay model, challenging the status quo.

Conner Brown, a Bitcoin policy advisor with a background on Capitol Hill, dives deep into the pressing issues surrounding Bitcoin legislation. He highlights the need for Congress to grasp Bitcoin's potential as sound money amid political extremism. Conner explains the rationale for a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve to align US interests, advocating for proactive education of policymakers. He stresses the importance of increasing Bitcoin representation in Washington and reflects on how Bitcoin can serve as a unifying solution in a polarized political landscape.

Marty welcomes Gary Brode, a macro investor and founder of Deep Knowledge Investing, to dive deep into intriguing topics. They explore the ongoing panic buying of gold by central banks, the implications of tariffs on manufacturing, and how the BRICS coalition is affecting dollar trust. Gary makes the case for Bitcoin as a hedge against government overspending and discusses the importance of reindustrialization and energy solutions like small modular reactors. The conversation blends monetary policy insights with a look at the future of investing.

In this enlightening conversation, Mark Suman, founder of Maple AI, discusses the urgent need for privacy-preserving AI systems in an era of rampant surveillance. He highlights the risks of centralized AI models that exploit personal data and critiques major providers' privacy promises. Mark advocates for a verifiable privacy model using encryption and open-source principles. They also explore the implications of AI in personal knowledge, potential manipulation, and the importance of user control, fostering optimism for a privacy-first AI future.

Bill Tai, a veteran venture investor and early Bitcoin supporter, and George Kikvadze, co-founder of Bitfury, dive into the gritty beginnings of Bitcoin infrastructure. They share tales of resilience and the creative engineering needed to navigate the industry's tumultuous waters. They discuss the evolution of mining technology, the challenges of fundraising during downturns, and innovative strategies in modular mining. George’s book, 'And Then You Win', captures these wild journeys, blending lessons for future entrepreneurs with their belief in Bitcoin as the ultimate insurance against economic mismanagement.

Marty hosts Andrew Hohns, founder of BTC Development Co., and Jonathan Kirkwood, partner at 1031, to discuss their innovative NASDAQ-listed SPAC. They explore the strategic benefits of adding Bitcoin as digital capital for companies looking to enhance their balance sheets. Learn about the implications of holding Bitcoin for employee motivation, brand recognition, and operational security. The duo outlines ideal characteristics for target companies and how Bitcoin adoption fosters network effects across industries. An insightful conversation on the future of Bitcoin in business!

Peter Dunworth, a Bitcoin adviser focused on wealth protection, discusses Australia's capital gains tax threat and its implications for savings. He highlights Bitcoin's advantages, including mobility and generational wealth opportunities. The conversation dives into multi-sig custody's legal protections and how Bitcoin can act as superior collateral for credit systems. Dunworth critiques DeFi, advocates for prudent banking backed by Bitcoin, and suggests beginning with small, consistent savings to foster adoption.