The Mustard Seed—a bitcoin and long-term thinking podcast

Bitcoin is entering a new phase where old narratives are breaking down and real macro forces are taking over. In this episode, John Haar explains why the halving cycle is losing its power, how corporate balance sheets and global credit markets are setting the stage for explosive long-term adoption, and why 2026 may redefine every prior price cycle.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro and 2025 bitcoin price action & sentiment02:05 - Why this is not a repeat of the 2021 cycle top09:44 - Are halvings still driving bitcoin or are they becoming irrelevant?12:02 - John’s base case: new ATH above $130k in 2026 and the end of the 4-year cycle meme19:15 - Bitcoin vs Mag 7: why it’s still the best debasement trade in a passive world30:24 - Why “credit came before money” makes no sense logically33:18 - MMT, government IOUs, and the push to normalize debt-based money36:27 - What drives the next wave of bitcoin adoption and who joins next40:10 - What credit looks like on a bitcoin standard vs today’s dollar debt system44:52 - How corporate debt issuance is a speculative attack on the dollar48:45 - Bitcoin treasury companies: from overheated hype to “ice cold” sentiment50:25 - Can $300T of fixed income eventually flow into bitcoin-backed digital credit?58:26 - Why strategy is stockpiling 1–2 years of USD reserves for its preferreds59:38 - Catalysts for the next bitcoin bull run into 2026

In this discussion, Stephan Livera, a prominent Bitcoin podcaster and economist, dives deep into the world of digital credit and its impact on Bitcoin’s dynamics. He explains the concept of amplified Bitcoin and why its volatility can be so intense. The debate between Bitcoin Core and Knots is assessed, revealing how it may be more noise than substance. Topics like the power law adoption model and the looming threat of quantum computing are also explored, alongside insights into Bitcoin’s growth as a medium of exchange and merchant adoption.

In this discussion, Joe Consorti, a macro and markets commentator, delves into Bitcoin's latest price dynamics and the silent shifts among long-term holders. He argues that recent sell-offs may actually indicate strength, highlighting key support levels at $95,000 and $100,000. Joe explores the ramifications of rising socialism tied to economic discrepancies and warns about the risks linked to concentrated equity markets. Additionally, he underscores how Bitcoin's movements reflect the business cycle more than its halving, hinting at an upcoming rally driven by easing financial conditions.

Kenny Alves, founder of West Main Self Storage and a seasoned Bitcoiner, joins the conversation on integrating Bitcoin into traditional business. He shares insights on transforming his family’s self-storage company into a Bitcoin treasury, discussing the potential of using Bitcoin as collateral for real estate investments. Kenny also emphasizes how small businesses can lead Bitcoin adoption and explores AI's role in boosting productivity. He envisions humanoid robots reshaping labor in the storage sector, making for an exciting glimpse into the future of the productive economy.

Fred Krueger, a Bitcoin investor and author, dives into a world where Bitcoin hits $10 million. He discusses the potential coexistence of Bitcoin and fiat, the declining value of traditional assets like real estate, and how deflation can drive innovation. The conversation explores the implications for portfolio allocation, advocating for significant Bitcoin holdings and questioning whether the traditional 60/40 investment strategy is still viable. He also highlights how AI and automation could reshape society during this transition.

Is the global monetary system is cracking? In this episode, Joe Consorti explains why gold’s record-breaking surge is a warning signal, how sovereigns are accelerating a shift in global finance, and why bitcoin may soon explode after months of consolidation. We cover the Fed’s race to respond faster to every crisis, what renewed liquidity means for risk assets, and how monetary easing could fuel the next leg of bitcoin adoption. Joe also breaks down Strategy’s STRC and why digital credit could redefine yield as capital moves from fiat to bitcoin-based instruments.Timestamps:00:00 - Intro and welcome to The Mustard Seed Podcast00:35 - Why gold is up 62% in 202503:18 - The global monetary reordering underway06:14 - Why bitcoin can still move violently higher11:13 - Why bitcoin beats gold as a store of value13:21 - How banks now view bitcoin as part of the gold trade16:20 - Why gold is outperforming bitcoin this year20:35 - How the Fed, shutdowns, and tariffs weigh on bitcoin24:05 - Why the Fed’s crisis response time keeps accelerating29:17 - Why the Fed can’t allow a protracted bear market35:16 - Comparing 2021’s tightening to today’s easing cycle40:10 - What happens when liquidity returns to markets44:58 - Introducing digital credit and MicroStrategy’s STRC48:39 - Why STRC could attract yield-hungry investors52:09 - Why bitcoin’s next breakout could be explosive54:29 - Final thoughts and closing advice from Joe Consorti

Bitcoin is becoming the foundation of a new financial and technological order. In this episode, Christian Catalini shares why open networks must win over corporate blockchains, how the Lightning Network and Spark are unlocking true global payments, and what lessons he learned building Libra inside Facebook. We explore the limits of stablecoins, the risks of leverage, and why proof of work may be humanity’s greatest defense in a world racing toward automation.Timestamps:00:00 - Welcome and guest intro00:20 - The MIT bitcoin experiment02:09 - Why Christian is a bitcoin pragmatist02:30 - Linux analogy for bitcoin04:11 - Making Lightning Network enterprise grade05:37 - Before Lightspark: MIT professor to fintech researcher08:12 - Inside Project Libra10:04 - Building on permissionless open networks11:10 - When block subsidies fall to zero15:06 - How AI reshapes work and value17:31 - Why AI agents should not hold wallets18:40 - Micropayments for agents with Lightning20:29 - Are we plateauing or accelerating in AI22:49 - Redefining capitalism for the AI era24:18 - The real AI risk: unknown preferences26:51 - bitcoin and money in an automated world28:24 - Proof of work as time and energy31:32 - Is AI bigger than bitcoin32:27 - The current state of the Lightning Network44:24 - Thoughts on Saylor’s preferred equity47:40 - Closing call to builders to choose open networks

Wall Street is being reshaped as bitcoin ETFs smash records and force traditional investors to pay attention. In this episode, James Seyffart explains why demand has blown past even BlackRock’s expectations, who is really buying these ETFs, and how trillions in advisor-controlled assets could soon flow into bitcoin. We examine Michael Saylor’s bold strategy, why treasury companies trade at premiums, and the growing debate over whether ETFs suppress volatility or create “paper bitcoin.” The conversation also explores passive investing’s hidden distortions, the fight for S&P 500 inclusion, and how corporate finance is quietly accelerating bitcoin’s march into the global system.Timestamps:0:00 - Intro1:00 - Why bitcoin ETFs shocked even BlackRock2:15 - How trad fi views bitcoin today4:35 - Who is really buying the bitcoin ETFs6:00 - Advisors vs hedge funds and retail9:10 - UAE sovereign wealth fund steps in10:13 - How big can bitcoin ETFs get12:00 - Why advisors still face restrictions14:23 - Could bitcoin ETFs reach $1 trillion16:00 - bitcoin vs gold ETFs explained18:43 - Michael Saylor’s reputation in trad fi21:00 - Why people are fascinated by Saylor’s strategy23:04 - Have ETFs reduced bitcoin’s volatility26:44 - Are ETFs creating “paper bitcoin”30:07 - Inside the bitcoin ETF options market32:29 - bitcoin treasury companies explained38:25 - Why strategy wasn’t added to the S&P 50045:03 - Passive vs active investing explained51:37 - The bull market subsidy in asset management1:00:06 - Closing thoughts

Join investor Jesse Myers as he dives into the shifting landscape of Bitcoin. He shares insights on why traditional boom-and-bust cycles may be fading and emphasizes the critical need for smart positioning to weather market downturns. Jesse explores the influence of treasury companies on investor psychology and Bitcoin's trajectory, along with the surprising strength of gold as a competing asset. He also discusses global wealth trends and the unexpected factors that will shape Bitcoin adoption over the next decade.

Pierre Rochard, a Bitcoin entrepreneur and podcaster, dives deep into Bitcoin's growing role in global finance. He discusses the emergence of Bitcoin treasury companies and the immense potential for S&P 500 inclusion, which could accelerate worldwide adoption. Rochard also tackles the intricate dynamics of miner incentives, the debate over security budgets, and the ongoing challenge of transaction filtering. His insights shed light on the speculative attack and the future of Bitcoin amidst evolving market strategies. Tune in for a riveting exploration of Bitcoin's future!