

Bitcoin Policy Institute
Bitcoin Policy Institute
The BPI team comprises experts in economics, law, philosophy, energy, and environmental science, working together to explore the impacts of new technology on existing US public policy interests. Below you'll find a variety of shows featuring BPI fellows, staff and guests, all of which explore the intersection of Bitcoin and United States policy.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Apr 30, 2025 • 1h 5min
Bitcoin Adoption Survey Results with Sarah Kreps and Ella Hough
This conversation explores global research on Bitcoin adoption, with a focus on survey and interview methodologies, insights from qualitative data, and the factors driving or hindering adoption across different countries. It emphasizes the human stories behind Bitcoin use and the need for stronger education and thoughtful policy. The discussion also examines findings from a comprehensive survey on Bitcoin and stablecoin usage, analyzing trust, cultural influences, and risk perception worldwide. By unpacking the methodology and highlighting varying levels of awareness and acceptance, the conversation offers key takeaways for policymakers shaping the future of financial systems.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bitcoin Adoption Research05:02 Project Background and Development09:53 Methodology of Interviews and Surveys19:55 Insights from Qualitative Interviews29:54 Challenges and Catalysts in Bitcoin Adoption35:28 Exploring Trustworthiness in Bitcoin and Stablecoins40:35 Understanding Survey Methodology and Data Collection47:31 Cultural Influences on Bitcoin Perception51:31 Risk Perception of Bitcoin vs. Local Currencies56:06 Future of Cryptocurrency and Policy Implications

Apr 24, 2025 • 1h 2min
Bitcoin Policy Hour Ep. 3: Post-AGI Economics in the Age of Bitcoin
Policy experts Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro, and Zack Cohen explore the radical implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and how Bitcoin might serve as a stabilizing counterforce in a world dominated by AI. Drawing from the viral “AI 2027” scenario, we examine the risks of alignment failure, economic disruption, and geopolitical escalation—and argue why Bitcoin’s monetary properties could make it the most important freedom-preserving infrastructure of the post-AI era.

Apr 21, 2025 • 1h
Bitcoin Policy Hour Ep. 2: Bitcoin vs. Gold, The U.S. Strategic Pivot Explained
Episode #2 of the Bitcoin Policy Hour hosted by the Bitcoin Policy Institute. Geopolitics and policy experts Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro and Zack Cohen discuss America's Bitcoin and gold strategies in the context of a new monetary order and U.S.-China competition. They game out for what reasons, and with what likelihood, the U.S. may pivot from hoarding gold, to accumulating Bitcoin, and what this could mean for global capital flows and international relations.Join us at the Bitcoin Policy Summit, use code BTCPOLICYHOUR for 21% off: https://lu.ma/btcpolicysummit

Apr 17, 2025 • 1h 8min
BitBonds: An Idea Whose Time Has Come with Andrew Hohns and Matthew Pines
In this conversation, Renee Sorchik, Andrew Hohns, and Matt Pines explore the concept of BitBonds—Bitcoin-backed treasury bonds designed to tackle the U.S. national debt—while highlighting the legislative challenges, bipartisan potential, and broader economic benefits of such an initiative. They also discuss the role of Bitcoin as a savings tool, the urgency of proactive policy, and BPI’s efforts to promote citizen engagement and innovative financing solutions for long-term economic growth.Join us at the Bitcoin Policy Summit: https://lu.ma/btcpolicysummitRead the BitBonds Whitepaper: https://www.btcpolicy.org/articles/bitcoin-enhanced-treasury-bonds-an-idea-whose-time-has-comeWatch Andrew's remarks at Bitcoin for America: https://youtu.be/g_kKwaIK_yA

Apr 15, 2025 • 57min
Bitcoin Policy Hour Ep. 1: Wargaming the Mar-a-Lago Accord: Tariffs, Bitcoin and Stablecoins
Episode #1 of "The Bitcoin Policy Hour", a new show by Bitcoin Magazine and the Bitcoin Policy Institute where we cover all things geopolitics, public policy and Bitcoin.Geopolitics and policy experts Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro and Zack Cohen discuss the Trump admin's tariff gambit in the context of US-China relations and the Triffin Dilemma, making the case that Bitcoin, despite its nascent appearance on the global stage, may be the unlikely focal point for global trade negotiations and domestic political strategy alike.Join us at the Bitcoin Policy Summit, use code BTCPOLICYHOUR for 21% off: https://lu.ma/btcpolicysummit

Apr 7, 2025 • 49min
Then They Fight You with Avik Roy
In this conversation, Avik Roy discusses his insights on Bitcoin policy, the implications of fiscal collapse, and the distribution of wealth within the Bitcoin ecosystem. He emphasizes the importance of government attitudes towards Bitcoin and explores various scenarios that could unfold in the event of a fiscal crisis. The conversation also touches on the concentration of Bitcoin wealth and its potential impact on economic inequality. Read Avik's chapter from the Satoshi Papers: https://www.btcpolicy.org/articles/then-they-fight-youPurchase your copy of the Satoshi Papers: https://store.bitcoinmagazine.com/pages/the-satoshi-papers?srsltid=AfmBOora_GjLM56TNMH8kyU__cwYB0mv912maT-HKQHonAh6JL8iBsfE

Mar 24, 2025 • 43min
Mining American Bitcoin in Africa with Jake Langenkamp
Jake Langenkamp is a former active-duty service member and former civil servant with the U.S. Department of Defense. He is also the founder of Bridger, a Bitcoin mining company. BPI’s Vice President of Research, Renee Sorchik, sat down with Jake to discuss how Bitcoin mining in Africa could support President Trump’s vision of maximizing American-mined Bitcoin.Read the report that inspired this podcast: https://www.btcpolicy.org/articles/mining-bitcoin-building-infrastructure-a-new-american-strategy-in-africa

Feb 20, 2025 • 1h 1min
Bitcoin is for Freedom Fighters with Jorge Jraissati
Jorge Jraissati is an economist and policy expert with deep insights into Venezuela’s political and economic landscape. He has worked extensively on issues related to authoritarian regimes, financial repression, and the role of Bitcoin in promoting economic freedom.Learn more about Jorge: https://www.btcpolicy.org/authors/jorge-jraissatiRead the Bitcoin Policy Institute's latest research: https://www.btcpolicy.org/researchSubscribe to our newsletter: https://btcpolicyorg.typeform.com/newsletter

Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 6min
Economics Professors on the Bitcoin Standard with Thomas Hogan, William Luther, and Josh Hendrickson
Dr. Joshua R. Hendrickson is an associate professor of economics and chair of the Economics Department at the University of Mississippi. Thomas L. Hogan is an Associate Professor in the Center for Economics, Politics, and History at the University of Austin. Dr. William J. Luther is an assistant professor of economics at Florida Atlantic University. He is the director of the American Institute for Economic Research’s Sound Money Project and an adjunct scholar with the Cato Institute’s Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives.Chapters00:00 - Exploring the Bitcoin Standard and Global Economy15:32 - Debt and Credit in a Bitcoin World35:47 - Understanding Inflation and Economic Growth39:20 - The Role of Monetary Policy in Economic Stability45:13 - Interest Rates in a Bitcoin Standard51:25 - Historical Perspectives on Monetary Systems58:05 - The Costs of Inflation and Economic CalculationSubscribe to our newsletter: https://btcpolicyorg.typeform.com/newsletter

Jan 23, 2025 • 55min
Bitcoin Policy and the Trump Administration with Zack Shapiro and Matthew Pines
Matthew Pines is the Head of Strategy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute and the Director of Security Advisory at SentinelOne. Zack Shapiro is the Head of Policy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute and the Managing Partner at Rains Law.
BPI's Zack Cohen sat down with Zack Shapiro and Matthew Pines to outline what Bitcoin policy might look like under the new Trump administration.
Chapters
00:00 - Introduction to the Incoming Trump Administration
00:59 - Key Personnel: Scott Bessent
05:50 - Key Personnel: David Sacks
14:53 - Regulatory Concerns of the Crypto Industry
26:31 - Legislative Landscape for Stablecoins
32:06 - The BITCOIN Act
39:54 - What Ross Ulbricht's pardon signals
48:49 - Global Implications of U.S. Bitcoin Policy decisions