

The Hurdle Rate Podcast
thehurdleratepod
Join Matt, Ben, Jeff, and Tim for an entertaining and informative weekly podcast cutting through conventional wisdom on Bitcoin, investing, and macroeconomics. Every Wednesday, this forward-thinking team delivers unique perspectives and innovative insights that challenge mainstream financial narratives, empowering listeners to make more independent decisions for their corporate or personal financial lives.
Is Bitcoin your hurdle rate?
New episodes every Wednesday!
Is Bitcoin your hurdle rate?
New episodes every Wednesday!
Episodes
Mentioned books

22 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 46min
Episode 40 - Set Up For A Supercycle
Dive into the latest trends in Bitcoin and its evolving position against traditional finance. Explore the possibility of a decade-long supercycle, as experts analyze market volatility and strong fundamentals. Hear insights on how the OCC's approval of crypto bank charters paves the way for deeper institutional integration. The hosts also discuss the implications of quantum risks and the resilience of Bitcoin. Plus, discover strategies for portfolio construction to navigate market fluctuations while building on positive structural momentum.

Dec 9, 2025 • 41min
Episode 39 - The Hurdle Rate Is High
Discover the electrifying atmosphere of the Bitcoin Meta Conference in Abu Dhabi and hear insights from Michael Saylor's bold pitches to sovereign funds. Explore why the Middle East is primed for Bitcoin's rise, driven by oil wealth and regulatory support. The hosts debate the relevance of the four-year cycle in crypto markets and discuss innovative strategies involving digital credit. With fresh takes on risk and yield, they make the case for viewing Bitcoin as a critical hurdle rate for investments.

6 snips
Dec 2, 2025 • 58min
Episode 38 - The Incentives Are Aligned
Vanguard's move to offer crypto ETFs opens up exciting new avenues for institutional investors. The discussion about MicroStrategy's new USD reserve reveals how it bolsters credit ratings and dividend coverage. Foundational metrics for Bitcoin's performance paint a picture of its long-term potential amid macroeconomic shifts. Insights on generational interest in Bitcoin highlight its growing appeal as a viable alternative for wealth preservation. Overall, the conversation buzzes with optimism for increased Bitcoin adoption.

Nov 25, 2025 • 53min
Episode 37 - Meet Them Where They're At
The hosts dive into market volatility and the implications of MSCI's exclusion of Bitcoin. They analyze recent trading activities, focusing on the October 10 market moves. The discussion shifts to how MSCI consultations can impact investment strategies and the classification of Bitcoin-related companies. They highlight the irony of regulatory progress amid criticisms of Bitcoin's financial benefits. Lastly, the hosts connect personal finance challenges with family formation trends, emphasizing the need for tailored Bitcoin education for those in financial distress.

4 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 54min
Episode 36 - Inside the Digital Credit Revolution
The hosts dive into the contrasting cultures of Bitcoin communities observed at recent conferences. They examine the significance of volatility in prefs and discuss how various management strategies influence trading behaviors. The conversation shifts to the complexities of underwriting Bitcoin and the importance of long-term conviction in treasury strategies. Lastly, a lively debate ensues about whether Zcash can effectively hedge Bitcoin exposure, leaving listeners with thought-provoking insights on digital finance and investment.

15 snips
Nov 10, 2025 • 1h 20min
Episode 35 - Amplified Bitcoin and Digital Credit
Hosts dive deep into the booming market for digital credit IPOs, exploring strong demand and strategic launches. They discuss the structural advantages of perpetual preferred equity over convertibles, alongside behind-the-scenes negotiations for investor protections. The episode highlights substantial growth in Bitcoin holdings and the implications of accumulating this digital asset. Additionally, insights on retail participation in the IPO market and Bitcoin's long-term compounding ability drive an engaging conversation.

9 snips
Nov 4, 2025 • 51min
Episode 34 - The Preferred Strategy is Digital Credit
The discussion kicks off with Strive's IPO announcement and dives into Strategy's Q3 earnings, emphasizing the evolving landscape of Bitcoin-backed credit. The hosts compare Stream’s fixed dividends to other European credit options, while debating its launch potential. They highlight the importance of ROC dividends for tax benefits and retirement planning. Bitcoin is positioned as the gold standard for collateral in crypto-backed credit. Finally, they explore how Strategy's choices could shift market dynamics and enhance capital flexibility.

10 snips
Oct 28, 2025 • 54min
Episode 33 - Credit Ratings for Digital Capital
Discover the implications of S&P's new credit rating for digital assets and how it could reshape the insurance industry. The hosts delve into why lower ratings can unlock institutional investments and the importance of Bitcoin's treatment by rating agencies. They discuss factors influencing credit ratings, explore how payment frequency builds trust, and examine the role of banks in promoting market confidence. With insights on macroeconomic influences and market momentum, this conversation is packed with intriguing ideas for the future of digital capital.

16 snips
Oct 22, 2025 • 52min
Episode 32 - Strategic Risk Taking
This discussion dives into the dynamics of Bitcoin treasury companies and their strategic role in managing risk. The hosts explore the importance of consistent messaging during market downturns and the impact of drawdowns on new investment opportunities. They analyze the evolution from convertible debt to perpetual preferred equities, emphasizing how these changes affect investor behavior. Finally, insights on the current interest rate environment highlight the attractiveness of preferred yields and speculate on the future of the market.

Oct 14, 2025 • 1h 1min
Episode 31 - The Digital Credit Landscape
The recent October 11 crypto crash unveils a complex web of leverage and automated liquidations. Hosts dissect how a stablecoin depeg triggered a domino effect in the markets. They explore Bitcoin's surprising resilience amid chaos and the potential longstanding impacts on altcoin liquidity. The conversation shifts to treasury companies, diving into funding mechanisms like PIPEs and the significance of SEC filings. Lastly, they reveal why digital credit is gaining traction, highlighting Bitcoin’s advantages as reliable collateral compared to opaque private assets.


