

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

9 snips
Oct 7, 2025 • 47min
Episode 30 - Focus on the Future
Ben Workman, the newly announced Chief Investment Officer at Strive, shares insights from his experience in building treasury companies focusing on Bitcoin. He discusses the importance of maintaining a calm decision-making environment under pressure. The conversation highlights how institutional adoption of Bitcoin is accelerating, and he explains the potential of digital credit to improve retirement portfolios. Ben also addresses Bitcoin tribalism and the evolution of corporate treasury strategies, suggesting we are still in the early stages of this market.

22 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 52min
Episode 29 - Bitcoin Supercycle
Tim declares he's fully committed to Bitcoin, igniting a vibrant discussion about the cryptocurrency's position as a bearer asset compared to traditional investments. The hosts dive into the concept of a Bitcoin supercycle, linking historic dollar declines to potential price surges. They explore the implications of the UK's digital ID rollout and the importance of self-custody for financial freedom. Featured insights also cover Bitcoin's political sway and its undervalued status in the current market. A stimulating blend of finance and philosophy awaits!

19 snips
Sep 23, 2025 • 50min
Episode 28 - The M&A Era has Begun
In this discussion, Joe Burnett, a member of the Semler team with expertise in Bitcoin treasury strategy, shares insights on the recent Strive-Semler merger. He highlights the cultural fit between the teams and how this strategic move harnesses Bitcoin for long-term capital allocation. The conversation dives into how in-person events, like the NYC Unconference, catalyzed the acquisition talks. Joe also emphasizes the importance of maintaining a long-term mindset in Bitcoin investments and the shift toward perpetual preferred equity for sustainable financing.

Sep 16, 2025 • 53min
Episode 27 - The Starting Line
Discover the power of in-person networking at conferences, where casual chats can spark unique connections. Uncover investment opportunities in Bitcoin and explore the innovative options that could redefine fixed income strategies. Get excited for the upcoming Bitcoin Unconference, packed with interactive sessions designed to foster community engagement. Reflect on Bitcoin's resilience amidst economic uncertainty and analyze job data revisions that shake market confidence. Join the discussion on navigating market trends with a focus on wealth preservation through Bitcoin.

22 snips
Sep 9, 2025 • 43min
Episode 26 - Zoom Out. We're Early.
Pierre Richard, a prominent voice in the Bitcoin community, shares his insights on Bitcoin's role in modern finance. He delves into the cautious approach of the insurance sector towards Bitcoin and the unique challenges companies face in balancing growth with legal risks. Richard also discusses the complexities of securing credit ratings for Bitcoin, advocating for a long-term perspective on its adoption. Additionally, he highlights Bitcoin's potential as a self-insurance mechanism, emphasizing the importance of education and self-custody in navigating this volatile market.

10 snips
Sep 3, 2025 • 44min
Episode 25 - Will Travel for Bitcoin
The speakers dive into their vibrant experiences at the Bitcoin Asia conference, noting the soaring attendance and optimistic Bitcoin outlook in Asia. They compare the cryptocurrency dynamics between Hong Kong and Las Vegas, highlighting the educational journey needed for Asian investors. The discussion shifts to STRC, dissecting its role as a stablecoin and how it contrasts with the volatile crypto market. Lastly, they explore concerns over Federal Reserve independence and its implications on market behavior and inflation metrics, revealing the complexities of economic policy.

Aug 26, 2025 • 59min
Episode 24 - Fed Signals and Equity Stakes
Episode 24 - Fed Signals and Equity Stakes
Thank you to our sponsor, Swan Bitcoin.
We buy Bitcoin at Swan.com
[00:00:00] Welcome Back to The Hurdle Rate
[00:00:45] Meet The Hurdle Rate’s First Guest Host, Avik Roy
[00:02:44] Strive’s Major News Announcement
[00:08:40] The Fed Symposium in Jackson Hole
[00:29:59] Intel & The US Government
[00:56:33] Update on Tim’s Unconference

Aug 19, 2025 • 56min
Episode 23 - Noise in the Market
Episode 23 - Noise in the Market
Thank you to our sponsor, Swan Bitcoin.
We buy Bitcoin at Swan.com
[00:00:00] Welcome Back to The Hurdle Rate
[00:00:30] Trading Below 1 mNAV?
[00:27:41] Gold Revaluation
[00:36:51] Bitcoin Treasury Executive Compensation
[00:42:10] Preferred Liquidation Preference

11 snips
Aug 13, 2025 • 52min
Episode 22 - Commodity, Security, Token
Dive into the evolving landscape of Bitcoin and Ethereum as they navigate market capitalization debates. Discover the implications of centralization within Ethereum and how traditional financial models adapt to cryptocurrencies. Enjoy insights on strategic accumulation of Bitcoin amidst a competitive treasury environment. Also, get a glimpse of the engaging alternative to conferences with the unconference model, emphasizing community-driven discussions. Finally, explore transformative trends in Bitcoin finance and its integration into corporate strategy.

26 snips
Aug 5, 2025 • 58min
Episode 21 - The Intelligent Leverage Trade: Winter Isn't Coming Back
Explore the fascinating evolution of investor relations as bold questions reshape dialogue in the Bitcoin realm. Discover the innovative strategies surrounding At-the-Market capital raising and how financial leverage is transforming corporate finance. Unpack insights from a recent Bitcoin conference that examine the volatile nature of treasury companies and the resilience needed for navigating potential bear markets. Join a discussion on the significance of transparency and communication in an ever-evolving digital landscape.