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Stephan Livera Podcast

Stephan Livera Podcast

By Stephan Livera

Join Stephan as he interviews the sharpest economic and technical minds in Bitcoin & Austrian Economics to help you understand how money is changing and evolving. This is one of the leading podcasts in the space, and listening to this show is one of the fastest ways to learn and get up to speed on Bitcoin.
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SLP197 Stephen Cole How to Run Your Local Bitcoin Meetup

Stephan Livera PodcastJul 31, 2020

00:00
52:31
Swapping across Bitcoin, Lightning and Liquid with Kilian from Boltz.exchange SLP557

Swapping across Bitcoin, Lightning and Liquid with Kilian from Boltz.exchange SLP557

How do we interact with Bitcoin in a multi layer world? What cost savings and trade offs are necessary here? What even counts as a layer? Kilian from boltz.exchange joins me to talk about swapping across Bitcoin on-chain, Lightning and Liquid. We discuss:

  • How swapping works
  • What makes it atomic and non-custodial
  • What counts as layer 2
  • Fee savings and trade offs

Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera links:

Chapters/Timestamps:

  • 00:00 - Introduction and Background
  • 03:07 - Boltz.exchange: Moving Between Bitcoin Layers
  • 05:35 - Use Cases for Lightning Service Providers
  • 09:45 - Enhancing Wallet Functionality
  • 13:20 - Non-Custodial Atomic Swaps
  • 21:43 - Coinkite.com
  • 23:07 - NomadCapitalist.com
  • 24:25 - Fees and Fee Savings
  • 29:35 - Trust Model of Liquid
  • 32:40 - Regulatory Risks for Liquid
  • 37:10 - Transaction Limits on Liquid
  • 38:58 - Mempool.space
  • 39:59 - Swan.com
  • 41:02 - Scalability of Liquid
  • 44:15 - Integration of Liquid with Other Services and Wallets
  • 51:22 - Pragmatism in Bitcoin Adoption
  • 55:45 - Operating in a High-Fee Environment
  • 57:45 - Closing Thoughts
Mar 15, 202458:40
The First Bitcoin Circular Economy - Arnhem City Netherlands with Patrick van der Meijde SLP556

The First Bitcoin Circular Economy - Arnhem City Netherlands with Patrick van der Meijde SLP556

Patrick van der Meijde, founder of BitKassa and co founder Arnhem Bitcoin City joins me to talk about his experience with co-founding one of the earliest Bitcoin ‘circular economy’ communities in 2014. 

  • How he got started
  • Taking payments pre-lightning
  • Are there enough people spending?
  • Resurgence in circular economies
  • Adopting Bitcoin Arnhem City

Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera Links:

Chapters/Timestamps:

  • 00:00 - Introduction and Background
  • 01:55 - Bitcoin Narratives in 2014
  • 04:45 - Transaction Fees and Challenges
  • 08:46 - Arnhem Bitcoin City and its Evolution
  • 09:55 - Context of Arnhem City in the Netherlands
  • 11:45 - Capital Gains Tax in the Netherlands
  • 12:33 - Impact of AML Regulations
  • 14:13 - Merchants Keeping Bitcoin
  • 15:00 - Swan.com
  • 16:14 - Mempool.space
  • 17:11 - Coinkite.com
  • 18:40 - Merchant Churn and Turnover
  • 23:35 - Importance of Local Community
  • 28:55 - Adopting Bitcoin Conference in Arnhem
  • 31:32 - Transition to Lightning Network
  • 35:45 - Success Rates of Lightning Network Payments
  • 36:30 - Improvement of Lightning Network
  • 37:53 - Conclusion and Event Details
Mar 13, 202438:51
Bitcoin Atlantis 2024 interviews - Alden, Lavish, Strolight, Pouliot, Roose, Todd (SLP555)
Mar 06, 202401:31:36
Bitcoin DLC Self Custodial Finance with Philipp Hoenisch of 10101 SLP554

Bitcoin DLC Self Custodial Finance with Philipp Hoenisch of 10101 SLP554

What applications exist for Bitcoin self custodial finance? Philipp Hoenisch, founder of 10101 (pronounced ten-ten-one) joins me on the show to talk about bitcoin trading without counterparty risk. We discuss:

  • DLC overview and basics
  • DLC channels and lightning
  • 10101 walkthrough
  • “Funding rate”
  • Synthetic stablecoins
  • For individuals or business?
  • Risks and things can break down

Prior Episodes:

Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera links:

Timestamps/Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Introduction and Background
  • 05:58 - The Concept of Discrete Log Contracts (DLCs)
  • 10:28 - Non-Custodial Trading and DLC Channels
  • 12:46 - Using the 10101 App
  • 21:32 - Expiry and Funding Rates
  • 26:01 - NomadCapitalist.com
  • 27:47 - Coinkite.com
  • 28:57 - Market Makers and Trade Sizing
  • 32:05 - Limits and Future Plans
  • 35:55 - Security and Hardware Wallets
  • 37:41 - Non-Degen Uses for 10101
  • 38:50 - Comparison of Stable Coin Concepts
  • 41:58 - High Interest Rates and Risks
  • 48:33 - Swan.com
  • 49:42 - Mempool.space
  • 50:44 - Comparison of Stable Value Options
  • 56:49 - Technical Complexity and Education
  • 58:43 - Future of the 10101 App
  • 01:00:45 - Reasons for Lack of Non-Custodial Finance Adoption
  • 01:03:56 - Closing Thoughts
Mar 02, 202401:04:55
The Future of Bitcoin Banking with Eric Yakes SLP553

The Future of Bitcoin Banking with Eric Yakes SLP553

Eric Yakes, author of The 7th Property, joins me to talk about the future of Bitcoin Banking, LN and ecash. We discuss:

  • Chaumian mints and ecash
  • Interaction with LN
  • Credit markets in the future
  • How does the system remain Full Reserve? 
  • Regulatory roadblocks
  • Will there be a role for passive index funds? 

Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera links:

Timestamps:

  • 00:00 - Introduction
  • 08:23 - Bitcoin Banking
  • 13:57 - Chaumian Mints
  • 19:10 - How Do Chaumian Mints Work
  • 24:04 - Use Cases for FediMints and CashewMints
  • 31:09 - Coinkite.com
  • 32:24 - Mempool.space
  • 33:13 - Swan.com
  • 35:08 - Bitcoin's Evolution and Adoption
  • 38:20 - Regulatory Roadblocks for Commercial Mints
  • 40:31 - Mitigating Risk of Token Debasement
  • 46:59 - Fractional Reserve Banking and Trust
  • 56:45 - Passive Index Funds and Stock Indexes
  • 01:01:56 - Accounting Valuation and Global Wealth
  • 01:06:02 - Closing Thoughts on Banks Without Bankers
Feb 27, 202401:08:05
EIA Attack on Bitcoin Miners Brian Morgenstern SLP552

EIA Attack on Bitcoin Miners Brian Morgenstern SLP552

Brian Morgenstern, Head of Public Policy of Riot Platforms joins me to talk about the latest attack on Bitcoin miners: 

  • Is Bitcoin mining a partisan issue? 
  • The EIA “Survey”
  • Falsehoods on grid stability and emissions
  • False Emergency
  • What to do about it

Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera links:

Timestamps/Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Introduction and Background
  • 02:26 - Is Bitcoin Support Partisan?
  • 06:35 - The EIA Request for Information on Bitcoin Mining
  • 13:18 - Motivations and Political Divide
  • 18:42 - "Emergency" Collection of Data
  • 20:14 - Swan.com
  • 21:26 - Mempool.space
  • 22:35 - Coinkite.com
  • 23:52 - Competitive Information and Disclosure
  • 31:50 - Potential Misinterpretation and Attacks
  • 39:04 - Pushing Back and Taking Action
  • 41:24 - The Importance of Speaking Up
  • 42:16 - Closing Thoughts
Feb 22, 202446:55
What’s Next for Bitcoin and Mutiny Wallet with Ben Carman SLP551

What’s Next for Bitcoin and Mutiny Wallet with Ben Carman SLP551

Ben Carman of Mutiny Wallet rejoins me on the show to talk about what’s coming next for Bitcoin. We talk about scaling Bitcoin and contrast the different mindsets, discuss different soft fork proposals and directions Bitcoin could go. We also talk about what impact covenants will have and the latest with Mutiny Wallet. 

  • Bitcoin’s biggest challenges
  • Taxonomy of Bitcoin development culture
  • Soft forks and covenants
  • What ‘counts’ as a Bitcoin L2? 
  • What are the big benefits of covenants? 
  • Mutiny Wallet - a new Hybrid era?
  • Will people get priced out? 
  • Fedimint support
  • Synthetic USD or swaps? 
  • Inscriptions and Spam

Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera links:

Timestamps/Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Introduction
  • 01:18 - Bitcoin's Challenges: Scaling and Social Consensus
  • 08:50 - Different Perspectives on Bitcoin's Future
  • 16:10 - The Importance of Unilateral Exit and Self-Custody
  • 21:16 - The Potential of Covenants for Scaling Bitcoin
  • 25:23 - Mempool.space
  • 26:17 - Coinkite.com
  • 27:37 - Bitcoin Ark - A Payment Pool
  • 31:11 - Introduction to Mutiny Wallet
  • 34:36 - Addressing Security Concerns
  • 37:06 - Simplifying Onboarding and Social Features in Mutiny Wallet
  • 41:50 - The Challenge of Scalability and Affordability
  • 43:50 - Building a Hybrid Wallet with Fediment Support
  • 45:50 - NomadCapitalist.com
  • 47:50 - Swan.com
  • 49:07 - Guardians and Discoverability in Mutiny Wallet
  • 50:50 - Multiple Federation Support in Mutiny Wallet
  • 55:25 - Stable Channels and Synthetic USD in Mutiny Wallet
  • 01:00:20 - The Role of ETFs and Number Go Up in Bitcoin Adoption
  • 01:04:40 - The Debate on Inscriptions and Shitcoins in Bitcoin
  • 01:08:01 - Closing Thoughts
Feb 19, 202401:09:04
Dispelling False Narratives About Bitcoin with Daniel Batten SLP550
Feb 16, 202401:13:18
Is Everything Good For Bitcoin? with Christian Keroles SLP549

Is Everything Good For Bitcoin? with Christian Keroles SLP549

We talk about monetary maximalism, and whether everything is good for bitcoin with Christian Keroles of HRF. We discuss:

  • Monetary maximalism: descriptive or prescriptive
  • Bitcoin Spam 
  • Antifragility
  • What bitcoiners are getting wrong on personal finance
  • How 2023 played out with “ordinals”
  • Not being used to winning

Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera links:

Timestamp/Chapters:

  • 00:00 - Introduction
  • 01:22 - Defining Monetary Maximalism
  • 03:10 - Monetary Maximalism as an Observation
  • 05:00 - Descriptive vs Prescriptive Monetary Maximalism
  • 09:50 - The Debate on Ordinals and Spam
  • 21:05 - The Nuisance Level of Spam
  • 22:48 - What Are Most Bitcoiners Getting Wrong On Personal Finance
  • 29:49 - The Emergence of Ordinals and Inscriptions
  • 32:27 - Coinkite.com
  • 33:28 - Swan.com
  • 34:31 - Mempool.space
  • 35:54 - The Umbrella Term of Ordinals
  • 41:16 - The Fallout and Consequences of Bitcoin Developments
  • 48:53 - The Strengthening of Bitcoin through Challenges
  • 53:20 - The Debate on Filtering in Bitcoin
  • 58:32 - The Emergence of Runes Protocol
  • 01:02:13 - Bitcoin's Winning Streak
  • 01:04:35 - Confusion and False Narratives
  • 01:07:37 - The Base of Bitcoin: 21 Million Coins and HODL
  • 01:08:37 - Closing Thoughts and Bitcoin Adoption
Feb 13, 202401:11:57
Bitcoin Oasis 2024 interviews - Zucco, Rizzo, Dashjr, Prince Philip, De La Torre SLP548
Feb 10, 202401:14:05
Big Changes in El Salvador with Mike Peterson SLP547

Big Changes in El Salvador with Mike Peterson SLP547

Mike Peterson from Bitcoin Beach El Zonte, El Salvador rejoins me on the show to give listeners some updates from El Salvador. Having a reduced crime rate and improved investment and tourism into the country has driven big changes! We talk:

  • How things look a few years on from the Bitcoin Law
  • Life on the ground in El Salvador
  • How easy it is to move
  • El Salvador $1M Citizenship Program
  • Dealing with on chain fees
  • Custodial vs Self Custodial and pragmatism
  • ‘Circular Economies’ and insights from his networking around the world

Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera links:

Timestamps/Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Background

01:20 - Two and a Half Years After Bitcoin Adoption in El Salvador

05:21 - Financial Innovation in El Salvador

09:36 - Bottom-Up vs Top-Down Adoption of Bitcoin

11:00 - Ease of Setting Up in El Salvador

21:05 - Coinkite.com

22:13 - Mempool.space

22:56 - Swan.com

24:15 - Living on Bitcoin in El Salvador

31:48 - Bitcoin Meetups and Events in El Salvador

35:51 - Circular Economies and Bitcoin Adoption

40:55 - Insights from Other Circular Economies

50:05 - Custodial vs. Non-Custodial

54:21 - The Bitcoin Beach Podcast

56:16 - Closing thoughts

Feb 06, 202457:35
2024 Lightning Wallet Overview with Anita Posch SLP546
Feb 02, 202401:04:53
Bitcoin Life Insurance with Zac Townsend SLP545
Jan 30, 202401:11:07
Where Did Bitcoin Come From? The Genesis Book with Aaron van Wirdum (SLP544)

Where Did Bitcoin Come From? The Genesis Book with Aaron van Wirdum (SLP544)

Aaron van Wirdum rejoins me to talk about his exploration of how Bitcoin came to be. We talk about his new book, The Genesis Book. In this book, Aaron explores some of the technologies, and philosophies that led to the creation of Bitcoin. We discuss:

  • What he learned in making this book
  • Hayek and the Austrians
  • Extropians
  • Cryptography and the Cypherpunks
  • Libertarians
  • Precursor tech to Bitcoin

Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera links:

Timestamp/Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction

01:07 - Motivation for Writing the Book

04:05 - Bitcoin's Origins and Evolution

08:21 - The Influence of Hayek and Austrian Economics

18:54 - The Connection Between FOSS and Bitcoin

25:49 - The Extropians and Their Vision

30:47 - The Cypherpunks and Their Ideology

32:28 - Swan.com

33:52 - Mempool.space

35:00 - Coinkite.com

39:30 - The Rise and Fall of DigiCash

51:20 - The Crypto Wars and Government Regulation

56:26 - Pre-cursor Electronic Cash Projects

01:01:20 - Satoshi's Clever Insight

01:03:00 - Closing thoughts

Jan 26, 202401:04:05
Bitcoin Mining Around the World with Seb Gouspillou (SLP543)

Bitcoin Mining Around the World with Seb Gouspillou (SLP543)

Sébastien Gouspillou is a French Bitcoin miner, entrepreneur, and speaker. He is the CEO of BBGS (Big Block Green Services) and he joins me to talk about Bitcoin mining in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Oman and elsewhere around the world: 

  • Bitcoin mining in the DRC
  • Bitcoin mining in Oman
  • Using various forms of energy 
  • Working in different environments
  • Narrative shifts in Bitcoin Mining and Proof of Work

Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera links:

Timestamps/Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and Background

02:34 - Challenges and Risks in the Congo

04:30 - Bitcoin Mining in Virunga National Park

09:28 - Performance and Investment in the DRC

14:10 - Economic Opportunities and Job Creation

23:31 - Bitcoin Mining in Oman

28:05 - Challenges of Solar-Powered Mining

31:38 - Bitcoin Mining in the Middle East

41:30 - Mining Potential in Africa

45:05 - Energy Sources

47:37 - The Environmental Impact of Bitcoin Mining

55:35 - Closing Thoughts

Jan 21, 202456:38
Defending Bitcoin PoW in the EU with Lyudmyla Kozlovska and Bota Jardemalie (SLP542)

Defending Bitcoin PoW in the EU with Lyudmyla Kozlovska and Bota Jardemalie (SLP542)

Jan 17, 202401:03:57
Covenant Use Cases & TXHASH with Steven Roose (SLP541)
Jan 14, 202401:13:39
A New Era for Bitcoin with Tuur Demeester (SLP540)

A New Era for Bitcoin with Tuur Demeester (SLP540)

On the eve of Bitcoin ETFs being approved, is Bitcoin entering a new era? Tuur Demeester, long time bitcoin advocate, writer and speaker rejoins me on the show to discuss his thoughts:

  • This new era for Bitcoin
  • ETF approval and what it means
  • Capture risks are low
  • Psychology of a market cycle and HODLers
  • “Hate buying” Bitcoin
  • Bitcoin Life Insurance
  • Why every company needs a Bitcoin strategy
  • Future of Bitcoin use

Note this show was recorded Jan 10th 2024 8pm Dubai (11am Eastern time), just prior to ETF approval. 

Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera links:

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction and background

01:00 - The new era of Bitcoin

06:11 - What are the actual risks?

12:20 - How many coins are held in custody?

15:00 - Tuur's reports

21:27 - Psychology of a market cycle and HODLers

31:40 - Swan.com

33:12 - Coinkite.com

34:52 - Mempool.space

37:43 - 3 green, 1 red meme

43:10 - Bitcoin Life Insurance

51:21 - “Hate buying” Bitcoin

56:35 - Why every company needs a Bitcoin strategy

01:01:50 - Future of Bitcoin use

01:07:02 - Closing thoughts


Jan 11, 202401:10:06
Living in Dubai and Bitcoin Oasis with Lara Eggiman (SLP539)

Living in Dubai and Bitcoin Oasis with Lara Eggiman (SLP539)

Have you heard about Dubai but been wondering about what it’s like there? Lara Eggiman joins me to talk about Dubai, the UAE and the new bitcoin-only conference launching here, Bitcoin Oasis. We discuss:

  • Dubai lifestyle
  • Common misconceptions
  • Tips for people who want to set up in Dubai
  • Why the UAE is well placed for Bitcoin adoption
  • Bitcoin Oasis
  • Bitcoin Association 

Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera links:

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction and background

01:27 - Why Dubai?

02:46 - Common Misconceptions about Dubai

05:32 - Benefits of Living in Dubai

08:08 - Tips for Setting Up in Dubai

12:27 - Why UAE and Dubai are Well-Placed to Adopt Bitcoin

14:25 - Swan.com

16:07 - Mempool.space

17:11 - Coinkite.com

20:25 - Competitive Jurisdictions

22:07 - Bitcoin Association UAE

27:46 - Living in Dubai

30:00 - Closing thoughts

Jan 10, 202430:51
The Real Origins of Money with Natalie Smolenski SLP538

The Real Origins of Money with Natalie Smolenski SLP538

In this conversation, Natalie Smolenski discusses the intersection of Bitcoin, anthropology, and political economy. She explores the debate on the origin of money and the clash between anthropologists and economists. Smolenski argues that money is a social technology that can take different forms based on trust and use cases. She examines the limitations of fiat currency and the importance of trust in debt settlement. Smolenski also discusses the rise of Bitcoin as a competing institution to traditional currencies and the threat to open source development in the EU. We also discuss various topics related to jurisdictional arbitrage, the Texas Bitcoin Foundation, the challenges facing universities, and the future of higher education. Links:

Sponsors:

Stephan Livera links:


Timestamps/Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:00 The Debate on the Origin of Money

06:50 Clash between Anthropologists and Economists

13:14 The Role of Commodity Money

20:07 Coinkite.com

21:29 Swan.com

27:05 Payment vs Settlement

34:44 The Decline of State Power and the Rise of Bitcoin

39:00 Mempool.space

40:13 The Competition between Bitcoin and Fiat Currency

52:18 The Threat to Open Source Development in the EU

59:24 The Texas Bitcoin Foundation and Bridging the Gap

01:01:24 The Challenges of Universities and the Need for Innovation

Jan 08, 202401:04:59
Are Covenants Necessary for Bitcoin? with Brandon Black (SLP537)
Dec 31, 202301:20:44
Elizabeth’s War on Bitcoin with Pierre Rochard (SLP535)
Dec 25, 202301:16:52
Michael Saylor on Bitcoin Principles (SLP536)
Dec 22, 202302:50:10
Small Business for Bitcoiners with Bobby Shell (SLP534)
Dec 18, 202352:27
The Great Drivechain Debate with Paul Sztorc and Peter Todd (SLP533)
Dec 15, 202301:39:23
Bitcoin Seed Backups for Multi Sig with SeedHammer (SLP 532)
Dec 12, 202352:37
How Many People Can Use Lightning? LSP Specs with Severin Buhler (SLP531)
Dec 05, 202301:02:13
Growing a Bitcoin Circular Economy with Fernando Motolese (Bitcoin Beach Brazil & Bitcoinize POS) (SLP530)
Dec 03, 202348:44
Ciudad Morazán with Massimo Mazzone (SLP529)
Dec 01, 202301:06:21
Bitcoin Mining Decentralisation with Ocean - Bitcoin Mechanic (SLP528)
Nov 29, 202301:10:37
Has Business Been Exploiting Labour since 1971? with Gene Epstein (SLP527)
Nov 20, 202301:13:43
Don’t Lose Your Coins with NVK (SLP526)
Nov 19, 202354:46
Bitcoin’s Blocksize Scarcity with Bob Burnett of Barefoot Mining (SLP525)
Nov 14, 202301:03:51
Natalism and Bitcoiners with Malcolm Collins (SLP524)
Nov 09, 202358:01
Entering a new Bitcoin bull cycle with Adam Back (SLP523)
Nov 04, 202301:01:50
Dodging Knives as a Bitcoin Miner (SLP522)
Nov 02, 202301:05:56
Support Bitcoin Lightning with Greenlight with Christian Decker (SLP521)
Oct 20, 202301:03:06
What is BitVM? with Robin Linus and Super Testnet (SLP520)
Oct 12, 202354:35
Self Custodial Bitcoin Finance with Matthew Black of Atomic Finance (SLP519)
Oct 09, 202357:27
Broken Money with Lyn Alden (SLP518)
Oct 01, 202301:01:34
Bitcoin Merchant Adoption: This Time is Different? with Will Cole (SLP517)
Sep 29, 202359:38
Why You Should Have Zero Debt to Avoid Enslavement with Jimmy Song (SLP516)
Sep 22, 202359:02
HODLing through the cycles with American HODL (SLP515)
Sep 21, 202301:26:60
Kids Don’t Need School with Jonathan Prescott & Adriana Prescott (SLP514)
Sep 20, 202301:08:17
Next Generation Lightning with Phoenix - Bastien Teinturier (SLP513)
Sep 17, 202301:12:33
Will Drivechain Centralise Bitcoin? with Shinobi (SLP512)
Sep 14, 202301:22:30
v3 Transactions and Package Relay with glozow SLP511
Sep 12, 202301:07:38
SLP510 Is On-Chain Analytics Legit? Cointime Economics with James Check
Sep 07, 202301:04:18
Bitcoin L2’s, LN, BTC++, Base58 - Lisa Neigut (SLP509)
Sep 03, 202359:17
Are Bitcoin’s 4 year cycles over? with Vijay Boyapati (SLP508)
Aug 29, 202301:10:23