What Bitcoin Did - podcast cover

What Bitcoin Did

Danny Knowleswww.whatbitcoindid.com
What Bitcoin Did unpacks Bitcoin’s role in reshaping money, freedom, and the future of finance.

Episodes

THE BIG PRINT IS COMING w/ Lawrence Lepard

Lawrence Lepard is an investment manager and author The Big Print, which covers the broken monetary system and how Bitcoin fixes this. In this episode, we discuss Trump’s tariffs, their real economic impact, and why Lawrence believes they could trigger a major market crash and sovereign debt crisis. We also discuss how the fiscal doom loop is accelerating, why Powell may soon be forced into another round of money printing, and why Bitcoin will benefit. FOLLOW: Danny Knowles: https://x.com/_Danny...

Apr 12, 20251 hr 19 min

THE CASE FOR BITCOIN w/ Joe Bryan

Joe Bryan is a Bitcoin educator and the creator of What’s the Problem? In this episode, we discuss why our current system is rigged, how the hidden theft of inflation quietly corrodes everything from quality of life to trust in society, and why the “big red button” — the ability to print money — sits at the heart of so many global crises including the breakdown of family structures, mental health crises, and broken incentives all stem from the same monetary flaw. We also get into how this knowle...

Apr 10, 20252 hr 45 min

THE DOLLAR MILKSHAKE & BITCOIN w/ Brent Johnson

Brent Johnson is the CEO of Santiago Capital and the creator of the Dollar Milkshake Theory. In this episode, we discuss why the dollar may strengthen before it dies, how global debt markets rely on an insatiable demand for US dollars, and why Brent believes a global sovereign debt crisis will force a dramatic monetary reset. We get into the mechanics of the Eurodollar system, why stablecoins entrench dollar hegemony, and why attempts to escape the dollar could make it stronger in the short term...

Apr 04, 20251 hr 18 min

BITCOIN BRAIN MELT w/ Michael Dunworth

Michael Dunworth is an Australian entrepreneur and was one of the co-founders of Wyre, a Bitcoin payments and infrastructure provider established in 2013. In this episode, we discuss nation-states strategically acquiring Bitcoin, why the integration of Bitcoin mining into national energy strategies could become a key geopolitical advantage, and how Bitcoin adoption could revitalise struggling companies like GameStop. We also get into the risks of quantum computing for Bitcoin encryption, the sig...

Apr 02, 20251 hr 21 min

GAMESTOP, MICROSTRATEGY & THE FINANCIALIZATION OF BITCOIN w/ Peter Dunworth

Peter Dunworth is the Director of a multi-family office and is the co-founder of The Bitcoin Adviser. In this episode, we discuss why Bitcoin is the only asset that can recapitalise the financial system, why Peter believes Bitcoin could become a $100 trillion asset within a decade, why credit markets are ultimately a collateral problem, and why financializing Bitcoin might be necessary to save Main Street from being collateral damage. We also get into Australia's property obsession, GameStop’s p...

Mar 31, 20251 hr 15 min

QE, LIQUIDITY, BONDS & BITCOIN w/ Nik Bhatia

Nik Bhatia is the author of Layered Money and The Bitcoin Age. In this episode, we discuss the structure and evolution of the modern financial system, how banks run the world and why understanding liquidity is essential to grasping Bitcoin’s place in the world. We also get into the Eurodollar system, the coming end of quantitative tightening, the behavioural vs mechanical impact of QE, and how the credit system could coexist with Bitcoin. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER...

Mar 28, 20251 hr 26 min

THE BITCOIN REVOLUTION w/ Pierre Rochard & Michael Goldstein

In this episode, I am joined by Pierre Rochard & Michael Goldstein. We discuss the Nakamoto Institute, why they believe money is a foundational pillar of civilisation, how Austrian economics helped them recognise Bitcoin’s potential so early and why everyone should hoard Bitcoin. We also get into speculative attacks, why they think Bitcoin’s incentives are designed to win, and how a state adopting Bitcoin represents a peaceful transfer of monetary power. THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www...

Mar 26, 20252 hr 36 min

BITCOIN & THE END OF THE DOLLAR SYSTEM w/ Luke Gromen

Luke Gromen is the founder of FFTT, an economic research firm focused on global macro trends. In this episode, we discuss why Luke believes the U.S. is approaching a sovereign debt crisis, how rising interest costs and capital outflows are driving the system toward a breaking point, and why the current path could lead to inflation, capital controls, and a repricing of gold. We also get into the potential role of Bitcoin as a neutral reserve asset, whether the U.S. could strategically adopt Bitco...

Mar 24, 20251 hr 16 min

THE WORLD WILL CONVERGE ON BITCOIN w/ Parker Lewis

Parker Lewis is the author of Gradually, Then Suddenly and Head of Business Development at Zaprite. In this episode, Parker pushes back on Jeff Snider’s ideas about the monetary system, challenging the idea that central banks don’t actually print money, the fallacy of elastic money and why the world will ultimately converge on Bitcoin as its dominant currency. We also discuss why Parker believes the U.S. is locked into perpetual money printing, how fiat debt cycles will inevitably collapse, and ...

Mar 20, 20251 hr 25 min

BITCOIN & THE U.S. DEBT CRISIS w/ Avik Roy

Avik Roy is a policy analyst, and the president of the Foundation for Research on Equal Opportunity. In this episode, we discuss why Avik believes the U.S. fiscal situation is heading toward a crisis within the next 20 years, the growing debt problem, and the likelihood of government-imposed capital controls and repression. We also get into Bitcoin's role in this economic landscape, whether the U.S. could adopt Bitcoin in a strategic reserve, and how past monetary shocks—like Executive Order 610...

Mar 18, 20252 hr 32 min

THE FED CAN’T SAVE THE ECONOMY w/ Jeff Snider

Jeff Snider is a macro analyst and the host of Eurodollar University. In this episode, we discuss why Jeff believes the Federal Reserve has far less control over the economy than people assume, the true nature of money creation, and whether inflation was ever really about money printing. We also get into his perspective on the global economic landscape, the long-term effects of the pandemic’s economic policies, why he thinks central banks are more about signalling than substance, and Bitcoin Bon...

Mar 12, 20251 hr 1 min

WILL QUANTUM BREAK BITCOIN? W/ Hunter Beast

Hunter Beast is a Bitcoin researcher focused on mitigating the risks quantum computing may pose to Bitcoin. In this episode, we discuss the potential threat quantum computers pose to Bitcoin’s cryptographic security, whether Q-Day—the moment when quantum computers can break Bitcoin’s encryption—is an imminent reality, and how governments and institutions are preparing for this future. We also get into Hunter’s Bitcoin Improvement Proposal, BIP 360, which aims to introduce post-quantum cryptograp...

Mar 11, 20251 hr 11 min

THE STRATEGIC BITCOIN RESERVE IS HERE w/ American HODL & Matthew Pines

Matthew Pines is a national security consultant and a Fellow at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. American HODL is an OG Bitcoiner. In this episode, we discuss the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the geopolitical game theory behind nation-states accumulating Bitcoin and the details of the executive order. We also get into the implications for monetary policy, how this shifts incentives for developers, and whether this signals the beginning of a global Bitcoin arms race. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IR...

Mar 08, 20251 hr 23 min

BITCOIN & THE MONETARY REVOLUTION w/ Josh Hendrickson & William Luther

Josh Hendrickson is a professor of economics and Chair of the Department of Economics at the University of Mississippi, William Luther is an associate professor of economics at Florida Atlantic University and a senior fellow at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. In this episode, we discuss why many mainstream economists misunderstand Bitcoin and why monetary economists remain skeptical, the flaws of modern economics and the dominance of naive empiricism. We also get into Gresham’s Law, the potential ...

Mar 06, 20252 hr 43 min

NATION STATE BITCOIN MINING w/ Daniel Batten

Daniel Batten is a Bitcoin environmental analyst and investor focused on mining and sustainable energy. In this episode, we break down why this cycle is different, with sovereign funds, pension funds, and miners driving demand. We discuss landfill gas-powered mining, methane mitigation, and how Bitcoin turns stranded energy into an asset. We also get into the collapse of environmental FUD, the shift in institutional investment, and why Bitcoin’s volatility cycles are smoothing out. MASSIVE THANK...

Mar 04, 20251 hr 18 min

THE BITCOIN SHAKEOUT w/ Checkmate

Checkmate is an on-chain analyst and founder of Checkonchain. In this episode, we break down the recent Bitcoin correction, what’s driving sentiment, and whether this is just a shakeout. We discuss the role of long-term holders in market cycles, how ETFs are reshaping Bitcoin’s liquidity flows, and why Bitcoin dominance has caught many off guard. We also get into the macro forces influencing Bitcoin’s price action and explore how its market structure mirrors natural systems like earthquakes. MAS...

Feb 27, 202556 min

THE MONEY PRINTER IS COMING w/ James Lavish

James Lavish is a macro investor, former hedge fund manager, and managing partner at the Bitcoin Opportunity Fund. In this episode, we discuss global liquidity cycles, the role of the Federal Reserve in managing market liquidity, and the implications of U.S. deficit spending. We also get into Bitcoin’s correlation with liquidity cycles, the potential for Bitcoin-backed bonds, whether Bitcoin will eventually break free from its perception as a risk asset and what incoming QE could mean for Bitcoi...

Feb 24, 20251 hr 16 min

BITCOIN BONDS & THE FIAT PONZI w/ Preston Pysh & Nico Lechuga

Preston Pysh is an investor, GP at Ego Death Capital and host of The Investor’s Podcast & Nico Lechuga is Founding Partner at Ego Death Capital. In this episode, we discuss Bitcoin-backed bonds, the role of Bitcoin in corporate finance, and whether the U.S. or nation-states will adopt Bitcoin as a strategic reserve. We also get into game theory behind sovereign wealth funds, companies following MicroStrategy’s playbook, and the broader implications of financial markets being forced to adapt to B...

Feb 21, 20251 hr 15 min

BITCOIN PRICE, ADOPTION, MSTR & NATION STATES w/ Eric Yakes

Eric Yakes is the author of The 7th Property and Managing Partner at Epoch, a Bitcoin venture firm. In this episode, we discuss Bitcoin adoption trends, the role of ETFs and institutional buyers, and whether nation-states will adopt Bitcoin as a reserve asset and the rise of Bitcoin-backed corporate finance. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CASA: https://casa.io/ LEDGER: https://www.ledger.com/...

Feb 19, 20251 hr 24 min

THE FUTURE OF BITCOIN CUSTODY w/ Becca Rubenfeld

Becca Rubenfeld is the co-founder and COO of Anchor Watch. In this episode, we discuss Becca’s journey from corporate America to Bitcoin, Anchor Watch’s Trident Vault, the role of MiniScript in securing Bitcoin, the role of Lloyd’s of London, and why insured custody is the future. We also get into the challenges of startup life, raising money in a bear market, and what it takes to insure all the Bitcoin. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CAS...

Feb 18, 20251 hr 23 min

DEBATE: CAN BITCOIN RESIST THE STATE? w/ Alex Gladstein & Fictitious Capital

Alex Gladstein is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation and Fictitious Capital is a writer and researcher. In this episode, Alex and Fictitious Capital discuss Bitcoin's potential to challenge the current global financial order. They debate the feasibility of a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, the implications for U.S. financial dominance, and whether Bitcoin adoption can truly constrain state power. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.c...

Feb 14, 20252 hr 38 min

TRUMP, INSTITUTIONS & BITCOIN DOMINANCE w/ Alex Thorn

Alex Thorn is the Head of Research at Galaxy Digital. In this episode, we discuss the growing institutional adoption of Bitcoin, the role of the U.S. government, whether a strategic Bitcoin reserve is on the table and Trump's Policies on Bitcoin. We a also get into the end of Operation Choke Point 2.0, Bitcoin’s current cycle, the role of ETFs, and why Bitcoin not crypto. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CASA: https://casa.io/ LEDGER: https...

Feb 12, 20252 hr 34 min

IS THE BITCOIN BULL MARKET OVER? W/ Rational Root

Rational Root is a Bitcoin on-chain & cycle analyst. In this episode, we discuss the current state of the Bitcoin market, why institutional adoption remains in its early stages, and how on-chain metrics suggest there’s still room for upside. We also get into the impact of Trump's policies, why Bitcoin is still considered a risk asset, the role of ETFs and the likelihood of a Bitcoin strategic reserve, and Root’s outlook for the rest of the cycle. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www...

Feb 06, 20251 hr 5 min

SHOULD BITCOIN OSSIFY? W/ Jameson Lopp

Jameson Lopp is the co-founder of Casa, and a long-time Bitcoin security expert. In this episode, we discuss the state of Bitcoin self-custody, the growing threat of physical attacks on Bitcoiners, and why UX remains a major barrier to adoption. We also get into the ossification debate, whether Bitcoin development is stalling, and how institutional adoption could impact Bitcoin’s ability to upgrade. Finally, we explore inheritance planning, decoy wallets, on-chain privacy, and whether Bitcoin co...

Feb 04, 20251 hr 9 min

WILL MICROSTRATEGY BECOME THE BIGGEST COMPANY IN THE WORLD? w/ Jeff Walton

Jeff Walton is a financial analyst and a former reinsurance broker with a focus on MicroStrategy. In this episode, we discuss MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin playbook, the impact of FASB fair value accounting, and how MSTR are using convertible debt and equity issuances. We also get into the risks of leverage, the potential for MicroStrategy to become the most valuable company in the world, and whether corporations will follow its Bitcoin strategy. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren....

Jan 31, 20251 hr 11 min

SELF CUSTODY, SECURITY, & THE QUANTUM THREAT TO BITCOIN w/ Alex Leishman

Alex Leishman is the CEO & CTO of River. In this episode, we discuss the nuances of self-custody versus custodial solutions, the challenges of securing Bitcoin, and the trade-offs between decentralisation and scalability. We also get into the quantum threat to Bitcoin, scaling self-custody and the implications of protocol changes in Bitcoin’s future. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CASA: https://casa.io/ LEDGER: https://www.ledger.com/...

Jan 28, 202550 min

THE BITCOIN TROJAN HORSE W/ ERIK CASON

Erik Cason is a Bitcoin OG and author of Crypto Sovereignty. In this episode, we discuss the philosophy of Bitcoin, it's role in preserving freedom and resisting censorship, its parallels to historical moments of change, and its potential to reshape societal structures. We also get into its connection with cryptography and tools like Nostr, and why he believes Bitcoin represents a shift in the balance of power. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/...

Jan 24, 20251 hr 23 min

TRUMP, INFLATION, MSTR & BITCOIN w/ Lyn Alden

Lyn Alden is a macro analyst, investment strategist and the author of Broken Money. In this episode, we discuss the impact of fiscal policy on inflation, the Federal Reserve's constraints under fiscal dominance, and the role of tariffs in shaping the economic landscape. We also get into a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, and what Donald Trump’s Administration will mean for Bitcoin. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CASA: https://casa.io/ LEDGER: h...

Jan 21, 20251 hr 6 min

DID THE US GOVERNMENT CREATE BITCOIN? W/ Mark Goodwin

Mark is the former editor in chief of Bitcoin Magazine and the author of The Bitcoin-Dollar: An Economic Monomyth. In this episode, we discuss the evolution of the Bitcoin-dollar thesis, Tether, and Bitcoin as a tool for challenging state power. We also get into the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve, if Bitcoin was created by intelligence agencies, and Mark's latest article, The Evolution of the Militarized Data Broker. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com...

Jan 17, 20251 hr 27 min

PREPARING FOR $475K BITCOIN w/ Dr. Jeff Ross

Jeff Ross is a macroeconomist, bitcoiner and Founder & CEO of Vailshire Capital Management. In this episode, we discuss global liquidity cycles and its impact on Bitcoin price movements, predictions for Bitcoin in 2025, and the potential for nation-state adoption. We also get intothe Federal Reserve’s monetary policy, the challenges of global stagflation, and why Jeff chose to go “Nostr-only”. MASSIVE THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS: IREN: https://www.iren.com/ RIVER: https://river.com/wbd CASA: https://...

Jan 15, 20251 hr 5 min