The Bitcoin Layer

In this episode, Joe sits down with Felix Maradiaga, the leader of the Nicaraguan Opposition Party, Human Rights Defender, and 2024 Nobel Peace Prize Nominee. Live at the 2nd Annual Bitcoin Policy Summit hosted by the Bitcoin Policy Institute, Felix discusses financial repression in Nicaragua, the modern threat of techno-dictatorships, and how bitcoin functions as the apex tool for advancing finan...

In this episode, Nik joined once again by portfolio manager and fixed-income expert Andy Constan. Andy explains his bearish view on the stock market as a reaction to inflation refusing to come down and the Treasury department likely to keep coupon issuance high. He also breaks down why he does not view today's situation as fiscal dominance any longer and how restrictive monetary policy will ultima...

In this episode, Joe sits down with Alex Thorn, Head of Research at Galaxy, live at the Bitcoin Policy Summit in Washington DC. Alex discusses his keynote speech, why bitcoin values are American values, and how property rights are now digitally ensured. He also explains the embedded geopolitical resiliency of the bitcoin network. The Bitcoin Layer is brought to you by River. Visit http://River.com...

In this episode, Nik brings us a timely chart pack to discuss a wild week in financial markets. With weakness in the stock market, Nik goes through charts on bitcoin, the dollar versus euro and Asian currencies, the latest in Japanese yen weakness, China's currency prospects, US & global debt to GDP, the latest inflation numbers, and recession likelihood. Throughout, Nik wonders if there is a...

In this episode, Nik is joined by ResiClub co-founder Lance Lambert to discuss the US residential housing market. Lance explains why he is labeling the housing market 'constrained,' including how high mortgage rates are limiting buyer affordability while trapping sellers who don't want to give up sub-4% notes. He also breaks down regional differences in the market, addresses short-term rentals (Ai...

In this episode, Joe sits down with Matthew Pines, Director of Security Advisory at Sentinel One National Security Fellow. Live at the 2nd Annual Bitcoin Policy Summit hosted by the Bitcoin Policy Institute, Matt delivers his geopolitical analysis, discusses how American companies are working directly with eastern countries, the US-China cold war that is brewing on the tech, trade, and currency fr...

In this episode, Nik is joined by veteran trader Craig Shapiro to discuss the diminishing role of the dollar in international trade settlement. Craig introduces the petrodollar as an instrument in marginal decline since 2022, why China is resisting US calls for it to revalue its currency stronger, and how gold is responding to a new international monetary system. Learn why the oil trade, Treasury...

In this episode, Nik teaches us about how bank deposits, money market funds, and Treasury securities interact with Fed reserves. After explanations on financial plumbing, he proceeds to break down recent economic data and explain why stocks and real estate have had great starts to 2024. He finishes with bitcoin price and valuation analysis. The Bitcoin Layer is brought to you by River. Visit http:...

In this episode, Nik is joined by Bitcoin historian Pete Rizzo on Satoshi Nakamoto's birthday. Pete explains the history of Satoshi's April 5 birthday and its significance, speaks to Bitcoin's origins by diving into the cypherpunk movement, and breaks down early Satoshi email and online communication for a better understanding of his motivations. The Bitcoin Layer is brought to you by River. Visit...

In this episode, Nik is joined by Cognitive Investments partner Jacob Shapiro to discuss India. Jacob helps us understand the Indian political scene and gives background on the rise of current Prime Minister Narendra Modi. We ask Jacob about India's economic future and whether politics will help or hurt the country's growth aspirations. The Bitcoin Layer is brought to you by River. Visit http://Ri...

In this episode, Nik and Matt Dines provide an explainer on global banking regulations, Basel III, and leverage ratio regulations. Matt helps us understand the history of the Bank for International Settlements and Basel-originated leverage ratios for banks. We learn the difference between asset-side and liability-side regulations and discuss the United Stated implementation: the Supplementary Leve...

In this episode, Nik brings us a quarter-end global macroeconomic and markets update. He begins with a look at US inflation, walks us through Treasury yields and Fed expectations, and discusses the tug of war between fiscal dominance and restrictive monetary policy. Finally, he closes with some important thoughts on bitcoin price action. The Bitcoin Layer is brought to you by River. Visit http://R...

In this episode, Nik is joined by geopolitical analyst Jacob Shapiro. Jacob breaks down the latest monetary policy adjustment from the Bank of Japan, but more importantly, he shares his vision on how Japan might be on the cusp of a major transformation. Additionally, Jacob brings us up to speed on the Chinese economy and discusses the symbiotic relationship between the Chinese and Japanese economi...

In this episode, Nik is joined by monetary researcher Ritik Goyal. Ritik gives a masterclass on monetary mechanics, including how the Treasury creates money when it spends instead of borrows, why fiscal dominance and the interest income channel are contributing to strong GDP, and what the criteria would be for a recession. Monetary students should be prepared to go through this fantastic learning...

In this episode, Joe is joined by Lawrence Lepard, an investment manager with Equity Management Advisors. In this all-encompassing discussion, he breaks down why Jerome Powell's tapering of the balance sheet and rate cuts are to support the US Treasury, why gold and bitcoin are reflecting easy money conditions still to come, and what individual investors can do to position themselves properly in t...

In this episode, Nik is joined by Daniel Batten of CH4 Capital to discuss anti-Bitcoin propaganda. Daniel summarizes how Bitcoin helps the environment by miners removing harmful methane emissions, identifies anti-bitcoin propaganda as a mix of ignorance and incumbent malice, and explains the source of propaganda as primarily European financial institutions. The Bitcoin Layer is brought to you by R...