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by Brad Mills
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- Dec 26, 2023
Bank Failures, Crypto Contagion, & Bitcoin Culture with David Bailey
This episode was recorded on April 23, 2023In this episode, Brad is joined interviews David Bailey for a discussion on the ethical complexities within the cryptocurrency landscape. They tackle the tensions between libertarian values and the reality of Ponzi schemes that sometimes tarnish the industry's reputation. The conversation delves into the difficult questions surrounding the endorsement of Bitcoin while steering clear of passing moral judgments on competing cryptocurrencies.The duo examines strategies to surpass unethical crypto practices, drawing comparisons to Uber's success in revolutionizing transportation. They address the network's evolution, focusing on solutions like the Lightning Network and the emerging RGB protocol, which NFT developers are finding appealing for its cost efficiency.Moreover, Brad and David delve into the dynamics of the Bitcoin community, the delicate balance between inclusivity and toxicity, and the importance of setting an exemplary standard without alienating newcomers. The discussion points to a story of growth and transformation within Bitcoin over the past decade, emphasizing the shift from mere speculation to significant adoption and mindshare expansion.Lastly, the discussion sheds light on the potential repercussions of the Bitcoin Magazine's decision to support Ordinals and the controversial yet innovative steps taken within the industry. As they navigate these multifaceted issues, Brad and David maintain a focus on the pivotal role that Bitcoin plays in the current and future financial systems.Timestamps[00:03:53] Worked in crypto, saw innovation, saw scams.[00:10:06] Spending on real things sustains market growth.[00:12:03] Realized misguided investment, believed in Bitcoin.[00:16:21] Former Swan employee enters NFT bubble successfully.[00:24:02] Struggle with Bitcoin, libertarian values, and regulations.[00:26:54] People resist moralizing money in crypto space.[00:34:10] Tech entrepreneur shifted focus, embracing social impact.[00:40:02] Supporting larger blocks was good for business.[00:45:29] Maintain humility, pursue ego death, push bitcoin.[00:48:48] Bitcoin's future open to all perspectives.[00:57:41] Bitcoiners may turn against Ordinals, causing conflict.[01:03:58] Bitcoin embodies religion, social consensus and layers.[01:09:37] Limiting NFTs to Bitcoin caused user friction.[01:10:31] NFT user experience needs improvement, FOMO influence.[01:19:42] Bitcoin pleb advocates for inclusive, open industry.[01:23:37] Bitcoin conference needs better self-custody promotion.[01:26:53] UTXO Management drives GBTC investment forward.[01:31:39] Grayscale engaged in unethical tactics with trusts.[01:40:14] Interest rates likely to drop, affecting markets.[01:42:23] Resistance to Bitcoin shifting as relevance recognized.Find David BaileyDavid Bailey on TwitterFind Brad MillsBrad Mills TwitterMIM TwitterBrad Mills Facebook
- Dec 25, 20231h 34m
The Mechanics of QE and Banking Solvency with former Fed Employee Joseph Wang
This episode was recorded on June 3, 2022In this episode, Brad Mills interviews author and former Federal Reserve market specialist, Joseph Wang. Known for his work "Central Banking 101," Joseph offers a treasure trove of insights from his tenure at the Fed, drawing on his experiences navigating the financial landscape post the 2008 crisis.Brad and Joseph have an in-depth discussion on the world of the repo market, its challenges in 2019 when rates unexpectedly eclipsed the Federal Reserve's interest on reserves, and the implications for liquidity and bank stability. The episode delves into critical issues like the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) and the balance between capital and liquidity in safeguarding against bank insolvencies.Brad probes the possibility of the Federal Reserve's repo market interventions being akin to unapproved bailouts — a notion Joseph addresses by shedding light on the quality of collateral involved in these short-term lending agreements. The dialogue also ventures into the accounting aspects of bond maturities, the purchasing power of the US Treasury's looming debt, and the Federal Reserve's potential role in debt acquisition.Their exchange extends to Bitcoin's immunity to governmental control, contrasting its decentralized nature with other cryptocurrencies and what that means in an increasingly regulated environment. The episode advances through the murky waters of quantitative easing, the causality of inflation, and the contentious values underpinning the current financial system.Tune into this episode for a blend of expertise and provocative analyses, revealing the inner workings of the systems that move money globally. Timestamps[00:09:44] Keynesian vs. Austrian perspectives on sound money.[00:14:21] Doubts about banking system, learning and understanding.[00:19:48] Gold certificates allow expansion of money supply.[00:23:03] Banks took on too much risk in 2019.[00:27:26] System adapts, past battles influence future strategies.[00:35:58] Bank stocks used as collateral for lending.[00:41:52] Federal Reserve intervened in repo market, changed paradigm.[00:47:45] Federal Reserve stepped in to stabilize repo market.[00:53:39] Arbitrage involves trading based on price differences.[00:57:46] Fed tries to save system, government devalues currency.[01:04:15] Explanation of monetary transactions and balance sheets.[01:05:07] Fed moves money around, swapping one form.[01:15:05] QE raises stock and home prices by lowering interest rates.[01:17:09] Fed's $5 trillion in bonds affects rates.[01:24:34] Challenges ahead in financing US debt. Possible Fed intervention.[01:28:30] Extended conversation about Bitcoin and cryptocurrency concerns.[01:32:06] Bitcoin decentralized, resistant to government enforcement ban.Find Joseph WangJoseph Wang on TwitterFind Brad MillsBrad Mills TwitterMIM TwitterBrad Mills Facebook
- Dec 24, 202344 min
Can Bitcoin Thrive in the AI-Centric Future? with Nic Gregory
This episode was recorded on April 27, 2023In this episode, Brad Mills is joined by Nicolas Gregory, an AI connoisseur, fervent bitcoiner, and co-writer of the CivKit White Paper. Amidst a backdrop of financial tumult as depicted in cinematic tales such as “Margin Call” and “The Big Short,” Gregory recounts his evolution from a software engineer entrenched in the throes of the 2010 banking crisis to a pioneer in the Bitcoin and distributed computing revolution.During his tenure in a bank's equities wing, Gregory gained critical insights into the mechanics of derivatives trading—expertise that now fuels his advocacy for Bitcoin's promise amidst the skepticism surrounding centralized financial institutions. The episode uncovers Gregory's early days within the close-knit Bitcoin community of New York, chronicling his transition into the startup sphere following the government's bailout of banks.Throughout the conversation, Brad and Nic dissect the intricacies of CommerceBlock's endeavours, including their trailblazing Mercury wallet initiative. The dialogue shifts toward the shifting landscape of finance in light of emerging Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and the potential implementation of Universal Basic Income—developments that are set to redefine the very fabric of monetary systems.The episode delves into the mass exodus of top-tier talent from traditional finance to tech giants and startups, igniting an AI renaissance that threatens to reshape industries and employment. They explore the increasing centralization of AI, its impact on cybersecurity, and the looming threat of job displacement, even within the programming sector.Timestamps[00:00] Commerce Block's Mercury wallet enables anonymous transactions.[03:44] Customized Elements code, explored state chain concept.[06:35] Movies depict financial collapse and banking crisis.[11:13] Peer to peer rising, challenging centralized options.[14:36] Purchasing data centers, centralized AI, computing capacity.[18:02] Insider information hints peer-to-peer disruption ahead.[22:44] AI agents learn and replicate to scam.[24:11] AI agent creates fake negative restaurant reviews.[27:10] AI acceleration threatens privacy, regulations essential.[30:12] AI is replacing jobs in software industry.[33:28] Met at Bitcoin meetup, introduced paradigm, diverse group.[37:28] Creating pluggable toolkit for potential user framework.[41:30] Agree on UBI, transition to sound money.[43:08] Growing up in the 80s, world seemed uncertain.What is CivKit?CivKit is a protocol designed to transform peer-to-peer trading by fostering a web of trust and privacy through its advanced use of Nostr and Lightning Network protocols.Find Nic GregoryNic Gregory on TwitterFind Brad MillsBrad Mills TwitterMIM TwitterBrad Mills Facebook
- Dec 23, 20231h 34m
The Ethical Dilemmas of AI and Crypto: A Critical Examination with Liron Shapira
This episode was recorded on April 25, 2023In this episode, Brad Mills is joined by Liron Shapira, a vocal critic of the cryptocurrency landscape and an advocate for rational thinking in the age of digital disruption.Together, Brad and Liron navigate the tricky topic of artificial intelligence - dissecting the existential threats that loom over humanity as AI's capabilities grow increasingly advanced. They ponder the profound implications of AI surpassing human intellect and the potential havoc it could wreak, from manipulating markets to commandeering communication channels.As the conversation turns to the realm of cryptocurrency, they scrutinize the seismic shift from crypto to AI investments and the ethical dilemmas that have emerged within the tech industry.The episode features a candid look at the changing face of platforms like Coinbase, the integrity of blockchain technology, and the controversial rise of Web Three ventures. Amidst the critical conversations, there is room for optimism. Brad and Liron consider the transformative possibilities of technological advancements in reducing scarcity and discuss the voices leading the discourse on AI challenges and opportunities.Timestamps[00:00:00] Leron Shapira, known for humorous VC critiques.[00:06:00] Some in crypto may be called grifters.[00:14:58] Doubts about ethical behavior in the tech industry.[00:18:46] Cryptocurrency companies protect interests, fear potential loss.[00:23:14] Bitcoin warned about high fees in Ethereum.[00:28:11] Speculation on digital assets and their future.[00:35:46] Twitter usage down, migration from crypto to AI.[00:40:38] Soft targets for extraction and scamming abound.[00:47:16] AI writing viruses, spam and identity theft.[00:51:45] GPT Four still has flaws, not ready.[00:58:52] Book explores technology's deflationary impact on economy.[01:01:27] Fear of AI surpassing human intelligence is justified.[01:08:28] AI-driven decentralized technology signals imminent economic disruption.[01:13:37] Twitter best for daily AI doom updates.[01:19:16] Politicians avoid hard choices, fear market crash.[01:21:19] Urging political action to halt AI development.[01:28:20] Politicians are manipulated, rationality often overlooked.[01:33:36] Worried about disruptive effects on economy and communication.Find Liron ShapiraLiron Shapira on TwitterFind Brad MillsBrad Mills TwitterMIM TwitterBrad Mills Facebook
- Dec 22, 20231h 36m
John Carvalho on Bitcoin's Role in Web Decentralization
This episode was recorded on December 8, 2022In this episode, Brad Mills interviews the knowledgeable and insightful John Carvalho. Brad and John dive deep into a range of topics including different perspectives on Bitcoin, decentralized technology, and the challenges of creating alternative solutions.They also explore the concept of slash tags, the power of reputation and web of trust, and the importance of self-regulation without government intervention. With their extensive experience in the crypto space, Brad and John provide valuable commentary on Bitcoin and explore thought-provoking perspectives on the future of the decentralized web.Building the Bitcoin Ecosystem: A Post-Hyperbitcoinization VisionJohn Carvalho, CEO of Synonym, discusses the underpinnings of Synonym, a venture that promises a comprehensive ecosystem for an alternative society and economy post-hyperbitcoinization. Synonym's design principles hinge on leveraging Bitcoin, Lightning, and HyperCore as foundational technologies, steering clear of bloated blockchains to create a more streamlined, efficient, and sovereign web experience.Block Tank and LSP: Enhancing Lightning ReliabilitySynonym's project, Block Tank, seeks to improve the Lightning Network's reliability and usability. As an LSP (Lightning Service Provider) service, Block Tank aims to simplify business onboarding and wallet functionality, with the broader ambition of fostering a healthy Lightning Network ecosystem through interoperability specifications. John envisions bitcoin not just as a currency, but as a catalyst for self-regulatory mechanisms, effectively replacing centralized entities in finance and communication.Slashtags: A New Primitive for Trust and IdentityAt the heart of Brad and John’s discussion is Slashtags, a technology set to revolutionize peer-to-peer web solutions. By incorporating HyperCore, Slashtags aim to dismantle reliance on major tech firms, paving the way for decentralized search, publishing, and communications. This component aligns with John’s perspective on a self-regulating society free from government intervention, where reputation and web of trust frameworks can flourish.Reflections on the Bitcoin Maximalist EthosA self-proclaimed critical thinker and bitcoin maximalist, John discards the belief that the bitcoin blockchain serves any purpose beyond handling bitcoin transactions. His approach is a testament to the power of innovation without reliance on blockchain technology for all solutions. This mindset is what propels Synonym to build technologies that enable a wide range of applications without compromising on decentralization.In his reflections, John criticizes the deceptive narratives that often engulf the crypto space, especially during bull markets. He challenges the baseless elevation of blockchain as a catch-all solution and emphasizes the importance of addressing actual problems over pursuing quick riches.Innovating with IntegrityDespite John’s bitcoin maximalism, he recognizes the need for interoperability with other blockchain platforms. The acknowledgment of practical solutions over blockchain orthodoxy indicates a balanced approach toward the evolving landscape of decentralized finance.In this conversation between Brad Mills and John Carvalho, we gain insights into an alternative societal vision grounded in bitcoin's philosophy. Synonym stands as an exemplar of how technology should be wielded: to empower, not exploit. As John and Synonym pave the way, this episode serves as a reminder that the future of the web and finance is not tied to blockchain ubiquity but rather to the thoughtful application of decentralized principles.Time Stamps[00:04:46] Bitcoin dismantles existing systems[00:09:03] Web3: incentivize app usage, corrupt with tokens[00:14:48] Narrative war persists, shitcoiners won't quit<p class="" style="white
- Apr 16, 20231h 21m
Jameson Lopp, Adam Back, & Austin Alexander on Bitcoin’s Evolution
On this episode of Magic Internet Money, Brad Mills hosts a discussion with Adam Back, Austin, and Jameson Lopp. They cover topics such as the competitive nature of the cryptocurrency market, bitcoin's performance improvements, side chains, and the controversy surrounding Altcoins.The speakers also delve into the problems with the banking system and how it affects bitcoin's price. Additionally, they touch on the ethics of misallocation of capital in the cryptocurrency market and whether education is necessary or people should learn by losing money in the market.Tune in to learn more about Bitcoin's current standing and what the future might hold.Time Stamps:[00:19:23] Bitcoin: A Useful Tool for Everyone[00:23:42] Why I Chose Bitcoin Over All Coins[00:32:46] Satoshi's Insightful Concept: Unchangeability of Bitcoin[00:38:01] Bitcoin Experts Prioritize Security Over Lightning Adoption[00:49:42] The Economic Phenomena of Altcoins and Innovation[00:57:12] Bitcoin's Code Continues to Undergo Rapid Changes[01:10:14] Covenants and Confidential Transactions: Exploring Liquid's Features[01:14:40] Simplicity: Bitcoin's Soft-Forkable New Scripting Language[01:18:05] Simplicity may make drive chain implementation easier[01:20:08] Bitcoin's Trajectory Could Reach Global Saturation SoonFind Jameson LoppWebsiteJameson’s TwitterFind Adam BackWebsiteAdam’s TwitterFind Austin AlexanderAustin’s TwitterFind Brad MillsBrad Mills TwitterMIM TwitterBrad Mills Facebook
- Feb 25, 20231h 25m
Fear of the Fed: Is Bitcoin Threatened by Policy?
Round Two with Lyn Alden and Joseph WangOn this episode of Magic Internet Money, host Brad Mills invites two previous guests back onto the show. Lyn Alden, an investment strategist with a focus on macroeconomics and Joseph Wang, the CIO of Monetary Macro, return to the show to discuss macroeconomics and Bitcoin with Brad.Brad delivers a recap of his previous discussions with the pair of experts recalling problems with proof-of-stake systems resembling fiat money. Joseph ended the previous podcast with questions about the possibility of state intervention which could disrupt Bitcoin, but Brad didn’t have enough time to cover the topic on the show. Brad’s intent with this meeting of macro experts is to bring this discussion to light.Peer-to-Peer TechnologiesBrad kicks off the discussion where he left off with Joseph, about censorship resistance and how Bitcoin protects against censorship. Joseph brings his traditional finance experience into the discussion and offers a perspective of healthy scepticism, given his knowledge of the banking system and more generally, the financial sector as it is traditionally known. Joseph’s first concern is the case of the New York Fed testing CBDCs and in the event that a CBDC ends up being a better use-case than Bitcoin, that could present a threat to Bitcoin. Lyn brings up an important consideration here, which is jurisdiction. This episode revolves around the United States and Canada, but there are other jurisdictions like Europe and China which present different threats to the Bitcoin space.Lyn brings up some case law from the 1990’s, where a US court tried to ban peer-to-peer encryption. This particular case resulted in a loss from the US government and peer-to-peer encryption was protected due to it being an expression of speech. While the original case presented peer-to-peer encryption as an inherently villainous thing, peer-to-peer encryption is now a critical component to contemporary banking.Lyn sees a balance between two things when it comes to policy about Bitcoin which are the need for the technology and jurisdiction to quote Lyn; “...part of it also depends on need… Most people (In the United States) don’t feel a pressing need to get into Bitcoin”. Lyn makes the comparison to Argentina, where Bitcoin is more widely considered.The peer-to-peer nature of Bitcoin is what makes it censorship resistant across jurisdictions, but in order for Bitcoin to take off at a larger scale, individuals first need to see a need to hold Bitcoin in the first place. In countries with a strong currency, individuals may not have that need.What is the Value of Wall Street?The podcast continues and Brad discusses his trip down the rabbit hole about what money really is and how he felt like he was “living in a big ponzi scam”. Brad asks, “what is the value that Wall Street brings to the world?” For Brad, Wall Street affiliated financial markets feel like casinos. In more simple terms, Wall Street does not produce value, it extracts it and this extraction contributes heavily to wealth inequality.For Brad, Bitcoin is a path away for individuals to protect the value they’ve created and save in a form of money that won't be debased. Brad mentions his previous affiliation with Austrian economics and libertarianism and his venture away from a libertarian position towards a position without a political label.Brad’s position is that Bitcoin has two critical components which make it worth investing in. Bitcoin competes against a centralised system which constantly debases the money supply by offering a decentralised alternative choice to that system. Secondly, Bitcoin has an amount of censorship resistance as a peer-to-peer network, as previously discussed. Bitcoin’s ability to evade interventions from other institutions is the critical point of its use case. Lyn mentions some data which supports Brad’s position about censorship resistance. Bitcoin has higher instances of use in countries which Lyn describes as “authoritarian” and also have weaker currencies than th
- Feb 24, 20231h 34m
Bitcoin is the Perfect and Only Money
In this episode, Brad teams up with Alex Stanczyk — an avid Bitcoiner, a daily Bitcoin chat host on Twitter spaces and a former gold and silver trader who now works as private team MD at Bitcoin savings company Swan Bitcoin. Alex's Bitcoin backstory as someone in those capacities and who only recently had an epiphany about Bitcoin is teeming with interesting tidbits. What's more, he's a former co-host of "The Gold Chronicles with Alex Stanczyk and Jim Rickards" podcast with popular American lawyer and economist Jim Rickards. Tune in and listen to him and Brad talk about all things Bitcoin, how he landed a role at Swan Bitcoin, his relationship with Pickard, the concept of "alien money," and more!Time Stamps:00:00:00: Brad on his own history and relationship with Swan Bitcoin 0009:41: Jack Dorsey's, Cory Klippsten and Michael Saylor's roles in Bitcoin00:15:29: Delving into 2022's bankruptcies including BlockFi and FTX00:25:52: Introducing Alex and diving into his role at Swan Bitcoin 00:32:31: Alex's long road to Bitcoin00:37:59: Is the gold market manipulated? Orange pilling people about Bitcoin 00:45:50: Is intrinsic value a thing? What makes something money? 01:05:32: PayPal's $2,500 fine debacle in the face of Bitcoin01:15:02: Circling back to Alex's beginnings in Bitcoin and Swan Bitcoin 01:23:12: The fascinating contrast of Jim Rickard's background and his activism 01:24:39: God's law vs man's law on money plus Bitcoin's virtues 01:31:03: Why you need to listen in to Alex's show01:34:48: Closing out Links to Mentions in the Show:The Cafe Bitcoin ShowHexa wallet Michael SaylorJack Dorsey The Terra Luna collapse and the FTX collapse Exeter's pyramid Something Deeply Hidden by Sean Carroll: a BookDollar cost averaging Bitcoin Occupy Wall Street Currency warsFind Alex Stanczyk on: Alex Stanczyk TwitterThe Cafe Bitcoin Podcast on Apple
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About Magic Internet Money
My name is Brad Mills, I am a Bitcoiner. I'm an average person, I just got into Bitcoin early. I'm not a coder, I look at this space from the point of view of a regular user. I believe BTC is the best form of money. It’s free speech money. Digital Gold. Programmable money for the age of the Internet, uncensorable, peer to peer cash. A new asset class, a store of value. One of the most important open source inventions of our time, gifted to the world by an anonymous creator whose identity is still not known! I fell down the rabbit hole & have been following Bitcoin since 2011. This podcast is my evolving journey in the world of cryptocurrency as I try to reconcile my bitcoin maximalist philosophy & my respect for the Austrian Economic, Libertarian & Cypherpunk roots of bitcoin's creation with the desire to stack BTC by investing in the rest of the space. I hope you enjoy the conversations.
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