The Bitcoin Frontier

Unchained Capital, Inc
The Bitcoin Frontier

Explore how bitcoin as a monetary tool is transforming lives and perspectives. Through Joe Burnett’s conversations, uncover stories of innovation, disruption, and growth as we chart the ever-evolving bitcoin frontier. Whether you're a bitcoin veteran or just curious, The Bitcoin Frontier is your guide to the future of money.

  1. Debating bitcoin: Invention or discovery? + its future in space with Samson Mow and Dhruv Bansal

    22 HRS AGO

    Debating bitcoin: Invention or discovery? + its future in space with Samson Mow and Dhruv Bansal

    In this episode, we sit down with Dhruv Bansal, co-founder of Unchained, and Samson Mow, CEO of JAN3, for a friendly debate on whether bitcoin was invented or discovered. We examine how historical inventions and discoveries like mathematics and fire compare to bitcoin, explore the philosophical implications of digital scarcity, and discuss its relevance across civilizations. Dhruv and Samson share their insights on bitcoin as a living organism, potential challenges from quantum computing, and the evolution of its network over time. The conversation also touches on the future of money and mining in a spacefaring civilization, how energy markets intersect with bitcoin, and the practicality of sidechains for interplanetary use. Throughout, we question the boundaries of bitcoin’s definition, its adaptability, and its role as the ultimate form of energy money. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: → Subscribe → Leave a review → Share the show with your friends and family → Send us an email podcast@unchained.com → Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description → Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description → Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 1:43 Welcome to the debate: invented vs. discovered 3:48 Definitions: what makes something invented or discovered? 7:53 Analyzing historical examples: math, melodies, and fire 12:03 Was bitcoin invented or discovered? Opening arguments 20:25 The ship of theseus analogy for bitcoin’s evolution 24:09 Addressing quantum computing and potential bitcoin changes 30:58 Bitcoin as a living organism and its self-regulation 33:19 Does digital scarcity truly exist across civilizations? 39:09 Bitcoin’s impact on energy grids and global sustainability 42:00 Mars colonization: should Martians adopt bitcoin or a sidechain? 47:09 Decentralization vs. centralization of hash power in space 52:50 Concluding thoughts: bitcoin’s universal role as energy money 1:01:10 The biggest risk to bitcoin—aliens? WHERE TO FOLLOW US: → Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom → Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom  → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter  → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital → Dhruv Bansal’s Twitter: https://x.com/dhruvbansal → Samson Mow’s Twitter: https://x.com/Excellion

    1h 5m
  2. Bitcoin is a time machine with Dr. Jack Kruse

    19 NOV

    Bitcoin is a time machine with Dr. Jack Kruse

    In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Jack Kruse, a neurosurgeon with over 30 years of experience, to explore his transformative journey from centralized medicine to decentralized health and his discovery of bitcoin as a tool for freedom and time preservation. Jack discusses the flaws in traditional medicine, the significance of circadian biology, and why sunlight and sleep are critical for optimal health. He explains his perspective on bitcoin as a “time machine” and the parallels between decentralized money and biology. The conversation touches on the importance of self-custody, the role of technology in shaping health outcomes, and whether Americans should consider moving to El Salvador for greater personal freedom. Jack also shares insights on the challenges of population growth, the potential to extend human lifespan, and how bitcoiners can prioritize health to secure their future. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: → Subscribe → Leave a review → Share the show with your friends and family → Send us an email podcast@unchained.com → Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description → Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description → Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 1:06 Jack Kruse's background and medical journey 3:32 Decentralized medicine: what it means 9:20 Why centralized medicine is broken 11:19 The importance of circadian biology 18:25 Bitcoin and time: connecting decentralized money to health 23:11 "Bitcoin is a time machine": explained 33:53 How sunlight and darkness affect health 37:10 The role of technology in health outcomes 43:08 Living a healthier, longer life: practical advice 49:47 El Salvador: should Americans move there? 57:29 Is bitcoin a time machine for everyone? Victor’s story 1:01:13 The case for decentralizing your life WHERE TO FOLLOW US: → Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom → Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom  → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter  → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital → Dr. Jack Kruse’s Twitter: https://x.com/DrJackKruse

    1h 6m
  3. Protecting your own strategic bitcoin reserve for 100+ years with Joe Kelly

    12 NOV

    Protecting your own strategic bitcoin reserve for 100+ years with Joe Kelly

    In this episode, we sit down with Joe Kelly, co-founder and CEO of Unchained, to discuss his journey from his first ‘aha’ moment with bitcoin to building a company that prioritizes long term bitcoin security and self-custody. Joe reflects on Unchained’s evolution into a bitcoin-only company, his personal donation to the University of Austin’s bitcoin endowment, and Unchained’s new bitcoin donor-advised fund product. We explore the critical importance of self-custody, why new bitcoiners should care about self-custody, the challenges and opportunities for global bitcoin adoption, and Unchained’s future roadmap. Joe also shares his thoughts on the risks and potential of AI, phishing threats in the digital space, and the balance between security and user experience in bitcoin financial services. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: → Subscribe → Leave a review → Share the show with your friends and family → Send us an email podcast@unchained.com → Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description → Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description → Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro1:18 ‘Aha’ moment, Dhruv’s influence4:19 Founding Unchained, long-term vision7:47 Bitcoin-only focus10:27 University of Austin donation13:18 Bitcoin donor-advised funds15:23 Beyond bitcoin: family, consciousness17:45 Favorite podcast20:23 Why self-custody matters26:01 Accelerating adoption28:52 Phishing threats32:20 Bitcoin ETFs35:41 AI, identity verification38:17 Unchained’s future40:03 Roadmap, sustainability41:30 Favorite products44:44 ECB bitcoin paper46:50 Contrarian views on money49:05 Bitcoin’s biggest risk50:44 Closing remarks WHERE TO FOLLOW US: → Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom → Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom  → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter  → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital → Joe Kelly’s Twitter: https://x.com/josephkelly

    51 min
  4. Bitcoin vs the European Central Bank

    5 NOV

    Bitcoin vs the European Central Bank

    In this episode, we sit down with Marty Bent, founder of TFTC, Managing Partner at Ten31 VC, and Director at Cathedra Bitcoin. Marty shares his journey, from starting his newsletter and TFTC podcast to recording at Barstool Sports and now recently being cited by the European Central Bank in an academic paper. We explore his take on the ECB's paper, bitcoin’s adoption speed, and the risks of mining centralization. Marty dives into vulnerabilities in bitcoin core, the future of mining, and Ten31’s unique approach to supporting bitcoin-only companies on a bitcoin standard. We also discuss the balance between clickbait and integrity in bitcoin media and AI's impact on content and media. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: → Subscribe → Leave a review → Share the show with your friends and family → Send us an email podcast@unchained.com → Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description → Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Introduction 1:05 Starting Marty's newsletter and TFTC 3:22 Expectations vs. reality: Marty's journey 5:47 Recording at barstool sports and potential acquisition 10:21 Talking about bitcoin with co-workers at the managed futures fund 13:05 European central bank citing Marty's newsletter 23:25 Vulnerabilities in bitcoin 29:04 Mining centralization—is it a problem? 40:30 Worst and best business models you've seen at Ten31 47:26 What's the end goal for Ten31 portfolio companies? 52:08 How will VC change after the monetization of bitcoin? 58:23 How will media and AI evolve over the next decade? 1:02:23 Hyperbitcoinization faster than we expect? 1:08:00 Biggest risk for bitcoin? WHERE TO FOLLOW US: → Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom → Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom  → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter  → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital

    1h 11m
  5. Bitcoin in the 2024 US presidential election with Dennis Porter

    31 OCT

    Bitcoin in the 2024 US presidential election with Dennis Porter

    In this episode, we sit down with Dennis Porter, CEO and Co-Founder of the Satoshi Action Fund, for an in-depth look at bitcoin’s place in U.S. politics. Dennis opens with an overview of how each political party approaches bitcoin and discusses the importance of bipartisan support. He examines bitcoin's resonance with American values, its appeal across political lines, and how policies can balance innovation and openness with consumer protection. Dennis reflects on the role of single-issue bitcoin voters and the potential impact on future elections including the 2024 US presidential election. He also explores how states are beginning to adopt bitcoin-friendly policies and the importance of creating scalable templates for state-level adoption. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: → Subscribe → Leave a review → Share the show with your friends and family → Send us an email podcast@unchained.com → Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description → Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 1:09 Breaking down each party’s stance on bitcoin 3:04 Bipartisan effort and why it matters for bitcoin 5:39 Kamala Harris vs. biden on bitcoin 7:04 Protecting consumers while supporting innovation 8:32 Bitcoin’s inclusiveness and appeal to democrats 9:36 Why bitcoin resonates with American values 10:16 Importance of bipartisan support for bitcoin 11:38 Working with both sides of the aisle 17:17 Role of broken money in political division 20:40 ECB’s stance on bitcoin holders 23:14 Debunking the ECB paper 26:16 Bitcoin’s potential as a bipartisan issue 29:20 Single-issue bitcoin voters and future elections 32:14 Bitcoin voters as a swing factor in elections 36:43 Strategic bitcoin stockpile plan 39:17 How bitcoin influences future elections 41:17 Adoption of bitcoin-friendly policies at the state level 47:15 Influence of presidential cycles vs. halvings on bitcoin cycles 50:07 Creating template policies for state adoption 53:02 Risk to bitcoin: if earth falls into the sun WHERE TO FOLLOW US: → Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom → Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom  → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter  → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital → Dennis Porter’s Twitter: https://x.com/Dennis_Porter_

    54 min
  6. Hyperbitcoinization with Pierre Rochard and Bitstein

    29 OCT

    Hyperbitcoinization with Pierre Rochard and Bitstein

    In this episode, we sit down with Pierre Rochard, VP of Research at Riot Platforms, and Bitstein, co-founder of the Nakamoto Institute, to discuss hyperbitcoinization and more. Pierre and Michael open by reflecting on its price history, historical cycles, and long-term outlook. They explore bitcoin’s progression onto the global stage, considering how central banks view it and where we are in the context of hyperbitcoinization. They address the critical balance between self-custody and bitcoin banks, including insights into the evolving role of custody solutions and associated risks. Discussing perspectives like those of Michael Saylor and Saifedean Ammous, they weigh in on bitcoin’s function as both an asset, a money, and the concept of bitcoin “yield.” The conversation covers MicroStrategy’s strategic approach to bitcoin and their perspective on the various models like S2F, power law, and Bitcoin24. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: → Subscribe → Leave a review → Share the show with your friends and family → Send us an email podcast@unchained.com → Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description → Book a free call with a bitcoin expert: https://unchained.com/consultation?utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description→ Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 - Intro 1:17 - Reflections on bitcoin cycles 3:21 - Long-term outlook 5:12 - Bitcoin on global stage 7:05 - Central banks’ view on bitcoin 14:03 - Defining hyperbitcoinization 17:05 - Self-custody vs. bitcoin banks 25:16 - Future of bitcoin custody 30:10 - Risks in custodial options 35:38 - Saylor vs. Saifedean on bitcoin banking 42:27 - Bitcoin yield vs. fiat yield 50:02 - MicroStrategy’s strategy 55:10 - Modeling bitcoin’s value 1:02:31 - Fiat vs. bitcoin volatility 1:04:15 - Challenging views in bitcoin community WHERE TO FOLLOW US: → Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom → Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom  → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter  → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital → Pierre Rochard’s Twitter: https://x.com/BitcoinPierre → Bitstein’s Twitter: https://x.com/bitstein

    1h 15m
  7. From Harvard to MicroStrategy—valuing MSTR and building Bitcoin24

    22 OCT

    From Harvard to MicroStrategy—valuing MSTR and building Bitcoin24

    In this episode, we sit down with Chaitanya Jain (CJ), an MBA candidate at Harvard Business School and strategist at MicroStrategy, who worked closely with Michael Saylor on the recent open source Bitcoin24 model. CJ shares his experience talking about bitcoin at HBS, detailing efforts to distinguish it from broader crypto discussions. We explore Michael Saylor’s perspective on whether bitcoin is money or just another asset. CJ offers insights into building the Bitcoin24 model and MicroStrategy’s evolving custody strategy, including the future of bitcoin in banking and other companies adopting MicroStrategy’s bitcoin strategy. We also cover their acquisition strategy using equity and convertible notes, the constraints they face, and how to think about valuing MicroStrategy in relation to their NAV. Last, CJ discusses MicroStrategy's potential future S&P 500 inclusion, effective bitcoin advocacy techniques, and the most significant risks to bitcoin today. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: → Subscribe → Leave a review → Share the show with your friends and family → Send us an email podcast@unchained.com → Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description → Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 00:00:00 Introduction and background 00:03:23 Experience at HBS with bitcoin 00:06:06 Efforts to differentiate bitcoin from crypto at HBS 00:08:13 Bitcoin and crypto courses at HBS 00:10:21 Michael Saylor’s view of bitcoin: money or asset? 00:12:12 Catalysts for HBS interest in bitcoin 00:14:06 Key takeaways from interacting with Michael Saylor 00:18:25 Valuing bitcoin without cash flows 00:20:36 Building the Bitcoin24 model with MicroStrategy 00:24:24 MicroStrategy’s bitcoin custody strategy 00:26:32 Future of bitcoin in banking 00:30:55 Other companies following MicroStrategy’s bitcoin strategy 00:38:21 MicroStrategy’s bitcoin acquisition strategy: equity and convertible notes 00:46:24 Limits on equity issuances and convertible notes 00:50:24 Common misunderstandings about MicroStrategy 00:52:42 MicroStrategy’s inclusion in the S&P 500 00:58:26 Bitcoin advocacy and persuasion techniques 00:59:10 Biggest risks to bitcoin WHERE TO FOLLOW US: → Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom → Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom  → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter  → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital → Chaitanya Jain’s Twitter: https://x.com/_ChaitanyaJ

    1h 3m
  8. Entering a liquidity acceleration phase with Luke Gromen

    15 OCT

    Entering a liquidity acceleration phase with Luke Gromen

    In this episode, we sit down with Luke Gromen to unpack the U.S. fiscal landscape, exploring the growing strain of true interest expense and why the world may be entering a liquidity acceleration phase. Luke highlights some of the most crowded and least crowded trades in the market today and explains why gold miners are taking on a new role, while commodity stocks resemble bonds. We also discuss the potential release valves of gold, oil, and bitcoin. Luke provides insights into the shifting dynamics of physical versus paper assets, the repricing of bonds and hard assets, and bitcoin’s potential place in central bank reserves. Additionally, we cover China’s latest economic moves, the ongoing global debt bubble, and the potential impact of the U.S. Presidential election. SUPPORT THE PODCAST: → Subscribe → Leave a review → Share the show with your friends and family → Send us an email podcast@unchained.com → Learn more about Unchained: https://unchained.com/?utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=video&utm_campaign=TBF-podcast-description → Buy bitcoin in an IRA—sign up today and get your first year free: unchained.com/frontier TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - The U.S. fiscal situation and 'true interest expense' 02:49 - U.S. fiscal tightening and liquidity needs 04:03 - 'America doesn’t get to do collectively stupid stuff with borrowed money forever' 04:51 - What is money? 07:13 - Most crowded and least crowded trades today 08:39 - 'Gold miners are the new commodity stocks, commodity stocks are the new bonds' 12:07 - The release valve: gold, oil, and maybe bitcoin 14:21 - Bitcoin miners as the new gold miners? 16:06 - The importance of physical versus paper assets 20:10 - The accelerating repricing event in bonds and hard assets 23:49 - How bitcoin and gold fit into the reserve asset narrative 33:14 - Will central banks eventually hold bitcoin? 35:00 - China’s aggressive stimulus and what it means for global markets 39:00 - The global sovereign debt bubble and the U.S. deficit 40:21 - U.S. Presidential election and fiscal largesse 41:59 - Repricing of gold and bitcoin 49:10 - What most bitcoiners disagree with Luke on 50:24 - The biggest risks to bitcoin and gold 55:00 - Outro and where to find more of Luke’s work WHERE TO FOLLOW US: → Unchained Twitter: https://twitter.com/unchainedcom → Unchained LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/unchainedcom  → Unchained Newsletter: https://unchained.com/newsletter  → Joe Burnett’s Twitter: https://twitter.com/IIICapital → Luke Gromen’s Twitter: https://x.com/LukeGromen

    56 min

About

Explore how bitcoin as a monetary tool is transforming lives and perspectives. Through Joe Burnett’s conversations, uncover stories of innovation, disruption, and growth as we chart the ever-evolving bitcoin frontier. Whether you're a bitcoin veteran or just curious, The Bitcoin Frontier is your guide to the future of money.

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