Bitcoin Policy Institute

Bitcoin Policy Institute

The BPI team comprises experts in economics, law, philosophy, energy, and environmental science, working together to explore the impacts of new technology on existing US public policy interests. Below you'll find a variety of shows featuring BPI fellows, staff and guests, all of which explore the intersection of Bitcoin and United States policy.

  1. Bitcoin Policy Hour: Crypto-Redollarization: Gold, Tether & Bitcoin Shaping the New Monetary Order

    FEB 16

    Bitcoin Policy Hour: Crypto-Redollarization: Gold, Tether & Bitcoin Shaping the New Monetary Order

    Why did Tether launch a U.S. stablecoin now? Why does Coinbase have so much influence in Congress? And what’s really behind the SEC–CFTC harmonization push? Bitcoin Policy Hour breaks down the biggest regulatory stories shaping Bitcoin’s future plus a deep look at the debasement trade driving gold, silver, and potentially bitcoin higher.🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_🔶 Connect with Ken Egan on X: https://x.com/Bayman11771🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/Chapters: 03:15 – Tether’s GENIUS-Compliant U.S. Stablecoin Explained 07:30 – Is Tether’s U.S. Launch a Political Hedge? 11:45 – Stablecoins, Circle, and Global Liquidity 15:30 – SEC–CFTC Harmonization and Regulatory Power 20:10 – Market Structure, BRCA, and Developer Protections 26:00 – Section 1960 and the National Security Debate 33:20 – Why Coinbase Has So Much Influence in Congress 41:00 – Stablecoin Yield, Banks, and Political Fatigue 47:00 – Gold, Silver, Debasement, and Bitcoin’s Moment

    53 min
  2. Bitcoin Policy Hour: The Fight Over Stablecoins & Crypto Market Structure

    JAN 29

    Bitcoin Policy Hour: The Fight Over Stablecoins & Crypto Market Structure

    Why are banks fighting stablecoin yield and why does it matter for Bitcoin? Zack Shapiro, Ken Egan, and Zack Cohen, break down the political battle unfolding in the U.S. Senate and why Coinbase’s opposition could derail market structure reform in the latest Senate bill. From developer protections to self-custody rights, this episode explores what’s at stake for the future of Bitcoin in the United States. 🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro 🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_ 🔶 Connect with Ken Egan on X: https://x.com/Bayman11771 🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/ Chapters: 00:00 – Why U.S. Payments Lag Behind the World 05:05 – What the Market Structure Bill Is Trying to Do 10:10 – Stablecoin Yield and Coinbase’s Breaking Point 15:20 – Banking Lobby Power and Protectionism 20:15 – Developer Protections and Self-Custody Explained 25:00 – Why No Bill Could Be Worse Than a Bad Bill 30:00 – DOJ, Samurai Wallet, and the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve 35:30 – De Minimis Tax Exemptions and Network Fees 40:45 – Market Structure vs Crypto Tax Legislation 46:30 – Iran, Geopolitics, and Bitcoin’s Policy Role 51:30 – What Happens Next for U.S. Bitcoin Regulation

    56 min
  3. Congressman Warren Davidson Unveils the “Bitcoin for America Act” | Spotlight Series #1

    11/20/2025

    Congressman Warren Davidson Unveils the “Bitcoin for America Act” | Spotlight Series #1

    In this exclusive interview, Congressman Warren Davidson announces the introduction of the Bitcoin for America Act, legislation that could redefine how the United States adopts Bitcoin and how Americans fulfill their tax obligations.Hosted by Conner Brown, Head of Strategy at the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), this premiere episode of the BPI Spotlight Series explores:• Codifying the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve• Allowing Americans to pay federal taxes in Bitcoin• Eliminating capital gains taxes when Bitcoin is used for tax payments• Strengthening national security and economic resilience through sound money• Preserving financial privacy in a digital era• Encouraging grassroots adoption and opt-in contributions to a national Bitcoin reserve• Reestablishing the United States as the global leader in Bitcoin innovationWhy it matters:The United States faces unprecedented debt pressures and growing competition over the future of money. Davidson argues that Bitcoin provides a durable path toward financial stability, technological leadership, and renewed economic freedom for the American people.Key topics covered:• Bitcoin tax reform and de minimis payment exemptions• National competitiveness in the digital asset economy• Inflation, fiscal policy, and sovereign savings strategy• CBDC risks and the importance of privacy-preserving money• Gen Z financial opportunity and long-term savingsFor viewers interested in Bitcoin policy, economic strategy, and America’s financial future, this discussion offers essential insight into how forward-looking legislation could shape the decades ahead.Contact your elected representatives and encourage support for the Bitcoin for America Act.Subscribe for more policy-focused interviews and expert research from the Bitcoin Policy Institute.

    21 min
  4. Bitcoin Policy Hour Ep. 15: Washington's Crypto Power Grab Explained

    10/31/2025

    Bitcoin Policy Hour Ep. 15: Washington's Crypto Power Grab Explained

    In episode 15 of The Bitcoin Policy Hour, Washington is tightening its grip on crypto. Zack Cohen, Zack Shapiro, and Ken Egan of the Bitcoin Policy Institute are breaking down what that really means for your wallet and your freedom to build. From the fallout over the leaked DeFi regulation memo to renewed fights on Capitol Hill over self-custody and market structure, this week’s discussion dives into how power, politics, and innovation are colliding in D.C.From President Trump's pardon of former Binance CEO CZ to how quantum computing breakthroughs could challenge Bitcoin’s security to how the conflict between stablecoin's and traditional banking might change the future of money -- the BPI team analyze the shifting political economy of Bitcoin. Follow the link below to help save our wallets! Demand that congress support the BRCA amendments to the CLARITY Act. Protect your right to transact freely and keep innovation in America. https://saveourwallets.org/🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_🔶 Connect with Ken Egan on X: https://x.com/Bayman11771🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/Chapters: 00:00 – Quantum & Satoshi’s Coins00:31 – Welcome to Bitcoin Policy Hour01:20 – DeFi Leak Derails D.C. Negotiations 04:15 – Capitol Hill Fallout: Self-Custody, Code, and Crypto Regulation13:21 – Fed ‘Skinny Accounts’: Stablecoin Access to Central Banking27:47 – Narrow Banking Debate: Could Stablecoins Replace Banks?33:12 – Cuomo’s Crypto Play & New York’s BitLicense Experiment39:48 – Trump Pardons CZ: Political Conflicts and Binance’s Global Reach46:00 – Quantum Computing, National Security & Bitcoin Encryption Risks53:56 – Closing Thoughts: Bitcoin Policy Institute Updates & Next Week’s Outlook

    56 min
  5. Bitcoin Policy Hour Ep. 14: China's "Gold War", US Adds 127k BTC to Reserve?

    10/23/2025

    Bitcoin Policy Hour Ep. 14: China's "Gold War", US Adds 127k BTC to Reserve?

    In episode 14 of the Bitcoin Policy Hour, the BPI team breaks down one of the most consequential stories in Bitcoin policy to date. The U.S. government has seized one of the largest Bitcoin troves in history — approx. 127,000 BTC — from a massive “pig-butchering” scam ring. With the now-enacated SBR, the federal government is now empowered to add this to its hoard of Bitcoin.The team unpacks the legal and game theoretic implications of this: from the incentive for further legal enforcement, to the precedent this sets for asset forfeiture and Bitcoin regulation going forward.They also explore how China’s ongoing gold-buying spree is reshaping the global monetary order and what it means for the U.S. as bitcoin begins competing head-to-head with gold as the world’s next reserve asset.⭐ Joined by special guests Ken Egan and Stephen Pollock of BPI🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_🔶 Connect with Ken Egan on X: https://x.com/Bayman11771🔶 Connect with Stephen Pollock on X: https://x.com/spollockbtc🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Gold, Bitcoin, and the Debasement Trade02:00 – DOJ Takes Down Global Pig Butchering Ring06:07 – How the Scam Works & Why Victims Are Vulnerable10:16 – Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: Restitution, Seizures & Policy Impact14:22 – Nation-State Implications: China, Ransomware & Global Threats24:47 – The Clarity Act and Regulatory Landscape31:05 – Politics, Lobbying & Industry Response38:17 – Gold vs. Bitcoin: The Global Reserve Showdown46:01 – Bitcoin as National Power: Strategic Advantage Explained56:45 – Final Thoughts: Future Policy, Elections, and What’s Next

    1h 2m
  6. Hash Handcuffs: How Sanctions Collide with Censorship-Resistant Money

    10/06/2025

    Hash Handcuffs: How Sanctions Collide with Censorship-Resistant Money

    In this conversation, Renee Sorchik sits down with Dr. Joshua Hendrickson and Dr. Craig Warmke to discuss their new paper, Sanctions and Sanction-Resistant Money. They explore the concept of “Hash Handcuffs” — the idea of enforcing U.S. sanctions on the Bitcoin network — and whether such attempts are technically feasible or economically effective. The discussion examines potential pressure points such as miners, nodes, and developers; the role of Marathon Digital’s OFAC-compliant mining experiment; and the theoretical concept of “feather forking.” The guests also consider the geopolitical implications of sanctions enforcement, the importance of maintaining a strong domestic mining industry, and how Bitcoin’s censorship resistance challenges traditional financial control mechanisms. Connect with the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://x.com/btcpolicyorgConnect with Craig Warmke: https://x.com/craigwarmkeConnect with Josh Hendrickson: https://x.com/RebelEconProfConnect with Renee Sorchik: https://x.com/Renee_C_S Chapters:00:00 – Intro & Guest Bios01:00 – Why the U.S. dollar dominates global sanctions03:00 – Bitcoin’s censorship resistance vs. OFAC compliance07:00 – Miners, nodes & developers as sanction targets12:00 – The Marathon Digital “clean block” experiment17:00 – Why compliant mining isn’t impossible22:00 – Fees, incentives & global mining competition25:00 – The “Feather Fork” strategy explained30:00 – How chain rewrites could change miner incentives38:00 – Game theory of mining compliance44:00 – Why domestic mining is a matter of national security47:00 – Bitcoin’s resilience against censorship52:00 – Closing thoughts: freedom, policy, and the future of mining

    54 min
  7. Bitcoin Policy Hour Ep. 13: The War on Bitcoin Wallets, Why CLARITY is Make or Break

    10/03/2025

    Bitcoin Policy Hour Ep. 13: The War on Bitcoin Wallets, Why CLARITY is Make or Break

    Congress is waging a war on Bitcoin wallets through the CLARITY Act — a market structure bill that could either protect self-custody and open-source developers or dismantle them at the last minute. In episode 17, special guest Kyle Olney joins to break down what the bill really says, why the Satoshi Needs You campaign is rallying Bitcoiners, and how Washington politics could decide the future of peer-to-peer money. This is the most important Bitcoin policy battle in over 16 years — one that will shape freedom to transact in America and beyond.Read more about the Save our Wallets campaign in Bitcoin Magazine: http://bitcoinmagazine.com/politics/s...🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_🔶 Connect with Kyle Olney on X: https://x.com/KyleOlney🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/Chapters:00:00 - Introduction: Context on Bitcoin Policy and AI01:26 - Save Our Wallets Campaign Background and Purpose07:04 - Current Status and Challenges of Market Structure Legislation14:38 - Risks Rollback Risks18:07 - Implications of the Market Structure Bill for Bitcoin20:03 - The Critical Moment: Schrodinger's Bill and Call to Action20:52 - Why Developer Protections Matter for Bitcoin's Future23:05 - Legal and Philosophical Challenges of Regulating Infrastructure36:35 - Reassurance and Encouragement for First-Time Advocacy39:22 - Reaching the Middle Ground in the Senate46:10 - Bitcoin's Success and Government Pushback48:15 - The Fight for Freedom Money50:44 - Final Call to Action - SAVE OUR WALLETS

    53 min
  8. Bitcoin Policy Hour Ep. 12: Intel, AI and Investing in the Age of State-Led Capitalism

    09/17/2025

    Bitcoin Policy Hour Ep. 12: Intel, AI and Investing in the Age of State-Led Capitalism

    In an era where free markets are increasingly shaped by state power, investors need to understand the nexus of geopolitics, political economy and exponential technologies as a tool of statecraft. BPI’s Matt Pines and Zack Shapiro join Zack Cohen to examine how U.S. industrial policy, AI breakthroughs, and Bitcoin regulation are converging to reshape global markets. The conversation explores the latest market structure bill and its impact on Bitcoin liquidity, the strategic Bitcoin reserve as a potential geopolitical hedge, and what Intel’s bailout signals about the rise of national champions and state-directed capital allocation. Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Strategic Technologies & Global Rivalry01:19 - Market Structure Legislation: What's New09:52 - Noncustodial Developer Protection as a Priority14:06 - Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: National Security & Geopolitical Implications20:57 - Political Cycles: The Defining Feature of Market Cycles?26:20 - Intel, NVIDIA & Government Stakes in Tech Companies49:07 - Economic Statecraft and the Shift from Multinational to National Capitalism49:07 - AI: The New Social Architecture55:45 - Closing Remarks

    56 min
See All (38)

About

The BPI team comprises experts in economics, law, philosophy, energy, and environmental science, working together to explore the impacts of new technology on existing US public policy interests. Below you'll find a variety of shows featuring BPI fellows, staff and guests, all of which explore the intersection of Bitcoin and United States policy.

Information

  • Creator
    Bitcoin Policy Institute
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Bitcoin Policy Institute
  • Show Website
    Bitcoin Policy Institute

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