Stephan Livera Podcast

Stephan Livera
  • 4.9 (397)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED SEMIWEEKLY

Join Stephan as he interviews the sharpest economic and technical minds in Bitcoin & Austrian Economics to help you understand how money is changing and evolving. Leading names in the world of Bitcoin join the show to share their insights, whether they are developers, CEOs, economists, authors, analysts and more.

  1. Bridging Bitcoin to TradFi with Harsha Goli | SLP717

    10H AGO

    Bridging Bitcoin to TradFi with Harsha Goli | SLP717

    In this episode, Harsha Goli from Magnolia Financial discusses the launch of their Bitcoin-enabled banking services across the US, navigating regulatory challenges, and the importance of partnerships with banks. He emphasizes the need for better user experiences in Bitcoin transactions, the role of price oracles, and the implications of the Clarity Act on Bitcoin development. The conversation also touches on the tension between traditional banks and the crypto industry, the future of community banks, and innovations in Bitcoin technology. Harsha shares insights on potential use cases for Magnolia's services and the challenges of bridging the gap in Bitcoin adoption, while also addressing privacy concerns in Bitcoin transactions. Takeaways: 🔸Magnolia Financial has launched Bitcoin-enabled banking services across all US states. 🔸The company aims to provide a better user experience in Bitcoin transactions. 🔸Partnerships with banks are crucial for navigating regulatory challenges. 🔸The Clarity Act is seen as a positive development for Bitcoin institutions. 🔸Stablecoins are currently dominating the financial landscape. 🔸Magnolia is focused on integrating financial services into Bitcoin applications. 🔸The future of community banks may involve adapting to crypto innovations. 🔸Innovations in Bitcoin technology, especially Layer 2 solutions, are promising. 🔸Privacy concerns in Bitcoin transactions are becoming increasingly complex. 🔸Harsha emphasizes the need for seamless money transfers in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (00:36) - Magnolia enabling Bitcoin-enabled banking (03:10) - Regulatory hurdles in the US (05:03) - Can Banks provide their own native Bitcoin rails? (08:24) - Improving UX with Magnolia (11:48) - Magnolia as Price Oracle in Bitcoin finance  (13:35) - Magnolia's pricing and onboarding process (17:10) - What is the impact of US regulations on Bitcoin development?  (21:11) - CLARITY Act (25:00) - Tension between Banks & Crypto (28:01) - Community Banks and Crypto? (29:31) - What is Harsha excited about in Bitcoin and its L2’s? (32:08) - Use cases of Magnolia (33:48) - Stable channels & Taproot assets (38:10) - Increasing Bitcoin adoption? (40:51) - Bitcoin privacy and financial scams (46:58) - Closing thoughts on building with Magnolia Links:  https://x.com/arshbot  https://x.com/magnolia_rails  https://magnolia.financial/  Stephan Livera links: Follow me on X: @stephanlivera Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to Substack

    49 min
  2. Are DLCs the Solution to Bitcoin Lending? with Matt Black & Jay Patel | SLP716

    3D AGO

    Are DLCs the Solution to Bitcoin Lending? with Matt Black & Jay Patel | SLP716

    In this episode, Stephan Livera discusses with Jay & Matt the evolution of Lygos Finance, a company formed from the acquisition of Atomic Finance, focusing on decentralized lending using Discreet Log Contracts (DLCs). The conversation explores the growth of the Bitcoin collateralized lending market, the unique position of Lygos in offering non-custodial loans, and the role of Oracles in determining loan outcomes. The hosts delve into the flexible loan terms and competitive interest rates offered by Lygos, as well as the platform's global reach and future developments in user experience and funding mechanisms. Takeaways: 🔸The merger of Atomic Finance and Lygos and its significance for DLC lending 🔸How DLCs work in a lending context: simplified signatures and outcomes 🔸Advantages of DLCs over traditional custodial lending platforms 🔸The role of oracles: Magnolia as a third-party verifier 🔸Speed improvements with adapter signatures and upcoming hardware wallet support 🔸Market size and growth of Bitcoin collateralized loans (over $25 billion) 🔸Comparison of DLCs versus custodial and multi-sig lending solutions 🔸Extending and rolling over DLC loans seamlessly 🔸UX considerations: transparency, privacy, and future seamless fiat/stablecoin onboarding 🔸Potential impacts of future Bitcoin upgrades like Taproot or Covenant support 🔸How DLCs support global, trust-minimized, and scalable lending Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (00:40) - From Atomic Finance to Lygos Finance  (04:02) - What is the size of the Bitcoin lending market?  (05:33) - Unique position of Lygos in the DLC space; Requirements for DLCs by hardware wallets (08:20) - What is a DLC?; How does DLC work in the Bitcoin loan context?   (12:49) - How is Lygos different from other Bitcoin lending platforms?  (16:44) - What is the role of an oracle in Lygos?  (20:53) - What does taking a loan with Lygos look like?; Loan terms, interest rates & collateral requirements  (32:10) - Global reach of Lygos; How are the loans funded?  (35:33) - Is UX a major factor in developing Lygos?  (40:02) - Possibility of future Bitcoin upgrades and their impact on DLCs (44:48) - Closing thoughts  Links:  https://x.com/matthewjablack  https://x.com/LygosFinance  https://www.lygos.finance/  Stephan Livera links: Follow me on X: @stephanlivera Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to Substack

    45 min
  3. Plan B El Salvador 2026 with Peter Schiff, Piero Coen, Skot | SLP715

    5D AGO

    Plan B El Salvador 2026 with Peter Schiff, Piero Coen, Skot | SLP715

    I was joined by Peter Schiff, Piero Coen, Skot at Plan B Elsalvador as we discussed Gold vs Bitcoin, AI & a multipolar world, Bitcoin as freedom money for Latinos and open-source mining decentralizing Bitcoin. Takeaways: 🔸Bitcoin and gold are often compared as stores of value. 🔸Recent market movements have raised questions about the stability of gold and silver. 🔸Central banks are increasingly buying gold, indicating a shift in demand. 🔸The US dollar's status as a reserve currency is being challenged. 🔸AI has potential to increase productivity but may not solve economic issues. 🔸Peter Schiff remains skeptical about Bitcoin's long-term value. 🔸Wall Street's involvement has influenced Bitcoin's popularity. 🔸Bitcoin requires continuous new buyers to maintain its value. 🔸The transition to Bitcoin-only solutions is gaining traction. 🔸Building local exchanges is crucial for Bitcoin adoption in Central America. Timestamps: (00:00) - Gold vs Bitcoin ft.Peter Schiff (28:30) - Bitcoin breaks banking exclusion for Latinos ft. Piero Coen (58:50) - Open-source Bitcoin mining ft. Skot Links:  https://x.com/PlanBElsalvador  https://x.com/PeterSchiff  https://x.com/piero_coen  https://x.com/osmo_money  https://x.com/skot9000  Stephan Livera links: Follow me on X: @stephanlivera Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to Substack

    1h 30m
  4. Bitcoin Apps For Everyone with Danny Stagg, Aljaz, & Brianna | SLP714

    JAN 28

    Bitcoin Apps For Everyone with Danny Stagg, Aljaz, & Brianna | SLP714

    In this episode, the discussion revolves around Breez's innovative SDK and its nodeless implementation, which simplifies the integration of Bitcoin and Lightning into applications. The guests share their experiences from the ‘Time to Build’ challenge, highlighting the ease of use and the potential for new applications in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Brianna discusses her social events platform, Evento, and how it leverages the Breez SDK to facilitate peer-to-peer value exchange. Aljaz shares insights on developing a BTC Pay plugin that enhances payment processing without the need for a full Lightning node. The conversation also touches on user experience design, the role of vibe coding in development, and the growing excitement around Bitcoin and Layer 2 solutions. Takeaways: 🔸Breez SDK simplifies Bitcoin integration for developers. 🔸Evento aims to create a fair events platform without high fees. 🔸Breez's node-less implementation reduces complexity for users. 🔸User experience is crucial for onboarding non-Bitcoiners. 🔸Vibe coding allows for rapid development and experimentation. 🔸Brianna emphasizes the importance of user feedback in design. 🔸Aljaz's BTC Pay plugin streamlines payment processing. 🔸Liquid and Spark offer different trade-offs for developers. 🔸The Bitcoin ecosystem is seeing renewed interest and innovation. 🔸The future of Bitcoin payments looks promising with new tools.  Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (01:04) - Overview of ‘Time to Build’ challenge (02:07) - What is Breez Nodeless SDK? (03:09) - Brianna’s experience of building Evento using Breez SDK (09:02) - Aljaz’s BTCPay Server plugin (12:48) - How does Aljaz’s BTCPay plugin help the end user?  (16:00) - What does implementing the plugin unlock?  (19:23) - Vibe coding Bitcoin payments with Breez SDK (21:30) - AI, MCP and documentation (24:54) - UX and design considerations for Evento (29:47) - Evento wallet  (34:07) - Comparing Liquid & Spark implementations (35:23) - Excitement around Bitcoin and L2 developments (41:14) - Closing thoughts  Links:  Brianna: https://x.com/briimhd  Danny: https://x.com/dannystagg Aljaz: https://x.com/aaaljaz   Evento: https://x.com/evento_so  Breez: https://x.com/breez_tech  Aljaz site: https://disobey.dev/  Stephan Livera links: Follow me on X: @stephanlivera Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to Substack

    43 min
  5. Hash-based signatures for Bitcoin's post-quantum future? with Jonas Nick | SLP713

    JAN 24

    Hash-based signatures for Bitcoin's post-quantum future? with Jonas Nick | SLP713

    In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Jonas Nick discuss the implications of quantum computing on Bitcoin's security, focusing on the risks posed to cryptographic signatures. They explore the current vulnerabilities in Bitcoin, the potential for quantum attacks, and the need for post-quantum cryptographic solutions. The discussion covers various signature schemes, including hash-based signatures, their trade-offs, and the challenges of transitioning to a quantum-resistant Bitcoin. They also touch on the implications for hardware wallets, multi-signature schemes, and the potential need for block size increases to accommodate new signature sizes. Takeaways: 🔸Quantum computers pose a real risk to Bitcoin's cryptography. 🔸Current Bitcoin signatures are vulnerable to long-range attacks. 🔸Hash-based signatures are significantly larger than current signatures. 🔸Transitioning to quantum resistance will require careful planning. 🔸The Bitcoin community must reach a consensus on new schemes. 🔸Verification costs will increase with new signature schemes. 🔸Hardware wallets will need to adapt to new signature requirements. 🔸Block size discussions may need to be revisited in light of quantum risks. 🔸The timeline for quantum computing advancements is uncertain. 🔸A gradual transition to quantum resistance may be necessary.  Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (01:49) - How real is quantum risk to Bitcoin? (04:39) - When could quantum pose a threat to Bitcoin’s cryptography?  (09:56) - Long range vs Short range attacks (12:37) - How many coins are vulnerable to Long range attacks? (14:12) - Different types of cryptography and exploring Hash-based signature schemes (17:00) - Categories of Hash-based signature scheme and their pros & cons (23:42) - How do Hash-based signatures work?  (32:14) - Would Lightning, Multi-sig, Taproot, Silent Payments, Atomic swaps work in a post-quantum world?  (38:50) - What are Adaptor signatures & how do they affect atomic swapping?  (41:27) - Will we need new Bitcoin hardware wallets?; Signature production & verification  (44:41) - Signature size and Bitcoin block capacity implications (46:52) - Should we revisit the block size conversation?  (54:57) - Overview of SPHINCS+ & SHRINCS (59:49) - Transitioning to post-quantum signature schemes; Overview of BIP 360 (1:09:06) - Closing thoughts Links:  https://x.com/n1ckler  Stephan Livera links: Follow me on X: @stephanlivera Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to Substack

    1h 12m
  6. The Financial System Built on Bitcoin with Arnab Naskar | SLP712

    JAN 23

    The Financial System Built on Bitcoin with Arnab Naskar | SLP712

    In this conversation, Arnab Naskar from Stokr discusses the intersection of Bitcoin, tokenization, and capital markets. He explains how Bitcoin serves as both a store of value and a settlement layer, enabling the creation of decentralized financial systems. The discussion covers the advantages of using Liquid for tokenization, the importance of confidentiality in transactions, and the innovative financing opportunities in energy and Bitcoin mining. Arnab emphasizes the systemic shift in financial markets due to tokenization, the role of stablecoins, and the future of decentralized finance on Liquid. Takeaways: 🔸Bitcoin serves as a store of value and a settlement layer. 🔸Stokr focuses on tokenizing financial assets on Liquid. 🔸Liquid offers confidentiality and stability for tokenized assets. 🔸Tokenization can reduce the need for intermediaries in finance. 🔸The market for tokenized securities is rapidly growing. 🔸Energy infrastructure financing is a key area for innovation. 🔸Tokenization opens up investment opportunities globally. 🔸Users can trade tokenized assets seamlessly on Liquid. 🔸The future of finance will involve both DEXs and centralized exchanges. 🔸Tokenization represents a systemic shift in capital markets. Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (00:59) - Who is Arnab and what is Stokr?  (02:29) - Isn’t Bitcoin enough?  (04:44) - How and why is Stokr different?; The importance of Liquid Network  (08:35) - How does Liquid compete with other chains for tokenization of assets?  (11:54) - What is CMSTR? (15:01) - Does Stokr help finance SMEs & traditional businesses? (18:23) - What is Blockstream Mining Note (BMN)?  (24:34) - Trust minimising the ownership of securities; Whitelisting process  (28:57) - How big is Liquid Network? How does it fare compared to other asset platforms?  (33:43) - Who are the customers of Stokr’s tokenized products?  (37:34) - What does the interface between Stokr and the end user look like?; The @Blockstream edge (46:11) - Is TradFi embracing tokenization of assets?; Will Bitcoin be the base layer for tokenization? (56:25) - Closing thoughts  Links:  https://x.com/Arnab_Naskarr  https://x.com/stokr_io  https://blog.liquid.net/cmstr-note-tokenizing-public-stock-on-liquid/ https://mining.blockstream.com/finance/bmn/   Stephan Livera links: Follow me on X: @stephanlivera Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to Substack

    57 min
  7. Lightning for Bitcoin Treasuries with Dave Lund | SLP711

    JAN 20

    Lightning for Bitcoin Treasuries with Dave Lund | SLP711

    In this episode Dave Lund, CEO of FlowRate, discusses the emerging concept of yield in the Lightning Network. Dave shares his background in the Bitcoin space and explains how FlowRate aims to bridge the gap between traditional treasury management and the Lightning ecosystem. He emphasizes the importance of liquidity leasing and routing fees as potential yield strategies for Bitcoin treasury companies, highlighting the need for businesses to adapt to this new financial landscape. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities that come with operating on the Lightning Network, particularly for institutional players looking to maximize their Bitcoin holdings. Dave also elaborates on the significance of network topology in the Lightning ecosystem, explaining how a well-positioned node can enhance yield potential. He also addresses the security concerns that treasuries face when deploying Bitcoin on Lightning, advocating for improved security measures such as multi-signature solutions. Dave predicts that liquidity leasing could eventually replace the traditional bond market, positioning Bitcoin as a viable fixed-income asset. Takeaways: 🔸Dave Lund emphasizes the potential of Lightning as the new telecom industry. 🔸Treasury companies are seen as key players in deploying capital on Lightning. 🔸Liquidity leasing is highlighted as a reliable yield strategy. 🔸Topology is crucial for effective Lightning operations. 🔸The conversation compares Lightning yield to traditional bond markets. 🔸Dave Lund discusses the challenges of security in Lightning deployments. 🔸FlowRate aims to simplify Lightning onboarding for businesses. 🔸The episode explores the evolving landscape of Bitcoin yield strategies. 🔸Dave Lund predicts liquidity leasing could replace the bond market. 🔸The importance of starting early in Lightning operations is stressed. Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (01:14) - Who is Dave Lund? (02:44) - What is FlowRate?; Basic building blocks of ‘Yield on Lightning Network’ (06:31) - Dave’s view on Bitcoin Treasury Companies; ‘Yield per deployed sat’ (10:23) - Real world examples of yield from Lightning Network - Cash App, LQWD Tech (15:22) - What are the possible challenges and opportunities in Lightning deployment? (18:46) - What does FlowRate offer?  (22:54) - How can BTCTC benefit from the yield generation via Lightning? (25:37) - What are the costs involved to operate the Lightning yield profitably?  (32:56) - Lightning Network topology and its impact on lightning efficiency (38:02) - Will the customers of FlowRate have their own Lightning node? (41:59) - The importance of security in managing Bitcoin (45:05) - Who can benefit from FlowRate?  (47:41) - Closing thoughts  Links:  https://www.flowrate.com/  Stephan Livera links: Follow me on X: @stephanlivera Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to Substack

    51 min
  8. Strive: Amplified Bitcoin Exposure Engine with Matt Cole | SLP710

    JAN 15

    Strive: Amplified Bitcoin Exposure Engine with Matt Cole | SLP710

    In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Matt Cole discuss the rapid growth and strategic developments of Strive, a Bitcoin treasury company, particularly following its merger with Semler Scientific. They explore the implications of this merger, the importance of institutional interest in Bitcoin, and the strategies for managing debt and generating yield. The discussion also touches on the competitive landscape of Bitcoin treasury companies, the role of digital credit, and the future outlook for Bitcoin in the context of increasing institutional adoption and market dynamics. Takeaways: 🔸Strive has rapidly grown its Bitcoin holdings through strategic mergers. 🔸The merger with Semler positions Strive as a leading Bitcoin treasury company. 🔸Institutional investors are increasingly interested in Bitcoin treasury companies. 🔸Strive aims to generate a significant Bitcoin yield for its investors. 🔸Managing debt effectively is crucial for Strive's future growth. 🔸The healthcare business from Semler will be monetized within a year. 🔸Acquisitions in the Bitcoin treasury space are strategic and not frequent. 🔸Understanding Bitcoin yield and amplification is key for investors. 🔸Digital credit is a growing area within Bitcoin treasury companies. 🔸The future of Bitcoin looks promising with increasing institutional adoption. Timestamps: (00:00) - Intro (01:37) - Strive’s growth and developments  (05:54) - What do institutions look for when investing in a BTCTC?; Reverse stock split  (09:08) - How will Strive manage its debt?; Amplifying Bitcoin exposure   (13:22) - How will Semler Scientific be monetized?  (17:06) - Accelerating Bitcoin yield through SATA; Possible future M&A (22:53) - Structuring a merger of a BTCTC  (26:30) - Valuing a BTCTC and mNAV considerations (34:46) - Matt's take on Danny Knowles's interview with Michael Saylor (39:54) - Should every BTCTC engage in financial engineering?  (44:18) - Differentiation in Bitcoin treasury companies (48:40) - What is the difference between SATA and STRC? (53:38) - Who is SATA for?  (57:49) - Which are the pools of capital that can’t directly buy Bitcoin? (1:01:41) - Have BTCTC cannibalized the on-chain use of Bitcoin? (1:04:34) - Outlook for Bitcoin in 2026 Links:  https://x.com/ColeMacro  https://x.com/Strive  Stephan Livera links: Follow me on X: @stephanlivera Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to Substack

    1h 9m
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About

Join Stephan as he interviews the sharpest economic and technical minds in Bitcoin & Austrian Economics to help you understand how money is changing and evolving. Leading names in the world of Bitcoin join the show to share their insights, whether they are developers, CEOs, economists, authors, analysts and more.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephan Livera
  • Years Active
    2018 - 2026
  • Episodes
    717
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Stephan Livera
  • Show Website
    Stephan Livera Podcast

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