Jesse Meyers - This Is A Species Defining Moment

In this episode, I chat with Jesse Myers, a Bitcoin strategy advisor and the author of the essay Once-in-a-Species. He shares deep excitement for Bitcoin treasury companies and how they might be the gateway for TradFi capital to enter Bitcoin at scale. We also dive deep into the evolutionary roots of money and how the innate human drive for scarcity laid the groundwork for the concept of money, civilization itself, and ultimately Bitcoin as the perfection of scarcity. ––– Offers & Discounts ––– Theya is the world’s simplest Bitcoin self-custody solution. Download Theya Now at theya.us/cedric Get up to $100 in Bitcoin on River at river.com/matrix The best Team Bitcoin merch is at HodlersOfficial.com. Use the code Matrix for a discount on your order. Become a sponsor of the show: https://thebitcoinmatrix.com/sponsors/ ––– Get To Know Today's Guest ––– • Jesse Myers on X: https://x.com/Croesus_BTC • Once-in -species Essay: https://www.onceinaspecies.com/p/once-in-a-species-73b ––– Socials ––– • Check out our new website at https://TheBitcoinMatrix.Com • Follow Cedric Youngelman on X: https://x.com/cedyoungelman • Follow The Bitcoin Matrix Podcast on X: https://x.com/_bitcoinmatrix • Follow Cedric Youngelman on Nostr: npub12tq9jxmt707gd5vnce3tqllpm67ktr0mqskcvy58qqa4d074pz9s4ukdcs ––– Chapters ––– 00:00 - Intro 01:04 - Jesse's Bitcoin Journey  02:03 - “Once in a Species”: What Inspired the Essay  02:53 - Nick Szabo, Shell Beads & Proto-Money  05:57 - Jesse’s Academic Background: From Neuroscience to Bitcoin  06:58 - Art, Humanity & Neanderthals  09:05 - Who Were the Neanderthals?  13:48 - Why Did Homo Sapiens Triumph?  16:55 - Victorian & Modern Theories on Neanderthals  20:22 - Current Academia’s View vs Austrian Economics  24:04 - The Hidden Economic Purpose of Shell Beads  28:23 - Brain Science & Scarcity: The TKTL1 Mutation  31:45 - Symbolic Thought: Neanderthals vs Homo Sapiens  34:38 - Population Density & Dunbar’s Number  38:46 - Money as a Social Efficiency Multiplier  43:14 - From Tribalism to Civilization Through Trade  48:28 - Reading Excerpt: Scarcity as the Root of Human Flourishing  50:16 - Lessons from the Past for Bitcoin’s Future  56:22 - Bitcoin: The Invention of Perfect Scarcity  01:00:50 - How Bitcoin Changes Civilization  01:05:38 - Deflation, Craftsmanship & Cultural Flywheels  01:07:39 - Closing Thoughts: Scarcity, Collectibles & Civilization  01:11:35 - What’s Next: Bitcoin Treasury Strategy & SmarterWeb  DISCLAIMER: All views in this episode are our own and DO NOT reflect the opinions/views of any of our guests or sponsors. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, supporting the show, and contributing. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of the Bitcoin Matrix Podcast, I chat with Knut Svanholm, a former seafarer turned philosopher and the mind behind the “Bitcoin Infinity” meme. We explore the philosophy of freedom, how Bitcoin changes human interactions, and what it truly means to live without fear in an age of paper Bitcoin and clown world distractions. ––– Offers & Discounts ––– Theya is the world’s simplest Bitcoin self-custody solution. Download Theya Now at theya.us/cedric  Get up to $100 in Bitcoin on River at river.com/matrix The best Team Bitcoin merch is at HodlersOfficial.com. Use the code Matrix for a discount on your order. Become a sponsor of the show: https://thebitcoinmatrix.com/sponsors/ ––– Get To Know Today's Guest ––– • Knut Svanholm on X: https://x.com/knutsvanholm ––– Socials ––– • Check out our new website at https://TheBitcoinMatrix.Com • Follow Cedric Youngelman on X: https://x.com/cedyoungelman • Follow The Bitcoin Matrix Podcast on X: https://x.com/_bitcoinmatrix • Follow Cedric Youngelman on Nostr: npub12tq9jxmt707gd5vnce3tqllpm67ktr0mqskcvy58qqa4d074pz9s4ukdcs ––– Chapters ––– 00:00 - Intro 01:06 - Knut’s Recent Work and Bitcoin Infinity Academy 04:14 - Philosophical Direction of Bitcoin in 2025 06:18 - Is Bitcoin Divine or Merely Civilized? 07:38 - Directional Libertarianism and Fiat Jobs 09:06 - Bitcoin, Hope, and Time Preference 11:33 - Money Printing: Conspiracy or Human Nature? 13:06 - Shawshank, Hope, and Government Overreach  16:08 - Free Will, Clown World, and Observations  20:06 - Ownership vs. Possession in Bitcoin  23:07 - Confidence, Satoshis, and Identity  29:20 - Bitcoin as the Internet’s Missing Layer 30:31 - FUD, Media, and Psychological Filters  33:34 - Stoicism, Thought, and Reality Control  38:09 - Past Regrets and Mindfulness in the Moment  41:35 - Thought Observation and Creative Flow 44:23 - Reflection, Growth, and Staying Grounded  46:49 - Generational Wealth and Responsibility 50:24 - Infinity Divided by 21 Million  52:15 - Can Bitcoin Be Broken?  54:42 - Final Thoughts  DISCLAIMER: All views in this episode are our own and DO NOT reflect the opinions/views of any of our guests or sponsors.  I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, supporting the show, and contributing.  Thank you for listening!

In this episode, I chat with the most interesting Bitcoiner out there, George Bodine. He opens up about his unshakable Bitcoin conviction, the painful distance it’s caused with his son, and his deep desire to leave behind generational wealth and wisdom. ––– Offers & Discounts ––– Theya is the world’s simplest Bitcoin self-custody solution. Download Theya Now at theya.us/cedric  Get up to $100 in Bitcoin on River at river.com/matrix The best Team Bitcoin merch is at HodlersOfficial.com. Use the code Matrix for a discount on your order. Become a sponsor of the show: https://thebitcoinmatrix.com/sponsors/ ––– Get To Know Today's Guest ––– • George Bodine on X: https://x.com/Jethroe111 ––– Socials ––– • Check out our new website at https://TheBitcoinMatrix.Com • Follow Cedric Youngelman on X: https://x.com/cedyoungelman • Follow The Bitcoin Matrix Podcast on X: https://x.com/_bitcoinmatrix • Follow Cedric Youngelman on Nostr: npub12tq9jxmt707gd5vnce3tqllpm67ktr0mqskcvy58qqa4d074pz9s4ukdcs  ––– Chapters ––– 00:00 - Intro  01:16 - The Most Interesting Bitcoiner  03:00 - From Fighter Jets to Fine Art  04:40 - Trailer Parks, Childhood, and Grit  07:18 - The Top Gun Years  09:27 - Stories About Tom Cruise and Life Lessons from Top Gun  11:50 - Post-Navy Hustles: Cab Driving and Cop Life  16:06 - Reinvention and Resilience  18:26 - Art, Creativity, and Mining Behind the Canvas  22:19 - Living the Bitcoin Life 26:14 - Advice to Plebs Still Grinding  29:52 - What If You Were a Young, Free Bitcoiner?  35:01 - Facing Fear and Surviving Tough Times  41:18 - Shark Encounter While Scuba Diving  43:40 - Bowhunting Elk and the Challenge of Nature  45:39 - Roman History, Plebs, and Humility  48:53 - Freedom, Kindness, and a Life Well-Lived  53:50 - Envy, Wealth, and the Bitcoin Divide  55:49 - Father’s Day Reflections and Family  01:01:04 - Leaving a Legacy and Having Enough  01:06:18 - Final Reflections: Honor, Kindness, and Purpose  DISCLAIMER: All views in this episode are our own and DO NOT reflect the opinions/views of any of our guests or sponsors.  I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, supporting the show, and contributing. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, I chat with Pablo from Panties for Bitcoin, a family-run business that designs high-quality undergarments. He shares the economic realities of Argentina, the dangers of hyperinflation, and the passion behind creating a slow-fashion Bitcoin brand. ––– Offers & Discounts ––– Theya is the world’s simplest Bitcoin self-custody solution. Download Theya Now at theya.us/cedric Get up to $100 in Bitcoin on River at river.com/Matrix The best Team Bitcoin merch is at HodlersOfficial.com. Use the code Matrix for a discount on your order. Become a sponsor of the show: https://thebitcoinmatrix.com/sponsors/ ––– Get To Know Today's Guest ––– • Panties for Bitcoin on X: https://x.com/PantiesBitcoin • Panties for Bitcoin on Nostr: npub16xcnlkwcvrasle96yzpqywqy5hqyku483lwk843a0r70gsmr4r9sa7np3r ––– Socials ––– • Check out our new website at https://TheBitcoinMatrix.Com • Follow Cedric Youngelman on X: https://x.com/cedyoungelman • Follow The Bitcoin Matrix Podcast on X: https://x.com/_bitcoinmatrix • Follow Cedric Youngelman on Nostr: npub12tq9jxmt707gd5vnce3tqllpm67ktr0mqskcvy58qqa4d074pz9s4ukdcs ––– Chapters ––– 00:00 - Intro 01:00 - From Argentina to Canada: A Family Business Legacy 03:00 - Early Career in Underwear Manufacturing 05:00 - Economic Crisis & Emigration Story 08:00 - Hyperinflation in Argentina Explained 10:30 - First Encounters with Bitcoin 13:00 - Cancer Diagnosis & a Life-Changing Pivot 16:00 - Creating a Bitcoin-Centric Brand 18:00 - Getting the Family on Board with Bitcoin 20:00 - Bitcoin Conferences & Community Growth 23:00 - Trading vs. Building Value 25:00 - Bitcoin-Only Business Philosophy 27:00 - The Role of Design & Quality in Their Brand 30:00 - Embracing “Slow Fashion” on a Bitcoin Standard 32:00 - Working with Family & Bitcoin-Fueled Unity 34:00 - Lessons on Uncertainty, Growth & Inspiration DISCLAIMER: All views in this episode are our own and DO NOT reflect the opinions/views of any of our guests or sponsors. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, supporting the show, and contributing. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, I chat with Eric Balchunas, senior ETF analyst at Bloomberg Intelligence and author of The Bogle Effect. We dive into the life and legacy of Jack Bogle, the founder of Vanguard, and explore the evolution of Bitcoin ETFs. ––– Offers & Discounts ––– Theya is the world’s simplest Bitcoin self-custody solution. Download Theya Now at theya.us/cedric Get up to $100 in Bitcoin on River at river.com/Matrix The best Team Bitcoin merch is at HodlersOfficial.com. Use the code Matrix for a discount on your order. Become a sponsor of the show: https://thebitcoinmatrix.com/sponsors/ ––– Get To Know Today's Guest ––– • Eric Balchunas on X: https://x.com/EricBalchunas ––– Socials ––– • Check out our new website at https://TheBitcoinMatrix.Com • Follow Cedric Youngelman on X: https://x.com/cedyoungelman • Follow The Bitcoin Matrix Podcast on X: https://x.com/_bitcoinmatrix • Follow Cedric Youngelman on Nostr: npub12tq9jxmt707gd5vnce3tqllpm67ktr0mqskcvy58qqa4d074pz9s4ukdcs ––– Chapters ––– 00:00 - Intro 01:12 - Eric’s Background: Journalism to Finance 05:53 - Investing Philosophy and Personal Strategy  09:24 - Exploring The Bogle Effect  12:09 - Comparing Bogle and Satoshi  22:19 - Origin Story of Vanguard  24:45 - Launching the First Index Fund  28:51 - The Sacrificial Ethos of Bogle 34:46 - Buffett’s Tribute and Endorsement  37:03 - Who Are the Bogleheads?  42:09 - Bogle’s Take on ETFs and Trading  44:59 - Frankenstein’s Monster: Thematic ETFs  49:46 - The Art of Doing Nothing  50:56 - Inflation, Bitcoin, and the Real Return  53:18 - Comparing Bitcoin and U.S. Stocks 54:45 - Bogle’s Take on Trustless Money and Banks  58:33 - Eric’s Journey into Bitcoin via ETF Filings  01:04:55 - TradFi’s Shift After the Bitcoin ETF Approval  01:05:37 - BlackRock, Fidelity & the Legitimization of Bitcoin  1:13:17 - ETFs response to a Major Drop in Bitcoin's Price  1:19:40 - The Two Things that Convinced Eric About Bitcoin  1:24:10 - How Has Bitcoin Changed Eric  DISCLAIMER: All views in this episode are our own and DO NOT reflect the opinions/views of any of our guests or sponsors.  I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, supporting the show, and contributing.  Thank you for listening!

In this episode, I chat with Paul Tarantino and John Burnett—two of the most dynamic Bitcoiners I know—about the hidden frameworks of power and consent that shape our world. If you’re ready to step outside The Truman Show and see the matrix for what it really is, you won’t want to miss this mind-expanding conversation.  ––– Offers & Discounts ––– Get 10% off your ticket for BitcoinDay in Tampa! Use the promo code MATRIX at https://bitcoinday.io/register Theya is the world’s simplest Bitcoin self-custody solution. Download Theya Now at theya.us/cedric Get up to $100 in Bitcoin on River at river.com/Matrix The best Team Bitcoin merch is at HodlersOfficial.com. Use the code Matrix for a discount on your order. Become a sponsor of the show: https://thebitcoinmatrix.com/sponsors/ ––– Get To Know Today's Guest ––– • John Burnett on X: https://x.com/truthinlogicBTC • Paul Tarantino on X: https://x.com/Humble_Hodl1111 ––– Socials ––– • Check out our new website at https://TheBitcoinMatrix.Com • Follow Cedric Youngelman on X: https://x.com/cedyoungelman • Follow The Bitcoin Matrix Podcast on X: https://x.com/_bitcoinmatrix • Follow Cedric Youngelman on Nostr: npub12tq9jxmt707gd5vnce3tqllpm67ktr0mqskcvy58qqa4d074pz9s4ukdcs  ––– Chapters ––– 00:00 - Intro  04:08 - Common Law vs. Maritime Law  08:36 - Did We Really Win the Revolutionary War?  12:55 - USA Inc. and the Legal Shift Post-1871  17:48 - Consent, Legalese, and The Truman Show  21:26 - Birth Certificates, Corporate Identity & Voluntary Servitude 26:07 - House Joint Resolution 192 & Fiat Collateralization  34:25 - Promissory Notes and the Right to Issue Credit  38:54 - The Bank Double-Dip Scheme  44:02 - Ownership, the DTCC & The Great Taking  50:05 - Will the Big Print Actually Happen?  54:53 - Fighting Fire with Fire: Using Their Legal System  01:00:38 - Creating Your Own Credit: Power and Pitfalls  01:07:04 - How Bitcoin Could Be Sidelined Like Gold  01:10:12 - Asserting Rights Outside the Legal Matrix 01:14:11 - Building a Sovereign Minority Movement  01:15:52 - Hope, Empowerment & The Remedy Clause  01:18:00 - Vision of Decentralized Resistance  01:21:37 - Sovereignty and Bitcoin as Parallel Paths  01:26:00 - Common Law vs. Legal System: Practical Examples  01:29:20 - Role of Language, Contracts, and Consent  01:36:44 - Defending Bitcoiners from Legal Traps  01:43:15 - Voluntary Slavery vs. Informed Sovereignty  01:46:35 - Final Words: Reclaiming Your Rights  DISCLAIMER: All views in this episode are our own and DO NOT reflect the opinions/views of any of our guests or sponsors.  I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, supporting the show, and contributing.  Thank you for listening!

In this episode of the Bitcoin Matrix Podcast, I chat with Richard Byworth, a seasoned investment banker turned Bitcoin maximalist, live from the Bitcoin Conference in Las Vegas. We explore the mechanics and evolution of convertible bonds, Bitcoin treasury strategies, and why institutional players are waking up to Bitcoin’s potential.  ––– Offers & Discounts ––– Theya is the world’s simplest Bitcoin self-custody solution. Download Theya Now at theya.us/cedric Get up to $100 in Bitcoin on River at river.com/Matrix The best Team Bitcoin merch is at HodlersOfficial.com. Use the code Matrix for a discount on your order. Become a sponsor of the show: https://thebitcoinmatrix.com/sponsors/ ––– Get To Know Today's Guest ––– • Richard Byworth on X: https://x.com/RichardByworth ––– Socials ––– • Check out our new website at https://TheBitcoinMatrix.Com • Follow Cedric Youngelman on X: https://x.com/cedyoungelman • Follow The Bitcoin Matrix Podcast on X: https://x.com/_bitcoinmatrix • Follow Cedric Youngelman on Nostr: npub12tq9jxmt707gd5vnce3tqllpm67ktr0mqskcvy58qqa4d074pz9s4ukdcs  ––– Chapters ––– 00:00 - Intro 01:14 - Richard's Background  02:52 - Building Nomura’s Convertible Bond Business  05:53 - Becoming a Bitcoin Maximalist  07:43 - Explaining Convertible Bonds for Bitcoiners  09:28 - Convertible Bonds as Institutional Tools  10:17 - Why MicroStrategy Can Issue Zero-Coupon Convertibles  12:44 - Will Bitcoin Volatility Increase or Decrease?  14:10 - Forecasting a Supply Crunch and Volatility Spike  14:59 - The Bitcoin Treasury Company Playbook  16:17 - Metaplanet’s Strategic Innovation  19:34 - Accretive Dilution vs Traditional Dilution  24:05 - Short Squeezes and Japan’s Market Mechanics  27:26 - The Debate Around Proof of Reserves  33:47 - Future of BTC Dividends and Financial Engineering  34:28 - Why TradFi Still Doesn’t Understand Bitcoin  37:14 - Where Is Real Bitcoin Price Discovery?  38:55 - ETF Flows and Institutional Demand Signals  40:08 - Satoshis vs BTC: The Unit Bias Debate  42:10 - Advice for High-Net-Worth Investors Considering Bitcoin  I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, supporting the show, and contributing. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, I sit down with Bob Burnett, the founder and CEO of Barefoot Mining. We dive into the psychological and structural challenges facing Bitcoin today, from developer-community disconnects to the risks of cultural stagnation and the need for evolved governance. ––– Offers & Discounts ––– ⭐ Get 10% OFF Blockhunters — the ultimate Bitcoin board game. Visit https://blockhuntersgame.com/ and use code btcmatrix at checkout! Get 10% off your ticket for the Bitcoin Conference 2025 in Vegas! Use the promo code MATRIX at https://tickets.b.tc/affiliate/matrix/event/bitcoin-2025 Theya is the world’s simplest Bitcoin self-custody solution. Download Theya Now at theya.us/cedric Get up to $100 in Bitcoin on River at river.com/Matrix The best Team Bitcoin merch is at HodlersOfficial.com. Use the code Matrix for a discount on your order. Become a sponsor of the show: https://thebitcoinmatrix.com/sponsors/ ––– Get To Know Today's Guest ––– • Bob Burnett on X: https://x.com/boomer_btc ––– Socials ––– • Check out our new website at https://TheBitcoinMatrix.Com • Follow Cedric Youngelman on X: https://x.com/cedyoungelman • Follow The Bitcoin Matrix Podcast on X: https://x.com/_bitcoinmatrix • Follow Cedric Youngelman on Nostr: npub12tq9jxmt707gd5vnce3tqllpm67ktr0mqskcvy58qqa4d074pz9s4ukdcs ––– Chapters ––– 00:00 - Intro 01:11 - Bob’s Background 06:02 - Bitcoin’s Adoption Curve 09:08 - Early Majority Psychology 14:20 - Lessons from the PC Boom 17:26 - Community Schism 21:47 - Perception vs. Price 24:25 - Governance Without Leaders 32:10 - Communication Breakdown 40:33 - What Is OP_RETURN? 46:10 - Spam vs. Freedom 52:36 - Miner Incentives 58:24 - Future of Block Space 01:06:22 - Core Dev Frustration 01:13:11 - When to Change Bitcoin 01:15:09 - Time Bug & Quantum Threat 01:21:00 - Satoshi’s Coins 01:26:05 - Institutional Shifts 01:32:10 - Conservatism vs. Change 01:35:15 - Final Thoughts I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, supporting the show, and contributing. Thank you for listening!

In this episode, I sit down with Adam Meister, a Bitcoin OG, and a relentless promoter of strong hands and long-term thinking. Adam first bought Bitcoin in 2013, has never sold a coin, and lives by the ethos that “deferral of gratification” is the true path to freedom. ––– Offers & Discounts ––– ⭐ Get 10% OFF Blockhunters — the ultimate Bitcoin board game. Visit https://blockhuntersgame.com/ and use code btcmatrix at checkout! Get 10% off your ticket for the Bitcoin Conference 2025 in Vegas! Use the promo code MATRIX at https://tickets.b.tc/affiliate/matrix/event/bitcoin-2025 Theya is the world’s simplest Bitcoin self-custody solution. Download Theya Now at theya.us/cedric Get up to $100 in Bitcoin on River at river.com/Matrix The best Team Bitcoin merch is at HodlersOfficial.com. Use the code Matrix for a discount on your order. Become a sponsor of the show: https://thebitcoinmatrix.com/sponsors/ ––– Get To Know Today's Guest ––– • Adam Meister on X: https://x.com/TechBalt ––– Socials ––– • Check out our new website at https://TheBitcoinMatrix.Com • Follow Cedric Youngelman on X: https://x.com/cedyoungelman • Follow The Bitcoin Matrix Podcast on X: https://x.com/_bitcoinmatrix • Follow Cedric Youngelman on Nostr: npub12tq9jxmt707gd5vnce3tqllpm67ktr0mqskcvy58qqa4d074pz9s4ukdcs ––– Chapters ––– 00:00 - Intro 01:05 - Welcoming Back Adam Meister 04:17 - The 4-Year Cycle and Adam’s Never-Sell Strategy 05:27 - Leveraging Bitcoin for Fiat in 2025 08:17 - U.S. Bitcoin Policy & Stablecoins vs FedCoin 10:23 - Stablecoins, Dollar Dominance, and Self-Custody 12:12 - Mental Resistance to Spending Bitcoin 18:06 - Political Shift: From Anti-Crypto to Bitcoin Embraced 19:10 - Identity, Image, and What Real Wealth Looks Like 23:24 - Bitcoin, Family, and Gratification Deferral 27:15 - Being Part of the Innovation Frontier 29:52 - Staying Stoic Through Forks and Fear 31:08 - The Mental Struggle with Fulfillment 33:36 - Disappearing Bitcoin Millionaires & Safety Concerns 35:59 - Adam’s Austerity & Global Travel Tips 38:03 - Recognition, Humility, and Local Identity 39:04 - Roger Ver, Forced Hodlers & Buying Mistakes 42:01 - Sacrifice, Hard Days & It’s Not Luck 45:19 - Class Warfare vs Individual Empowerment 48:16 - Bitcoin & Political Crossfire 50:08 - Be Principled, Not Populist 52:07 - The “Working Man” Myth & Opportunity in the U.S. 53:14 - Rejecting Class Warfare for Cultural Understanding 56:13 - Bitcoin Connects the World 57:18 - Escape from Fiat Dependency 59:17 - Life Without 9-to-5: The Freedom Bitcoin Brings 01:00:21 - The Bitcoin Overlay 01:00:21 - Living in the Bitcoin Overlay During Crisis 01:01:07 - Staying Calm Through the 2020 Panic 01:02:45 - Why Adam Avoids Traditional Wealth Displays 01:04:10 - Freedom From the Fiat Mindset 01:06:30 - Advice for Young Bitcoiners 01:08:12 - Stories of Forced HODLing and Regret 01:10:00 - Calling Out Fake OGs & Clickbait Culture 01:12:05 - Bitcoiners Who Disappeared Into Privacy 01:15:27 - Staying Humble Despite Millions 01:17:15 - Cheap Living, Smart Travel, and Baltimore Roots 01:19:05 - Why Deferring Gratification Pays Off 01:23:25 - Connecting Across Cultures Through Bitcoin 01:25:10 - Rejecting Class Warfare and Scapegoating 01:29:00 - Why Bitcoin Is Still the Best Bet 01:31:00 - Parting Wisdom from a True OG I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, supporting the show, and contributing. Thank you for listening!

In this episode of the Bitcoin Matrix Podcast, I chat with Tad Smith, the former CEO of Sotheby’s and Madison Square Garden, and the current CEO of Durable Money. We also dig deep into investing, valuation frameworks, AI, tariffs, and the future of American labor. Meet the man who’s led billion-dollar companies and still chose to go down the Bitcoin rabbit hole.  ––– Offers & Discounts ––– ⭐ Get 10% OFF Blockhunters — the ultimate Bitcoin board game. Visit https://blockhuntersgame.com/ and use code btcmatrix at checkout! Get 10% off your ticket for the Bitcoin Conference 2025 in Vegas! Use the promo code MATRIX at https://tickets.b.tc/affiliate/matrix/event/bitcoin-2025 Theya is the world’s simplest Bitcoin self-custody solution. Download Theya Now at theya.us/cedric Get up to $100 in Bitcoin on River at river.com/Matrix The best Team Bitcoin merch is at HodlersOfficial.com. Use the code Matrix for a discount on your order. Become a sponsor of the show: https://thebitcoinmatrix.com/sponsors/ ––– Get To Know Today's Guest ––– • Tad Smith on X: https://x.com/tadtweets ––– Socials ––– • Check out our new website at https://TheBitcoinMatrix.Com • Follow Cedric Youngelman on X: https://x.com/cedyoungelman • Follow The Bitcoin Matrix Podcast on X: https://x.com/_bitcoinmatrix • Follow Cedric Youngelman on Nostr: npub12tq9jxmt707gd5vnce3tqllpm67ktr0mqskcvy58qqa4d074pz9s4ukdcs ––– Chapters ––– 00:00 - Intro 01:10 – Meet Tad Smith: Ex-CEO Turned Bitcoiner 02:30 – Childhood in Denver & Ivy League Choice 04:00 – JP Morgan, HBS & Rockefeller Days 07:00 – Music & Media Career: BMG to McKinsey 09:00 – Corporate Climb: Starwood, Elsevier, MSG 14:00 – Sotheby’s CEO & Bitcoin Rabbit Hole 17:00 – Teaching Finance & Discovering Bitcoin 21:30 – Fiat Illusion: Markets vs. Money Supply 25:00 – Kubler-Ross Model of Bitcoin Adoption 28:00 – Tech Patterns: Yahoo, Google, Amazon 33:00 – Collectibles, Scarcity & Emotional Investing 36:00 – Tad’s Personal Stock Bets 39:00 – Indexing & Monopoly Dynamics 43:00 – Bitcoin as the Benchmark 48:00 – Portfolio Moves: Strategy, Options, Art 52:00 – The Maxi Mindset 54:00 – Tariffs & AI’s Economic Impact 59:00 – Robots & Reshoring Risks 1:03:00 – Purpose Beyond Work 1:06:00 – AI & Post-Work Societies 1:09:00 – America’s Economic Reckoning 1:12:00 – Fixing Education & National Confidence 1:15:00 – Long-Term Optimism Despite Chaos 1:18:00 – The Battle for Bitcoin Narrative 1:21:00 – Bitcoin’s Role in the Next Economy 1:24:00 – What TradFi Still Misses About Bitcoin 1:28:00 – Advice to Young Investors 1:31:00 – Thoughts on Bitcoin ETFs & Regulation 1:35:00 – Why Bitcoin Is Undervalued 1:38:00 – Bitcoin in a Multipolar World 1:41:00 – Preparing for Hyperbitcoinization 1:44:00 – Final Thoughts on Freedom & Legacy I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, supporting the show, and contributing. Thank you for listening!