Magic Internet Money – Details, episodes & analysis

This episode was recorded on April 23, 2023

In 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.

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This episode was recorded on June 3, 2022

In 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.

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Joseph Wang on Twitter

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In this episode, Brad sits down with Sunny Ray and Kyle Kemper. Ray is the cofounder of one of the largest exchanges in India, Unocoin, while Kemper is Justin Trudeau's half-brother and a diehard Bitcoiner. Ray and Kemper are also the hosts of the Love and Freedom podcast, a platform that discusses "current events, challenges, & the opportunities for freedom."

The trio talk about the state of politics in Canada and their wish for Bitcoin advocate and Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre to come to power. They also debate what global money printing portends for the common person and why this proves the case for Bitcoin once more. Tune in for these and more!

Timestamps

00:00:00: Intro by Brad and commentary on Canadian politics 

00:09:48: Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre is a champion for Bitcoin 

00:13:20: The excessive money printing in Canada and how Bitcoin comes in

00:33:00: On securing your financial future with Bitcoin 

00:42:50: Could central banks and surveillance capitalists be behind NFTs and DeFi?

00:49:00: Ethereum's proof of stake model flies against principles of decentralization 

00:53:23: Delving into Web 3 scams and Dogecoin & Elon Musk

01:06:50: For some countries, Bitcoin is not a luxury 

01:23:00: Why we need unification in crypto 

01:28:35: The role of money printing in propagating wealth inequality

01:45:16: Bitcoin is on track to being worth a hundred thousand dollars

Canada's Justin Trudeau in February invoked the Emergencies Act — the never-before-used law since it was enacted in 1988. The unprecedented move was in response to the Freedom Convoy that had caused blockades in major border crossings in the country and gridlock in the capital. The Convoy was protesting against vaccine mandates and passports. 

The Emergencies Act cleared the "occupation" in Ottawa and also froze the bank accounts of tens of the Convoy organizers and participants. These actions were described by protesters and the opposition as unconstitutional and an overreach. For Bitcoin adherents, it illustrated the need for Bitcoin. 

Brad, Sunny and Kyle sit down against this backdrop. The three discuss how the Conservative Party — one most Canadians have never voted for — suddenly became the party of choice in the face of everything. It helps that PC leader Pierre Poilievre is a Bitcoin champion. 

What do all those events mean for the crypto pioneer? The three delve into that, as well as why you personally need Bitcoin, the space's scams, Elon Musk's promoting Dogecoin, Jack Dorsey quitting Twitter, and more.  

Below are some of the highlights of the conversation. 

#1. Securing Your Financial Future With Bitcoin

Covid 19 saw several countries opting to print more money to help keep their economies afloat. But printing more money is bad for the economy since it can trigger inflation. This rampant cash printing saw many corporates previously wary of touching Bitcoin shovelling money into the asset to derisk their finances. 

Brad reminds people of the importance of doing the same. He and Kyle emphasize the importance of not placing your financial future on whoever is elected.

Brad remarks on Bitcoin being more a "productive protest" than a physical protest that the government will crack down on anyway. Sunny contends that Bitcoin needs only to continue existing to prove its importance in the face of such extremes by central banks. 

#2. Does Ethereum Have a Decentralization Problem?

Many praises have been sung on Ethereum's transition from Proof of Work (PoW) validation model to Proof of Stake (PoW). Environmentalists are happy because it will reduce carbon emissions and sections of the cryptocurrency community welcome it because it takes off some of the weight of the environmental impact blame. 

But PoS allows only those with the means to become validators, making the network more centralized. Brad notes that the Bitcoin documentary "This Machine Greens'' recognizes that PoW can actually help us "to accelerate to renewable energy." As such, PoW is not the environmental threat it's claimed to be. 

#3. The Resilience of Bitcoin

The trio deliberate on the rise of Web 3 products from DeFi to NFTs and whether that's stifling for Bitcoin. The answer is no, with Bitcoin being the "truth and the signal" à la Brad. Kyle likens Bitcoin to a rat for having everything thrown at it but still thriving. 

Also, the citizens of countries such as Nigeria, El Salvador and Venezuela aren't overly concerned with all these blockchain offshoots because their main concern is Bitcoin, which has a real difference to their lives.

Podcast Mentions:

Bitcoin conference Miami

Unocoin Exchange 

Love and Freedom podcast 

Chrystia Freeland's Cognitive State Capture(book)

Jeff Booth episode 

Robert Breedlove episode 

The Lightning network 

When money Dies by Adam Ferguson (book) 

Principles for Dealing With a Changing World Order by Ray Dalio (book)

"This Machine Greens" - Bitcoin Documentary 

Find Sunny Ray on:

Sunny Ray Twitter 

Sunny Ray Instagram 

Find Kyle Kemper on:

Kyle Kemper Twitter

Kyle Kemper YouTube

Kyle Kemper Instagram 

Kyle Kemper Facebook 

Find Brad Mills on:

Brad Mills Twitter

Magic Internet Money Twitter

Brad Mills YouTube 

Magic Internet Money Facebook

Magic Internet Money Instagram

In this episode of Magic Internet Money, host Brad Mills invites lifelong hacker and Bitcoin entrepreneur, Eric Martindale onto the show to discuss Bitcoin, his journey working as a developer for Bitcoin related companies, and his layer 3 software called Fabric.

Brad kicks the show off describing life in Cape Breton and the lessons of that experience, which he compares to the great depression and the film Cinderella Man. He introduces Martindale and a handful of basic topics of critique such as DeFi and altcoins.

The main topic of the show is censorship resistance and the advantages to the additional layers that Bitcoin has developed since its initial launch by Satoshi. Martindale shares valuable personal experience with Bitcoin’s development.

Time Stamps

00:00:19 - Introduction and catching up with Brad Mills

00:32:50 - Show Start and introducing layer 3 and other terms

00:37:50 - Introducing Eric Martindale

00:44:40 - When did Martindale look closer at BTC?

00:54:04 - Martindale’s developer journey and insights

01:09:55 - Where does Fabric fit into the layers of BTC?

01:25:29 - On the Balkanization of the cryptocurrency world

01:40:07 - More questions about Fabric and Portal

01:51:30 - How to balance a passion for BTC with shitcoiner coworkers

01:58:50 - How does the token for Portal work?

02:06:20 - Outro and plugs

Links to Mentions in the Show

Fabric

Portal

Holepunch

What is layer 3?

DeFi

Austrian economics

The Lean Startup

Cypherpunks

The World Economic Forum

The Lightning Network

Find Eric Martindale

Eric Martindale Twitter

Eric Martindale Website

Find Brad Mills

Brad Mills Twitter

MIM Twitter

Brad Mills Facebook

On this episode of Magic Internet Money host Brad Mills invites investment strategist Lyn Alden, and analysts Dylan LeClair, and Checkmate onto the show to get into the thick of the technology of blockchains, namely on the topic of censorship resistance and the potential impact the Ethereum 2.0 merge might have in the world of cryptocurrencies.

Time Stamps:

00:00:20 - Introduction

00:09:49 - Discussing censorship resistance, what if Bitcoin didn’t exist?

00:32:20 - Are there credible threats to user-activated software in Ethereum?

00:41:07 - ETH proof of work vs ETH proof of stake

00:57:23 - Institutional adoption, balkanization of treasuries, current events impact

01:11:08 - Hypothetical: How do we get back into DeFi summer?

01:21:32 - What is redeemable about Ethereum?

01:34:28 - Is there any serious threat from regulatory risks?

01:54:30 - Outros and Plugs

Links to Mentions in the Show

Ethereum 2.0

This Machine Greens

The Deep Dive

Why the Ethereum Merge is a Blunder

Geyser Fund

Web 3.0

Freerider Problem

ESG

Guest Social Links

Lyn Alden Twitter

Lyn Alden Investment Strategy

Dylan LeClair Twitter

BTC Inc

Checkmate Twitter

Find Brad Mills

Brad Mills Twitter

MIM Twitter

Brad Mills Facebook

On this episode of Magic Internet Money, host Brad Mills invites Freedom Convoy activist and Bitcoin advocate, BJ Dichter onto the show. They discuss his experience with the Freedom Convoy movement and the consequent protests in Ottawa in 2022. BJ tells the story of how he got into Bitcoin and blockchain technology slowly but surely during his time at Ryerson University. The pair discuss the nature of politics in Canada and the up-and-coming conservative politician Pierre Poilievre. Brad and BJ talk about their experience learning about how the money supplies work and who runs them behind the scenes. The two wrap up the show with a discussion about Roger Ver and his anti-Bitcoin antics, as well as how the cryptocurrency space differs significantly from the Bitcoin space.

Time Stamps

00:00:21 - Show introduction

00:01:01 - The state of vaccination status in Canada

00:09:08 - Pierre Pollievre and Canadian politics

00:21:25 - Introducing BJ Dichter

00:31:17 - About BJ’s time at Ryerson University, postmodernism, politics

00:47:19 - Brad on unelected bankers, conversation about monetary systems

01:01:20 - The potential significance of Bitcoin

01:12:21 - A culture shift around Bitcoin and crypto, financial institutions

01:19:50 - Conversation about Roger Ver

01:32:30 - Bitcoin and censorship, competing against cryptocurrency and central banks

01:56:00 - Censorship, power, and Web 2.0 institutions

02:07:00 - Bitcoin and blockchain networking

02:10:30 - Outro and plugs

Links to Mentions in the Show

Honking for Freedom Fundraiser

The Trucker Convoy

Who’s Peter Schiff?

Amber

Steven Hicks and his work on post-modernism

Jordan Peterson

The What Bitcon Did podcast hosted by Peter McCormack, with guest Roger Ver

Bretton Woods

Find BJ Dichter

BJ Dichter Twitter

BJ Dichter Substack

Find Brad Mills

Brad Mills Twitter

MIM Twitter

Brad Mills Facebook

Frances Coppola (author of The Case for People’s Quantitative Easing) joins Brad Mills to break down the evolution and inner workings of the financial system. The two walk through the last 100 years of changes to central banks and monetary policy to arrive at the current state of banking in 2020 and beyond. This episode helps contextualize bitcoin in the broader scope of the international financial system by understanding the nuances around money creation and distribution.

Time Stamps

00:00:25: Introduction from Brad

00:28:04: Brad introduces Frances Coppola

00:29:40: Central bankers might not know how the financial system works

00:31:05: How lending actually works

00:38:50: What bank reserves on the bank balance sheets do

00:46:30: Difference between fractional reserve banking and current financial system

00:57:05: Discussion on coming off the gold standard and how this changed how money works

01:12:02: How easy it is to create money through quantitative easing

01:20:50: The maturing of assets on the balance sheet

01:29:50: Preventing the collapse of assets in the Great Depression and 2008

01:34:00: Inter bank borrowing, lending, and settlement

01:44:20: The narrative behind how the financial markets responded to the COVID economic crisis

01:50:50: Is the Federal Reserve actually printing money?

02:00:35: Why the repo markets dried up

02:04:10: What happens to stablecoins during crypto crashes

02:07:35: Discussion on Celcius and crypto lending

02:10:05: Wrap up, thank you, and closing thoughts

Links to Mentions in the Show

London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR)

Book: Fiasco

Book: Central Banking 101

Frances Coppola Social Links

Frances Coppola on Twitter

Frances Coppola on Forbes

CoppolaComment.com

Book: The Case For People's Quantitative Easing

Brad Mills Social Links

Brad Mills Twitter

Magic Internet Money Twitter

Magic Internet Money Facebook

Magic Internet Money Instagram

In this episode, Brad sits down with Anthony "Pomp" Pompliano. Pompliano — colloquially called Pomp, is an entrepreneur, investor and podcast host. He's also one of the most recognizable personalities in crypto — with 1.5+ million followers on Twitter and regularly appearing on TV to debunk misinformation about bitcoin throughout the industry.  

Pomp has invested over $100 million in tech startup companies, owns Bitcoin, and has often been the voice of reason in Bitcoin diehards' and Bitcoin skeptics' showdowns. 

He has an initiative called PompCryptoJobs, through which job seekers can connect with industry employers. Pomp and Brad delve into that, some of the shockers in the industry's 2019-2021 cycle, and how to strike a chord among all Bitcoin camps in this episode. Tune in! 

Timestamps

00:00:00: Intro by Brad

00:04:00: Foray into Bitcoin fees.

00:07:12: Square and CashApp implementing the Lightning network. 

00:07:48: Tales of the 2019-2021 crypto cycle

00.17:06: Bitcoin has begun the rise of the global store or value

00:23:07: Lessons on reconciling the varying passions in crypto

00:51:00: Optimizing for more. 

00:58:00: How to be more nuanced when spreading Bitcoin knowledge. 

01:11:43: Delving into why Bitcoiners should be tolerant of others' positions. 

01:19:33: Discussion on emerging personalities that lump NFT projects together with Bitcoin.

01:22:40: Getting Gen Z to get excited about Bitcoin

01:25:00: Which crypto would aliens use if they came to earth? 

Podcast Mentions

Pomp Job Board

Pomp Crypto Academy

Bitcoin City

Podcast interview with Robert Breedlove

Find Anthony Pompliano on: 

Anthony Pompliano Twitter

Anthony Pompliano Instagram

Anthony Pompliano YouTube

Anthony Pompliano Podcast

Find Brad Mills on: 

Brad Mills Twitter

Magic Internet Money Twitter

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On this episode of Magic Internet Money, host Brad Mills meets with entrepreneur Justin Rezvani to discuss his social media project, Zion. Inspired by a censorship-heavy environment on large social media platforms whose hands are forced by governments, Rezvani introduces a social network that is built on Bitcoin. Mills shares his experiences with the Bitcoin community and concerns with the censorship present on large platforms outside of social media, such as YouTube. Justin discusses his interview with YouTuber JP Sears and other influential voices in the fight against censorship.

Time Stamps

00:00:20 - Show start

00:01:00 - Introduction

00:02:35 - Internet censorship and the suppression of free speech

00:14:40 - Twitter spaces, Clubhouse plugs

00:16:11 - Interview with Justin starts

00:21:51 - Leaving the social media giants, addictive algorithms

00:28:40 - The value perspective of new social media platforms, tech companies

00:36:06 - Bitcoin and the future of entrepreneurship

00:43:00 - Justin on his conversation with JP Sears

00:46:01 - Justin’s relationship with Tony Robbins, internet infrastructure

00:51:25 - The strength of companies as builders, market signals

00:58:10 - Capital allocation and patronage for bitcoin tech and culture

01:02:42 - Sovereign social media, webs of trust, decentralised identity

01:16:43 - Outro, social media plugs

Links to Mentions in the Show

JP Sears

Censorship leads to radicalization

Web 3.0

Cafe Bitcoin

Black Bitcoin Billionaires

Lightning Network Whitepaper

Zion social network

Jack Dorsey

Paul Graham’s default alive/default dead

Sphinx social media platform

Find Justin Rezvani

Justin Rezvani Instagram

Find Brad Mills

Brad Mills Twitter

MIM Twitter

Brad Mills Facebook

Brad Mills talks about the issues he sees in the current Web3 landscape and venture capital’s role in shaping it. He discusses how NFTs, DeFi yield farming, and memecoins are a potential blackhole for uninformed investment money in the long-term. Preston Pysh and Jeremy Rubin join and provide commentary on their positions when it comes to Bitcoin and its relation with DeFi. The group discusses the future of Bitcoin and altcoins within the current world economic framework before opening the floor to questions from listeners.

Time Stamps

00:00:10 - Introduction

00:01:07 - VC in Web3

00:08:00 - Dying Money

00:16:30 - Bitcoin is the Lifeboat

00:19:48 - Guest Introductions

00:22:52 - Preston Pish Introduces Himself and His Views

00:28:00 - Jeremy Rubin Introduces Himself and His Views

00:33:15 - Bitcoin DeFi?

00:38:00 - Preston and Jeremy Talk About Lightning Network

00:43:50 - Why Build DeFi on Bitcoin?

00:45:15 - Long-term Probabilities and Short-term Noise

00:53:00 - Yield in Crypto Lending vs. Legacy Options

00:57:51 - Collateralization of Crypto

00:59:53 - Jeremy Talks About DeFi

01:03:34 - Q&A Intro

01:05:16 - Ethereum Transition to 2.0

01:06:14 - Banks and Bitcoin

01:10:16 - What Preston Pays Attention to in DeFi

01:12:28 - What to Invest in Other than BTC?

01:16:51 - Cheering on the Demise of the Dollar

01:20:02 - Next Countries to Adopt BTC

01:21:40 - BTC Developers Leaving Bitcoin

01:26:58 - Bitcoin E-Waste in Future

01:30:04 - Macro Signals

01:34:50 - Closing Remarks

Links to Mentions in the Show

Investors Podcast Network

Bitcoin Fundamentals Podcast

Michael Saylor on Up Only

The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth

Judica

Guest Social Links

Frog Radio

Jeremy Rubin

Preston Pysh

Find Brad Mills on: 

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