In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Calle discuss the critical importance of privacy in financial systems, particularly in the context of Bitcoin and eCash. They explore the evolution of privacy technology, the challenges posed by current financial regulations, and the need for user-friendly privacy-preserving systems. Calle elaborates on the mechanics of eCash and the Cashu protocol, highlighting its potential for enabling microtransactions while maintaining user privacy. The discussion emphasizes the urgency of building a decentralized financial ecosystem that respects individual privacy rights.

Takeaways

🔸Privacy is essential for modern society and financial interactions.

🔸The fight for financial privacy is still in its infancy.

🔸Bitcoin serves as the foundational currency for the digital age.

🔸Technological advancements are crucial for enhancing privacy.

🔸Users should have control over their personal data.

🔸The current financial system often requires excessive data sharing.

🔸Privacy-preserving systems can be built using modern technology.

🔸Cashu offers a protocol for creating interoperable eCash wallets.

🔸Microtransactions are vital for a thriving internet economy.

🔸The future of financial systems must prioritize user privacy.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:05) - What is Calle’s view on the current landscape of privacy & financial freedom?

(07:42) - What level of privacy is actually realistic?; Holding data ≠ Owning data

(15:16) - Building privacy-preserving systems on Bitcoin; Can privacy tech also be easy to use?

(21:09) - What is eCash & Cashu?; How does eCash work?

(30:15) - Why not just use Lightning?; eCash vs. Lightning Network & Ark

(37:43) - Will Lightning be the common language of future monetary transactions?

(40:46) - Cashu the protocol and eCash wallets

(43:00) - Who will be running the Cashu mints?

(43:26) - Sponsors

(49:39) - What are Stablenuts?

(53:20) - Can Cashu mints be rugged?

(55:59) - What’s next for Cashu and eCash?

(1:02:12) - Why is privacy necessary?

(1:06:35) - Closing thoughts

Links:

• https://x.com/callebtc

• https://x.com/CashuBTC

• https://github.com/callebtc

• https://wallet.cashu.me/welcome

Sponsors:

• Bold Bitcoin

• CoinKite.com (code LIVERA)

Stephan Livera links:

• Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

• Subscribe to the podcast

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In this conversation, Andrew Poelstra discusses the recent launch of Simplicity on Liquid, a federated sidechain of Bitcoin. He explains the technical aspects of Liquid, its advantages, and how Simplicity serves as a new scripting language that enhances expressivity and formal verification capabilities. The discussion covers potential use cases for Simplicity, including advanced covenant implementations, ZK verification, and its role in capital markets and asset issuance. The conversation also touches on the implications of stablecoins moving to their own chains and contrasts Liquid with other Layer 2 solutions like Lightning.

Takeaways

🔸Liquid is a federated sidechain of Bitcoin.

🔸Simplicity enhances Bitcoin's scripting capabilities.

🔸Formal verification improves security for developers.

🔸Simplicity allows for advanced covenant implementations.

🔸ZK verification can be done on Liquid.

🔸Liquid serves as a technology demo platform.

🔸Stablecoins are exploring their own chains.

🔸Liquid is not primarily a scaling solution for Bitcoin.

🔸Liquid supports multiple asset types.

🔸Simplicity can facilitate new financial products.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:57) - What is Liquid?

(04:36) - What is Simplicity?; Enhanced expressivity on Bitcoin

(11:48) - Implications of ‘formal verification’ for developers building on Liquid and Bitcoin?

(17:00) - What does Simplicity enable people to build?

(18:59) - What is a Sighash flag?

(26:41) - Sponsors

(28:35) - Could Shielded CSV be built using simplicity?

(33:32) - Zero Knowledge proofs verification with Simplicity

(43:15) - Use cases of Simplicity: Limit orders and Algorithmic trading in DeFi

(51:18) - Liquid's role in asset issuance and capital markets

(56:55) - Liquid vs. Stablecoins issuing their own Layer 1 chains

(1:02:22) - Liquid vs. other Layer 2 solutions

(1:07:53) - Closing thoughts; Developer engagement with Simplicity

Links:

• https://simplicity-lang.org/

• https://blog.blockstream.com/simplicity-launches-on-liquid-mainnet/

• https://github.com/BlockstreamResearch/SimplicityHL/tree/master/examples

• https://github.com/BlockstreamResearch/SimplicityHL

Sponsors:

• Bold Bitcoin

• CoinKite.com (code LIVERA)

Stephan Livera links:

• Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

• Subscribe to the podcast

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In this episode, Stephan Livera and Calvin talk about Utreexo. They discuss the latest updates, including the publication of three BIPs related to Utreexo, which aim to improve the efficiency of Bitcoin nodes. The conversation covers the mechanics of Utreexo, including its accumulator structure and the concept of a Merkle forest. They also explore different types of nodes, such as compact state nodes and bridge nodes, and how these innovations can enhance user experience and participation in Bitcoin. Additionally, they touch on the growing Bitcoin community in Korea and the potential for future developments in the Utreexo space.

Takeaways

🔸Utreexo aims to improve Bitcoin node efficiency.

🔸The accumulator structure allows for compact representation of UTXOs.

🔸Merkle forest enables better management of UTXO sets.

🔸Compact state nodes simplify Bitcoin participation for users.

🔸Bridge nodes serve as intermediaries between Utreexo and traditional nodes.

🔸P2P communication is essential for Utreexo nodes.

🔸Floresta is a practical implementation of Utreexo concepts.

🔸UtreexoD serves as a reference implementation for developers.

🔸Community engagement is crucial for Utreexo's adoption.

🔸The Bitcoin community in Korea is rapidly growing.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(00:50) - What is Utreexo?; Latest developments with Utreexo

(04:44) - Trust assumptions in Utreexo

(06:35) - Bridge nodes vs. Compact state nodes

(10:58) - What is the Utreexo accumulator?

(12:58) - What is a Merkle Forest?

(14:18) - Consensus operations in Utreexo; Utreexo validation

(18:02) - How does P2P communication work with Utreexo?

(19:15) - Sponsors

(23:22) - What is the Bridge node and why is it needed?

(25:27) - How do the Utreexo nodes find each other?; The future of Bridge nodes

(30:31) - What is Floresta?

(32:05) - What is UtreexoD?; Comparing it with Floresta

(34:45) - Community engagement with Utreexod & BTCD

(37:35) - What’s new with Bitcoin in Seoul, Korea?

Links:

• https://x.com/kcalvinalvinn

• Bitcoin Social Layer: https://exciting-cheek-5fa.notion.site/itcoin-Social-Layer-17267469618f80e78b4ec91ae055ec06

• https://x.com/btcsociallayer

• https://eprint.iacr.org/2019/611.pdf

• BIP Drafts: https://github.com/bitcoin/bips/pull/1923

• BIP

• Accumulator - https://github.com/utreexo/biptreexo/blob/main/utreexo-accumulator-bip.md

• Validation https://github.com/utreexo/biptreexo/blob/main/utreexo-validation-bip.md

• P2p https://github.com/utreexo/biptreexo/blob/main/utreexo-p2p-bip.md

• Mail list post:https://groups.google.com/g/bitcoindev/c/W1lxBraKG_E?pli=1

• Swiftsync: https://bitcoinops.org/en/newsletters/2025/04/11/#swiftsync-speedup-for-initial-block-download

• Utreexo: https://bitcoinops.org/en/topics/utreexo/

Sponsors:

• Bold Bitcoin

• CoinKite.com (code LIVERA)

Stephan Livera links:

• Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

• Subscribe to the podcast

• Subscribe to Substack

Stephan & Rod Roudi discuss the importance of building Bitcoin communities, the evolution of Bitcoin narratives, and the future of Bitcoin custody and treasury strategies. They explore the role of local meetups in fostering Bitcoin adoption, the significance of educating the next generation of Bitcoiners, and the impact of events on the Bitcoin ecosystem. Rod shares insights on upcoming events, including the Custody and Treasury Summit and the Imagine IF Summit, emphasizing the need for high-signal Bitcoin information and community engagement.

Takeaways

🔸Building Bitcoin communities is essential for fostering connections.

🔸Local meetups can significantly impact Bitcoin adoption.

🔸Education is key to helping newcomers understand Bitcoin.

🔸The narrative around Bitcoin has evolved over time.

🔸Custody and treasury strategies are crucial for Bitcoin holders.

🔸The future of Bitcoin security involves innovative solutions.

🔸Raising the next generation of Bitcoiners requires engagement and education.

🔸Events play a vital role in Bitcoin advocacy and education.

🔸Community organizers are becoming influential in the Bitcoin space.

🔸More Bitcoin signal is needed to counteract misinformation.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(02:39) - How has the Bitcoin community evolved?

(07:30) - Is Bitcoin winning despite the narrative change?

(12:36) - The hard talk of BTCTCs custodying their Bitcoin

(21:00) - Will the future generations really inherit Bitcoin?

(25:38) - What is @bitcoinpark_?

(30:00) - Sponsors

(31:58) - Should you care about freedom of speech & freedom tech?

(36:26) - Local Bitcoin meetups are priceless!

(42:09) - Today’s ‘bitcoin plebs’ are tomorrow’s decision makers

(47:00) - What are the implications of stablecoins launching their own chains?

(52:50) - USPs of Bitcoin events

(1:00:41) - 3 currencies of life

(1:02:14) - Closing thoughts; Bitcoin Custody & Treasury Summit & Imagine IF

Links:

• https://x.com/bitkite

• https://x.com/bitcoinpark_

• Learn more about Bitcoin Park: https://bitcoinpark.com

• Bitcoin Custody & Treasury Summit Sept 17-18 at Bitcoin Park Nashville: https://bitcoinpark.com/custody-treasury

• Imagine IF, a summit of summits at the convergence of Bitcoin, AI, Energy, and Freedom Tech Sept 19-20 at the Fisher Center in Nashville, TN, walking distance from Bitcoin Park: https://bitcoinpark.com/imagineif

• https://x.com/bitcoinpark_/status/1952733239623463320

• https://x.com/ARKInvest/status/1951017348485489057

• https://www.linkedin.com/posts/bitcoinpark_imagine-if-is-a-summit-at-the-convergence-activity-7356755285408956421-0Ez1/

• https://primal.net/e/nevent1qvzqqqqqqypzqh0jr68vz83pu7m3ptradj2yyaq84e57jwnleuxs50hzltz0mjztqyxhwumn8ghj7cnjvghxjme0qyt8wumn8ghj7etyv4hzumn0wd68ytnvv9hxgtcppemhxue69uhkummn9ekx7mp0qqs9gk9ngdyfw4w556d6n92v8rfgf5hr79gwswgdfex422e98sumyrqxf4ly0

Sponsors:

• Bold Bitcoin

• CoinKite.com (code LIVERA)

Stephan Livera links:

• Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

• Subscribe to the podcast

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In this episode, Jan Kotas discusses the growing Bitcoin community in Paraguay, the benefits of living there for digital nomads, and the tax advantages of Paraguayan residency. He shares insights on the local infrastructure, safety, and the vibrant expat community. Jan also explains how to structure income through US LLCs for tax efficiency and the regulatory environment surrounding cryptocurrency in Paraguay. The conversation highlights the importance of community and education in promoting Bitcoin adoption, culminating in the announcement of the upcoming Accelerating Bitcoin Conference.

Takeaways

🔸Paraguay offers a favorable tax system for residents.

🔸The digital nomad community in Paraguay is rapidly growing.

🔸Safety in Asuncion varies by neighborhood.

🔸US LLCs can provide tax efficiency for non-US citizens.

🔸Paraguay does not require proof of income for residency.

🔸The local banking system is not very crypto-friendly.

🔸Bitcoin Paraguay is focused on education and community building.

🔸The Accelerating Bitcoin Conference will showcase Paraguay's opportunities.

🔸Many expats are seeking a Plan B in Paraguay.

🔸The Bitcoin community is crucial for freedom seekers.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(00:51) - Who is Jan Kotas?

(01:58) - Why is Paraguay a haven for digital nomads?

(03:49) - Community, infrastructure and safety in Asuncion

(08:14) - What are the tax benefits & residency requirements in Paraguay?

(09:55) - U.S. LLC tax efficiency for non-resident aliens

(14:55) - Reporting requirements for source of funds in Paraguay

(18:29) - The merging of TradFi with Bitcoin

(19:50) - Sponsors

(26:38) - Building the Bitcoin Community in Paraguay; Educational initiatives & workshops

(33:35) - Jan’s views on the excessive regulations in the EU

(39:41) - The pros and cons of being a Bitcoiner in Paraguay

(43:24) - Living in Asuncion vs. The Czech Republic; ‘Accelerating Bitcoin’ conference

Watch the episode to find the BIP39 seed word and stand a chance to win millions of sats!

#SatHunterz

Links:

• https://x.com/kotasjn

• https://x.com/Hacking_Lives

• https://x.com/BTCParaguay

Sponsors:

• Bold Bitcoin

• CoinKite.com (code LIVERA)

Stephan Livera links:

• Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

• Subscribe to the podcast

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In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Kane McGukin discuss the evolving landscape of Bitcoin treasury companies, exploring the risks, potential failures, and the role of Bitcoin in financial services. They explore the dynamics of equity versus preferred shares, the importance of education in Bitcoin investments, and the impact of market volatility on investor behavior. The discussion highlights the need for a deeper understanding of the financial instruments associated with Bitcoin and the potential for treasury companies to bridge the gap between traditional finance and the Bitcoin ecosystem.

Takeaways

🔸Kane expresses skepticism about the financial engineering of treasury companies.

🔸The risks associated with equity dilution in treasury companies are significant.

🔸Bitcoin's role in financial services is evolving, with treasury companies acting as a bridge.

🔸Investors need to understand the difference between equity and preferred shares in treasury companies.

🔸Market dynamics can lead to volatility in treasury company investments.

🔸Education is crucial for investors to navigate the complexities of Bitcoin and treasury companies.

🔸Timing and market conditions significantly impact investment outcomes in treasury companies.

🔸The future of Bitcoin and treasury companies is intertwined with regulatory developments.

🔸Investors should be cautious of the hype surrounding treasury companies.

🔸The conversation emphasizes the importance of understanding the underlying assets and their value.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(02:16) - Kane’s skepticism around BTCTCs

(05:37) - What are the possible risks to consider for a BTCTC?

(09:53) - Strategy orange-pilled retail investors through the success of $MSTR

(12:13) - How do Auction Rate Securities work?; Comparing with Strategy's $STRC

(21:51) - What is your time horizon for Bitcoin & BTCTCs?

(23:38) - Sponsors

(29:10) - Does the retail crowd understand Bitcoin? Are BTCTCs a good route for Bitcoin exposure?

(41:31) - Understanding the risks in Bitcoin Treasury Companies

(46:14) - Long term perspectives on Bitcoin and BTCTCs; The importance of NgU

(51:14) - Bitcoin’s future ft. Power Law; Leveraging equity in Bitcoin investments

(1:00:12) - Innovations in Bitcoin Financial Products; The importance of Bitcoin education through BTCTCs

(1:13:16) - Closing thoughts

Links:

• https://kanemcgukin.substack.com/

• https://x.com/kanemcgukin

Sponsors:

• Bold Bitcoin

• CoinKite.com (code LIVERA)

Stephan Livera links:

• Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

• Subscribe to the podcast

• Subscribe to Substack

In this episode, Stephan Livera interviews Evan (VNPRC), the creator of HashPool, discussing the importance of decentralizing Bitcoin mining. They explore the current state of mining centralization, the risks it poses, and how HashPool aims to empower small miners through innovative technologies like eCash and e-Hash tokens. The conversation also explores the challenges of privacy, custodial risks, and the future of decentralized mining, emphasizing the need for regular payouts and sustainable practices.

Takeaways

🔸Decentralization of Bitcoin mining is essential to prevent systemic risks.

🔸Large mining pools currently control a significant portion of Bitcoin's block production.

🔸Censorship resistance is crucial for the integrity of Bitcoin transactions.

🔸Small miners require regular payouts to sustain their operations.

🔸eCash technology can enhance privacy for Bitcoin miners.

🔸e-Hash tokens represent a new model for mining payouts.

🔸Custodial risks are inherent in current mining pool structures.

🔸The future of mining may involve more decentralized protocols like CTV.

🔸Sustainability of projects like HashPool is vital for long-term success.

🔸Community-driven initiatives can foster greater decentralization in Bitcoin mining.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(01:00) - Where are we headed with Bitcoin mining?

(03:55) - What is Block Template creation?; Empowering the small mining operations

(11:29) - What is eCash and how does it work?; Enhanced privacy with eCash

(18:33) - How do mining pools work and what is HashPool?; Trading eHash tokens

(27:49) - Creating decentralized marketplaces for trading eHash tokens; The ideal eHash trader

(34:23) - The challenges of non-custodial mining

(40:23) - How do you verify payouts?; Proof of Liabilities

(43:20) - Combining eCash and mining for transparency

(50:02) - Decentralization in mining payout models

(55:28) - What is the future of small-scale mining?

(1:01:08) - What is the technical architecture of HashPool?

(1:06:08) - Sustainability and ideological goals of HashPool

(1:08:37) - Closing thoughts

Links:

• Hashpool Website: https://hashpool.dev/

• Hashpool Twitter: https://twitter.com/btchashpool

• vnprc nostr: https://njump.me/npub16vzjeglr653mrmyqvu0trwaq29az753wr9th3hyrm5p63kz2zu8qzumhgd

btc++ talks

• Hashpool - A New Kind of Mining Pool Powered by Ecash: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeydWRNjH_Y&list=PLZdV4KsJUf8dxXlrAHjaVUyra20zcIRbm

• Proxy Pools - Harness the Free Market to Decentralize Bitcoin Mining: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=F2p_V0svDTo&t=3h15m30s

Sponsors:

• Bold Bitcoin

• CoinKite.com (code LIVERA)

Stephan Livera links:

• Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

• Subscribe to the podcast

• Subscribe to Substack

In this conversation, Albert Buu, founder and CEO of Neutron, discusses the evolution of Bitcoin and financial services in Vietnam. He highlights the changing regulatory landscape, the increasing acceptance of Bitcoin and stablecoins, and the innovative offerings of Neutron, including lending products and APIs for businesses. The discussion also touches on the challenges of KYC regulations and the future potential of Bitcoin in Vietnam's economy.

Takeaways

🔸Neutron has evolved from a payment service to a comprehensive financial platform.

🔸Vietnam's regulatory landscape for Bitcoin is changing positively.

🔸Stablecoins are widely used in Vietnam for transactions and remittances.

🔸The younger population in Vietnam is driving the adoption of Bitcoin and digital finance.

🔸Neutron's API allows businesses to integrate Bitcoin payments easily.

🔸Lending products are becoming popular among users looking to leverage their Bitcoin holdings.

🔸KYC regulations are becoming stricter, impacting remittance services.

🔸The Vietnamese market is seeing a rise in Bitcoin usage due to capital flight restrictions.

🔸Neutron aims to provide both custodial and non-custodial options for users.

🔸The future of Bitcoin in Vietnam looks promising with increasing acceptance and usage.

Timestamps:

(00:00) - Intro

(00:51) - What is Neutron pay?

(02:05) - How does Vietnam view Bitcoin?

(06:39) - Greenlight by the Vietnamese government to provide Bitcoin-related services

(09:53) - Who is using Bitcoin in Vietnam?

(12:10) - The role of stablecoins; General use case of Bitcoin & stablecoins among Vietnamese HNIs

(16:11) - What does the Neutron Pay API offer?; Who is the end user?

(24:30) - Will stablecoins transact on the Bitcoin blockchain?

(26:44) - Sponsors

(29:00) - Lending products & services on Neutron (LTV, liquidation scenarios, tradeoffs etc.)

(39:52) - Finding capital partners for loans

(43:19) - Who is the lending service for?

(48:40) - Open finance vs. Closed finance; The use case of Bitcoin for remittances

(51:58) - The noose of excessive regulation

(55:17) - Closing thoughts

Links:

• https://x.com/subnetmask

• https://x.com/Neutron__me

• https://x.com/neutronpay

Sponsors:

• Bold Bitcoin

• CoinKite.com (code LIVERA)

Stephan Livera links:

• Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

• Subscribe to the podcast

• Subscribe to Substack