Peter McCormack

Exploring the stark contrast between public sector inefficiency and the commercial world's need for productivity, this conversation delves into the increasing burden of government bureaucracy and spending. Discussions cover how falling public sector output necessitates more workers, funded through monetary debasement, while complex regulations distort markets and strain businesses. Drawing historical parallels to the decline of empires, the speakers examine systemic issues and the difficulty of achieving meaningful change through central government. The potential for solutions is explored through localized action and the role of hard money like Bitcoin in navigating inflationary pressures.

Cultural attitudes and a lack of financial education leave many struggling with money. Systemic issues like a complex benefits system, rising taxes, and government debt are driving wealth creators away and straining public services. Experts warn of potential economic turbulence if spending isn't addressed. Empowering individuals through personal finance literacy and investing, including assets like Bitcoin, is crucial for navigating these challenges. There's hope in younger generations showing more financial awareness and taking control of their future.

This discussion delves into the complex political landscape of Russia, highlighting the challenges faced by opposition movements and the increasing repression under Putin's regime. It explores the suspicious nature of Telegram's operations within Russia, suggesting potential Kremlin ties and advocating for safer communication platforms like Signal. The conversation further examines the pervasive corruption within Russia, its impact on society, and the use of Bitcoin as a tool for activists to circumvent financial restrictions. Ultimately, it paints a picture of a society grappling with fear, propaganda, and a desperate need for change, while emphasizing the importance of supporting those fighting for freedom and democracy.

Is your life built on a lie? This discussion dives deep into the corruption of money and how it impacts every aspect of our lives, from family planning to career choices. Discover how the current financial system, with its "big red button" of unchecked currency creation, leads to societal problems like wealth inequality and declining quality of life. Explore the concept of "energy money" and the potential of Bitcoin as a solution, offering a path towards a more sovereign and prosperous future. Learn why understanding these principles is crucial for navigating the complexities of today's world.

Is the UK economy in terminal decline? This discussion explores the concerning state of the UK economy, questioning government strategies and highlighting the challenges faced by businesses due to taxation, bureaucracy, and environmental regulations. The conversation delves into specific issues like the steel industry, trade deals, and the impact of net-zero policies. Discover potential solutions and gain insights into the need for drastic reforms to drive growth and restore the UK's economic prosperity.

The "What Bitcoin Did" podcast features an interview with Dan Held, a prominent figure in the Bitcoin space, to discuss the concept of a "super cycle" in Bitcoin. The host, Peter McCormack, highlights Held's expertise and encourages listeners to explore his writings and subscribe to his newsletter. The conversation delves into the history of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto's intentions, and the cyclical nature of Bitcoin's price movements, particularly around the "halving" events. Held explains his theory of a Bitcoin "super cycle," suggesting that the current market environment is fundamentally different from previous cycles due to factors like COVID-19, institutional adoption, and a clearer narrative around Bitcoin as a store of value. He argues that these factors could lead to a more intense bull run and a milder bear market compared to historical patterns. The discussion also touches on the importance of understanding Bitcoin's underlying principles, the role of greed in driving adoption, and the potential for governments to become involved in Bitcoin mining. The conversation also explores the financialization of Bitcoin, including the potential for borrowing against Bitcoin and earning yield, as well as the challenges of unit bias and the need for better denomination strategies. Held and McCormack emphasize the importance of individual conviction and the transformative nature of Bitcoin, which can lead to questioning established systems and a desire for greater freedom. They also discuss the increasing regulatory moat around Bitcoin, making it less likely to be banned by major governments.

Explore the complexities of freedom, government overreach, and societal control in this thought-provoking discussion. The conversation delves into the speaker's personal journey of questioning authority, navigating "cancel culture," and finding strength in standing up for principles. From football to finance, the episode examines the challenges of maintaining individuality in a world that often demands conformity. Discover insights on Bitcoin as a tool for financial freedom and the importance of critical thinking in a rapidly changing landscape.

Eastern Europe faces a significant threat from Russia, while the West, particularly the US, seems to be prioritizing peace at any cost, potentially leaving Ukraine vulnerable. This shift in global power dynamics necessitates that Europe shoulder more of its own security burden. The conversation explores the complexities of this situation, touching on monetary policy, the appeal of authoritarianism, and the importance of defending liberal democracies. Ultimately, the discussion advocates for individual financial responsibility through Bitcoin, emphasizing its potential to protect against economic instability in an increasingly uncertain world.

The "What Bitcoin Did" podcast features host Peter McCormick interviewing Chris DeRose and Gin Seth, former collaborators on the "Bitcoin Uncensored" podcast. McCormick provides a warning about potentially offensive language and triggering topics within the interview. He also promotes his show sponsors, DropBit, a mobile Bitcoin wallet, and BlockFi, a company offering Bitcoin-backed financial services like interest accounts and loans. The discussion delves into the history of Bitcoin, the evolution of its narrative, and the different motivations of early adopters versus later speculators. The conversation touches on the use of Bitcoin for illicit activities, the challenges of navigating the complex and often contradictory information in the cryptocurrency space, and the role of leadership and community in shaping the direction of Bitcoin. DeRose and Seth share their perspectives on the current state of Bitcoin, the utility of other cryptocurrencies, and the potential for regulation to impact the industry. They also discuss the importance of skepticism and critical thinking in evaluating claims and narratives within the cryptocurrency world, and the challenges of maintaining integrity and objectivity in the face of strong opinions and financial incentives.

The "What Bitcoin Did" podcast episode features an interview with Matt Correll, a prominent Bitcoin core developer. The host, Peter McCormick, aims to bridge the gap between technical and non-technical audiences, exploring topics like how Bitcoin works, fungibility, and the Lightning Network. The episode also touches on mining centralization and the potential risks it poses to the Bitcoin network. Correll shares his background, explaining his early involvement in Bitcoin development and his current work at Chaincode Labs, a research lab dedicated to supporting Bitcoin. He emphasizes that Bitcoin is more than just the blockchain, encompassing the entire ecosystem of infrastructure, including Lightning Network, sidechains, exchanges, and businesses built on top of it. The discussion delves into the challenges of building high-assurance software for financial applications like Bitcoin and the ongoing efforts to improve user experience, particularly within the Lightning Network. The episode also addresses the contentious topic of inflation in Bitcoin, with Correll expressing skepticism about its long-term benefits. He highlights the importance of consensus in making changes to the Bitcoin protocol and the need to respect the views of those who value its fixed supply. The episode concludes with Correll sharing his current projects, including better hash, rust lightning, and the Chaincode residency program, encouraging developers to get involved in Bitcoin protocol development.