In episode 14 of the Bitcoin Policy Hour, the BPI team breaks down one of the most consequential stories in Bitcoin policy to date. The U.S. government has seized one of the largest Bitcoin troves in history — approx. 127,000 BTC — from a massive “pig-butchering” scam ring. With the now-enacated SBR, the federal government is now empowered to add this to its hoard of Bitcoin.The team unpacks the legal and game theoretic implications of this: from the incentive for further legal enforcement, to the precedent this sets for asset forfeiture and Bitcoin regulation going forward.They also explore how China’s ongoing gold-buying spree is reshaping the global monetary order and what it means for the U.S. as bitcoin begins competing head-to-head with gold as the world’s next reserve asset.⭐ Joined by special guests Ken Egan and Stephen Pollock of BPI🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_🔶 Connect with Ken Egan on X: https://x.com/Bayman11771🔶 Connect with Stephen Pollock on X: https://x.com/spollockbtc🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Gold, Bitcoin, and the Debasement Trade02:00 – DOJ Takes Down Global Pig Butchering Ring06:07 – How the Scam Works & Why Victims Are Vulnerable10:16 – Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: Restitution, Seizures & Policy Impact14:22 – Nation-State Implications: China, Ransomware & Global Threats24:47 – The Clarity Act and Regulatory Landscape31:05 – Politics, Lobbying & Industry Response38:17 – Gold vs. Bitcoin: The Global Reserve Showdown46:01 – Bitcoin as National Power: Strategic Advantage Explained56:45 – Final Thoughts: Future Policy, Elections, and What’s Next

In this conversation, Renee Sorchik sits down with Dr. Joshua Hendrickson and Dr. Craig Warmke to discuss their new paper, Sanctions and Sanction-Resistant Money. They explore the concept of “Hash Handcuffs” — the idea of enforcing U.S. sanctions on the Bitcoin network — and whether such attempts are technically feasible or economically effective. The discussion examines potential pressure points such as miners, nodes, and developers; the role of Marathon Digital’s OFAC-compliant mining experiment; and the theoretical concept of “feather forking.” The guests also consider the geopolitical implications of sanctions enforcement, the importance of maintaining a strong domestic mining industry, and how Bitcoin’s censorship resistance challenges traditional financial control mechanisms.

Connect with the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://x.com/btcpolicyorg
Connect with Craig Warmke:

https://x.com/craigwarmke
Connect with Josh Hendrickson:

https://x.com/RebelEconProf
Connect with Renee Sorchik:

https://x.com/Renee_C_S

Chapters:00:00 – Intro & Guest Bios01:00 – Why the U.S. dollar dominates global sanctions03:00 – Bitcoin’s censorship resistance vs. OFAC compliance07:00 – Miners, nodes & developers as sanction targets12:00 – The Marathon Digital “clean block” experiment17:00 – Why compliant mining isn’t impossible22:00 – Fees, incentives & global mining competition25:00 – The “Feather Fork” strategy explained30:00 – How chain rewrites could change miner incentives38:00 – Game theory of mining compliance44:00 – Why domestic mining is a matter of national security47:00 – Bitcoin’s resilience against censorship52:00 – Closing thoughts: freedom, policy, and the future of mining

Congress is waging a war on Bitcoin wallets through the CLARITY Act — a market structure bill that could either protect self-custody and open-source developers or dismantle them at the last minute. In episode 17, special guest Kyle Olney joins to break down what the bill really says, why the Satoshi Needs You campaign is rallying Bitcoiners, and how Washington politics could decide the future of peer-to-peer money. This is the most important Bitcoin policy battle in over 16 years — one that will shape freedom to transact in America and beyond.Read more about the Save our Wallets campaign in Bitcoin Magazine: http://bitcoinmagazine.com/politics/s...🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_🔶 Connect with Kyle Olney on X: https://x.com/KyleOlney🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/Chapters:00:00 - Introduction: Context on Bitcoin Policy and AI01:26 - Save Our Wallets Campaign Background and Purpose07:04 - Current Status and Challenges of Market Structure Legislation14:38 - Risks Rollback Risks18:07 - Implications of the Market Structure Bill for Bitcoin20:03 - The Critical Moment: Schrodinger's Bill and Call to Action20:52 - Why Developer Protections Matter for Bitcoin's Future23:05 - Legal and Philosophical Challenges of Regulating Infrastructure36:35 - Reassurance and Encouragement for First-Time Advocacy39:22 - Reaching the Middle Ground in the Senate46:10 - Bitcoin's Success and Government Pushback48:15 - The Fight for Freedom Money50:44 - Final Call to Action - SAVE OUR WALLETS

In an era where free markets are increasingly shaped by state power, investors need to understand the nexus of geopolitics, political economy and exponential technologies as a tool of statecraft. BPI’s Matt Pines and Zack Shapiro join Zack Cohen to examine how U.S. industrial policy, AI breakthroughs, and Bitcoin regulation are converging to reshape global markets. The conversation explores the latest market structure bill and its impact on Bitcoin liquidity, the strategic Bitcoin reserve as a potential geopolitical hedge, and what Intel’s bailout signals about the rise of national champions and state-directed capital allocation.

Chapters:00:00 - Intro: Strategic Technologies & Global Rivalry01:19 - Market Structure Legislation: What's New09:52 - Noncustodial Developer Protection as a Priority14:06 - Strategic Bitcoin Reserve: National Security & Geopolitical Implications20:57 - Political Cycles: The Defining Feature of Market Cycles?26:20 - Intel, NVIDIA & Government Stakes in Tech Companies49:07 - Economic Statecraft and the Shift from Multinational to National Capitalism49:07 - AI: The New Social Architecture55:45 - Closing Remarks

In this conversation, Renee Sorchik discusses with Dr. Joshua Hendrickson and Dr. William Luther the implications of their research on Bitcoin, focusing on the relationship between block size, security, and the price of Bitcoin. They explore how block congestion can act as a deterrent to criminal activities, the empirical analysis of breaches and fraud, and the historical context of the block size debate. The discussion also touches on policy considerations for Bitcoin's future and the potential impact of Layer Two solutions on transaction dynamics.

Connect with the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://x.com/btcpolicyorg

Connect with William Luther: https://x.com/WilliamJLuther

Connect with Josh Hendrickson: https://x.com/RebelEconProf

Connect with Renee Sorchik: https://x.com/Renee_C_S

Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Guest Bios

01:00 – Block size, congestion & crime deterrence

04:30 – Why criminals must move fast

07:00 – Fees, laundering risks & public blockchains

09:00 – Lessons from traditional finance (Brazil example)

12:00 – Breaches are rare, but significant

15:00 – Blocksize Wars & small blocks as security

20:30 – Policymakers, trade-offs & decentralization

25:00 – SegWit as a natural experiment

30:00 – Congestion, confidence & Bitcoin price

38:00 – Lightning Network & scaling trade-offs

43:00 – Why academics should study Bitcoin

52:00 – Closing thoughts & future research

In this episode, Renee Sorchik, VP of Research at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, sits down with Brent Buchanan, CEO of Cygnal, America’s leading polling firm, and Troy Cross, professor at Reed College and co-founder of the Nakamoto Project. Together they dive deeper into new polling data and survey findings on Bitcoin adoption, ownership, and public perception.

The conversation explores who really owns Bitcoin, how those demographics compare to common assumptions, and what Cygnal’s nationally recognized polling reveals about Bitcoin’s role in American politics. With elections approaching, the guests discuss how Bitcoin intersects with voter trends, public policy, and broader cultural narratives.

From the Nakamoto Project’s mission to close gaps in Bitcoin education to Cygnal’s insights as the top-ranked private pollster, this discussion sheds light on Bitcoin’s growing influence both in the marketplace and at the ballot box.

Read the Cygnal Poll: https://www.cygn.al/poll-bitcoin-owners-lean-republican-emerging-as-sought-after-voting-bloc-in-2026-elections/

Read the Nakamoto Project Poll: https://www.thenakamotoproject.org/report

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Bitcoin Landscape

04:17 The Nakamoto Project and Bitcoin Ownership Insights

08:38 Survey Insights: Political Leanings and Bitcoin Ownership

12:54 Demographics of Bitcoin Owners and Their Values

17:06 The Impact of Bitcoin on Political Engagement

21:59 The Future of Bitcoin and Political Influence

28:15 Understanding Bitcoin's Political Impact

30:55 The Disconnect Between Bitcoin Holders and Policymakers

32:50 Mobilizing Bitcoin Holders for Political Action

36:11 Targeting the Bitcoin Demographic in Politics

38:47 Building Wealth and Understanding Bitcoin

44:11 The Political Advantage of Supporting Bitcoin

48:42 Long-Term Strategies for Engaging Bitcoin Voters

What future risk does quantum computing pose to Bitcoin, and how can we think of those risks in terms of their potential geopolitical outcomes?In this episode of Bitcoin Policy Hour, Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro and Zack Cohen recap the "Crypto Week" legislative wins, followed by a deep dive on the "Q-Day" threat—the moment quantum computers become powerful enough to threaten Bitcoin’s core cryptographic security.This leads to the question: with the ability to undermine Satoshi’s coins, could a quantum breakthrough trigger a global monetary crisis, and ignite a new geopolitical arms race between the U.S., China, and tech giants?

Chapters:00:00 - Introduction and Crypto Legislation Update07:45 - Political Dynamics and Future of Crypto Bills12:15 - White House Crypto Report and Strategic Bitcoin Reserve16:42 - Order of Operations for Market Structure and BRCA18:34 - Quantum Computing Summit and Bitcoin Implications25:17 - Technical Progress and Timelines in Quantum Computing30:21 - Quantum Threats to Bitcoin and Migration Strategies41:39 - Political Economy and Strategic Importance of Quantum Risk for Bitcoin43:26 - BPI's Role and Government Interest in Quantum and Bitcoin47:03 - Risk Assessment and Market Perception of Quantum Threat52:00 - Policy Implications and Institutional Considerations for Quantum Migration53:47 - Closing Remarks and Teaser for Next Episode on Quantum Opportunities

In this episode of the Bitcoin Policy Hour, the Bitcoin Policy Institute's Zack Cohen and Zack Shapiro are joined by special guest David Zell, (BPI Co-founder) to break down Crypto Week in DC, including the Genius Act, anti-CBDC legislation, and the Clarity Act.The team analyzes the recent surge in Bitcoin price action, the growing role of institutional capital, and how partisan politics are shaping the current outlook for digital asset policy in the United States. They also dive into the Roman Storm/Tornado Cash trial and the legal threat to open-source development represented therein. (Recorded 7/15/2025)Chapters:00:00 - Intro + Market Moves Breakdown 02:30 - Institutional vs. Retail: Who’s Buying Bitcoin Now? 06:00 - Policy Shift: Why Institutions Are Finally Allocating 12:00 - Crypto Week in DC: Bills and Political Maneuvering 17:00 - Bitcoin vs. Crypto: Political Spending and Influence 21:00 - Genius Act + Stablecoin Politics 34:00 - CBDCs vs. Stablecoins: Privacy, Control, and the Future of Money 43:00 - Tornado Cash Case and Open Source Legal Risk

Elon Musk’s newly-stated alignment with the so-called “America Party” might mark a turning point in Bitcoin politics—but could it also polarize Trump against BTC? In this episode of the Bitcoin Policy Hour, BPI’s Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro, and Zack Cohen unpack the political chessboard as Elon steps closer to Bitcoin.

Chapters:00:00 – Elon’s Political Power & Bitcoin Alignment01:04 – Mysterious 80,000 BTC Movement: Quantum or OG?06:00 – Legal Ownership vs Possession of Bitcoin13:00 – Adverse Possession, White Hat vs Black Hat19:00 – National Security Risks if North Korea Brute-Forces Bitcoin22:00 – Elon, Trump, and the Politicization of Bitcoin26:40 – Why the “Bitcoin Unifier” Narrative Still Struggles in DC30:00 – Sidelines in Legislation: Crypto vs Bitcoin in Congress33:00 – The Van Hollen Bill: Bitcoin Punishment via El Salvador35:00 – Bitcoin as Anti-Authoritarian Tech vs State Control38:00 – Stablecoins, Tether, and U.S. Digital Dollar Statecraft42:00 – Geopolitical Stakes in Monetary Technology Wars

The U.S. government is running it hot — and Bitcoin may be the only exit.In episode 8 of the Bitcoin Policy Hour, the Bitcoin Policy Institute team — Executive Director Matthew Pines, Head of Policy Zack Shapiro, and Associate Zack Cohen — break down what just happened with the Big Beautiful Bill and why it matters for Bitcoin, inflation, and America’s fiscal future.They dive into the last-minute push to pass pro-Bitcoin tax reform (including the de minimis exemption and mining tax fixes), explain why it failed, and assess the rising importance of the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA) as the next key battleground.The episode also explores deep tensions within the Republican coalition, how Bitcoin fits into U.S. national security priorities, and what the growing demand for stablecoins reveals about where the monetary system is headed.🔶 Connect with Matthew Pines on X: https://x.com/matthew_pines🔶 Connect with Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro🔶 Connect with Zack Cohen on X: https://x.com/zackcohen_🔶 Learn more about the Bitcoin Policy Institute: https://www.btcpolicy.org/Chapters:00:00 – The U.S. Is Running It Hot: Fiscal Dominance Explained01:00 – Behind the Scenes at the Bitcoin Policy Summit05:00 – Strategic Bitcoin Reserve & Leaked “Accumulation Plan”08:00 – Why the Big Beautiful Bill Matters for Bitcoin12:30 – What Killed the De Minimis Tax Fix?17:00 – Mining Tax Reform & Wash Sale Loopholes21:00 – Why the Crypto Lobby Failed in DC26:00 – GOP Factions, Elon vs. Trump, and Bitcoin’s Role31:30 – The Real Bitcoin Priorities: BRCA and Privacy36:00 – What’s Next: Senate Market Structure Bill & Regulatory Outlook41:00 – Final Thoughts: Bitcoin, Inflation & the Next Political Chapter

At the nexus of AI, international relations and monetary policy, Bitcoin’s rise is poised to change the distribution and consolidation of power across the political stack.

00:00 - Intro: From the Bitcoin Policy Summit in DC

04:00 - Why Bitcoin touches every policy domain

06:00 - National security and dual-use tech with Patrick Witt

09:00 - Government’s evolving view on Bitcoin

10:30 - Balancing privacy, surveillance & freedom

12:00 - Private intel conversations on Bitcoin geopolitics

16:50 - Stablecoins, Clarity Act, and legislative strategy

18:30 - Strategic outlook: quantum, AI & China

22:00 - Lightning, AGI, and machine-to-machine payments

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/D2B6Svxjgew

In this conversation, Renee Sorchik and Yaël Ossowski discuss the concept of Bitcoin-based mortgages, exploring how Bitcoin can be integrated into the traditional mortgage system. They delve into the potential market for such mortgages, the regulatory landscape, and the role of institutions like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. The conversation concludes with thoughts on the broader economic impact of Bitcoin mortgages and the potential for future innovations in the financial sector.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bitcoin-Based Mortgages01:18 The Intersection of Bitcoin and Lending04:06 Understanding the Market Potential07:04 How Bitcoin Mortgages Would Function09:09 Regulatory Landscape and Challenges13:27 The Role of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac16:09 Potential Impact of Regulatory Changes18:40 The Future of Bitcoin in Banking21:21 Political Implications and Future Administrations24:16 The Need for Legislative Support29:21 The Broader Economic Impact of Bitcoin Mortgages32:03 Final Thoughts and Future OpportunitiesRegister for the Bitcoin Policy Summit using code "SORCHIK21" using this link: https://lu.ma/btcpolicysummit?coupon=SORCHIK21

In Episode 6 The Bitcoin Policy Hour, our team unpacks the emerging “Riyadh Accord,” a sweeping geopolitical realignment where the United States, Saudi Arabia, and other Gulf nations are bundling AI, Bitcoin, and techno-industrial leverage into a new framework of global influence.As Blackwell chips begin to replace F-35s as diplomatic bargaining tools, and sovereign wealth funds quietly accumulate Bitcoin, Riyadh is fast becoming the epicenter of digital energy, intelligence infrastructure, and monetary power. The conversation explores how U.S. foreign policy is shifting from military entanglements toward high-tech trade agreements and capital co-investments — with AI and Bitcoin at the core.PLUS, we explore the recent slew of BTC treasury companies amping up activity and how they fit into the picture of jurisdictional and memetic arbitrage.Chapters:00:00 - Introduction01:45 - What Is the “Riyadh Accord”?07:30 - Blackwell Chips Replace F-35s in Middle East Bargains13:30 - AGI Infrastructure: Will the AI Run Happen in Riyadh?17:00 - A New Multipolar World Centered on Energy and Compute21:00 - Samourai Wallet, Legal Overreach, and Bitcoin’s Core Ethos26:30 - Policy Hypocrisy: Bitcoin Freedom vs. Surveillance State31:00 - AI Feudalism and the Fight for Decentralized Money36:00 - The Open Source AI vs. Corporate Subscription Future41:00 - Bearer Assets: Bitcoin, GPUs, and Energy as Sovereign Tools46:00 - Global Reflexivity and Bitcoin Treasury Companies51:00 - Metaplanet, Nakamoto, and the Meme Wrapped in Arbitrage56:00 - Bitcoin’s Geopolitical Moment: What Comes Next?01:01:00 - Closing Thoughts: Bitcoin Banks, Policy Risks, and Meme Economics⭐ Join top policymakers, technologists, and Bitcoin industry leaders at the 2025 Bitcoin Policy Summit, June 25–26 in Washington, DC🎟️ Get 21% off with code "BTCPOLICYHOUR" → https://www.btcpolicysummit.org/

Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro and Zack Cohen tackle three pivotal issues shaping Bitcoin’s trajectory in episode 5 of the Bitcoin Policy Hour. They explore the rapid expansion of stablecoins into the energy and commodity sectors, the legal showdown over Samourai Wallet and its implications for Bitcoin software developers, and the GENIUS Act’s bid to redefine stablecoin regulation and US dollar hegemony. As these dynamics unfold, Bitcoin’s role in the evolving financial landscape faces critical tests. Tune in for a compelling analysis of how these developments could reshape decentralized finance and regulatory frameworks.

In this urgent and wide-ranging conversation, Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro, and Zack Cohen explain why the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR) must be the top legislative priority — not market structure bills or stablecoin regulations. As China and the Middle East move faster on sovereign Bitcoin adoption, the U.S. risks losing its monetary edge in a geopolitical arms race. Drawing on national security strategy, economic tail-risk analysis, and the realpolitik of crypto lobbying, the hosts argue that falling behind could be catastrophic for open networks and freedom technology globally.Chapters:00:00 – Intro: Game Theory - Faster Than You Think01:30 – What is the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve? 05:15 – The Real Goal of the 2025 Bitcoin Policy Summit 09:50 – Why Market Structure and Stablecoin Bills Are Winning 14:20 – Hidden Risks of Rushing Non-Bitcoin Crypto Legislation 20:30 – Why Bitcoin Lacks Lobbying Power — and Why It Matters 25:45 – The Case for Bitcoin as a U.S. Strategic Asset 30:40 – Bitcoin vs. Gold: The Sovereign Play for Asymmetric Leverage 36:00 – If China Buys First, It’s Already Too Late 39:30 – Can the U.S. Still Win the Bitcoin Space Race? 43:00 – What Comes Next for Bitcoin Policy on Capitol Hill

This conversation explores global research on Bitcoin adoption, with a focus on survey and interview methodologies, insights from qualitative data, and the factors driving or hindering adoption across different countries. It emphasizes the human stories behind Bitcoin use and the need for stronger education and thoughtful policy. The discussion also examines findings from a comprehensive survey on Bitcoin and stablecoin usage, analyzing trust, cultural influences, and risk perception worldwide. By unpacking the methodology and highlighting varying levels of awareness and acceptance, the conversation offers key takeaways for policymakers shaping the future of financial systems.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Bitcoin Adoption Research

05:02 Project Background and Development

09:53 Methodology of Interviews and Surveys

19:55 Insights from Qualitative Interviews

29:54 Challenges and Catalysts in Bitcoin Adoption

35:28 Exploring Trustworthiness in Bitcoin and Stablecoins

40:35 Understanding Survey Methodology and Data Collection

47:31 Cultural Influences on Bitcoin Perception

51:31 Risk Perception of Bitcoin vs. Local Currencies

56:06 Future of Cryptocurrency and Policy Implications

Policy experts Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro, and Zack Cohen explore the radical implications of artificial general intelligence (AGI) and how Bitcoin might serve as a stabilizing counterforce in a world dominated by AI. Drawing from the viral “AI 2027” scenario, we examine the risks of alignment failure, economic disruption, and geopolitical escalation—and argue why Bitcoin’s monetary properties could make it the most important freedom-preserving infrastructure of the post-AI era.

Episode #2 of the Bitcoin Policy Hour hosted by the Bitcoin Policy Institute. Geopolitics and policy experts Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro and Zack Cohen discuss America's Bitcoin and gold strategies in the context of a new monetary order and U.S.-China competition. They game out for what reasons, and with what likelihood, the U.S. may pivot from hoarding gold, to accumulating Bitcoin, and what this could mean for global capital flows and international relations.

Join us at the Bitcoin Policy Summit, use code BTCPOLICYHOUR for 21% off: ⁠https://lu.ma/btcpolicysummit

In this conversation, Renee Sorchik, Andrew Hohns, and Matt Pines explore the concept of BitBonds—Bitcoin-backed treasury bonds designed to tackle the U.S. national debt—while highlighting the legislative challenges, bipartisan potential, and broader economic benefits of such an initiative. They also discuss the role of Bitcoin as a savings tool, the urgency of proactive policy, and BPI’s efforts to promote citizen engagement and innovative financing solutions for long-term economic growth.Join us at the Bitcoin Policy Summit: https://lu.ma/btcpolicysummitRead the BitBonds Whitepaper: https://www.btcpolicy.org/articles/bitcoin-enhanced-treasury-bonds-an-idea-whose-time-has-comeWatch Andrew's remarks at Bitcoin for America: https://youtu.be/g_kKwaIK_yA

Episode #1 of "The Bitcoin Policy Hour", a new show by Bitcoin Magazine and the Bitcoin Policy Institute where we cover all things geopolitics, public policy and Bitcoin.Geopolitics and policy experts Matthew Pines, Zack Shapiro and Zack Cohen discuss the Trump admin's tariff gambit in the context of US-China relations and the Triffin Dilemma, making the case that Bitcoin, despite its nascent appearance on the global stage, may be the unlikely focal point for global trade negotiations and domestic political strategy alike.

Join us at the Bitcoin Policy Summit, use code BTCPOLICYHOUR for 21% off: https://lu.ma/btcpolicysummit