Quantum Computers Don't Exist w/ Brandon Black

Quantum Computers Don't Exist w/ Brandon Black

Author: Brian HIrschfield and Rob Hamilton July 19, 2026 Duration: 1:23:31

In this episode, Rob and I sit down with Brandon Black (aka Rearden Code) for a deep dive into the quantum-computing debate around Bitcoin. We unpack why Brandon thinks the more useful framing is not “post-quantum” but “post-secp256k1,” and why Bitcoiners should care less about sci-fi narratives and more about understanding the actual cryptographic assumptions that protect coins today. Along the way, we revisit the now-legendary conference panel on quantum risk, talk through exposed pubkeys, xpub leakage, multisig, Taproot, Lightning force closes, and the difference between a theoretical break and an economically viable attack.

We also spend a lot of time sizing risk correctly. Brandon helps us separate slow, visible cryptographic degradation from the far less likely “everything breaks tomorrow” scenario, and we explore how incentives change depending on whether the attacker wants profit, strategic advantage, or chaos. The conversation eventually zooms all the way out to math, physics, and engineering: Shor’s algorithm may exist on paper, but building a machine that can actually matter for Bitcoin is still a very different question. If you want a rigorous, grounded conversation about quantum threats, elliptic curves, MuSig2, FROST, and how to think clearly instead of panicking, this is a great one.

The legendary panel:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbJkODcrz7Q


What if the foundational ideas securing Bitcoin weren't just abstract concepts but something you could grasp and verify for yourself? Magic Internet Math, hosted by Brian Hirschfield and Rob Hamilton, is built on the conviction that true ownership in the digital age requires personal understanding. This podcast delves into the specific mathematical principles that make Bitcoin function, moving beyond surface-level explanations to explore the actual reasoning behind the protocol. The goal is to replace reliance on experts with genuine, self-verified knowledge. Hirschfield and Hamilton believe that without comprehending this core math, one's belief in the system remains fragile, always subject to external influence and uncertainty. Their discussions aim to transform complex topics into accessible, conversational explorations, breaking down the barriers that often make technical subjects feel intimidating. By focusing on the logical pathways from first principles, the show provides listeners with the tools to build their own intellectual conviction. It’s for anyone who has ever wondered how Bitcoin actually works under the hood and feels that trusting a white paper or a charismatic figure isn't quite enough. The conversations in this podcast are designed to empower, offering a deeper literacy in the cryptographic and economic ideas that define this new asset class. You'll hear detailed walkthroughs of key algorithms, discussions on probability and game theory as they apply to consensus, and an ongoing analysis of how mathematical certainty creates a new form of digital sovereignty. This isn't about investment advice or price speculation; it's a foundational education. Tune in to shift from being a passive holder to an informed participant, equipped with the knowledge to critically evaluate the system you’re trusting with your value. Magic Internet Math frames mathematics not as a gatekeeper, but as the essential tool for liberation and confidence in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 36

Magic Internet Math
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