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SOB #482 Life on Bitcoin (2021 Edition)

SOB #482 Life on Bitcoin (2021 Edition)

Author: Adam B. Levine September 25, 2021 Duration: 29:03
Speaking of Bitcoin (formerly Let's Talk Bitcoin!)
Technology

In the early days of Bitcoin, a few idealistic individuals attempted to live entirely on the bitcoin currency. Nine years and an abundance of technological developments later, is an entirely closed-loop bitcoin economy possible, or even useful?

Join hosts Jonathan Mohan, Stephanie Murphy and Andreas M. Antonopoulos as they reflect on bitcoin’s evolution as a currency and commodity. In the early days, an era of retail adoption as merchants began to accept bitcoin from their customers seemed to point to a bright future for daily bitcoin use. The 2013 IRS addendum treating bitcoin as a commodity, rather than as a foreign currency, quickly made transactions a burden with onerous tax reporting requirements, dimming that retail bitcoin future.

In the time since, the crypto community has adopted a HODL mindset. Why spend bitcoin if it’s disinflationary in nature and will bring you more value in the future? Those idealistic individuals' dreams of bitcoin as a daily currency may no longer align with bitcoin's maturation.

Developments in layer 2 technology, like the Lightning Network, have allowed experiments in bitcoin as legal tender to be not only a possibility, but a pragmatic choice for governments like El Salvador’s. With news of Ukraine considering following in El Salvador’s footsteps, will clusters of closed-loop bitcoin life bloom around the world?

Do you have any questions or comments? Send us an email at adam@speakingofbitcoin.show

Today's show featured Andreas M. Antonopoulos, Stephanie Murphy and Jonathan Mohan. This episode was edited by Jonas, with music by Jared Rubens and Gurty Beats. Our album art is based off a photo by Ishan_@seefromthesky on Unsplash, modified by Speaking of Bitcoin


For years, Speaking of Bitcoin has served as a thoughtful hub for conversation about the technology reshaping money and society. Hosted by Adam B. Levine alongside Andreas M. Antonopoulos, Dr. Stephanie Murphy, and Jonathan Mohan, this podcast approaches a complex and often divisive space with a commitment to clarity and even-handed exploration. The discussions prioritize depth over hype, breaking down technical concepts, economic implications, and the human stories behind the cryptocurrency phenomenon. You'll hear nuanced analysis and interviews that respect the listener's intelligence, whether the topic is a new protocol layer, a regulatory shift, or a philosophical debate about digital sovereignty. As the longest-running English-language talk show dedicated to this ecosystem, it offers a unique historical perspective that newcomers and veterans alike will appreciate. Tune in for the friendly, substantive dialogue that has defined this show since its earlier days as Let's Talk Bitcoin.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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Speaking of Bitcoin (formerly Let's Talk Bitcoin!)
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