Episodes
What if Bitcoin mining could be the key to a more stable energy grid? Join us as we dissect demand flexibility in Texas's energy landscape, building on insights from Texas A&M's Professor Leishi. Discover how energy efficiency improvements—like attic insulation and home electrification—might slice peak electricity demand by over 10 gigawatts. We also explore the future of heating, weighing the pros and cons of electric heat pumps over traditional gas furnaces. Is your fixed-rate electrici...
Published 10/10/24
Published 10/10/24
Join us for an exploration of how Bitcoin tackles the age-old issues of trust and distrust within central banking systems, offering a transparent and accountable alternative. Discover the significance of private keys and hardware wallets, emphasizing the personal responsibility integral to this decentralized system. We also examine Bitcoin's steadfast commitment to security and stability in its software development approach, setting it apart from other cryptocurrencies.Learn how metrics like ...
Published 10/04/24
Is Ethereum's decline a sign of trouble ahead, or simply a shift in the crypto landscape? Let's break down the significant trend of Ethereum losing 50% of its value relative to Bitcoin over the past two years. We'll dismiss common theories like cyclical liquidity and Bitcoin ETF absorption, focusing instead on the rise of Solana and its appeal to developers. Our discussion peels back the layers to reveal the deeper issue of uncertainty versus utility in monetary assets, highlighting why Bitco...
Published 09/24/24
Get the facts straight on Bitcoin miners' role in Texas's energy grid. We’ll address the misconceptions and criticisms head-on, illustrating how Bitcoin mining offers grid flexibility and supports stability. From political insights to technical clarifications, this episode lays out the real story behind Texas Bitcoin mining, correcting misleading narratives and highlighting the significant contributions of this burgeoning industry. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the symbiotic relationshi...
Published 09/03/24
We're back with Episode 42! Can Bitcoin transform national reserves and redefine America's financial future? On this episode of Block Time, we explore Senator Cynthia Lummis' groundbreaking Bitcoin Act of 2024 and its proposal to create a national Bitcoin reserve. Delving into the strategic implications of this legislation, we examine how Bitcoin's resilience and decentralized architecture could play a pivotal role in maintaining U.S. economic competitiveness. From understanding the peer...
Published 08/13/24
We're back for Episode 41! Join your host, Pierre Rochard to unlock the mysteries of Bitcoin custody and regulation with us on the latest Block Time podcast episode. Learn about the stark contrast between traditional banking responsibilities and the decentralized nature of Bitcoin, where you're the captain of your own holdings. And if you're curious about the nitty-gritty of transaction verification and the ethic dilemmas node operators may face, we've got that covered too. Listen now! F...
Published 05/21/24
Join us for Episode 40, an exclusive with Pierre Rochard and CEO of Riot, Jason Les at Riot's Halving Party on 4/19 with PubKey. Don't miss the Q&A from the audience at the end. Follow Blocktime on Twitter: https://twitter.com/BlocktimebyRiotFollow Blocktime on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@RiotPlatforms/podcasts
Published 04/30/24
Embark with us on a journey through the cryptographic labyrinth that is Satoshi Nakamoto's seminal Bitcoin white paper, a blueprint that set the stage for the digital currency revolution. Dive headfirst into the mechanics of electronic cash as we untangle the complexities behind Bitcoin's design, which sought to tackle issues far beyond basic transactions. You'll gain a richer understanding of the financial dance between liquid and tangible assets, the intrigue behind money creation by...
Published 04/23/24
Embark with us on a journey through the cryptographic labyrinth that is Satoshi Nakamoto's seminal Bitcoin white paper, a blueprint that set the stage for the digital currency revolution. Dive headfirst into the mechanics of electronic cash as we untangle the complexities behind Bitcoin's design, which sought to tackle issues far beyond basic transactions. You'll gain a richer understanding of the financial dance between liquid and tangible assets, the intrigue behind money creation by...
Published 04/18/24
Prepare to take a deep dive into the DNA of digital currency, exploring not just the technical innovations but the philosophical underpinnings that led to the creation of Bitcoin. Our journey takes us from the cryptography mailing list, where Bitcoin first came to life, through the corridors of the cypherpunk movement, to the pivotal moment of the 2008 financial crisis. We also ponder the enigma of Satoshi's identity and the early days of Bitcoin reception and critique, all while examining...
Published 04/16/24
Tune in for an exploration of Bitcoin’s potential to reshape the economic hierarchy, offering a beacon of stability in an era of rampant consumerism and inflation. Our conversation with Pierre brings to light how the core principles of transparency, accountability, and reliability, intrinsic to Bitcoin's DNA, are revolutionizing traditional financial systems. The episode discusses Bitcoin's influence on El Salvador's economy and the strategic investments by visionaries like Michael Saylor....
Published 04/09/24
Join us for Episode 36 with special guest, Dylan LeClair. Our journey begins with Dylan's own departure from conventional economics, leading to his deep dive into the pandemic's silver lining: Bitcoin. As we unpack his analysis of Bitcoin miners and related equities from his vantage point at Bitcoin Magazine, you'll uncover the untold narrative of Bitcoin as an unstoppable force in the financial realm, empowering economies and challenging the status quo of the banking system. The conversation...
Published 04/02/24
Unlock the transformative power of Bitcoin's Lightning Network with us on BlockTime as we gear up for the much-anticipated Bitcoin halving. With the market pulsing with renewed vigor, we're bringing you exclusive behind-the-scenes access to Riot Platform's Corsicana Facility. This episode isn't just about the halving; it's about understanding the backbone of Bitcoin's infrastructure and the revolutionary Lightning Network, set to redefine digital finance akin to credit cards. Follow...
Published 03/27/24
Prepare to embark on a journey into the heart of Bitcoin's evolution with our esteemed guest, Steve Lee from Spiral. We'll unravel the mysteries of Bitcoin adoption and the limitless potential of the Lightning Network in a way that's not just for the tech-savvy, but for everyone curious about the future of currency. Steve, with his expert insights from Spiral's non-commercial initiatives by Block, spotlights the crucial role of open-source contributions and the creative strategies employed to...
Published 03/19/24
Dive deep into the enigma of Bitcoin's supply mechanics with our latest Block Time discussion. Your Host, Pierre and Producer Gabe take you on a journey through Bitcoin's backbone. They start by tackling the core concepts that set Bitcoin apart from conventional assets, emphasizing how it's underpinned by stringent mathematical and cryptographic rules. From the technicality of Satoshis to the sophistication of smart contracts, we'll leave no stone unturned as we dissect the foundational...
Published 03/12/24
Join Pierre for a solo episode! We tackle everything from the process of mining and transaction verification to the recent scrutinies made by political figures such as Senator Elizabeth Warren, juxtaposing these against the drive for renewable energy sources within the industry. Venture into the realm of regulations and their historical ties to the U.S. economy, as we dissect the Energy Information Administration's methods and motivations for data collection. We question the urgency behind...
Published 03/05/24
Fred Krueger, former Wall Street trader and current Bitcoin enthusiast, who joins us to dissect the potential seismic shifts these financial products could bring to the currency landscape. As Fred seamlessly bridges the gap between the traditional finance sector and the  digital currency space, we delve into how Bitcoin ETFs could revolutionize investment strategies and mitigate common misunderstandings plaguing both camps. If you've ever wondered about the intricacies of ETFs or the...
Published 02/27/24
Tobin Harding takes us behind the scenes of his coding journey in Episode 30. Tobin conveys the profound impact of this collaborative ethos on his approach to development. We also tackle the critical role of the kernel, the correlation between hardware and software, drawing attention to the necessity for durable, high-quality code. Our conversation culminates in a thought-provoking exploration of Bitcoin's future, including its scalability and complexity. The million-dollar question arises:...
Published 02/20/24
Discover how Bitcoin mining and energy sectors can converge for mutual growth as electricity grid expert Shaun Connell, EVP of Power, from Lancium unravels the symbiotic relationship these industries share. Witness Sean's fascinating leap from conventional power generation to the cutting-edge realm of Bitcoin mining. This episodes dives into the intricate dance between mining profitability, underused energy resources, and the economics of power generation, all through the lens of a seasoned...
Published 02/13/24
Sit down with your Host, Pierre Rochard, and Brian Morgenstern, Head of Public Policy at Riot, to unpack the  EIA’s Emergency Survey on Bitcoin Miners.  We tackle head-on the chilling notion of privacy invasion and dissect the shaky ground upon which the DOE claims grid stability concerns. Join us as we expose the potential for a darker agenda behind these actions, one that threatens the very fabric of the Bitcoin industry and whole digital currency realm. Follow Blocktime on Twitter:...
Published 02/08/24
Join your Host, Pierre Rochard, and special guest, Robert Warren, Manager, Mining & Operations Analysis at Riot, learn about his journey to Bitcoin mining. Our latest BlockTime podcast episode captures his shift from seeing Bitcoin as just another asset to embracing the full complexity of its networked existence. We journey with Robert through personal life changes, his move fueled by love, and how he's grown not only a family but also a deep appreciation for the often-invisible world of...
Published 02/06/24
Meet Gary Leland, the brains behind the BitBlockBoom conference. Step into Gary's shoes as he recounts his own revelation in the Bitcoin realm, where initial skepticism morphed into a profound realization of Bitcoin's indispensable role in the digital ecosystem. We unravel Bitcoin's metaphorical mantle as 'digital gold,' dive into its significance beyond mere commodity, and ponder the ripple effects Bitcoin ETFs may cast upon the shores of e-commerce. Our narrative sails through the...
Published 01/30/24
In Episode 25, join Pierre for a 1:1 on Wall Street's evolving interaction with Bitcoin, delving into the future of Bitcoin ETFs and their operational intricacies. Examining the SEC's decisions, Pierre analyzes the technicalities of cash creation and redemption processes, considering the potential impact of self-custody. This discussion encompasses global perspectives, reflecting on how U.S. investment products are perceived internationally and addressing the need for regulatory reform to...
Published 01/23/24
Join us for Episode 24 for an electrifying conversation with Nick Kyle,  Electrician at Riot. As we power down our discussion, Nick sheds light on some common misconceptions about mining's electrical demands and its impact on the grid, particularly in the context of voltage ride through during weather events. We also touch on the community-driven aspect of mining, from the shared experiences with family members in the industry to the team-building escapades that unite us beyond the clock....
Published 01/16/24