BTC Sessions

Mentor Sessions Ep 096: Zack Shapiro explains AI existential risk, AI regulation, the Clarity Act, Samurai Wallet, and open source AI policy for Bitcoin.The Clarity Act just failed on the Senate floor, and the fight over whether writing Bitcoin code can be treated as a crime is now heading to 70-year-old federal judges. Zack Shapiro breaks down what that means for self-custody, open source software, and the Samurai Wallet developers still behind bars.In this conversation you'll learn why Zack separates AI existential risk (recursive self-improvement, the orthogonality thesis, instrumental convergence) from the ordinary risks of AI — job displacement, regulatory capture by frontier labs, and cyber attacks like the Cold Card hack. You'll see why he thinks open source AI is not the existential threat, why the Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act (BRCA) matters more than most Bitcoiners realize, and how the 'two clocks' of AI capability vs enterprise adoption will define the next decade. You'll also get the legal reality behind white hat recovery of hacked Bitcoin, why the liquid hacker is in a bad spot, and what happened when the Clarity Act died on the vine.⏱️ Timestamps:0:00 - Intro0:51 - Amodei, Musk and Altman urge AI slowdown1:38 - Ordinary risks versus existential AI threats2:26 - Politics warping the AI safety debate3:20 - Bostrom, AGI and intelligence explosion risks5:01 - Orthogonality thesis and instrumental convergence5:59 - Hugging Face attack shows AI covering tracks6:58 - No easy policy fixes for AI risks8:08 - Can't stop AI progress or open source China9:32 - Separating x-risk concerns from anti-AI populism12:22 - Regulatory capture and Anthropic IPO timing14:21 - Keeping open source AI legal and available16:39 - Trezor self-custody sponsor read17:43 - One shot parallel between Bitcoin and AI19:37 - Where real AI productivity gains appear20:47 - Two Clocks: capability versus enterprise adoption24:22 - Is AI coming for your job?25:28 - Electrification analogy and 30-year lag28:34 - Jevons Paradox and future of work30:42 - White hat recovery of Cold Card hacked funds34:02 - Legal precedent for white hat bounties36:56 - Why the Liquid hacker faces trouble38:55 - What's actually in the Clarity Act43:46 - Money transmitter law and the Samurai case45:20 - Tornado Cash, FinCEN and frying pan argument47:31 - Why this could ban using Bitcoin49:33 - BRCA criminal protections and court battles53:42 - Clarity Act fails to pass what happened55:24 - Senator Lummis stood on principle56:50 - Where to follow Zack ShapiroGuest: Zack Shapiro — lawyer and AI-native law firm builder covering crypto policy, AI regulation, and Bitcoin legal defense.🔗 Links & Resources:- Zack Shapiro on X: https://x.com/zackbshapiro⚡Previous Episode:Bob Burnett and Nacho Pauls of Ocean: https://youtu.be/1-lvwj4DcJsBrent Johnson: https://youtu.be/UoIwpsOB9O0🔔 Subscribe for weekly Bitcoin Podcasts🐦 Follow on X: https://x.com/BTCSessions🐦 Follow on X: https://x.com/theBTCmentor⚡Sovereign Sessions — AI, Privacy, and Bitcoin education: http://youtube.com/@SovereignSessions?sub_confirmation=1⚡ Sponsored by Trezor - Get Your Safe 7 Today: https://affil.trezor.io/aff_c?offer_id=352&aff_id=1088⚡ POWERED by Abundant Mines: Fully managed Bitcoin mining. Learn more at https://qrco.de/bgYKPB⚡ Sponsored by BITCOIN WELL: Best Place to BUY & SELL BITCOINhttps://qrco.de/bfiDC6💡BOOK Private Sessions with Nathan, Ben and the BTC Mentor Team: Master self-custody, hardware, multisig, Lightning, privacy, and more. 👉 Visit btcmentor.io #Bitcoin #BTC #BTCSessions #ZackShapiro #ClarityAct #BRCA #SelfCustody #SamuraiWallet #ColdCardHack #AIRegulation #AISafety #OpenSourceAI #Superintelligence #BitcoinPolicy #BlackRock

Boomers holding Bitcoin are being targeted by scammers — and most don't know it until it's too late.In Episode 6 of Bitcoin Boomers, hosts Bob Burnett, Larry Leopard, and Gary Leland sit down with Joe Kelly, CEO of Unchained Capital, to break down why older Bitcoin holders are disproportionately targeted by scams, what those scams actually look like, and exactly how to defend yourself. Joe explains what Unchained Capital does, why collaborative custodyis a game-changer for security, and what practical steps any boomer (or anyone) can take right now to stop being an easytarget. Additionally special guest author Terence Michael jumps hops on with some incredible stories of bitcoin theft. If you or someone you love holds Bitcoin and doesn't have a rock-solid security plan, this episode is essential viewing.Chapters:00:00:00 - Scams, Security & Bitcoin for Boomers00:00:37 - Welcome to Bitcoin Boomers Episode 6 with Joe Kelly00:02:00 - What is Unchained Capital? Multi-Sig & Self-Custody00:04:53 - Bitcoin Ownership: Legal Title vs Cryptographic Control00:08:21 - Bearer Assets – Gold Lessons & Confiscation Risks00:11:16 - Government Seizure Fears & Multi-Sig Recovery00:13:01 - Sovereign Recovery with Unchained Vaults00:19:14 - Gary’s Spoofed “Unchained” Scam Call Story00:24:42 - Fake Bloomberg Interview Scams00:30:20 - Terrence Michael Joins the Show00:31:15 - Wrench Attack: Sister’s Safe Stolen00:33:05 - Pig Butchering Romance Scam Example00:43:18 - Physical Security, Duress & Multi-Sig Strategies00:47:46 - Time Locks, Decoy Wallets & Adding Friction00:57:36 - Practical Tips to Avoid Scams & Social Engineering01:03:04 - Estate Planning, Trusts & Inheritance with Bitcoin01:09:08 - Bitcoin Milestone: 20 Million Coins Mined01:19:00 - Closing Thoughts & How to Connect with Guests Links & Resources: → Unchained Capital: https://unchained.com → Email Joe Kelly: [email protected] → Terrance Michael on X: @proofofmoney → Free Bitcoin Tutorials (BTC Sessions): https://btcsessions.ca/learn → Bitcoin Mentor (1-on-1 Expert Guidance): https://bitcoinmentor.io SUBSCRIBE for weekly Bitcoin education: https://www.youtube.com/@BTCSessions Supported By:Blockstream Jade: Easy, open-source Bitcoin-only cold storage. Get 10% off with code BOOMERS at blockstream.com.Unchained Signature: Premium custody for serious holders. 10% off first year with code BOOMERS10 at unchained.com/btcboomersAbundant Mines: Fully managed Bitcoin mining. Learn more at abundantmines.comBITCOIN WELL is the best place to buy Bitcoin in Canada and the USA.Visit BITCOINWELL.COM/BTCSESSIONSBook Private Sessions: Master Bitcoin with experts at btcmentor.io. Hosts:Lawrence Lepard (@LawrenceLepard): Author of "The Big Print" Bob Burnett (@boomer_btc): Founder/CEO of Barefoot MiningGary Leland (@GaryLeland): Founder of Bit Block Boom Bitcoin Conference.Follow on X: https://x.com/BTCSessions #Bitcoin #BitcoinSecurity #BitcoinScams #BTCSessions #BitcoinBoomers #Unchained #SelfCustody #BitcoinEducation #HardwareWallet #BitcoinWallet #BTC #BitcoinSafety

Bitcoin Boomers Ep. 05: "Once in a Lifetime Opportunity" - Surviving Bitcoin's 50% Drawdown & Why It's Not Too Late | Lawrence Lepard, Bob Burnett, Gary LelandIs Bitcoin dead after crashing 50% from $125K highs to $67K in early 2026? In this explosive solo episode of Bitcoin Boomers, hosts Lawrence Lepard, Bob Burnett, and Gary Leland—veteran Bitcoiners with decades of market cycles under their belts—break down the FUD, volatility, and massive upside ahead. Larry declares Bitcoin a "once in a lifetime opportunity to build enormous wealth," emphasizing how drawdowns like this are normal for a volatile commodity outpacing gold and silver. Bob exposes mining realities setting a $50K-55K price floor, while Gary shares real-talk from Bitcoin meetups: seasoned HODLers aren't panicking—they're buying the dip. They dismantle media myths like Bitcoin for criminals (spoiler: it's traceable AF), ETF impacts on trading behavior, and why new investors chase highs and sell lows. Amid global economic shifts, fourth turning predictions, and governance debates, they orange-pill boomers: understand cycles, dollar-cost average, and HODL through the noise. With AI needing Bitcoin as its currency and hyperinflation looming from endless printing, this is your blueprint to escape fiat's collapse. Stack sats now—Bitcoin's asymmetry could turn $67K into $1M+ by 2032. Don't miss insights on quantum FUD, network effects, and why Bitcoin's not broken, just misunderstood.Key Topics:Bitcoin's media reputation & criminal use mythsMarket sentiment, volatility, and 50-70% drawdownsBitcoin as a commodity: Production costs & price floorsInvestor psychology: Fear, greed, and chasing highsETFs, trading pitfalls, and new investor challengesGovernance evolution & future protocol changesCommunity resilience at meetups and conferencesFourth turning: Economic reforms & Bitcoin's roleAsymmetric returns & long-term HODL strategiesMining updates, hash rate trends, & AI pivotsChapters:00:00:00 Cold Open – Opportunity & Drawdowns00:00:44 Nancy Guthrie & Bitcoin Reputation Myths00:06:11 Finding Experts Amid Media Noise00:10:15 Institutional Bitcoin Wake-Up Calls00:12:14 Traceability & Criminal Use FUD00:15:44 Volatility & Investor Psychology00:19:11 Valuation Models & Price Floors00:24:05 Liquidity & Future Surges00:27:27 Human Nature in Investing00:30:03 Quantum FUD & Governance00:35:48 Hash Rate & AI Pivots00:39:51 Commodity Challenges00:42:22 Mining Cycles & Timing00:49:34 HODLing Strategies00:52:47 Community Sentiment00:57:09 ETF Impacts & Trading Pitfalls01:01:08 Cycle Dampening01:05:36 Halving & Network Usage01:09:07 Quantum Resistance & BIP-11001:12:52 Global Shifts & Hope01:16:24 Orange-Pilling Boomers01:20:14 Power, Trust & Reforms01:27:10 Bit Block Boom PreviewSupported By:Blockstream Jade: Easy, open-source Bitcoin-only cold storage. Get 10% off with code BOOMERS at blockstream.com.Unchained Signature: Premium custody for serious holders. 10% off first year with code BOOMERS10 at unchained.com/btcboomersAbundant Mines: Fully managed Bitcoin mining. Learn more at abundantmines.comBITCOIN WELL is the best place to buy Bitcoin in Canada and the USA.Visit BITCOINWELL.COM/BTCSESSIONSBook Private Sessions: Master Bitcoin with experts at btcmentor.io. Hosts:Lawrence Lepard (@LawrenceLepard): Author of "The Big Print" Bob Burnett (@boomer_btc): Founder/CEO of Barefoot MiningGary Leland (@GaryLeland): Founder of Bit Block Boom Bitcoin Conference.Check Out the Previous Episode w/ John Heubusch: https://youtu.be/OlNUwAvlI-4#bitcoin #bitcoinboomers #bitcoinvolatility #bitcoininvestment #marketcrash #drawdown #bitcoinmining #hodl #fourthturning #bitcoinfud #bitcoinprice #etfbitcoin #commoditytrading #bitcoincommunity #garyleland #lawrencelepard #bobburnett #btc #bitcoinadoption #bitcoinrevolution #fiatcollapse #soundmoney #hyperinflation #bitcoin2026

The Bitcoin Boomers Ep. 04: "There Needs to be a Revolution" Ex-Reagan Library Director Speaks Out on Bitcoin | John Heubusch, Lawrence Lepard, Bob Burnett, Gary LelandJohn Heubusch (former Executive Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library, Reagan insider, and bestselling author) joins Lawrence Lepard, Bob Burnett, and Gary Leland for an explosive Bitcoin Boomers episode exposing fiat's collapse under America's $38.6 trillion national debt and Bitcoin's revolutionary escape. As Bitcoin hovers around $89K in January 2026 after dipping from 2025's $126K highs, John declares: "There needs to be a revolution... maybe that's when Bitcoin has its moments," linking Reagan's "government is the problem" ethos to sound money's revival. The crew dismantles Nixon's 1971 gold shock as fiat's "beginning of the end," fueling inequality, endless printing, and ethical rot in politics—why Reagan would HODL Bitcoin for its tech disruption like Star Wars defense. Amid hyperinflation fears and US overexpansion mirroring the Soviets' fall, they orange-pill boomers: scarcity (21M BTC cap vs. infinite fiat), network effects outpacing Visa/Mastercard, and AI needing Bitcoin as its frictionless currency. John shares jaw-dropping tales—dating Lady Di, rescuing Reagan's blood vial from eBay, running the Library with Air Force One inside—and his cancer survival blending faith/immunotherapy. Larry slams advisors ignoring Bitcoin's 16-year dominance, Bob ties PC revolution to BTC adoption, Gary urges top 1% ownership (just 0.25 BTC). This is the boomer blueprint: escape fiat's cliff before calamity forces change. Stack sats now—Bitcoin's your hedge against debasement.Chapters:00:00:00 Cold Open – Revolution & Bitcoin's Moment00:00:44 Welcome John Heubusch & Career Overview00:02:37 Date with Lady Di Story00:07:01 Politics to Business Shift00:09:01 Washington's Lack of Acumen00:10:36 Term Limits & Power Concentration00:12:06 Reagan Connections & Insights00:15:38 Reagan Blood Vial Recovery00:17:36 Reagan Library & Air Force One00:20:00 Broken Monetary System Exposed00:22:57 Debt Deficits from Reagan Era00:27:27 Nixon Gold Shock Chaos00:30:08 Reagan Hypothetical on Debt00:34:24 Would Reagan Be a Bitcoiner?00:37:13 US Overexpansion Parallels00:41:00 Bitcoin Media & Peer Perceptions00:47:01 Not Too Late for Boomers00:53:01 Bitcoin Network Effects00:55:15 Money Supply & Regulation Warnings00:57:55 Hyperinflation & Collapse Risks01:03:20 AI Needing Bitcoin Currency01:08:28 Endowments Considering BTC01:11:08 Shroud Conspiracy Thrillers01:18:16 Cancer Survival & Faith01:20:38 Closing Thanks & Book SwapAbout JohnJohn Heubusch is an American political and private-sector executive, author, and former Executive Director of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute (2009-2023). With a career spanning the Pentagon, Capitol Hill, U.S. Department of Labor (Chief of Staff to Elizabeth Dole), American Red Cross, NRSC, Gateway Inc. (CAO), and Avalon Capital, he's a bestselling author of thrillers The Shroud Conspiracy and The Second Coming.• Website: https://johnheubusch.com/• Twitter: @JHeubuschSupported By:Blockstream Jade: Easy, open-source Bitcoin-only cold storage. Get 10% off with code BOOMERS at blockstream.com.Unchained Signature: Premium custody for serious holders. 10% off first year with code BOOMERS10 at unchained.com/btcboomersAbundant Mines: Fully managed Bitcoin mining. Learn more at abundantmines.comBITCOIN WELL is the best place to buy Bitcoin in Canada and the USA.Visit BITCOINWELL.COM/BTCSESSIONSBook Private Sessions: Master Bitcoin with experts at btcmentor.io. Check Out the Previous Episode w Gary Cardone: https://youtu.be/0U8R6BzjDSE#bitcoin #bitcoinboomers #reagan #nationaldebt #fiatcollapse #soundmoney #bitcoinrevolution #debtcrisis #hyperinflation #reaganlibrary #johnheubusch #larrylepard #bobburnett #garyleland #btc #bitcoinadoption #aibitcoin #boomerbitcoin #fiatratrace #qe2026

The Bitcoin Boomers Ep. 03: Bitcoin Freedom Revolution, Big Print on Steroids & Public Miner Doom | Larry Lepard, Bob Burnett, Gary Leland, Gary CardoneGary Cardone (energy veteran, fintech pioneer, and acclaimed artist) joins Larry Lepard, Bob Burnett, and Gary Leland for a no-holds-barred Bitcoin Boomers episode that exposes the fiat system's soul-crushing traps and Bitcoin's path to ultimate freedom. From the opening salvo, Gary drops bombs: "Bitcoin is the primary business without an HR department," freeing him from "dumb meetings about dumb subjects" to pursue art and self-discovery. The crew dismantles fiat's "treadmill" (Larry: "The only thing more limited than Bitcoin is your time—and Bitcoin gives it back"), warns of ethical "prostitution" in corporate ladders, and reveals how creatives spot Bitcoin's magic first by thinking outside the box. Bob slams public miners' impending doom amid 2025's $8.6B M&A frenzy and harsh margins, while championing decentralized energy "sinkholes" for wasted power. Larry's prescient "big print" prophecy hits home as the Fed ended QT in December 2025, restarting QE with $40B/month Treasury buys amid liquidity strains—fueling Bitcoin's hedge role despite its dip to ~$87K from $126K highs. They debate deflationary shocks from immigration policies, why success isn't chasing dollars (Gary: "Even billionaires don't get freedom"), and raw advice for young stackers: ditch consumerism, seek mentors, pay yourself first with 10% in BTC for compounding magic.This is the orange-pill blueprint for boomers and millennials alike—escape fiat's rat race before the next debasement wave. If you're tired of quarterly BS and ready for Bitcoin's no-HR revolution, hit play now.Chapters:00:00:00 Cold Open – Bitcoin Gives Back Your Time00:00:44 Welcome Gary Cardone & Artistic Bitcoiners00:01:17 Creatives in Bitcoin: Art, Music, Writing00:01:57 Bitcoin as No-HR Business Model00:02:23 Freedom from Dumb Meetings & Self-Discovery00:03:25 Creatives See Bitcoin Quicker – Outside the Box00:04:25 Bitcoin's Gift: Defining Who You Are00:04:53 Escaping the Fiat Treadmill00:05:40 Amplifying Time & Ego in Success00:06:36 Art Over Building at This Stage00:06:55 2020 Entry Still Early – Buying at $90K00:07:33 Frustrating Year But Gift of Time00:07:58 Fiat Sucks You Back – Builder Mentality00:08:11 Math of Bitcoin vs. Business Returns00:09:21 Liquidity Without Hooks in Bitcoin00:09:42 Gateway CTO: Nightmare of Endless Meetings00:10:35 Public Mining Decision – Freedom Over Dollars00:10:59 Serving Bitcoin as Citizen vs. Public CEO00:11:16 Money Plateaus – Freedom is True WealthAbout GaryA former natural gas insider turned Bitcoin multi-millionaire, Gary blends decades of experience in energy, finance, and tech into hard-hitting insights. • Website: https://garycardone.me/• Twitter: @GaryCardoneHosts:Lawrence Lepard (@LawrenceLepard): Sound money advocate, fund manager, author of "The Big Print" Bob Burnett (@boomer_btc): Bitcoin evangelist, Founder/CEO of Barefoot Mining, former CTO at Gateway Inc. Board member at Ocean with over 40 years in tech and mining.Gary Leland (@GaryLeland): Founder of Bit Block Boom Bitcoin Conference.Supported By:Blockstream Jade: Easy, open-source Bitcoin-only cold storage. Get 10% off with code BOOMERS at blockstream.com.Unchained Signature: Premium custody for serious holders. 10% off first year with code BOOMERS10 at unchained.com/btcboomersAbundant Mines: Fully managed Bitcoin mining. Learn more at abundantmines.comBITCOIN WELL is the best place to buy Bitcoin in Canada and the USA.Visit BITCOINWELL.COM/BTCSESSIONSBook Private Sessions: Master Bitcoin with experts at bitcoinmentor.io. Check Out the Previous Episode w Dr. Bob Murphy: https://youtu.be/5PBylH5h9TY#bitcoin #bitcoinboomers #bitcoinfreedom #fiatratrace #bitcoinmining #qe2025 #qe2026 #publicminers #deflation #bitcoinadoption #garycardone #larrylepard #bobburnett #garyleland #soundmoney #btc