In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Collin Starkweather — economist, data scientist, and former Chief Data Scientist at a legal-tech AI startup — for a deep, no-nonsense conversation about the real drivers of value in crypto, the misunderstood power of network effects, and the future of artificial intelligence.
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We unpack why most people — including many investors — fundamentally misunderstand what gives crypto its value. Collin explains how price, hype, usage, and belief all collide to create the illusion of “worth,” and why Bitcoin dominates despite its technical limitations. We dive into network effects and why they determine winners more than features — drawing surprising parallels between Facebook, Microsoft, and crypto.

Our conversation explores market efficiency, the power of collective intelligence, and how retail investors often follow hype instead of logic. We discuss Ethereum’s strengths and weaknesses, why no one has managed to dethrone Bitcoin, and why belief may be more powerful than code.
We also zoom out to talk about AI: where we are now, what separates machine learning from artificial intelligence, and whether we’re truly entering the age of AGI. Collin reflects on his time living and teaching in China and shares a unique comparative lens on the U.S.–China AI rivalry — from infrastructure and regulation to government incentives and global positioning.

This episode is for anyone who wants to go deeper than buzzwords. Whether you're a crypto skeptic, an AI builder, a policy wonk, or just trying to make sense of markets, hype cycles, and technology trends — this is the conversation that cuts through the noise.

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In this episode, I sit down with Alex Neumüller, research lead at the Cambridge Centre for Alternative Finance, to explore the real-world mechanics, misconceptions, and future of Bitcoin mining. From his early mining days in China to publishing one of the most comprehensive reports on Bitcoin energy use, Alex brings a rare combination of academic rigor and hands-on experience to a debate often dominated by speculation and Twitter threads.

We dive deep into the Cambridge Bitcoin Mining Report, which challenges mainstream narratives with hard data — revealing that over 52% of mining now uses renewable energy and highlighting how miners are helping reduce global gas flaring by repurposing wasted energy. Alex breaks down how mining actually works, why Proof of Work is essential to Bitcoin’s security model, and how geopolitical and energy dynamics are reshaping the industry.

Our conversation explores Bitcoin's critical challenges: whether mining remains sustainable after halvings, how miners will compete with AI for cheap energy, and what happens when block rewards disappear entirely.

We also explore surprising use cases, like how miners are repurposing waste heat to dry food and heat buildings, and discuss why Bitcoin mining might be the most misunderstood climate tech of our time. Alex opens up about the challenge of translating complex research into plain language — and why bridging that gap may be the key to broader societal acceptance.

Whether you’re a miner, policymaker, investor, or simply curious about Bitcoin’s infrastructure layer, this episode offers clear, grounded insight into one of the most controversial — and crucial — pieces of the crypto puzzle.

A must-listen for anyone serious about energy, decentralization, sustainability, and the long game of building in crypto.

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In this episode, I talk with Arty Bespaloff, one of the earliest Bitcoin mining pioneers, about how a search for a banned book led him into crypto — and eventually into building physical infrastructure for a decentralized future. From growing up in Kazakhstan and Argentina to discovering Bitcoin on the dark web and launching one of Canada’s first OTC desks and mining businesses, Artem shares a compelling origin story shaped by curiosity and resilience.

We uncover the hidden history of Bitcoin’s early days: shady Telegram trades for mining rigs, PayPal and eBay cracking down on crypto sellers, and licensed companies still losing access to banks. Artem explains how Canada’s strict regulations pushed him to build independently — turning Bitcoin into both a business opportunity and a safeguard against centralized financial control.

Our conversation goes beyond speculation, touching on mining logistics, the tension between decentralization and compliance, and the philosophical divide between Bitcoin as a store of value versus a medium of exchange. Artem explains why mining is now a scale game, how small players are being edged out, and why the greatest risk may not be price — but being locked out of the system entirely.

We also challenge big ideas: Should Canada merge with the U.S.? Can Bitcoin thrive without merchant adoption? Is belief alone enough to give it value? A raw and thought-provoking deep dive into the philosophy, infrastructure, and human stories behind crypto’s rise.

Perfect for anyone curious about Bitcoin’s history, mining infrastructure, financial sovereignty, and what it really means to build in crypto.

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In this episode, I sit down with Lauren Lin, Head of Mining Hardware at Luxor Technology, to unpack the complex, high-stakes world of bitcoin mining infrastructure. Lauren shares her journey from business analyst to leading one of the most influential hardware divisions in the crypto mining space, navigating global logistics, trade risks, and the evolving demands of the industry.

We dive into the hidden backbone of Bitcoin: the supply chains, warehousing, tariffs, and energy strategies that make mining possible. Lauren offers an insider's view on how U.S. trade policy is reshaping global hardware flows, why miners are increasingly shifting operations to Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East, and how AI’s rise is forcing miners to think bigger — and smarter.

We also explore the future of mining infrastructure: from immersion cooling and direct-to-chip technology to whether crypto miners can pivot into AI data centers — or if AI firms might pivot into mining. Lauren doesn’t shy away from the hard questions, including the controversial idea of Bitcoin ever moving to proof-of-stake.

Tune in to understand the real mechanics behind bitcoin mining, how geopolitical shifts are impacting the industry, and why the next generation of miners may look more like data center operators than crypto cowboys.

A must-listen for anyone at the intersection of crypto, energy, infrastructure, and emerging tech.

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In this episode, I sit down with Ryan Nuckolls, the Founder of Digital Infrastructure Group and Co-Founder of Texas Energy Group, to unpack the evolving world of digital infrastructure, energy, and AI. Ryan, a 10th-generation Texan and seasoned entrepreneur, shares his journey from the family oil and gas business to building cutting-edge infrastructure for bitcoin miners, AI, and HPC operators across Texas.

We dive into Texas's unique position as an energy powerhouse with a deregulated electricity market, its growing status as the new Silicon Valley, and why it's becoming the go-to destination for data centres and high-energy consumers. Ryan also discusses the future of the U.S. grid, the transition from crypto to AI, the power of natural gas, and how industrial players like Bitcoin miners are unexpectedly modernizing the energy grid. 

Tune in to learn why deregulated markets can better support innovation, how large-scale energy demands are reshaping utility planning, and why building digital infrastructure today requires more than just capital — it demands vision, patience, and credible partnerships. 

A must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of energy, tech, and the massive shifts reshaping America's infrastructure landscape.

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In this episode, I sit down with Mike Kozlowski, an attorney and a partner at Esbrook P.C., to explore the intersection of law and the ever-evolving crypto industry. Unlike other people in the crypto industry, Mike brings a traditional legal perspective to digital assets, blockchain disputes, and financial regulations. 

Our conversation covers the chaotic legal landscape of cryptocurrencies, from meme coins to institutional investments, and the growing need for regulatory clarity. Mike shares his insights on the most significant legal challenges in crypto — fraud, litigation, and the fine line between securities and commodities—while shedding light on the SEC's evolving stance on digital assets.

Tune in to hear how the legal world is catching up to the fast-moving crypto space, why clear regulations are essential for mainstream adoption, and what the future holds for businesses navigating the "Wild West" of digital finance. 

This episode is a must-watch for anyone curious about crypto law, regulatory risks, and the high-stakes battles shaping the industry's future.

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In this episode, I sit down to explore the evolving landscape of AI after the appearance of the Chinese DeepSeek, its regulations and its impact on global tech competition. We'll explore the insights on the geopolitical and economic factors shaping the AI industry, from China's dominance in energy-efficient data centres to the challenges faced by U.S. companies in maintaining their competitive edge.
This expertise delves into the factors driving AI infrastructure investments, the impact of AI on financial markets, and the potential future of AI development in both the U.S. and China. I also highlight the importance of sustaining AI advancements and the role of strategic investments in shaping the industry's future.
Tune in to hear my perspectives on the AI arms race between OpenAI and DeepSeek, the economic implications of large-scale AI development, and what lies ahead for the future of AI-driven innovation. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the intersection of AI and technological disruption.

Podcast with Bill Kleyman: https://www.buzzsprout.com/2408684/episodes/16488976 

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In this episode, I sit down with Bill Kleyman, CEO and Co-Founder of Apollo.US to explore the evolving landscape of AI-driven data centers and the broader tech ecosystem. Bill shares his journey, from a childhood fascination with communication technology in Soviet Ukraine to becoming a pioneer in the data center industry and a self-proclaimed "AI cloud wizard."

Our conversation delves into Apollo.US  innovative approach, the only multi-tenant, white-label MLOps platform comparable to AWS SageMaker, is designed to empower companies to build AI use cases tailored to their unique challenges. Bill also emphasizes the critical components for success in this field: energy, bravery, and adaptability.

Tune in to hear Bill's insights on the future of AI, the challenges of scaling hardware-agnostic platforms, and the role of resilience and strategic execution in transforming visionary ideas into impactful solutions. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the intersections of AI, data centers, and the human ingenuity driving these fields forward.

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Rajiv Khemani, CEO and Co-Founder of Auradine talks about developing sustainable hardware infrastructure for cryptocurrency mining and artificial intelligence. Rajiv shares his experience founding four semiconductor startups and how he saw opportunities in Bitcoin mining to decentralize supply chains dominated by a few Chinese companies using inefficient silicon designs and Auradine's mission to create more efficient and sustainable Bitcoin mining equipment. At Auradine, they are developing next-generation ASIC chips using 3nm technology nodes to significantly improve mining efficiency and reduce energy consumption. Rajiv and Sergii also explore the growth of energy demands from both Bitcoin networks and AI data centers, and whether competition or collaboration will emerge between the industries to access renewable energy sources. The conversation provides insight into the technical challenges of designing specialized chips while also making progress on sustainability goals for blockchain and AI technologies. 

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Dave Perrill, a serial  entrepreneur a former CEO and Founder of Compute North, one of the largest crypto mining hosting companies that went bankrupt in 2022  Dave shares his journey from the early 90s, when he launched an internet provider, to founding one of the largest Bitcoin hosting  companies of the time. The discussion covers a wide range of topics: scaling a business, raising capital, overcoming crises, and navigating the unexpected in the start-up world. During the conversation, Dave shares how he managed to cope through his company's bankruptcy and continues to push forward, using those experiences to bring about  a fresh start. Tune in to hear about the importance of resilience, quick adaptation to change, and building a strong team grounded in core values can make or break a company.

Link to a video Podcast: https://youtu.be/Ob36Hk-nbrc?si=jtA2wTnGn_h-wx4Z

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