Stephan Livera Podcast

In this episode, the discussion revolves around Breez's innovative SDK and its nodeless implementation, which simplifies the integration of Bitcoin and Lightning into applications. The guests share their experiences from the ‘Time to Build’ challenge, highlighting the ease of use and the potential for new applications in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Brianna discusses her social events platform, Evento, and how it leverages the Breez SDK to facilitate peer-to-peer value exchange. Aljaz shares insights on developing a BTC Pay plugin that enhances payment processing without the need for a full Lightning node. The conversation also touches on user experience design, the role of vibe coding in development, and the growing excitement around Bitcoin and Layer 2 solutions.
Takeaways:
🔸Breez SDK simplifies Bitcoin integration for developers.
🔸Evento aims to create a fair events platform without high fees.
🔸Breez's node-less implementation reduces complexity for users.
🔸User experience is crucial for onboarding non-Bitcoiners.
🔸Vibe coding allows for rapid development and experimentation.
🔸Brianna emphasizes the importance of user feedback in design.
🔸Aljaz's BTC Pay plugin streamlines payment processing.
🔸Liquid and Spark offer different trade-offs for developers.
🔸The Bitcoin ecosystem is seeing renewed interest and innovation.
🔸The future of Bitcoin payments looks promising with new tools. 
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:04) - Overview of ‘Time to Build’ challenge
(02:07) - What is Breez Nodeless SDK?
(03:09) - Brianna’s experience of building Evento using Breez SDK
(09:02) - Aljaz’s BTCPay Server plugin
(12:48) - How does Aljaz’s BTCPay plugin help the end user? 
(16:00) - What does implementing the plugin unlock? 
(19:23) - Vibe coding Bitcoin payments with Breez SDK
(21:30) - AI, MCP and documentation
(24:54) - UX and design considerations for Evento
(29:47) - Evento wallet 
(34:07) - Comparing Liquid & Spark implementations
(35:23) - Excitement around Bitcoin and L2 developments
(41:14) - Closing thoughts 
Links: 
Brianna: https://x.com/briimhd 

Danny: https://x.com/dannystagg

Aljaz: https://x.com/aaaljaz  

Evento: https://x.com/evento_so 

Breez: https://x.com/breez_tech 

Aljaz site: https://disobey.dev/ 

Stephan Livera links:
Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

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In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Jonas Nick discuss the implications of quantum computing on Bitcoin's security, focusing on the risks posed to cryptographic signatures. They explore the current vulnerabilities in Bitcoin, the potential for quantum attacks, and the need for post-quantum cryptographic solutions. The discussion covers various signature schemes, including hash-based signatures, their trade-offs, and the challenges of transitioning to a quantum-resistant Bitcoin. They also touch on the implications for hardware wallets, multi-signature schemes, and the potential need for block size increases to accommodate new signature sizes.
Takeaways:
🔸Quantum computers pose a real risk to Bitcoin's cryptography.
🔸Current Bitcoin signatures are vulnerable to long-range attacks.
🔸Hash-based signatures are significantly larger than current signatures.
🔸Transitioning to quantum resistance will require careful planning.
🔸The Bitcoin community must reach a consensus on new schemes.
🔸Verification costs will increase with new signature schemes.
🔸Hardware wallets will need to adapt to new signature requirements.
🔸Block size discussions may need to be revisited in light of quantum risks.
🔸The timeline for quantum computing advancements is uncertain.
🔸A gradual transition to quantum resistance may be necessary. 
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:49) - How real is quantum risk to Bitcoin?
(04:39) - When could quantum pose a threat to Bitcoin’s cryptography? 
(09:56) - Long range vs Short range attacks
(12:37) - How many coins are vulnerable to Long range attacks?
(14:12) - Different types of cryptography and exploring Hash-based signature schemes
(17:00) - Categories of Hash-based signature scheme and their pros & cons
(23:42) - How do Hash-based signatures work? 
(32:14) - Would Lightning, Multi-sig, Taproot, Silent Payments, Atomic swaps work in a post-quantum world? 
(38:50) - What are Adaptor signatures & how do they affect atomic swapping? 
(41:27) - Will we need new Bitcoin hardware wallets?; Signature production & verification 
(44:41) - Signature size and Bitcoin block capacity implications
(46:52) - Should we revisit the block size conversation? 
(54:57) - Overview of SPHINCS+ & SHRINCS
(59:49) - Transitioning to post-quantum signature schemes; Overview of BIP 360
(1:09:06) - Closing thoughts
Links: 
https://x.com/n1ckler 

Stephan Livera links:
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In this conversation, Arnab Naskar from Stokr discusses the intersection of Bitcoin, tokenization, and capital markets. He explains how Bitcoin serves as both a store of value and a settlement layer, enabling the creation of decentralized financial systems. The discussion covers the advantages of using Liquid for tokenization, the importance of confidentiality in transactions, and the innovative financing opportunities in energy and Bitcoin mining. Arnab emphasizes the systemic shift in financial markets due to tokenization, the role of stablecoins, and the future of decentralized finance on Liquid.
Takeaways:
🔸Bitcoin serves as a store of value and a settlement layer.
🔸Stokr focuses on tokenizing financial assets on Liquid.
🔸Liquid offers confidentiality and stability for tokenized assets.
🔸Tokenization can reduce the need for intermediaries in finance.
🔸The market for tokenized securities is rapidly growing.
🔸Energy infrastructure financing is a key area for innovation.
🔸Tokenization opens up investment opportunities globally.
🔸Users can trade tokenized assets seamlessly on Liquid.
🔸The future of finance will involve both DEXs and centralized exchanges.
🔸Tokenization represents a systemic shift in capital markets.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(00:59) - Who is Arnab and what is Stokr? 
(02:29) - Isn’t Bitcoin enough? 
(04:44) - How and why is Stokr different?; The importance of Liquid Network 
(08:35) - How does Liquid compete with other chains for tokenization of assets? 
(11:54) - What is CMSTR?
(15:01) - Does Stokr help finance SMEs & traditional businesses?
(18:23) - What is Blockstream Mining Note (BMN)? 
(24:34) - Trust minimising the ownership of securities; Whitelisting process 
(28:57) - How big is Liquid Network? How does it fare compared to other asset platforms? 
(33:43) - Who are the customers of Stokr’s tokenized products? 
(37:34) - What does the interface between Stokr and the end user look like?; The @Blockstream edge
(46:11) - Is TradFi embracing tokenization of assets?; Will Bitcoin be the base layer for tokenization?
(56:25) - Closing thoughts 
Links: 
https://x.com/Arnab_Naskarr 

https://x.com/stokr_io 

https://blog.liquid.net/cmstr-note-tokenizing-public-stock-on-liquid/

https://mining.blockstream.com/finance/bmn/  

Stephan Livera links:
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In this episode Dave Lund, CEO of FlowRate, discusses the emerging concept of yield in the Lightning Network. Dave shares his background in the Bitcoin space and explains how FlowRate aims to bridge the gap between traditional treasury management and the Lightning ecosystem. He emphasizes the importance of liquidity leasing and routing fees as potential yield strategies for Bitcoin treasury companies, highlighting the need for businesses to adapt to this new financial landscape. The conversation explores the challenges and opportunities that come with operating on the Lightning Network, particularly for institutional players looking to maximize their Bitcoin holdings.
Dave also elaborates on the significance of network topology in the Lightning ecosystem, explaining how a well-positioned node can enhance yield potential. He also addresses the security concerns that treasuries face when deploying Bitcoin on Lightning, advocating for improved security measures such as multi-signature solutions. Dave predicts that liquidity leasing could eventually replace the traditional bond market, positioning Bitcoin as a viable fixed-income asset.
Takeaways:
🔸Dave Lund emphasizes the potential of Lightning as the new telecom industry.
🔸Treasury companies are seen as key players in deploying capital on Lightning.
🔸Liquidity leasing is highlighted as a reliable yield strategy.
🔸Topology is crucial for effective Lightning operations.
🔸The conversation compares Lightning yield to traditional bond markets.
🔸Dave Lund discusses the challenges of security in Lightning deployments.
🔸FlowRate aims to simplify Lightning onboarding for businesses.
🔸The episode explores the evolving landscape of Bitcoin yield strategies.
🔸Dave Lund predicts liquidity leasing could replace the bond market.
🔸The importance of starting early in Lightning operations is stressed.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:14) - Who is Dave Lund?
(02:44) - What is FlowRate?; Basic building blocks of ‘Yield on Lightning Network’
(06:31) - Dave’s view on Bitcoin Treasury Companies; ‘Yield per deployed sat’
(10:23) - Real world examples of yield from Lightning Network - Cash App, LQWD Tech
(15:22) - What are the possible challenges and opportunities in Lightning deployment?
(18:46) - What does FlowRate offer? 
(22:54) - How can BTCTC benefit from the yield generation via Lightning?
(25:37) - What are the costs involved to operate the Lightning yield profitably? 
(32:56) - Lightning Network topology and its impact on lightning efficiency
(38:02) - Will the customers of FlowRate have their own Lightning node?
(41:59) - The importance of security in managing Bitcoin
(45:05) - Who can benefit from FlowRate? 
(47:41) - Closing thoughts 
Links: 
https://www.flowrate.com/ 

Stephan Livera links:
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In this conversation, Stephan Livera and Matt Cole discuss the rapid growth and strategic developments of Strive, a Bitcoin treasury company, particularly following its merger with Semler Scientific. They explore the implications of this merger, the importance of institutional interest in Bitcoin, and the strategies for managing debt and generating yield. The discussion also touches on the competitive landscape of Bitcoin treasury companies, the role of digital credit, and the future outlook for Bitcoin in the context of increasing institutional adoption and market dynamics.
Takeaways:
🔸Strive has rapidly grown its Bitcoin holdings through strategic mergers.
🔸The merger with Semler positions Strive as a leading Bitcoin treasury company.
🔸Institutional investors are increasingly interested in Bitcoin treasury companies.
🔸Strive aims to generate a significant Bitcoin yield for its investors.
🔸Managing debt effectively is crucial for Strive's future growth.
🔸The healthcare business from Semler will be monetized within a year.
🔸Acquisitions in the Bitcoin treasury space are strategic and not frequent.
🔸Understanding Bitcoin yield and amplification is key for investors.
🔸Digital credit is a growing area within Bitcoin treasury companies.
🔸The future of Bitcoin looks promising with increasing institutional adoption.
Timestamps:
(00:00) - Intro
(01:37) - Strive’s growth and developments 
(05:54) - What do institutions look for when investing in a BTCTC?; Reverse stock split 
(09:08) - How will Strive manage its debt?; Amplifying Bitcoin exposure  
(13:22) - How will Semler Scientific be monetized? 
(17:06) - Accelerating Bitcoin yield through SATA; Possible future M&A
(22:53) - Structuring a merger of a BTCTC 
(26:30) - Valuing a BTCTC and mNAV considerations
(34:46) - Matt's take on Danny Knowles's interview with Michael Saylor
(39:54) - Should every BTCTC engage in financial engineering? 
(44:18) - Differentiation in Bitcoin treasury companies
(48:40) - What is the difference between SATA and STRC?
(53:38) - Who is SATA for? 
(57:49) - Which are the pools of capital that can’t directly buy Bitcoin?
(1:01:41) - Have BTCTC cannibalized the on-chain use of Bitcoin?
(1:04:34) - Outlook for Bitcoin in 2026
Links: 
https://x.com/ColeMacro 

https://x.com/Strive 

Stephan Livera links:
Follow me on X: @stephanlivera

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