The New Barbarians Podcast

A bold statement — but one more investors are starting to believe. In this clip from the New Barbarians Podcast, we break down the illusion of safety that surrounds fiat-based assets like U.S. Treasuries — and why Bitcoin’s fixed supply and scarcity may offer superior long-term protection.
As governments continue to print, and debt levels soar, what’s really safe?
Watch the full video:
#Bitcoin #SoundMoney #Treasuries #FiatCurrency #Inflation #WealthPreservation #BitcoinScarcity #DigitalAssets #FinancialIllusion #CryptoMarkets #NewBarbariansPodcast



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“Europe is becoming a museum. Bitcoin is passing its test. And AI still can’t trade like a human.”
In this powerful episode, Bill Mann and Mark Connors welcome Alex Fleiss, CEO of Rebellion Research, for an unfiltered conversation on macroeconomic fractures, digital asset dualities, and the psychological edge of human investors.
We cover:
* 🪙 Bitcoin's dual identity — both risk-on asset and safe haven
* 🇪🇺 Europe's decline — is the EU the next Japan? Or just a financial museum in waiting?
* 🧠 AI vs. Human Traders — Why market psychology can't be coded (yet)
* 📉 MicroStrategy, Tim Cook, Apple’s network effect, and Buffett’s surprising humility
* 🔭 The future of AGI, China’s capital controls, and the rise of AI-driven quant research
Plus: Alex shares stories from the front lines of quant investing, his admiration for Judea Pearl and Jan LeCun, and a preview of the upcoming Fordham QuantVision Conference.
🎧 Subscribe! Listen or Watch the Full Episode:📺 YouTube: @TheNewBarbariansPodcast🎧 Spotify:
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🧠 Featured Guest
Alexander Fleiss is CEO of Rebellion Research, a pioneer in AI-driven investing. He’s taught at Columbia, Cornell, Berkeley, and Fordham, and curates one of the most respected quant conferences in the world. His insights span from machine learning in markets to capital flight from Europe and the misunderstood risks of MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin strategy.
🔖 Topics Covered
* The "Buffett paradox" — faith in Coke, fortune in Apple
* How Reinforcement Learning is shaping asset management
* Why Switzerland stands alone in Europe’s economic structure
* Will AI ever beat a good human trader?
* Can Bitcoin become the world’s next reserve currency?
📢 Join the Conversation
We’d love to hear your take.💬 Is Europe a long-term short?💥 Can faith and network effects justify Bitcoin's price action?🧠 Has AI investing peaked or are we just getting started?
Leave a comment below or tag us on social:📍X/Twitter: @NewBarbariansPod📍LinkedIn: The New Barbarians Podcast


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Summary
In this podcast episode, Mark Connors and Bill Mann discuss the current economic landscape, focusing on the implications of recent employment data, Federal Reserve policies, and market dynamics. They analyze Bitcoin's performance in relation to equities and inflation, explore the political influences affecting the cryptocurrency market, and provide insights into future economic predictions for 2025. The conversation highlights the importance of understanding volatility in both traditional and digital asset markets, as well as the evolving role of Bitcoin in investment strategies.

Takeaways
- The economy is running strong, questioning Fed rate cuts.
- Bitcoin is behaving like a commodity, not just a risk asset.
- Political influences are shaping the future of Bitcoin.
- Volatility in Bitcoin presents new investment opportunities.
- Equities are expected to rise, but with volatility.
- The Fed's actions may not align with market expectations.
- Understanding risk is crucial for investment strategies.
- MicroStrategy's Bitcoin holdings impact its capital structure.
- Inflation is driving interest in Bitcoin as a hedge.
- Future market dynamics will be influenced by rate volatility.

Chapters
00:00 The Fed's Influence on Markets and Future Outlook
01:30 Jobs and Unemployment Numbers
12:35 Bitcoin in 2024 informing performance in 2025
19:24 Bitcoin and Equity Market Interplay
23:52 Mounting Debt Conerns
28:52 Historical Perspectives on Market Trends
31:47 Monetary Policy and Market Dynamics
35:12 Tactical & Quant Investment Strategies
39:05 Bond Market Outlook and Volatility
42:20 Bitcoin's Volatility and Market Adoption
52:35 Macro Outlook and Future Predictions


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Summary
In this episode of The New Barbarians, Mark Connors and Bill Mann dive into the intersection of technology, finance, and investing. Celebrating Bitcoin's 16th birthday, they explore its origins, the role of central banks in asset inflation, and the current crypto market cycle. The discussion transitions into the impact of AI on investing, including its use in quantitative strategies, efficiency in risk premia, and the evolution of investment research with large language models (LLMs).

Key topics include:

Bitcoin's Genesis Block and its implications for financial systems.

The role of liquidity and central bank policies in driving asset inflation.

How AI is reshaping the investment landscape, from quants to fundamental analysis.

Challenges legacy systems face in adapting to technological advancements.

Predictions for 2025: market momentum, stock picking, and the role of AI in differentiating winners.

Chapters
00:00 The Birth of Bitcoin: A Historical Perspective
03:54 AI's Role in Financial Markets
07:07 Understanding Quantitative Strategies
11:54 Risk Premiums and Market Dynamics
18:08 AI and the Future of Asset Management
23:32 The Importance of Human Oversight in AI
29:14 The Promise of Blockchain and AI
32:04 Challenges of Legacy Financial Systems
34:59 The Burden of National Debt
38:17 The Evolution of Technology in Finance
42:36 Market Predictions and Investment Strategies
53:13 The Dollar's Impact on Global Markets
55:09 Predictions for Bitcoin and Market Trends
58:07 Outlook on Quality Stocks and Economic Drivers


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In the inaugural episode of The New Barbarians podcast, hosts Mark Connors and Bill Mann discuss their backgrounds in finance and the evolution of markets, particularly focusing on the rise of Bitcoin and digital assets. They explore the changing landscape of Wall Street, the impact of technology on investment strategies, and the importance of understanding blockchain technology and smart contracts. The conversation highlights the need for a new approach to investing in a rapidly evolving financial environment. In this conversation, Bill Mann and Mark Connors explore the evolution of digital assets, particularly Bitcoin and Ethereum, and their implications for modern finance. They discuss cognitive biases that affect investment decisions, the nature of risk and volatility in the context of digital currencies, and the potential for arbitrage opportunities in the crypto market. The dialogue emphasizes the importance of understanding these assets as both investment opportunities and tools for financial innovation, while also addressing the risks involved in this rapidly changing landscape.


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