The New Barbarians Podcast

Bitcoin vs. Treasuries: The "Safe Asset" Illusion | New Barbarians Podcast Clip

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 Get full access to HarmoniQ Insights at harmoniqinsights.substack.com/subscribe [https://harmoniqinsights.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Bitcoin, Buffett & the Barbarians at the Gate

“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 [https://www.rebellionresearch.com/quantvision-2025-fordhams-quantitative-conference]. 🎧 Subscribe! Listen or Watch the Full Episode:📺 YouTube: @TheNewBarbariansPodcast [https://www.youtube.com/@TheNewBarbariansPodcast]🎧 Spotify: 🍏 Apple Podcasts: 🧠 Featured Guest Alexander Fleiss is CEO of Rebellion Research [https://www.rebellionresearch.com], 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 [https://x.com/thenewbarbpod]📍LinkedIn: The New Barbarians Podcast [https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-new-barbarians-podcast] Get full access to HarmoniQ Insights at harmoniqinsights.substack.com/subscribe [https://harmoniqinsights.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Bill Mann & Mark Connors: Rate Volatility: Key to Market Trends | The New Barbarians Podcast - #003

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 Get full access to HarmoniQ Insights at harmoniqinsights.substack.com/subscribe [https://harmoniqinsights.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Bill Mann & Mark Connors: Legacy Systems, Bitcoin, and AI Tech | The New Barbarians Podcast - #002

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 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=0s] The Birth of Bitcoin: A Historical Perspective 03:54 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=234s] AI's Role in Financial Markets 07:07 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=427s] Understanding Quantitative Strategies 11:54 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=714s] Risk Premiums and Market Dynamics 18:08 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=1088s] AI and the Future of Asset Management 23:32 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=1412s] The Importance of Human Oversight in AI 29:14 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=1754s] The Promise of Blockchain and AI 32:04 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=1924s] Challenges of Legacy Financial Systems 34:59 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=2099s] The Burden of National Debt 38:17 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=2297s] The Evolution of Technology in Finance 42:36 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=2556s] Market Predictions and Investment Strategies 53:13 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=3193s] The Dollar's Impact on Global Markets 55:09 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=3309s] Predictions for Bitcoin and Market Trends 58:07 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WxWpBQpbbTE&t=3487s] Outlook on Quality Stocks and Economic Drivers Get full access to HarmoniQ Insights at harmoniqinsights.substack.com/subscribe [https://harmoniqinsights.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]

Bill Mann & Mark Connors: From Wall Street To Digital Assets | The New Barbarians Podcast - #001

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. Get full access to HarmoniQ Insights at harmoniqinsights.substack.com/subscribe [https://harmoniqinsights.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_4]