Is Bitcoin just a financial instrument, or is it a wedge into the future of energy, policy, and power? Brian Morgenstern, head of public policy at Riot Platforms, lays out how mining is becoming critical infrastructure and why the US can’t afford to fall behind. From sovereign wealth strategies to regulatory fragmentation, this conversation unpacks how Bitcoin could reshape geopolitical leverage and why Texas may be at the center of it.
Episode Highlights
- Mining as energy monetization
- Bitcoin as a strategic reserve
- The sovereign wealth fund question
- Tax policy throttles adoption
- Why stablecoins are infrastructure
- Bitcoin's edge over other crypto
- Fragmented and reactive regulation
- Nuclear’s resurgence via AI demand
- What’s Next Austin?
- “Bitcoin miners, AI, energy, all getting married in Texas to make the US the leader of the world.”
What is Austin Next?
Austin's evolution into a global innovation superstar is at the heart of Austin Next. We uncover insights into the region's transformation and what it means for ecosystem building.
Our exploration extends to emerging trends, technologies, and their convergence. Using Austin as our real-world case study and experts from around the world, we aim to understand the true nature and mechanics of innovation.