Ep. 70: Giacomo Zucco - Bitcoin, Institutional Adoption & Tether

My guest today is Giacomo Zucco, Director of Plan B Network and a well-known Bitcoin maximalist. He's also an advisor/investor for OCEAN, Relai, Ark Labs, Twentytwo, Geyser, Lightning Ventures, Breez and more. He spends his time supporting projects that he feels might be relevant for the future of Bitcoin, be it as an educator, consultant, entrepreneur, maximalist, or troll. In this episode, we dive deep into Bitcoin’s ideological and technological battles, from the early days of monetary activism to today’s regulatory and institutional challenges. Giacomo unpacks the role of stablecoins and specifically USDT, explaining why it has become both a “useful scam” and a financial bridge for millions. We also touch on CBDCs, the future of financial decentralization, transhumanism and why Bitcoiners should remain cautious as institutions get involved. Please note Giacomo’s views do not represent Tether’s official views in any way. ► If you got value, please like, comment, share, follow and support my work. Thank you!-- SPONSORS --►► Get your TREZOR wallet & accessories, with a 5% discount, using my code at checkout (get my discount code from the episode - yep, you’ll have to watch it): https://affil.trezor.io/SHUn -- SPECIAL OFFERS –►► Watch “New Totalitarian Order” conference with Prof. Mattias Desmet & Efrat: https://efenigson.gumroad.com/l/desmet_efrat ►► Enjoy the Little HODLer products, learn about sound money while having fun! use code EFRAT for 10% off on non-sale items: https://thelittlehodler.com/ ►► 10% off on all books & accessories at the “Bitcoin Infinity Store” - use code EFRAT.►► Join me in any of these upcoming events: https://www.efrat.blog/p/upcoming-events -- LINKS –Giacomo’s Twitter: https://x.com/giacomozucco Giacomo’s Nostr npub: npub1au23c73cpaq2whtazjf6cdrmvam6nkd4lg928nwmgl78374kn29sq9t53jPlan B Network Twitter: https://x.com/planb_network Plan B Website: https://planb.network/Mir’s Episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MMfe4C6auWo Efrat's Twitter: https://twitter.com/efenigsonEfrat's Telegram: https://t.me/efenigsonWatch/listen on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/yourethevoiceSupport Efrat's work: ⁠https://www.buymeacoffee.com/efenigson   ⁠Support Efrat with Bitcoin: https://geyser.fund/project/efenigson-- CHAPTERS –00:00 Coming Up…00:57 Introduction01:25 Giacomo’s Story and Background09:35 The Story Behind “Plan B Network”16:34 Tether - A Happy Accident or a Useful Scam? 26:51 Tether’s Audits & Conspiracy Theories of Pumping Bitcoin Price30:58 Tether’s Bet On Gold with XAUt32:26 Tether’s Tech & Investments Diversification32:58 Transhumanism & its Risks 37:04 The New Monetary Order: CBDCs,Stablecoins & Bitcoin43:22 The Evolution of Bitcoin's Ideological Landscape47:38 Giacomo’s Message of Hope