Why Bitcoin Could Explode As Global Markets Crack | Jordi Visser - The Pomp Podcast Recap

Podcast: The Pomp Podcast

Published: 2026-03-21

Guests: Jordi Visser

What Happened

Jordi Visser discusses the potential for Bitcoin to explode amidst current global market conditions. He notes that Bitcoin has been the top-performing asset since the onset of the war, outpacing gold, which has dropped 8-9%. He attributes Bitcoin's rise to a continuing credit problem and a bull market in commodities, which could further bolster its value.

Visser highlights the rising oil prices, with Asian oil costs nearing $170 and Brent oil significantly higher than WTI. This surge in oil prices increases the likelihood of a global recession as financial conditions tighten, with widening credit spreads and a strengthening dollar. Such factors have historically led to economic downturns, as seen in the 1970s.

The episode underscores the U.S. economy's dependency on global imports, including semiconductors, which are affected by helium shortages due to a major attack in Qatar. Helium is crucial for semiconductor production, and rising spot prices for plastics, polymers, and fertilizers add to inflationary pressures.

Visser points out the Middle East's growing interest in digital transformation and Bitcoin, with sovereign wealth funds investing in Bitcoin ETFs and stablecoins. This shift could lead to a dominant Middle East capital flow narrative, moving away from China's previously dominant role.

The discussion also touches on the impact of AI on the economy, with AI becoming a deflationary force post-COVID. Entrepreneurs like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk are investing heavily in AI and robotics, driving innovation in manufacturing and beyond. Meta's workforce reduction and the rise of AI tools like OpenClaw indicate significant disruptions in the job market.

Jordi Visser anticipates better buying opportunities despite not expecting a recession. He is investing in silver due to its anticipated demand in technology and semiconductors, while avoiding software investments, predicting they will become obsolete. He emphasizes the importance of commodities and compute as future growth areas and references the need for increased memory and compute.

The conversation wraps up with discussions on the geopolitical tensions influencing Bitcoin interest, particularly in the Middle East compared to the US. The episode also mentions the transition to a token economy, where tokens become a crucial commodity, and a DOJ press release about the unlawful diversion of AI technology to China.

Key Insights

• Bitcoin has surged as a top-performing asset since the war began, outperforming gold which has seen an 8-9% decline. Jordi Visser attributes this to a commodity bull market and ongoing credit issues, which could further enhance Bitcoin's value.
• Rising oil prices, with Asian oil nearing $170 and Brent oil higher than WTI, are tightening financial conditions globally. This scenario increases the probability of a global recession, similar to economic downturns seen in the 1970s.
• The Middle East is investing heavily in Bitcoin, with sovereign wealth funds focusing on Bitcoin ETFs and stablecoins. This shift indicates a potential move from a China-dominant capital flow narrative to one led by the Middle East.
• AI is emerging as a deflationary force in the economy, with significant investments from figures like Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk. AI-driven innovations are disrupting job markets, emphasizing the need for increased memory and compute capabilities.