Bitcoin’s Lost Year, the Rise of Silver, and the AI Shock with Tad Smith

In this New Year’s Eve episode of Over The Horizon, I’m joined by Tad Smith, Partner at 50T Funds and former CEO of Sotheby’s and the Madison Square Garden Company. We reflect on one of the strangest market years in recent memory and look ahead to what 2026 may bring. We cover: • Why silver and gold dominated 2025 while bitcoin lagged • The rise of speculative behavior and the “prison of financial mediocrity” • AI’s impact on white-collar jobs and the future of work • Whether AI creates abundance or accelerates inequality • Bitcoin’s role as hard money in a world of expanding social safety nets • The future of art in the age of AI • Why bitcoin treasury companies struggled in 2025 • Bitcoin vs gold vs real estate as long-term stores of value • Tad’s outlook for liquidity, markets, and geopolitics in 2026 Follow Tad on X → https://x.com/TadTweets Follow Joe on X → https://x.com/JoeConsorti Stack Bitcoin using your home equity → https://joinhorizon.com See your home's Bitcoin potential → https://joinhorizon.com/calculator Schedule a 1-on-1 consultation → https://calendly.com/d/cryw-39y-2j4/horizon-consultation 00:00 Reflections on 2025: A Year of Surprises 01:34 The Impact of Financial Hardship on Behavior 04:28 The Rise of Monetary Metals 07:24 The Prison of Financial Mediocrity 10:00 The Role of AI in the Economy 12:57 The Future of Work and Job Displacement 15:55 Bitcoin and Hard Money in an Abundant Future 18:54 AI and the Future of Art 29:01 The Nature of Art and Creativity 31:54 The Value of Human Art in a Digital Age 35:43 Bitcoin Treasury Companies: Performance and Challenges 38:29 The Impact of Volatility on Bitcoin 47:44 Bitcoin vs. Gold and Real Estate: The Future of Value 51:00 Looking Ahead: Predictions for 2026 Disclaimer: Horizon is a technology company that helps users buy and custody their Bitcoin and does not directly provide financial or investment services. Horizon connects homeowners with licensed home equity investment providers but does not act as an agent or broker for the homeowner or any third party. Homeowners should consult their financial, tax, or legal advisor before making any investment decision. For additional information, please refer to our FAQ, terms and conditions, and our preferred providers' websites. Subscribe to Over The Horizon: A Bitcoin Podcast on Soundwise