BITCOIN SEASON 2: Does Bitcoin Core Have An Identity Problem?
Udi Wertheimer discusses Bitcoin Core's controversial OP_RETURN changes, mounting community backlash, and why Core developers are losing social capital with Bitcoiners over technical decisions they can't properly communicate.
ABOUT
You're listening to Bitcoin Season 2. Subscribe to the newsletter, trusted by over 7,000 Bitcoiners: https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.com
Udi Wertheimer, co-founder of the Taproot Wizards and famous Bitcoin provocateur, joins us to talk about the explosive OP_RETURN debate dividing the Bitcoin community. We dive deep into why Bitcoin Core developers are facing unprecedented backlash, how they've lost touch with newer Bitcoiners, and what Greg Maxwell's sudden reappearance signals about Core's weakening position. Udi offers surprising insights on both sides and proposes solutions for rebuilding trust between developers and the community.
Follow our guests: @udiwertheimer
**Notes:**
• OP_RETURN controversy spans over a decade
• Greg Maxwell returns after years of silence
• Core devs disconnected from 5+ year Bitcoiners
• ~50 readers engage with Bitcoin OpTech weekly
• 6-month delay suggested for PR merge
• JPEGs benefit from controversy attention
Timestamps:
00:00 Start
03:08 OP_RETURN Debate Summary
10:21 SPAM on Bitcoin
17:17 Is this a Core blunder?
27:26 How SHOULD Core do?
34:42 What if Core doesn't communicate better?
37:38 What does a pleb do?
-
👉 Brought to you by Arch Network! Arch brings the speed of Solana & the best of crypto UX to Bitcoin. Tap into the rich app ecosystem on Arch & try out the testnet while you’re still early! Visit arch.network to learn more.
-
👋Bitcoin Season 2 is produced Blockspace Media, Bitcoin’s first B2B publication in Bitcoin. Follow us on Twitter and check out our newsletter for the best information in Bitcoin mining, Ordinals and tech!
Enjoy the show? Check out our website and newsletter by clicking here.
Questions or want to sponsor? [email protected]
EPISODES
The Blockspace Pod: How North Korean Hackers Stole $300M+ Via Telegram w/ Taylor Monahan
North Korean hackers with the Lazarus Group have stolen over $300 million with this Telegram phishing scam.
Jan 31, 2026
The Blockspace Pod: Understanding Thursday’s Market Meltdown
Markets across the board faced historic volatility yesterday, leaving many investors to ask: are we on the cusp of a ...
Jan 30, 2026
SEC and CFTC join forces to harmonize crypto leadership
Will the CFTC and SEC reach a 'united front'?
Jan 29, 2026

The Mining Pod
Feb 10, 2025

CoinDesk Podcast Network
The top stories and best shows in the blockchain world, delivered daily from the team at CoinDesk.
Dec 20, 2023

Markets Outlook
Tune in as CoinDesk runs down action in the crypto market and some of the most important recent industry development.
Dec 19, 2023

Unchained
Unchained, your no hype resource for all things crypto by former Forbes senior editor Laura Shin, author of The Cryptopians.
Dec 18, 2023
