The Progressive Bitcoiner

“Bitcoin is a sort of systemic cleanup of the world's economy and the world's political economy as well.” My guests today are American HODL and Erik Cason. HODL is an OG Bitcoiner, speaking on bitcoin stages and podcasts around the world, and Erik is a crypto-anarchist and author of “Cryptosovereignty: The Encrypted Political Philosophy of Bitcoin.” In this episode American HODL and Erik discuss how they shifted from traditional status-quo left political ideologies to embracing Bitcoin, criticizing the broken political system and dissatisfaction with leading candidates. They examine technology's impact on democracy, privacy erosion, and brainwashing algorithms. Technology, Bitcoin, and individualism are seen as means to challenge the current political system, emphasizing questioning political beliefs and using technology for individual and community-centered empowerment. They highlight the failures of the political establishment, the need for systemic cleanup, and Bitcoin's potential to check government power and bring about global change. Bitcoin can protect individuals and communities in a failing system, empower marginalized groups, and align with left-leaning values. Follow American HODL and Erik on nostr You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our website.BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod. You can also now support our work via Patreon.PROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluFold App: Fold is the best way to earn bitcoin back on everything you do. Use the Fold Visa debit card, and purchase gift cards from the Fold Store, to earn bitcoin on everyday purchases. Get 20,000 sats with your first Fold Card purchase using our referral link - https://use.foldapp.com/r/CKVX3C4CLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn |Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

"We need to engage with skeptics' concerns about Bitcoin in a serious way." - Mike BrockMy guest today is Mike Brock. Mike is Lead for TBD at Block, Inc. TBD is building infrastructure that enables everyone to access and participate in the global economy.In this episode we explore Bitcoin's place in democracy, discussing regulatory challenges, the founding fathers' vision for our nation and democracy, and the impact of social media on society. We delve into the importance of common good, patriotism, and responsible technology use in the digital age. Follow Mike on X You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our website.BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod. You can also now support our work via Patreon.PROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluFold App: Fold is the best way to earn bitcoin back on everything you do. Use the Fold Visa debit card, and purchase gift cards from the Fold Store, to earn bitcoin on everyday purchases. Get 20,000 sats with your first Fold Card purchase using our referral link - https://use.foldapp.com/r/CKVX3C4CLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.Chapters Markers00:00 Introduction and Catching Up03:01 Exploring the Crisis of Meaning and the Need for a Collective Generative Project18:45 The Role of Storytelling and Historical Literacy in Understanding Liberal Democracy30:38 Bitcoin in the Political Landscape: Generational Divide and the Potential for Bad Regulation36:15 The Real Risk for Bitcoin: Bad Regulation and Laws45:30 Reasonable Concerns and Discussions around Bitcoin Regulation48:22 The Importance of Rule of Law and the Protection of Common Interests51:33 Addressing Serious Questions57:59 Legal Obligations and Private Keys01:06:11 Values of Diversity and Freedom01:19:43 The Common Good and Organized Society01:29:16 Patriotism and Sacrifice01:36:08 Thoughtful Conversations about Bitcoin01:45:33 The Limitations of Our Human Brains01:49:49 The Influence of Online Communities01:53:43 The Role of Decentralized Technologies01:57:35 Personal Responsibility in the Digital World02:01:32 Deep and Thoughtful Conversations02:05:02 The Importance of the Common GoodTo learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn |Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

"Getting that strategic reserve to be essentially a path forward to transition from the dollar to Bitcoin, is critical." - Pierre RochardMy guests today are Yael Ossowski and Pierre Rochard. Yael is Deputy Director at the Consumer Choice Center and a visiting fellow at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. Pierre is VP of Research at Riot Platforms. In this episode we explore the debate around a potential US Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, including legislation introduced by Representative Cynthia Lummis, discussing its implications for fiscal policy, individual rights, and global adoption. Pierre and Yaël offer contrasting views on the proposal's merits and potential impact on Bitcoin's future, with Pierre arguing in the affirmative, and Yael holding more reservations. Pierre and Yael also offer thoughts on current partisanship in DC around Bitcoin, and offer some progressive arguments for Bitcoin that more democrats should consider. Follow Pierre on X and nostrFollow Yael on X and nostr You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our website.BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod. You can also now support our work via Patreon.PROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluFold App: Fold is the best way to earn bitcoin back on everything you do. Use the Fold Visa debit card, and purchase gift cards from the Fold Store, to earn bitcoin on everyday purchases. Get 20,000 sats with your first Fold Card purchase using our referral link - https://use.foldapp.com/r/CKVX3C4CLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn |Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

"This benefits everyone who wants truth. The only people that don't benefit from this are those that want to lie to you." - Carlos TorielloMy guest today is Carlos Toriello from Simple Proof. Simple Proof enables institutions to enhance transparency and ensure the authenticity of documents by incorporating robust blockchain-based timestamping into their current processes, powered by Bitcoin. Carlos has also worked as a volunteer in several Guatemalan elections and is dedicated to promoting the benefits of Bitcoin throughout Guatemala, Central America and globally. In this episode we discuss how Simple Proof uses Bitcoin's blockchain to secure election integrity in Guatemala. Carlos explains timestamping, its implementation in voting systems, and potential applications for other public registries. The conversation explores Bitcoin's role in enhancing democratic processes and transparency, and implications for U.S. election integrity and the world. Follow Carlos on XYou can find Trey on nostr, X, and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our website.BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod.PROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluFold App: Fold is the best way to earn bitcoin back on everything you do. Use the Fold Visa debit card, and purchase gift cards from the Fold Store, to earn bitcoin on everyday purchases. Get 20,000 sats with your first Fold Card purchase using our referral link - https://use.foldapp.com/r/CKVX3C4CLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn |Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

"Firefighters are like great risk managers and can understand holding and managing Bitcoin" - Pat O’BrienMy guest today is training Captain Pat O’Brien repping the Taunton, Massachusetts fire department. These firefighters just made history as the 4th union in the U.S. to add Bitcoin to their balance sheet. How cool is that? Shoutout to Dom Bei and Proof of Workforce for the assistance they provide to unions like the one here in Taunton as they explore getting on and growing their exposure to Bitcoin.In this discussion Pat shares how his union adopted Bitcoin, discussing the benefits of Bitcoin for working-class Americans, how he discusses and educates firefighters on Bitcoin and personal experiences with crypto that also led him to understand, there is no second best when it comes to Bitcoin. We discuss Bitcoin's potential as a unifying force across political divides and its role in financial empowerment and in the extended portion of the conversation we explore the future of credit unions (which the unions are customers of) and how they could benefit from Bitcoin and beyond.You can find Trey on nostr, X, and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our website.EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod.To donate bitcoin on-chain, please use this address: 35ZSwq6bPW8QfqSA68J5xUzNkYvexM8WWbPROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTokJoin in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

"We are really building towards the next millions of bitcoiners that will join the space, and we want to give them no excuse to keep their coins on an exchange." - StadicusMy guest today is Stadicus. Stadicus is a part of the team at Bitbox, working on Bitcoin hardware and self-custody solutions. In this episode we break down what hardware wallets are, security best practices, and the importance of owning and holding your own private keys. We discuss how Bitbox is making Bitcoin security accessible to everyone and get insights on the future of Bitcoin development, with bonus content including thoughts and experiences with direct democracy in Switzerland, security and privacy tips, and more for paid subscribers.Follow Stadicus on XYou can find Trey on nostr, X, and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our websiteEXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod.To donate bitcoin on-chain, please use this address: 35ZSwq6bPW8QfqSA68J5xUzNkYvexM8WWbPROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTokJoin in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

"Bitcoin shouldn't operate like fiat. I see Bitcoin as a tool for freedom." - Anna ChekhovichMy guest today is Anna Chekhovich. Anna is the Director of Finance at the Anti-Corruption Foundation, a nonprofit founded in 2011 by Russian opposition leader Alexei Nevalny seeking to educate and fight corruption and authoritarianism in Russia and beyond. She also teaches Bitcoin and financial freedom with the Human Rights Foundation.In this episode we discuss how Bitcoin empowers activists and freedom fighters worldwide. Anna shares her experience using Bitcoin to support human rights causes, highlighting its importance for financial privacy and circumventing government oppression. The conversation explores the challenges faced by organizations like hers and the crucial role of privacy tools in the fight for democracy and against authoritarians.Please support the work of the Anna and the Anti-Corruption Foundation today. Anna has stated that paying with Bitcoin, using the “generate address” option is preferred for privacy. You can donate here.Follow Anna on XYou can find Trey on nostr, X, and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our websiteEXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod.To donate bitcoin on-chain, please use this address: 35ZSwq6bPW8QfqSA68J5xUzNkYvexM8WWbPROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTokJoin in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com