Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, I sat down with Pierre Rochard, VP of Research of Riot Platforms Inc, at the Adopting Bitcoin Conference, and we covered a lot. Pierre shared how he first discovered Bitcoin, his journey from traditional finance to becoming a leader in the Bitcoin space, and how his passion for accounting and open-source software led him to build tools like the Node Launcher and Lightning integrations.

We also dove into the challenges and opportunities in Bitcoin mining, especially in the U.S., where Pierre has been on the frontlines of regulatory battles to protect the industry. He explained why Texas is a hotspot for mining, how the U.S. can stay ahead in the global mining race, and why nuclear power could play a big role in the future.

Of course, we had to talk about El Salvador—what Pierre loves about the country, its leadership under President Bukele, and its potential to become the Singapore of Latin America. We even touched on Bitcoin mining here, using geothermal and other renewable energy sources.

This episode is packed with insights on Bitcoin policy, mining, and global adoption—and some great stories, too. Don’t miss it!

- Mike

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Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:

00:27 - Introduction

01:29 - How Did Pierre Rochard Discover Bitcoin?

02:12 - What Was Pierre Rochard’s Biggest Bitcoin Mining Mistake?

02:39 - What is Libertarian Longhorns, and How Did It Shape Pierre’s Bitcoin Views?

05:00 - Why Did Pierre Rochard Leave Traditional Finance for Bitcoin?

07:12 - How Did Lightning Network Get Integrated at Kraken?

09:36 - How Is Riot Defending Bitcoin Mining Against Regulation?

12:36 - Do Bitcoin Miners Work Together to Fight Regulations?

20:19 - What Is Riot’s Strategy for Bitcoin Mining Success?

22:04 - How Much Does Electricity Cost for Bitcoin Miners?

24:59 - Why Is El Salvador Important for Bitcoin’s Future?

30:16 - Is Bitcoin Mining in El Salvador Profitable?

33:14 - What’s It Like Visiting El Salvador as a Bitcoiner?

Live From Bitcoin Beach