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Early Days
Early Days episodes
- Unchained by Joe Kelly
Summary:
In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Joe from Unchained to explore what building early in Bitcoin really teaches you: ship fast, listen closely, iterate constantly, survive the hard parts, and play the long game. Joe shares lessons from selling his first startup before entering Bitcoin, learning to find real customer pull, make revenue make sense, and improve security without sacrificing speed.
They dive into strategies that compound over time such as education, tooling, and partnerships, and why education is not just marketing but part of the product. Joe also breaks down how brand is earned through consistency and presence, and where he sees custody and treasury companies heading next.
We explore:
- Early mistakes harden into operating principles that stick
- Education as culture building, not just content
- Brand as trust, consistency over slogans
- Resilience and adaptability when markets swing
Chapters:
00:58 First Startup exit: early mistakes: operating principles
02:56 Why Bitcoin? reading the market and timing the jump
04:22 Business model fit, revenue that actually makes sense
06:40 Unchained Day 1–500: chase customer pull, not feature creep
09:16 Handling criticism: investor pressure (show, don’t slogan)
11:04 Notes to early builders: ship fast, listen harder
12:21 Survival mode: runway, focus, resilience
14:38 Hold tight vs. let go: when to persist or pivot
16:35 Indirect plays that compound: education, tooling, partnerships
18:32 Culture as product: education as culture-building; brand trust
22:56 Revenue in Bitcoin: services → product, infra → ?
29:32 Secure without slowing down: custody trade-offs
31:14 Custody then & now: workflows for teams and enterprises
34:09 Wallet UX + security: what’s actually new
36:59 Custody biz models
42:34 Treasury companies & stable coins
47:17 The digital playground and Bitcoins next wave
50:48 Education that scales community
Subscribe to Early Days wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to leave a review!
Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.
From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.Save 10% with code: PlebLab
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Learn more about Unchained
57 min - Project 11 by Alex
Summary:
In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Alex of Project 11 for a thoughtful discussion on the current state of quantum computing and its potential implications for cryptography and Bitcoin. They explore the risks and opportunities this emerging technology presents particularly in the context of ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) and RSA (Rivest Shamir Adleman encryption). Alex explains how Project 11 is approaching these developments and offers a grounded perspective on what quantum advancements could mean for the future of digital assets. Whether you're cautiously curious or deeply embedded in the ecosystem, this episode provides a measured look at a complex and increasingly relevant topic.
We explore:
- Explore how quantum computing could reshape cryptography and digital assets, with far-reaching implications for the future of finance.
- Examine the potential risks quantum advancements pose to Bitcoin and how the ecosystem is preparing to meet these challenges.
- Learn how Project Eleven is proposing solutions to safeguard digital currencies against potential technological threats.
- Hear Alex’s personal journey from a military background to leading a pioneering effort in the quantum computing space.
Chapters:
03:05 Understanding Qubits and Cryptography Threats
05:44 The Implications of Quantum Computing on Bitcoin
08:54 Government Responses to Quantum Threats
12:03 The Risks of Nation-State Actors
13:48 The Future of Bitcoin and Quantum Computing
16:44 Current Developments in Quantum Computing
19:41 The Race for Quantum Supremacy
22:48 Project 11 and the Yellow Pages Initiative
28:12 Understanding Post-Quantum Cryptography
31:29 The Open Source Approach of Project 11
35:05 Funding and Future Directions of Project 11
36:21 Optimism in Quantum Computing
44:34 Introducing the Q Day Prize
Subscribe to Early Days wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to leave a review!
Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.
From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.Save 10% with code: PlebLab
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Learn more about Project 11
Learn more about The QDay Prize
54 min - CASCDR by Jim
Summary:
In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Jim of CASCDR to talk about what he’s building and why it matters. We get into the future of AI and its impact on Bitcoin, media, podcasting, and even legal systems. Jim breaks down what CASCDR is, how feedback loops improve AI, and why leadership and team culture matter more than ever. We also dig into the ethics of it all, what’s coming, what to watch for, and how to build tools that actually help humanity.
We explore:
- Why AI is seen as an elemental technology with vast potential.
- How building workflows in AI can enhance efficiency and creativity.
- Why we need Bitcoiners leading the charge in AI development.
- Why Feedback mechanisms are crucial for improving AI systems.
Chapters:
02:52 Understanding CASCDR
05:53 The Importance of AI
11:53 Role of Bitcoin in AI Development
18:08 Ethics and Responsibility in AI Development
23:58 The Dangers of AI Without Ethical Oversight
43:41 Features of Jamie Pro
45:18 AI in Podcasting
47:58 Jamie Pro and AI Tools
53:01 Clara: A New Tool for Legal Translation
01:02:04 AI and Interoperability
01:06:14 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Development
Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.
From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.Save 10% with code: PlebLab
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Learn more about CASCDR
Learn more about PullThatUpJamie
1 hr 15 min - Portal by Alekos
Summary:
In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Alekos of Portal, to discuss the Portal hardware device, they explore the importance of user experience, the concepts and future plans around decentralized identity, and examine the evolving role of hardware in the Bitcoin space.
We explore:
- How decentralized identity can simplify online and offline authentication.
- How to transition from open source to founding a startup in the bitcoin ecosystem.
- The difficulties of raising funds for hardware startups in the bitcoin ecosystem.
- Why more startups should pursue ambitious ideas in the bitcoin ecosystem.
Chapters:
- 01:01 Hackerspace Updates
- 03:27 Alekos's Journey into Bitcoin
- 06:27 The Evolution of Ideas and Creativity
- 09:17 From OpenSource to Bitcoin Startup
- 15:40 Innovations in NFC Technology
- 24:32 Expanding Functionality of Portal
- 29:13 Security and Authentication
- 37:07 Understanding the Portal Device
- 46:13 User Experience in Digital Security
- 52:27 Security and Privacy Concerns in Digital Identity
- 57:45 Learnings on Building Hardware
- 01:06:00 Future of Portal
Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.
From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.Save 10% with code: PlebLab
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Check out hack.bs
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Learn more about Portal
Contribute to Portal on Github
1 hr 9 min - Solo Satoshi by Matt
Summary:
In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Matt of Solo Satoshi, to discuss the rise of Bitaxe and its impact on home mining. They discuss the possibilities of home mining, decentralization, and how community support fuels resilience when building a bitcoin business.
We explore:
- Why Bitaxe open source design files allow users to build their own devices.
- How home mining is in its infancy and has huge growth potential.
- How Bitaxe mining solutions can lead to greater decentralization.
- Why the sovereign bitcoin stack will be made accessible to everyone.
Chapters:
- 02:43 Bitaxe Open Source Movement
- 03:49 Creating Solo Satoshi
- 17:01 Differentiating in the Bitaxe market
- 24:37 The Sovereign Bitcoin Stack
- 30:31 Bitaxe Operations and Challenges
- 42:04 Home Mining Competition
- 51:49 Importance of Integrity
- 01:02:04 The Evolution of Bitcoin Adoption
- 01:12:43 Plans for Solo Satoshi
Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.
From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.Save 10% with code: PlebLab
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Learn more about Solo Satoshi
Learn more about Bitaxe OpenSource
1 hr 20 min - Boltz by Kilian
Summary:
In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Kilian, Co-founder and CEO of Boltz, to explore the inception and evolution of the platform—designed to enable non-custodial swaps across Bitcoin layers. Kilian shares insights into the early challenges of the Lightning Network, the integration of Liquid for more efficient transactions, and the ongoing pursuit of privacy in Lightning payments.
We explore:
- Why professional operation of routing nodes is key to network reliability.
- How privacy in Lightning transactions is progressing, with advancements like Bolt12.
- Liquid’s shifting role as a valuable option during high-fee periods.
- Why Kilian sees the Lightning Network as connective tissue across Bitcoin layers.
Chapters:
- 03:38 How Boltz Evolved
- 06:16 Liquid’s Role in Lightning
- 09:25 User Experience and Wallet Integration
- 12:31 The Boltz Founders Journey
- 15:30 Technical Challenges and Node Management
- 18:27 Legal Considerations: Structuring a Non-Custodial Business
- 21:39 The Future of Lightning Network and Privacy Concerns
- 41:52 How Private is Lightning?
- 45:16 Bolt12 in Focus
- 48:55 Compliance Challenges in an Open Bitcoin Ecosystem
- 52:10 Rethinking Liquid
- 59:28 Lightning Network and Channel Management
Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.
From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.Save 10% with code: PlebLab
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Learn more Boltz
1 hr 17 min - Alamo Labs by Ge
Summary:
In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Ge, the founder of Alamo Labs, to talk about the new Bitcoin hub taking shape in San Antonio — and the grassroots journey that brought it to life.
We explore:
- The importance of plebs playing a crucial role in grassroots Bitcoin initiatives.
- How the city often guides the direction and energy of local Bitcoin movements.
- How building a physical space comes with its own set of challenges and opportunities for Bitcoin builders and community members
- Why San Antonio is well-positioned to become a regional hub for Bitcoin in South Texas, with the right vision and support
Chapters:
- 01:11 The Story of Building Alamo Labs
- 07:00 Scaling Challenges
- 16:27 Measuring Impact
- 21:38 Expanding the Model for Other Cities
- 33:24 The Reality of Fundraising vs. Revenue
- 44:25 Unique Identity of Every Bitcoin City
- 49:46 Breaking Out of the Echo Chamber
- 1:01:54 Love, Legacy, and Brotherhood
Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.
From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.Save 10% with code: PlebLab
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Learn more Alamo Labs
1 hr 6 min - Synonym by John Carvalho
Summary:
In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with John to discuss the evolution of Synonym, its vision for a decentralized digital economy, and the development of the Pubky protocol.
We explore:
- The importance of self-sovereignty, identity, and trust in the digital age
- Pubky introducing a public key domain system for censorship resistance.
- The Atomic Economy and why it is not just a technology stack.
- Future of Pubky, Social Media and it's AI Integration.
Chapters:
- 05:01 Challenges of Lightning
- 10:51 Exploring the PubKey Protocol
- 17:43 Self-Sovereignty and Digital Identity
- 30:27 Payments and Settlement in The Next Web
- 36:36 The Challenge of Scaling Bitcoin
- 40:23 Building a Trusted Payment System
- 41:07 Understanding the "Semantic Social Graph"
- 44:47 The Future of Pubky, Social Media and AI Integration
- 52:32 Creating Meaningful Technology for Families
- 55:09 The Launch of PubKey
Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders.
From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build.Save 10% with code: PlebLab
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Learn more about Synonym
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Learn more Synonym
Build on Pubky Core
1 hr 4 min - Assign Money by Jeremy
Summary:
In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Jeremy from Assign Money who shares his builder journey, detailing his love for creation, the challenges of building in Nigeria and why Bitcoin payroll is a growing need in Africa.
We explore:
- Jeremy's journey into coding began with a desire to create and innovate.
- The Nigerian government strict regulations against cryptocurrency transactions.
- Why education is key to increasing Bitcoin adoption in Nigeria.
- Despite regulations, there is a growing interest in Bitcoin among the population.
Chapters:
- 09:36 Challenges of Building on Bitcoin
- 16:44 The Regulatory Landscape in Nigeria
- 22:59 Adoption and Understanding of Bitcoin in Africa
- 27:48 The Development Ecosystem in Nigeria
- 31:04 What is Assign Money?
- 41:08 Stablecoins and Payroll Solutions in Africa
Learn more about Assign Money
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48 min - HeatBit by Alex
Summary:
In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Alex from Heatbit who shares his entrepreneurial journey, detailing the inception of Heatbit during the COVID-19 lockdown, the challenges faced in product development, and the importance of market validation.
We explore:
- The journey began with a curiosity about Bitcoin mining and heating.
- Market validation is crucial before fully developing a product.
- Prototyping and user testing are essential steps in product development.
- Optimism is common among founders, but realistic expectations are necessary.
- Simplicity in product design often leads to better user experiences.
Chapters:
- 03:28 The Genesis of Heatbit: A Journey of Curiosity
- 06:38 Passion for Physical Products and Waste Reduction
- 09:30 The First Iteration: Building the Heatbit
- 12:29 Design Evolution and Professional Input
- 15:35 Market Entry: Lessons from Indiegogo
- 18:37 Navigating Challenges and Market Confirmation
- 21:38 Building the Team and Engaging Customers
- 24:38 Marketing Strategies and Customer Engagement
- 27:37 Production Challenges and Overcoming Obstacles
- 30:26 The Emotional Journey of Product Creation
- 32:52 From Prototypes to Production
- 33:35 Customer Reactions: Excitement and Reality Check
- 36:25 Lessons Learned: Optimism vs. Reality in Startups
- 40:03 Simplicity in Design: The Key to User Experience
- 41:38 Funding the Vision
- 42:55 The Resurgence of Home Mining
- 47:29 Navigating Investor Relationships
- 51:58 Open Source and Privacy in Mining
Learn more about Heatbit
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1 hr 2 min
About Early Days
From the publisher's feed
In Early Days, we dive into the early stage—and often chaotic—world of first-time founders. Each episode unpacks the pivotal decisions, unforeseen challenges, and valuable lessons learned along the…
way, featuring candid conversations with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry experts who’ve been there. Tune in if you’re looking for an unfiltered look into how great ideas come to life, the ups and downs of team-building, and the strategies that can turn a simple concept into the next big thing.