Bitcoin mining, state adoption, stablecoins, and geopolitical competition take center stage in this wide-ranging discussion with Jake Langenkamp. Jake Langenkamp is the founder and CEO of Bridger, a Bitcoin mining company working to partner with international utilities to monetize wasted energy. Prior to Bridger, Jake spent about two decades in the U.S. military and working for the Department of Defense. Over the course of his career, he's worked in North America, Europe, Central Asia and Africa.

Jake argues we are in an “awkward middle phase” between retail-driven cycles and sovereign accumulation. Countries are experimenting with strategic Bitcoin reserves, tax policy changes, and mining initiatives, with Brazil’s recent proposal serving as a case study. The conversation dives deep into stablecoins as instruments of US monetary strategy, Tether’s expanding global role, and the implications of frozen addresses and compliance pressure.

On mining, Jake explains why frontier markets, especially parts of Africa, present powerful opportunities. Bitcoin mining monetizes stranded energy, accelerates electrification, and may become a sovereign strategy as states recognize Bitcoin’s macro importance.

The episode closes with broader geopolitical tensions, sanctions dynamics, and the growing intersection between Bitcoin, statecraft, and global monetary competition.Follow Jake on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-langenkamp/ Follow Jake on X: https://x.com/JakeLangenkampLearn more about Bridger: https://www.bridgerbc.com/

Crypto Voices: Episode 194Show Sponsor: Debifi - https://debifi.com/Donations to Porkopolis Economics via BTCPay are appreciated: https://donations.porkopolis.io/Show support appreciated: donations.cryptovoices.comHost: Matthew Mezinskis & Alec HarrisMusic: New Friend Music newfriendmusic.com/Podcast & videosBitcoin, privacy, crypto, economics & libertyThanks for watching!#bitcoin #money #economics