The Progressive Bitcoiner

"Nostr is like our lifeboat in the same sense that bitcoin is our lifeboat for money." - Will Casarin

My guests today are Will Casarin and Roger Huang. Will is a nostr and Bitcoin developer and the founder of Damus. Roger is journalist having previously written for TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and currently is a contributor for Forbes and author of “Would Mao Hold Bitcoin.”

In this episode we explore the world of Nostr, a decentralized social network. We discuss freedom tech, censorship resistance, and the future of online communication in the wake of censorship, bans and arrests around the world including X, Telegram, and more. Learn how Nostr compares to traditional social media and why it's crucial for preserving free speech in the digital age.

Support Will’s work through Damus and get exclusive benefits with Damus Purple: https://damus.io/purple/

Donate to Open Sats nostr fund today which supports nostr development and devs: https://opensats.org/funds/nostr

HRF x PubKey — Bitcoin Behind the Great Firewall of China with Roger Huang, this Thursday, September 12, 2024 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT. Free event, register here

Follow Will on nostr

Follow Roger on nostr and X. Get a copy of his book Would Mao Hold Bitcoin here

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=byyhN2mCGXlu

Fold 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/CKVX3C4C

Lightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.

To learn more, visit our website

Follow 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

“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=byyhN2mCGXlu

Fold 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/CKVX3C4C

Lightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.

To learn more, visit our website

Follow 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

“When I think about US politics, the single-minded focus I have is reducing the probability of tail risk draconian anti-Bitcoin types of regulation.” - Lyn Alden

My guest today is Lyn Alden, Founder of Lyn Alden Investment Strategy, GP at Ego Death Capital and BoD at Swan. In this episode we discusses the current U.S. political landscape and the importance of pushing for bipartisan support of Bitcoin, Bitcoin's role in global economics, the future of US fiscal policy, and the importance of financial privacy. Lyn shares the potential of Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation, progressive arguments for Bitcoin and we also delve into the benefits of decentralized social media protocol Nostr.

Follow Lyn 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=byyhN2mCGXlu

Fold 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/CKVX3C4C

Lightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.

To learn more, visit our website

Follow 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

"We need to engage with skeptics' concerns about Bitcoin in a serious way." - Mike Brock

My 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=byyhN2mCGXlu

Fold 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/CKVX3C4C

Lightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.

Chapters Markers

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

03:01 Exploring the Crisis of Meaning and the Need for a Collective Generative Project

18:45 The Role of Storytelling and Historical Literacy in Understanding Liberal Democracy

30:38 Bitcoin in the Political Landscape: Generational Divide and the Potential for Bad Regulation

36:15 The Real Risk for Bitcoin: Bad Regulation and Laws

45:30 Reasonable Concerns and Discussions around Bitcoin Regulation

48:22 The Importance of Rule of Law and the Protection of Common Interests

51:33 Addressing Serious Questions

57:59 Legal Obligations and Private Keys

01:06:11 Values of Diversity and Freedom

01:19:43 The Common Good and Organized Society

01:29:16 Patriotism and Sacrifice

01:36:08 Thoughtful Conversations about Bitcoin

01:45:33 The Limitations of Our Human Brains

01:49:49 The Influence of Online Communities

01:53:43 The Role of Decentralized Technologies

01:57:35 Personal Responsibility in the Digital World

02:01:32 Deep and Thoughtful Conversations

02:05:02 The Importance of the Common Good

To learn more, visit our website

Follow 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

X spaces, August 16th, with Trey Walsh and Jason Maier discussing the recent Crypto4Harris Town Hall which featured many democratic politicians, industry leaders and more, with hopes to amplify the importance of Bitcoin/crypto to the Harris administration for positive change and policy.

https://thehill.com/policy/technology/4829807-crypto-friendly-democrats-harris-campaign/

To learn more, visit our website

Follow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn |

Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!

"Getting that strategic reserve to be essentially a path forward to transition from the dollar to Bitcoin, is critical." - Pierre Rochard

My 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 nostr

Follow 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=byyhN2mCGXlu

Fold 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/CKVX3C4C

Lightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.

To learn more, visit our website

Follow 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

"The fact that [Bitcoin] is used throughout the world in so many places now, I think speaks to how it resonates, and how useful it is and the need to dilute the power of tyrants wherever they are." - Roger

My guest today is Roger Huang. Roger is an author and journalist having previously written for TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and currently is a contributor for Forbes. In this episode we discuss his new book, “Would Mao Hold Bitcoin?: The Past, Present and Future of Bitcoin in Techno-Nationalist China.” We explore China's complex relationship with Bitcoin, from government bans to citizen adoption, how Hong Kong's crypto policies reflect broader tensions, and Bitcoin's potential as a tool for resistance against state control.

You can purchase Roger’s book today: https://www.amazon.com/Would-Mao-Hold-Bitcoin-Techno-Nationalist/dp/B0D7672L8X

For more information, head to Roger’s website: https://chinabitcoinbook.com/

Follow Roger on X and nostr

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.

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=byyhN2mCGXlu

Fold 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/CKVX3C4C

Lightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.

To learn more, visit our website

Follow 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 benefits everyone who wants truth. The only people that don't benefit from this are those that want to lie to you." - Carlos Toriello

My 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 X

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.

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=byyhN2mCGXlu

Fold 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/CKVX3C4C

Lightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.

To learn more, visit our website

Follow 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

"Bitcoin is for everyone. I think a lot of people don't think that it really is, but it actually is." - Becca

My guest today is Becca Bratcher. Becca is a former nurse, podcast host and the author of the newly released book, “21 Women in Bitcoin,” which highlights the vital role that women play in shaping Bitcoin’s evolution and impact on society.

In this episode we discuss and contrast the “crypto bro” narrative that Bitcoin often finds itself in with the reality that Bitcoin is used around the world, including growing adoption among women. We discuss how Bitcoin is empowering women globally, breaking financial barriers, and creating opportunities for all. Learn about the challenges, misconceptions, and the growing impact of women in the Bitcoin space, and we hope you’ll feel inspired to think beyond peoples’ preconceived notions of Bitcoin and explore its human rights and empowering use-cases.

Order Becca’s book “21 Women in Bitcoin” today: https://a.co/d/4hecCjN

You can find Becca on X

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.

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=byyhN2mCGXlu

Fold 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/CKVX3C4C

Lightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.

To learn more, visit our website

Follow 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

"Firefighters are like great risk managers and can understand holding and managing Bitcoin" - Pat O’Brien

My 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: 35ZSwq6bPW8QfqSA68J5xUzNkYvexM8WWb

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=byyhN2mCGXlu

Lightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.

To learn more, visit our website

Follow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTok

Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!

The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim