The Progressive Bitcoiner

"Bitcoin is those last five puzzle pieces we're waiting for to achieve incredible quality of life." - Harry Sudock

My guest today is Harry Sudock. Harry is the Chief Strategy Officer at Griid, a purpose-built American-based infrastructure company operating bitcoin mining facilities since 2019 utilizing low-cost, low-carbon energy, and a partner at Bitcoin Park, a community supported campus in Nashville focused on grassroots freedom tech adoption and a home for bitcoiners to work, learn, collaborate, and build.

In this episode we discusses Bitcoin mining's role in expanding renewable energy, reducing emissions, and empowering communities. Harry explains Bitcoin’s proof-of-work mechanism, addresses common misconceptions, and highlights how Bitcoin mining incentivizes clean energy solutions through free market dynamics.

Harry’s book recommendation, Energy and Civilization: A History, by Vaclav Smil. https://www.amazon.com/Energy-Civilization-History-MIT-Press/dp/0262035774

Follow Harry on X and nostr

You can find Trey on nostr, X, and via the pod’s social channels

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:

ZEUS is an open-source, self-custodial Bitcoin wallet that gives you full control over how you make payments. Head to Zuesln.com to learn more and download. Save 5% on LSP fees by using code ‘TPB’ in the access code under LSP settings.

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 https://bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase.

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 100% cheap and 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

"We do these things not because we expect to win, but because it's the right thing to do ethically or morally." - Margot Paez

My guests today are Troy Cross and Margot Paez. Troy is an environmentalist and Professor of Philosophy at Reed College, having also written, researched and consulted on Bitcoin mining and its intersection with energy, environmentalism, and climate change. Margot is a climate change physicist and PhD candidate at the Georgia Institute of Technology, focusing on research relating to climate change statistical based modeling, bitcoin mining, and combating misinformation regarding bitcoin mining and the environment. They are both Fellows at the Bitcoin Policy Institute.

In this episode we discuss key takeaways from the recent Bitcoin Policy Summit, debunking environmental FUD around Bitcoin mining, sharing data-driven insights on bitcoin mining's flexibility and potential climate benefits, and explore how Bitcoiners and environmentalists can find common ground. We also discuss finding hope when fighting potential climate catastrophe seems overwhelming, how market based solutions fighting climate change are required if we want real solutions today, and the unfortunate authoritarian bent that some leftists have adopted from those very same figures they criticized from the far right.

Follow Troy and Margot on X

Support Margot’s mission and research to fight Bitcoin Mining FUD

You can find Trey on nostr, X, and via the pod’s social channels

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:

ZEUS is an open-source, self-custodial Bitcoin wallet that gives you full control over how you make payments. Head to Zuesln.com to learn more and download. Save 5% on LSP fees by using code ‘TPB’ in the access code under LSP settings.

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 https://bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase.

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 100% cheap and 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

"Bitcoin is way beyond any sort of central ethos. It's a force of nature." - CK

My guest today is Christian Keroles, aka CK. CK is the Director of Financial Freedom at the Human Rights Foundation, focusing on advancing open-source Bitcoin development and global Bitcoin adoption. In his prior position as Chief Operating Officer (COO) at BTC Inc, CK was instrumental in shaping Bitcoin Magazine into the foremost publication dedicated to all things Bitcoin. He also played a pivotal role in establishing one of the world's largest and most influential conferences in the Bitcoin and fintech industries—the Bitcoin Conference.

In this episode we discuss discusses Bitcoin's transformative potential as a global paradigm shift. We explores Bitcoin’s anti-fragile nature, the need for solutions that work under realistic conditions, and the importance of adapting to the evolving landscape. CK emphasizes the limitless possibilities within Bitcoin's consensus rules and the significance of environmental solutions.

Follow CK on X and nostr

You can find Trey on nostr, X, and via the pod’s social channels

To learn more about HRF’s Financial Freedom programs, the Bitcoin Dev Fund, and subscribe to the weekly Financial Freedom Report, head to https://hrf.org/programs/financial-freedom/

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:

ZEUS is an open-source, self-custodial Bitcoin wallet that gives you full control over how you make payments. Head to Zuesln.com to learn more and download. Save 5% on LSP fees by using code ‘TPB’ in the access code under LSP settings.

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 https://bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase.

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 100% cheap and 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

"Every day, fiat currency buys you a little bit less Bitcoin." - Ahmed

My guest today is Ahmed Klink. Ahmed is Co-Founder and Partner at Manhattan based BIPOC & Women-owned creative company Sunday Afternoon, which also supports Bitcoin brands like Zeus. Born in Lebanon and later moving to France, then the U.S., Ahmed discusses the currency crisis in Lebanon, his family history and perspectives in Lebanon before and after hyperinflation and currency collapse, the role of Bitcoin in global sound money adoption, and the importance of creative design and branding in the Bitcoin space. We explore the potential of Bitcoin as a store of value, better money and its impact on the future of money.

Follow Ahmed on nostr

You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:

ZEUS is an open-source, self-custodial Bitcoin wallet that gives you full control over how you make payments. Head to Zuesln.com to learn more and download. Save 5% on LSP fees by using code ‘TPB’ in the access code under LSP settings.

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 https://bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase.

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/theprogressivebitcoiner

PROMO CODES:

Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using 100% cheap and 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

"Basic income is not left or right. It's forward." - Scott Santens

My guest today is Scott Santens, with special guest co-host and friend of the pod Margot Paez. Scott is a leading Universal Basic Income (UBI) advocate and has been researching the subject since 2013. He is also the President and Founder of the Income to Support All (ITSA) Foundation which supports ambitious projects that help realize a foundation of unconditional universal basic income through research, storytelling, and implementation. In this episode we discuss Universal Basic Income's potential to address poverty, inequality, and the future of work. Santens explains how UBI can empower individuals, boost entrepreneurship, and create a more voluntary labor market, while addressing misconceptions and basic facts of what UBI is. We also explore the intersection of UBI and Bitcoin, with particular focus on renewable bitcoin mining projects and community benefits.

To learn more, including Scott’s social links, head to Scott’s website: https://www.scottsantens.com/

You can find Trey on nostr, X and via the pod’s social channels

You can find Margot on X: https://twitter.com/jyn_urso

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:

ZEUS is an open-source, self-custodial Bitcoin wallet that gives you full control over how you make payments. Head to Zuesln.com to learn more and download. Save 5% on LSP fees by using code ‘TPB’ in the access code under LSP settings.

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 https://bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase.

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/theprogressivebitcoiner

PROMO CODES:

Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using 100% cheap and 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

“We have to be proactive. Otherwise, if you don’t defend your rights, you lose it.” - Lyudmyla Kozlovska

My guest today is Lyudmyla Kozlovska. Lyudmyla Kozlovska is a human rights activist and President of the Open Dialogue Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to defending human rights, democracy and rule of law throughout post-Soviet states. In this episode we discusses the importance of protecting privacy, self-custody, and proof-of-work for Bitcoin in Europe. Lyudmyla shares her experience of being financially excluded and targeted by authoritarian regimes and how Bitcoin became a crucial tool for human rights activists. Lyudmyla emphasizes the need to defend Bitcoin developers and combat false narratives.

Follow Lyudmyla on X and nostr

You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels

Please consider supporting the important work of the Open Dialogue Foundation donating in Bitcoin or fiat: https://odfoundation.eu/jak-mozesz-pomoc/

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:

ZEUS is an open-source, self-custodial Bitcoin wallet that gives you full control over how you make payments. Head to Zuesln.com to learn more and download. Save 5% on LSP fees by using code ‘TPB’ in the access code under LSP settings.

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 https://bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase.

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/theprogressivebitcoiner

PROMO CODES:

Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using 100% cheap and 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

"Bitcoin is designed and decentralized to survive and not be controlled or destroyed. But governments can slow down the adoption we want to see in our lives, our children's lives." - Kyle Schneps

My guest today is Kyle Schneps. Kyle is a former U.S. Intelligence Officer, former White House fellow under the Obama administration, co-founder of BTC Vets, advisor to the Bitcoin Today Coalition, a 501c4 nonprofit devoted to educating U.S. lawmakers on the benefits of Bitcoin, and currently the VP of Public Policy at Foundry, a bitcoin mining and financial services company.

In this episode we discuss the current state of U.S. Bitcoin/crypto policy, the generational divide in Bitcoin adoption, Bitcoin mining and the energy debate, how politics can impact the future of Bitcoin in the U.S. and globally, and more. Kyle brings a wealth of knowledge and experience, having lived and worked in over 60 countries, having a deep understanding of the federal government, state governments, bureaucracy, energy, and so much more.

Follow Kyle on X

You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:

ZEUS is an open-source, self-custodial Bitcoin wallet that gives you full control over how you make payments. Head to Zuesln.com to learn more and download. Save 5% on LSP fees by using code ‘TPB’ in the access code under LSP settings.

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 https://bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase.

You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/theprogressivebitcoiner

PROMO CODES:

Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using 100% cheap and 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

"We're trying to build a new infrastructure for music, and that's what needs to happen." - Sam

My guest today is Sam Means. Sam is a musician, podcaster, entrepreneur, co-founder of Hello Merch, founder of Lightning Store and co-founder of Wavlake. Sam joins me to discuss how Wavlake is building a new online ecosystem for musicians & listeners to directly transact using Bitcoin and the Lightning Network. We dive into Sam's journey, Bitcoin for creatives, challenges in the music industry, building local communities and events around Bitcoin and Nostr, creating cool and user-friendly products, Bitcoin education and adoption and much more.

To learn more, find Wavlake’s social channels and download, head to https://www.wavlake.com/

*NEW* PROMO CODE: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.

You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels

EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:

ZEUS is an open-source, self-custodial Bitcoin wallet that gives you full control over how you make payments. Head to Zuesln.com to learn more and download. Save 5% on LSP fees by using code ‘TPB’ in the access code under LSP settings.

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 https://bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase.

To learn more, visit our website

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

Support The Progressive Bitcoiner: https://geyser.fund/project/theprogressivebitcoiner 

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

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

"If you're born in a cage, if you're born in prison, then freedom will look funny to you. But with a tool such as Bitcoin, this actually opens your eyes to your rights as a human, your rights as a citizen.” - Marcel

My guest today is Marcel Lorraine. Marcel is the Founder & CEO of Bitcoin Dada, a women centric entity that is working towards educating African women into Bitcoin. In this episode we discuss the systemic barriers women face in Africa, how Bitcoin can help transform opportunities and beliefs, the strength of Bitcoin Dada’s grassroots community approach, the role African women play as the foundation of communities, practical use cases and adoption challenges, and more.

To learn more and donate/support the work of Bitcoin Dada, please head to their website: https://btcdada.com/

Support their annual charity campaign for education and hygiene in Kenya and Uganda as well: https://geyser.fund/project/btcforhumanity

Follow Marcel on X

You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels

SPONSORS:

ZEUS is an open-source, self-custodial Bitcoin wallet that gives you full control over how you make payments. Head to Zuesln.com to learn more and download. *New* save 5% on LSP fees by using code ‘TPB’ in the access code under LSP settings.

BitBox: My favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for keeping your bitcoin safe in cold storage. Use promo-code TPB during checkout at https://bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase.

Sazmining: Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXlu. Sazmining is a Hosted Bitcoin Mining provider with a commitment to using 100% renewable energy for your mining operation.

To learn more, visit our website

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

Support The Progressive Bitcoiner: https://geyser.fund/project/theprogressivebitcoiner 

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

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

"Bitcoin is money, but specifically Bitcoin is a form of money that isn't controlled by any kind of centralized entity." - Ben

My guest today is Ben de Waal. Ben is an engineer, technologist, and Bitcoin consultant, having previously led various engineering projects including as Vice President of Engineering at Swan. Ben also advocates for decentralized solutions and is always interested in discussing philosophy and human affairs through his lens as a libertarian socialist/anarchist.

As we anticipate further price action and interest in Bitcoin, Ben was the perfect guest to have on to discuss Bitcoin fundamentals for those that wonder, what is Bitcoin anyway? In this episode we cover how Bitcoin works as decentralized digital money without centralized control. Topics covered include Bitcoin mining, transactions, fees, private keys, seed phrases, the Lightning Network, differences between proof of work vs proof of stake, why Bitcoin has value, and more.

Follow Ben on X

You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels

SPONSORS:

ZEUS is an open-source, self-custodial Bitcoin wallet that gives you full control over how you make payments. Head to Zuesln.com to learn more and download.

BitBox: My favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for keeping your bitcoin safe in cold storage. Use promo-code TPB during checkout to get 5% off your purchase: https://bitbox.swiss/tpb 

Sazmining: Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXlu. Sazmining is a Hosted Bitcoin Mining provider with a commitment to using 100% renewable energy for your mining operation.

To learn more, visit our website

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

Support The Progressive Bitcoiner: https://geyser.fund/project/theprogressivebitcoiner 

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

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