Is El Salvador Still Bitcoin Country? Here’s What Actually Changed | Mike Peterson

This is a special episode from The Sovereign Podcast, hosted by Michael Ruiz, where Mike Peterson joined as a guest.

In this conversation, Mike shares the full story of Bitcoin Beach and how a grassroots project in El Zonte helped inspire El Salvador to make Bitcoin legal tender. He talks about how the project began, the challenges of community building, and the mindset shift that happens when people start earning in Bitcoin. From keeping youth out of gangs to showing the world what a working circular economy looks like, Mike explains the lessons learned from years on the ground.

You’ll hear about the transformation of El Salvador, from a country once shaped by fear to one filled with optimism and opportunity. The discussion explores IMF loan conditions that influenced recent Bitcoin policy, what they mean in practice, and why the local Bitcoin circular economy is stronger than ever. Mike shares his perspective on growth, from grassroots work in small towns to attracting global attention and investment.

For anyone interested in starting a Bitcoin-friendly community, Mike offers actionable advice: start small, build real relationships, and use media to bring in outside support. The conversation also digs into how libertarian ideals intersect with practical governance, what it takes to balance development with preserving local character, and why Bitcoin education is becoming part of the national curriculum.

Whether you’re a Bitcoiner, policy watcher, or someone passionate about economic freedom, this episode delivers insights on Bitcoin adoption, sustainable community building, and the long-term vision for El Salvador. Stick around until the end, when they get into the realities of development, property rights, and why even libertarians sometimes agree on a little regulation.

-Bitcoin Beach Team


Connect and Learn more about Michael Ruiz
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https://www.youtube.com/@sovmindset 


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

00:00 How did Bitcoin Beach begin as a grassroots project in El Zonte
08:45 What inspired Mike Peterson to move to El Salvador full time
17:12 How a donor’s vision sparked a Bitcoin circular economy
25:30 What the IMF loan conditions mean for El Salvador’s Bitcoin law
36:20 How Bitcoin adoption is changing savings culture and community building
44:50 Practical advice for starting your own circular economy project
55:15 Why media strategy is essential for grassroots Bitcoin adoption
01:02:40 How gang violence reduction transformed daily life in El Salvador
01:15:05 What industries and opportunities El Salvador needs to grow
01:28:50 The future vision for Bitcoin Beach and global circular economies

Live From Bitcoin Beach