Click Here Blockchain buzzkill — one miner’s lament.
Jan 9, 2026
Richard Hunter, a Bitcoin miner and former timber worker from Mockingbird Holler, Kentucky, shares his journey of attempting to build a mining operation in his home state. He discusses the allure of state incentives and his initial excitement, only to face the harsh realities of local noise concerns and energy challenges. Richard emphasizes the importance of community engagement, advocating for hiring locals and shared revenue, rather than exploiting the region. His candid reflections highlight the ups and downs of crypto ambitions in Kentucky.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
From Hillbilly Holler To Bitcoin Miner
- Richard Hunter describes learning Bitcoin from a young cousin and later obsessively researching mining on YouTube.
- He started with one old miner, upgraded to six, and personified them as his "girls."
Loud, Dusty, and Potentially Dangerous
- Richard treated his miners affectionately, checking on them each morning and worrying about cat hair causing fires.
- He described the machines as loud, like a high-speed blow dryer, and a real safety concern.
Big Plans Derailed By Noise And Geography
- Richard planned to scale in Kentucky because of state subsidies and cheap power, imagining jobs for locals.
- He ultimately didn't move large operations to his holler because of noise, land slope, and uncertain mine longevity.