Therapist Exposes The #1 Reason People Reject Bitcoin | Figs O'Sullivan | BFM204

Nov 10, 2025

Fiachra 'Figs' O'Sullivan, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Bitcoin advocate, explores the emotional hurdles surrounding Bitcoin adoption. He highlights how shame, often stemming from personal and systemic factors, serves as a barrier to embracing this cryptocurrency. Figs draws parallels between emotional trauma in relationships and monetary transformation, emphasizing that real change often requires discomfort. He advocates for empathy and validation over aggression in discussions about Bitcoin, framing it as a tool for personal and emotional growth.

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ANECDOTE

Blog Shocked His Relationship Audience

Figs published a blog called "Love Bitcoin and Why You Cannot Change Until It Hurts Like Hell" to Bitcoiners and relationship followers.
Most of his relationship audience reacted with shock and confusion at his Bitcoin focus.

INSIGHT

Shame Blocks Adoption

People resist Bitcoin not for lack of facts but because shame and emotional pain block them from accepting reality.
Adoption requires emotional transformation, not just financial education.

ADVICE

Earn The Right To Teach

Don't orange-pill uninvited; earn the right to have the conversation by validating and building trust first.
Provide asynchronous resources for curious people instead of forcing change.

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Fiachra "Figs" O'Sullivan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, and Bitcoin maximalist. His unique perspective bridges the psychology of human connection with the psychology of monetary awakening and exploring how pain drives transformation in both domains.

› https://x.com/figsosullivan

› https://empathi.com/blog/love-bitcoin-and-why-you-wont-change-until-it-hurts-like-hell

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🕑 TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Reconnecting Through Bitcoin02:15 - Pain and Transformation: The Journey to Bitcoin07:44 - Shame and the Fiat System12:43 - The Emotional Journey of Adoption19:28 - The Challenge of Orange Pilling27:00 - Bitcoin as a Source of Hope36:20 - Navigating Doubts and Cynicism42:27 - Understanding Financial Shame50:49 - The Power of Acceptance57:44 - The Emotional Technology of Bitcoin01:04:50 - Building a Foundation of Trust01:11:44 - The Journey of Self-Discovery01:17:33 - Core Beliefs and Human Connection

ℹ️ EPISODE SUMMARY

Bram Kanstein and Figs O’Sullivan discuss the emotional and psychological aspects of adopting Bitcoin, exploring themes of pain, shame, and transformation. They emphasize the importance of validation and empathy in conversations about Bitcoin, as well as the challenges of 'orange pilling' others. The discussion highlights how Bitcoin can serve as a source of hope and sovereignty, encouraging self-discovery and personal growth. Figs shares his journey as a therapist and how his understanding of Bitcoin has influenced his perspective on relationships and financial systems.