Ep. 72: Evelyn Lemus - Bitcoin Circular Economy in Berlin, El Salvador

My guest today is Evelyn Lemus, co-founder of the Bitcoin Community Center, and circular economy initiative in Berlin, El Salvador. Evelyn’s inspiring journey showcases her unwavering dedication to grassroots Bitcoin education and community empowerment in El Salvador. Born and raised in the country, Evelyn has seen firsthand the challenges of economic instability and limited opportunities. In this conversation, she shares how she and her team transformed Berlin into a vibrant Bitcoin city, where over 140 merchants now accept Bitcoin for goods and services. She highlights the transformative power of Bitcoin as a tool for financial inclusion, savings, and opportunity, even amidst skepticism and limited resources. From onboarding merchants door-to-door to inspiring the next generation of Salvadorans through education, Evelyn's work demonstrates the potential of Bitcoin to empower communities and build a better future.

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-- LINKS –

Evelyn’s Twitter: https://x.com/Evelynlemus2906 

Bitcoin Berlin Twitter: https://x.com/BitcoinBerlinSV 

Bitcoin Berlin Geyser Project: https://geyser.fund/project/bitcoinberlinsv 

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-- CHAPTERS –

00:00 Coming Up…

01:04 Introduction

03:08 Evelyn’s Journey into Building a Circular Economy in Berlin

11:05 The History of Berlin, El Salvador

13:56 Onboarding Merchants to Bitcoin

19:06 Case Studies of Merchants Accepting Bitcoin in Berlin

23:13 Do Salvadorans Want To Go Deeper with Bitcoin?

28:41 Berlin’s Circular Economy Impacts El Salvador

32:16 Which Bitcoin Wallets Salvadorans Use?  

35:29 Future & Challenges for Bitcoin Berlin

40:27 What Gives Evelyn Hope

45:49 Changing Perceptions Around Bitcoin & Reclaiming Sovereignty

53:38 Closing Thoughts