Uncle Rockstar Developer - Do You Own Real Bitcoin?

May 5, 2025

Rockstar Dev, a legendary coder and cypherpunk known for his work on BTC Pay Server and Strike, dives deep into Bitcoin's future. He discusses the innovations of Lightning and eCash, the philosophical aspects of privacy, and the identity challenges faced by developers. The conversation explores the camaraderie and competition within the Bitcoin community, the impact of KYC on ownership, and the transformative potential of Bitcoin in personal identity. Rockstar Dev shares insights on the dynamic relationships among contributors and the ongoing debates shaping cryptocurrency.

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ANECDOTE

Rockstar Dev's Bitcoin Genesis

Uncle Rockstar Dev started contributing to Bitcoin in 2017 during the block size wars to escape online arguments.
He began coding on BTC Pay Server and later joined Strike, deeply immersing in the Bitcoin community as Uncle Rockstar Dev.

INSIGHT

Block Size Wars Are Power Struggle

The block size wars were more about power struggles than technical block size limits.
Human nature to create hierarchies ensures ongoing conflicts in Bitcoin's development culture.

ADVICE

Protect Privacy with Masks

Protect your privacy by controlling your identity and likeness.
Experiment with masks and personas at events to safeguard yourself and gain confidence.

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In this episode, I chat with Rockstar Dev, a legendary shadowy super coder, core contributor, and cypherpunk. We explore what Lightning and eCash mean for Bitcoin’s future, what it’s like to live a masked identity, and how to build better systems that empower individuals.

––– Offers & Discounts –––

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––– Get To Know Today's Guest –––

• Uncle Rockstar Dev on X: https://x.com/r0ckstardev

• Uncle Rockstar Dev on Nostr: npub1j8y6tcdfw3q3f3h794s6un0gyc5742s0k5h5s2yqj0r70cpklqeqjavrvg

––– Socials –––

• Check out our new website at https://TheBitcoinMatrix.Com

• Follow Cedric Youngelman on X: https://x.com/cedyoungelman

• Follow The Bitcoin Matrix Podcast on X: https://x.com/_bitcoinmatrix

• Follow Cedric Youngelman on Nostr: npub12tq9jxmt707gd5vnce3tqllpm67ktr0mqskcvy58qqa4d074pz9s4ukdcs

––– Chapters –––

00:00 - Intro

02:00 - Rockstar’s Origin Story & BTCPay Genesis

05:31- - Discovering Bitcoin’s Ideological Core

08:22 - Community, Collaboration & BTC’s Cultural Impact

11:00 - BTCPay as a Platform and Alternative to BitPay

14:38 - The Block Size Wars & Ongoing Cultural Conflicts

20:38 - Camaraderie Among Core Contributors

22:48 - Privacy, Identity & Living Behind the Mask

25:54 - Ego, Recognition & Stories of Gigi

33:00 - Satoshi as a Coder & Mythic Figure

35:10 - Information Madness & Cypherpunk Prophecy

38:40 - Compliance vs Building Better Systems

42:05 - Bitcoin for Personal & Collective Freedom

46:09 - Rockstar on Realizing Financial Independence

48:20 - Lessons from Working in Bitcoin Startups

52:58 - Why Lightning Thrills Rockstar

57:42 - Stablecoins on Lightning & Their Bitcoin Impact

01:00:00 - Bitcoin is for Anyone—but Not for Everyone

01:04:45 - Can We Have Privacy Without KYC-Free Bitcoin?

01:14:00 - Is Rockstar Planning on Disappearing?

01:19:00 - Keeping Satoshi Unknown

01:25:45 - Reflecting on Corporate Jobs & Finding Meaning in your Work

01:38:45 - How Bitcoin Has Changed Rockstar

01:41:45 - Hope for a Sovereign Future

I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to all of you for tuning in, supporting the show, and contributing. Thank you for listening!