THE Bitcoin Podcast

Katie Ananina, founder of Plan B Passport and now with CitizenX, shares her inspiring journey from a pro athlete in post-Soviet Russia to a Bitcoin pioneer. She emphasizes the necessity of having multiple citizenships to secure sovereignty in a changing world. The discussion covers how Bitcoiners can utilize flag theory, the rise of citizenship programs, and strategies for gaining second passports. Katie also critiques government overreach and explores the implications of evolving nation-state structures, urging listeners to act before it's too late.

Becca Rubenfeld, co-founder of AnchorWatch, is transforming Bitcoin security with innovative insurance solutions. She dives into the rise of wrench attacks and the crucial role insurance plays in safeguarding assets against theft. The discussion includes effective inheritance planning for Bitcoin holders and how AnchorWatch's multi-sig vaults simplify the process for families. Becca also highlights the urgent need for kidnap and ransom insurance amid rising threats, showcasing the intersection of crypto and traditional insurance markets.

Kent Halliburton, co-founder of Sazmining, shares his journey from solar rooftops to empowering Bitcoiners with surveillance-free mining. He discusses the crucial right to transact, emphasizing its fundamental nature. Misconceptions about mining ROI and the economics of Bitcoin are tackled, alongside the pressing issues of Bitcoin policy and double taxation. Kent highlights the contrast between 'wild' and 'surveillance' sats and explains how Bitcoin mining can leverage renewable energy for a greener future. He also addresses the challenges of mining pool centralization and potential quantum threats to Bitcoin.

Peter Todd, a prominent Bitcoin developer renowned for his work on OpenTimestamps and his role in an HBO documentary, discusses pivotal Bitcoin topics. He shares insights on maintaining strategic Bitcoin reserves and contrasts Bitcoin's reliability against other cryptocurrencies. Todd delves into the complexities of tail emissions and their impact on network stability. He also emphasizes the crucial role of timestamping in digital security and elections, illustrating how OpenTimestamps supports vote integrity while addressing challenges in the politically charged landscape of Bitcoin.

Evan Kaloudis, founder of Zeus, dives into the importance of Bitcoin as a medium of exchange rather than just a store of value. He shares his vision for building circular economies that promote Bitcoin commerce everywhere. The discussion covers the evolving user experience in self-custody wallets, the challenges of educating newcomers, and resisting state overreach in the crypto space. Kaloudis also highlights the role of innovative developments at Zeus in boosting merchant adoption and enhancing financial independence.

Freddie New from Bitcoin Policy UK, originally from South Africa and Zimbabwe, discusses Bitcoin's role in the UK’s evolving political landscape. He argues that Bitcoin serves as a grassroots movement and a means to engage with policymakers. The conversation touches on the rise of Reform Party, the complexities of CBDCs, and the challenges of government debt. New emphasizes the need for financial agency and explores the potential of Bitcoin to address economic dysfunction and provide secure value transfer in crises.

Stephen Pollock, Senior VP of Development at the Bitcoin Policy Institute, dives into the importance of educating Washington D.C. about Bitcoin to prevent harmful regulations. He discusses the strategic value of Bitcoin for the U.S. and highlights key political allies like Senator Cynthia Lummis, countering skeptics like Elizabeth Warren. Pollock stresses the role of lobbying in advocating for informed Bitcoin policies and the need for financial independence through self-custody solutions. The conversation also emphasizes storytelling as a powerful tool in promoting Bitcoin's liberating potential.

Matthew Pines, Executive Director of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, discusses the transformative potential of UAP disclosure and Bitcoin's role in future geopolitical dynamics. He emphasizes the significance of Bitcoin in national policy and its emerging acceptance in mainstream political discourse. Pines also explores the complexities of world conflicts marked by cyber warfare and economic strategies, and how both Bitcoin and UAPs are reshaping public narrative. Expect insights on strategic liquidity and the need for digital asset reserves amid global instabilities.

Erik Cason, founder of Vora and advocate for Bitcoin self-sovereignty, and Jesse Posner, an applied cryptographer, dive into the intricate relationship between Bitcoin and personal security. They discuss Vora's innovative solutions for decentralizing cryptographic keys and enhancing privacy, underscoring the need for robust protection against real-world threats. Their conversation critiques traditional finance and emphasizes the importance of individual rights, envisioning a future where Bitcoin empowers true financial freedom and self-defense.

Matt Corallo, a Bitcoin developer at Spiral, dives into the vital Blockchain Regulatory Certainty Act, advocating for protections that clarify the legal status of non-custodial wallets in the U.S. He discusses the challenges of mining pool centralization and the importance of a decentralized Bitcoin ecosystem. Topics like innovative wallet design, including vibe coding, and the current debates surrounding the Lightning Network reveal a dynamic landscape in cryptocurrency. Corallo's insights emphasize civic engagement in shaping the future of Bitcoin technology.