Bitcoiners - Live From Bitcoin Beach

Mike Peterson
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Jul 19, 2025 • 41min

Alternative Education In El Zonte - Homeschool; Skate, Paint & More | Ana Larios Pohl

For families considering life in El Salvador, this episode dives into what educational freedom really looks like on the ground. Mike talks with Ana Larios, co-founder of Escuela Libre and Skate, Paint & More, about building a community education program rooted in trust, creativity, and local connection.Ana shares how Escuela Libre grew from three families into a small but thriving homeschool community. It’s a space where kids learn without uniforms or testing, and where volunteers from around the world teach everything from math and English to aerial silks and robotics. The school is part of a growing movement toward non-traditional schooling that centers kids instead of systems.We also get into Skate, Paint & More, an after-school program that offers experiential education through painting, skateboarding, music, and group projects. Most of the local kids had never painted before. Now they’re learning to create, explore, and build confidence in a safe, supportive environment. It’s all free for them, made possible by donations and visiting volunteers.This conversation is for anyone rethinking how learning should work, especially if you care about creative education or are considering a move to El Salvador. It’s also a real look at how grassroots efforts can grow into something lasting without losing their soul.Hit subscribe, drop a comment, or send it to someone who's ready to ditch the system and do school differently.-Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about Ana Larios Pohlhttps://x.com/analariospohl https://www.instagram.com/analariospohl_arte/ https://www.instagram.com/acroyoga_elsalvador/ https://www.facebook.com/acroyogaelsalvador/ https://www.instagram.com/elzonteartsandlearning/?hl=en Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00 What is Skate, Paint & More and how does it help kids in El Zonte?01:30 Why did Ana and other families start a non-traditional school in El Salvador?03:43 Is homeschooling legal in El Salvador and how does it work?06:43 How do volunteers help build this homeschool community?10:12 What makes this community education program work for both locals and expats?14:16 What is grip tape art and how are kids using it creatively?16:52 How does art and skateboarding boost kids’ confidence?21:06 What advice does Ana have for parents moving to El Salvador?29:44 When does the Skate, Paint & More program run and how can others join?34:00 What kind of donations support creative and experiential education in El Zonte?Live From Bitcoin Beach
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Jul 12, 2025 • 44min

Are Bitcoiners In El Salvador Just Rebuilding The System They Tried To Escape? | Will Lehr

What happens when Bitcoin meets real estate, alternative assets, and personal freedom? In this episode, Will Lehr breaks down how he went from helping clients invest in gold and silver IRAs to building a self-directed IRA platform that lets people hold Bitcoin, real estate, and more, all outside the traditional financial system.We talk about the mechanics of setting up a self-directed IRA, what makes the IRA LLC model different, and how to stay within IRS rules when it comes to physical gold, silver, and cold storage for Bitcoin. Will also explains why tools like the Unchained IRA are changing how people think about retirement planning.Then we shift to life in Surf City El Salvador, where Will is now developing land with like-minded Bitcoiners who care about sovereignty, sustainability, and long-term vision. If you're interested in real estate in Surf City, this conversation covers what kind of properties are still available, what’s already sold out, and how demand is shifting fast.Whether you're holding metal, sats, or land, this episode is for anyone rethinking how to build a life and a portfolio that actually reflects your values. Hit subscribe, and drop a comment: Would you ever use your IRA to buy land in El Salvador?-Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about Will Lehrhttps://clubcocal.com/ https://unboundassets.com/ https://x.com/thewilliamlehr https://x.com/ClubCocal https://x.com/UnboundAssets Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00 What makes El Salvador feel like a 24/7 Bitcoin conference?02:15 How did Will get started with self-directed IRAs and Bitcoin?04:45 What is a self-directed IRA and how does it work?07:35 How to hold Bitcoin, gold, or silver in your IRA legally10:52 What’s the risk of storing gold and silver at home in an IRA?13:21 Why are Bitcoiners moving to Surf City El Salvador?19:45 What makes real estate in Surf City such a strong long-term play?26:46 How is Will’s land development attracting liberty-minded investors?33:45 How does his Bitcoin community support locals and nonprofits?39:16 Who’s moving to El Salvador and what are they building?Live From Bitcoin Beach
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Jul 5, 2025 • 54min

He Learned English From Pewdiepie And Is Now Running El Salvador’s National Artificial Intelligence Agency | Mario Flamenco

Mario Flamenco didn’t follow a typical path into government. As a teenager in one of the world’s most violent countries, he started watching Max Keiser and Stacy Herbert talk about Bitcoin on late-night reruns. A few years later, he’s working alongside them at the Bitcoin Office in El Salvador and now helping lead the country's AI and robotics strategy.In this episode, Mario shares how El Salvador is using Bitcoin and artificial intelligence to create long-term economic change. We talk about the real work behind Lightning Network adoption, how the Kubo Plus program is teaching first graders AI and robotics, and why the government’s approach to education is rooted in digital sovereignty, not just tech hype.This is more than a Bitcoin story. It’s about building systems that last, starting with kids in the classroom and going all the way up to national tech policy. If you care about where crypto, education, and real-world change meet, this one’s worth your time.Hit subscribe, share with someone who still thinks Lightning Network is a theory, and drop a comment if you’d take Mario’s coding course.-Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about Mario Flamencohttps://x.com/maiojose1 https://x.com/theaiagencysv Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00 What was life like growing up in El Salvador before Bitcoin?02:30 How did Mario Flamenco discover Max Keiser and Stacy Herbert?04:44 What career options did young Salvadorans have before tech?07:28 Why doesn’t access to information guarantee opportunity?11:14 What’s broken about traditional engineering education?15:41 How did Mario end up working with Max and Stacy?18:49 What does the Bitcoin Office in El Salvador actually do?26:52 How is El Salvador approaching AI policy and digital sovereignty?31:57 Are kids in El Salvador really learning AI and robotics?43:21 Can Salvadoran students become Bitcoin and Lightning Network leaders?46:22 Why the airport shows El Salvador is building real infrastructure.Live From Bitcoin Beach
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Jun 28, 2025 • 1h 3min

Exposing Why Bitcoin Adoption Stalled in El Salvador (And The One Fix Everyone Missed) | Gaelle Wizenberg

What’s it really like moving to El Salvador? In this episode, Gaelle Wizenberg shares her story of starting over in Berlin, El Salvador, a small town with a growing Bitcoin circular economy and one of the few places in the world where living on Bitcoin is actually possible. From community building to starting a boutique wellness hotel, Gaelle breaks down the practical, emotional, and financial realities of creating a life from scratch abroad.We get into the challenges and rewards of real estate in El Salvador, how expats are investing in regenerative farming and helping grow small local economies, and what digital sovereignty looks like when applied to daily decisions. Gaelle shares why she left the US, how she built a business that runs on decentralized finance, and why she believes real opportunity comes from embracing simplicity and slowing down.This episode speaks directly to those thinking about relocating, building something new, or stepping away from high-friction systems. If you’re curious about the expat experience, building a life aligned with Bitcoin values, or finding clarity outside the noise, you’ll find this conversation grounding and useful.Like what you hear? Tap subscribe, share with someone thinking of making a move, and tell us your biggest fear or hope about living abroad in the comments.-Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about Gaelle Wizenberghttps://www.instagram.com/rabbithole.berlin/ https://www.instagram.com/gaellewizenberg/ Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00 Why does feeling at home matter when moving abroad?01:51 What’s behind the recent wave of Bitcoiners leaving El Salvador?02:43 How did growing up on a boat shape Gaelle’s global mindset?07:55 How she launched a software company in the toy industry13:12 What makes starting a business in the US so frustrating now?19:08 Why she chose Berlin, El Salvador after leaving Florida25:00 How she renovated a local home and built a wellness retreat36:02 What expats need to know before moving to El Salvador49:32 Can you actually live fully on Bitcoin in Berlin, El Salvador?52:38 Why financial literacy is more critical than just Bitcoin knowledgeLive From Bitcoin Beach
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Jun 21, 2025 • 57min

Why I Left Canada to Build a Bitcoin Empire in El Salvador (And Found Freedom) | John McBride

What does it actually take to start a business or invest in El Salvador as a foreigner? In this episode, John McBride returns to share what he's learned after two years of building multiple businesses across the country. From launching True North Air to owning a coffee farm in El Salvador, John walks us through how he's approached investing in El Salvador with a long-term mindset and real local impact.We get into how he's structured Empoderar El Salvador, his umbrella company, to prioritize hiring Salvadorans and paying in Bitcoin. He shares how franchises like Mailboxes Etc. and logistics platforms like ShipApollo are helping solve real challenges for both expats and local entrepreneurs. If you're thinking about starting a business in El Salvador, this episode gives you an honest look at the path.We also unpack the recent IMF El Salvador deal, what it actually means for Bitcoin in the country, and why John believes it's a non-issue for the business community. He also gives his take on how aviation services like True North Air are key to connecting remote areas and supporting industries like mining, logistics, and tourism.There’s also a great segment on real estate, how John ended up co-owning a coffee farm in El Salvador, and why he thinks it’s still early for smart investors. Whether you're considering a move, exploring opportunities, or just curious about life on the ground, there's plenty here to dig into.If you’re thinking about investing in El Salvador or want to see how people are actually building here, hit subscribe. And drop a comment if you’ve ever tried importing furniture or owning a helicopter.—Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about John McBridehttps://empoderarsv.com.sv/main/ https://satstreet.com/ Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:21 — Why John McBride calls El Salvador an early-stage country02:49 — How Empoderar El Salvador is structured to empower locals05:00 — Can you finally get Amazon packages delivered in El Salvador?08:13 — What is ShipApollo and how does it help small exporters?13:13 — What services will True North Air offer in El Salvador?15:06 — Is mining coming back to El Salvador?34:22 — What kind of investors is John looking to help?37:07 — Why John invested in a coffee farm in El Salvador39:39 — Is it too late to invest in real estate in El Salvador?46:51 — What does the IMF El Salvador deal really mean for Bitcoin?50:29 — Is Bitcoin still a core strategy in El Salvador?Live From Bitcoin Beach
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Jun 14, 2025 • 59min

Why Canadians Are Leaving Everything Behind for El Salvador (While They Still Can) | John McBride

John McBride didn’t plan on moving to El Salvador. It started as a short trip in 2022 to see if the buzz around Bukele’s El Salvador and the Bitcoin experiment was real. Two weeks later, he bought property. Today, he runs multiple companies, holds a Salvadoran passport, and sees the country as an “early-stage investment with traction.”In this episode, we talk about why John left Canada, how he evaluated risk, and what convinced him to go all in. He shares a candid look at investing in El Salvador across real estate, startups, and aviation. He also explains how his family went from calling him crazy to flying down regularly and helping build operations on the ground.If you’ve looked into moving to El Salvador or are curious about what's really happening beyond the headlines, this episode gives you a grounded view from someone who has skin in the game.Subscribe for real conversations about freedom, risk, and building in places with momentum. Share this with someone stuck in analysis mode. And comment if you’ve ever looked at a map and thought, “What if?”-Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about John McBridehttps://empoderarsv.com.sv/main/ https://satstreet.com/ Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode: 00:00 – Why did John McBride leave Canada for El Salvador? 03:41 – What made him change plans from Panama to El Salvador? 05:15 – What problems did he see in Canada that led to moving? 10:45 – How did SAT Street begin and what does it do in crypto? 18:16 – What convinced him to invest and stay in El Salvador? 21:27 – What happened during his hospital stay in El Salvador? 29:07 – How does the El Salvador healthcare system compare? 34:06 – How did his family respond to his decision to move? 44:16 – Why is John building companies instead of retiring? 50:13 – What’s it like investing in El Salvador today?Live From Bitcoin Beach
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May 31, 2025 • 46min

Bitcoin Gentrification in El Salvador: The Hypocrisy No One Talks About | Lexi Cross

Thinking about buying real estate in El Salvador or relocating with your family? In this episode, Mike Peterson sits down with Lexi Cross from Good Life ElSalvador   to break down what’s really happening in the El Salvador real estate market. They talk about everything from turnkey condos and oceanview lots to Bitcoin purchases and foreign real estate investment. Whether you're planning a move or looking for a second home, this episode gives a clear look at what it's like living in El Salvador right now.Lexi shares insights on how real estate seasonality impacts the market, where demand is highest, and why more families are interested in relocation services to places like Zaragoza. You’ll hear how Surf City El Salvador has evolved, why oceanview is trending over oceanfront, and how developers are catering to both investors and long-term residents. If you're thinking about moving to El Salvador, you'll hear what to expect when it comes to schools, neighborhoods, and infrastructure.They also dig into how Bitcoin is actually being used in real estate deals, the rise of crypto-backed mortgages, and what buyers need to know about navigating regulations. Lexi and Mike explain how their Discovery Trip helps people make informed decisions about relocating, connecting them with lawyers, builders, and local experts before buying anything.If you’re curious about living in El Salvador, using crypto to invest, or just want to understand what it’s like to build a life in a country that’s getting global attention, this episode is packed with useful details. And yes, they even talk about what kind of furniture to avoid near the beach.Hit subscribe, leave a review, or comment if you’re still deciding between a view in Surf City or some quiet hills in Zaragoza.-Bitcoin Beach TeamConnect and Learn more about Lexi Cross Web: https://www.goodlifeelsalvador.com X: https://twitter.com/goodlife_svSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00 – Intro00:42 – What is the real estate market like right now in El Salvador?02:41 – What types of properties are people buying on El Salvador coast?04:49 – Who are the buyers: Bitcoiners, expats, or returning Salvadorans?05:57 – Is there more housing supply available now?07:44 – What are lot prices and home sizes like in The Cliff development?10:07 – What do buyers need to know about maintaining beachfront property?12:59 – How common are Bitcoin real estate purchases in El Salvador?14:58 – Are there Bitcoin-backed mortgages available now?20:37 – Is gentrification a real concern among locals?25:15 – What are the top international schools for expat families in San Salvador?Live From Bitcoin Beach
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May 24, 2025 • 53min

Was Bitcoin Country a PR Stunt? Insider Reveals What Really Happened With Bukele and the Bitcoin Law | Lina Seiche

What actually changed with El Salvador’s Bitcoin law? In this episode, Mike sits down with Lina Seiche, creator of The Little Hodler and founder of a Bitcoin-focused business now based in El Salvador. Lina shares what it's really like on the ground, from working with the Ministry of Education on a nationwide Bitcoin school curriculum to navigating the evolving business environment.They dive into the recent IMF deal and the wave of commentary it triggered in the Bitcoin world. Despite speculation, Lina explains why the changes to legal tender status haven’t altered the daily use of Bitcoin or the momentum behind financial education in El Salvador.  She also highlights the country’s push for education reform, giving a behind-the-scenes look at the public school program teaching kids real-world money skills before they even hit high school.This episode gives an unfiltered view into a nation experimenting with currency, curriculum, and autonomy. It’s also a reminder that sometimes real innovation doesn’t come from headlines but from people quietly building, like Lina and her Little Hodler brand that’s now part of classrooms across the country.If you’re curious about where Bitcoin meets policy, why financial education matters more than ever, or just want to know what a plush toy has to do with education reform, hit subscribe, drop a comment, and share this with someone who still thinks the IMF calls the shots.Connect and Learn more about Lina SeichiThe Little Hodler: https://thelittlehodler.comLina on X: https://twitter.com/LinaSeicheSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00 — Why Lina started writing Bitcoin schoolbooks for kids01:56 — Is El Salvador still a Bitcoin country after the IMF deal?04:35 — What changed in the Bitcoin legal tender law?06:10 — How El Salvador teaches financial education in public schools12:10 — What makes it easier to start a business in El Salvador?18:22 — What does “you can just do things” really mean here?24:09 — Will El Salvador benefit from US nearshoring and trade shifts?26:25 — Lina’s advice for business owners thinking about moving31:08 — What’s inside the Bitcoin curriculum for grade school kids?36:47 — Did the IMF deal change anything on the ground in El Salvador?40:53 — How Bukele doubled down on Bitcoin when pressure increased47:26 — Where to get Little Hodler plushies and Lina’s new projectsLive From Bitcoin Beach
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May 17, 2025 • 54min

Did Bukele Prove Bitcoin Adoption & Financial Sovereignty Will Never Be Voluntary? | Trace Mayer

Trace Mayer, Bitcoin OG and advocate for monetary sovereignty, joins us for a compelling deep dive into the real-world implications of El Salvador’s groundbreaking adoption of Bitcoin. This wasn’t a surface-level chat, we covered everything from Bitcoin in El Salvador to the broader global reset many are calling the Fourth Turning.We explored how President Bukele is reshaping El Salvador by combining bold leadership with sound money principles and how Bitcoin fits into that transformation. Trace shares why financial freedom is rooted in individuals taking control of their money, and how El Salvador is providing a real-world test case for that philosophy.We also talk about the risk of centralized financial tools like ETFs, the importance of self-custody through initiatives like Proof of Keys, and how Bitcoin’s growing financial infrastructure, especially in derivatives and custody, is shaping the future.Don't forget to subscribe, share this with your favorite fiat-loving friend, and comment below: Would you trust your government to hold Bitcoin for you, or is it safer in your own hands?Learn more about Trace Mayerhttps://www.trace.com/ https://x.com/bitcoinkn Connect with Trace Mayerhttps://x.com/TraceMayer https://www.instagram.com/trace_mayer/ Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00 – Why Trace Mayer Traveled to Bitcoin Beach in El Salvador02:30 – How Trace Mayer Got Into Bitcoin and Monetary Sovereignty06:15 – How Inflation Destroys Sound Money and Everyday Wealth10:40 – What Monetary Sovereignty Really Means in Today’s World14:50 – Why El Salvador Adopted Bitcoin for Financial Freedom19:30 – How President Bukele Is Using Bitcoin to Change El Salvador25:40 – Why Proof of Keys Still Matters for Bitcoin Users in 202530:10 – Are Bitcoin ETFs Threatening Real Financial Freedom?37:20 – What the Fourth Turning Means for Bitcoin and the Global Economy45:10 – Can the US Reset Its Economy with Bitcoin, Gold, and the Dollar?47:15 – What Trace Mayer Is Building in the Bitcoin Financial System52:00 – Where to Follow Trace Mayer and Learn About His Latest WorkLive From Bitcoin Beach
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May 10, 2025 • 1h 58min

The #1 Reason Healthy Bitcoiners Still Feel Like Crap & the Decentralized Fix | Dr. Alison Monette

Can "quantum biology" explain why even the healthiest people are still getting sick? In this episode, Dr. Alison Monette reveals why circadian rhythm health is the true foundation of wellness, not diet, exercise, or even supplements. She explains how morning sunlight, light exposure, and your alignment with natural cycles may matter more than anything else you’re doing right now.We go deep into how Dr. Monette went from owning a CrossFit gym and practicing functional medicine, to discovering that even those models were still too centralized. Through her personal health journey and treating thousands of patients, she realized that quantum biology and decentralized health are the missing pieces, especially for those who are doing everything “right” and still not getting results.This conversation is for anyone who’s burned out on biohacking, confused by contradictory nutrition advice, or who wants a simple, grounded way to build resilient, lifelong health. We unpack why blue light may be silently wrecking your sleep, how to use sunlight to reset your metabolism, and why your mitochondria are the real key to wellness. It’s not about optimizing harder, it’s about aligning smarter.If you’ve ever felt like modern life is out of sync with your biology, this episode will hit home. Plus, we explore how this all connects to Bitcoin, self-sovereignty, and why El Salvador might be the perfect place to reclaim your health.Subscribe, leave a comment with your biggest takeaway, and share this with someone who needs to hear it before they buy another supplement or sign up for another fitness challenge.Learn more about Dr. Alison Monettehttps://www.avenamedical.com/https://www.facebook.com/avenamedical/# Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:X: @BitcoinBeachIG: @bitcoinbeach_svTikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: bitcoinbeach.comTimestamps:00:00 What does it mean to decentralize your health?08:00 Why functional medicine may still be too centralized12:45 Are CrossFit and extreme fitness harming your long-term health?19:00 How quantum biology reframed Dr. Monette’s entire medical practice26:30 What is the most important lab test for inflammation?35:00 How circadian rhythm controls your metabolism and sleep41:00 Why morning sunlight is the most powerful health intervention48:30 Is intermittent fasting actually making things worse?57:00 What melatonin really does and how to naturally produce it1:10:00 Is sunscreen helping or harming your skin health?1:25:00 The connection between Bitcoin, sovereignty, and health decentralization#circadianrhythm #quantumbiology #biohackinglightLive From Bitcoin Beach

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