

Bitcoiners - Live From Bitcoin Beach
Mike Peterson
Live From Bitcoin Beach! This channel is an opportunity to showcase the thoughts and views of Bitcoiners coming through El Zonte, El Salvador.Also known as Bitcoin Beach, this location is ground zero of the Bitcoin and Orange Pill revolution sweeping the nation since President Nayib Bukele made Bitcoin legal tender.We showcase the bustling Salvadoran Bitcoin community, thriving day-to-day using BTC as actual money.From local Bitcoiners to to well-known figures like Giacomo Zucco of Plan B Network, Francis Pouliot of Bull Bitcoin, Robert Breedlove of the What Is Money Show, Max Keiser & Stacy Herbert, Greg Foss of Looking Glass Education, Dr. Jack Kruse of Kruse Longevity Center, and many others, we'll provide an insider's perspective on how Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador is reshaping the landscape locally and globally.We will also be discussing practical tips for those considering moving to El Salvador.Make sure to subscribe and leave us a review on all podcast platforms!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Dec 28, 2024 • 58min
The Bitcoin Golden Visa: How You Can Invest in Freedom | André Loja
Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, I’m sitting down with André Loja, the mastermind behind Free Madeira, a groundbreaking Bitcoin project on the stunning island of Madeira, Portugal. In this episode, André shares his incredible journey from being the only Bitcoiner in his region to leading a movement that’s transforming Madeira into a global Bitcoin hub.We dive into the Portugal Golden Visa Fund for Bitcoiners, which lets you invest in Bitcoin and gain EU residency, leading to a Portuguese passport—one of the most sought-after in the world. André explains how this unique program works and why it’s designed specifically for Bitcoin maximalists.We also talk about the Free Madeira project, which is creating a thriving Bitcoin circular economy. With over 130 merchants now accepting Bitcoin, the island is quickly becoming a paradise for Bitcoiners. André shares stories from the wildly successful Bitcoin Atlantis conference, how it put Madeira on the map, and how it’s inspired more people to move there and live on Bitcoin.André also gives us a peek into the future, including plans for Bitcoin-friendly energy projects and a Bitcoin business hub in Madeira’s capital. This episode will give you all the inspiration, and details, you need to check out Madeira. Tune in!- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Follow and connect with Andre and FREE Madeira:X: https://x.com/andrelojaWebsite: https://www.freemadeira.com/https://x.com/FREEMadeiraOrgYT: https://www.youtube.com/@freemadeiraBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:0:00 - Introduction0:30 - What Is the Free Madeira Project and Who Is Andre Loja??1:00 - Can Bitcoiners Get Residency in Portugal Through Madeira’s Golden Visa?5:09 - What Is the Climate and Lifestyle Like in Madeira for Bitcoiners?8:10 - How Is Madeira Becoming a Bitcoin-Friendly Island?11:05 - What Was the Bitcoin Atlantis Conference in Madeira?13:25 - What Makes Madeira’s History and Culture Unique for Bitcoiners?18:00 - How Many Merchants Accept Bitcoin in Madeira Today?23:15 - Can Bitcoin Mining Improve Renewable Energy in Madeira?26:40 - What Were the Highlights of the Bitcoin Atlantis Conference?28:10 - What Challenges Come with Hosting a Bitcoin Event in Madeira?33:24 - Why Are Bitcoiners Moving to Madeira and What Are Free Madeira’s Plans?38:16 - Why Should Bitcoiners Visit Madeira for Tourism and Investment?43:06 - How Is the Free Madeira Project Funded and How Can You Help?55:20 - What Makes Madeira a Top Destination for Bitcoiners?Live From Bitcoin Beach

Dec 25, 2024 • 53min
The Brutal Truth About Bitcoin Wallets | Lukas Duczko
Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, in this episode, I sit down with Lukas to talk about his wild journey into Bitcoin and his recent dive into leading the Blink wallet project. Lukas shares how he stumbled into Bitcoin years ago, learned some hard lessons during the 2017 bull market, and eventually became a hardcore Bitcoiner. We dive into the unique challenges of taking over Blink, a wallet that’s become a lifeline for Bitcoin circular economies around the world.You’ll hear about how Blink started as a side project, why it’s such a critical tool for grassroots adoption, and the collaborative effort it took to keep it alive. From crazy investor calls to navigating legal hurdles, Lukas takes us behind the scenes of what it’s like to steer a Bitcoin project with global impact.We also chat about the broader mission of empowering communities through Bitcoin, the growing role of El Salvador in fostering Bitcoin innovation, and how this Bitcoin wallet is shaping up to become the ultimate tool for orange-pilling the world.This is one episode you don’t want to miss!- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Follow and connect with Lukas and Blink:X: https://x.com/duczkoWebsite: https://www.blink.sv/https://x.com/blinkbtchttps://www.instagram.com/blinkbtc_en/https://www.tiktok.com/@blinkbitcoin_enhttps://snort.social/p/community@blink.svBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:0:00 - Introduction1:09 - What Is Blink Wallet’s Role in Global Bitcoin Adoption?2:27 - How Did Lukas Enter the Bitcoin Space and Join Blink Wallet?4:55 - What Is the Plan B Conference in El Salvador All About?6:23 - How Did Lukas Transition From Tech Startups to Bitcoin?14:32 - How Did Bitcoin Circular Economies Inspire Blink Wallet?17:02 - What’s the Backstory of Blink Wallet in El Salvador?18:34 - How Did Lukas Take Over as Blink Wallet CEO?23:54 - Why Is Blink Wallet Crucial for Bitcoin Circular Economies?29:51 - How Did Blink Wallet Move Its Operations to Prospera?36:24 - Why Did Blink Choose Prospera for Its New Legal Framework?42:17 - What’s Next for Blink Wallet Under Its New Leadership?45:13 - How Can Blink Wallet Empower Bitcoin Orange-Pilling Efforts?48:06 - What Are Blink Wallet’s Latest Integrations and Innovations?52:39 - How Did the Transition of Blink Wallet Impact Its Future?Live From Bitcoin Beach

Dec 21, 2024 • 1h 3min
The Blueprint for Bitcoin Payments: Inside Money Badger | Carel Van Wyk
Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, I sat down with Carel Van Wyk, a true Bitcoin pioneer from South Africa, to hear his incredible journey in the Bitcoin space. Carel shared how a sci-fi book planted the seeds for his belief in a non-governmental digital currency and how he stumbled across Bitcoin back in 2010. From helping build South Africa’s first Bitcoin exchange (now known as Luno) to launching Money Badger, a project aimed at making Bitcoin a spendable currency, Carel’s story is nothing short of inspiring.We dive into the challenges he faced, like navigating strict regulations and innovating payments with the Lightning Network, and how his team enabled 1,600 Pick n Pay stores in South Africa to accept Bitcoin. Carel also reflects on his visit to El Salvador and the amazing progress this country has made in Bitcoin adoption, comparing it to the hurdles South Africa is still facing.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a Bitcoin-based payment system from scratch, you don’t want to miss this one! Tune in and let’s learn from Carel’s incredible journey!- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Follow and connect with Carel, Money Badger, and Luno:X: https://x.com/carelvwykWebsite: https://www.moneybadger.co.za/LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/moneybadger/X: https://x.com/MoneyBadgerPayIG: https://www.instagram.com/MoneyBadgerPayWebsite: https://www.luno.com/Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:0:00 - Introduction1:47 - What is Carel van Wyk’s background in Bitcoin and technology?3:53 - How do South Africa’s economic challenges impact Bitcoin adoption?5:21 - How did Carel van Wyk first discover Bitcoin in its early days?7:34 - What was South Africa’s first Bitcoin exchange, and how was it founded?9:28 - How do Bitcoin exchanges handle liquidity and exchange controls in South Africa?12:46 - How did BitX evolve into Luno, and what lessons were learned?16:23 - Why did Carel van Wyk leave Luno, and what happened next?19:06 - What is Money Badger, and how does it help make Bitcoin a usable currency?22:14 - How did Money Badger enable Bitcoin payments at South Africa’s Pick n Pay stores?26:36 - What challenges arise with Bitcoin QR codes, and how can they be solved?30:58 - How did Money Badger and Blink wallet collaborate to simplify Bitcoin payments?35:31 - Can proprietary QR codes like Pick n Pay’s work seamlessly with Bitcoin wallets?38:59 - How could Bitcoin wallets improve compatibility with Chivo QR codes in El Salvador?42:19 - What’s next for Money Badger, and how does it plan to expand globally?47:45 - Why is Bitcoin as a unit of account important for businesses like Money Badger?50:35 - What are South Africa’s new crypto regulations, and how do they affect Bitcoin? 56:15 - How does El Salvador’s Bitcoin adoption compare to other countries?58:56 - Can improving safety and reducing crime accelerate Bitcoin adoption in South Africa?1:00:01 - How can you follow Carel van Wyk and learn more about Money Badger?Live From Bitcoin Beach

Dec 18, 2024 • 54min
“What Kind of Bitcoiner Will You Be?” The Virtues That Shape the Future | Aleks Svetski
Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, in this episode, I sit down with Aleks Svetski, one of the busiest minds in Bitcoin, to talk about his latest book, The Bushido of Bitcoin, and his journey through the space. Aleks dives into how his book explores the virtues we’ll need as Bitcoiners to build a better world, drawing lessons from the Samurai, ancient Rome, and other great civilizations.We also talk about his entrepreneurial journey—starting with AmberApp, one of the first Bitcoin dollar-cost averaging apps, to his newest project, Satlantis, a super app for sovereign individuals. Aleks shares how his experiences traveling, writing, and working in the Bitcoin space have shaped his vision for a world built on freedom, virtue, and parallel systems.We wrap up with a discussion about El Salvador, its transformation under President Bukele, and why it feels like a beacon of hope for the future.Whether you’re into Bitcoin, history, or just love hearing inspiring stories, this episode is for you. Tune in and get ready to be challenged, inspired, and maybe even white-pilled!- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Follow and connect with Aleks:X: https://x.com/alekssvetskiThe Bushido of Bitcoin: https://www.bushidoofbitcoin.com/https://x.com/svetskiWriteshttps://www.instagram.com/SvetskiWritesSatlantis: https://www.satlantis.io/placehttps://x.com/joinsatlantishttps://www.linkedin.com/company/satlantis.io/https://www.instagram.com/joinsatlantis/Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:0:00 - Introduction1:00 - How Big is Aleks Svetski’s New Bitcoin Book? 1:05 - What Inspired Aleks Svetski to Write His Book on Bitcoin and Virtue? 3:47 - Why Should You Subscribe to This Bitcoin Podcast? 4:16 - How Did Aleks Svetski Research and Write His Bitcoin Book? 6:52 - What are the Biggest Challenges of Writing a Book on Bitcoin? 8:33 - How Did Aleks Svetski Discover Bitcoin and Start His Journey? 14:45 - What Made Aleks Svetski Become a Bitcoin Maximalist? 19:25 - How Was Amber, a Bitcoin-Only Savings App, Created? 29:15 - What is Satlantis and How Does it Help Bitcoiners? 33:28 - Why Should You Read Aleks Svetski’s Book on Bitcoin and Virtues? 37:37 - What Are the 10 Key Virtues Bitcoiners Should Live By? 46:26 - How is El Salvador Changing Under Bitcoin Adoption? 51:21 - What’s Next for Bitcoiners and Sovereign Individuals in a Changing World? 52:17 - Where Can You Find Aleks Svetski’s Book and Projects?Live From Bitcoin Beach

Dec 14, 2024 • 27min
From El Zonte to Victoria Falls: How Bitcoin is Changing Lives Around the World | Adam Cowperthwait
Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, in this episode, I sit down with Adam Cowperthwait, a passionate Bitcoiner who's on a mission to spread Bitcoin adoption in unique and underserved communities. Adam shares the story of how his visit to El Zonte in 2022 inspired him to create Bitcoin Victoria Falls in Zambia and launch a new project in Montserrat, a small island in the Caribbean.We dive into the challenges and successes of building circular Bitcoin economies, from teaching locals about Bitcoin to onboarding merchants and even tackling big issues like energy shortages. Adam talks about the power of combining grassroots education with tourism to bring Bitcoin into these communities sustainably.He also gives us a glimpse into his plans for the future, including scaling the Victoria Falls project and launching the Montserrat initiative, where he sees huge potential for a Bitcoin revival thanks to the island’s geothermal energy and small, tight-knit population.If you’re curious about how Bitcoin can transform communities and want to hear about some exciting real-world adoption stories, this episode is for you. Don’t miss it!- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Follow and connect with Adam, Bitcoin Victoria Falls, and Bitcoin Montserrat:X: https://x.com/CowpertweetsX: https://x.com/BitcoinVicFallsX: https://x.com/btcmontserratBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:0:00 - Introduction0:42 - What inspired Adam Cowperthwait to visit El Salvador and explore Bitcoin?1:36 - How did early experiences in El Salvador shape Bitcoin Victoria Falls?2:07 - Who is Adam Cowperthwait, and how did he get started with Bitcoin?5:23 - What is Bitcoin Victoria Falls, and how did it start?6:30 - Why was Zambia’s Victoria Falls chosen for a Bitcoin circular economy project?7:32 - What challenges do NGOs face when integrating Bitcoin?10:05 - How can tourism and local economies work together to grow Bitcoin adoption?11:06 - What progress has Bitcoin Victoria Falls made in its first year?12:35 - How does Mi Primer Bitcoin educate communities about Bitcoin?13:29 - Why are locals in Zambia interested in learning about Bitcoin?15:00 - How many businesses in Victoria Falls are accepting Bitcoin?16:49 - How is Bitcoin being used for payments in Zambia’s Victoria Falls?18:09 - What is Bitcoin Montserrat, and how can Bitcoin help this Caribbean island?20:52 - What makes Montserrat’s geothermal energy and history perfect for Bitcoin revival22:47 - How does Bitcoin Victoria Falls plan to focus on specific areas for growth?26:15 - What’s next for Bitcoin Victoria Falls and Montserrat projects?Live From Bitcoin Beach

Dec 11, 2024 • 44min
Bitcoin for the People: How Machankura is Fixing Financial Access in Africa | Kgothatso Ngako
Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, I sit down with Kgothatso Ngako, the brilliant mind behind Machankura—a project that’s changing the game for Bitcoin adoption in Africa. We dive into how Machankura is enabling people without smartphones or internet access to send and receive Bitcoin using only SMS, and why that’s a game-changer for millions across the continent.Kgothatso shares his thoughts on El Salvador’s leadership, energy policies, and Bitcoin adoption, and why he believes it’s a model of prosperity the world (and Africa) should pay attention to. We talk about the challenges of scaling Bitcoin adoption in Africa, from low internet penetration to tough regulatory environments, and how Machankura is navigating these hurdles while building for the future.Plus, we explore the amazing grassroots Bitcoin communities like Bitcoin Ekasi and Bitcoin Witsand, where entire villages are operating on a Bitcoin standard. Kgothatso also gives us a sneak peek at his plans for self-custodial Bitcoin wallets, a new smartphone app, and how he’s working to bring entrepreneurship and innovation to the forefront in Africa.This is an inspiring conversation about using Bitcoin to empower communities and bridge gaps in financial inclusion. Don’t miss it!- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Follow and connect with Kgothatso and Machankura:X: https://x.com/Machankura8333Website: https://8333.mobi/Nostr: primal.net/p/npub1nv4j840c5ugjjq7ym3sqkz5jcschjx8ulnaa90645av0rwdylm9qv9x0grBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:00:00 - Introuction00:01:09 - How Has Kgothatso Ngako's Bitcoin Journey Evolved?00:02:11 - What Is Machankura, and How Does It Help Bitcoin Users in Africa?00:02:42 - How Does Machankura Operate Across African Countries?00:03:26 - How Can You Send Bitcoin Using WhatsApp in Africa?00:05:35 - Why Is El Salvador’s Bitcoin Success Important for Africa?00:07:13 - How Is Machankura Making Bitcoin Accessible Without Internet?00:08:04 - Why Are African Currencies Failing, and How Can Bitcoin Help?00:11:37 - Can You Use Bitcoin on a Feature Phone Without Internet?00:12:46 - How Did Mobile Money in Africa Set the Stage for Bitcoin Adoption?00:20:50 - What Are Self-Custodial Bitcoin Wallets, and How Do They Work on SIM Cards?00:27:40 - How Could SIM-Based Bitcoin Wallets Change the Game for Users?00:33:10 - How Does Regulation Impact Bitcoin Adoption in Africa?00:40:45 - What Is the Adopting Bitcoin Conference in Cape Town About?00:42:37 - How Are Bitcoin Ekasi and Bitcoin Witsand Driving Adoption in South Africa?00:44:03 - What’s Next for Kgothatso Ngako and Machankura?Live From Bitcoin Beach

Dec 7, 2024 • 34min
Bitcoin Mining, Geothermal Power, and How El Salvador is Leading the Revolution | Pierre Rochard
Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, I sat down with Pierre Rochard, VP of Research of Riot Platforms Inc, at the Adopting Bitcoin Conference, and we covered a lot. Pierre shared how he first discovered Bitcoin, his journey from traditional finance to becoming a leader in the Bitcoin space, and how his passion for accounting and open-source software led him to build tools like the Node Launcher and Lightning integrations.We also dove into the challenges and opportunities in Bitcoin mining, especially in the U.S., where Pierre has been on the frontlines of regulatory battles to protect the industry. He explained why Texas is a hotspot for mining, how the U.S. can stay ahead in the global mining race, and why nuclear power could play a big role in the future.Of course, we had to talk about El Salvador—what Pierre loves about the country, its leadership under President Bukele, and its potential to become the Singapore of Latin America. We even touched on Bitcoin mining here, using geothermal and other renewable energy sources.This episode is packed with insights on Bitcoin policy, mining, and global adoption—and some great stories, too. Don’t miss it!- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Follow and connect with Pierre and Riot Platforms:https://x.com/BitcoinPierrehttps://x.com/RiotPlatformshttps://www.riotplatforms.com/https://www.linkedin.com/company/riot-platforms/Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:00:27 - Introduction01:29 - How Did Pierre Rochard Discover Bitcoin?02:12 - What Was Pierre Rochard’s Biggest Bitcoin Mining Mistake?02:39 - What is Libertarian Longhorns, and How Did It Shape Pierre’s Bitcoin Views?05:00 - Why Did Pierre Rochard Leave Traditional Finance for Bitcoin?07:12 - How Did Lightning Network Get Integrated at Kraken?09:36 - How Is Riot Defending Bitcoin Mining Against Regulation?12:36 - Do Bitcoin Miners Work Together to Fight Regulations?20:19 - What Is Riot’s Strategy for Bitcoin Mining Success?22:04 - How Much Does Electricity Cost for Bitcoin Miners?24:59 - Why Is El Salvador Important for Bitcoin’s Future?30:16 - Is Bitcoin Mining in El Salvador Profitable?33:14 - What’s It Like Visiting El Salvador as a Bitcoiner?Live From Bitcoin Beach

Dec 4, 2024 • 59min
From Wall Street to Bitcoin Beach: Freedom, Sovereignty, and the Future | Tone Vays of Unconfiscatable
Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, in this episode, I sit down with the one and only Tone Vays, a long-time Bitcoin advocate, educator, and Wall Street veteran. We dive into Tone’s fascinating journey into Bitcoin—starting with how the Cyprus banking crisis and WikiLeaks opened his eyes to Bitcoin’s power as censorship-resistant money. Tone shares stories from his Wall Street days, his transition to becoming a full-time Bitcoin educator, and his experiences traveling the world promoting Bitcoin’s core values.We also get into Tone’s passion projects, like his Unconfiscatable event, which started as a Bitcoin conference and is now evolving into a high-stakes poker tournament for Bitcoiners. Plus, Tone gives his take on Prospera ZEDE, a private city initiative in Honduras, and why he believes projects like it are critical for advancing freedom and capitalism.If that’s not enough, Tone shares his Bitcoin price predictions, some insights into his trading strategies, and even his new love for scuba diving. Tune in!- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Follow and connect with Tone:X: https://x.com/ToneVayshttps://www.youtube.com/tonevayshttps://unconfiscatable.com/https://www.youtube.com/@unconfiscatablehttps://understandingbtc.com/https://thefinancialsummit.com/https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMZe3aGArxffPZKpMve82wQBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:0:00 - Introduction1:50 – How did Tone Vays discover Bitcoin and what role did Max Keiser play?4:32 – What stopped Tone Vays from getting into Bitcoin mining in 2012?4:50 – How did the Cyprus banking crisis push Tone Vays toward Bitcoin?6:10 – How did growing up in the Soviet Union shape Tone Vays’ views on Bitcoin and wealth?7:47 – How did Tone Vays get started with Bitcoin conferences and public speaking?9:30 – What does it mean to be a Bitcoin influencer, and how did Tone Vays become one?12:10 – What is the "Unconfiscatable" Bitcoin conference and why did Tone Vays create it?14:50 – Why is Bitcoin’s "unconfiscatability" so important to Tone Vays?16:21 – How did the Unconfiscatable conference evolve into a Bitcoin poker tournament?23:25 – Why does Tone Vays think shadow banning hurts Bitcoin education?26:13 – What is The Financial Summit, and how does it help traders and investors?27:52 – Why are small financial retreats better for networking than big conferences?29:42 – What does Tone Vays think about Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador?40:31 – What is Prospera ZEDE, and why is it important for Bitcoin and private cities?47:15 – Why is Prospera facing challenges in Honduras, and what could happen next?56:15 – What are Tone Vays’ Bitcoin price predictions for the next year?57:23 – Where can you follow Tone Vays and join his Bitcoin poker tournaments?Live From Bitcoin Beach

Nov 30, 2024 • 44min
VanEck, Bitcoin ETFs, and El Salvador: Everything You Need to Know | Matthew Sigel
Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, I sat down with Matthew Sigel from VanEck for an eye-opening conversation about Bitcoin, ETFs, and the incredible economic transformation happening here in El Salvador. Matthew shared his journey from Bloomberg journalist to Bitcoin advocate, his take on El Salvador’s groundbreaking Bitcoin experiment, and how it’s reshaping tourism, crime, and foreign investment.We dove into the hot topic of Bitcoin ETFs—why they matter for institutions, but also the risks of losing self-sovereignty—and got a behind-the-scenes look at VanEck’s approach to bridging Bitcoin with traditional finance. Plus, we talked about the U.S. election’s impact on Bitcoin policy, the potential for a U.S. Bitcoin reserve, and even the wild idea of Bitcoin-powered “freedom cities.”This episode is packed with insights on sovereign adoption, the future of Bitcoin in traditional markets, and why Matthew keeps coming back to El Salvador to learn from the people and the policies shaping its Bitcoin revolution. Tune in to hear what’s really happening on the ground and how it could change the world!- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Follow and connect with Matthew and VanEck:https://x.com/matthew_sigelhttps://www.vaneck.com/us/en/https://www.youtube.com/VanEckGlobalhttps://www.instagram.com/VanEck_UShttps://www.tiktok.com/@vaneck_ushttps://www.linkedin.com/company/vaneck/ Live From Bitcoin Beach

Nov 27, 2024 • 1h 7min
Bitcoin Surfers in South Africa Doing More for Humanity Than Central Banks Ever Will | Hermann Buhr-Vivier
Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, I’m joined by Hermann Buhr-Vivier, the inspiring founder of Bitcoin Ekasi in South Africa. Hermann shares the incredible story of how he’s using Bitcoin to transform a South African township, starting with a surf program that’s been running for over a decade. We talk about how Bitcoin integrates into their circular economy, the struggles and triumphs of building grassroots adoption, and how paying coaches and local merchants in Bitcoin is creating generational wealth.We dive into their latest projects, like building a permanent education center, the buzz around the Bitcoin Bowl skate park, and even how they’ve been painting murals on shacks to spread Bitcoin awareness. Hermann also gives us an inside look at the bigger picture—supporting Bitcoin adoption projects across Africa and hosting a Bitcoin conference in Cape Town this January.Whether it’s onboarding merchants, empowering kids to save, or watching a community transform through proof-of-work, Hermann’s story will leave you inspired. Oh, and if you’ve ever dreamed of a Bitcoin-friendly surf trip to South Africa, Hermann’s got you covered too! Don’t miss this one.- MikeSupport and follow Bitcoin Beach:https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeachhttps://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeachWeb: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/Follow Bitcoin Ekasi:X: https://x.com/BitcoinEkasiYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0BJ9ZD6JXKzJUtXfhy2pSgWebsite: https://bitcoinekasi.com/Unravel Surf X: https://x.com/UnravelSurfBrowse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:0:00 - Introduction1:25 - What’s New at Bitcoin Ekasi? Latest Updates and Community Impact2:22 - What Are the Plans for Bitcoin Ekasi’s New Community Center?4:37 - What Is Bitcoin Ekasi and Why Was It Started?7:06 - How Has Apartheid’s Legacy Shaped South African Townships Today?10:34 - How Did Bitcoin Ekasi Integrate Bitcoin into Its Programs?12:26 - What Made Bitcoin a Lifeline for Businesses in South Africa?13:38 - What Challenges Do People Face When Adopting Bitcoin for Payments?15:18 - How Did Bitcoin Ekasi Onboard Coaches and Local Shops?18:09 - How Did Bitcoin Change the Financial Lives of Surf Coaches?20:15 - Can Bitcoin Help Build Generational Wealth for Low-Income Families?23:59 - What’s the Shack Painting Program and How Does It Promote Bitcoin?26:33 - What Is a Bitcoin Circular Economy and How Does It Work?27:36 - What Is Bitcoin Ekasi’s Vision for Its New Education Center?30:17 - Why Do Bitcoin Communities Need Physical Spaces for Education?32:38 - What Is the Bitcoin Diploma Program and How Does It Work?34:08 - What Is the Bitcoin Bowl and Why Is It a Big Deal in South Africa?39:24 - Why Is Bitcoin Important for South Africa’s Economy?43:05 - When Is the 2024 Bitcoin Conference in Cape Town?45:57 - What Are the Most Exciting Bitcoin Projects Across Africa?50:50 - Which African Countries Are Adopting Bitcoin the Fastest?54:50 - How Are Bitcoin Projects in Africa Overcoming Challenges?1:01:12 - Can Bitcoin Help Kids Develop Financial Skills for the Future?1:02:44 - How Can You Support Bitcoin Ekasi and Join a Surf Tour?1:05:03 - What Are Bitcoin-Friendly Surf Tours in South Africa Like?Live From Bitcoin Beach


