TPB103 - Can Bitcoin Fix our Broken Politics? with American HODL and Erik Cason

In this episode of the Progressive Bitcoiner podcast, host Margot Paez engages with Alan Minsky, the executive director of the Progressive Democrats of America, to discuss the upcoming presidential election and the evolving political landscape in the U.S. They reflect on the impact of the Occupy Wall Street movement, the role of progressive politics within the Democratic Party, and the challenges faced by candidates like Kamala Harris. The conversation also touches on the complexities of U.S. foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel and Palestine, and the disillusionment among voters with the two-party system. In this conversation, the speakers delve into the emotional impact of genocide, the political choices facing voters, and the implications of different administrations on civil liberties and protests. They discuss the rise of right-wing ideologies, the influence of Silicon Valley on politics, and the shifting dynamics within the Democratic Party. The conversation highlights the appeal of right-wing populism and the challenges facing progressive politics in the current landscape.EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s our favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpodTo learn more, visit our websiteGET IN TOUCH:Follow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTokJoin in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!OUR TEAM:Margot Paez: @jyn_urso | Patrick Linus: @LL3einS | Damien: @DamienSomerset | Daniel: @Daniel | Evan: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

Margot Paez on her return to independent journalism. Will this upset people inside and outside the world of bitcoin equally? Will The Progressive Bitcoiner's social media burst? Let's find out together!EXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpodTo learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTokJoin in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!OUR TEAM:Margot Paez: @jyn_urso | Patrick Linus: @LL3einS | Damien: @DamienSomerset | Daniel: @Daniel | Evan: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

"This is a call to action to the listeners. Only you can do it, the power is within you. That's how this works. It takes everybody—takes a village.” - MargotMy guest today is Margot Paez. Margot is a climate change physicist and PhD candidate at the Georgia Institute of Technology, focusing on research relating to climate change statistical based modeling, bitcoin mining, and combating misinformation regarding bitcoin mining and the environment. She is also a Fellow at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. In this final episode of The Progressive Bitcoiner, we discuss the evolution of Bitcoin, the death of the traditional progressive movement, the future of political movements, and the future of left grassroots movements and why more people from the left should care about Bitcoin. We explore how Bitcoin transcends partisan lines and challenges conventional political thinking, while also reflecting on the progressive bitcoiner movement over the last several years. Follow Margot on XYou can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channelsEXCLUSIVE SPONSORS:BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code TPB during checkout at https://bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase.You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpodPROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using 100% cheap and renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTokJoin in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

"Bitcoin calls upon all of us to act in some way, in some manner. You know, just because you bought it is the most basic thing that you can do." - Dr. Mark StephanyMy guest today is Dr. Mark Stephany. Mark is the former host of The Progressive Bitcoiner, author and board-certified internal medicine physician. In this episode we discuss the challenges of promoting Bitcoin to progressives, the need for political engagement in Bitcoin, what taking action in the face of adversity may look like and living an examined life. We explore the tensions between idealism and pragmatism in the Bitcoin community, the importance of questioning one's beliefs, and persevering through hardship. Purchase Mark’s book, “SOVEREIGN HEALTH: Reclaim Your Health and Your Life” here Follow Mark on X and nostrYou can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our website.BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod. You can also now support our work via Patreon.PROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluFold App: Fold is the best way to earn bitcoin back on everything you do. Use the Fold Visa debit card, and purchase gift cards from the Fold Store, to earn bitcoin on everyday purchases. Get 20,000 sats with your first Fold Card purchase using our referral link - https://use.foldapp.com/r/CKVX3C4CLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn |Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

"Nostr is like our lifeboat in the same sense that bitcoin is our lifeboat for money." - Will Casarin My guests today are Will Casarin and Roger Huang. Will is a nostr and Bitcoin developer and the founder of Damus. Roger is journalist having previously written for TechCrunch, VentureBeat, and currently is a contributor for Forbes and author of “Would Mao Hold Bitcoin.”In this episode we explore the world of Nostr, a decentralized social network. We discuss freedom tech, censorship resistance, and the future of online communication in the wake of censorship, bans and arrests around the world including X, Telegram, and more. Learn how Nostr compares to traditional social media and why it's crucial for preserving free speech in the digital age. Support Will’s work through Damus and get exclusive benefits with Damus Purple: https://damus.io/purple/Donate to Open Sats nostr fund today which supports nostr development and devs: https://opensats.org/funds/nostr HRF x PubKey — Bitcoin Behind the Great Firewall of China with Roger Huang, this Thursday, September 12, 2024 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM EDT. Free event, register hereFollow Will on nostrFollow Roger on nostr and X. Get a copy of his book Would Mao Hold Bitcoin hereYou can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our website.BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod. You can also now support our work via Patreon.PROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluFold App: Fold is the best way to earn bitcoin back on everything you do. Use the Fold Visa debit card, and purchase gift cards from the Fold Store, to earn bitcoin on everyday purchases. Get 20,000 sats with your first Fold Card purchase using our referral link - https://use.foldapp.com/r/CKVX3C4CLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn |Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

“Bitcoin is a sort of systemic cleanup of the world's economy and the world's political economy as well.” My guests today are American HODL and Erik Cason. HODL is an OG Bitcoiner, speaking on bitcoin stages and podcasts around the world, and Erik is a crypto-anarchist and author of “Cryptosovereignty: The Encrypted Political Philosophy of Bitcoin.” In this episode American HODL and Erik discuss how they shifted from traditional status-quo left political ideologies to embracing Bitcoin, criticizing the broken political system and dissatisfaction with leading candidates. They examine technology's impact on democracy, privacy erosion, and brainwashing algorithms. Technology, Bitcoin, and individualism are seen as means to challenge the current political system, emphasizing questioning political beliefs and using technology for individual and community-centered empowerment. They highlight the failures of the political establishment, the need for systemic cleanup, and Bitcoin's potential to check government power and bring about global change. Bitcoin can protect individuals and communities in a failing system, empower marginalized groups, and align with left-leaning values. Follow American HODL and Erik on nostr You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our website.BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod. You can also now support our work via Patreon.PROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluFold App: Fold is the best way to earn bitcoin back on everything you do. Use the Fold Visa debit card, and purchase gift cards from the Fold Store, to earn bitcoin on everyday purchases. Get 20,000 sats with your first Fold Card purchase using our referral link - https://use.foldapp.com/r/CKVX3C4CLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn |Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

“When I think about US politics, the single-minded focus I have is reducing the probability of tail risk draconian anti-Bitcoin types of regulation.” - Lyn AldenMy guest today is Lyn Alden, Founder of Lyn Alden Investment Strategy, GP at Ego Death Capital and BoD at Swan. In this episode we discusses the current U.S. political landscape and the importance of pushing for bipartisan support of Bitcoin, Bitcoin's role in global economics, the future of US fiscal policy, and the importance of financial privacy. Lyn shares the potential of Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and currency devaluation, progressive arguments for Bitcoin and we also delve into the benefits of decentralized social media protocol Nostr. Follow Lyn on X and nostr You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our website.BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod. You can also now support our work via Patreon.PROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluFold App: Fold is the best way to earn bitcoin back on everything you do. Use the Fold Visa debit card, and purchase gift cards from the Fold Store, to earn bitcoin on everyday purchases. Get 20,000 sats with your first Fold Card purchase using our referral link - https://use.foldapp.com/r/CKVX3C4CLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn |Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

"We need to engage with skeptics' concerns about Bitcoin in a serious way." - Mike BrockMy guest today is Mike Brock. Mike is Lead for TBD at Block, Inc. TBD is building infrastructure that enables everyone to access and participate in the global economy.In this episode we explore Bitcoin's place in democracy, discussing regulatory challenges, the founding fathers' vision for our nation and democracy, and the impact of social media on society. We delve into the importance of common good, patriotism, and responsible technology use in the digital age. Follow Mike on X You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our website.BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod. You can also now support our work via Patreon.PROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluFold App: Fold is the best way to earn bitcoin back on everything you do. Use the Fold Visa debit card, and purchase gift cards from the Fold Store, to earn bitcoin on everyday purchases. Get 20,000 sats with your first Fold Card purchase using our referral link - https://use.foldapp.com/r/CKVX3C4CLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.Chapters Markers00:00 Introduction and Catching Up03:01 Exploring the Crisis of Meaning and the Need for a Collective Generative Project18:45 The Role of Storytelling and Historical Literacy in Understanding Liberal Democracy30:38 Bitcoin in the Political Landscape: Generational Divide and the Potential for Bad Regulation36:15 The Real Risk for Bitcoin: Bad Regulation and Laws45:30 Reasonable Concerns and Discussions around Bitcoin Regulation48:22 The Importance of Rule of Law and the Protection of Common Interests51:33 Addressing Serious Questions57:59 Legal Obligations and Private Keys01:06:11 Values of Diversity and Freedom01:19:43 The Common Good and Organized Society01:29:16 Patriotism and Sacrifice01:36:08 Thoughtful Conversations about Bitcoin01:45:33 The Limitations of Our Human Brains01:49:49 The Influence of Online Communities01:53:43 The Role of Decentralized Technologies01:57:35 Personal Responsibility in the Digital World02:01:32 Deep and Thoughtful Conversations02:05:02 The Importance of the Common GoodTo learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn |Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

X spaces, August 16th, with Trey Walsh and Jason Maier discussing the recent Crypto4Harris Town Hall which featured many democratic politicians, industry leaders and more, with hopes to amplify the importance of Bitcoin/crypto to the Harris administration for positive change and policy. https://thehill.com/policy/technology/4829807-crypto-friendly-democrats-harris-campaign/To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn |Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

"Getting that strategic reserve to be essentially a path forward to transition from the dollar to Bitcoin, is critical." - Pierre RochardMy guests today are Yael Ossowski and Pierre Rochard. Yael is Deputy Director at the Consumer Choice Center and a visiting fellow at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. Pierre is VP of Research at Riot Platforms. In this episode we explore the debate around a potential US Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, including legislation introduced by Representative Cynthia Lummis, discussing its implications for fiscal policy, individual rights, and global adoption. Pierre and Yaël offer contrasting views on the proposal's merits and potential impact on Bitcoin's future, with Pierre arguing in the affirmative, and Yael holding more reservations. Pierre and Yael also offer thoughts on current partisanship in DC around Bitcoin, and offer some progressive arguments for Bitcoin that more democrats should consider. Follow Pierre on X and nostrFollow Yael on X and nostr You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels. You can also connect with him in the pod’s public telegram group or via the contact form on our website.BitBox: Get the open-source Bitbox02 Bitcoin only edition. It’s my favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for you to take self-custody of your bitcoin and keep your private keys safe in cold storage. Use promo-code ‘TPB’ during checkout at bitbox.swiss/tpb to get 5% off your purchase, including accessories and merch!You, our listener! Thank you to our supporters. To support The Progressive Bitcoiner and access rewards, including our new TPB merch, head to our geyser page: https://geyser.fund/project/tpbpod. You can also now support our work via Patreon.PROMO CODES:Sazmining: Hosted Bitcoin mining made easy, using and 100% renewable energy. Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXluFold App: Fold is the best way to earn bitcoin back on everything you do. Use the Fold Visa debit card, and purchase gift cards from the Fold Store, to earn bitcoin on everyday purchases. Get 20,000 sats with your first Fold Card purchase using our referral link - https://use.foldapp.com/r/CKVX3C4CLightning Store: Head to https://lightning.store/ and use promo-code ‘TPB’ to get 20% off all products.To learn more, visit our websiteFollow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn |Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com