21 in 21

<p>Rainey Reitman joins <em>21 in 21</em> for a conversation on financial censorship, free speech, and her new book, <em>Transaction Denied: Big Finance’s Power to Punish Speech</em>. Rainey co-founded Freedom of the Press Foundation and serves on the board as president. She also spent 11 years at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, first as Activism Director and later as Chief Program Officer.</p> <p>Drawing on years of work in civil liberties advocacy, Rainey explains how lawful speech can still lead to frozen accounts, denied payments, and exclusion from the financial system. She also shares how these issues connect to journalism, whistleblowers, privacy, and Bitcoin’s promise, and limits, as a censorship-resistant tool.</p> <p><strong>Links to Book:</strong></p> <p>Amazon: <a href="https://a.co/d/04WK0Qek">https://a.co/d/04WK0Qek</a></p> <p>Bookshop: <a href="https://bookshop.org/lists/transaction-denied-big-finance-s-power-to-punish-speech">https://bookshop.org/lists/transaction-denied-big-finance-s-power-to-punish-speech </a></p> <p>Audio: <a href="https://www.audible.com/pd/Transaction-Denied-Audiobook/B0FJZRQXXR?source_code=AUDORWS0718179KY7">https://www.audible.com/pd/Transaction-Denied-Audiobook/B0FJZRQXXR?source_code=AUDORWS0718179KY7 </a></p> <p>A portion of every book sale goes to support <a href="https://freedom.press/">Freedom of the Press Foundation.</a></p> <p>“In her timely and necessary book, Reitman illuminates the shocking and widespread censorship exerted by the American banking system, details how Orwellian financial surveillance and control has become the norm, and makes a powerful case for why we must push for change if we want to preserve freedom and privacy in the 21st century.”</p> <p>— Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer, Human Rights Foundation</p> <p><strong>Follow:</strong> </p> <p><a href="https://x.com/RaineyReitman">https://x.com/RaineyReitman</a> </p> <p><a href="https://x.com/FreedomofPress">https://x.com/FreedomofPress</a></p>

<p>Michael Saylor joined Haley Berkoe on 21 in 21 for a rapid-fire conversation on bitcoin, AI, and what’s coming next. He shares what’s top of mind for 2026, why he sees this year as a major turning point, and how he thinks bitcoin could evolve as digital capital beneath new layers of credit and currency.</p> <p>Then, Saylor gets into how AI will radically transform civilization, and how that shift could make bitcoin even more important in a world where autonomous agents need to transact constantly with digital capital. He points to Strategy’s use of AI in creating digital credit products like Stretch (STRC), and shares the kinds of bitcoin products he hopes to see, from deeper integration into everyday technology to applications powered by bitcoin.</p> <p>Saylor emphasizes that we’re entering one of the most fertile periods ever for building, and encourages builders and young people to spend a lot of time learning AI tools and continually pushing themselves to create something new and useful. There are also a few fun detours into MIT prank stories and the AI-generated X profile images he’s become known for.</p> <p>Follow:</p> <p><a href="https://x.com/saylor">https://x.com/saylor</a></p> <p><a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin">https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin</a></p> <p>Links:</p> <p><a href="https://www.michael.com/">https://www.michael.com</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.hope.com/">https://www.hope.com</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.uncute.com/products/here-comes-bitcoin">https://www.uncute.com/products/here-comes-bitcoin</a></p>

<p>Andi Pitt of Ego Death Capital joined me on 21 in 21 to talk about the rise of new startups in the bitcoin ecosystem, how the funding landscape has changed, and the growing intersection of bitcoin and AI. She also shares what she looks for in founders and offers advice for launching a startup. Beyond venture, Andi discusses her recent research into mind control and cognitive sovereignty.</p> <p>Note: We recorded this while Andi was in town last November for the HRF AI for Individual Rights Summit.</p> <p><a href="https://x.com/1andipitt">https://x.com/1andipitt </a></p> <p><a href="https://egodeath.capital/">https://egodeath.capital/</a></p> <p><a href="https://clyrapassages.substack.com/">https://clyrapassages.substack.com/ </a></p>

<p>Mark Suman, co-founder and CEO of Maple AI, a privacy-first AI chat platform known as “the Signal of AI,” joins Haley Berkoe on 21 in 21. Mark explains how Maple AI uses secure enclaves to deliver a ChatGPT-like experience while getting as close to local-AI privacy as possible, without requiring users to run models on their own machine. He also covers why verifiability is essential for trust, the importance of thought privacy, the shared ethos between Bitcoin and AI, and why AI in schools deserves more scrutiny. </p> <p>Maple AI: <a href="https://trymaple.ai/">https://trymaple.ai/</a>, <a href="https://x.com/TryMapleAI">https://x.com/TryMapleAI</a> </p> <p>Mark Suman: <a href="https://x.com/marksuman">https://x.com/marksuman</a></p>

<p>Haley Berkoe sits down with David Gumberg, a Bitcoin Core contributor at <a href="http://Localhost">Localhost</a>, a bitcoin-focused research center in the Bay Area. David shares how he got into bitcoin, what pushed him from curiosity to contribution, and how completing the Chaincode ₿OSS Challenge in 2024 helped him make the leap to contributing to Bitcoin Core full time.</p> <p>They also dig into what he’s focused on now in Core: Compact Block Relay, block propagation times, and why improving network latency can make mining more fair for smaller miners.</p> <p><a href="http://bosschallenge.xyz">bosschallenge.xyz</a> (applications due Dec 31) </p> <p>github.com/davidgumberg </p> <p>x.com/ChaincodeLabs </p> <p>x.com/lclhostresearch </p> <p>x.com/HBerkoe</p>

<p>In this episode of 21 in 21, Haley sits down with Rod Roudi, co-founder of Bitcoin Park in Nashville and Austin. Rod breaks down how Bitcoin Park began, why in-person energy fuels strong communities, and how Nashville grew into a hub for bitcoiners, policymakers, founders, developers, and bitcoin-curious locals. He also shares what he’s learned about bitcoin payments from the business side, why reducing merchant friction is essential, and what he’s looking forward to in 2026.</p> <p>Episode Chapters </p> <p>00:00 Welcome Rod</p> <p>01:44 Bitcoin Park Description </p> <p>03:39 Origin Story </p> <p>07:08 Engaging Policymakers and Local Community</p> <p>13:38 Accepting Bitcoin as a Business</p> <p>16:22 Merchant Adoption and Reducing Friction</p> <p>20:22 College Basketball Break</p> <p>21:47 What Rod Is Excited About in 2026</p> <p>23:06 Where to Follow Rod & Bitcoin Park</p> <p><a href="https://x.com/bitkite">https://x.com/bitkite</a></p> <p><a href="https://x.com/bitcoinpark_">https://x.com/bitcoinpark_</a></p> <p><a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a></p>

<p>Haley Berkoe sits down with Joe Carlo, co-owner of Pink Owl Coffee, a café that began in San Rafael, California, and has since expanded to three locations across the Bay Area. Pink Owl is one of the earliest Square merchants to integrate bitcoin into its business model. For several years, Joe and his partner Saandra have been converting a percentage of sales into bitcoin as part of their long-term savings strategy, and they recently joined Square’s beta program to begin accepting bitcoin payments directly, ahead of the public launch on November 10th. </p> <p>Joe shares how he first discovered bitcoin, what inspired him to use it as a small-business owner, and how he’s helped educate both customers and staff on what it means to pay (and save) in bitcoin.</p> <p><a href="https://pinkowlcoffee.com/">https://pinkowlcoffee.com/</a></p>

<p>Kyle Olney joins Haley Berkoe to talk about defending bitcoin’s foundational freedoms. A longtime Silicon Valley product leader turned bitcoin advocate, Kyle helped launch Save Our Wallets, a coalition fighting for Section 109 of the Clarity Act, and the Satoshi Needs You campaign, a national call to action to protect open-source developers and the right to self-custody.</p> <p>Kyle shares his journey from seizing banks for the U.S. government during the 2008 financial crisis to championing bitcoin’s political and legislative future. He explains the legislative nuances of the Clarity Act, how the wrong version of this bill could endanger open-source developers, and how ordinary bitcoiners can take meaningful action.</p> <p>00:00 Introducing Kyle Olney and <a href="http://saveourwallets.org">saveourwallets.org</a></p> <p>01:32 Kyle's journey to bitcoin advocacy</p> <p>04:06 The importance of Save Our Wallets</p> <p>05:46 Understanding the Clarity Act and BRCA</p> <p>07:34 Getting the BRCA language written into U.S. law to protect open-source builder</p> <p>8:58 Misconceptions in the bitcoin community</p> <p>11:09 Why this affects everyone</p> <p>14:36 The call to action</p> <p>16:29 The Satoshi Needs You Campaign</p> <p>19:10 Community collaboration and future outlook</p> <p>22:19 How to get involved</p> <p>Save Our Wallets: <a href="https://x.com/saveourwalets">https://x.com/saveourwalets</a>, <a href="http://saveourwallets.org">saveourwallets.org</a></p> <p>Kyle Olney: <a href="https://x.com/KyleOlney">https://x.com/KyleOlney</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleolney/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kyleolney/</a></p> <p>Haley Berkoe: <a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleyberkoe/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleyberkoe/</a></p> <p>Presidio Bitcoin: <a href="https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin">https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin</a>, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin">https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin</a></p>

<p>In this episode of 21 in 21, Nick Slaney joins Haley Berkoe during Presidio Bitcoin Design Week. Nick is the founder of Money Dev Kit, a new startup building tools that make it easy for developers to add bitcoin and Lightning payments to their applications. Previously, he was at Block, where he helped build Bitkey and c=, whose LDK node became one of the Lightning Network’s largest and most active. He shares why he’s betting on bitcoin over stablecoins, how Lightning service providers (LSPs) improve Lightning usability, and what gives him hope for bitcoin’s future.</p> <p><strong>FOLLOW:</strong> </p> <p>Nick Slaney: <a href="https://x.com/nick_slaney">https://x.com/nick_slaney</a> </p> <p>Money Dev Kit: <a href="https://x.com/money_dev_kit">https://x.com/money_dev_kit</a> </p> <p>Haley Berkoe:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXMzYWltUmlkSFp3cWpMLWFYLWoxWjBTWDdOQXxBQ3Jtc0ttaTdydFJTd2ZLcDRHRlNoTW14ZTRvM2plcGNjUy1hUXdBNU1EUjREc0tCOW5zb2o0bGM2azdnSllKOVhnTHktbWgyYXo5NEk3Rm4xTFdvV3NqaC02RlBxZTQxckR4WjVhNTNBSjQxRkwwZ0hESk5zaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FHBerkoe&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a></p> <p>Presidio Bitcoin:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnJmay1WTnI3dDIzN0VmQU1xOGVQb19qemJCUXxBQ3Jtc0ttVnFOVjFfZnRWWGxvaWNDSC1qcWd6MVpsWlo0MGJZZzV2T1V0Z3IwUWhlRnpYbmZyYmRZd0t1dWpCZHRrNzRpcUE4dkgta2ladDQ5QnJYSWtJTGlNXzRrQnR4REJtYnhwWEhXeV8xM3RDQUxaTzh0VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FPresidioBitcoin&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin">https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin</a></p> <p><strong>WATCH THE SHOW:</strong> </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin">https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin</a></p>

<p>During Bitcoin Design Week at Presidio Bitcoin, product designer and HRF grantee Erik Cativo joined the show to talk about designing the future of money. We get into his experiments with ecash and bitchat, the magic of bump-to-pay interactions, and how thoughtful UX can make bitcoin feel intuitive, private, and fun.</p> <p>Erik also shares lessons from living in a nearly cashless society, ideas for building “throw-cash” experiences inside apps like Cash App, and why anyone can help design better bitcoin products simply by giving feedback.</p> <p><strong>FOLLOW:</strong> </p> <p>Erik Cativo: <a href="https://x.com/uxerik_">https://x.com/uxerik_</a>, <a href="https://www.erik.day/">https://www.erik.day/</a> </p> <p>Haley Berkoe:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXMzYWltUmlkSFp3cWpMLWFYLWoxWjBTWDdOQXxBQ3Jtc0ttaTdydFJTd2ZLcDRHRlNoTW14ZTRvM2plcGNjUy1hUXdBNU1EUjREc0tCOW5zb2o0bGM2azdnSllKOVhnTHktbWgyYXo5NEk3Rm4xTFdvV3NqaC02RlBxZTQxckR4WjVhNTNBSjQxRkwwZ0hESk5zaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FHBerkoe&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a></p> <p>Presidio Bitcoin:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnJmay1WTnI3dDIzN0VmQU1xOGVQb19qemJCUXxBQ3Jtc0ttVnFOVjFfZnRWWGxvaWNDSC1qcWd6MVpsWlo0MGJZZzV2T1V0Z3IwUWhlRnpYbmZyYmRZd0t1dWpCZHRrNzRpcUE4dkgta2ladDQ5QnJYSWtJTGlNXzRrQnR4REJtYnhwWEhXeV8xM3RDQUxaTzh0VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FPresidioBitcoin&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin">https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin</a></p> <p><strong>WATCH THE SHOW:</strong> </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin">https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin</a></p>

<p>Haley Berkoe is joined by Kyle Fletcher, Principal Design Director at Block, to explore the intersection of bitcoin, design, and culture. They discuss why artists and designers play a critical role in shaping bitcoin’s future, the sats vs. bitcoin denomination debate, and how thoughtful design can help bring bitcoin to the masses. Kyle also shares personal influences, dream projects, and why onboarding artists, local merchants, and creative communities is key to bitcoin adoption.</p> <p><strong>CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS:</strong></p> <p>00:00 Intro & Kyle’s background at Block</p> <p>01:01 State of Bitcoin brand creative</p> <p>02:59 Designing future money: local and circular economies</p> <p>05:55 The Intersection of art and bitcoin</p> <p>08:19 The sats vs. bitcoin denomination debate</p> <p>12:32 Design mentors, observation, and environment</p> <p>15:39 Why Silicon Valley designers should care about Bitcoin</p> <p>17:52 Dream projects: Bitcoin art galleries & philanthropy</p> <p>22:11 Final thoughts: how creatives can get started with Bitcoin</p> <p>23:13 Where to find Kyle online</p> <p><strong>FOLLOW:</strong></p> <p>Kyle Fletcher:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2hVdVhKa1F4eThCeks5aUlRbm1wMXJENFh6UXxBQ3Jtc0ttNktPczFnYjZaYWNUaWg2X05sa0loU3o1SWhBUXNTaHdYTnM5dThOSWI0NVZzeGMtdjRoRGx4VjNWMVFVc2cyZGp4TENQS2lhQzlFVXM1eTBpanhndGdUTjhxT3VpdWtlRERkdUdacThYNDk0emFVOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fmatthew_pines&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/kyleluvsew">https://x.com/kyleluvsew</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylefletcher/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/kylefletcher/</a></p> <p>Block/Cash App: <a href="https://x.com/blocks">https://x.com/blocks</a>, <a href="https://x.com/CashApp">https://x.com/CashApp</a></p> <p>Haley Berkoe:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXMzYWltUmlkSFp3cWpMLWFYLWoxWjBTWDdOQXxBQ3Jtc0ttaTdydFJTd2ZLcDRHRlNoTW14ZTRvM2plcGNjUy1hUXdBNU1EUjREc0tCOW5zb2o0bGM2azdnSllKOVhnTHktbWgyYXo5NEk3Rm4xTFdvV3NqaC02RlBxZTQxckR4WjVhNTNBSjQxRkwwZ0hESk5zaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FHBerkoe&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleyberkoe/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleyberkoe/</a></p> <p>Presidio Bitcoin:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnJmay1WTnI3dDIzN0VmQU1xOGVQb19qemJCUXxBQ3Jtc0ttVnFOVjFfZnRWWGxvaWNDSC1qcWd6MVpsWlo0MGJZZzV2T1V0Z3IwUWhlRnpYbmZyYmRZd0t1dWpCZHRrNzRpcUE4dkgta2ladDQ5QnJYSWtJTGlNXzRrQnR4REJtYnhwWEhXeV8xM3RDQUxaTzh0VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FPresidioBitcoin&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin">https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/presidio-bitcoin">https://www.linkedin.com/company/presidio-bitcoin</a></p> <p><strong>LINKS:</strong></p> <p>Presidio Bitcoin Design Week Summary: <a href="https://open.substack.com/pub/bitcoindesign/p/presidio-bitcoin-design-week?r=53cq2n&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false">https://open.substack.com/pub/bitcoindesign/p/presidio-bitcoin-design-week?r=53cq2n&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=false</a></p> <p>Kyle’s talk at Design Week: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YArvqMYy6nI">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YArvqMYy6nI</a></p> <p>Bitcoin Plushie: <a href="https://www.uncute.com/collections/everything-else/products/here-comes-bitcoin">https://www.uncute.com/collections/everything-else/products/here-comes-bitcoin</a></p> <p><strong>WATCH THE SHOW:</strong></p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin">https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin</a></p>

<p>In this episode of 21 in 21, Haley is joined by Christoph Ono, co-founder of the Bitcoin Design Foundation and longtime contributor to the Bitcoin Design Community. They talk about Bitcoin Design Week in San Francisco, the effort to redesign the Bitcoin Core wallet, and why design plays such a critical role in shaping the future of money. Christoph also shares how newcomers can get involved in the Bitcoin Design Community and why making bitcoin feel magical matters.</p> <p><strong>Chapter Timestamps:</strong></p> <p>00:00 Intro & Christoph’s background</p> <p>01:05 Bitcoin Design Week in San Francisco</p> <p>02:51 Designing future money</p> <p>04:59 Why Silicon Valley designers should care about bitcoin</p> <p>06:40 How to join the Bitcoin Design Community</p> <p>08:44 Redesigning Bitcoin Core’s original wallet</p> <p>11:51 Designers and developers working together</p> <p>13:48 Impactful projects & community contributions</p> <p>17:51 Inspirations, books, and design influences</p> <p>23:03 Final thoughts: making bitcoin magical</p> <p>23:43 Where to follow Christoph</p> <p><strong>FOLLOW:</strong> </p> <p>Christoph Ono:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2hVdVhKa1F4eThCeks5aUlRbm1wMXJENFh6UXxBQ3Jtc0ttNktPczFnYjZaYWNUaWg2X05sa0loU3o1SWhBUXNTaHdYTnM5dThOSWI0NVZzeGMtdjRoRGx4VjNWMVFVc2cyZGp4TENQS2lhQzlFVXM1eTBpanhndGdUTjhxT3VpdWtlRERkdUdacThYNDk0emFVOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fmatthew_pines&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/GBKS">https://x.com/GBKS</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/germanysbestkeptsecret/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/germanysbestkeptsecret/</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Design Community: <a href="https://x.com/bitcoin_design">https://x.com/bitcoin_design</a> </p> <p>Haley Berkoe:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXMzYWltUmlkSFp3cWpMLWFYLWoxWjBTWDdOQXxBQ3Jtc0ttaTdydFJTd2ZLcDRHRlNoTW14ZTRvM2plcGNjUy1hUXdBNU1EUjREc0tCOW5zb2o0bGM2azdnSllKOVhnTHktbWgyYXo5NEk3Rm4xTFdvV3NqaC02RlBxZTQxckR4WjVhNTNBSjQxRkwwZ0hESk5zaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FHBerkoe&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleyberkoe/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleyberkoe/</a> </p> <p>Presidio Bitcoin:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnJmay1WTnI3dDIzN0VmQU1xOGVQb19qemJCUXxBQ3Jtc0ttVnFOVjFfZnRWWGxvaWNDSC1qcWd6MVpsWlo0MGJZZzV2T1V0Z3IwUWhlRnpYbmZyYmRZd0t1dWpCZHRrNzRpcUE4dkgta2ladDQ5QnJYSWtJTGlNXzRrQnR4REJtYnhwWEhXeV8xM3RDQUxaTzh0VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FPresidioBitcoin&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin">https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/presidio-bitcoin">https://www.linkedin.com/company/presidio-bitcoin</a> </p> <p><strong>LINKS:</strong></p> <p>Bitcoin Design 5 Year Report: <a href="https://five.bitcoin.design/">https://five.bitcoin.design/</a></p> <p>Understanding Comics by Scott McCloud: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Comics-Invisible-Scott-McCloud/dp/006097625X">https://www.amazon.com/Understanding-Comics-Invisible-Scott-McCloud/dp/006097625X</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Design Community: <a href="https://bitcoin.design/">https://bitcoin.design/</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Design Foundation: <a href="https://bitcoindesignfoundation.org/">https://bitcoindesignfoundation.org/</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Design Week: <a href="https://event.bitcoin.design/">https://event.bitcoin.design/</a> </p> <p>Christoph speaking at Bitcoin Design Week: <a href="https://youtu.be/EbFCoVtJKEc?si=JEVxnLCTFJGX9NdL">https://youtu.be/EbFCoVtJKEc?si=JEVxnLCTFJGX9NdL</a> </p> <p>Christoph’s Substack: <a href="https://gbks.substack.com/">https://gbks.substack.com/</a> </p> <p><strong>WATCH THE SHOW:</strong> </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin">https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin</a></p>

<p>In this episode, Haley Berkoe interviews Conor Okus, a Product Manager at Spiral. Conor shares his journey from playing football to becoming a grantee at Spiral and now managing the grant program. He addresses common misconceptions about bitcoin contributors, emphasizes the importance of user experience in promoting adoption, and discusses the emergence of user-friendly (easy) bitcoin addresses.</p> <p>Conor also shares his thoughts on the intersection of AI and bitcoin, the ongoing debate about using "₿ " instead of "sats" to display bitcoin denominations, and offers valuable advice for newcomers to the bitcoin space.</p> <p><strong>EPISODE TIMESTAMPS:</strong> </p> <p>00:00 Conor’s unique path: From footballer to bitcoiner</p> <p>01:33 Becoming a Spiral grantee and joining the team full-time</p> <p>03:53 What Spiral looks for in grant applications</p> <p>05:08 Misconceptions about bitcoin contributors</p> <p>07:15 First impressions of Presidio Bitcoin and the SF builder scene</p> <p>08:25 Current focus: UX, BOLT12, and easy bitcoin addresses</p> <p>12:04 The next wave of bitcoin innovation: Lightning and AI</p> <p>14:38 How AI might leverage bitcoin for payments and micro-transactions</p> <p>18:27 The sats vs. bitcoin ₿ display debate (BIP 177 and UX shifts)</p> <p>22:37 Advice for aspiring bitcoin contributors</p> <p>23:42 How to reach Conor & connect with Spiral</p> <p><strong>FOLLOW:</strong> </p> <p>Conor Okus: <a href="https://x.com/ConorOkus">https://x.com/ConorOkus, </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/conorokus/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/conorokus/ </a> </p> <p>Spiral: <a href="https://x.com/spiralbtc">https://x.com/spiralbtc, </a><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/spiralbtc">https://www.linkedin.com/company/spiralbtc </a> </p> <p>Haley Berkoe:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXMzYWltUmlkSFp3cWpMLWFYLWoxWjBTWDdOQXxBQ3Jtc0ttaTdydFJTd2ZLcDRHRlNoTW14ZTRvM2plcGNjUy1hUXdBNU1EUjREc0tCOW5zb2o0bGM2azdnSllKOVhnTHktbWgyYXo5NEk3Rm4xTFdvV3NqaC02RlBxZTQxckR4WjVhNTNBSjQxRkwwZ0hESk5zaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FHBerkoe&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleyberkoe/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleyberkoe/</a> </p> <p>Presidio Bitcoin:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnJmay1WTnI3dDIzN0VmQU1xOGVQb19qemJCUXxBQ3Jtc0ttVnFOVjFfZnRWWGxvaWNDSC1qcWd6MVpsWlo0MGJZZzV2T1V0Z3IwUWhlRnpYbmZyYmRZd0t1dWpCZHRrNzRpcUE4dkgta2ladDQ5QnJYSWtJTGlNXzRrQnR4REJtYnhwWEhXeV8xM3RDQUxaTzh0VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FPresidioBitcoin&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin">https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/presidio-bitcoin">https://www.linkedin.com/company/presidio-bitcoin</a> </p> <p><strong>LINKS:</strong></p> <p>Spiral Grant Guidelines: <a href="https://spiral.xyz/blog/square-crypto-grants-for-everybody/">https://spiral.xyz/blog/square-crypto-grants-for-everybody/</a> </p> <p>Easy Bitcoin Address: <a href="https://easybitcoinaddress.me/">https://easybitcoinaddress.me/</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Design Week at Presidio Bitcoin: <a href="https://event.bitcoin.design/">https://event.bitcoin.design/</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Design Community: <a href="https://bitcoin.design/">https://bitcoin.design/</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Plushie: <a href="https://www.uncute.com/collections/everything-else/products/here-comes-bitcoin">https://www.uncute.com/collections/everything-else/products/here-comes-bitcoin</a> </p> <p><strong>WATCH THE SHOW:</strong> </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin">https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin</a></p>

<p>Haley Berkoe sits down with Mogashni “Mo” Naidoo — UX researcher, designer, and co-founder of the Bitcoin Design Foundation. Mo shares her path into bitcoin design, why developers and designers need each other, and how the foundation supports designers across the ecosystem. She also talks about her UX Research Toolkit, the role of AI in product design, and previews Bitcoin Design Week in San Francisco in September.</p> <p><strong>CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS</strong></p> <p>00:00 Introduction</p> <p>01:35 The Bitcoin Design Foundation and Bitcoin Design Community, and how both support builders</p> <p>03:23 Mo’s Journey into UX and bitcoin</p> <p>05:26 Why Developers need designers</p> <p>06:39 The Bitcoin Design Community’s projects and impact</p> <p>07:51 Mo’s personal project to unify bitcoin UX research and how she uses AI to build tools</p> <p>10:47 Bitcoin Design Week September 15–19 at Presidio Bitcoin </p> <p>14:52 How better design can empower activists, the unbanked, and everyday users</p> <p>16:50 Exploring AI-powered design tools, including the idea of a “Bitcoin Design Sidekick”</p> <p>21:38 Ways to contribute time or resources to the Bitcoin Design Foundation</p> <p>23:57 Closing thoughts </p> <p><strong>FOLLOW:</strong> </p> <p>Mogashni “Mo” Naidoo:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqa2hVdVhKa1F4eThCeks5aUlRbm1wMXJENFh6UXxBQ3Jtc0ttNktPczFnYjZaYWNUaWg2X05sa0loU3o1SWhBUXNTaHdYTnM5dThOSWI0NVZzeGMtdjRoRGx4VjNWMVFVc2cyZGp4TENQS2lhQzlFVXM1eTBpanhndGdUTjhxT3VpdWtlRERkdUdacThYNDk0emFVOA&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2Fmatthew_pines&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/MouxDesign">https://x.com/MouxDesign</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mogashninaidoo/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/mogashninaidoo/</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Design Community: <a href="https://x.com/bitcoin_design">https://x.com/bitcoin_design</a> </p> <p>Haley Berkoe:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbXMzYWltUmlkSFp3cWpMLWFYLWoxWjBTWDdOQXxBQ3Jtc0ttaTdydFJTd2ZLcDRHRlNoTW14ZTRvM2plcGNjUy1hUXdBNU1EUjREc0tCOW5zb2o0bGM2azdnSllKOVhnTHktbWgyYXo5NEk3Rm4xTFdvV3NqaC02RlBxZTQxckR4WjVhNTNBSjQxRkwwZ0hESk5zaw&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FHBerkoe&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleyberkoe/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/haleyberkoe/</a> </p> <p>Presidio Bitcoin:<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnJmay1WTnI3dDIzN0VmQU1xOGVQb19qemJCUXxBQ3Jtc0ttVnFOVjFfZnRWWGxvaWNDSC1qcWd6MVpsWlo0MGJZZzV2T1V0Z3IwUWhlRnpYbmZyYmRZd0t1dWpCZHRrNzRpcUE4dkgta2ladDQ5QnJYSWtJTGlNXzRrQnR4REJtYnhwWEhXeV8xM3RDQUxaTzh0VQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fx.com%2FPresidioBitcoin&v=1afaot3nJ9Y"> </a><a href="https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin">https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/presidio-bitcoin">https://www.linkedin.com/company/presidio-bitcoin</a> </p> <p><strong>LINKS:</strong></p> <p>Bitcoin Design Week at Presidio Bitcoin: <a href="https://event.bitcoin.design/">https://event.bitcoin.design/</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Design Community: <a href="https://bitcoin.design/">https://bitcoin.design/</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Design Foundation: <a href="https://bitcoindesignfoundation.org/">https://bitcoindesignfoundation.org/</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitcoin-design-foundation/">https://www.linkedin.com/company/bitcoin-design-foundation/</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Design 5 Year Report: <a href="https://five.bitcoin.design/">https://five.bitcoin.design/</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Plushie: <a href="https://www.uncute.com/collections/everything-else/products/here-comes-bitcoin">https://www.uncute.com/collections/everything-else/products/here-comes-bitcoin</a> </p> <p><strong>WATCH THE SHOW:</strong> </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin">https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin</a></p>

<p>Haley Berkoe talks with Matthew Pines, Executive Director of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, about bitcoin’s growing role in U.S. policy. They cover building a bitcoin community in DC, how policymakers are treating bitcoin as a strategic asset, the risks of quantum computing and AI, and why this moment feels like one of “high agency and high leverage” for bitcoiners.</p> <p><strong>TIMESTAMPS:</strong> </p> <p>00:00 Introduction to Matt Pines and his path into bitcoin</p> <p>02:10 The bitcoin scene in Washington DC</p> <p>03:47 Shifting policy conversations and bitcoin as a strategic asset</p> <p>05:12 Advice for bitcoiners engaging policymakers</p> <p>07:06 What a bitcoin standard world could look like</p> <p>09:08 Quantum computing risks and government response</p> <p>13:18 Book recommendation: Global Discord by Paul Tucker</p> <p>15:09 The intersection of bitcoin and AI</p> <p>18:02 Dream bitcoin projects still missing in the market</p> <p>19:42 Spicy take: China vs. U.S. bitcoin holdings</p> <p>20:30 Optimism for bitcoin’s future and ETF adoption</p> <p>23:24 Final takeaway: the power of agency</p> <p>25:27 How to follow Matt and the Bitcoin Policy Institute</p> <p><strong>FOLLOW:</strong> </p> <p>Matthew Pines: <a href="https://x.com/matthew_pines">https://x.com/matthew_pines</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Policy Institute: <a href="https://x.com/btcpolicyorg">https://x.com/btcpolicyorg</a> </p> <p>Haley Berkoe: <a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a> </p> <p>Presidio Bitcoin: <a href="https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin">https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin</a></p> <p><strong>LINKS:</strong></p> <p>Insights from the Quantum Bitcoin Summit <a href="https://presidiobitcoin.substack.com/p/insights-from-the-quantum-bitcoin">https://presidiobitcoin.substack.com/p/insights-from-the-quantum-bitcoin</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Plushie: <a href="https://www.uncute.com/collections/everything-else/products/here-comes-bitcoin">https://www.uncute.com/collections/everything-else/products/here-comes-bitcoin</a> </p> <p><strong>WATCH THE SHOW:</strong> </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin">https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin</a></p>

<p>Haley Berkoe met with Tadge Dryja, a bitcoin developer, researcher, and co-creator of the Lightning Network. They discussed the importance of preparing for potential threats from quantum computing and Tadge’s proposed solution, called “Lifeboat.” Tadge also dives into how to attract the next generation of developers, the health of the bitcoin ecosystem, dream projects to improve usability and client diversity, and why education is key to bitcoin’s resilience.</p> <p><strong>CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS</strong></p> <p>0:47 – Concerns about complacency despite btcoin’s high price; ongoing challenges with scalability, fees, and post-quantum readiness.</p> <p>2:22 – Tadge explains his “Lifeboat” commit-reveal scheme for protecting coins if quantum computers become a threat.</p> <p>5:09 – How quantum computers could break bitcoin’s elliptic curve signatures, why hashes remain safe, and the current likelihood of such attacks.</p> <p>10:33 – Challenges of bringing new developers into bitcoin, overcoming political stigma, and keeping the community open to diverse participants.</p> <p>16:21 – Usability improvements like BIP39 support in Bitcoin Core and having multiple full node implementations.</p> <p>19:23 – Why education matters for both developers and non-developers to build a more resilient Bitcoin network.</p> <p><strong>FOLLOW:</strong></p> <p>Tadge Dryja: @tdryja, <a href="https://x.com/tdryja">https://x.com/tdryja</a></p> <p>Haley Berkoe: <a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a> </p> <p>Presidio Bitcoin: <a href="https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin">https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin</a></p> <p><strong>LINKS:</strong></p> <p>Insights from the Quantum Bitcoin Summit <a href="https://presidiobitcoin.substack.com/p/insights-from-the-quantum-bitcoin">https://presidiobitcoin.substack.com/p/insights-from-the-quantum-bitcoin</a> </p> <p>Bitcoin Plushie: <a href="https://www.uncute.com/collections/everything-else/products/here-comes-bitcoin">https://www.uncute.com/collections/everything-else/products/here-comes-bitcoin</a> </p> <p><strong>WATCH THE SHOW:</strong> </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin">https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin</a></p>

<p>In this episode, Haley Berkoe chats with Jameson Lopp, longtime bitcoiner, cypherpunk, and Chief Security Officer at Casa, to explore the long-term threats and opportunities facing bitcoin. He discusses his latest bitcoin improvement proposal, how AI can be both a productivity booster and existential risk, and why bitcoin's future hinges on education, sovereignty, and conversation.</p> <p>CHAPTER HIGHLIGHTS</p> <p>00:51 Lopp’s top of minds: ossification, quantum threats, and protocol evolution.</p> <p>01:44 An overview of his quantum Bitcoin Improvement Proposal. </p> <p>06:23 How AI is helping with tooling and security, plus Lopp’s caution on the hype. </p> <p>07:59 Writer’s block and Lopp’s creative process.</p> <p>11:55 Lopp’s vision of a sovereign future and concerns about paper bitcoin trends.</p> <p>15:16 Promoting bitcoin as money without pushing.</p> <p>16:42 Lopp shares two controversial ideas: cut off quantum-vulnerable coins and use dynamic block sizes.</p> <p>19:20 What gives him hope, the failures of fiat are bitcoin’s best marketing.</p> <p>20:17 Don’t buy before you learn. Start with education, then stack.</p> <p>21:47 Why discussion is the key to bitcoin’s long-term success.</p> <p>FOLLOW:</p> <p>Jameson Lopp: @lopp, <a href="https://x.com/lopp">https://x.com/lopp</a> </p> <p>Casa: @CasaHODL, <a href="https://x.com/CasaHODL">https://x.com/CasaHODL</a> </p> <p>Haley Berkoe: <a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a> </p> <p>Spiral: @spiralbtc, <a href="https://x.com/spiralbtc">https://x.com/spiralbtc</a> </p> <p>Presidio Bitcoin: <a href="https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin">https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin</a></p> <p>LINKS: </p> <p><a href="http://Lopp.net">Lopp.net</a> </p> <p>Lopps’ BIP: <a href="https://github.com/jlopp/bips/blob/quantum_migration/bip-post-quantum-migration.mediawiki">https://github.com/jlopp/bips/blob/quantum_migration/bip-post-quantum-migration.mediawiki</a></p> <p>Bitcoin Plushie: <a href="https://www.uncute.com/collections/everything-else/products/here-comes-bitcoin">https://www.uncute.com/collections/everything-else/products/here-comes-bitcoin</a> </p> <p>WATCH THE SHOW: </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin">https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin</a></p>

<p>This episode features Alex Pruden, the Chairman of Aleo and the CEO of Project Eleven, an applied R&D lab focused on the intersection of quantum computing and cryptography. In this conversation with Haley Berkoe, Alex discusses quantum computing, future-proofing bitcoin, user experience upgrades, and his journey from the Army Special Forces to becoming a cryptographer.</p> <p>EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: </p> <p>00:50 Discovering bitcoin in the Middle East</p> <p>01:42 Project Eleven & why quantum matters</p> <p>02:46 What it means to be "quantum-resistant"</p> <p>04:50 AI and cryptography</p> <p>07:02 Learning cryptography from scratch</p> <p>08:51 Book recommendation: Life and Fate</p> <p>09:37 What self-sovereignty should look like</p> <p>11:11 Zero-knowledge on bitcoin</p> <p>14:05 Bitcoin’s price does not equal success </p> <p>15:18 Bitcoin UX still needs love and innovation</p> <p>19:39 Army lessons that shape his work</p> <p>21:02 Final thought: celebrate, but contribute</p> <p>FOLLOW:</p> <p>Alex Pruden: @apruden08, <a href="https://x.com/apruden08">https://x.com/apruden08</a> </p> <p>Project Eleven: @qdayclock, <a href="https://x.com/qdayclock">https://x.com/qdayclock</a> </p> <p>Haley Berkoe: <a href="https://x.com/HBerkoe">https://x.com/HBerkoe</a> </p> <p>Presidio Bitcoin: <a href="https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin">https://x.com/PresidioBitcoin</a></p> <p>WATCH THE SHOW: </p> <p><a href="https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin">https://www.youtube.com/@PresidioBitcoin</a></p>