Bitcoin Magazine Podcast BTC Media

Have you heard about what’s happening in Panama? Hint: It has nothing to do with canals. A new bill has been presented to legalize cryptocurrency and Bitcoin, and we are joined by two important figures in this developing story to learn everything we need to know. Gabriel Silva, a congressman in Panama standing behind this bill, and Felipe Echandi, entrepreneur, seeking to propel the Panamanian economy forward, join us for this fascinating conversation. Our two guests approach the topic with practical discernment and understanding, discussing the basics of crypto legalization in the country, the developing geopolitical factors, and why Panama is becoming an increasingly attractive place for foreign residents. Sharing unique insider insights, Silva and Echandi provide a comprehensive view on Panama’s laws, rules around banks and legal tender, comparisons to Singapore, and more. Why this bill specifically? What reality could it espouse to bring positive change for Panama and its people? Catch it all in this exciting episode!

"What is clear from visiting El Zonte and talking to the community leaders is that Bitcoin is not something you can sprinkle on a town and make it come to life. Alone, it is not a sufficient tool to empower a population. Yes, it is true that Bitcoin helped a small village change the world. But without Valenzuela, without Martinez, without Peterson, without Mama Rosa, and without entrepreneurs willing to take risks like Rubio and Karla, no change would have happened."
"The Village and the Strongman" is an exceptional piece written by Alex Gladstein, detailing Bitcoin's journey in El Salvador from new hope in a small village to a new law by an increasingly authoritarian government.
Join Guy Swann as he narrates Alex Gladstein's article on Bitcoin in El Salvador.

As someone whose political agenda involves righting past wrongs and enabling citizens to have freedom, Bitcoin perfectly fits all of Jayson’s Stewart’s objectives. Jayson is an environmentalist, entrepreneur, and as of 2020, he is the mayor of Cool Valley, Missouri. You may have heard of him: He went viral when he announced he would AirDrop all Cool Valley citizens $500 of Bitcoin. In this episode, Jayson shares why he felt called to run for mayor in his birthplace and the fascinating projects he has implemented thus far, including exposing everyone to some Bitcoin. Jayson explains what went on behind the scenes and the logistics around giving over 1,000 people access to Bitcoin. For Jayson, the most important piece is ensuring Bitcoin is tied to a pursuit of social change and improving their community, uplifting people along the way. Our wide-ranging conversation also touches on the problems with governmental power at the moment, why Bitcoin is fundamentally American, and how other cities in Missouri are reacting to Jayson’s idea. Tune in to hear it all!

Spreading knowledge about the power of Bitcoin doesn’t just happen by accident. Getting information out to those who need it requires expertise and concerted effort from someone like Kal Kassa. Kal Kassa works with the Lightning Network and is taking on the charge, pouring energy into bringing awareness into more secluded regions. On this episode, we have the privilege of being joined by Kal as he discusses his work in Ethiopia and the broader narrative around Bitcoin in Africa. Kal uses remote efforts to empower niche populations through distributed currency, but the corruption and array of problems facing the country mean that regaining some agency through Bitcoin could mean real progress. Kal explains exactly how he envisages this happening, and the most urgent areas needing attention. Later in the episode, we get to pick his brain and dive deep into his long-term perspective on Bitcoin's role in Ethiopia and Africa at large. Make sure to join us for this illuminating conversation with Kal Kassa!

For many young people, especially those from less affluent backgrounds, Bitcoin offers a means to grow beyond the constraints of poverty and historic debt. However, enabling this leverage isn’t always easy. Education is paramount, and encouraging financial literacy will determine the agency further generations step into. On this episode, we are joined by Aarika Rhodes as we tease out the struggle for financial literacy and some possible solutions in America. In addition to being a schoolteacher and active member of her community, Aarika is running against Brad Sherman for California's 30th district in next year’s election, opposing Brad on many of the most important points, notably on the topic of Bitcoin and progressive financial education. In our conversation, we get to hear about the importance of new voices, public dialogue, and how she became such a staunch supporter of the Bitcoin movement. Aarika shares stories and experiences that have shaped her worldview, and why she believes deeply in the ground work she is doing with her team to build a better future for the next generation. Join us for an inspiring and illuminating chat with someone on the front lines of an important fight.

Bitcoin is just one important aspect of the accelerating changes we see in the contemporary world. From culture and medicine to art and education, the shifts we are beginning to see will undoubtedly only gain momentum in the near future. One of the events that shines a light on this is the well-established SALT Conference, and today we are lucky enough to sit down with the brains behind the event, Anthony Scaramucci! Anthony is also the founder of SkyBridge and has years of experience across different high-powered sectors of the economy. We get into a fascinating conversation centering on the conference, but delving into many topics including the education system, psychedelics, literature, and so much more. Anthony has a very unique take on cryptocurrencies and decentralization and some of his views may not align with the majority of our audience but are incredibly thought-provoking and worthwhile for the open-minded. So to hear it all and for a few more reasons to entice you to attend The SALT Conference, join us today.