Bitcoiners - Live From Bitcoin Beach

Mike Peterson
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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!

  1. Is El Salvador Still Bitcoin Country? Here’s What Actually Changed | Mike Peterson

    AUG 23

    Is El Salvador Still Bitcoin Country? Here’s What Actually Changed | Mike Peterson

    This is a special episode from The Sovereign Podcast, hosted by Michael Ruiz, where Mike Peterson joined as a guest. In this conversation, Mike shares the full story of Bitcoin Beach and how a grassroots project in El Zonte helped inspire El Salvador to make Bitcoin legal tender. He talks about how the project began, the challenges of community building, and the mindset shift that happens when people start earning in Bitcoin. From keeping youth out of gangs to showing the world what a working circular economy looks like, Mike explains the lessons learned from years on the ground. You’ll hear about the transformation of El Salvador, from a country once shaped by fear to one filled with optimism and opportunity. The discussion explores IMF loan conditions that influenced recent Bitcoin policy, what they mean in practice, and why the local Bitcoin circular economy is stronger than ever. Mike shares his perspective on growth, from grassroots work in small towns to attracting global attention and investment. For anyone interested in starting a Bitcoin-friendly community, Mike offers actionable advice: start small, build real relationships, and use media to bring in outside support. The conversation also digs into how libertarian ideals intersect with practical governance, what it takes to balance development with preserving local character, and why Bitcoin education is becoming part of the national curriculum. Whether you’re a Bitcoiner, policy watcher, or someone passionate about economic freedom, this episode delivers insights on Bitcoin adoption, sustainable community building, and the long-term vision for El Salvador. Stick around until the end, when they get into the realities of development, property rights, and why even libertarians sometimes agree on a little regulation. -Bitcoin Beach Team Connect and Learn more about Michael Ruiz https://x.com/sovmindset  https://www.youtube.com/@sovmindset  Support and follow Bitcoin Beach: X: @BitcoinBeach IG: @bitcoinbeach_sv TikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeach Web: bitcoinbeach.com Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode: 00:00 How did Bitcoin Beach begin as a grassroots project in El Zonte 08:45 What inspired Mike Peterson to move to El Salvador full time 17:12 How a donor’s vision sparked a Bitcoin circular economy 25:30 What the IMF loan conditions mean for El Salvador’s Bitcoin law 36:20 How Bitcoin adoption is changing savings culture and community building 44:50 Practical advice for starting your own circular economy project 55:15 Why media strategy is essential for grassroots Bitcoin adoption 01:02:40 How gang violence reduction transformed daily life in El Salvador 01:15:05 What industries and opportunities El Salvador needs to grow 01:28:50 The future vision for Bitcoin Beach and global circular economies Live From Bitcoin Beach

    1h 11m
  2. Bitcoin’s Biggest Threat Is Inside the Community | Jake Seifert of AirBTC

    AUG 9

    Bitcoin’s Biggest Threat Is Inside the Community | Jake Seifert of AirBTC

    What happens when Bitcoiners stop waiting for legacy platforms and start building their own?  In this episode, Mike sits down with Jake Seifert, co-founder of AirBTC, a Bitcoin-first alternative to Airbnb. Jake’s not just talking about circular economy theory, he’s out there trying to make it real, one travel listing at a time. They get into the friction points of convincing Bitcoiners to actually spend their Bitcoin, the role of KYC in a decentralized travel platform, and why it’s not enough to just stack sats. Jake explains how AirBTC works, how it handles payments in SATs, and why peer-to-peer lodging still needs basic trust. The conversation also explores why most listings are outside the US, what it’s like bootstrapping without fiat funding, and why hodl-only culture might be holding the movement back. This episode gives a front-line view of what it takes to build infrastructure for a Bitcoin standard, no venture capital, no permission, just a platform made by and for people who want to live on Bitcoin now. It’s also a challenge: if you’re serious about decentralization, why are you still booking travel with fiat? If you’ve ever looked at your wallet and thought, "I’ll spend later," this one’s for you.  Subscribe, share it with your hardest-core hodler friend, and drop a comment if you’ve ever listed a room, or stayed in one, using Bitcoin. -Bitcoin Beach Team Connect and Learn more about Jake Seifert X: https://x.com/airbtconline Web: https://airbtc.online/  Support and follow Bitcoin Beach: X: @BitcoinBeach IG: @bitcoinbeach_sv TikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeach Web: bitcoinbeach.com Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode: 00:00 What is the real goal of Bitcoin circular economies? 01:02 Why did Jake create AirBTC instead of waiting for Airbnb to adapt? 03:01 How did Jake Seifert first discover Bitcoin and what pulled him in? 06:31 What’s been harder: getting hosts or getting Bitcoiners to spend? 08:42 Why optionality is critical for Bitcoin travel to succeed 10:54 Can Bitcoin rentals actually inject value into local communities? 13:26 What kind of KYC does AirBTC require for hosts and guests? 15:24 How does AirBTC handle payments, fees, and SATs conversion? 20:47 Why is El Salvador leading in Bitcoin travel listings? 22:38 What’s more important now: listings or Bitcoin spenders? 31:18 Will mainstream platforms like Airbnb eventually accept Bitcoin? Live From Bitcoin Beach

    40 min
  3. How a $300M Bitcoin Mining Project Is Being Built in El Salvador | Josue Lopez

    AUG 2

    How a $300M Bitcoin Mining Project Is Being Built in El Salvador | Josue Lopez

    What does it actually take to mine Bitcoin in El Salvador? In this episode, Mike sits down with Josue Lopez, CEO of Volcano Energy, to break down what’s really happening beyond the hype. Josue explains how his team is building energy infrastructure from the ground up, solar, wind, and geothermal, to support a truly sovereign energy mining operation. This isn’t about plugging into someone else’s grid. It’s about designing a system that El Salvador controls end-to-end. They get into the details of mining economics, from why electricity in El Salvador is so expensive to how immersion cooling made it possible to run ASICs in a tropical climate. Josue also shares why Volcano Energy has already raised nearly $300 million and how the team is balancing short-term returns with long-term strategic goals. Whether the energy gets sold to the grid or powers Bitcoin mining directly, the goal is the same—build assets that last and reduce dependency on unstable jurisdictions. The conversation moves beyond Bitcoin into national development. Josue explains how energy, safety, and financial inclusion are all connected. They dig into El Salvador’s massive housing shortage and why his fund is stepping in to build low-income homes designed for families earning minimum wage. It’s a look at what Bitcoin infrastructure really means when it’s tied to place, people, and policy. If you’ve ever wondered how energy mining works in the real world, or whether a country like El Salvador can build from scratch without relying on legacy systems, this episode is for you. Hit subscribe, drop a comment if your electric bill has ever made you consider going off-grid, and share this with someone who still thinks mining can’t work in Central America. -Bitcoin Beach Team Connect and Learn more about Josue Lopez https://x.com/josuelopezgal  https://x.com/Volcano_Energy  https://volcano.energy/  Support and follow Bitcoin Beach: X: @BitcoinBeach IG: @bitcoinbeach_sv TikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeach Web: bitcoinbeach.com Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode: 00:00 — Can El Salvador actually support Bitcoin data centers? 01:48 — Why did Josue Lopez leave El Salvador and what brought him back? 06:29 — How did Bitcoin solve banking challenges for international students? 08:41 — What changed after China banned Bitcoin mining? 15:21 — How much has Volcano Energy raised and where is it going? 20:08 — Why are electricity prices so high in El Salvador? 24:32 — How immersion cooling made energy mining possible in hot climates 34:42 — Should you mine Bitcoin or just sell power to the grid? 39:50 — How geothermal energy fits into El Salvador’s energy infrastructure 53:26 — Why financial inclusion depends on more than just Bitcoin Live From Bitcoin Beach

    1h 10m
  4. Even Saifedean Missed the Fiat Trap That’s Breaking Bitcoiners in El Salvador | Acreonte

    JUL 26

    Even Saifedean Missed the Fiat Trap That’s Breaking Bitcoiners in El Salvador | Acreonte

    What happens when a Salvadoran developer quits trading shitcoins, starts driving Uber, and ends up shaping national Bitcoin education policy? In this episode, Mike sits down with Acreonte, one of the first graduates of the Cubo Plus program and now a key player behind El Salvador’s push to integrate Bitcoin into its institutions. Acreonte shares what it’s really like to live on a Bitcoin standard, from earning SATs at Plan B Network to spending them with the Blink wallet at farmers markets and meetups across the country. He also opens up about the unexpected shift back into fiat life when he joined the Ministry of Education, trading T-shirts and cold wallets for suits and bureaucratic emails. They talk about the cultural tension between fiat and Bitcoin mindsets, what it takes to build real dev talent from the ground up, and how programs like Cubo Plus are helping Salvadoran youth go from zero to building on Lightning. Along the way, Acreonte reflects on his own transformation, from civil war survivor to casino game developer to educator trying to future-proof public schools. This episode is a snapshot of what it means to build from within, in a country betting on Bitcoin not just for headlines but for human capital. If you’ve ever wondered what it actually looks like to go from shitcoiner to builder, hit subscribe, share this with a fiat friend, and consider switching out your bank app for a proper wallet like Blink. -Bitcoin Beach Team Connect and Learn more about Acreonte https://x.com/btchieftain https://x.com/planb_network https://x.com/cuboplus https://www.blink.sv/ https://planb.network/en  Support and follow Bitcoin Beach: X: @BitcoinBeach IG: @bitcoinbeach_sv TikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeach Web: bitcoinbeach.com Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode: 00:00 Why would someone move to El Salvador for Bitcoin? 02:16 What was it like growing up during El Salvador's civil war? 06:56 How did Acreonte discover programming and tech in the 1990s? 12:15 What brought him to London and how did he break into tech? 21:17 What is the connection between crypto trading and casino psychology? 28:08 How does Salvadoran work culture compare to the UK? 33:45 How did he first hear about Bitcoin and start investing? 40:00 What is the Cubo Plus program and how do you get accepted? 54:49 What was it like building Bitcoin projects and learning from top educators? 1:07:34 Why did he leave Plan B Network to work in El Salvador’s Ministry of Education? 1:21:30 How does earning in Bitcoin change how you think and spend money? Live From Bitcoin Beach

    1h 29m
  5. Alternative Education In El Zonte - Homeschool; Skate, Paint & More | Ana Larios Pohl

    JUL 19

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

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

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

    JUL 12

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

    What happens when Bitcoin meets real estate, alternative assets, and personal freedom? In this episode, Will Lehr breaks down how he went from helping clients invest in gold and silver IRAs to building a self-directed IRA platform that lets people hold Bitcoin, real estate, and more, all outside the traditional financial system. We talk about the mechanics of setting up a self-directed IRA, what makes the IRA LLC model different, and how to stay within IRS rules when it comes to physical gold, silver, and cold storage for Bitcoin. Will also explains why tools like the Unchained IRA are changing how people think about retirement planning. Then we shift to life in Surf City El Salvador, where Will is now developing land with like-minded Bitcoiners who care about sovereignty, sustainability, and long-term vision. If you're interested in real estate in Surf City, this conversation covers what kind of properties are still available, what’s already sold out, and how demand is shifting fast. Whether you're holding metal, sats, or land, this episode is for anyone rethinking how to build a life and a portfolio that actually reflects your values. Hit subscribe, and drop a comment: Would you ever use your IRA to buy land in El Salvador? -Bitcoin Beach Team Connect and Learn more about Will Lehr https://clubcocal.com/  https://unboundassets.com/  https://x.com/thewilliamlehr  https://x.com/ClubCocal  https://x.com/UnboundAssets  Support and follow Bitcoin Beach: X: @BitcoinBeach IG: @bitcoinbeach_sv TikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeach Web: bitcoinbeach.com Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode: 00:00 What makes El Salvador feel like a 24/7 Bitcoin conference? 02:15 How did Will get started with self-directed IRAs and Bitcoin? 04:45 What is a self-directed IRA and how does it work? 07:35 How to hold Bitcoin, gold, or silver in your IRA legally 10:52 What’s the risk of storing gold and silver at home in an IRA? 13:21 Why are Bitcoiners moving to Surf City El Salvador? 19:45 What makes real estate in Surf City such a strong long-term play? 26:46 How is Will’s land development attracting liberty-minded investors? 33:45 How does his Bitcoin community support locals and nonprofits? 39:16 Who’s moving to El Salvador and what are they building? Live From Bitcoin Beach

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

    JUL 5

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

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

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

    JUN 28

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

    What’s it really like moving to El Salvador? In this episode, Gaelle Wizenberg shares her story of starting over in Berlin, El Salvador, a small town with a growing Bitcoin circular economy and one of the few places in the world where living on Bitcoin is actually possible. From community building to starting a boutique wellness hotel, Gaelle breaks down the practical, emotional, and financial realities of creating a life from scratch abroad. We get into the challenges and rewards of real estate in El Salvador, how expats are investing in regenerative farming and helping grow small local economies, and what digital sovereignty looks like when applied to daily decisions. Gaelle shares why she left the US, how she built a business that runs on decentralized finance, and why she believes real opportunity comes from embracing simplicity and slowing down. This episode speaks directly to those thinking about relocating, building something new, or stepping away from high-friction systems. If you’re curious about the expat experience, building a life aligned with Bitcoin values, or finding clarity outside the noise, you’ll find this conversation grounding and useful. Like what you hear? Tap subscribe, share with someone thinking of making a move, and tell us your biggest fear or hope about living abroad in the comments. -Bitcoin Beach Team Connect and Learn more about Gaelle Wizenberg https://www.instagram.com/rabbithole.berlin/  https://www.instagram.com/gaellewizenberg/  Support and follow Bitcoin Beach: X: @BitcoinBeach IG: @bitcoinbeach_sv TikTok: @livefrombitcoinbeach Web: bitcoinbeach.com Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode: 00:00 Why does feeling at home matter when moving abroad? 01:51 What’s behind the recent wave of Bitcoiners leaving El Salvador? 02:43 How did growing up on a boat shape Gaelle’s global mindset? 07:55 How she launched a software company in the toy industry 13:12 What makes starting a business in the US so frustrating now? 19:08 Why she chose Berlin, El Salvador after leaving Florida 25:00 How she renovated a local home and built a wellness retreat 36:02 What expats need to know before moving to El Salvador 49:32 Can you actually live fully on Bitcoin in Berlin, El Salvador? 52:38 Why financial literacy is more critical than just Bitcoin knowledge Live From Bitcoin Beach

    1h 3m
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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!

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