Medium of Exchange

If Bitcoin is money… why can’t you spend it? 💸In this episode of Medium of Exchange, Jason sits down with David Parkinson, founder & CEO of Musqet, to explore what it actually takes to make Bitcoin usable in the real world.

In this episode of Medium of Exchange, Jason sits down with Dr. Mark Link – dentist of 40+ years and founder of the Bitcoin Dental Network — to explore how a single moment during the 2008 financial crisis completely reframed his understanding of money, risk, and what it means to run a sustainable practice.

In this episode of Medium of Exchange, Jason sits down with Jesse Shrader, co-founder & CEO of Amboss Technologies, to unpack why the current system is a “house of cards” and how Bitcoin + Lightning can give businesses instant, low-fee, final payments – no chargebacks, no fax machines, no waiting days to get paid. ⚡️

In this episode, Jason sits down with Tali Lindberg – creator of Free Market Kids, co-founder of the HODL UP game, author, podcaster, homeschooling mom of four, and the force behind Orange Hatter and Pebble & Wave.

SummaryIn this episode of the Medium of Exchange podcast, Kiki shares her journey from Canada to El Salvador, where she became deeply involved in the Bitcoin community. She discusses her experiences with Bitcoin transactions, the impact of Bitcoin on El Salvador's economy, and the importance of grassroots adoption. Kiki emphasizes the need for community support and education in fostering Bitcoin usage, and she shares insights on upcoming events and her aspirations for the future.TakeawaysKiki's journey into Bitcoin began during the pandemic lockdown.Her first Bitcoin transaction was a bottle of water, which was a significant moment for her.El Salvador's adoption of Bitcoin has both supporters and skeptics.Grassroots efforts are crucial for Bitcoin adoption in communities.Community support and education are essential for overcoming skepticism.Kiki emphasizes the importance of building relationships in the Bitcoin space.The upcoming Adopting Bitcoin conference will focus on the circular economy.Kiki aims to pass on her knowledge and experiences to future generations.Bitcoin adoption is a continuous process with no end in sight.Kiki believes that the grassroots movement is what will drive real change. Chapters⁠00:00⁠ Introduction to Bitcoin Adoption and Kiki's Journey⁠03:18⁠ Kiki's Transition from Canada to El Salvador⁠06:19⁠ First Experiences with Bitcoin Transactions⁠09:07⁠ The Impact of Bitcoin on Local Economies⁠11:46⁠ Grassroots Adoption and Community Engagement⁠14:34⁠ Challenges and Skepticism in Bitcoin Adoption⁠17:40⁠ The Role of Education in Bitcoin Adoption⁠20:15⁠ Building Support Systems for Bitcoin Communities⁠22:52⁠ The Future of Bitcoin in El Salvador and Beyond⁠29:29⁠ Exploring Bitcoin Communities Worldwide⁠36:26⁠ Stepping Out of Comfort Zones⁠39:16⁠ The Role of Hope and Self-Worth⁠44:51⁠ Future Aspirations and Family⁠47:07⁠ Upcoming Events and Community Engagement

SummaryIn this episode of Medium of Exchange, Jason interviews Igor Neumann, founder of Firefish, a non-custodial Bitcoin lending platform. They discuss the challenges and opportunities in Bitcoin lending, the importance of leveraging Bitcoin as collateral without selling it, and the innovative approach Firefish takes to connect borrowers and lenders. Igor shares insights on the buy, borrow, die strategy, the significance of understanding debt and credit, and the growing adoption of Bitcoin in the Czech Republic. The conversation emphasizes the need for responsible borrowing and the potential of Bitcoin as a long-term asset.TakeawaysFirefish allows users to borrow against their Bitcoin without selling it.Non-custodial lending reduces risks associated with centralized platforms.Understanding debt and credit is crucial for Bitcoin holders.The buy, borrow, die strategy empowers regular Bitcoiners.Firefish operates as a marketplace connecting borrowers and lenders.Loan-to-value ratios are essential for managing risk in Bitcoin lending.Accessibility is key; Firefish targets everyday Bitcoin users.The future of Bitcoin lending looks promising with institutional interest.Bitcoin adoption is growing, especially in the Czech Republic.Bitcoin should be viewed as a long-term asset, not a speculative tool.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Firefish and Bitcoin Lending06:02 Understanding Debt and Credit12:10 Navigating Risks in Bitcoin Lending17:41 Market Dynamics and User Experience27:26 The Future of Bitcoin Lending and Market Trends32:45 Bitcoin as a Long-Term Asset: A Shift in Perspective38:27 Bitcoin Adoption in the Czech Republic: A Case Study

SummaryThe conversation explores the challenges faced by merchants in transaction processing, particularly focusing on high fees, long settlement times, and chargebacks. It discusses how Bitcoin could potentially address these issues by offering lower fees and faster settlements, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions for merchants.TakeawaysMerchants face high fees and interchange costs.Instant settlement is a significant concern for merchants.Chargebacks are a major issue in transaction processing.Bitcoin offers potential solutions for transaction fees.Lower fees and faster settlements are desired by merchants.Finding the right Bitcoin solution is crucial for merchants.Credit card processors need to adapt to merchant needs.Understanding merchant pain points is essential for solutions.The right technology can alleviate transaction issues.Collaboration with merchants is key to implementing solutions.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Bitcoin and Philanthropy03:30 Adam's Journey into Bitcoin06:31 Philanthropic Initiatives in Zambia09:21 Education and Merchant Adoption in Zambia12:08 Understanding the Local Economy and Bitcoin's Role14:54 Real-World Impact of Bitcoin Adoption17:18 Sustainable Circular Economies20:20 The Concept of Circular Economies23:12 Challenges and Opportunities in the U.S. Market25:35 Future Directions for Bitcoin in Local Economies34:35 Understanding Merchant Needs in Bitcoin Payments39:42 Living on a Bitcoin Standard48:24 Influences and Inspirations in Bitcoin Advocacy

🎙️ Topic: Is Bitcoin Too Volatile? A Deep Dive into Price, Perspective, and Logarithmic ThinkingThis episode is a break from our usual founder interviews. Instead, Jack and Jason tackle a popular listener request: Bitcoin price volatility — and whether it’s really as risky as people claim.Spoiler: It’s probably not. But only if you zoom out, reframe what “volatility” means, and understand the power law of exponential adoption.Why Bitcoin's price movements look scary — until you reframe volatility as time-bound instability.Jason recounts how his “home appreciation” was actually a 99.9% loss when priced in Bitcoin.Fiat loses value every year by design (5–15% inflation).Bitcoin is volatile in the short term, but preserves purchasing power long-term.Jack shares how putting on “orange-colored glasses” flipped his whole worldview.Why logarithmic charts are critical when viewing exponential assets like Bitcoin.Jason explains the Amazon dot-com crash, optical illusions in linear charts, and the magic of log-log price behavior.Chart comparisons: Amazon, gold, and Bitcoin — linear vs. log scale.Bitcoin behaves like other disruptive technologies: volatile early, stable later.Power Law thesis: price follows adoption, not noise.Jack’s take: “Volatility is the price of progress.”Jason’s nightmare trying to wire funds via Bank of America.Jack recalls being denied a bank account as a kid and how that shaped his love of self-custody.“Bitcoin is your emergency money — and your peace of mind.”“When denominated in Bitcoin, everything is getting cheaper.”“The central thesis hasn’t changed — so I stay bullish.”“Volatility is just exponential potential clashing with linear expectations.”“Sometimes the chart is vibes — and the vibes are good.”James Lavish’s breakdown on log charts and volatilityLogarithmic vs. linear chart visuals (used during screen share)Meetup.com – find your local Bitcoin community!If Bitcoin feels volatile, you're probably looking too closely.Think long-term. Zoom out. Use log charts.Ask yourself: has the Bitcoin thesis changed? If not, why panic?🔶 In This Episode:1. Is Bitcoin Too Volatile?2. Volatility vs. Fiat: The Great Inversion3. Visualizing Bitcoin Differently4. Adoption Drives Price5. Banking Horror Stories & Bitcoin as a Fire Extinguisher🧠 Favorite Quotes:🧰 Resources Mentioned:✅ Takeaways:

KeywordsNOSTR, Bitcoin, Hodl Butter, entrepreneurship, self-sovereignty, food innovation, health consciousness, psychedelics, community, business scalingSummaryIn this conversation, Oshi shares his unique journey from never having purchased coffee to creating a business around Hodl Butter, a pecan butter sold exclusively on the NOSTR platform for Bitcoin. The discussion delves into the significance of decentralized protocols, the importance of understanding money, and the role of curiosity and psychedelics in personal growth. Oshi emphasizes the need for community and shared values in the Bitcoin space, while also exploring the challenges and opportunities of scaling a business in a niche market. The conversation concludes with reflections on the future of food, health consciousness, and the impact of Bitcoin on personal and financial freedom.TakeawaysOshi has never purchased coffee, preferring water and tea.He transitioned to selling Hodl Butter on NOSTR for Bitcoin.NOSTR allows users to own their social content and retain followers.Oshi emphasizes the importance of understanding money and its history.He believes that curiosity is essential for personal growth and business innovation.Running a Bitcoin node provides self-sovereignty over finances.Oshi finds joy in handwritten notes to customers, enhancing their experience.He is exploring the integration of psychedelics into his product line.The scarcity of pecans presents both a challenge and an opportunity for his business.Oshi encourages others to embrace curiosity and explore new avenues. Sound bites"NOSTR is a decentralized protocol.""Bitcoin is a living organism.""It's a whole awakening."Chapters00:00 The Coffee Conundrum02:32 NOSTER and the Birth of Oshi05:12 Understanding NOSTER: A Decentralized Future07:54 Fasting and the Creation of Hodl Butter10:23 The Journey into Bitcoin13:57 Self-Sovereignty and Running a Node17:53 The Future of Money and Bitcoin Adoption27:34 Exploring the Medicine of the Earth30:01 The Bitcoin Ethos and Community32:43 Simplicity and Delayed Gratification34:19 Curiosity and Personal Growth38:11 The Journey of Self-Discovery41:51 Scaling and Future Aspirations52:36 New Chapter

📝 Shownotes:In this high-energy episode of the Medium of Exchange podcast, Jack welcomes Ted Thayer, founder of FeedFilter.com, to talk Bitcoin, startups, and how to reclaim your attention in the age of algorithmic chaos.Jack shares a win in his personal orange-pilling journey and how it led into today’s conversation.Ted discusses his upbringing in Massachusetts, how his family connects back to the Pilgrims, and how that historical perspective influences his view of institutions and the Bitcoin movement.They explore the fascinating overlap between pioneering settlers and modern Bitcoiners — builders of new institutions rooted in freedom.Ted recounts childhood ventures, including smuggling fireworks across state lines and hacking systems — the early signs of a builder mindset.His path from physics and failed startups to traveling city to city attending Bitcoin meetups leads him to Austin and Pleb Lab, where his Bitcoin story takes off.The crew dives deep into the culture at Pleb Lab and Bitcoin Commons, drawing parallels between revolutionary America and today’s pleb builder ethos.Ted shares how helping build a Bitcoin node from scratch set him on the path to becoming a product-first entrepreneur focused on market fit.Jack and Ted explore the psychological trap of social media algorithms and the cost of "brain rot."Ted introduces Feed Filter, a browser extension that helps users filter their feeds by their own priorities, not dopamine-driven engagement metrics.AI-assisted filtering of your social media feeds using your custom goals and instructions.Prevents subconscious hijacking from politics, violence, and cute puppies (yes, really).Offers toggles for "off-time" consumption and flexible use cases for both deep work and necessary distraction.The two delve into Bitcoin’s philosophical roots, from Ayn Rand’s objectivism to Austrian economics.Is Bitcoin creating a new moral framework for modern civilization? Ted thinks it just might be.Discussion on habit design, optimizing your environment, and how tools like Feed Filter can make it easier to be the person you want to be online.Why high screen time isn’t inherently bad — it’s about intentionality and value of use.🧠 Quotes to Remember:“Bitcoin is just a cheat code... it’s like the escalator to the world you deserve.”“If you don’t control your feed, your feed controls you.”“Every entrepreneur has their fireworks story — mine just literally involved explosives.”🔗 Resources Mentioned:FeedFilter.com – Try the beta Chrome extensionTwitter/X: @TedThayer_Book shoutouts: Atlas Shrugged, Austrian economics, history of the American Revolution💥 Vibes Check:All-time high in price, all-time high in vibes. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the Bitcoin world while building in the modern attention economy.🔶 Topics Covered:1. Bitcoin Beginnings & Pilgrim Roots2. From Fireworks to FeedFilter3. Building in the Heart of Bitcoin4. The Attention Economy & Doomscrolling Addiction5. How FeedFilter Works6. Philosophy, Objectivism & Bitcoin's Moral Terrain7. Creating Better Online Environments

What happens when a web developer, philosopher, and bitcoiner builds a merch brand with meaning? Meet Bill O’Connor — founder of HODL Hat and creator of Meditations of a Bitcoiner.In this special live episode of Medium of Exchange, Bill joins us to talk about:🔸 The story behind HODL Hat and creating bitcoin merch people actually want to wear🔸 How a solo “vision quest” in the Texas desert sparked his most viral designs🔸 The spiritual and philosophical side of bitcoin🔸 Why bitcoin is culture — not just a currency🔸 Designing for signal over hype in a noisy world🔸 His creative process using AI to build poetic verses and art at https://meditationsofabitcoiner.com/🔸 How to orange pill friends with authenticity, patience, and great designWhether you’re deep in bitcoin or just culture-curious, this is a must-listen on building something with soul in a world of noise.Follow: Jason Keil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkeil/Jack Lesser: https://x.com/jacklesser_Bill O'Connor: https://x.com/bill__oconnorSponsors:Bitcoin Payments Advisor: https://www.bitcoinpaymentsadvisor.com/Polaris Payments: https://www.polarispayments.com/

In this episode of Medium of Exchange, we sit down with Beau Turner — CEO of Abundant Mines and host of the Hosting Bitcoin podcast — to unpack how bitcoin mining can unlock financial freedom, sustainable energy innovation, and real-world prosperity.From building a rental property empire to founding a fast-growing bitcoin mining company, Beau shares his journey of exiting traditional real estate and going all-in on bitcoin. He explains how mining isn’t just about profits — it’s about energy abundance, digital sovereignty, and the future of civilization.Follow: Jason Keil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkeil/Jack Lesser: https://x.com/jacklesser_Beau Turner: https://x.com/Beau_Turner21 | https://x.com/AbundantMinesSponsors:Bitcoin Payments Advisor: https://www.bitcoinpaymentsadvisor.com/Polaris Payments: https://www.polarispayments.com/

Discover how Oliver's journey from software engineering to bitcoin advocacy led to the creation of Jippi, an innovative educational tool designed to onboard the next generation of bitcoiners. Learn about the challenges and opportunities in educating Gen Z about Bitcoin and how Jippi is gamifying the experience to make learning fun and engaging.Follow: Jason Keil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkeil/Jack Lesser: https://x.com/jacklesser_Oliver Porter: https://x.com/JippiAppSponsors:Bitcoin Payments Advisor: https://www.bitcoinpaymentsadvisor.com/Polaris Payments: https://www.polarispayments.com/

Episode Title: Experience Your Sats | feat. Anuja ChokshiGuests: Anuja ChokshiHosts: Jack Lesser & Jason KeilRunning Time: ~1 hour 5 minsPublished by: The Bitcoin Payments AdvisorIn this episode, Jack and Jason sit down with Anuja, the founder of Travel with Bitcoin, to explore her compelling journey from a corporate career at Microsoft to becoming a boots-on-the-ground Bitcoin advocate and entrepreneur. Through raw personal anecdotes and firsthand experiences across Africa, Anuja illustrates how Bitcoin goes far beyond an investment—emerging as a practical solution for real-world problems like inflation, limited access to financial infrastructure, and lack of economic sovereignty.Grew up in Canada, worked 7 years in technical sales at Microsoft.Left her job in 2023 with her husband to travel the world.Initial view of Bitcoin: just another investment—until the real-world impact became undeniable.Egypt: Eyewitness to hyperinflation and the underground black market for USD.East Africa: Introduction to Bitcoin as a medium of exchange, not just a store of value.Uganda: Launch of Juicy B, a Bitcoin-preferred juice shop designed to inject Bitcoin into the local economy.Challenges: Chicken-and-egg problem—no one spends Bitcoin because no one earns it.Solutions:Loyalty program paid in Bitcoin to introduce students to it.Hiring local youth and paying partial salaries in Bitcoin.Engaging community education and meetups.Marketplace connecting travelers with verified, Bitcoin-accepting tour operators.Focus on tourism as a gateway to practical Bitcoin adoption.Promotes cultural experiences and supports local economies without middlemen.Future vision: corporate retreats, community growth, and monthly gatherings for tour operators worldwide.“Innovation comes out of necessity—and when money is broken, people innovate with Bitcoin.” – Anuja“We need to get good money into the hands of more people. Most of the world can't just buy Bitcoin—they need to earn it.” – Anuja“Bitcoin is not just a workaround. It's an outside-the-system solution.” – Jack“We’re bridging the gap between people who want to spend Bitcoin and those who need it.” – JasonLack of education: Most business owners still don’t understand Bitcoin.Volatility concerns: Merchants worry about price fluctuations.Infrastructure barriers: Limited internet access (up to 60% of Africa offline).Legal restrictions: Countries like Egypt have made Bitcoin illegal.Direct empowerment of local communities.Tourism revenue flows to those who need it most.Authentic cultural connections enhanced by shared values.Travelers: Use your Bitcoin for what matters—experiences.Merchants: Join or start a circular economy; education and support are available.Bitcoiners: Don’t just HODL—spend with intention and replace if needed.Website: travelwithbitcoin.comTwitter/X: @travelwithbitcoinInstagram: @travelwithbitcoinAnuja’s story reminds us that Bitcoin isn’t just a technology—it’s a movement. Whether you're sipping pineapple juice in Uganda or trekking volcanoes in Guatemala, Bitcoin is already empowering people in practical, life-changing ways. This episode is a masterclass in Bitcoin as money, grounded in global context and human connection.

Can you really trust bitcoin for everyday payments? In this episode, Keith Gardner, founder of Branta, dives deep into how his company is building tools to make bitcoin transactions more secure, intuitive, and emotionally seamless. From tackling scams with prepayment verification to designing a better user experience through Branta’s Guardrail product, Keith shares insights on trust, transparency, and the future of bitcoin as a true medium of exchange. He also reflects on his journey as a designer, programmer, and entrepreneur, and why strong relationships and redundancy are key to advancing bitcoin adoption.Follow:Jason Keil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkeil/Jack Lesser: https://x.com/jacklesser_Keith Gardner: https://x.com/BrantaOpsSponsors:Bitcoin Payments Advisor: https://www.bitcoinpaymentsadvisor.com/Polaris Payments: https://www.polarispayments.com/

Ben Justman is the founder of Peony Lane, a boutique winery in Colorado known for its natural winemaking and bitcoin-first customer base.In this episode, Ben shares how he went from self-taught winemaker to running a thriving bitcoin-aligned business. He talks about betting on himself, navigating volatility, and why bitcoiners have become his most loyal customers.Follow:Jason Keil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkeil/Jack Lesser: https://x.com/jacklesser_Ben Justman: https://x.com/BenJustmanSponsors:Bitcoin Payments Advisor: https://www.bitcoinpaymentsadvisor.com/Polaris Payments: https://www.polarispayments.com/

Jordan Guess, CPA at Trusted Advisors and co-founder of Bitment, shares how a last-minute mining client and a lack of bitcoin-native tools sparked the idea for a new kind of accounting software.In this episode, we explore the real-world friction bitcoiners face with tax reporting, bookkeeping, and compliance. Jordan breaks down why QuickBooks isn’t built for bitcoin, how Bitman bridges the gap, and what it’ll take for more businesses to adopt bitcoin as a medium of exchange. We also discuss the need for a de minimis exemption, the role of CPAs in driving adoption, and why denominating your balance sheet in sats might be the future.Follow:Jason Keil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkeil/Jack Lesser: https://x.com/jacklesser_Jordan Guess: https://x.com/guess_jordanSponsors:Bitcoin Payments Advisor: https://www.bitcoinpaymentsadvisor.com/Polaris Payments: https://www.polarispayments.com/

Michael Atwood is the founder & CEO of Oshi and a head organizer of a Bitcoin Club. In this episode, Jason and Jack explore how Michael’s loyalty-and-rewards platform bridges fiat and Bitcoin, turning everyday purchases into sats, and discuss his journey from lightning experiments on Rainy Street to building real-world bitcoin adoption through merchant rewards and community meetups.Tune in for practical insights on making bitcoin a true medium of exchange.Follow:Jason Keil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkeil/Jack Lesser: https://x.com/jacklesser_Michael Atwood: https://x.com/Dooowta and https://x.com/OshiAppSponsors:Bitcoin Payments Advisor: https://www.bitcoinpaymentsadvisor.com/Polaris Payments: https://www.polarispayments.com/

Jordan Weinstein, founder of Ikifi, shares how his background in traditional finance led him to Bitcoin.We explore why many small businesses are stuck in a debt trap, how easy credit fuels short-term thinking, and why Bitcoin offers a meaningful alternative. Jordan breaks down the mindset shift needed for adoption—and what it really means to give money purpose in life and business.Follow:Jason Keil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkeil/Jack Lesser: https://x.com/jacklesser_Jordan Weinstein: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jordanweinsteinikifiSponsors:Bitcoin Payments Advisor: https://www.bitcoinpaymentsadvisor.com/Polaris Payments: https://www.polarispayments.com/

Bitcoin is evolving, but poor design may still be holding it back. Daniel Strangfeld of Basil Design joins Jason and Jack to explore how UX and branding influence trust and adoption. They break down why bitcoin still feels risky—and how better design can change that.Daniel shares insights from his work in design, comparing bitcoin’s challenges to lessons from fintech success stories like Cash App and Stripe. A must-watch for anyone curious about how Bitcoin becomes everyday money.Follow:Jason Keil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkeil/Jack Lesser: https://x.com/jacklesser_Daniel Strangfeld: https://www.linkedin.com/company/basildesigncoSponsors:Bitcoin Payments Advisor: https://www.bitcoinpaymentsadvisor.com/Polaris Payments: https://www.polarispayments.com/

In this episode, Kyle Knight joins us to share his journey from mechanical engineer to bitcoin advocate, UCLA MBA, and founder of Bitcoin Bruins. He breaks down why bitcoin is more than just money—it’s a tool for impact, education, and generational change. From pitching bitcoin to a boardroom of entrepreneurs to launching collectible trading cards that spark curiosity, Kyle is bringing culture and creativity into the bitcoin space. This episode is about building boldly, thinking long-term, and using your voice to shape the future.Follow:Jason Keil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkeil/Jack Lesser: https://x.com/jacklesser_Kyle Knight: https://x.com/bitcoin_bruins?lang=enSponsors:Bitcoin Payments Advisor: https://www.bitcoinpaymentsadvisor.com/Polaris Payments: https://www.polarispayments.com/

In this episode, we sit down with Jon Gordon, founder of Satoshi Health Advisors, to explore how bitcoin is quietly transforming healthcare. From his background in health systems and insurance to going all-in on bitcoin in 2020, Jon shares how sound money principles are reshaping payment models, provider autonomy, and patient relationships.Follow:Jason Keil: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jasonkeil/Jack Lesser: https://x.com/jacklesser_Jon Gordon: https://x.com/thebitcoinyogiSponsors:Bitcoin Payments Advisor: https://www.bitcoinpaymentsadvisor.com/Polaris Payments: https://www.polarispayments.com/