TPB76 - What is Bitcoin? with Ben de Waal

TPB76 - What is Bitcoin? with Ben de Waal

Author: Bitcoin is for Everyone February 27, 2024 Duration: 1:37:07
The Progressive Bitcoiner
TechnologyCultureSocietySociety & Culture

"Bitcoin is money, but specifically Bitcoin is a form of money that isn't controlled by any kind of centralized entity." - Ben

My guest today is Ben de Waal. Ben is an engineer, technologist, and Bitcoin consultant, having previously led various engineering projects including as Vice President of Engineering at Swan. Ben also advocates for decentralized solutions and is always interested in discussing philosophy and human affairs through his lens as a libertarian socialist/anarchist.

As we anticipate further price action and interest in Bitcoin, Ben was the perfect guest to have on to discuss Bitcoin fundamentals for those that wonder, what is Bitcoin anyway? In this episode we cover how Bitcoin works as decentralized digital money without centralized control. Topics covered include Bitcoin mining, transactions, fees, private keys, seed phrases, the Lightning Network, differences between proof of work vs proof of stake, why Bitcoin has value, and more.

Follow Ben on X

You can find Trey on nostr and via the pod’s social channels

SPONSORS:

ZEUS is an open-source, self-custodial Bitcoin wallet that gives you full control over how you make payments. Head to Zuesln.com to learn more and download.

BitBox: My favorite bitcoin hardware wallet for keeping your bitcoin safe in cold storage. Use promo-code TPB during checkout to get 5% off your purchase: https://bitbox.swiss/tpb 

Sazmining: Get $50 off the purchase of a miner using the following link: https://app.sazmining.com/purchase?ref=byyhN2mCGXlu. Sazmining is a Hosted Bitcoin Mining provider with a commitment to using 100% renewable energy for your mining operation.

To learn more, visit our website

Follow the pod on X | Nostr | Bluesky | Instagram | Threads | Facebook | LinkedIn | TikTok

Support The Progressive Bitcoiner: https://geyser.fund/project/theprogressivebitcoiner 

Join in on the conversation at our Progressive Bitcoiner Community telegram group!

The Team: Producer/Editor: @DamienSomerset | Branding/Art: @Daniel | Website: @EvanPrim



This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit progressivebitcoiner.substack.com

The Progressive Bitcoiner moves past the usual headlines and trading-floor chatter to explore a different, more human side of this technology. This podcast, from Bitcoin is for Everyone, features conversations with people actively using Bitcoin as a practical tool for empowerment around the world. You'll hear firsthand accounts that illustrate its role in fostering financial inclusion, protecting human rights, and expanding personal freedom far from the traditional finance hubs. Each episode is built on education and grounded storytelling, reframing the narrative to show how this technology serves communities and individuals in tangible, often surprising ways. It’s a series dedicated to the global positive impact happening right now, highlighting stories that don't always make the mainstream news. Tune in for a perspective that connects technology directly to culture and societal change, offering a clear-eyed look at Bitcoin's potential beyond speculation.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Official website RSS
The Progressive Bitcoiner
Podcast Episodes
TPB85 - Bitcoin Mining and the Future of Energy with Harry Sudock [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:28
"Bitcoin is those last five puzzle pieces we're waiting for to achieve incredible quality of life." - Harry SudockMy guest today is Harry Sudock. Harry is the Chief Strategy Officer at Griid, a purpose-built American-bas…
TPB83 - Bitcoin is a Paradigm Shift with CK [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:20:08
"Bitcoin is way beyond any sort of central ethos. It's a force of nature." - CKMy guest today is Christian Keroles, aka CK. CK is the Director of Financial Freedom at the Human Rights Foundation, focusing on advancing op…
TPB82 - A Snapshot of Hyperinflation in Lebanon with Ahmed Klink [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:22:07
"Every day, fiat currency buys you a little bit less Bitcoin." - AhmedMy guest today is Ahmed Klink. Ahmed is Co-Founder and Partner at Manhattan based BIPOC & Women-owned creative company Sunday Afternoon, which also su…
TPB80 - Bitcoin Rights are Human Rights with Lyudmyla Kozlovska [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:00
“We have to be proactive. Otherwise, if you don’t defend your rights, you lose it.” - Lyudmyla KozlovskaMy guest today is Lyudmyla Kozlovska. Lyudmyla Kozlovska is a human rights activist and President of the Open Dialog…
TPB79 - Bitcoin on the Ballot in 2024 with Kyle Schneps [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:15:02
"Bitcoin is designed and decentralized to survive and not be controlled or destroyed. But governments can slow down the adoption we want to see in our lives, our children's lives." - Kyle Schneps My guest today is Kyle S…
TPB78 - Bitcoin is Punk Rock with Sam from Wavlake [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:48
"We're trying to build a new infrastructure for music, and that's what needs to happen." - Sam My guest today is Sam Means. Sam is a musician, podcaster, entrepreneur, co-founder of Hello Merch, founder of Lightning Stor…
TPB77 - Empowering African Women through Bitcoin with Marcel Lorraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:33
"If you're born in a cage, if you're born in prison, then freedom will look funny to you. But with a tool such as Bitcoin, this actually opens your eyes to your rights as a human, your rights as a citizen.” - MarcelMy gu…
TPB75 - Mi Primer Bitcoin with John and Reyna [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:31
"Bitcoin breeds curiosity. And that curiosity paired with agency over your own life is so powerful" - JohnMy guests today are John and Reyna from Mi Primer Bitcoin. Mi Primer Bitcoin (My First Bitcoin) is a nonprofit bas…

«12345678...10»