Hannah Rosenberg of Lightning Labs joins Frank for a philosophical deep dive into the state of Bitcoin in 2026. This episode explores the "human being problem" behind Bitcoin's growing pains, specifically focusing on how authoritarianism and elitism have infiltrated American Bitcoin circles. Hannah shares personal experiences of how the space has changed and why she maintains respect for the "diamonds in the rough" who uphold their principles despite the pressure to chase power or clout.
Beyond the cultural critiques, we look at the practical future of Bitcoin as a global currency. From the importance of de minimis tax exemptions to the rise of inclusive economies over extractive ones, we cover the logistics of a Bitcoin-fueled renaissance. We also discuss why the most interesting Bitcoin stories are currently happening outside of the West, where the technology is a literal lifeline rather than just a financial asset.
Host: Frank Corva
Guest: Hannah Rosenberg
Timestamps:
0:00 Highlight
0:10 Intro
1:50 Authoritarianism and Elitism in Bitcoin
13:06 Are human beings unavoidably hierarchical?
20:28 Upholding the Bitcoin Ethos
27:58 Is the circle of high-integrity people expanding?
29:27 Human Psychology and the Fear State
36:05 The Difficult of Serving Bitcoin
41:58 Can Bitcoin help us to be better?
49:04 What Keeps Hannah Motivated
53:19 Will better regulation help with Bitcoin adoption?
1:02:04 Final Thoughts