05 Genesis

The episode explores the culture surrounding Bitcoin by documenting the Bitcoin Miami conference. It examines the fervor and diverse motivations of Bitcoin enthusiasts, from "maxis" seeking revenge for the 2008 bank bailouts to individuals seeking financial freedom through crypto education and investment. The episode highlights the presence of celebrity endorsements, such as those from Aaron Rodgers and Serena Williams, and the unease stemming from the potential for wealth accumulation and a new class of "space oligarchs." Encounters with figures like a street preacher critical of Bitcoin's commercialization and a crypto tutor underscore the complex and often contradictory landscape of the Bitcoin movement. The podcaster's personal experience at the conference culminates in a panic attack, triggered by the overwhelming sense of witnessing multiple, conflicting futures.