Alex Gladstein: Bitcoin Represents Freedom
In this episode of Bitcoin Journeys, I sit down with Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation, to explore the powerful intersection between Bitcoin and human rights. Drawing from his years of experience working with dissidents, journalists, and activists living under authoritarian regimes, Alex explains how governments use financial repression to silence opposition — and why Bitcoin has become an essential tool for resistance.
We discuss the concept of financial privilege, the challenges of onboarding new users to Bitcoin in developing nations, and how decentralized technologies like Nostr and e-cash are shaping the future of freedom technology. Alex also shares his thoughts on stablecoins, CBDCs, and the importance of self-custody and earning Bitcoin without KYC.
Whether you’re deep in the Bitcoin rabbit hole or just starting your journey, this conversation will give you a fresh perspective on how Bitcoin can transform lives and protect freedoms worldwide.
Timestamps
00:00 Intro
00:50 Welcome and guest introduction
01:35 From human rights work to discovering Bitcoin
06:10 Overcoming skepticism and learning Bitcoin’s true value
09:50 Financial privilege and Bitcoin’s role in broken economies
13:30 Adoption challenges and evolving Bitcoin tools
16:40 Noster: Decentralized communication and its synergy with Bitcoin
20:40 E-cash, Lightning, and the future of freedom technology
24:50 Stablecoins, CBDCs, and the clash with state control
26:40 Self-custody, non-KYC, and advice for newcomers
