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Larry Spraker's avatar

This episode was AWESOME! Marty is one of the most based and knowledgeable people in Bitcoin and I have been consuming his content for years. He literally seems like he can talk intelligently on any topic that even remotely relates to Bitcoin, and as always, he had so many fascinating takes. Learned a ton as he described how he leverages AI for his media company in the production of both the newsletter and podcasts. Super interesting to hear how he gets more technical with his content in bear markets since there aren’t a lot of newbies coming into the space at that point. Great discussion on the potential use of private keys for signing content in the age of AI to prove that the content is real. Was actually surprised to hear him more concerned with issues driven by apathy than quantum computing (but once he explained it, I think I agree). Finally, I enjoyed the discussion about how Bitcoin miners can help energy related companies since they are essentially buyers of both first AND last resort (the part on building new nuclear facilities was particularly fascinating). As a big fan of Marty’s I expected this one to be a great episode and it certainly delivered!

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Monika Bravo's avatar

Great episode with Marty >>> enhancing individual human action and responsibility.

AI is a tool and a language, not a sentient being.

It is powerful when I use it with clear intention to support my productivity. I have created both assistants and agents; assistants handle simple, repetitive tasks that help my daily rhythm flow, while agents are designed for more complex, layered tasks that require structure and decision-making.

When I don’t stay intentional, I notice how easy it is for the mind to lose its flexibility and lean toward codependency.

The way I’ve shaped these tools, they now weave seamlessly into the production of my work, giving me the space and additional time to keep investing in my ongoing education, creative production, and the ability to see what matters with clarity. ⚡️💥⚡️

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Efrat Fenigson's avatar

Yes, AI is not a sentient being. It's here to help us enhance, but the PoW is on us.

You indeed mastered very quickly - like Marty - how to integrate them into your routine in a productive beneficial way. kudos!

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Positively Paying It Forward's avatar

Monika Bravo I AM OPtimist

"Exploring the creative architecture of a polymath and multidisciplinary artist, sharing a living and individuated journey across shadow work, bitcoin, evolution, astrology, myths, art, and the principles of freedom, Austrian economics, and natural law."

As an "Ad-Dolt Neanderthal Knuckle-dragging" Troglodyte type, and very late to the game, I'd love to learn of your Bitcoin journey. Especially since you've integrated it into this entire mosaic of interests/history/goals/journey.

In the Podcast Marty discussed his journey, starting post college, unemployed and learning while at the Bar scene.

And here he is today, world renowned and hanging with Elite Bitcoiners like Efrat and Ben.

For me, Bitcoin presents as an audience of adopters, almost in generational format.

Like automobiles (Honda Civic is now in its 11th generation), and I'm curious at which of those generational 'intersections' you joined the 'team' (if that's even a correct assumption).

There's potentially a "You're The Voice" podcast opportunity here,

Gen 1: Young, Silicon Valley Tech Types with nothing to lose as they had ample 'risk capital' to throw around, as many start-ups existed.

Gen 2: Young, inside and outside of Silicon Valley Tech Types throughout the Country (and eventually beyond USA's boarders, also with interest, and a 'speculative' perspective that something might come of this.

Gen 3: Silicon Valley/West Coast Venture Capital Funds that were also able to speculate with investor funds as part of a multi-venture portfolio (most of course would lose, but one or so would be big winners), but finally starting to drive up price of Bitcoin.

Gen 4: Rest of Nation Venture Capitalists (potentially where the likes of Larry Lepard, et al jumped in, seeing fiat collapse and looking for stable value), thus additional price growth.

Gen 5: CoV massive money printing machine, with incredible amounts of PPP funds allowing those with 'free' money to throw some around into speculative investments, of which Bitcoin was solidly in the running by that time, probably creating one of the greatest price surges of Bitcoin. Near zero interest loans helped add to the heap.

Gen 6: Big Investment firms, utilizing investors money to buy positions, much like a Mutual Fund, to diversify their offerings, by creating things like "Crypto Funds".

Gen 7: Formations of ETFs by the really big boys (Fidelity, State Street, Vanguard, BlackRock, etc.) allowing controlling interests into Crypto.

Gen 8: Government acceptance and adoption (El Salvador) and high praises by multiple governments on all continents around the world.

Gen 9: 2024 Election outcome and change of USA President/Party. Immediately, through supporting mention by POTUS, drove up Bitcoin to its yet to be surpassed highest level/price yet ($111k).

Gen 10: Here we are today. Massive debt carried by virtually every Country around the globe (except China, where Bitcoin is not recognized) continuing to put pressure on the need to 'shift' into sound assets and away from all Fiat.

I'm sure I've missed much of the Bitcoin Story and history over its last 16+ year history, but would still enjoy learning of your 'on-ramp'.

One thing I really appreciate about all of you (Ben/Efrat/Marty/Monika/Larry) is the fact, and I mean clear fact, that you all have maintained balance, utilizing Bitcoin as a tool of securing financial freedom, store of value, while keeping the remainder of your lives/journeys well in focus.

Notwithstanding, it's amazing to me how hard all of you are working to expand the education narrative of sound money, store of value, transparency, scarcity and escape from government control (just to name a few of the benefits).

Kudos to you all.

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Monika Bravo's avatar

Thank you for the recognition; it means a lot to be seen this way. I wrote a book called The Nature of My Reality, a nonlinear synthesis of value, time, individuation, astrology, and Bitcoin as frequency—told through lived experience. Bitcoin became a key part of the puzzle. I started naming it as a state of consciousness that met me when I began tuning into value in a real, embodied way; beyond the art world, beyond 27 years in New York City, beyond the noise.

In early 2020, my artist statement said: I’m no longer seeking truth; I’m embodying my own perspective. That shift opened the field.

I am Generation 4 and 5. In 2020, I was stacking early, including shitcoining, without any awareness. In 2021, I began asking deeper questions around Bitcoin, and it started to resonate. That led me to go deeper into studying Austrian economics with Saifedean Ammous, and to begin finding an alignment between my essential needs and the values that actually hold meaning for me—such as having plenty of options. In essence, that is how I define freedom.

I share more in my book—it’s whimsical, nonlinear, and layered—and in my weekly newsletter, I’m Optimist, [ ww.monikabravo.blog ] where I write about astrology, long-form observations, and the timing of things as they unfold.

Efrat has become a very good friend and a deep inspiration. Her steady commitment to research, conversation, and a life of integrity is something I truly respect.

And by the way, I’m currently writing my second book, The Art of Synthesis: The Subjective Architecture of Value. It continues many of these threads.

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