Unchained by Joe Kelly

Unchained by Joe Kelly

Summary: In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Joe from Unchained to explore what building early in Bitcoin really teaches you: ship fast, listen closely, iterate constantly, survive the hard parts, and play the long game. Joe shares lessons from selling his first startup before entering Bitcoin, learning to find real customer pull, make revenue make sense, and improve security without sacrificing speed. They dive into strategies that compound over time such as education, tooling, and partnerships, and why education is not just marketing but part of the product. Joe also breaks down how brand is earned through consistency and presence, and where he sees custody and treasury companies heading next. We explore: * Early mistakes harden into operating principles that stick * Education as culture building, not just content * Brand as trust, consistency over slogans * Resilience and adaptability when markets swing Chapters: 00:58 First Startup exit: early mistakes: operating principles 02:56 Why Bitcoin? reading the market and timing the jump 04:22 Business model fit, revenue that actually makes sense 06:40 Unchained Day 1–500: chase customer pull, not feature creep 09:16 Handling criticism: investor pressure (show, don’t slogan) 11:04 Notes to early builders: ship fast, listen harder 12:21 Survival mode: runway, focus, resilience 14:38 Hold tight vs. let go: when to persist or pivot 16:35 Indirect plays that compound: education, tooling, partnerships 18:32 Culture as product: education as culture-building; brand trust 22:56 Revenue in Bitcoin: services → product, infra → ? 29:32 Secure without slowing down: custody trade-offs 31:14 Custody then & now: workflows for teams and enterprises 34:09 Wallet UX + security: what’s actually new 36:59 Custody biz models 42:34 Treasury companies & stable coins 47:17 The digital playground and Bitcoins next wave 50:48 Education that scales community Subscribe to Early Days wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to leave a review! [https://linktr.ee/earlydays21⁠] Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders. From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build. Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab [https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab] Follow Car: * ⁠Primal⁠ [https://primal.net/Car] * ⁠Stacker News⁠ [https://stacker.news/ThrillerX_] Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠ [https://www.pleblab.dev/#pricing] Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠ [https://pleblab.dev/] Follow PlebLab: * PlebTV [https://www.plebtv.com/login] * ⁠ [https://primal.net/pleblab]Stacker News [https://stacker.news/PlebLab/territories] * Bitcoin Builders Club [https://lu.ma/calendar/cal-a9wRNBLgALnsGj9] * Primal⁠ [https://primal.net/pleblab] * ⁠X⁠ [https://x.com/PlebLab] * ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pleblab] * ⁠YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pleblab] * Luma⁠ [https://lu.ma/calendar/cal-Kz7zAdSpmjwG4Sp] * ⁠Meetup⁠ [https://www.meetup.com/pleb-lab] * ⁠Newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/10467/51078046840522216/share] Learn more: Follow Joe on X [https://x.com/josephkelly] Follow Unchained on X [https://x.com/unchained] Learn more about Unchained [https://www.unchained.com/]

Project 11 by Alex

Summary: In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Alex of Project 11 for a thoughtful discussion on the current state of quantum computing and its potential implications for cryptography and Bitcoin. They explore the risks and opportunities this emerging technology presents particularly in the context of ECDSA (Elliptic Curve Digital Signature Algorithm) and RSA (Rivest Shamir Adleman encryption). Alex explains how Project 11 is approaching these developments and offers a grounded perspective on what quantum advancements could mean for the future of digital assets. Whether you're cautiously curious or deeply embedded in the ecosystem, this episode provides a measured look at a complex and increasingly relevant topic. We explore: * Explore how quantum computing could reshape cryptography and digital assets, with far-reaching implications for the future of finance. * Examine the potential risks quantum advancements pose to Bitcoin and how the ecosystem is preparing to meet these challenges. * Learn how Project Eleven is proposing solutions to safeguard digital currencies against potential technological threats. * Hear Alex’s personal journey from a military background to leading a pioneering effort in the quantum computing space. Chapters: 03:05 Understanding Qubits and Cryptography Threats 05:44 The Implications of Quantum Computing on Bitcoin 08:54 Government Responses to Quantum Threats 12:03 The Risks of Nation-State Actors 13:48 The Future of Bitcoin and Quantum Computing 16:44 Current Developments in Quantum Computing 19:41 The Race for Quantum Supremacy 22:48 Project 11 and the Yellow Pages Initiative 28:12 Understanding Post-Quantum Cryptography 31:29 The Open Source Approach of Project 11 35:05 Funding and Future Directions of Project 11 36:21 Optimism in Quantum Computing 44:34 Introducing the Q Day Prize Subscribe to Early Days wherever you get your podcasts — and don’t forget to leave a review! [https://linktr.ee/earlydays21⁠] Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders. From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build. Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab [https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab] Follow Car: * ⁠Primal⁠ [https://primal.net/Car] * ⁠Stacker News⁠ [https://stacker.news/ThrillerX_] Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠ [https://www.pleblab.dev/#pricing] Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠ [https://pleblab.dev/] Follow PlebLab: * PlebTV [https://www.plebtv.com/login] * ⁠ [https://primal.net/pleblab]Stacker News [https://stacker.news/PlebLab/territories] * Bitcoin Builders Club [https://lu.ma/calendar/cal-a9wRNBLgALnsGj9] * Primal⁠ [https://primal.net/pleblab] * ⁠X⁠ [https://x.com/PlebLab] * ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pleblab] * ⁠YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pleblab] * Luma⁠ [https://lu.ma/calendar/cal-Kz7zAdSpmjwG4Sp] * ⁠Meetup⁠ [https://www.meetup.com/pleb-lab] * ⁠Newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/10467/51078046840522216/share] Learn more: Follow Alex on X [https://x.com/apruden08] Follow Project 11 on X [https://x.com/qdayclock] Learn more about Project 11 [https://www.projecteleven.com/] Learn more about The QDay Prize [https://www.qdayprize.org/]

CASCDR by Jim

Summary: In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Jim of CASCDR to talk about what he’s building and why it matters. We get into the future of AI and its impact on Bitcoin, media, podcasting, and even legal systems. Jim breaks down what CASCDR is, how feedback loops improve AI, and why leadership and team culture matter more than ever. We also dig into the ethics of it all, what’s coming, what to watch for, and how to build tools that actually help humanity. We explore: * Why AI is seen as an elemental technology with vast potential. * How building workflows in AI can enhance efficiency and creativity. * Why we need Bitcoiners leading the charge in AI development. * Why Feedback mechanisms are crucial for improving AI systems. Chapters: 02:52 Understanding CASCDR 05:53 The Importance of AI 11:53 Role of Bitcoin in AI Development 18:08 Ethics and Responsibility in AI Development 23:58 The Dangers of AI Without Ethical Oversight 43:41 Features of Jamie Pro 45:18 AI in Podcasting 47:58 Jamie Pro and AI Tools 53:01 Clara: A New Tool for Legal Translation 01:02:04 AI and Interoperability 01:06:14 Challenges and Opportunities in AI Development Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders. From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build. Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab [https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab] Follow Car: * ⁠Primal⁠ [https://primal.net/Car] * ⁠Stacker News⁠ [https://stacker.news/ThrillerX_] Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠ [https://www.pleblab.dev/#pricing] Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠ [https://pleblab.dev/] Follow PlebLab: * PlebTV [https://www.plebtv.com/login] * ⁠ [https://primal.net/pleblab]Stacker News [https://stacker.news/PlebLab/territories] * Bitcoin Builders Club [https://lu.ma/calendar/cal-a9wRNBLgALnsGj9] * Primal⁠ [https://primal.net/pleblab] * ⁠X⁠ [https://x.com/PlebLab] * ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pleblab] * ⁠YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pleblab] * Luma⁠ [https://lu.ma/calendar/cal-Kz7zAdSpmjwG4Sp] * ⁠Meetup⁠ [https://www.meetup.com/pleb-lab] * ⁠Newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/10467/51078046840522216/share] Learn more: Follow Jim on X [https://x.com/uncleJim21] Follow CASCDR on X [https://x.com/cascdr_] Follow PullThatUpJamie on X [https://x.com/PullThatUpJ_AI] Learn more about CASCDR [https://cascdr.xyz] Learn more about PullThatUpJamie [https://www.pullthatupjamie.ai]

Portal by Alekos

Summary: In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Alekos of Portal, to discuss the Portal hardware device, they explore the importance of user experience, the concepts and future plans around decentralized identity, and examine the evolving role of hardware in the Bitcoin space. We explore: * How decentralized identity can simplify online and offline authentication. * How to transition from open source to founding a startup in the bitcoin ecosystem. * The difficulties of raising funds for hardware startups in the bitcoin ecosystem. * Why more startups should pursue ambitious ideas in the bitcoin ecosystem. Chapters: * 01:01 Hackerspace Updates * 03:27 Alekos's Journey into Bitcoin * 06:27 The Evolution of Ideas and Creativity * 09:17 From OpenSource to Bitcoin Startup * 15:40 Innovations in NFC Technology * 24:32 Expanding Functionality of Portal * 29:13 Security and Authentication * 37:07 Understanding the Portal Device * 46:13 User Experience in Digital Security * 52:27 Security and Privacy Concerns in Digital Identity * 57:45 Learnings on Building Hardware * 01:06:00 Future of Portal Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders. From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build. Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab [https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab] Follow Car: * ⁠Primal⁠ [https://primal.net/Car] * ⁠Stacker News⁠ [https://stacker.news/ThrillerX_] Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠ [https://www.pleblab.dev/#pricing] Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠ [https://pleblab.dev/] Follow PlebLab: * PlebTV [https://www.plebtv.com/login] * ⁠ [https://primal.net/pleblab]Stacker News [https://stacker.news/PlebLab/territories] * Bitcoin Builders Club [https://lu.ma/calendar/cal-a9wRNBLgALnsGj9] * Primal⁠ [https://primal.net/pleblab] * ⁠X⁠ [https://x.com/PlebLab] * ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pleblab] * ⁠YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pleblab] * Luma⁠ [https://lu.ma/calendar/cal-Kz7zAdSpmjwG4Sp] * ⁠Meetup⁠ [https://www.meetup.com/pleb-lab] * ⁠Newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/10467/51078046840522216/share] Learn more: Follow Alekos on X [https://x.com/afilini] Check out hack.bs [https://hack.bs.it] Follow Portal on X [https://twitter.com/TwentyTwoHW] Learn more about Portal⁠ [https://twenty-two.xyz/] Contribute to Portal on Github [https://github.com/TwentyTwoHW]

Solo Satoshi by Matt

Summary: In this episode of Early Days, Car sits down with Matt of Solo Satoshi, to discuss the rise of Bitaxe and its impact on home mining. They discuss the possibilities of home mining, decentralization, and how community support fuels resilience when building a bitcoin business. We explore: * Why Bitaxe open source design files allow users to build their own devices. * How home mining is in its infancy and has huge growth potential. * How Bitaxe mining solutions can lead to greater decentralization. * Why the sovereign bitcoin stack will be made accessible to everyone. Chapters: * 02:43 Bitaxe Open Source Movement * 03:49 Creating Solo Satoshi * 17:01 Differentiating in the Bitaxe market * 24:37 The Sovereign Bitcoin Stack * 30:31 Bitaxe Operations and Challenges * 42:04 Home Mining Competition * 51:49 Importance of Integrity * 01:02:04 The Evolution of Bitcoin Adoption * 01:12:43 Plans for Solo Satoshi Special thanks to our sponsor, VENTAC – trusted legal resources built for founders. From contracts to trademarks and fundraising docs, VENTAC makes it easy and affordable to get the support you need to build. Save 10% with code: PlebLab https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab [https://myventac.com/?aff=PlebLab] Follow Car: * ⁠Primal⁠ [https://primal.net/Car] * ⁠Stacker News⁠ [https://stacker.news/ThrillerX_] Apply to ⁠PlebLab⁠ [https://www.pleblab.dev/#pricing] Learn more about ⁠PlebLab⁠ [https://pleblab.dev/] Follow PlebLab: * PlebTV [https://www.plebtv.com/login] * ⁠ [https://primal.net/pleblab]Stacker News [https://stacker.news/PlebLab/territories] * Bitcoin Builders Club [https://lu.ma/calendar/cal-a9wRNBLgALnsGj9] * Primal⁠ [https://primal.net/pleblab] * ⁠X⁠ [https://x.com/PlebLab] * ⁠LinkedIn⁠ [https://www.linkedin.com/company/pleblab] * ⁠YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@pleblab] * Luma⁠ [https://lu.ma/calendar/cal-Kz7zAdSpmjwG4Sp] * ⁠Meetup⁠ [https://www.meetup.com/pleb-lab] * ⁠Newsletter [https://dashboard.mailerlite.com/forms/10467/51078046840522216/share] Learn more: Follow Matt on X [https://x.com/MattSoloSatoshi] Follow Solo Satoshi on X [https://x.com/SoloSatoshi] Learn more about ⁠Solo Satoshi⁠ [https://www.solosatoshi.com] Learn more about Bitaxe OpenSource [https://bitaxe.org/]