Coin Stories

Samourai Wallet CEO Keonne Rodriguez: Guilty Plea, Prison Ahead, and the Fight for Privacy in Bitcoin

In this episode of Coin Stories, Natalie Brunell sits down with Keonne Rodriguez, CEO of Samourai Wallet, for a wide-ranging — and tough — conversation ahead of Keonne beginning a five-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to one count of conspiracy to operate a money transmitting business while knowing the business transmitted criminal proceeds. Natalie asks Keonne on the government's case, including prosecutors' claims that Samourai's coin-mixing tools amounted to "money laundering," and allegations that he encouraged criminals to use the platform. Keonne responds with his philosophical and practical defense of financial privacy, the distinction between self-custody and the traditional banking system, and what's at stake if privacy tools are effectively outlawed. We discuss: * Why financial privacy is a human right — and where the line is drawn * Bitcoin self-custody vs surveillance finance * What coin mixing is, and why prosecutors call it "money laundering" * The allegations that Samourai facilitated or encouraged illicit activity * What the loss of privacy means for freedom in a digital world * Petition: https://www.change.org/p/stand-up-for-freedom-pardon-the-innocent-coders-jailed-for-building-privacy-tools [https://www.change.org/p/stand-up-for-freedom-pardon-the-innocent-coders-jailed-for-building-privacy-tools] ---- Order Natalie's new book "Bitcoin is For Everyone," a simple introduction to Bitcoin and what's broken in our current financial system: https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU [https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU] —— Coin Stories is powered by Gemini. Invest as you spend with the Gemini Credit Card. Sign up today to earn a $200 intro Bitcoin bonus. The Gemini Credit Card is issued by WebBank. See website for rates & fees. Learn more at https://www.gemini.com/natalie [https://www.gemini.com/natalie] ---- Coin Stories is powered by Bitwise. Bitwise has over $10B in client assets, 32 investment products, and a team of 100+ employees across the U.S. and Europe, all solely focused on Bitcoin and digital assets since 2017. Learn more at https://www.bitwiseinvestments.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnZQSFJvX21wTU9WSkhUMEdPNGN1b2VhcTdfZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuZk5KdlRWTXRjTlV3NE56bDZpclZtYXRfU2tPVUJ0TWN6WV9RQ3ZSWUdfMWlEaElYM2k3eUZTSEFoU2Vkd1E4b3hBbldIZEF6Z09LVXFCWHpYdWoyQjk5NVFmTjRNTkNyS0NIeEJnWDI5RGdUTVR6WQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bitwiseinvestments.com%2F&v=vET1ws24LRY] ---- Ledn is the global leader in Bitcoin-backed loans, issuing over $9 billion in loans since 2018, and they were the first to offer proof of reserves. With Ledn, you get custody loans, no credit checks, no monthly payments, and more. Get .25% off your first loan, learn more at https://www.Ledn.io/natalie [https://www.ledn.io/natalie] ---- Natalie's Bitcoin Product and Event Links: * For easy, low-cost, instant Bitcoin payments, I use Speed Lightning Wallet. Play Bitcoin trivia and win up to 1 million sats! Download and use promo code COINSTORIES10 for 5,000 free sats: https://www.speed.app/coinstories [https://www.speed.app/coinstories] * Block's Bitkey Cold Storage Wallet was named to TIME's prestigious Best Inventions of 2024 in the category of Privacy & Security. Get 20% off using code STORIES at https://bitkey.world [https://bitkey.world/] * Master your Bitcoin self-custody with 1-on-1 help and gain peace of mind with the help of The Bitcoin Way: https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie [https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie] * Genius Group (NYSE: $GNS) is building a 10,000 BTC treasury and educating the world through the Genius Academy. Check out *free* courses from Saifedean Ammous and myself at https://www.geniusgroup.ai [https://www.geniusgroup.ai] * Earn passive Bitcoin income with industry-leading uptime, renewable energy, ideal climate, expert support, and one month of free hosting when you join Abundant Mines at https://www.abundantmines.com/natalie [https://www.abundantmines.com/natalie] * Bitcoin 2026 will be here before you know it. Get 10% off Early Bird passes using the code HODL: https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput= [https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput=] * Protect yourself from SIM Swaps that can hack your accounts and steal your Bitcoin. Join America's most secure mobile service, trusted by CEOs, VIPs and top corporations: https://www.efani.com/natalie [https://www.efani.com/natalie] * Ditch your fiat health insurance like I did four years ago! Join me at CrowdHealth: www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie [http://www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie] ---- This podcast is for educational purposes and should not be construed as official investment advice. ---- VALUE FOR VALUE — SUPPORT NATALIE'S SHOWS * Strike ID https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/ [https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/] * Cash App $CoinStories #money #Bitcoin #investing

Efrat Fenigson: Betting on Yourself & Bitcoin in a World Torn by Ideological and Political Power Struggles

Natalie is joined by journalist, speaker, and activist Efrat Fenigson, host of "You Are The Voice." Efrat shares her incredible journey from a high-profile global CMO to an outspoken independent voice standing for autonomy, truth, and freedom. We discuss: * How the pandemic awakened her to government overreach * A journey of self-love, overcoming loss and finding power from within * Why Bitcoin restores sovereignty * The emotional and spiritual side of freedom * The dangers of victim mentality and reliance on institutions * War, peace and global polarization * We live in a rigged system, but there is hope... Follow Efrat Fenigson on X https://x.com/efenigson [https://x.com/efenigson] ~~~~~~ Order Natalie's new book "Bitcoin is For Everyone," a simple introduction to Bitcoin and what's broken in our current financial system: https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU [https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU] ---- Coin Stories is powered by Gemini. Invest as you spend with the Gemini Credit Card. Sign up today to earn a $200 intro Bitcoin bonus. The Gemini Credit Card is issued by WebBank. See website for rates & fees. Learn more at https://www.gemini.com/natalie [https://www.gemini.com/natalie] ---- Coin Stories is powered by Bitwise. Bitwise has over $10B in client assets, 32 investment products, and a team of 100+ employees across the U.S. and Europe, all solely focused on Bitcoin and digital assets since 2017. Learn more at https://www.bitwiseinvestments.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnZQSFJvX21wTU9WSkhUMEdPNGN1b2VhcTdfZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuZk5KdlRWTXRjTlV3NE56bDZpclZtYXRfU2tPVUJ0TWN6WV9RQ3ZSWUdfMWlEaElYM2k3eUZTSEFoU2Vkd1E4b3hBbldIZEF6Z09LVXFCWHpYdWoyQjk5NVFmTjRNTkNyS0NIeEJnWDI5RGdUTVR6WQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bitwiseinvestments.com%2F&v=vET1ws24LRY] ---- Bitdeer Technologies Group ($BTDR) is a global leader in Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing for AI, with operations spanning four continents. Learn more at https://www.bitdeer.com [https://www.bitdeer.com] ---- Ledn is the global leader in Bitcoin-backed loans, issuing over $9 billion in loans since 2018, and they were the first to offer proof of reserves. With Ledn, you get custody loans, no credit checks, no monthly payments, and more. Get .25% off your first loan, learn more at https://www.Ledn.io/natalie [https://www.ledn.io/natalie] ---- Natalie's Bitcoin Product and Event Links: * For easy, low-cost, instant Bitcoin payments, I use Speed Lightning Wallet. Play Bitcoin trivia and win up to 1 million sats! Download and use promo code COINSTORIES10 for 5,000 free sats: https://www.speed.app/coinstories [https://www.speed.app/coinstories] * Block's Bitkey Cold Storage Wallet was named to TIME's prestigious Best Inventions of 2024 in the category of Privacy & Security. Get 20% off using code STORIES at https://bitkey.world [https://bitkey.world/] * Master your Bitcoin self-custody with 1-on-1 help and gain peace of mind with the help of The Bitcoin Way: https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie [https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie] * Genius Group (NYSE: $GNS) is building a 10,000 BTC treasury and educating the world through the Genius Academy. Check out *free* courses from Saifedean Ammous and myself at https://www.geniusgroup.ai [https://www.geniusgroup.ai] * Earn passive Bitcoin income with industry-leading uptime, renewable energy, ideal climate, expert support, and one month of free hosting when you join Abundant Mines at https://www.abundantmines.com/natalie [https://www.abundantmines.com/natalie] * Bitcoin 2026 will be here before you know it. Get 10% off Early Bird passes using the code HODL: https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput= [https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput=] * Protect yourself from SIM Swaps that can hack your accounts and steal your Bitcoin. Join America's most secure mobile service, trusted by CEOs, VIPs and top corporations: https://www.efani.com/natalie [https://www.efani.com/natalie] * Ditch your fiat health insurance like I did four years ago! Join me at CrowdHealth: www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie [http://www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie] ---- This podcast is for educational purposes and should not be construed as official investment advice. ---- VALUE FOR VALUE — SUPPORT NATALIE'S SHOWS * Strike ID https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/ [https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/] * Cash App $CoinStories #money #Bitcoin #investing

News Block: Vanguard Unlocks Bitcoin, NVIDIA CEO Praises Energy Money, Fink Talks Sovereign Flows, Strategy Banks a $1.4B Reserve

In this week's episode of the Coin Stories News Block powered exclusively by Ledn, we cover these major headlines related to Bitcoin, macroeconomics, and global finance: * Vanguard Ends Ban on Bitcoin ETFs * Bank of America Recommends Up to 4% Bitcoin Allocation * Larry Fink: "Sovereign Wealth Funds Are Buying the Dip" * CFTC Greenlights Spot Trading on Regulated Exchanges * Strategy Creates USD Reserve ---- The News Block is powered exclusively by Ledn – the global leader in Bitcoin-backed loans, issuing over $9 billion in loans since 2018, and they were the first to offer proof of reserves. With Ledn, you get custody loans, no credit checks, no monthly payments, and more. My followers get .25% off their first loan. Learn more at www.ledn.io/natalie [https://www.ledn.io/natalie] ---- Order my new intro to Bitcoin book "Bitcoin is For Everyone": https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU [https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU] ---- Read every story in the News Block with visuals and charts! Join our mailing list and subscribe to our free Bitcoin newsletter: https://thenewsblock.substack.com [https://thenewsblock.substack.com/] ---- References mentioned in the episode: * Former Vanguard CEO's Bitcoin Comments [https://x.com/TFTC21/status/1995611090211017019?s=20] * Vanguard's Current View on Bitcoin [https://x.com/NateGeraci/status/1995899951562346845] * Vanguard Will Allow Bitcoin ETFs on its Platform [https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-12-01/vanguard-relents-on-crypto-etfs-will-allow-them-on-its-platform] * Bank of America Gives Greenlight to Advisors [https://www.theblock.co/post/381067/bank-of-america-backs-4-crypto-allocation-cap-ending-adviser-restrictions-and-adding-bitcoin-etf-coverage-report] * Larry Fink's Comments on Personal Bitcoin Views [https://x.com/pete_rizzo_/status/1996260530097434769] * Larry Fink's Comments on Sovereign Funds [https://x.com/BitcoinArchive/status/1996588153688236250?s=20] * Fink: Sovereign Wealth Funds Have Been Buyers [https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/12/04/sovereign-wealth-funds-were-buyers-as-bitcoin-btc-plunged-blackrock-s-larry-fink] * Bank of America Expands Crypto Access to Clients [https://www.reuters.com/business/finance/bank-america-expands-crypto-access-wealth-management-clients-2025-12-04/] * Fidelity CEO Abigail Johnson's Comments on Bitcoin [https://x.com/BitcoinArchive/status/1996916235221549152] * CFTC Allows Spot Trading on Regulated Exchanges [https://www.coindesk.com/policy/2025/12/04/u-s-cftc-driven-spot-crypto-trading-going-live-opening-up-new-regulated-arena] * NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang Talks Bitcoin [https://x.com/JAN3com/status/1997359598538223928] * ProCap Financial Closes Transaction [https://www.coindesk.com/markets/2025/12/06/anthony-pompliano-s-bitcoin-treasury-firm-procap-btc-closes-spac-merger-deal] * Twenty One Capital Closes Transaction [https://bitcoinmagazine.com/news/bitcoin-treasury-twenty-one-capital-nyse] * Strategy Creates a $1.4B USD Reserve [https://www.strategy.com/press/strategy-announces-establishment-of-1-44-billion-usd-reserve-and-updates-fy-2025-guidance_12-1-2025] https://www.strategy.com/press/strategy-announces-establishment-of-1-44-billion-usd-reserve-and-updates-fy-2025-guidance_12-1-2025 ---- Upcoming Events: * Join us at Strategy World 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada this February 23-26. Use code HODL for discounted passes: https://www.strategysoftware.com/world26 [https://www.strategysoftware.com/world26] * Bitcoin 2026 will be here before you know it. Get 10% off Early Bird passes using the code HODL: https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput= [https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput=] ---- This podcast is for educational purposes and should not be construed as official investment advice. ---- VALUE FOR VALUE — SUPPORT NATALIE'S SHOWS * Strike ID https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/ [https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/] * Cash App $CoinStories #money #Bitcoin #investing

Beau & Christine Turner: From Real Estate to Bitcoin Mining for Passive Income with Abundant Mines

A fascinating episode featuring Beau & Christine Turner of Abundant Mines, who turned a devastating $500K mining scam into one of the most transparent and educational Bitcoin mining operations in the U.S. Discover how mining works, how beginners get started, tax advantages, energy myths, and why decentralizing pools and hardware matters. We discuss: * Why Beau and Christine Turner left real estate investing to build a successful Bitcoin mining company * Generating cash flow and unique tax advantages for Bitcoin mining * Mining pool centralization, Ocean pool participation, real-world decentralization * Using stranded energy, supporting local Oregon communities, growing food with waste heat * 36 questions to ask before you get into Bitcoin mining https://44134802.hs-sites.com/abundant-mines-36-questions [https://44134802.hs-sites.com/abundant-mines-36-questions] Follow Beau Turner on X https://x.com/Beau_Turner21 [https://x.com/Beau_Turner21] Get one month of free hosting when you join Abundant Mines: https://www.abundantmines.com/natalie [https://www.abundantmines.com/natalie] ---- Order Natalie's new book "Bitcoin is For Everyone," a simple introduction to Bitcoin and what's broken in our current financial system: https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU [https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU] ---- Coin Stories is powered by Gemini. Invest as you spend with the Gemini Credit Card. Sign up today to earn a $200 intro Bitcoin bonus. The Gemini Credit Card is issued by WebBank. See website for rates & fees. Learn more at https://www.gemini.com/natalie [https://www.gemini.com/natalie] ---- Coin Stories is powered by Bitwise. Bitwise has over $10B in client assets, 32 investment products, and a team of 100+ employees across the U.S. and Europe, all solely focused on Bitcoin and digital assets since 2017. Learn more at https://www.bitwiseinvestments.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnZQSFJvX21wTU9WSkhUMEdPNGN1b2VhcTdfZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuZk5KdlRWTXRjTlV3NE56bDZpclZtYXRfU2tPVUJ0TWN6WV9RQ3ZSWUdfMWlEaElYM2k3eUZTSEFoU2Vkd1E4b3hBbldIZEF6Z09LVXFCWHpYdWoyQjk5NVFmTjRNTkNyS0NIeEJnWDI5RGdUTVR6WQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bitwiseinvestments.com%2F&v=vET1ws24LRY] ---- Ledn is the global leader in Bitcoin-backed loans, issuing over $9 billion in loans since 2018, and they were the first to offer proof of reserves. With Ledn, you get custody loans, no credit checks, no monthly payments, and more. Get .25% off your first loan, learn more at https://www.Ledn.io/natalie [https://www.ledn.io/natalie] ---- Natalie's Bitcoin Product and Event Links: * For easy, low-cost, instant Bitcoin payments, I use Speed Lightning Wallet. Play Bitcoin trivia and win up to 1 million sats! Download and use promo code COINSTORIES10 for 5,000 free sats: https://www.speed.app/coinstories [https://www.speed.app/coinstories] * Block's Bitkey Cold Storage Wallet was named to TIME's prestigious Best Inventions of 2024 in the category of Privacy & Security. Get 20% off using code STORIES at https://bitkey.world [https://bitkey.world/] * Master your Bitcoin self-custody with 1-on-1 help and gain peace of mind with the help of The Bitcoin Way: https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie [https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie] * Genius Group (NYSE: $GNS) is building a 10,000 BTC treasury and educating the world through the Genius Academy. Check out *free* courses from Saifedean Ammous and myself at https://www.geniusgroup.ai [https://www.geniusgroup.ai] * Earn passive Bitcoin income with industry-leading uptime, renewable energy, ideal climate, expert support, and one month of free hosting when you join Abundant Mines at https://www.abundantmines.com/natalie [https://www.abundantmines.com/natalie] * Bitcoin 2026 will be here before you know it. Get 10% off Early Bird passes using the code HODL: https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput= [https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput=] * Protect yourself from SIM Swaps that can hack your accounts and steal your Bitcoin. Join America's most secure mobile service, trusted by CEOs, VIPs and top corporations: https://www.efani.com/natalie [https://www.efani.com/natalie] * Ditch your fiat health insurance like I did four years ago! Join me at CrowdHealth: www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie [http://www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie] ---- This podcast is for educational purposes and should not be construed as official investment advice. ---- VALUE FOR VALUE — SUPPORT NATALIE'S SHOWS * Strike ID https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/ [https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/] * Cash App $CoinStories #money #Bitcoin #investing

Jordi Visser: Bitcoin Selloff a "Silent IPO" Moment? Capitalism's Breaking Point and AI Money Revolution

In this episode of Coin Stories, Natalie Brunell and "The Macro AI Nexus" author Jordi Visser break down the major forces shaping our global financial future. Jordi recently went viral for his "Bitcoin IPO Moment" newsletter, comparing today's selling and ETF inflows to a classic IPO unlock event. We discuss: * Bitcoin's bearish price action * Is capitalism a failed experiment? Are we headed toward socialism in response? * How AI alters the velocity of money * Changes in the labor market * What the Fourth Turning means for younger generations * Demographic wealth transfer coming to Bitcoin Follow Jordi Visser on X https://x.com/jvisserlabs [https://x.com/jvisserlabs] ---- Order Natalie's new book "Bitcoin is For Everyone," a simple introduction to Bitcoin and what's broken in our current financial system: https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU [https://amzn.to/3WzFzfU] ---- Coin Stories is powered by Gemini. Invest as you spend with the Gemini Credit Card. Sign up today to earn a $200 intro Bitcoin bonus. The Gemini Credit Card is issued by WebBank. See website for rates & fees. Learn more at https://www.gemini.com/natalie [https://www.gemini.com/natalie] ---- Coin Stories is powered by Bitwise. Bitwise has over $10B in client assets, 32 investment products, and a team of 100+ employees across the U.S. and Europe, all solely focused on Bitcoin and digital assets since 2017. Learn more at https://www.bitwiseinvestments.com [https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&redir_token=QUFFLUhqbnZQSFJvX21wTU9WSkhUMEdPNGN1b2VhcTdfZ3xBQ3Jtc0tuZk5KdlRWTXRjTlV3NE56bDZpclZtYXRfU2tPVUJ0TWN6WV9RQ3ZSWUdfMWlEaElYM2k3eUZTSEFoU2Vkd1E4b3hBbldIZEF6Z09LVXFCWHpYdWoyQjk5NVFmTjRNTkNyS0NIeEJnWDI5RGdUTVR6WQ&q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.bitwiseinvestments.com%2F&v=vET1ws24LRY] ---- Bitdeer Technologies Group ($BTDR) is a global leader in Bitcoin mining and high-performance computing for AI, with operations spanning four continents. Learn more at https://www.bitdeer.com [https://www.bitdeer.com] ---- Natalie's Bitcoin Product and Event Links: * For easy, low-cost, instant Bitcoin payments, I use Speed Lightning Wallet. Play Bitcoin trivia and win up to 1 million sats! Download and use promo code COINSTORIES10 for 5,000 free sats: https://www.speed.app/coinstories [https://www.speed.app/coinstories] * Block's Bitkey Cold Storage Wallet was named to TIME's prestigious Best Inventions of 2024 in the category of Privacy & Security. Get 20% off using code STORIES at https://bitkey.world [https://bitkey.world/] * Master your Bitcoin self-custody with 1-on-1 help and gain peace of mind with the help of The Bitcoin Way: https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie [https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie] * Genius Group (NYSE: $GNS) is building a 10,000 BTC treasury and educating the world through the Genius Academy. Check out *free* courses from Saifedean Ammous and myself at https://www.geniusgroup.ai [https://www.geniusgroup.ai] * Earn passive Bitcoin income with industry-leading uptime, renewable energy, ideal climate, expert support, and one month of free hosting when you join Abundant Mines at https://www.abundantmines.com/natalie [https://www.abundantmines.com/natalie] * Bitcoin 2026 will be here before you know it. Get 10% off Early Bird passes using the code HODL: https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput= [https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput=] * Protect yourself from SIM Swaps that can hack your accounts and steal your Bitcoin. Join America's most secure mobile service, trusted by CEOs, VIPs and top corporations: https://www.efani.com/natalie [https://www.efani.com/natalie] * Ditch your fiat health insurance like I did four years ago! Join me at CrowdHealth: www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie [http://www.joincrowdhealth.com/natalie] ---- This podcast is for educational purposes and should not be construed as official investment advice. ---- VALUE FOR VALUE — SUPPORT NATALIE'S SHOWS * Strike ID https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/ [https://strike.me/coinstoriesnat/] * Cash App $CoinStories #money #Bitcoin #investing