Orange Pilling Sessions: Why Bitcoin Feels Like Integrity

This episode features Keith Meola, the author whose article first sparked Talitha’s curiosity about Bitcoin. Together with Frieda, they unpack Keith’s personal journey—from Reddit meme-surfing to fully living on a Bitcoin standard. They explore how Bitcoin isn’t just a financial tool, but a values-driven movement that allows people to opt out of a broken system. From proof of work to energy use, instant settlement, and the “aha” moments that reshape your worldview, this episode highlights the technical and emotional reasons people choose Bitcoin—not as an investment, but as a way of life.

💡 Topics Covered:
- Keith’s story: from curiosity to conviction
- Living on a Bitcoin standard (what that means)
- Why most people misunderstand money
- The importance of learning about money first, then Bitcoin
- What proof of work actually means (and why it matters)
- How mining works in simple terms
- Bitcoin’s energy use and its environmental context
- Instant settlement vs. fiat delay
- Sats, wallets, and how to actually buy Bitcoin
- The permissionless culture of Bitcoin (vs. banks and fiat)

📄 Resources & References:
- ✍️ The Orange Pilling Guide for Beginners
https://keithmeola.com/bitcoin/bitcoin-is-for-everyone/
- Author: Keith Meola
- Mentioned in Episode 1 as the article that finally “clicked” for Talitha
- Connect with Keith: https://primal.net/keithmeola npub1ygzsm5m9ndtgch9n22cwsx2clwvxhk2pqvdfp36t5lmdyjqvz84qkca2m5 https://keithmeola.com/bitcoin/
- 📘 The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous
- 📕 The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth
- 📙 The Big Print by Lawrence Lepard
- ⚡ Strike App – Bitcoin + USD wallet used by Keith & Frieda
- Website: https://strike.me
- CEO: Jack Mallers
- 🌐 Nostr – Decentralized protocol, open-source social network
- Website: https://nostr.com

🪙 Bitcoin Concepts Introduced:
- Proof of Work (vs. Proof of Stake)
- Bitcoin mining basics and hardware (ASICs)
- Energy use: clarifying FUD and wasted energy myths
- Instant settlement vs. fiat friction
- KYC (Know Your Customer) and non-KYC options
- Bitcoin as activism—not investment
- Sats (Satoshis): fractional Bitcoin units
- Permissionless systems: “You can just do things”

❤️ Quote Highlights:
“Money is your time and energy in abstract form.” – Jack Mallers (quoted by Keith)
“Bitcoin is not an investment. It’s a peaceful protest.” – Keith
“I'd rather go broke believing in something I care about than stay rich in a corrupt system.” – Keith
“Bitcoin is freedom money. And the best part is—you don’t need permission to use it.” – Frieda