Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, in this episode, I sit down with Erik Hersman, co-founder of Gridless, to talk about how Bitcoin mining is lighting up rural Africa—literally. Erik shares how Gridless uses stranded energy in places like Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia to not only mine Bitcoin but also power homes, schools, and clinics in communities that previously lived without reliable electricity.

We dive into why energy is the foundation of human progress, how Bitcoin mining makes small-scale energy projects financially viable, and why this model could work anywhere in the world—including right here in El Salvador. Erik also opens up about his journey from building tech hubs in Africa to transforming energy access through Bitcoin.

Find out about how Bitcoin can change lives by bringing power to people who need it most. If you’ve ever doubted the social impact of Bitcoin, this episode will change your mind. Don't miss it!

- Mike

Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:
https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeach
https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/
https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeach
Web: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/

Connect with Erik:
X: https://x.com/whiteafrican
X: https://x.com/GridlessCompute
Gridless: https://gridlesscompute.com/

Browse through this quick guide to learn more about the episode:

0:00 - Introduction
1:04 - Why Did Erik Hersman Decide to Visit El Salvador for Bitcoin Insights?
2:10 - How Have Bitcoin Conferences Evolved Over the Years?
3:32 - What Was Erik Hersman’s First Impression of El Salvador and Bitcoin Beach?
5:09 - What Is Gridless and How Does It Transform Rural Energy in Africa?
6:27 - How Can Bitcoin Mining Monetize Stranded Energy in Africa?
7:31 - How Does Bitcoin Mining Bring Financial Stability to Energy Providers?
9:13 - Why Did Erik Hersman Start Bitcoin Mining During the Bear Market?
10:07 - How Did Erik Transition from Tech to Bitcoin and Energy Solutions?
12:34 - What Are the Energy Challenges Facing Rural Africa?
14:16 - How Can Bitcoin Mining Create Opportunities in Africa?
18:29 - What Makes Financing Energy Development with Bitcoin Possible?
24:21 - Why Does Bitcoin Mining Make Small Energy Projects Viable?
30:34 - How Does Bitcoin Set Energy Prices and Benefit Rural Communities?
34:55 - What Are Examples of Bitcoin Mining Projects That Help Communities?
37:18 - What Are the Biggest Challenges in Maintaining Bitcoin Miners?
41:33 - What Are the Most Creative Bitcoin Mining Solutions Around the World?
44:02 - What Can We Learn from Large Bitcoin Mining Operations in South America?
53:08 - How Does Energy Access Improve Lives in Developing Regions?
55:41 - Why Do Experts Say Bitcoin Can Drive Global Energy Development?
1:01:47 - What Is the Future Vision for Gridless and Bitcoin-Powered Energy?
1:04:13 - How Does Gridless Plan to Expand Energy Access with Bitcoin Mining?

Live From Bitcoin Beach

Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, in this episode, I sit down with Dennis Porter, CEO of Satoshi Action Fund, to talk about the exciting push to bring Bitcoin into U.S. state policies and beyond. Dennis shares his personal Bitcoin journey—from running fitness studios to becoming one of the leading voices advocating for Bitcoin-friendly legislation.

We dive into his latest efforts, like Pennsylvania’s groundbreaking proposal to create a state-held Bitcoin reserve, and the momentum building across other states for similar initiatives. We also chat about how El Salvador’s bold Bitcoin adoption has inspired lawmakers worldwide and how Dennis is helping policymakers connect the dots on Bitcoin’s benefits.

If you’ve ever wondered how Bitcoin intersects with politics, why it’s gaining traction on both state and international levels, or what the future of Bitcoin advocacy looks like, this is the episode for you. Plus, we talk about why understanding Bitcoin isn’t just for tech geeks anymore—it’s shaping the policies and economies of tomorrow.

Grab a pupusa and join us for this fascinating conversation!

- Mike

Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:
https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeach
https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/
https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeach
Web: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/

Connect with Dennis Porter:
X: https://x.com/Dennis_Porter_
Satoshi Action Fund Website: https://www.satoshiaction.io/

Live From Bitcoin Beach

Live from Bitcoin Beach in El Zonte, El Salvador, we’ve got a special episode for you today! I’m passing the mic over to the crew behind the Adopting Bitcoin Conference to dive into what’s coming up at this year’s Bitcoin event in El Salvador. This is the conference to be at if you’re interested in seeing Bitcoin as a real medium of exchange in action.

Charlie, Gerardo, Pierre, and Quentin join me to chat about all the exciting workshops, speakers, and side events that’ll make this conference unforgettable. We’re talking about hands-on sessions where you’ll learn everything from setting up a Lightning node to navigating the best Bitcoin tools available today. Plus, Mi Primer Bitcoin is hosting a graduation for young students, showing off how Bitcoin education is empowering the next generation here in El Salvador.

But it’s not all tech and theory—there’s a huge cultural side, too. You’ll get a taste of Salvadoran traditions with events like Mayan rituals, pupusa-eating contests, and local parties. This conference goes beyond typical Bitcoin meetups, blending Bitcoin adoption with local culture in Berlin, a town where Bitcoin is already used as an everyday currency.

Whether you’re a hardcore developer, a newcomer to Bitcoin, or just someone who loves the community vibe, Adopting Bitcoin has something for everyone. Stick around to hear more about what makes this event—and Bitcoin life in El Salvador—so unique.

- Mike

Support and follow Bitcoin Beach:
https://twitter.com/Bitcoinbeach
https://www.instagram.com/bitcoinbeach_sv/
https://www.tiktok.com/@livefrombitcoinbeach
Web: https://www.bitcoinbeach.com/


Learn more about Adopting Bitcoin:
https://sv24.adoptingbitcoin.org/
https://x.com/AdoptingBTC

Live From Bitcoin Beach