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Bitcoin Is The Mycelium

Croxroad

25 May 2025 — 4 min read

In this compelling episode of The Bitcoin Libertarian, we sit down with Stefan Smith, Bitcoin Advisor, 21 Bitfluencers core member, Relay Squad Leader, and author of the upcoming book The Bitcoin Paradox. Together, we delve into Bitcoin's roots, structure, and evolving influence, discussing its growing importance in personal sovereignty, inheritance planning, and global adoption.

Meet Stefan Smith: A Multifaceted Bitcoiner

Stefan Smith holds many Bitcoin-centric titles that underscore his deep involvement in the ecosystem:

Bitcoin and Inheritance: A Multisig Security Model

Smith explains that the Bitcoin Adviser service fills a critical gap: securing long-term Bitcoin holdings in a way that minimizes the single point of failure—you. Their unique multisig setup (1+1+1 model) means the user holds one key, while two independent parties—The Bitcoin Adviser and a multisig platform like Fedi or Unchained—hold the others.

This structure enables:

For Smith, this solution isn’t just about self-custody; it’s about future-proofing your sovereignty and ensuring your Bitcoin can outlive you.

“It’s like passing the ego test twice, first when you learn to self-custody, and second when you plan for your absence.”

Relay: The European Bitcoin App for Everyone

Stefan also champions Relai, a user-friendly app designed to help Europeans buy and self-custody Bitcoin easily. The Swiss-made app operates with non-custodial principles but now includes more stringent KYC protocols to comply with EU regulation (MiCA).

Despite regulatory hurdles, Relai stands firm in its Bitcoin-only ethos, reflecting the strong values of its community-driven squad.

21 Bitfluencers: Marketing Bitcoin with Integrity

Although the term "bitfluencer" may seem like a meme, Stefan assures us that the 21 Bitfluencers are on a mission: promote Bitcoin-only businesses and preserve Bitcoin purity in a sea of crypto noise.

“Bitcoin doesn’t need a marketing team, but we’re here to be the best one it never asked for.”

Their mission is clear: spread the signal, block the noise, and help the right companies thrive.

The Bitcoin Paradox: A Book of Contrast

Smith’s upcoming book The Bitcoin Paradox explores Bitcoin’s dualities—scarce but abundant, digital yet tangible, volatile yet stabilizing. Featuring 21 chapters and memes to support each theme, the book aims to make Bitcoin relatable through everyday logic and analogies.

“Bitcoin is the most open system built on the most closed ruleset. That paradox is beautiful.”

Expect a 2025 release—and a unique voice in Bitcoin literature.

Bitcoin’s Societal Impact: From Fiat Prison to Time Freedom

One of the most powerful moments in the episode is Stefan’s critique of the modern economy. He explains how Bitcoin flips incentives:

Bitcoin, he says, isn’t about getting rich—it’s about protecting what you’ve earned and regaining your most valuable resource: time.

“My grandmother saved coins under a mattress and bought a car. Today, people work more and own less. Bitcoin fixes this.”

Institutions, Governments, and Hyperbitcoinization

Stefan sees institutions and governments entering the Bitcoin space not as a corruption of Bitcoin’s ethos, but as a testament to its strength. Whether it’s Trump’s policy shift or the US government choosing to hold rather than sell seized Bitcoin, the game theory is unfolding.

“Hyperbitcoinization requires hyper-capitulation. Even governments will bow to Bitcoin, not the other way around.”

Conclusion

Stefan closes with a poetic comparison: Bitcoin is the mycelium—it grows underground, unseen, and connects all systems. What it touches, it heals.

Whether it’s personal savings, inheritance, societal values, or government structures, Bitcoin reorders incentives and replaces manipulation with truth.

“Bitcoin is not magic internet money. It’s the antidote to a corrupt world order.”

At The Bitcoin Libertarian, we believe the same.

FAQs

What is the Bitcoin Adviser service?

It’s a multisig collaborative custody solution where users hold one key and trusted third parties hold the others. It protects against single points of failure and is ideal for estate planning.

What makes Relay unique in Europe?

Relay is a non-custodial, Bitcoin-only app that makes purchasing Bitcoin easy for beginners. It’s now MiCA-compliant and aims to serve the broader European market.

What’s the purpose of the 21 Bitfluencers?

They promote Bitcoin-only businesses and products using their combined social media reach. Their mission is to amplify the Bitcoin signal in a world full of crypto noise.

What’s the focus of “The Bitcoin Paradox”?

It’s a book (due in 2025) that explores the inherent contradictions of Bitcoin in 21 chapters, helping normies and Maxis alike appreciate Bitcoin’s simplicity and depth.

Will government adoption harm Bitcoin?

No. Bitcoin is permissionless—governments can join, but they can’t control it. Their entry accelerates mainstream adoption and strengthens Bitcoin’s value proposition.