Co-hosted by Cara and Juan on X. @12stringcara and @glitchin888
This episode of Blockchain Banter: Beneath the Surface is a heartfelt, community-focused deep dive into Kaspa (KAS), Bitcoin, and the crypto landscape. Hosts Cara and Juan, alongside passionate guests, share inspiration, technical updates, financial wisdom, and personal stories on why decentralized sound money matters. The panel stresses openness, education, countering skepticism, activism (like community voting), node running for network growth, financial sovereignty, inflation critiques, overcoming adversity, personal growth, and creative pursuits inspired by crypto.
Guest Biographies:
Vijay: Financial advisor (CFP, CFA), ex-hedge fund manager and former Bitcoin maximalist who switched to Kaspa after thorough research. Known for transparent journey, expertise in sound money, and educational outreach on crypto risks.
Cara: Co-host, editor/writer, advocate for financial sovereignty. Early Bitcoin investor who embraced Kaspa after overcoming personal financial/relational challenges; brings literary perspective to discussions.
Juan: Co-host, entrepreneur blending spiritual/practical approaches to finance, life, and crypto adoption. Committed to empowering family/community via Kaspa and Bitcoin.
Kaspa Onion: Early Bitcoiner turned vocal Kaspa advocate; engages Bitcoiners with spirited debates and social media presence.
Kaspa Kasmi, BlockDAGMe: Grassroots promoters, content creators, NFT/marketing advocates supporting Kaspa development/adoption.
Gonzo: Articulate motivational speaker in Kaspa spaces.
Top Topics Discussed:Kaspa Community Growth & Node Deployment
Emphasis on doubling public nodes (current ~688-690 as of mid-January 2026, with historical peaks over 1,000) for stronger decentralization. Tutorials, daily challenges, and region-specific outreach make setup accessible—even for non-tech users—to hit ambitious goals like 1,000+ nodes.
Financial Sovereignty, Inflation & Fiat Critique
Deep critique of fiat flaws, politically driven inflation, and central banking's debasement of savings. Personal stories of breaking free from financial control highlight Kaspa and Bitcoin as true sound money alternatives.
Open-Mindedness & Belief Shifts
Vijay and others recount journeys from mainstream finance/Bitcoin maximalism to Kaspa embrace—valuing ego-checks, truth-seeking, and moving beyond tribalism for growth.
Community Culture, External Skepticism, & Adoption Challenges
Celebration of Kaspa's open, supportive, freedom-focused culture vs. perceived closed-mindedness in some Bitcoin circles. Strategies for handling FUD include authentic connections, grassroots marketing, and education.
Creative Expression & Personal Growth Through Crypto
Sharing creative projects (e.g., Cara's novel on financial sovereignty/crypto) and therapeutic/spiritual benefits of community—motivators far beyond price.
Resources, Companies, and Tools Mentioned:Kaspa (KAS) blockchain
Binance (community voting, KYC notes)
Kaspa Key / KII (Industrial Initiative, energy/climate focus)
DII Desert Energy Summit (Dubai)
Zeta (Kaspa partner)
Flux (node hosting)
Aquaman wallet (large holder term; community-tracked addresses)
Cutco (entrepreneurship reference)
YouTube (tutorials/content)
BlockDAG
NFT projects: CastBots, CASMI (Kaspa Marketing Initiative)
Key Learnings & YouTube Summary Highlights:Kaspa community's core: values-driven growth, node-running for true decentralization (~690 public nodes now—join the push!), and education over speculation.
Honest take on money: fiat pitfalls vs. sound crypto alternatives like Kaspa.
Real stories of resilience, sovereignty, and mindset shifts inspire personal transformation.
Community marketing/authenticity beats skepticism; get involved via nodes, voting, content.
Creative/entrepreneurial energy thrives in Kaspa—beyond charts, it's about freedom and connection.
