In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode of True Alternatives, Marc sits down with Alex Gladstein, Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), to explore how bitcoin is revolutionizing human rights work.

From smuggling films into Cuba to financing women's education in Afghanistan and powering entire communities in Africa, Alex shares gripping frontline stories that reveal bitcoin as an essential tool in the fight against authoritarianism. Together, they unpack how bitcoin is empowering freedom activists worldwide and how bitcoin mining is transforming stranded energy into economic opportunity.

Whether you're a bitcoin enthusiast, human rights advocate, or impact-driven investor, this is an unforgettable conversation that redefines what it means to change the world through code.

Highlights & Timestamps

[00:00:00] Introduction: Alex’s journey into human rights work and founding days at HRF

[00:01:59] Cuba, contraband cinema, and underground libraries: grassroots activism in authoritarian states

[00:07:10] First encounters with bitcoin: from skepticism to mission

[00:21:42] Roya Mahboob’s Afghanistan story: bitcoin as a lifeline for women and education

[00:32:24] How Ross Stevens inspired Gladstein’s bitcoin mining epiphany

[00:45:20] Bitcoin mining in Africa: Malawi, Congo, and Kenya’s hydro and geothermal revolutions

[00:54:23] Bitcoin as a tool for the 5.7B living under authoritarian regimes

[01:00:56] What you can do: using, teaching, donating, and building with bitcoin

About Alex Gladstein

Alex Gladstein is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation (HRF), where he has worked since 2007 to support civil liberties globally. He founded the Oslo Freedom Forum, a premier global event series for dissidents and reformers. A prominent advocate for financial and digital freedom, Gladstein is also the author of “Check Your Financial Privilege” and other essays on Bitcoin’s potential to disrupt tyranny. His work has been featured in Time, The Atlantic, and The New York Times.

Follow Alex:

- X (Twitter): https://x.com/gladstein/

- Nostr profile: https://hrf.org/btc/

- Financial Freedom Report: https://hrf.org/program/financial-freedom/financial-freedom-reports/

Relevant Links

• Human Rights Foundation: https://hrf.org/
• “Check Your Financial Privilege” book: Amazon
• Freedom Forum: https://oslofreedomforum.com/
• Financial Freedom Report: https://financialfreedomreport.org
• NYDIG:

In this episode of True Alternatives, Marc talks with Nate Conrad, Head of LifeX at Stone Ridge, about transforming fixed income into a purpose-built tool for retirement planning. Nate shares how personal experiences led him to challenge conventional strategies in fixed income, replacing bond funds with tailored bond ladders. He unpacks how this shift provides predictable, intuitive cash flow that empowers retirees to spend confidently and live with purpose. From why traditional glide paths fall short to the distinct advantages of preparing over predicting, Nate makes a compelling case for reframing how we think about financial security in retirement.

When we talk about helping people plan to and through retirement, we have very real people in mind – ourselves, our family, our friends – this is not a podcast simply on fixed income, it is a reflection of our collective passion under Nate’s vision and leadership to do our part in giving Americans the financial tools to live the retirement they have earned.

Key Highlights:

[00:00:00] The philosophy of “prepare, not predict” and its relevance to retirement planning.

[00:02:28] Nate’s personal journey and motivation for focusing on retirement income solutions.

[00:04:27] The limitations of traditional bond funds and the case for bond ladders

[00:08:19] How to structure a retirement lifestyle with bond ladders.

[00:12:25] The shift from accumulation to distribution and its impact on investment strategy.

[00:13:04] Challenging the traditional 60/40 glide path model.

[00:14:48] The critical distinctions between bond ladders and annuities.

[00:16:58] When and how to implement a bond ladder strategy.

[00:20:11] Purposeful wealth: why even the ultra-wealthy need reliable cash flow.

[00:21:42] Bond ladders as an alternative, uncorrelated source of income.

[00:23:17] Using bond ladders to support intentional, intergenerational giving.

[00:25:18] The role of bond ladders in supporting a mindset of purposeful wealth.

[00:26:01] Parallels between financial and physical longevity.

[00:26:23] Integrating bond ladders with social security planning.

[00:27:31] The flaws of relying solely on bond interest and not tapping principal.

[00:28:55] Unlocking more meaningful life experiences through optimized cash flow.

Nate Conrad is Head of LifeX at Stone Ridge. Prior to this role, Nate was President of NYDIG and previously led Markets at Stone Ridge. Nate started his career at Goldman Sachs after receiving his BS in Engineering from University of Pennsylvania.

To learn more about LifeX: https://www.lifexfunds.com/

To learn more about Stone Ridge: https://www.stoneridgeam.com/

Follow Nate on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nate-conrad-41b0b4173/

It probably feels like you can’t make it through a day without a new longevity or wellness fad flashing on your screen.

In an era of grand longevity claims, one man has educated millions with an approach that is entirely anti-fad - adhering strictly to data and making complex concepts accessible.

Dr. Peter Attia is a leading longevity expert. He is the host of one of the most popular podcasts covering topics of health and medicine, as well as a best-selling author.

Dr. Attia is also a member of the LifeX Board of Advisors.

On today’s episode: how do we not just live longer, but healthier and more fulfilling lives?

Key Highlights:

(00:00:00) Introduction

(00:06:52) Medicine 3.0

Dr. Attia introduces the concept of Medicine 3.0, a new paradigm that focuses on delaying the onset of chronic diseases and emphasizes healthspan alongside lifespan.

(00:17:37) The Centenarian Decathlon

A unique approach to exercise that involves defining physical goals for the last decade of life and working backward to achieve them.

(00:17:59) Exercise as the Ultimate Longevity Drug

Dr. Attia emphasizes the unparalleled impact of exercise on both lifespan and healthspan, surpassing any other intervention.

(00:25:47) Cognitive Health

The discussion explores the crucial role of exercise in maintaining cognitive function and brain health.

(00:29:03) Emotional Well-being

Dr. Attia stresses the importance of mental health and finding purpose, especially as it relates to one's identity beyond professional accomplishments.

This episode offers valuable insights for anyone interested in optimizing their health, longevity, and overall quality of life through a data-driven, holistic approach.

Peter Attia, MD is the founder of Early Medical, a medical practice that applies the principles of Medicine 3.0 to patients with the goal of lengthening their lifespan and simultaneously improving their healthspan. He is the host of The Drive, one of the most popular podcasts covering the topics of health and medicine with over 100M+ downloads. Peter is also the author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity, which has sold over 2 million copies worldwide.

To learn more about Dr. Peter Attia: peterattiamd.com/

To learn more about Stone Ridge: www.stoneridgeam.com/