This episode, broadcast on June 11, 2014, focused heavily on the increasing mainstream adoption of Bitcoin, highlighting new corporate acceptance, alternative financial services, and significant venture capital interest.
Main Topics Discussed:
* Bitcoin Adoption: Expedia begins accepting Bitcoin for hotel bookings, with plans to expand acceptance to flights and cars.
* Financial Inclusion: The launch of ExpressCoin (formerly Cash into coins.com) aims to serve the unbanked population by allowing the exchange of cash for Bitcoin.
* Investment Interest: The episode covered the "VC Bitcoin Boon," featuring Saul Klein, founder of LoveFilm, who expressed strong confidence in Bitcoin's disruptive potential.
* Community Fundraising: The hosts were actively fundraising to finance a "Bitcoin America tour" for Chris Ellis, heading to Washington D.C. and other locations.
Key Quotes:
1. "Expedia is now accepting Bitcoin for hotel bookings, claiming that if the project is successful they will accept it for flights and cars as well."
2. "Klein says that Bitcoin has its own ecosystem and is light years ahead of the other payment networks."
3. "ExpressCoin... to allow you to easily trade in your worthless cash for valuable Bitcoins at your local 7-Eleven bank or check Caching Place."
People Mentioned:
* Chris Ellis
* Saul Klein (Founder of LoveFilm)
* Max Kaiser
Bitcoin Price:
* Last: $6.43
* High: $6.54
* Low: $6.34
* Note: Ron Paul Coin was quoted at $26.00.