#HCPP18 - Interview with Anambroid from Shitcoin Talk #LIVE

## #HCPP18 - Interview with Anambroid from Shitcoin Talk #LIVE: Summary

1. Narrative Summary:

This episode of the Human Capital podcast features an engaging interview with Anambroid, a miner, trader, and co-host of the popular, albeit provocatively named, "ShitcoinTalk" podcast. The conversation ranges from the practicalities of running a small-scale mining operation in the Czech Republic to broader discussions about the cryptocurrency landscape, government regulation, and even the potential for space mining. Anambroid, driven by a desire to create value with limited resources, initially entered the crypto space in 2016 and now utilizes a strategy of mining "shitcoins" to accumulate Bitcoin, acknowledging the inherent risks of this approach. The interview delves into the challenges of mining, including heat and noise management, and explores innovative solutions like repurposing mining heat for home heating, drawing parallels to historical practices. The discussion then pivots to the complexities of Bitcoin mining and energy sources, highlighting how government subsidies and regulations distort markets and potentially impact the future of the industry, particularly within the European Union. Finally, the conversation touches on the future of Bitcoin ATMs and the potential for stricter regulations.

2. Main Topics Discussed:

• ShitcoinTalk Podcast: Its focus on "shitcoins" and a discussion about whether everything outside of Bitcoin is a scam.
• Anambroid's Background & Mining Operation: His entry into crypto, the four-person mining operation in Chegwick, Czech Republic, and their strategy of mining altcoins to accumulate Bitcoin.
• Mining Challenges & Solutions: Heat and noise management, air cooling vs. liquid/oil cooling, and repurposing mining heat for home heating.
• Bitcoin Mining & Renewable Energy: Misconceptions about Bitcoin mining relying on renewable energy and the impact of EU subsidies.
• Government Regulation & Market Distortion: The "tax on the sun" in Spain, potential EU regulations, and parallels to Uber's challenges.
• Future Regulations & Location Shifts: Anticipation of EU regulations in January 2018 and potential shifts in mining locations.
• Hydroelectric Dams & Bitcoin Mining: Exploring the potential for Bitcoin to act as an energy storage mechanism.
• Space Mining & Sci-Fi Economics: Speculative discussion about asteroid mining and its potential impact on gold prices.
• ATMs & KYC/AML Regulations: Concerns about stricter EU regulations impacting Bitcoin ATMs.
• OTC Bitcoin ATM Usage: Observing significant over-the-counter (OTC) Bitcoin ATM activity.

3. Key Quotes:

• "Is everything that's not Bitcoin a scam?" - Listener question, largely agreed with.
• "I was desperate." - Anambroid describing his initial entry into crypto.
• "Government subsidies completely distort the marketplace."
• "I'm planning on pulling an asteroid into the Earth orbit and I'm going to mine me some gold."
• "I hope they don't fuck around with that. That would not be nice."

4. People Mentioned:

• Anambroid: Guest, miner, trader, and co-host of "ShitcoinTalk."
• Max: Another participant in the discussion.
• Peter Todd: Mentioned in relation to space mining.
• Alex Petrov: From Bitfury, met at the Riga Baltic Honey Bachelor conference.

5. Bitcoin Price:

No specific Bitcoin prices were mentioned during the podcast. The discussion did, however, explore the potential impact of asteroid mining on gold prices, which could indirectly affect Bitcoin's value.