Proof of Work - An interview with Miguel Francis-Santiago (Future is Now Media)

## Proof of Work Podcast with Miguel Francis-Santiago: A Summary

1. Narrative Summary:

This episode of "Proof of Work" features an interview with Miguel Francis-Santiago of Future is Now Media, a decentralized media portal focused on creating cinematic content for the cryptocurrency community. The conversation begins with Miguel’s early experiences with technology, connecting his passion for video games and creativity to the innovative potential of Bitcoin. He recounts his entry into the cryptocurrency space in October 2017, initially drawn in by the hype and the role altcoins played in popularizing Bitcoin. The interview then shifts to a discussion of the current market conditions, which Miguel describes as an emotional rollercoaster, and the potential impact of institutional investment. Throughout the discussion, Miguel emphasizes the importance of Bitcoin’s fundamentals and expresses concern about the speculative nature of the market, particularly the lack of regulation surrounding ICOs and the potential for exploitation of vulnerable populations. Despite acknowledging recent losses and past mistakes, he remains optimistic about the future of cryptocurrency and its potential to foster individual freedom.

2. Main Topics Discussed:

• Early Tech & Gaming: Miguel’s early experiences with computers (Pentium 26, 486, 586) and the creative influence of video games.
• Career Path: Miguel’s journey through film school, documentary production for RT, and the creation of "Cryptolium."
• Entry into Bitcoin: His entry into the cryptocurrency space in October 2017 and the role of altcoins.
• Future is Now Media: The purpose and mission of Future is Now Media.
• Upcoming Events: Coverage of Vegas Bitcoin Week and the Multi-Blockchain Summit.
• Market Sentiment & Downturn: Discussion of current market conditions, losses, and the emotional toll on investors.
• Hattling vs. Trading: Advice to consider professional traders for managing funds.
• ICOs & Regulation: Criticism of the lack of regulation surrounding ICOs and the need for investor protection.
• Bitcoin vs. Altcoins: Emphasis on Bitcoin’s innovation and caution against investing in "shitcoins."
• Dash & International Aid: Concerns about the risks of using volatile assets like Dash in vulnerable populations.
• Experimentation vs. Investment: Differentiating between blockchain experiments and projects attracting significant investment.
• Lessons from 2018: Acknowledging past mistakes and hoping for developer learning.
• Future of Crypto: Optimism about the future of cryptocurrency and its potential for individual freedom.

3. Key Quotes:

• "Video games teach you to imagine things to create worlds…"
• "It was the buzz really." (regarding his entry into Bitcoin)
• "I got into this to stop people from printing money."
• "I worry that there's a bit of a cultural you know appreciation there where we're bringing in our new ideas and we're selling them the latest scams and they're just going to get wrecked and wrecked because they don't have the experience to avoid them."

4. People Mentioned:

• Thomas Hunt: Podcast host
• Miguel Francis-Santiago: Guest, Founder of Future is Now Media
• Casey Neistat: Referenced in connection to filmmaking.
• Tyler James: Referenced in conversation about market sentiment.
• Satoshi Nakamoto: Referenced as the last person to effectively stop the printing of money.

5. Bitcoin Price/Market References:

• October 2017: Referred to as the "hyper wave"
• Current market conditions: Price drop
• Previous Bitcoin Price: $1200
• Current Bitcoin Price: Approximately $200
• Futures contracts (and their impact on price)