@ The Bitcoin Community Newsletter
2025-04-07 05:06:58
In this feature, we’re excited to welcome MadMunky, who shares insights on fostering a decentralized community of activists, artists, and musicians, and how Bitcoin and Nostr are empowering unfiltered expression.
**YakiHonne**: MadMunky, thank you for joining us! Before we dive into the interview, I’d like to briefly introduce YakiHonne. We’re a decentralized media platform built on the Nostr protocol—a technology designed to champion free speech. YakiHonne empowers creators to own their voices and assets, offering innovative features like smart widgets, verified notes, and support for long-form content. With that in mind, we’d love to hear more about you and your community.
**MadMunky**: Thanks for having me! I’m someone who thrives on staying active—dabbling in various projects and traveling whenever I can. These pursuits give me a sense of freedom, or perhaps the illusion of it. I see myself as a craftsman of sorts, woodworker, dj, chef constantly exploring free-market solutions. I firmly believe that activism, paired with a truly free market, can address many of the world’s challenges.
That belief gave birth to 2140 Collective about two years ago, a project I co-founded with Anon. Collective that enables our community to create and publish freely. Before this, no platform truly supported our vision without compromise—social media often demanded personal data in exchange for access. We’re a collective of activists, artists, and musicians who simply want to build our own space. Communities like ours are essential for mutual support among like-minded individuals. This is also why I champion Bitcoin. It’s not perfect, but it’s transparent and honest—a pillar of freedom. Bitcoin offers an escape from centralized control, and that’s a powerful force. It’s why we’re here today.
**YakiHonne**: What first drew you to Bitcoin, and what inspired you to build a community around it?
**MadMunky**: My journey into free tech stemmed from growing frustration with persistent privacy invasions. For me, the erosion of privacy is deeply unsettling. About a year and a half ago, I met Anon, a close friend who introduced me to this space. We started brainstorming ways to empower people like us to carve out our own creative and communal haven.
We didn’t want to limit ourselves to an online presence. Our goal was to bring the community into the physical world through exhibitions, gatherings, and eventually a parallel economy. Plans like high-end auctions are on the horizon, and all these initiatives will be showcased on https://2140.wtf . Through art and culture, we aim to drive Bitcoin adoption. Some argue adoption isn’t necessary, but I believe these mediums are powerful gateways to introduce Bitcoin’s message. It’s not just about display—it’s about embedding critical thinking. When people encounter Bitcoin-inspired art or music, the underlying ideas spark curiosity. That shift from passive consumption to active engagement is how adoption grows.
**YakiHonne**: How did your community take shape, and how did you attract members?
**MadMunky**: It wasn’t easy. We kicked things off after a Bitcoin birthday event in London, connecting with artists and musicians over platforms like Signal. We officially launched around last year’s Bitcoin birthday, creating a space on Telegram and experimenting with platforms like Console—billed as the “Discord of networks.” Back then, Nostr was still nascent, and Console, while promising, felt clunky and failed to draw people in. Building momentum was tough—people are busy, and convincing them to switch platforms is a challenge. It takes dedicated individuals willing to invest time and share knowledge.
We tried Twitter early on but found it stifling—its control over speech made it a dead end. Nostr, with its remarkable strides in the past year, became our home.
But we’re making progress. In London, we host “Nostrland,” a bi-weekly meetup focused on Nostr, Bitcoin, and freedom tech. It’s growing organically, with new attendees and venues each time. Our crew is behind Bitcoin Culture Festival / London , and contributing in many others across Europe.
**YakiHonne:** Beyond the lack of freedom on some platforms, what other hurdles have you faced?
**MadMunky:** Free speech has been on my mind a lot lately—it’s a cornerstone of true freedom. Many assume Bitcoin alone is enough, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. For years, we lacked tools to express ourselves without censorship. Platforms like Twitter and Facebook track everything—our locations, connections, and words. I ditched Facebook years ago when I realized how invasive it was. These systems wield algorithms that can fracture social bonds and control narratives.
Now, though, we have solutions. Protocols like Nostr and platforms like YakiHonne let creators speak freely, without gatekeepers. That’s revolutionary. If we don’t address the chaos of our current monetary system, suffering will deepen. Activism—raising awareness and sharing tools like Bitcoin and Nostr—is vital. We’re still early in this movement, but the ability to connect and communicate freely is transformative. After two decades of being trapped, spreading ideas is finally within reach.
**YakiHonne:** Free speech is indeed fundamental. What does your community do with Bitcoin? Are you focused on the technical side or more on cultural aspects?
**MadMunky**: Our members hail from across Europe, with diverse backgrounds—anyone can join. We blend technical and cultural efforts. For instance, Anon explored LoRa mesh networks, which let us send Nostr messages via radio waves—a concept most people don’t even know exists. These innovations often come from volunteers with bold ideas, woven into protocols. It’s incredible.
I’m not a tech fanatic myself, but I see the value in spreading these concepts. It’s not just about discussing Nostr or Bitcoin’s freedom—it’s about understanding the tools we use. Privacy isn’t simple; it’s a journey. Even with a powerful message, if you’re on an iPhone or Android, you’re still tracked. Staying free takes effort. Our community ties technical workshops, art exhibitions, and music together—think Bitcoin-inspired food, culture or tech talks. These pieces form a broader solution to today’s monetary mess.
**YakiHonne:** What advice would you offer technically inclined individuals or organizations eager to contribute to Bitcoin’s ecosystem?
**MadMunky**: Support is key—not just financial, but active engagement. We don’t have all the answers or know every project, so we invite people to join our events, share ideas, and help organize. Collaboration matters. Many have brilliant concepts but lack time due to life’s demands. Companies with resources can pitch in—offering tools or testing grounds.
This Friday, for example, we’re hosting a workshop at Cyphermunk House in London, exploring privacy-focused solutions like Graphene OS. People are waking up to these issues, and interest is surging. It’s about devices, funding, and teamwork—embracing a cyberpunk ethos. If you find a great idea, back it. Open-source tools and protocols are how we reshape the world.
**YakiHonne:** How do you envision the Bitcoin community evolving in terms of scalability, privacy, and adaptability?
**MadMunky:** In my two years in this space, Bitcoin’s transparency and cyberpunk-like tech have blown me away. Soon, we’ll make payments without networks—Bitcoin as eCash flow is wild. The potential for Bitcoin, Nostr, and tools like YakiHonne is immense. A year ago, these ideas were unimaginable; now, they’re racing forward.
Governments will push back—regulating, taxing, targeting centralized platforms—but that’s fine. People are waking up, seeking privacy and freedom. Education is critical; the more who grasp these decentralized tools, the stronger we become. We reject a government-controlled future. Peer-to-peer, freedom, and decentralization—that’s the path. Let’s keep building.
**YakiHonne:** Thank you, MadMunky. This has been an enlightening and inspiring conversation. We’re grateful for your insights!