In this episode of Coin Stories, Natalie Brunell interviews Halston Valencia, a recent USC graduate and rising voice in the Bitcoin community. The Gen Z Bitcoin advocate and marketing strategist is working with Adam O’Brien, founder of Bitcoin Well, to promote sound money and financial freedom.
Halston shares how she discovered Bitcoin and why she believes today’s education system fails to teach real financial literacy. She breaks down the differences between Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies, and explains why Gen Z needs to understand Bitcoin's potential as a solution to inflation, wealth inequality, and systemic economic challenges.
What you'll learn:
- Why traditional education overlooks sound money principles
- How to effectively educate young people about Bitcoin
- The power of relatable, engaging content to drive adoption
- Why Bitcoin—not crypto—is the future
- Why Bitcoin is "For the Girlies" not just "Crypto Bros"
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Coin Stories is powered by Gemini. Invest as you spend with the Gemini Credit Card. Sign up today to earn a $200 intro Bitcoin bonus. The Gemini Credit Card is issued by WebBank. See website for rates & fees. Checking if you’re eligible will not impact your credit score. 10% back at golf courses is available until 9/30/2025 on up to $250 in spend per month. Learn more at https://www.gemini.com/natalie
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Coin Stories is powered by Bitwise. Bitwise has over $10B in client assets, 32 investment products, and a team of 100+ employees across the U.S. and Europe, all solely focused on Bitcoin and digital assets since 2017. Learn more at https://www.bitwiseinvestments.com
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Ledn is the global leader in Bitcoin-backed loans, issuing over $9 billion in loans since 2018, and they were the first to offer proof of reserves. With Ledn, you get custody loans, no credit checks, no monthly payments, and more. Learn more at https://www.Ledn.io/natalie
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Natalie’s Bitcoin Product and Event Links:
- Earn 2-4% back in Bitcoin on all your purchases with the orange Gemini Bitcoin credit card: https://www.gemini.com/natalie
- Secure your Bitcoin with collaborative custody and set up your inheritance plan with Casa: https://www.casa.io/natalie
- Block's Bitkey Cold Storage Wallet was named to TIME's prestigious Best Inventions of 2024 in the category of Privacy & Security. Get 20% off using code STORIES at https://bitkey.world
- Master your Bitcoin self-custody with 1-on-1 help and gain peace of mind with the help of The Bitcoin Way: https://www.thebitcoinway.com/natalie
- For easy, low-cost, instant Bitcoin payments, I use Speed Lightning Wallet. Get 5000 sats when you download using this link and promo code COINSTORIES10: https://www.speed.app/sweepstakes-promocode/
- Bitcoin 2026 will be here before you know it. Get 10% off Early Bird passes using the code HODL: https://tickets.b.tc/event/bitcoin-2026?promoCodeTask=apply&promoCodeInput=
- Protect yourself from SIM Swaps that can hack your accounts and steal your Bitcoin. Join America’s most secure mobile service, trusted by CEOs, VIPs and top corporations: https://www.efani.com/natalie
- Your Bitcoin oasis awaits at Camp Nakamoto: A retreat for Bitcoiners, by Bitcoiners. Code HODL for discounted passes: https://massadoptionbtc.ticketspice.com/camp-nakamoto
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This podcast is for educational purposes and should not be construed as official investment advice.
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