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Energizing Bitcoin & Ai

Author: Justin Ballard & Jake Corley

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Energizing Bitcoin & Ai explores the intersection of Bitcoin Mining, AI, and Energy. Each week, we break down the latest trends, strategies, and innovations shaping these industries, featuring conversations with the key players driving change. Whether you're an industry veteran or a curious newcomer, stay ahead of the curve with insights that power the future.
72 Episodes
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Justin Ballard (@JLB_Oso) and Jake Corley (@jacobcorley) regroup to riff on miner-to-AI megadeals, gas-to-power plays, and a modular ASIC that could reset fleet economics.AI x Power x BitcoinThis week we break down:TeraWulf × Google – a 10-year, 200 MW hosting deal (headline $3.7B; options could push multiyear value far higher) and why clean, reliable electrons (nuke/hydro) earn a premium—and might end in outright M&A.Who’s Next? – the consolidation map: why Bitfarms (and possibly IREN/Iris) look “target-ready,” what MARA/RIOT are more likely to do, and how miner stock spikes telegraph hyperscaler interest.CoreWeave–Core Scientific Playbook – how long-dated revenue agreements morph into acquisitions when the real prize is energized, rack-ready capacity.Coterra’s Power Option – a 7-year gas sale to CPV’s 1.3 GW CCGT in Ward County with the right to buy ~250 MW/day indexed to ERCOT West—the first true Permian netback template and what it signals for E&Ps.Turbines, Permits & Sudoku – deposits and long lead times, GPA/air permits (NOx/CO₂), and the catch-22 between offtakes and hardware—why scale + compliance + capital win.Block’s Proto Miner – Apple-clean design, rack-side sub-90-second repairs (as pitched), modular hashboards, open-source fleet software, and a 10-year design life—what that does to uptime and capex cycles.The AI Arms Race – trillion-dollar capex, billion-dollar talent bids, China’s generation build-out, and why power-secure brownfield beats greenfield timelines.Where to Find Us IRL – Permian Power Conference (Midland, Sep 29–30) + Texas Capitol investor day/North American Blockchain Summit (Dallas, October).
Chris Kline, co-founder & COO of Bitcoin IRA, sits down with Justin Ballard (@JLB_Oso) and Jake Corley (@jacobcorley) to show you how to turn the IRS into your silent stacking partner.They break down:Tax-Free BTC Forever – how Roth and SEP IRAs let your sats snowball to seven figures without kissing them goodbye to the tax man.Checkbook Control – spin up an IRA-owned LLC or trust to self-custody keys, lease tractors, or even run mining rigs—all inside the shelter.$69K Contribution Hack – entrepreneurs can shovel up to $69k a year into a SEP and slash today’s bill while super-charging tomorrow’s stack.Pentagon of Custody – the security architecture (and Rocket Dollar acquisition) that keeps grandma’s seed phrase off Facebook and ransom gangs at bay.
Justin Ballard (@JLB_Oso) and Jake Corley (@jacobcorley) sit down with Bitfarms power duo Rachel Silverstein (GC & firm-builder) and Alex Brammer (ex-Ranger turned HPC czar) to map out Bitfarms’ high-voltage pivot from pure Bitcoin mining to hyperscale AI infrastructure. They unpack how a 460 MW fleet, a gigawatt development pipeline, and a fresh $300 million Macquarie project-finance deal are transforming legacy mining sites into liquid-cooled, 600 kW-per-rack AI engines. Discover why a “dream-team” exec roster, project-level debt, and a land-plus-power land-grab strategy could vault Bitfarms from blocks to bots—and what it all means for energy markets, AI’s compute arms race, and the future of work.
Rajiv Khemani, co-founder & CEO of Auradine, sits down with Justin Ballard (@JLB_Oso) and Jake Corley (@jacobcorley) live from Bitcoin 2025 in Las Vegas to pull back the curtain on America’s newest 3 nm ASIC powerhouse. Auradine They break down:Hydro Hash Density – 600 TH/s packed into a 2U rack and tunable down to 13.5 J/TH for “eco-mode” efficiency.AI-by-Day, Bitcoin-by-Night – shared liquid-cooling racks that swing idle GPU power into mining revenue in seconds.Heat Recapture Hustles – turning spent watts into shower water, fish-farm warmth, and any creative thermal side-gig you can dream up.Tariff-Proof Supply Chain – why building chips at TSMC but assembling in the U.S. (or non-China Asia) hedges geopolitical risk.$150 M War Chest & Creative Financing – how fresh capital lets Auradine offer pay-as-you-mine terms and sell standalone chips for DIY devices.If you’re obsessed with mining density, cheap electrons, and staying geopolitically uncancelled, this episode hands you the playbook.
Comedian T.J. Miller (@nottjmiller) drops by to riff with Jake Corley (@jacobcorley) and Justin Ballard (@JLB_Oso) about getting “orange-pilled” by the Winklevoss twins, swapping war stories with Michael Saylor, and why true Bitcoiners keep stacking no matter how “frothy” the market gets. Expect unapologetic laughs, hard-won lessons on dollar-cost averaging, and a spicy take on politicians suddenly chasing crypto clout. Plug in for a fast-paced, no-filters tour of Bitcoin culture—from Broadway dinners to back-stage conference drama—and find out why T.J. thinks hodling might be comedy’s greatest punchline.
Charlie Brady of Bitfufu sits down with Justin Ballard (@JLB_Oso) and Jake Corley (@jacobcorley) to explore the world of cloud mining as a major revenue stream. They unpack the dynamics of Bitfufu's cloud mining operations, the strategic shift from asset-light to owning data centers, and how cloud mining is reshaping the financial landscape for both institutional and retail investors. Discover why cloud mining is a game-changer in the cryptocurrency space and what the future holds for this innovative approach.
Justin Ballard (@JLB_Oso) and Jake Corley (@jacobcorley) sit down with oil-patch veteran-turned-Bitcoin-miner Dan Morrison to unpack Waha-gas economics, off-grid data centers, and why 2025 may finally be the oil-and-gas adoption year for Bitcoin mining.Show Notes00:00 Wildlife-podcast banter, Missouri recording location, and Dan’s long-overdue appearance 01:42 First meeting at the 2021 “secret” Houston Bitcoin meetup 03:10 Dan’s background: bankrupt E&P turnaround and “MBA-on-steroids” lessons 05:26 Buying distressed New Mexico assets & naming the venture “Amalgamated Sludge” 07:48 Paying $80/ TH for ASICs at the cycle peak and booting 1.3 MW of self-mining 10:55 Turning negative Waha gas into revenue: hosting deals, vintage ASIC strategy, 8-month ROIs 14:08 Why old oilfield operators resist Bitcoin—and what finally breaks the inertia 16:41 Basis differentials, dashed strip-price hopes, and why 2025 looks like the adoption inflection 19:15 Valuing green- vs brownfield sites for AI: speed-to-energize premiums & $/MW math 22:37 Gas-fired turbines, Elon’s Memphis play, and “BYOP” (bring your own power) legislation in Texas 25:02 “Moat mining”: pairing AI inference loads up front with flexible Bitcoin mining in back 27:40 Hydrocooling vs immersion and designing mines to survive the next two halvings 29:55 EPA rollbacks, CO₂ rules, and a regulatory pendulum swinging toward gas gen-sets 32:04 Ideal 2025 build: low-basis gas, Rocky Mountains or Permian, hydro-cooled S19-class fleet 34:30 Bridging cultures: tech speed vs. oil-patch hierarchy when herding data-center cats 36:12 Texas Mining Fight Club group texts, community collaboration, and swapping spare breakers 38:45 Future meetups, “super-secret” May 19 event, and final shout-outs
Bitcoin, Hockey, and Dirty Coin: A Chat with BarryJustin Ballard (@JLB_Oso) and Jake Corley (@jacobcorley) discuss with Barry the fascinating intersections of professional hockey, Bitcoin mining, and the creation of the 'Dirty Coin' documentary.00:00 Painful Injuries and Embarrassing Moments01:35 Skiing and Snowboarding Disasters02:48 The Cost of Extreme Sports03:32 First Experience at an F1 Event05:11 Professional Hockey Career Highlights12:07 Transition to Bitcoin and Investing25:20 American Ninja Warrior Journey30:16 Introduction to Dirty Coin Documentary31:11 Tax Strategies and Film Investments32:19 Meeting Alana and Documentary Vision34:54 Challenges in Documentary Distribution37:27 Bitcoin's Public Perception and Education46:48 Michael Saylor and Bitcoin Investment Strategy57:33 Poland's Bitcoin Film Festival and Future Plans59:48 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode, Curtis Harris shares insights into his journey in the Bitcoin industry, his role in Compass Mining, and how his passion for Bitcoin advocacy has shaped his career. Starting from his early discovery of Bitcoin, Harris discusses the challenges and triumphs of building and operating mining facilities, the importance of customer service, and the company's strategic growth through vertical integration and onsite operations. The conversation covers the evolving Bitcoin market, political landscape, and the exciting growth prospects amid the emerging bull market. Curtis also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and community collaboration in the Bitcoin world.00:00 Introduction and Greetings00:15 Discussing the North American Blockchain Summit01:07 Curtis' Journey into Bitcoin02:25 Career Background and Bitcoin Discovery05:28 Compass Mining's Latest Developments09:46 Technical Innovations in Mining Operations14:08 Customer Service and Site Operations24:00 The Origin of the Magazine24:16 Bitcoin Mining and Personal Stories26:34 Compass and Customer Relations27:50 Future of the Podcast30:54 Bitcoin's Growing Relevance33:31 Bitcoin Strategies for Organizations37:48 Bitcoin Advocacy and Education41:15 Concluding Thoughts and Farewells
00:00 Introduction to the South Texas Site00:24 Early Industry Stories and Key Figures01:22 Opportunities for Young Entrepreneurs03:03 The Value of Business Education03:41 Paths to Financial Success04:15 Recognizing Patterns in Investments06:46 Bitcoin and Institutional Investment12:05 The Role of Institutional Capital15:15 Coal Waste and Renewable Energy Credits17:31 The Growing Demand for Power20:18 Understanding Bitcoin’s Value24:02 Bitcoin Market Panic26:38 The Lending Market for Bitcoin28:55 Investment Banking in the Bitcoin Space31:00 Challenges in Bitcoin Mining32:51 Public vs. Private Bitcoin Miners37:46 Future of Bitcoin Mining Companies45:01 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In this episode, we reminisce about meeting Phil at the TBC summit and discuss the evolution of our friendship. We talk Bitcoin, investments, and personal transformations. We give Justin a hard time about his skinny jeans. But most importantly how perceptions around Bitcoin are changing, especially at the institutional level. We also dive into how Phil bought a bar post-COVID, building lasting friendships, and the future potential of Bitcoin amidst regulatory changes. 00:00 Meeting at the TBC Summit01:39 Bitcoin Conversations and Media Perceptions05:07 Phil's Garage and Car Collection06:43 Rhinestone Saloon: The Bar Rescue Story10:07 Bitcoin Mining and Giga Dudes23:11 The Bitcoin Strategic Reserve and Market Dynamics29:24 Bitcoin Buying Plans and Industry Confidence31:34 The Emotional Rollercoaster of Bitcoin Investment34:47 The Genesis of Corley Energy35:36 Building a Team and Securing Investments42:46 Bitcoin's Value and Long-Term Thinking46:41 Bitcoin and Personal Growth47:36 Car Talk and Bitcoin Wealth51:57 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans
Join us as we dive into the world of crypto and innovation with Reza Nedjatian, CEO of Phoenix. From Dubai's cutting-edge advancements to the resurgence of pro-business policies in the U.S., Reza shares how leadership and strategy are shaping the future of Bitcoin mining and technology. Hear exclusive insights into Phoenix’s bold expansion plans and why now is the time to seize opportunities in AI and crypto.
Bitcoin mining in 2024 is a whole different ballgame, and nobody knows that better than Bitfarms CEO Ben Gagnon. With Bitcoin smashing past $90K, Ben spills the tea on everything from why Pennsylvania is suddenly the hot spot for miners to how institutional money is finally waking up to the potential of this space. He talks about Bitfarms’ big moves into the U.S., the evolution of capital markets, and what it takes to stay ahead in this wild industry. From energy strategies to Trump’s ripple effects and why this bull cycle hits different, Ben doesn’t hold back on what’s really shaping Bitcoin mining right now.Click here to watch a video of this episode. 00:00 - Intro01:17 - Ben Gagnon Background05:31 - Funding Bitcoin Operations10:15 - Bitcoin Bull Market Insights12:34 - Mining Stocks Performance Issues16:07 - Riot's International Expansion Risks21:54 - Bitfarms' US Expansion Strategy25:10 - Pennsylvania and Bitcoin Relationship28:16 - Bitfarms' Team Dynamics32:04 - Current Buy Mode Status35:02 - AI in Bitcoin Mining38:50 - Unspoken Bitcoin Topics42:44 - Future of Bitcoin
Ever thought about how Bitcoin could be shaping the future of politics and power? In this episode, I’m hanging out with Lisa—she’s back, and if you know her from social media, you know she’s got a knack for diving deep into big topics. We’re unpacking the ripple effects of Trump’s second win, Elon’s moves, and what it all means for a pro-business, innovation-driven era. From Bitcoin as a potential national asset to its impact on democracy and even energy policy, this one’s loaded with insights. Lisa’s got some fresh, thought-provoking takes on where decentralized finance might be heading, and trust me, you won’t want to miss her perspective.Click here to watch a video of this episode. 00:00 - Lisa Hough is back01:03 - Post-Trump election results05:37 - US economy outlook 08:28 - Michael's 21/21 plan12:28 - Rebooting the brain17:20 - Shift in consciousness21:48 - Election night entertainment24:10 - Softness of people26:59 - Bitcoin education29:47 - US strategic Bitcoin reserve32:57 - Onshore hash rate necessity37:38 - Energy demand challenges39:43 - Bitcoin mining flexibility43:10 - Long-term thinking in government44:55 - Bitcoin buyers48:40 - BRICS vs G753:46 - Bitcoin and spirituality57:15 - Bitcoin network effects1:04:50 - Avoiding the prescribed life1:10:15 - Bitcoin communes1:13:20 - Government overreach1:15:50 - Election results analysis1:19:10 - Biden's red suit1:26:49 - First Lady of Bitcoin1:29:20 - Turning of the page1:30:00 - Bitcoin camp experience1:32:54 - Contacting Jake1:34:42 - Wrapping up
Andrew Burchwell, a thought leader in the energy-tech space and advocate for the Ohio Blockchain Council, joins this engaging discussion on Bitcoin, AI, and the future of energy. He explores how Bitcoin and AI are reshaping energy markets, revitalizing communities, and creating new opportunities across industrial sectors. Andrew shares his journey from geologist to blockchain advocate, discussing the challenges traditional energy markets face in an advancing tech landscape and how AI can optimize energy use and support grid stability. Known for his dynamic role in bridging energy and technology, Andrew challenges conventional views and speculates on a tech-driven societal revolution.Click here to watch a video of this episode. 00:00 - Intro01:46 - Texas vs Missouri Heat05:33 - Ohio Blockchain Council Overview06:11 - Empower 2021 & Ohio Blockchain Council Inception08:00 - Ohio Blockchain Council Mission Statement11:45 - Revitalizing Communities through Blockchain17:20 - Discussing Passions and Interests20:14 - Bitcoin as a Spiritual Concept23:13 - Energy Consumption in Bitcoin Mining27:30 - AI's Role in Bitcoin Mining31:13 - Bitcoin as a Strategic Reserve Asset35:15 - Communism without a Dictator38:00 - Election Insights41:45 - Political Influence on Bitcoin48:03 - Bitcoin Mining Landscape in Ohio49:29 - Ohio Bitcoin Mining Tariff Discussion53:19 - Nuclear Energy and Bitcoin Mining56:45 - Donald Trump and Bitcoin1:01:30 - Engaging in the Political Process
George Mekhail, General Manager at Bitcoin Magazine, joins this episode of the Energizing Bitcoin Podcast with his son Kingston to explore "The Unseen Truth About Bitcoin's Moral Impact." George’s journey from real estate and banking during the financial crisis to Bitcoin advocacy provides a compelling look into the ethical implications of decentralized finance. From his experience leading a megachurch to his role at BTC Inc, George shares how Bitcoin can address economic crises and transform corrupt systems. With insights into Bitcoin's growing influence and the next generation’s enthusiasm through Kingston, this episode offers a deep dive into the moral landscape of cryptocurrency.Click here to watch a video of this episode. 00:00 - George and Kingston McHale01:51 - George's Background in Bitcoin07:24 - New Role at Bitcoin Magazine09:56 - Thank God for Bitcoin Philosophy10:36 - George's Influential Books15:59 - I'm Not Your Bro Discussion23:33 - Importance of Bitcoin-Adjacent Education25:53 - Expanding the Bitcoin Community28:21 - Parenting in the Bitcoin Era31:06 - Incorporating Technology in Bitcoin37:21 - What's Next for Kingston McHale38:30 - Keesa Boyce Insights43:10 - AI and the Future of Work47:35 - Upcoming Bitcoin Documentary49:15 - Wrapping Up the Discussion50:37 - Where to Buy the Bitcoin Book
Join over 4,000 professionals in the next-generation community for the energy industry 👉 https://bit.ly/4dwXWsEJoin us as we dive deep into the untold story of Ionic's rise in the Bitcoin industry, featuring guest John Penver. Discover how this finance and accounting veteran, with a rich history in public company management, has steered Ionic from the ashes of Celsius's bankruptcy into a promising new chapter in Bitcoin mining. In this episode, John shares industry insights and a contrarian approach to navigating the volatile world of Bitcoin and energy markets.Key Takeaways:- The Backstory: How Ionic emerged as a standalone business, distinct from Celsius.- The Problem: Challenges faced by Bitcoin mining companies, including capital inefficiencies.- AI to the Rescue: The role of AI in optimizing Bitcoin mining operations.- Industry Insights: The convergence of traditional computing and Bitcoin mining.- A Contrarian Approach: John's strategy for differentiating Ionic in a competitive market.- The Future: Plans for Ionic's public listing and expansion in energy asset management.Guest Bio: John Penver, Interim CEO of Ionic, boasts over 20 years as a public company CFO in finance and accounting. His expertise spans semiconductor technology and data center infrastructure, positioning Ionic for success in the evolving Bitcoin landscape.00:00 - Welcome John Povey01:32 - John Povey Background and Experience04:58 - Celsius Network Crisis Explained10:36 - Asset Light Business Model Overview14:18 - Failures in 2021: Lessons Learned18:00 - Importance of Owning Energy Assets21:18 - Future Trends in Bitcoin Mining Companies23:50 - Monetizing Stranded Energy Resources28:00 - Going Public: Insights on IPO Market36:17 - Megawatt Capacity: Current Status37:11 - Targeted States for Expansion39:56 - Q&A Session with John Povey40:20 - Conclusion and Key Takeawayshttps://www.instagram.com/digitalwildcatters/https://www.tiktok.com/@digitalwildcattershttps://www.facebook.com/digitalwildcattershttps://twitter.com/DWildcatters
Join over 4,000 professionals in the next-generation community for the energy industry 👉 https://bit.ly/4dwXWsEIn this episode of Energizing Bitcoin: Watts Up?, Jake and Justin dive deep into the collision of AI and Bitcoin, exploring the latest developments and industry insights. Join them as they navigate through the rapidly evolving landscape where AI's integration with power and Bitcoin mining is reshaping the industry. Discover how Crusoe's monumental fundraising of $3.4 billion sets new benchmarks and what it means for the future of energy markets. Key Takeaways: The duo discusses Crusoe's evolution from flare gas mitigation to a 200-megawatt AI data center venture, highlighting the shift in focus from traditional operations to innovative tech-driven solutions. They also delve into the controversial HBO documentary "Electric Money" and its attempt to unmask Satoshi, bringing attention to Bitcoin's cultural impact.The Backstory: From their pioneering days in flare gas mitigation, Crusoe's journey reflects the dynamic shifts within the Bitcoin space. AI to the Rescue: The integration of AI is not just an add-on but a strategic pivot, offering new revenue streams amid fluctuating Bitcoin market conditions.Industry Insights: With AI demanding unprecedented power, the discussion touches on how energy strategies are adapting to accommodate new tech giants.The Future: As AI and Bitcoin continue to intersect, Jake and Justin provide a contrarian approach to understanding the potential long-term impacts on mining and energy sectors.00:00 - Intro00:42 - Crusoe raises $3.4B in Funding04:24 - Electric Money and Bitcoin09:21 - Marathon Mining Goes Off-Grid14:55 - Election Impact on Bitcoin Market19:55 - Our Updated Mission in Crypto20:48 - Riot Blockchain Open to AI Innovations23:40 - Miners vs AI: The Future of Mining25:20 - Will AI be Overbuilt in Crypto?27:30 - What Size AI is Looking for in Bitcoin29:35 - AI and Bitcoin Mining Synergy39:00 - Future Episode Ideas on Bitcoin
Join over 4,000 professionals in the next-generation community for the energy industry 👉 https://bit.ly/4dwXWsEDive deep into the future of Bitcoin mining with Jake, Justin, and special guest Nico Smid, founder of Digital Mining Solutions, on the Energizing Bitcoin Podcast. Discover how Bitcoin mining is evolving and the key insights you must know now! This episode explores the challenges and opportunities within the Bitcoin mining industry, including hash rate dynamics, the impact of new mining technologies, and the potential integration of AI.Key Takeaways:- Industry Insights: Nico shares his expertise on the state of Bitcoin mining and the expected trends over the next few years.- AI to the Rescue: The conversation highlights the convergence of AI with Bitcoin mining and the strategic advantages it presents.- A Contrarian Approach: Explore how geopolitical and economic factors influence mining operations in regions like Argentina and the Netherlands.- The Future: Understand the potential for growth and innovation within the Bitcoin mining industry.The Backstory: Nico’s journey from working with the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs to establishing a successful mining consultancy in South America.Guest Bio: Nico Smid is a seasoned entrepreneur with extensive experience in international business and trade. As the founder of Digital Mining Solutions, he provides strategic consulting and market analysis to optimize Bitcoin mining operations worldwide.00:00 - Catch up with the guys00:40 - Nico's new company04:10 - Nico's background10:20 - Current state of Bitcoin mining11:38 - Bitcoin hashrate explained18:10 - Power infrastructure challenges21:05 - New ASIC miners overview24:18 - Network efficiency in mining25:20 - Mining hosting solutions28:48 - AI and HPC data centers40:40 - Bitcoin mining in Argentina47:25 - Impact of US elections on mining52:24 - Working internationally in mining53:37 - Best South American countries for mining57:58 - Contacting Nico Smid58:52 - Jake's plans post-interview59:55 - Wrapping up the discussion
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