In this episode, Jeremy sits down with Gabriel Kurman and Adrian Eidelman, co-founders of Rootstock, to discuss why they built a Bitcoin-native smart contract layer instead of launching a separate blockchain. Gabriel and Adrian share how growing up in Argentina amid hyperinflation and capital controls shaped their conviction that the world needs a neutral, censorship-resistant financial system, especially for the unbanked.

They break down what makes Rootstock unique as a side chain secured by Bitcoin proof-of-work through merged mining, why using Bitcoin as the native currency avoids the incentive misalignment of other layer twos, and how full EVM compatibility lets developers build with familiar tools.

The conversation also covers the role of stablecoins like USDB in emerging markets, how agentic AI is accelerating the need for scalable programmable money, and Gabriel's work with Bitcoin for Humanity and Bitcoin circular economies. They close by reflecting on how technology, purpose, and humanitarian work intersect in building a more open financial system.

⏱ Timestamps:
00:00 Cold open: when the money in your bank isn't your money anymore
01:00 Welcome back to Redefined — meet Gabriel Kurman & Adrian Eidelman
02:00 Growing up in Argentina: hyperinflation, capital controls, and discovering Bitcoin
04:00 Why Rootstock is an open protocol, not a company
06:00 The origin story: Nick Szabo's challenge to build smart contracts on Bitcoin
10:00 Corralito: Argentina's 2001 banking collapse, explained
13:00 Decentralization vs. “just a blockchain” — why neutrality matters
17:00 Value never flowed through the old internet — until Bitcoin
19:00 20 billion unbanked, and why access to money should be like access to air and water
22:00 From color coins to layer twos: choosing to build on Bitcoin instead of a new chain
25:00 What makes Rootstock a side chain, and how merged mining ties it to Bitcoin's security
29:00 EVM compatibility, native Bitcoin, and 85% of Bitcoin's hash rate
36:00 Rootstock's structure: a neutral protocol, Rootstock Labs, and a decentralized builder ecosystem
42:00 Stablecoins on Rootstock — and why they should be secured by Bitcoin
47:00 Agentic AI and the push for 100x more scalability
50:00 From building Rootstock to Bitcoin for Humanity and circular economies
55:00 Where to find Rootstock, Bitcoin for Humanity, and the circular economy book

🔗 Follow the Guests:
Gabriel Kurman – LinkedIn | X
Adrian Eidelman – LinkedIn | X

🎙️ Follow our Hosts:
Jeremy Almond – Twitter

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