In this heartfelt and lively conversation, I sit down with Uncle Rockstar Dev—OG cypherpunk, BTC Pay Server co-creator, and beloved “Bitcoin uncle”—to explore Bitcoin as a vehicle for peace, community, and authentic living. We reflect on joyful in‑person moments (yes, including his surprise stint as a Las Vegas wedding officiant), why love and playfulness matter in a hyper‑technical world, and how financial freedom can radicalize peace by freeing us from control systems. We talk sovereignty across money, information, food, and energy; how to navigate information overload and AI anxiety with kindness and boundaries; and the role of service, ego as a healthy shield, and surrounding yourself with people who celebrate your growth.

We also dive into current social-layer tensions in Bitcoin: what “Bitcoin is money” means in practice, why many support keeping the protocol focused on sound money over zero‑sum speculation, and how to avoid being “forked off” socially by conflict. Rockstar shares his path from building to advising, the importance of local community and daily contact, and a simple compass for chaotic times: are you having fun, and are you being kind? If not, recalibrate. This one’s a warm reminder to cultivate real relationships, protect your peace, and keep building a more loving, decentralized future.

About Uncle Rockstar Dev
Uncle Rockstar Dev is a cypherpunk, the massive contributor of BTCPay Server (one of the most important open-source payment tools in the Bitcoin ecosystem), and former Head of Bitcoin at Strike. Known for his pseudonymous identity and iconic face mask, Uncle Rockstar is now mostly retired, advising Bitcoin companies, officiating Bitcoin weddings (five and counting - if I ever get a boyfriend and married again he is going be our officiant!), and championing unity, kindness, and sovereignty at conferences worldwide. He grew up experiencing hyperinflation firsthand, which led him to cypherpunk philosophy and ultimately to building tools that empower people through Bitcoin.

Connect With Uncle Rockstar Dev:
Nostr (Primal): primal.net/rockstar
X/Twitter: x.com/r0ckstardev
BTCPay Server: btcpayserver.org
A Cypherpunk's Manifesto - by Eric Hughes: https://cdn.nakamotoinstitute.org/docs/cypherpunk-manifesto.txt

Full episode with transcript and show notes: https://www.djvalerieblove.com/post/healing-cancer-art-motherhood-nerissa

In this heart-to-heart, I sit down with Nerissa Balland—two-time cancer survivor, mom of two boys, artist, author, and NLP practitioner—to explore the intersection of creativity, healing, and transformation. Nerissa shares how she was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma while five months pregnant—and how picking up a paintbrush became her medicine. Eight years later, she's cancer-free and on a mission to help young moms facing cancer feel less alone.

We dive deep into her book Canvas of Courage, interviewing over 100 young mothers with cancer, and why she chose the word "facing" instead of "battling." Nerissa unpacks the difference between art therapy and therapeutic arts, empath practices for protecting your energy, and why identity transformation is part of the healing journey—"You will never be the same person you were before. And that's okay." She also shares powerful insights on motherhood as a mirror, reframing failure as feedback, and how grief and gratitude can live together.

https://nerissaballand.com
https://instagram.com/nerissaballandart

Grab a Copy of Nerissa's Book
"Canvas of Courage: The Art of Healing, Hope, and Gratitude for Young Mothers Facing Cancer"
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GJF5DLGW

Support patient access to the book via GoFundMe:
https://gofund.me/9e8632b1c

Full Post: https://www.djvalerieblove.com/post/i-forgive-you-dad

In this intimate reflection recorded on what would have been my Dad, Fast Eddie’s 99th birthday, I share the complicated truth of loving a tough father shaped by war, hardship, addiction, and old-school beliefs. From Detroit streets and Coney Island hot dogs to long days at the racetrack and whispered mob connections, I revisit the chaotic, colorful backdrop of my childhood—and the ways it forged my resilience, boundaries, and hustle.

As I recount a rare conversation we captured on a camcorder about his World War II and Korea memories, I explore the compassion that grew when I finally heard his pain. This episode is a love letter and a letting go: a practice in forgiveness and gratitude for a man who never found peace but taught me grit, commitment, and how to make a killer Sunday sauce. I imagine him riding beside me in the mountains, meeting his grandkids, and seeing the world I love—technology, music, and awe—through softer eyes. Here’s to healing old stories, honoring our complicated people, and choosing to keep our hearts open.