Ungovernable Misfits

In this Confab, Max sits down with Vik Sharɱa, founder and CEO of Cake Wallet, for a candid journey from his early hacking days on the Apple II, through decades in the steel industry, to discovering Bitcoin in 2013 and Monero in 2016.

Vik shares the eye‑opening moment Coinbase shut his account for a small darknet market purchase of antibiotics—an incident that catalysed his deep dive into privacy and ultimately inspired Cake Wallet’s creation. Max and Vik explore why privacy should be a default, how Monero’s out‑of‑the‑box protections compare with Bitcoin’s more complex privacy tooling, and why a multi‑coin world empowers users rather than divides them. Max and Vik also dig into the rapid rise of AI: how it’s reshaping software development, enabling non‑coders to build real tools, and what it might mean for self‑custody and user experience in the months ahead.

Vik reflects on the growing global demand for financial privacy and access—especially via stablecoins as on‑ramps—while emphasising real‑world utility as the backbone of value. He recounts Cake’s experimental culture (silent payments, PayJoin v2, Lightning via Spark) and the team’s willingness to learn in public. Max and Vik wrap on why decentralised money and local/secure AI can help people everywhere earn, spend, and build without permission, and why he’s more optimistic today than he was a few years ago about privacy tech gaining mainstream traction.

HELP GET SAMOURAI A PARDONSIGN THE PETITION ----> https://www.change.org/p/stand-up-for-freedom-pardon-the-innocent-coders-jailed-for-building-privacy-tools
DONATE TO THE FAMILIES ----> https://www.givesendgo.com/billandkeonne
SUPPORT ON SOCIAL MEDIA ---> https://billandkeonne.org/

VALUE FOR VALUE

Thanks for listening you Ungovernable Misfits, we appreciate your continued support and hope you enjoy the shows.

You can support this episode using your time, talent or treasure.

TIME:

- create fountain clips for the show
- create a meetup
- help boost the signal on social media

TALENT:

- create ungovernable misfit inspired art, animation or music
- design or implement some software that can make the podcast better
- use whatever talents you have to make a contribution to the show!

TREASURE:

- BOOST IT OR STREAM SATS on the Podcasting 2.0 apps @ https://podcastapps.com
- DONATE via Monero @ https://xmrchat.com/ugmf
- BUY SOME STICKERS @ https://www.ungovernablemisfits.com/shop/

FOUNDATION

https://foundation.xyz/ungovernable

Foundation builds Bitcoin-centric tools that empower you to reclaim your digital sovereignty.

As a sovereign computing company, Foundation is the antithesis of today’s tech conglomerates. Returning to cypherpunk principles, they build open source technology that “can’t be evil”.

Thank you Foundation Devices for sponsoring the show!

Use code: Ungovernable for $10 off of your purchase

CAKE WALLET

https://cakewallet.com

Cake Wallet is an open-source, non-custodial wallet available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux.

Features:
- Built-in Exchange: Swap easily between Bitcoin and Monero.
- User-Friendly: Simple interface for all users.

Monero Users:
- Batch Transactions: Send multiple payments at once.
- Faster Syncing: Optimized syncing via specified restore heights
- Proxy Support: Enhance privacy with proxy node options.

Bitcoin Users:
- Coin Control: Manage your transactions effectively.
- Silent Payments: Static bitcoin addresses
- Batch Transactions: Streamline your payment process.

Thank you Cake Wallet for sponsoring the show!

MYNYMBOX

https://mynymbox.io

Your go-to for anonymous server hosting solutions, featuring: virtual private & dedicated servers, domain registration and DNS parking. We don't require any of your personal information, and you can purchase using Bitcoin, Lightning, Monero and many other cryptos.

Explore benefits such as No KYC, complete privacy & security, and human support.

(00:00) INTRO
(01:11) BOOSTS
(03:42) THANK YOU FOUNDATION
(04:40) THANK YOU CAKE WALLET
(05:53) Welcome Vik!
(07:11) Before Crypto: Steel, Engineering & Early Tech
(14:36) The Bitcoin Rabbit Hole
(23:05) Building Cake Wallet
(27:07) Privacy, Tribalism & the Maxi Mentality
(42:14) Where It's All Going
(49:25) THANK YOU MYNYMBOX

In these episodes, we read Keonne’s recent letters written from FPC Morgantown. The aim in sharing this is simple: amplify Keonne’s story, support him and Bill, and ensure help reaches their families. If his voice isn’t your thing, the full text is linked in the show notes—please read, listen, and share. Consider sending a letter, a book via an approved retailer, or some sats. Your support matters, and together we can keep their stories alive and make a tangible difference.

LINK TO THE LETTER AT THE RAGE

Write to Keonne:

Keonne Rodriguez
11404-511
FPC Morgantown
FEDERAL PRISON CAMP
P.O. BOX 1000
MORGANTOWN, WV 26507

Mailing Guidelines:

Please note: You can only send letters (no more than 3 pages long). No packages or other items are allowed. Books, magazines, and newspapers must be sent directly from the publisher or an online retailer like Amazon. All letters must include a full return address and sender name to be delivered.

HELP GET SAMOURAI A PARDONSIGN THE PETITION ----> https://www.change.org/p/stand-up-for-freedom-pardon-the-innocent-coders-jailed-for-building-privacy-tools
DONATE TO THE FAMILIES ----> https://www.givesendgo.com/billandkeonne
SUPPORT ON SOCIAL MEDIA ---> https://billandkeonne.org/

A weekly live show covering all things Freedom Tech with Max, Q and Seth.

GO TO https://frostsnap.com to learn more.

[[BILLLKEONNE]]
TO DONATE TO ROMAN'S DEFENSE FUND: https://freeromanstorm.com/donate

VALUE FOR VALUE

Thanks for listening you Ungovernable Misfits, we appreciate your continued support and hope you enjoy the shows.

You can support this episode using your time, talent or treasure.

TIME:

- create fountain clips for the show
- create a meetup
- help boost the signal on social media

TALENT:

- create ungovernable misfit inspired art, animation or music
- design or implement some software that can make the podcast better
- use whatever talents you have to make a contribution to the show!

TREASURE:

- BOOST IT OR STREAM SATS on the Podcasting 2.0 apps @ https://podcastapps.com
- DONATE via Monero @ https://xmrchat.com/ugmf
- BUY SOME STICKERS @ https://www.ungovernablemisfits.com/shop/

FOUNDATION

https://foundation.xyz/ungovernable

Foundation builds Bitcoin-centric tools that empower you to reclaim your digital sovereignty.

As a sovereign computing company, Foundation is the antithesis of today’s tech conglomerates. Returning to cypherpunk principles, they build open source technology that “can’t be evil”.

Thank you Foundation Devices for sponsoring the show!

Use code: Ungovernable for $10 off of your purchase

CAKE WALLET

https://cakewallet.com

Cake Wallet is an open-source, non-custodial wallet available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux.

Features:
- Built-in Exchange: Swap easily between Bitcoin and Monero.
- User-Friendly: Simple interface for all users.

Monero Users:
- Batch Transactions: Send multiple payments at once.
- Faster Syncing: Optimized syncing via specified restore heights
- Proxy Support: Enhance privacy with proxy node options.

Bitcoin Users:
- Coin Control: Manage your transactions effectively.
- Silent Payments: Static bitcoin addresses
- Batch Transactions: Streamline your payment process.

Thank you Cake Wallet for sponsoring the show!

MYNYMBOX

https://mynymbox.io

Your go-to for anonymous server hosting solutions, featuring: virtual private & dedicated servers, domain registration and DNS parking. We don't require any of your personal information, and you can purchase using Bitcoin, Lightning, Monero and many other cryptos.

Explore benefits such as No KYC, complete privacy & security, and human support.

AOB
Prime SHIPPING!
FTF with Zach
Samourai Domain PSA
Lauren on with Danny from WBD
Q still vibing
NEWS
Kentucky HB 380 requires HWW manufacturers to reset users' seeds upon request https://x.com/bitcoinpolicy/status/2034702487995768878
GrapeheneOS refuses to comply with new age verification laws for OS https://www.tomshardware.com/software/operating-systems/grapheneos-refuses-to-comply-with-age-verification-laws
Google reverses Android developer verification requirement amidst user backlash - https://www.scworld.com/brief/google-reverses-android-developer-verification-requirement-amidst-user-backlash
DOJ Seeks October Retrial for Tornado Cash Developer Roman Storm — https://www.coindesk.com/business/2026/03/10/u-s-requests-october-retrial-for-tornado-cash-developer-roman-storm
Bitrefill Hacked by North Korea's Lazarus Group — 18,500 Purchase Records Exposed — https://bitcoinmagazine.com/news/bitrefill-cyberattack-points-north-korea
Pokemon Go's 30 Billion Images Now Training Delivery Robots — Mass Surveillance Data Harvesting Revealed — https://www.therage.co/pokemon-go-users-trained-killer-robots/

UPDATES/RELEASES
Am I Exposed? https://am-i.exposed/ by Arkad and CoSelf hosted chain analysis tool
Already on startOS

Stealth Fork already emergedhttps://x.com/MgkMshrmBrkfst/status/2033771448255566082?s=20

Last Signal App https://lastsignal.app/Self hosted dead man switch

Sparrow Wallet 2.4.2 — March 10, 2026Introduces support for v3 transactions in the editor, implements TOFU certificate pinning for TLS connections, and adds BIP-322 signing via QR and file methods. Numerous dependency upgrades plus bug fixes for PSBTv2 transaction issues, potential database corruption, and dark theme display problems.
https://github.com/sparrowwallet/sparrow/releases/tag/2.4.2

Aqua v0.4.1 — March 13, 2026Patch addressing multiple bugs and performance improvements. Re-adds region selector to the marketplace, introduces Arabic and Chinese language support, and adds new iOS icon designs. Fixes wallet setup errors when scanning certain QR codes.
https://github.com/AquaWallet/aqua-wallet/releases/tag/v0.4.1

Boltz USDT Swaps - March 18, 2026Announces USDT Swaps - connecting Bitcoin to the world's most used stablecoin. Swap between Lightning and USDT on all major networks, without custody, accounts, or KYC!

Envoy 2.2.12 — March 13, 2026Major update centred on Passport Prime device support. Includes multi-device pairing capability, Bluetooth reliability improvements, and fixes for dozens of bugs across BLE pairing, QuantumLink stability, and the Passport Prime onboarding flow.
https://github.com/Foundation-Devices/envoy/releases/tag/2.2.12

BTCPay v2.3.6 — March 15, 2026Stable release introducing wallet label filtering, API enhancements for payment method inclusion, invoice modal improvements, security upgrades for API key permissions, and plugin permission policy creation.
https://github.com/btcpayserver/btcpayserver/releases/tag/v2.3.6

Bisq v2.1.10 — March 17, 2026Implements new trade rules for payment references, adds trade history and QR code pairing support for the Bisq Connect mobile app, introduces TLS support for clearnet connections.
https://github.com/bisq-network/bisq2/releases/tag/v2.1.10

Phoenix Android v2.7.5 — March 17, 2026Introduces a diagnostics button and adds the spend-channel-address recovery tool to iOS. Android app now supports Indonesian language.
https://github.com/ACINQ/phoenix/releases/tag/android-v2.7.5

Nunchuk 2.2.8 — March 18, 2026Introduces support for sending to Silent Payment addresses and adds an option to view seed phrases for software keys after a two-hour security delay, along with various bug fixes.
https://github.com/nunchuk-io/nunchuk-android/releases/tag/2.2.8

Peach Bitcoin 0.69.0 — March 18, 2026Introduces unlimited premium functionality for offers, decimal premium values, improved dark mode colour contrast, and fixes for Revolut/Wise/M-Pesa payment information transmission.
https://github.com/Peach2Peach/peach-app/releases/tag/v0.69.0-337

Mostro v0.17.0 — March 19, 2026Three releases in the window (v0.16.4, v0.16.5, v0.17.0). Major refactoring work: migration to AppContext-based dependency injection, removal of legacy global state patterns, elimination of password-based database encryption infrastructure.
https://github.com/MostroP2P/mostro/releases/tag/v0.17.0

Cake Wallet v6.0.1–v6.0.3 — March 6–21, 2026Major redesign + Bitcoin Lightning support via Spark protocol. v6.0.1 (March 6) was the major release with the new UI and Lightning; v6.0.2 (March 17) added Linux distribution support; v6.0.3 (March 21) adds design improvements, performance enhancements, and bug fixes.
https://github.com/cake-tech/cake_wallet/releases/tag/v6.0.3

Pre-release / Alpha / Beta
Bitkey App Release 2026.2.1 — March 18, 2026App update with emergency APK download for users who have lost app access and an Emergency Exit Kit reference document for account recovery.
https://github.com/proto-at-block/bitkey/releases/tag/2026.2.1

Ibis Wallet v3.0 + v3.0.1-betaLiquid w/LN swaps, Boltz on backend, wallet locks, cancel txs with RBF, notifications

LNBits v1.5.2-rc3 — March 20, 2026Three release candidates (rc1 through rc3) published March 18–20, building toward v1.5.2 stable.
https://github.com/lnbits/lnbits/releases/tag/v1.5.2-rc3

Mempool v3.3.0-beta2 — March 20, 2026Beta release tag with minimal release notes.
https://github.com/mempool/mempool/releases/tag/v3.3.0-beta2

Start9 v0.4.0-alpha.21 — March 18, 2026UI refinements for port labelling, SSH corrections, WiFi fixes, and support for preferred external ports beyond port 443.
https://github.com/Start9Labs/start-os/releases/tag/v0.4.0-alpha.21

Education
The Core Issue: Your Node Vs. The Digital Wilderness — https://bitcoinmagazine.com/print/the-core-issue-your-node-vs-the-digital-wilderness

The Core Issue: Outrunning Entropy, Why Bitcoin Can't Stand Still — https://bitcoinmagazine.com/print/the-core-issue-outrunning-entropy-why-bitcoin-cant-stand-still

The Core Issue: Consensus Cleanup — https://bitcoinmagazine.com/print/the-core-issue-consensus-cleanup

TO DONATE TO ROMAN'S DEFENSE FUND: https://freeromanstorm.com/donate

HELP GET SAMOURAI A PARDONSIGN THE PETITION ----> https://www.change.org/p/stand-up-for-freedom-pardon-the-innocent-coders-jailed-for-building-privacy-tools
DONATE TO THE FAMILIES ----> https://www.givesendgo.com/billandkeonne
SUPPORT ON SOCIAL MEDIA ---> https://billandkeonne.org/

VALUE FOR VALUE

Thanks for listening you Ungovernable Misfits, we appreciate your continued support and hope you enjoy the shows.

You can support this episode using your time, talent or treasure.

TIME:

- create fountain clips for the show
- create a meetup
- help boost the signal on social media

TALENT:

- create ungovernable misfit inspired art, animation or music
- design or implement some software that can make the podcast better
- use whatever talents you have to make a contribution to the show!

TREASURE:

- BOOST IT OR STREAM SATS on the Podcasting 2.0 apps @ https://podcastapps.com
- DONATE via Monero @ https://xmrchat.com/ugmf
- BUY SOME STICKERS @ https://www.ungovernablemisfits.com/shop/

FOUNDATION

https://foundation.xyz/ungovernable

Foundation builds Bitcoin-centric tools that empower you to reclaim your digital sovereignty.

As a sovereign computing company, Foundation is the antithesis of today’s tech conglomerates. Returning to cypherpunk principles, they build open source technology that “can’t be evil”.

Thank you Foundation Devices for sponsoring the show!

Use code: Ungovernable for $10 off of your purchase

CAKE WALLET

https://cakewallet.com

Cake Wallet is an open-source, non-custodial wallet available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux.

Features:
- Built-in Exchange: Swap easily between Bitcoin and Monero.
- User-Friendly: Simple interface for all users.

Monero Users:
- Batch Transactions: Send multiple payments at once.
- Faster Syncing: Optimized syncing via specified restore heights
- Proxy Support: Enhance privacy with proxy node options.

Bitcoin Users:
- Coin Control: Manage your transactions effectively.
- Silent Payments: Static bitcoin addresses
- Batch Transactions: Streamline your payment process.

Thank you Cake Wallet for sponsoring the show!

MYNYMBOX

https://mynymbox.io

Your go-to for anonymous server hosting solutions, featuring: virtual private & dedicated servers, domain registration and DNS parking. We don't require any of your personal information, and you can purchase using Bitcoin, Lightning, Monero and many other cryptos.

Explore benefits such as No KYC, complete privacy & security, and human support.

(00:00:00) INTRO
(00:00:57) THANK YOU FOUNDATION
(00:01:38) THANK YOU CAKE WALLET
(00:02:43) PRIME TIME
(00:07:16) PSA: Avoid SamouraiWallet.com
(00:12:16) Vibe Coding Corner
(00:20:09) Kentucky HB 380 Would Break Self‑Custody
(00:24:31) GrapheneOS Stands Firm
(00:25:21)

Max and Seth host Monero Monthly ...Ish. A show that focuses on educational topics, news and updates within the Monero ecosystem.

Carrot progressing well, passes audit
https://github.com/cypherstack/carrot_core-audit
FCMP++ pull requests all open, next step is multi-stage audit
Follow https://x.com/MoneroResearchL for updates
p2pool released on TrueNAS store for easy Monero mining
https://apps.truenas.com/catalog/p2pool/
Monero mining made easy with Monero Superbrain on Umbrel
https://github.com/brainchainz/Monero-Superbrain/
Cake Wallet v6.0.0/1 released

Monerujo testing a new, M2 rebuild of their Monero-only wallet
https://soon.monerujo.app/
Skylight available on iOS now
https://skylight.magicgrants.org/
Gupax v2.0 released, replaces Gupaxx etc.
https://github.com/gupax-io/gupax/releases/tag/v2.0.0
Bitcart, a lighter weight payment processor alternative to BTCPay, updated to v0.10.3.0
https://github.com/bitcart/bitcart/releases/tag/0.10.3.0
Monerod v0.18.4.6 released
https://github.com/monero-project/monero/releases/tag/v0.18.4.6

HELP GET SAMOURAI A PARDONSIGN THE PETITION ----> https://www.change.org/p/stand-up-for-freedom-pardon-the-innocent-coders-jailed-for-building-privacy-tools
DONATE TO THE FAMILIES ----> https://www.givesendgo.com/billandkeonne
SUPPORT ON SOCIAL MEDIA ---> https://billandkeonne.org/

VALUE FOR VALUE

Thanks for listening you Ungovernable Misfits, we appreciate your continued support and hope you enjoy the shows.

You can support this episode using your time, talent or treasure.

TIME:

- create fountain clips for the show
- create a meetup
- help boost the signal on social media

TALENT:

- create ungovernable misfit inspired art, animation or music
- design or implement some software that can make the podcast better
- use whatever talents you have to make a contribution to the show!

TREASURE:

- BOOST IT OR STREAM SATS on the Podcasting 2.0 apps @ https://podcastapps.com
- DONATE via Monero @ https://xmrchat.com/ugmf
- BUY SOME STICKERS @ https://www.ungovernablemisfits.com/shop/

CAKE WALLET

https://cakewallet.com

Cake Wallet is an open-source, non-custodial wallet available on Android, iOS, macOS, and Linux.

Features:
- Built-in Exchange: Swap easily between Bitcoin and Monero.
- User-Friendly: Simple interface for all users.

Monero Users:
- Batch Transactions: Send multiple payments at once.
- Faster Syncing: Optimized syncing via specified restore heights
- Proxy Support: Enhance privacy with proxy node options.

Bitcoin Users:
- Coin Control: Manage your transactions effectively.
- Silent Payments: Static bitcoin addresses
- Batch Transactions: Streamline your payment process.

Thank you Cake Wallet for sponsoring the show!

FOUNDATION

https://foundation.xyz/ungovernable

Foundation builds Bitcoin-centric tools that empower you to reclaim your digital sovereignty.

As a sovereign computing company, Foundation is the antithesis of today’s tech conglomerates. Returning to cypherpunk principles, they build open source technology that “can’t be evil”.

Thank you Foundation Devices for sponsoring the show!

Use code: Ungovernable for $10 off of your purchase

(00:00:01) INTRO
(00:01:12) The Ish
(00:12:03) Monero Keys
(00:21:37) Monero & LN Swaps
(00:25:07) Carrot Passes Cypherstack Audit
(00:30:25) FCMP++ Multi-Stage Audit SOON
(00:33:35) P2Pool Released on TrueNAS
(00:34:13) Monero SuperBrain on Umbrel
(00:37:22) The BIG Cake Update
(00:44:42) New Monerujo!
(00:47:14) Skylight on iOS
(00:48:41) Gupax v2.0
(00:49:56) BitKart
(00:50:59) New Monerod
(00:51:58) XMR Chats
(01:04:11) OUTRO