Bitcoin, Time, and the Narrow Path: A Conversation with Adam O'Brien
How the CEO of Bitcoin Well connects low time preference, faith in Jesus, and building a life of integrity.
In today’s episode, I am once again honoured to host Adam O’Brien, founder and CEO of Bitcoin Well. He’s also one of the youngest Canadians ever to take a company public. In our interview, Adam opens up about leadership, investing, the spiritual implications of wealth, and how Bitcoin led him to a deeper faith in Jesus.
Adam’s journey into Bitcoin was anything but ordinary.
He discovered it in 2013, and instead of simply buying and holding, he dove in headfirst. Within months, he was working to bring Bitcoin ATMs to Canada, eventually installing Alberta’s first. It wasn’t smooth sailing. From being debanked to dealing with resistance from institutions, Adam persisted.
Today, Bitcoin Well is publicly traded. But that milestone is just one part of the bigger story.
“Bitcoin taught me low time preference. Low time preference forced me to confront my mortality. That led me to Jesus.”
— Adam O’Brien, CEO of Bitcoin Well
As a husband, father of four, and business leader, Adam could easily have taken the path of least resistance. Instead, he and his wife chose what he calls “an intentionally difficult life.” They homeschool their kids, travel as a family to Bitcoin events, and try to live out the values they believe in (and not just talk about them).
Take a moment to consider this:
In 2013, the average bitcoin price was $192. A $5,000 purchase back then would have gotten you about 26 BTC. Today, that would be worth over $3 million.
That kind of growth is dramatic, but doesn’t tell the full story. Early adopters faced huge uncertainty. Self-custody tools were rudimentary. Public trust in Bitcoin was minimal.
So when Adam speaks of “low time preference”, he’s not talking theory. He’s referring to real-life discipline: making hard decisions, staying the course, and learning to prioritize the long term over the immediate.
Bitcoin can serve as a tool for this kind of thinking. Every financial decision becomes an exercise in value alignment — not just what you can afford, but what’s truly worth it. Over time, that kind of discipline shapes you as an individual.
“Again I tell you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.”
— Jesus, Matthew 19:24 (NIV)
Adam is aware that wealth can distort perspective… even if it’s earned through conviction. When I asked him how he resists the temptation to say “I told you so” to those who doubted him early on, he was honest: it is tempting. But his commitment to following the example of Jesus helps him stay focused on humility, compassion, and purpose, not vindication.
This episode also includes some very fun Easter eggs for viewers. If you watch closely, you’ll find a 12-word seed phrase hidden throughout the video. Originally, the bounty was 21,000 sats. BUT! Adam has generously doubled it to 42,000 sats for the winner. No middlemen. No catch. Just Bitcoin, education, and reward.
When it comes to Bitcoin Well, Adam is clear about his priorities. The platform is built around self-custody: Customers don’t rely on the company to hold their assets. The goal is to enable independence. And for those who believe in that mission, becoming a shareholder isn’t just an investment. It’s a vote for a better future.
Whether you’re new to Bitcoin, exploring leadership, or reflecting on your own values, Adam’s story offers a rare combination of conviction, self-awareness, and lived experience.
🎥 Watch the full interview now, hear Adam’s journey in his own words, and maybe even walk away with 42,000 sats.
Disclosure: I have a referral link with Bitcoin Well. This article reflects my personal opinions and insights based on my independent interviews, research and direct experience with Adam and the Bitcoin Well platform. I am not receiving compensation for this article, and my views are not influenced by any commercial relationship. Nothing in this article should constitute financial advice.