It Could Happen Here

How To Print Your Own Money: The Case for Local Currencies

October 6, 2026·41 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Guest host Zaron Burnett investigates the curious question: Can we print our own money? The short answer is: yes, yes we can. To consider the more nuanced aspects of that question, Burnett spoke with Peter LaRochelle from the Schumacher Center for a New Economics. LaRochelle administers a local currency called BerkShares, which is available in the tourist-friendly Berkshire region of western Massachusetts. The alternative currency was created 20 years ago and serves as a successful model for how to create your own local currency. LaRochelle spoke to the various challenges and benefits as well as the financial freedom a community enjoys once you start printing your own money. Sources/Links:&nbsp; BerkShares Program https://berkshares.org/ Bob Dunning's Newsletter: &nbsp;https://www.thewaryone.com/ https://centerforneweconomics.org/people/peter-larochelle/ https://centerforneweconomics.org https://centerforneweconomics.org/publications/local-currencies-in-the-21st-century-understanding-money-building-local-economies-renewing-community/ https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/economics-econometrics-and-finance/alternativecurrency https://www.collaborativefinance.org/mutual-credit/local-currency/ https://sustainableandjust.org/initiatives/our-economy/alternative-economies/alternative-currencies/ https://www.theselc.org/california-community-currencies-act https://reasonstobecheerful.world/towns-invent-community-currencies/ <a href="https://www.paulglover.org/hours.ht

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