PODCAST · technology
The Block Reward | Real Stories. Real Impact. All Powered by Real Money - Bitcoin
by Scott Dedels
Welcome to The Block Reward Podcast, where real stories meet real impact, all powered by real money—Bitcoin. Each week, we dive into the transformative world of Bitcoin through in-depth interviews with thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of decentralized finance.Your host, Scott Dedels, also shares solo episodes where he reflects on his journey as a conscious CEO, offering insights into leadership, personal growth, and the evolving role of Bitcoin in creating a more intentional and purpose-driven economy.Whether you're a seasoned Bitcoiner or just starting to explore its potential, The Block Reward Podcast delivers thought-provoking conversations and actionable takeaways to inspire your own financial freedom and conscious living.Join us as we uncover the stories and strategies that fuel the Bitcoin revolution—one block at a time.New episodes released every Tuesday!
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108
107: Allen Farrington ON: Bitcoin and The Hidden Complexity Behind Every ‘Simple’ Payment
What if your “simple” tap-to-pay purchase hides fourteen different payments?This episode features Allen Farrington, an author and investor who is the co-founder and general partner at a venture firm focused on companies building on Bitcoin. He is also the co-founder and CEO of an asset management business deploying in Bitcoin, and he recently gave a conference talk debunking the idea that fiat payments are easy while Bitcoin payments are a headache. Tune in to find out what actually happens when you buy something with a card and why that mess matters for the future of money.Most people think paying with a tap or a swipe is clean and instant, without realizing how many hidden credit relationships that fiat system is juggling for a single purchase. We look at how the costs and delays that businesses live with every day create openings for Bitcoin to act as real settlement money inside those payment flows. And we get into what that shift could mean in the next few years without pretending that any one technology instantly solves money for everyone. Because once you see how the rails really work, you can’t unsee it.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[01:58] Why fiat payments rely entirely on layers of credit instead of true debits[03:26] How lightning parallels ACH but removes banks as mandatory intermediaries[05:12] Why inbound liquidity and always-online requirements make lightning difficult for consumers but ideal for businesses[07:53] The real reason fiat transactions involve 9+ intermediaries and constant credit risk[10:46] How Bitcoin enables direct settlement instead of credit extensions hidden behind payment processors[13:32] Merchants feel the pain of fiat and how Bitcoin flips that incentive[15:49] The future where paying in fiat carries a premium and Bitcoin payments become cheaper by default[18:44] Stablecoins are not “worse Bitcoin,” just better fiat for broken use cases[20:19] How stablecoins may eventually settle over Bitcoin rails as liquidity deepens[22:41] What multiple stablecoin issuers would require and why Bitcoin simplifies interbank settlement[30:18] Why non-Bitcoin companies need a strategic stance on it before it's a fiduciary requirement[33:14] How fiat payment inefficiencies create the wedge that brings mainstream companies onto Bitcoin railsWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Bitcoin Is Venice by Allen Farrington and Sacha Meyers | Book or AudiobookFind more from Allen:Allen Farrington | LinkedInFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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106: Kurtis Warren ON: This Cafe Owner’s Bitcoin Strategy Will Change How You See Money
What if your neighbourhood cafe quietly turned itself into a Bitcoin miner?In this episode, I'm kicking off a new series with Bitcoin entrepreneurs and executives who are actually weaving this asset into the way they work and save. Today I'm joined by Kurtis Warren, a longtime Bitcoiner and owner of a downtown Vancouver coffee bar that's evolved into a community hub. He shares how his path collided with Bitcoin and how it changed how he thinks about building for the long term.The coffee industry runs on tight margins in a city where costs just keep climbing. Curtis flipped that script for his team and his own future plans. You’ll hear the questions he had to answer around day-to-day payments, security, and taxes, and why he still chooses to keep stacking instead of selling.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[02:16] Why building a cafe around low time preference changes how a business survives[05:12] What happens when a coffee shop becomes a modern version of a historic idea hub[08:47] How a community space transforms once people start treating it like a meetup home[10:59] The reason Bitcoin reshapes how owners think about margins, risk, and expansion[20:14] How comparing Bitcoin’s growth to a new location’s returns forces harder decisions[26:01] Why this cafe treats Bitcoin as a long-term savings engine instead of quick revenue[29:12] What happens when a team starts converting part of their pay into a volatile asset[36:02] The moment Bitcoin stops feeling speculative and starts feeling like real hope[38:01] Why entrepreneurs see personal possibility in an asset most people still doubtWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Learn more from Kurtis:Funk Coffee Bar | WebsiteFunk Coffee Bar | InstagramKurtis Warren | LinkedInFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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105: Ted Carr ON: How a Video Game Taught Me Everything About Bitcoin
Nobody told me that a video game could teach me everything I needed to know about money.In this episode, I sit down with Ted Carr, the creator of the Bitcoin community on the online learning platform School. Ted’s been in Bitcoin since 2017, through all the chaos and crashes, and now teaches thousands of people how to navigate it with confidence. His story goes from losing coins on hacked exchanges to building one of the most grounded Bitcoin learning spaces online.We get into the hidden lessons inside video game economies, the painful tuition every Bitcoiner pays, and what it really means to “own” something digital. Each idea challenges how we think about money, freedom, and control.Because once you see how value actually works, you can’t unsee it.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[05:58] Why losing Bitcoin on early exchanges taught Ted the real meaning of ownership[09:47] The moment he realized his coins on-screen weren’t really his[13:42] What ancient island stones can teach us about digital money[17:26] How a childhood video game predicted Bitcoin’s future[21:04] The mindset shift that turned market crashes into buying opportunities[23:44] Why debt isn’t always the enemy when you understand Bitcoin’s growth curve[27:36] The three biggest mistakes most new Bitcoiner makes, and how to avoid them[31:25] What the Luna crash revealed about Bitcoin-only conviction[35:41] The simple logic that even billionaires use to see Bitcoin as the ultimate cheat codeWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Andreas M. Antonopoulos | YouTubeMichael Saylor | YouTubeLedn | WebsiteColdcard | WebsiteTrezor | WebsiteLedger | WebsiteThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookBitcoin Community | SkoolFind more from Ted:Ted Carr | WebsiteTed Carr | FacebookTed Carr | InstagramTed Carr | YouTubeFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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104: Tomer Strolight ON: Custodians vs Innovators: Can Bitcoin Evolve Without Betraying Its Purpose?
What happens when the people safeguarding Bitcoin can’t agree on what they’re actually safeguarding?In this episode, I sit down with Tomer Strolight, writer, educator, and long-time Bitcoin thinker, to explore the cracks forming in Bitcoin’s governance. From the origins of Core development to the recent rifts over protocol changes, Tomer explains why these debates aren’t just technical, they’re philosophical.At the heart of it all is one question: can Bitcoin evolve without betraying its purpose? Fear and trust collide here. On one side are those pushing for innovation; on the other, those guarding the purity of sound money. The tension isn’t abstract, it’s personal, and it’s reshaping the future of the network, because when the code that runs the world’s hardest money starts to split, the real question is whether we can keep talking long enough to hold it together.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[01:42] Why teaching Bitcoin without metaphors could change how people actually understand it[04:57] What the fight between “custodians” and “innovators” reveals about Bitcoin’s future[09:18] How paranoia and blind trust both distort debates about Bitcoin’s governance[13:27] The overlooked reason Bitcoin’s consensus rules act more like judges than developers[18:46] What the “inscriptions” controversy exposed about Bitcoin’s shifting priorities[23:55] Why rushing code changes in Bitcoin can have irreversible consequences[30:41] The deeper conflict between those who see Bitcoin as money and those who see it as adatabase[39:52] How generational differences among developers are reshaping Bitcoin Core[50:16] What real dialogue, not debate, could mean for Bitcoin’s survivalWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Legendary Treasure of Satoshi Nakamoto by Tomer Strolight | ArticleHello. I Am Bitcoin by Tomer Strolight | Article Why People Wonder if Bitcoin is Alien Technology by Tomer Strolight | ArticleSwan Bitcoin | Blog Learn more from Tomer by following him on X and LinkedIn.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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103: Michael Dunworth ON: The Treasury Game That’s Crashing Bitcoin Stocks
Bitcoin hit $125,000 this week, and it felt like nobody cared.In this episode, I’m joined by three-time guest Michael Dunworth. He’s a longtime Bitcoiner and builder who helped roll licensing, on-ramps, off-ramps, and banking partners into an API for others to use.We dig into how Bitcoin treasury companies turned a smart idea into a dangerous illusion. Big promises, confusing language, and off-chain trades have investors thinking they’re buying Bitcoin when they’re really buying risk. Custodians hold too much power. Analysts still use the wrong metrics. And the people trying to shortcut their way to gains keep getting wrecked.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[01:06] Why Bitcoin treasury companies copied the Saylor playbook, and why it backfired[03:18] The reason “acquired” is used intentionally as opposed to “bought” when companies announce Bitcoin buys[04:49] What happens when investors chase Bitcoin exposure through stocks instead of self-custody[06:32] How traditional analysts miss the point by measuring treasuries in dollars, not SATs per share[14:11] The risk no one’s talking about when custodians hold a fifth of all Bitcoin[37:52] What OTC net settlement reveals about “price suppression” myths[44:09] How off-chain trading hides real Bitcoin demand from the charts[57:58] Why centralization could turn Bitcoin’s strength into its biggest weaknessWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Dao of Bitcoin by Scott Dedels | Book or AudiobookThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookLearn more from Michael by following him on X.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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102: Sunny Ray ON: Sunny Ray ON: Taking on India’s Central Bank… and Winning
India’s Bitcoin story might be the most important one you haven’t heard yetIn this episode, I’m joined by Sunny Ray, a longtime Canadian Bitcoin entrepreneur. He started meetups in Bangalore and often ran them weekly. He launched a Bitcoin company in India and helped challenge the central bank in a case that was won in 2020.Most people can’t define money, even as it runs their lives. After 2020, inflation made that gap impossible to ignore. We trace what changed, why Bitcoin clicked, and how India became a proving ground. And you’ll see why small, consistent moves beat complicated protocols.You’ll Learn:[00:00] Introduction[05:25] The moment Sunny realized no one could explain what money actually is[07:40] How discovering Bitcoin in India rewired his understanding of value[12:15] The surprising story of Unocoin’s launch—and the central banker who showed up in secret[18:05] What happened when India’s Supreme Court ruled against the central bank’s Bitcoin ban[21:20] Why India’s obsession with gold could make it the next global Bitcoin powerhouse[25:15] How Bitcoin could revolutionize India’s massive remittance market[27:45] The rise of Bitcoin treasury companies—and why Sunny thinks we’re in the first inning[36:10] What Michael Saylor’s “Iron Bank” strategy reveals about the future of corporate Bitcoin[37:50] How Vancouver’s mayor is fighting red tape to make his city Bitcoin-friendlyWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Unocoin | WebsiteFind more from Sunny Ray:Sunny Ray | WebsiteSunny Ray | LinkedInSunny Ray | FacebookFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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101: Daniel Carlin ON: Behind The Scenes Of The Canadian Bitcoin Conference
👉 Engage top talent and empower your team with Bitcoin saving: https://blockrewards.caBitcoin solves a critical problem that touches everyone. What happens when Canada faces that head-on?In this episode, I sit down with Daniel Carlin, founder of the Canadian Bitcoin Conference, just a week before it returns to Montreal. This is the third run of the event, which started in Toronto in 2023 before moving to Montreal last year.We get into what it takes to build a lineup of about 70 Bitcoin-focused speakers across two stages, and how the conference has become a place where you can actually connect with the people. Daniel also talks about the new business workshop designed for owners who want to learn how to bring Bitcoin into their operations.You’ll Learn:What happens when a government blocks a keynote speaker from entering the countryThe link between conference size and the chance to actually meet speakers face to faceThe reason the Canadian Bitcoin Conference moved from June to October in MontrealWhy corporate workshops are now part of the conference programHow business owners can start accepting and reporting Bitcoin in CanadaThe toll of running a multi-day conference and what it feels like behind the scenesThe connection between Bitcoin’s price, ticket sales, and conference turnout in CanadaTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[06:42] Why the conference moved to October in Montreal[10:05] Building a lineup and what’s new with speakers this year[13:57] The launch of a corporate workshop for business owners[16:41] Adding hockey and social events to the conference culture[19:12] What running a Bitcoin conference really feels like[23:34] How ticket sales and turnout shift with Bitcoin’s price[26:52] The Canadian economy’s drag on attendance and travel[29:07] Looking ahead to Bitcoin adoption in Canada and beyond[36:14] Conference details, workshops, and speakersWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Canadian Bitcoin Conference | WebsiteLearn more from Daniel on LinkedIn.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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100: Saifedean Ammous ON: Why Bitcoin Is NOT A Ponzi Scheme
👉 Engage top talent and empower your team with Bitcoin saving: https://blockrewards.caWhat if the single biggest mistake people make about Bitcoin is assuming it has to pay a yield to be real?Welcome to episode 100 where I sit down with the one and only Saifedean Ammous, author of The Bitcoin Standard. We strip Bitcoin back to its core: money that holds value because it can’t be easily made. We dig into why no yield doesn’t equal a Ponzi Scheme, how fiat currencies are designed to rob savers, and why houses became saving accounts instead of homes. Saifedean breaks down Bitcoin’s fixed supply, the way halving works, and why that scarcity keeps driving demand. We explore what happens when governments keep printing, why high time preference thinking blinds them to Bitcoin, and how this all adds up to a slow-motion debt jubilee as fiat fades into irrelevance.You’ll Learn:The reason calling Bitcoin a Ponzi Scheme because it has no yield misses the whole point of moneyWhat happens when fiat money is built to lose 5–10% of value every year The link between housing bubbles and broken money The damage of inflation pushing entire generations out of homeownership and into permanent rentingThe reason hardest-to-produce assets always end up as moneyWhat happens when Bitcoin’s scarcity collides with global demand The link between debt creation in fiat systems and why Bitcoin represents a slow-motion debt jubileeTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [05:12] Why calling Bitcoin a Ponzi Scheme misses the point of money [09:02] How fiat money robs savers and forces speculation [12:11] Housing as a savings account and why Bitcoin fixes it [15:07] Bitcoin’s fixed supply and the halving schedule [19:14] Why scarcity pushes Bitcoin toward becoming global money [23:41] The tipping point where Bitcoin overtakes other monies [29:04] Governments, short-term thinking, and why they can’t grasp Bitcoin [33:52] Bitcoin as a slow-motion debt jubilee replacing fiat debt [36:44] Why expanding the money supply is a lie and divisibility matters [38:59] Imagining the 20th century if the world had stayed on a gold standardWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookThe Fiat Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookThe Bitcoin Standard Podcast by Saifedean Ammous | Apple or SpotifyFind more From Saifedean:Saifedean Ammous | WebsiteSaifedean Ammous | InstagramSaifedean Ammous | XSaifedean Ammous | FacebookThe Saifhouse | WebsiteFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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99: Tyranny of the Clock
👉 Engage top talent and empower your team with Bitcoin saving: https://blockrewards.caWhat if the real theft isn’t of your money, but of your time?This episode was sparked by George Woodcock’s 1944 essay The Tyranny of the Clock. Woodcock, an economist, argued that the invention of the mechanical clock in 1657 fundamentally changed how humans related to time, making it possible to measure, schedule, and commodify life itself.I trace that idea forward into the world of central banking, fiat money, and Bitcoin. From the Federal Reserve’s creation in 1913, to Nixon cutting gold from the dollar in 1971, to today’s endless money printing, the value of time has been systematically degraded. Bitcoin, with its fixed supply and transparent schedule, offers a way to break free of this trap and restore time as the most valuable asset we have.You’ll Learn:Why Nixon’s 1971 move to cut gold from the dollar still shapes your daily costsWhat happens when central banks expand the money supply while time itself never changesThe surprising link between the invention of the mechanical clock and the rise of industrial societyWhy fiat money makes every unit of your time worth less as you move through lifeHow Bitcoin functions as a clock built on blocks, epochs, and difficulty adjustmentsThe damage of high time preference and how it fuels disposable culture, food, and buildingsWhy storing your time in Bitcoin can flip urgency into long-term securityThe deeper connection between history, civilization cycles, and the future Bitcoin makes possibleTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[09:00] The mechanical clock’s invention in 1657 and how it redefined time[11:47] Factories, schools, and armies turning human life into scheduled labor[14:32] Central banking, fixed time, and why money keeps losing value[18:15] Bitcoin as a clock built on blocks, epochs, and difficulty adjustments[21:57] High time preference and disposable culture in food, buildings, and media[24:38] Low time preference and how Bitcoin lets you store time securely[28:51] Civilization cycles, history, and Bitcoin as the next major shift[31:42] Why Bitcoin is as significant as the printing press or the wheel[34:12] How Block Rewards reshape saving, work, and the future of valueWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Tyranny of the Clock by George Woodcock | EssayThe Creature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin | BookThe Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or AudiobookBitcoin Is Time | EssayFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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98: Joe Burnett ON: The Playbook for Running a Corporate Bitcoin Treasury
👉 Engage top talent and empower your team with Bitcoin saving: https://blockrewards.caWhat if the smartest move your company could make right now isn’t launching a new product, but changing what sits on your balance sheet?In this episode, I’m joined by Joe Burnett, Director of Bitcoin Strategy at Semler Scientific, the second American public company to adopt a Bitcoin standard.We get into what it actually means to operate on a Bitcoin standard, how corporate treasury strategies for Bitcoin are emerging, and why adoption has moved from individuals to companies. Joe shares what his role involves day to day, how public and private companies think differently about Bitcoin, and the specific factors a small business owner might weigh before starting their own Bitcoin treasury.You’ll Learn:The difference between a company simply holding Bitcoin and operating on a true Bitcoin standardWhy Bitcoin’s monetary properties make it a contender for the “best form of money” ever discoveredHow metrics like BTC yield and market-to-net-asset-value (MNav) shape corporate Bitcoin strategyThe role “intelligent leverage” plays in amplifying Bitcoin returns for public companiesWhy Bitcoin treasury companies can be massively overcollateralized despite using debtThe factors that make adoption easier for individuals and private companies than public corporationsHow a small business owner might decide whether to start a Bitcoin treasuryThe trade-offs and challenges of proof of reserves for Bitcoin treasury companiesWhat a Director of Bitcoin Strategy actually does inside a public companyWhy skepticism toward Bitcoin treasury companies could signal an untapped opportunityTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [05:00] Why companies might choose to hold Bitcoin as an asset [06:58] What it means to operate on a Bitcoin standard [08:57] Key metrics for evaluating corporate Bitcoin treasuries [11:55] How intelligent leverage can amplify Bitcoin returns [15:00] The long-term outlook for Bitcoin treasury companies [21:00] Inside the role of a director of Bitcoin strategy [27:02] How small businesses can approach a Bitcoin treasury [31:00] The challenges and trade-offs of proof of reserves [37:58] Why Bitcoin remains the foundation beneath treasury strategiesWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Semler Scientific | WebsiteIf you want to learn more about Joe, follow him on LinkedIn, X and YouTube.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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97: Dave Bradley ON: The Untold Way Bitcoin Could Reshape Governments and Nations
What happens when cheap money builds entire industries on debt?In this episode I sit down with Dave Bradley. He was very early to Bitcoin and ran the first brick‑and‑mortar Bitcoin store in Canada. We start with his “Bitcoin fixes things” lens on the car industry, financing bubbles, add‑on features, regulations, and union dynamics, and why he says Bitcoin would change those incentives. Then we get into how money printing shapes government power, the “sovereign individual” idea and the end of the mega‑state, plus what a Bitcoin reserve or commodity‑backed currency could mean for Alberta and why he predicts Alberta could leave Canada by the end of 2026.You’ll Learn:The mechanics of Dave Bradley’s “Bitcoin fixes the car industry” exampleHow cheap credit fuels vehicle financing bubbles and distorted car designThe real reason modern cars are loaded with costly, breakable featuresWhat changes when money appreciates instead of melts awayThe connection between money printing and government overreachWhy Dave believes Bitcoin could strip governments of their covert taxing powerThe “sovereign individual” case for the end of the large-scale nation stateHow Alberta could use a Bitcoin reserve to protect against federal controlThe potential of a currency backed by gold, Bitcoin, and oilTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [06:18] How Bitcoin could fix the car industry [10:47] The shift in spending when money gains value over time [15:00] Why Bitcoin changes the buyer’s relationship with government power [18:23] How government intervention distorts markets [24:00] The sovereign individual theory and the decline of the mega state [34:00] How a strategic Bitcoin reserve could protect Alberta [38:00] The idea of a currency backed by gold, Bitcoin, and oil [42:00] Why Alberta could thrive with low taxes and unleashed oil production [45:00] Dave’s prediction for Alberta’s separation from CanadaWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Sovereign Individual by James Dale Davidson and William Rees-Mogg | Book or AudiobookIf you want to learn more from Dave, visit his website and follow him on LinkedIn and X.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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96: George Bordianu ON: Why Most Canadians Don’t Actually Own Their Bitcoin
How safe is your Bitcoin, really?In this episode, I sit down with George Bordianu, co-founder and CEO of Balance, Canada’s oldest and largest digital asset custodian. Balance has been operating since 2017, holds roughly $3 billion in client assets (depending on market prices), and is regulated under a trust charter from Alberta Treasury Board and Finance.We talk about why self-custody isn’t always practical, how most retail investors end up with “paper Bitcoin” instead of actual Bitcoin, and how Balance creates wallets with full legal title for clients while keeping assets secured offline in military-grade hardware inside bank-grade vaults. George also explains what it takes to protect assets against hackers and physical threats, and why he believes building and keeping crypto infrastructure in Canada is critical for the country’s financial future.You’ll Learn:The real reason most Canadians end up with “paper Bitcoin” instead of actual BitcoinThe surprising link between vault security and digital asset protectionHow Balance creates wallets with full legal title for individual investorsThe quiet damage of Canada losing crypto companies and assets to the USWhat happens when Bitcoin is used as collateral for loans and mortgagesHow Balance protects assets against both hackers and physical threatsThe slow but essential shift toward regulated crypto custody in CanadaWhy quantum computing is already on the radar for custodians like BalanceTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[05:00] Why custodians matter alongside self-custody for Bitcoin[09:00] How Balance secures assets against hackers and physical threats[13:00] The difference between legal title and “paper Bitcoin”[17:00] Why custody is the biggest roadblock for Bitcoin payroll adoption[19:00] How Canadian law protects client assets in a custodian insolvency[21:00] Using Bitcoin as collateral for mortgages and loans[24:00] Why quantum computing is a real future risk for custody systems[28:00] The regulatory challenges pushing Canadian crypto assets to the US[34:00] How Alberta enabled Balance to become a regulated custodianWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Balance | WebsiteBlock Rewards Bitcoin Savings Plan | WebsiteLearn more about George on his website and follow him on LinkedIn. Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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95: Helena Andrejko ON: The Psychology of Fiat, Bitcoin, and Human Consciousness
What if money doesn’t just buy things but actually changes how we think?In this episode, I talk with Helena Andrejko, an Australian psychotherapist who works with individuals and couples, as well as a psychedelic-assisted therapist trained to use psilocybin and MDMA for trauma and depression treatment in regulated medical settings. She splits her time between her therapy practice and her work in the Bitcoin space.We discuss how money can shape human consciousness, the overlap Helena sees between therapy and decentralization, and how trust functions differently in fiat and Bitcoin systems. Helena also shares why she believes Bitcoin challenges old power dynamics and what that could mean for how people relate to truth, pain, and authenticity.You’ll Learn:The surprising link between money and human consciousnessWhat it feels like to balance psychotherapy with being a BitcoinerThe real reason trust can’t be mandated in money systemsWhy fiat money mirrors a parent-child dynamicWhat happens when centralized authorities decide what truth isThe quiet damage of relying on monetary “heroes” for protectionHow Bitcoin shifts trust from institutions to math and codeThe role pain plays in growth and authenticity within decentralized systemsWhat history shows us about dissent, truth, and the cost of challenging powerTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[06:40] How Helena connects therapy and Bitcoin through decentralization[08:55] The link between the invention of coinage and abstract thought[15:10] Why fiat money mirrors a parent-child trust dynamic[23:40] The hero, villain, and victim roles in money systems[29:00] How CBDCs and centralized decisions place people in the victim role[30:20] Why Bitcoin liberates authenticity by breaking old power structures[37:00] What history teaches about dissent and the cost of truth[39:10] How Bitcoin changes our relationship with pain and self-reliance[44:30] Why Bitcoin’s rules create boundaries without central authoritiesWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Dao of Bitcoin by Scott Dedels | Book or AudiobookRichard Seaford | AboutYuval Noah Harari | WebsiteByung-Chul Han | AboutLearn more about Helena on her website and follow her on LinkedIn.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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94: Cedric Youngelman ON: Bitcoin, Freedom, and the Fight Against Financial Enslavement
What if Bitcoin didn’t come to disrupt the system… but to save it?In this episode, I’m joined by Cedric Youngelman, the host of the Bitcoin Matrix podcast. Cedric’s been immersed in the Bitcoin space since 2017, and over the years he’s built a reputation for digging into the deeper philosophical and political implications of money, sovereignty, and how we organize society.We get into Cedric’s personal Bitcoin journey, from Facebook burnout and “heavily armed clowns” on Twitter to realizing that Bitcoin might be one of humanity’s few true paradigm shifts. We also talk about the rise of corporate and government accumulation, the dangers of centralization, and what happens when people confuse price action with understanding. Cedric doesn’t hold back.You’ll Learn:What it feels like to go from fiat confusion to Bitcoin convictionHow MicroStrategy and other treasury firms could destabilize Bitcoin during a downturnWhy self-custody is more than just a technical feature, it’s a societal shiftThe quiet damage of measuring everything in fiat termsWhat changes when you treat Bitcoin as money, not just a store of valueThe surprising link between centralized adoption and long-term riskWhat happens when states, ETFs, and corporations accumulate too much BitcoinWhy some Bitcoiners are questioning Ross Ulbricht’s reappearanceThe big risk of forgetting Bitcoin’s ethos while celebrating its priceTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [06:01] Cedric’s first exposure to Bitcoin and early confusion around altcoins [10:37] The moment he realized Bitcoin isn’t about tech, it’s about money [14:55] Why Bitcoin changes the rules of entrepreneurship and property ownership [19:03] The myth of store of value first, medium of exchange second [22:45] How ETFs and custodians give the old system leverage over Bitcoin [29:14] The risk of financialized Bitcoin companies during market crashes [33:45] Why state and corporate adoption might backfire [39:59] The problem with passing down Bitcoin values to the next generation [43:00] Cedric’s take on the Lightning Network and remaining skeptical [45:50] Why some Bitcoiners are ignoring valid critiques of the system [47:40] Could Bitcoin have been created by the state? [56:25] Cedric’s theory on Ross Ulbricht’s release and strange public reappearance [01:04:55] Reframing fiat life as a prison and Bitcoin as an escape hatchWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Bitcoin Matrix Podcast with Cedric Youngelman | WebsiteYour Wealth Is Melting by Joe Burnett | ArticleLex Fridman Interview with Jack Dorsey | YouTubeLearn more about Cedric by following him on X and LinkedIn.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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93: John Ely ON: The Explosive Synergy Between AI and Bitcoin Explained
What happens when AI agents get paid in Bitcoin?In this episode, I sit down with John Ely, our Chief Innovation Officer at Block Rewards, for his second appearance on the podcast. John is a technologist with a sharp eye for where Bitcoin, AI, and the future of work intersect.We get into the explosion of AI agents and what it means to embed reasoning, logic, and even payments into software. John shares how AI is already reshaping our own company, his thoughts on why Bitcoin is the ultimate money for autonomous agents, and why he believes we’re on the verge of seeing AI create timeless works of art.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[04:45] How Tesla’s autonomous car shows where AI is headed[07:01] What AI agents are and how they’re already used in business[11:00] Michael Saylor’s use of deep research to create new financial products[13:55] Reflections on early tech and how AI feels like the next big shift[16:00] How coding agents plan, reason, and evaluate their own work[18:20] Why every company is becoming an AI company[23:00] Alpha Go, the God move, and what it revealed about AI creativity[26:00] What an agentic workforce could look like and how agents might be paid[31:00] The synergy between AI productivity and Bitcoin as sound money[35:00] Why white collar work is more vulnerable to AI than blue collar work[37:00] Bold prediction that AI will create a timeless work of art soonWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or AudiobookDeep Research | WebsiteClaude (Anthropic AI Tool) | WebsiteY Combinator | WebsiteCoinbase’s C402 Protocol | WebsiteLightning Labs' L402 Protocol | WebsiteMovie: AlphaGoLearn more from John by following him on X.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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93
92: Jordi Llonch ON: Why Geographic Freedom Isn’t Enough—You Need Bitcoin
“You thought you were free—until your bank froze your money.”This week on The Block Reward, Scott sits down with Jordi Llonch, a former airline pilot turned Bitcoin advocate and digital freedom strategist. Jordi’s not just talking tech—he’s living the life of a global citizen, traveling the world as a true digital nomad and helping others do the same. With a sharp eye for how broken financial systems restrict our autonomy, Jordi brings a unique and urgent perspective on why Bitcoin matters far beyond investment portfolios.In this episode, you’ll explore the rising tension between geographical freedom and financial dependence, and how Bitcoin is quietly becoming the tool that unlocks both. Jordi shares stories from his travels, explains how Bitcoin empowers remote workers and nomads, and introduces ideas like geoarbitrage, circular economies, and financial self-sovereignty. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Barcelona’s thriving Bitcoin community, what’s really happening in places like El Salvador and Costa Rica, and why most people won’t care about Bitcoin—until they’re forced to. If you’re curious about building a life outside the system, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.You’ll Learn:How digital nomads can unlock true freedom by combining geographic and financial independenceWhy most remote workers misunderstand what “freedom” actually requiresHow to use geoarbitrage to align your lifestyle with your valuesWhy banks freeze funds for nomads—and how Bitcoin bypasses that riskHow to identify the moment your freedom is just an illusionWhat Bitcoin adoption looks like on the ground in El Salvador vs. Costa RicaWhy freedom technologies matter more than speculative price chartsHow local Bitcoin communities fuel real-world adoption and resilienceWhy the global South may lead the next wave of Bitcoin innovationWhat a “Swiss bank account on your phone” really means for sovereigntyTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [03:10] What defines a digital nomad [05:05] Why freedom is the central value for nomads [06:45] The financial limitations of geographic freedom [08:00] The role of Bitcoin in solving financial friction [09:15] How Bitcoin becomes a tool for survival, not speculation [11:26] The mindset shift from settling to mobility [14:02] How capital controls broke the social contract [15:32] How Bitcoin flips the power dynamic between people and states [16:12] Why the global South may rise while the West declines [18:07] A comparison of Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador vs Costa Rica [20:49] The “frog in the jacuzzi” metaphor for passive decline [22:47] Why Bitcoin provides a mobile, uncensorable bank account [24:12] How a pizza shop was on boarded through real demand [25:01] Inside Barcelona’s thriving Bitcoin-only community [27:06] Examples of technical workshops offered in Barcelona [29:45] Behind the scenes of Barcelona’s Bitcoin-only conference [33:04] Why Jordi built a global Bitcoin event map [35:37] The power of Bitcoin meetups when traveling [37:20] Why nationalism and politics create division [39:51] Creating a culture of global citizenshipWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:BTC Map | WebsiteBTC Events Map | WebsiteNostr | WebsiteSatlantis | WebsiteLearn more about Jordi by following him on X, LinkedIn and SatlantisFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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92
91: Willy Woo & Yann Allemann ON: What Happens When Bitcoin Becomes the World’s Base Asset?
"Bitcoin isn’t digital gold—it’s something far more powerful."In this episode, Scott is joined by two of the most respected names in on-chain analytics and Bitcoin macro strategy: Willy Woo, legendary data analyst and market commentator, and Yann Alleman, co-founder of Swissblock and architect of institutional-grade Bitcoin strategy. Together, they break down why Bitcoin’s trajectory isn’t just about price—it’s about fundamentally redefining value on a global scale.You’ll gain insider insight into Bitcoin’s path to 50%+ of global GDP, the rise of sovereign and corporate treasury adoption, and why volatility is not a bug—but a feature—of an evolving macro asset class. The trio explores how Bitcoin stacks up against fiat, gold, and altcoins, the role of liquidity flows, and why traditional portfolio management is being forced to adapt. You’ll also hear about the tools behind Bitcoin Vector, their new initiative aimed at professionalizing Bitcoin analytics and educating the next wave of institutional adoption.This is not your typical Bitcoin hype conversation—it's a masterclass in understanding the next evolution of money.You’ll Learn:How Bitcoin could realistically capture 50% of global GDP and what that means for investorsWhy measuring Bitcoin in fiat terms distorts long-term value projectionsHow on-chain data reveals Bitcoin's unique position as a macro asset, not just digital goldWhat liquidity trends tell us about Bitcoin’s sensitivity to global monetary policyHow to interpret Bitcoin’s volatility compression as a sign of market maturityWhy corporate and sovereign treasury adoption is accelerating—and what to watch forHow to assess the real risk behind Bitcoin-holding companies using convertibility metricsWhy altcoin dominance is likely to shrink as Bitcoin consolidates its role as the anchor assetHow stablecoins and Bitcoin together reshape the foundation of global financeWhat top funds get wrong about portfolio allocation in a high-liquidity Bitcoin worldTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [00:24] Bitcoin as a percentage of global GDP [03:16] Measuring Bitcoin by GDP instead of USD [04:22] Liquidity dynamics between real estate and Bitcoin [07:05] Bitcoin as a complex macro system [09:32] Why Bitcoin isn’t just digital gold [11:08] Coexistence of fiat and Bitcoin [14:35] How smaller nations lead Bitcoin adoption [18:09] Corporate treasury adoption trends [20:38] Market-neutral Bitcoin strategies explained [22:24] Risks of over-leveraged Bitcoin treasury firms [28:07] Sovereign Bitcoin adoption behind the scenes [32:19] Bitcoin dominance and the altcoin decline [36:25] Why altcoins continue to underperform [41:02] When altcoins actually outperform Bitcoin [45:00] Bitcoin’s cycles tied to global liquidity [49:06] Why most crypto trading strategies fail [53:05] Bitcoin as a check on fiat systems [56:03] Swissblock and Bitcoin Vector overviewWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Swiss Block | WebsiteGlass Node | WebsiteBlackRock | WebsiteCME | WebsiteStarlink | WebsiteBitcoin Vector | XLearn more from Willy by following him on X and LinkedIn. Learn more from Yann by following him on LinkedIn.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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91
90: Hunter Albright ON: The Bitcoin Hack to Build Wealth WITHOUT Paying Taxes
Why the Ultra-Wealthy Never Sell—and What Bitcoin Has to Do with ItThis episode features Hunter Albright, systems engineer, AI expert, and traditional finance veteran turned Bitcoin educator and executive at Salt Lending. With decades of experience managing credit portfolios and building financial models, Hunter brings a rare combination of institutional insight and future-focused innovation to the conversation.You’ll learn why Bitcoin isn’t just digital gold—it’s becoming the foundational asset of a new financial paradigm. Hunter breaks down how Bitcoin enables everyday people to use wealth-building strategies once reserved for the elite: leveraging appreciating assets, avoiding taxable events, and gaining financial mobility across borders. You’ll also hear what’s brewing in the world of Bitcoin-backed loans, how businesses (from governments to mom-and-pops) are waking up to the power of holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets, and what the rise of global Bitcoin treasuries means for the future of real estate, debt, and sovereignty. Whether you're a curious investor or a serious builder, this conversation will change how you think about money, freedom, and what comes next.You’ll Learn:How borrowing against Bitcoin mimics ultra-wealthy strategies for tax-efficient wealth buildingWhy collateralized debt can be a smarter play than traditional creditHow Bitcoin’s portability redefines global financial freedomWhat rising institutional interest signals about Bitcoin’s future as collateralHow real estate investing could shift as Bitcoin adoption growsWhy stablecoins and other digital assets might dominate daily transactionsHow Bitcoin-backed loans unlock income bridging and retirement fundingWhat to look for in a lender to stay in control of your collateralHow Bitcoin treasuries can make small businesses more resilientWhy peer-to-peer transactions challenge the traditional four-party payment modelTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [02:00] How Bitcoin enables global, peer-to-peer wealth transfer [03:00] Using Bitcoin as a collateralized, appreciating asset [05:07] How the wealthy avoid taxes by borrowing against assets [07:00] Why Bitcoin could replace real estate as preferred collateral [09:00] Bitcoin loan interest rates vs expected appreciation [10:00] Institutional lenders entering Bitcoin-backed loan markets [12:00] The rise of Bitcoin treasury reserves in companies and governments [14:00] Why businesses underperform without Bitcoin on the balance sheet [17:00] How Bitcoin reserves support small and rural businesses [20:00] Global wealth preservation in failing fiat systems [22:00] Bitcoin as a portable Swiss bank account [25:00] Comparing Visa’s payment network to Bitcoin’s peer-to-peer model [27:00] Bitcoin’s potential to disrupt credit card fees and chargebacks [30:00] Why Bitcoin users need self-custody and financial literacy [32:00] What Salt Lending offers for Bitcoin-backed borrowing [34:00] Three key reasons people use Bitcoin loansWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Salt Lending | WebsiteCertified Bitcoin Professional (C4) | WebsiteBitcoin 2026 Conference (Las Vegas) | WebsiteFollow Hunter on LinkedIn and X.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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89: Aleks Svetski ON: The Anti-Algorithm Era Has a Name: Bitcoin + Nostr
If you want a competitive edge, stop trying to out-AI everyone—and start doing things only humans can.This week on The Block Reward, Scott sits down with returning guest Aleks Svetski—entrepreneur, author of The Bushido of Bitcoin, and the visionary founder behind Satlantis, a decentralized, Nostr-powered travel and social app reshaping how sovereign individuals connect in the real world. With a track record of challenging the status quo, Aleks brings sharp insight into the future of technology, identity, and human connection.In this thought-provoking conversation, you’ll discover how Satlantis merges real-life exploration with digital sovereignty, why mainstream social media is devolving into algorithmic sludge, and how decentralized protocols like Nostr could reshape the internet as we know it. Aleks also drops bold takes on AI hype, Bitcoin’s inevitable dominance, and why your competitive edge lies in not outsourcing your life to tech. Whether you’re a Bitcoiner, builder, or freedom-seeking nomad, this episode offers a roadmap for staying human in an increasingly automated world.You’ll Learn:How building on Nostr changes what’s possible for decentralized appsWhy identity as a protocol beats identity as a featureHow social graphs drive personalized travel recommendationsWhy “real-world experience” is the next competitive edge after AI saturationHow to blend directory, social, and review systems into one seamless platformWhat Satlantis reveals about the future of network-driven communitiesWhy traditional social media is collapsing under its own algorithmsHow deflationary pressure from AI will reshape pricing and productivityWhy Bitcoin adoption and digital sovereignty go hand in handHow to position yourself where AI can’t compete—and humans thriveTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [05:00] Why existing tools like Nomad List fall short [07:15] How building on Nostr expanded the project beyond Bitcoin [09:57] What Nostr is and how identity works on it [13:03] Why Nostr offers the power of email with social reach [15:32] Building Satlantis fully on Nostr initially failed [18:15] Why the new version blends native features with protocol integration [19:45] Why the mobile and web apps are intentionally different [21:45] How the collections feature helps travelers plan ahead [23:14] How Satlantis combines events, merchants, and content [25:12] Why traditional travel and review apps feel outdated [26:57] How Satlantis blends social discovery with structured content [28:10] How social and interest graphs drive personalization [30:03] Why Instagram changed what people share and search for [31:59] Satlantis aims to replace TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Meetup [32:31] How Nostr-based identity enables a new kind of platform [33:49] How listeners can invest in Satlantis via Timestamp [35:02] Why slop content is killing social media [36:44] Why people are craving real-world connection again [39:10] Where humans have the edge in an AI-dominated future [41:05] Why capital is shifting toward Bitcoin and real value [43:31] How Satlantis plans to onboard merchants into Bitcoin at scaleWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.The Bushido of Bitcoin by Aleks Svetski | Book The UnCommunist Manifesto by Aleks Svetski and Mark Moss | Book or AudiobookSatlantis | WebsiteThe Bitcoin Times | WebsiteSpirit of Satoshi | WebsiteLearn more about Aleks on his website. You can also follow him on X and InstagramFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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89
88: Suman Kumar ON: How Bitcoin Gave Me Back My Sovereignty
I didn’t lose faith in crypto—I lost faith in lies.This week on The Block Reward, Scott sits down with author and sociologist Suman Kumar, whose new book Reclaiming Sovereignty explores the gritty personal journey from crypto disillusionment to Bitcoin conviction. With no background in finance or tech, Suman brings a rare lens: one rooted in global stories, community resilience, and a fierce demand for choice. Her insights are especially vital in a world waking up to the reality of broken money.You’ll hear how surviving the collapse of Luna and the FTX fallout led Suman not to retreat—but to lean in. She unpacks Bitcoin not as tech or trend, but as a social movement—a worldwide experiment in autonomy, hope, and human empowerment. We explore the emotional and existential stakes of financial sovereignty, how Gen Z and the Global South are shaping Bitcoin’s future, and why real freedom always comes with responsibility. If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t built for you, this conversation is your call to reconsider what’s possible.You’ll Learn:How disillusionment with crypto scams can sharpen clarity around Bitcoin’s core valueWhy Bitcoin’s social movement transcends race, politics, and geographyHow to reframe sovereignty as actionable personal choice, not just ideologyWhat global stories reveal about Bitcoin’s role in financial survivalHow community and shared values drive deeper adoption than profit aloneWhy emotional freedom depends on financial sovereigntyWhat Gen Z’s engagement with Bitcoin signals about the future of moneyHow Bitcoin mining intersects with energy reform and Indigenous autonomyWhy responsibility—not just rebellion—is central to true financial freedomHow real stories from the Global South challenge Western Bitcoin narrativesTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [01:45] The emotional fallout of Luna and FTX [03:10] What sets Bitcoin apart from altcoins [04:26] Turning financial loss into purpose [05:38] How personal stories shape the Bitcoin narrative [06:57] The power of the global Bitcoin community [08:19] Bitcoin as a vehicle for personal choice [09:36] Why sovereignty starts with money [10:42] Bitcoin’s role in transcending identity and borders [12:01] The deeper emotional impact of broken money [13:30] Bitcoin as a tool for reclaiming personal freedom [14:27] How Bitcoin transforms lives in the Global South [15:42] Breaking away from financial systems of control [17:00] Why sovereignty means more than just independence [18:23] The cultural layers of sovereignty on Indigenous land [19:41] Why freedom must be fought for [20:55] Compliance vs responsibility in financial systems [22:14] How Bitcoin fosters active, engaged communities [23:33] Bitcoin’s optimism and life-changing potential [24:11] El Salvador’s shift from fear to hope [25:18] Gen Z’s role in shaping Bitcoin’s future [26:22] What freedom feels like after finding Bitcoin [27:29] Writing as a personal sovereignty practice [28:24] Bitcoin mining and Indigenous energy strategyWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Reclaiming Sovereignty by Suman Kumar | Book The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookConsensus Conference | Website“With Bitcoin, we don’t have to earn our wealth twice” - Ella Hough | YouTubeLearn more about Suman Kumar by following her on XFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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88
87: James Lavish ON: Tariffs, Treasuries, and the Bitcoin Wild Card
The Fed Wants to Be a Hedge Fund—Here’s What That Means for BitcoinJames Lavish—managing partner of the Bitcoin Opportunity Fund and author of The Informationist—returns for a sharp, high-stakes conversation about markets, monetary policy, and the future of Bitcoin. With a background in hedge funds and Wall Street, James brings deep insight into how liquidity, debt, and geopolitical shifts are shaping the investment landscape.In this episode, you’ll hear James break down the trillion-dollar “basis trade” threat looming over global finance—and why the Brookings Institution is floating the idea of the Federal Reserve taking it on directly. You’ll learn how institutions like BlackRock are quietly stacking Bitcoin, why MicroStrategy’s playbook is nearly impossible to replicate, and what SAB 121’s repeal means for Bitcoin’s integration into traditional banking. We also unpack volatility, risk signals, and why all eyes are on liquidity as the true driver of price action. If you care about macro shifts, asymmetric bets, and the collision of old and new finance, this one’s unmissable.You’ll Learn:How the trillion-dollar “basis trade” threatens market stabilityWhy the Fed might start behaving like a hedge fundHow volatility forces institutions to liquidate Bitcoin firstWhat liquidity cycles reveal about Bitcoin price movementWhy MicroStrategy’s model can’t easily be copiedHow policy shifts like SAB 121 impact Bitcoin custody and lendingWhy institutional Bitcoin buys don’t always move the priceWhat global treasury markets signal about U.S. economic fragilityHow margin rules and volatility drive systemic riskWhy long-term Bitcoin conviction hinges on liquidity, not hypeTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [03:10] What the Fed watches when making rate decisions [05:35] How global liquidity ties into Bitcoin’s price [06:45] Why the US relies on foreign treasury buyers [08:05] The problem with holding US treasuries during inflation [10:30] How the “basis trade” works and why it’s dangerous [13:20] The scale and leverage behind today’s basis trade [15:45] What it means if the Fed takes hedge fund positions [18:05] How Bitcoin reacts to macro uncertainty [20:14] What a Bitcoin sell-off on weekends signals [22:52] The role of haircut changes during market stress [25:25] What makes liquidity broader than just money supply [27:38] Why Bitcoin may peak after liquidity peaks [29:38] How multiple macro factors shape Bitcoin price [31:12] How convertible bonds helped MicroStrategy scale [35:20] Why new Bitcoin companies can’t mimic MSTR returns [37:18] What 21.co and Jack Mallers are building [40:02] The impact of SAB 121 on banking and Bitcoin custody [42:10] How Chokepoint 2.0 disrupted Bitcoin funds [45:05] How banks will integrate Bitcoin into lendingWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Bitcoin Opportunity Fund | WebsiteBrookings Institution | WebsiteStrategy | WebsiteMetaplanet | Website21 | WebsiteLearn more about James through The Informationalist newsletter. You can also follow him on Instagram, X, and YouTube.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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87
86: Leon Wankum ON: Real Estate vs Bitcoin: The Investment Showdown
Bitcoin is replacing real estate—and it’s happening faster than you think.In this episode, Leon Wankum, financial economist and real estate developer breaks down why Bitcoin is rapidly outcompeting real estate as a store of value, investment vehicle, and source of cashflow. With over 15 years in real estate and a background in financial economics, Leon brings unmatched insight into how the rules of wealth-building are being rewritten. From leveraging Bitcoin as pristine collateral to MicroStrategy’s game-changing financial products, this conversation challenges the long-held dominance of physical assets—and makes a compelling case that Bitcoin isn’t just an alternative investment, it’s becoming the benchmark. Whether you're a seasoned investor, real estate pro, or Bitcoin skeptic, this episode will shift how you think about capital, yield, and the future of money.You’ll Learn:How MicroStrategy’s financial products are engineered to outperform real estate cashflow without leverageWhy Bitcoin’s purchasing power growth outpaces even leveraged real estate over timeWhat makes Bitcoin a superior form of collateral compared to property assetsHow institutional capital is shifting from bonds and real estate toward Bitcoin-backed instrumentsWhy rising interest rates are exposing vulnerabilities in traditional real estate investingHow Bitcoin flips the time value of money and redefines financial riskWhat the decline of commercial real estate reveals about the larger economic paradigm shiftWhy measuring wealth in Bitcoin changes investment logic and portfolio strategyHow real estate developers can practically integrate Bitcoin into financing and reserve strategiesTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [01:45] How Bitcoin flips the time value of money [03:10] Bitcoin vs real estate as yield-generating assets [05:30] Inflation benchmarks and real estate performance [06:55] Why Bitcoin’s growth outpaces even leveraged real estate [08:10] Bitcoin as superior collateral and digital real estate [09:35] MicroStrategy’s bond and preferred stock offerings explained [12:00] Real estate investor motivations and the shift to Bitcoin [14:20] Bitcoin’s threat to the $300 trillion real estate market [16:00] Declining commercial real estate value in a new economy [18:35] Central banking errors and rising interest rate impact [20:15] Real estate struggles while Bitcoin rises [22:00] Paradigm shift in storing and exchanging value [24:05] Clear math: Bitcoin vs real estate returns over time [26:20] Institutional capital shifting through MicroStrategy [28:00] Why Bitcoin is now the true investment benchmark [30:10] Will Bitcoin’s volatility decline or persist [32:20] Volatility as a resilience mechanism in BitcoinWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Bitcoin As Real Estate by Surfer Jim | ArticleLearn more about Leon’s work on his Website. You can also subscribe to his Substack and follow him on LinkedIn and X.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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86
85: Roger and Seb ON: Inside the World of Bitcoin Authors
You won’t change the system by shouting at it—try writing a book instead.What happens when two Bitcoiners become authors—and decide to peel back the curtain on the writing, publishing, and marketing grind behind their books? In this refreshingly honest and unexpectedly hilarious episode, Roger Wang (Senior Marketing Director at Block Rewards and author of Would Mao Hold Bitcoin?) and Seb Bunney (author of The Hidden Cost of Money) go deep on what it really takes to write a Bitcoin book that resonates.From self-doubt to publishing politics, research rabbit holes to accidental financial wins from Bitcoin appreciation, this is a no-BS conversation about the pain, strategy, and joy of building something that lasts. Whether you’re a curious reader, aspiring writer, or freedom-maxi who wants to orange-pill through storytelling—this episode will shift how you think about content, craft, and conviction.You’ll Learn:How self-publishing unlocks creative control and competitive reach in the Bitcoin spaceWhy using a non-Bitcoiner editor can strengthen your arguments and expose blind spotsHow pricing in Bitcoin turns small book sales into high-leverage assets over timeWhat note-taking over 10 years reveals about building a citation powerhouseHow separating writing and editing accelerates creative output and clarityWhy emotionally charged writing often leads to sharper, more resonant workWhat poor cover design signals about credibility—and how to avoid itHow evergreen content challenges traditional marketing tacticsWhy structure-first writing reduces wasted effort and kills fewer “darlings”What print-on-demand technology reveals about the democratization of publishingTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[00:27] Selling books in bitcoin during a bull run[03:42] Roger’s process blending Bitcoin and China[05:18] The challenge of citations and deep research[06:41] Roger’s structured writing habits[08:34] Seb’s three-part writing framework[10:32] Learning from Stephen King's writing process[12:12] First drafts vs editing efficiency[13:01] Using notes to support citations[14:47] Tone and voice in Bitcoin writing[16:26] Writing emotionally vs analytically[22:32] Early activism and censorship in diaspora communities[23:02] Power of personal storytelling in nonfiction[26:00] Real cost of self-publishing a book[27:33] Importance of good cover design and layout[30:11] Missing the chance to narrate the audiobook[31:06] Roger’s experience with Bitcoin Magazine publishing[33:21] Tradeoffs between author control and publisher support[35:11] Why most publishers don’t help with marketing[36:12] How a non-Bitcoiner editor strengthened Seb’s book[37:22] How Amazon and print-on-demand changed publishing[38:44] Challenges of marketing evergreen content[39:51] Social media tradeoffs for indie authors[41:00] Three main hooks Roger uses to market his book[42:07] Hosting meetups to drive in-person sales[44:47] Selling in Bitcoin as a long-term advantage[47:11] Seb’s advice to podcast hosts[48:26] Roger’s wish to talk about more than Bitcoin and ChinaResources Mentioned:Would Mao Hold Bitcoin? by Roger Huang | BookThe Hidden Cost of Money by Seb Bunney | BookB is for Bitcoin by Seb Bunney and Daz Bea | BookOn Writing by Stephen King | BookReedsy | WebsiteBitcoin Magazine Publisher | WebsiteFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedInWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.
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85
84: Peruvian Bull ON: Bitcoin Solves the Triffin Dilemma, Dollar Milkshake, and Cantillon Effects
Peruvian Bull is a macro analyst, author of Dollar End Game, and creator focused on the long-term consequences of fiat monetary policy and Bitcoin's role in the global economy.In this episode, you're going to learn how the U.S. dollar became the dominant global reserve currency and why that system is now under strain, what the Triffin dilemma is and how it forces the U.S. to make impossible economic trade-offs, why central banks are trapped in a cycle of endless debt and money printing, what caused the post-2020 inflation spike and why it's different from 2008, and how Bitcoin fits into this system as a neutral, non-sovereign monetary asset with potential game-theoretic consequences at a global level.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[00:38] Why exponential debt systems always break[03:01] The origins of the global dollar system[04:18] The Triffin dilemma explained[05:47] France calls the U.S. bluff on gold[07:30] Why reserve currencies must become net importers[09:12] Why capital flows toward higher-yield currencies[10:36] The policy trilemma explained[12:08] Global synchronized monetary policy[14:27] Brent Johnson’s dollar milkshake theory[15:36] How foreign selling triggers U.S. stock crashes[17:32] Why the Fed always steps in to rescue markets[18:52] Why inflation isn’t a one-time problem[20:22] How the Fed evolved into a power center[22:15] Why QE flows into financial assets, not groceries[25:00] When reserves become real, spendable money[26:48] How deficits + QE = money printing[28:13] How 2% inflation quietly robs your savings[29:46] The Fed balance sheet now drives markets[31:22] Cantillon effects and unfair gains[32:23] Recession avoidance creates bigger problems[34:07] Zombie companies and bad capital allocation[35:39] The exponential nature of debt and money[36:50] Bitcoin as a solution to fiat collapse[38:28] Game theory and Bitcoin nation state adoption[40:36] The race to accumulate Bitcoin[42:05] Bitcoin vs global capital markets[43:27] Why Satoshis could become expensive[44:56] Why Bitcoin’s simplicity is a feature[46:35] Only universal upgrades succeed in Bitcoin[47:31] Exponential debt means exponential inflationResources Mentioned:The Dollar Endgame by Peruvian Bull | BookTriffin Dilemma Concept by Robert Triffin | FrameworkDollar Milkshake Theory by Brent Johnson | WebsiteCreature from Jekyll Island by G. Edward Griffin | BookShadowStats – Alternative Inflation Data | StatisticsThe Peter Schiff Show Podcast | Spotify or AppleGet Peruvian Bull’s latest analysis, charts, and longform commentary on his Substack.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedInWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.
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83: Seb Bunney ON: How Bitcoin Can Heal the Damage Fiat Created
Scott and Seb Bunny are long-time friends and thinkers in the Bitcoin space who focus on the philosophical, societal, and spiritual implications of sound money.In this episode, you're going to learn how fiat money distorts our perception of time and value, why Bitcoin could be the antidote to rising anxiety and survival-driven living, how inflation and state-controlled money affect everything from relationships to food quality, what the future might look like with AI, simulation theory, and Bitcoin intersecting, and why smaller, tighter communities might be the key to a more meaningful life.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[01:40] The spiritual side of Bitcoin[02:18] How Bitcoin relates to time[03:01] Money as a measurement of time[04:03] Energy, time, and the Bitcoin standard[05:56] How government intervention distorts value[06:39] The tyranny of the clock explained[08:02] TikTok and shortened attention spans[09:04] State-controlled money as a modern parasite[09:56] How Bitcoin breaks the survival mindset[10:41] Consciousness model: past, present, future[12:57] Money working better in the past[13:50] TikTok, dopamine, and attention collapse[15:46] Financial stress and lack of meaning[16:32] Masculine and feminine energy imbalance[17:56] Fiat food and declining food quality[18:34] Why beauty in architecture is disappearing[20:00] Government subsidies and the grain boom[21:45] Why our diets no longer match evolution[22:31] Fiscal responsibility under a Bitcoin standard[23:10] Why endless money printing kills innovation[24:29] Nestlé and the World Economic Forum[25:01] How legal tender laws protect bad money[25:39] Capital gains tax and Bitcoin adoption[26:20] Sea’s law and merchants choosing Bitcoin[27:04] Nation states conflicted over Bitcoin[28:04] Trump, Bitcoin, and US debt[28:44] The dollar milkshake theory explained[29:57] Ignoring hard money has real consequences[30:22] Why universal basic income doesn’t work[31:45] Technological progress and job displacement[32:27] Simulation theory and discovered AI[34:06] A renaissance through alignment with Bitcoin[35:33] How realistic video games support simulation theory[36:12] Predictive programming in media[37:51] Is the world happening to us or for us?[40:00] Could Bitcoin be created by AI[42:01] The myth of needing to spend Bitcoin[43:30] Why mass Bitcoin adoption will take time[47:39] Bitcoin as a spiritual tool[51:02] The second renaissance and cultural revivalResources Mentioned:Bitcoin is Time | Website"The Tyranny of the Clock" by George Woodcock | ReadSeeds of Deception by Jeffrey Smith | BookFiat Food by Matthew Lysiak and Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookTribe by Sebastian Junger | Book or AudiobookMovies: Ready Player One and The AnimatrixGive Seb a follow on X, Instagram and LinkedInFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedInWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.
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83
82: How Scott Left Traditional Finance to Build A Future with Bitcoin
In this episode, Scott sits in the guest seat. You’re going to learn how he went from mocking Bitcoin to building a company around it, what employers need to know if they want to offer Bitcoin to their staff, why money is designed to lose value over time—and how that affects every employee’s future, what a Bitcoin savings plan looks like today and how it helps staff build real long-term wealth, and why Bitcoin could be the most important tool for both retaining talent and fighting inflation in the modern workplace.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction [01:12] Why employers should offer Bitcoin to staff [03:48] COVID lockdowns and realizing the inflation problem[05:17] Discovering Austrian economics and Bitcoin as a solution[06:47] Why traditional financial products lose value over time[08:05] The vision for Bitcoin in employer-employee relationships[10:04] What Block Rewards is building right now[11:29] Addressing safety, legality, and accessibility concerns[12:42] Custodial wallets and cold storage options[14:35] How inflation is built into the fiat system[16:28] Measuring assets in Bitcoin instead of dollars[17:40] Why saving in Bitcoin beats stock market investing[18:49] Bitcoin’s long-term potential for retirement planning[20:38] Stretching compensation budgets with Bitcoin[22:33] How the Bitcoin Savings Plan works[24:24] Payroll integration and matching contributions[26:05] Why user experience matters for Bitcoin adoption[27:53] The mission and culture of Block Rewards[29:04] Why HR leaders need to start Bitcoin conversations[30:54] Inflation is guaranteed—Bitcoin is the alternative[32:47] The cost of waiting to understand Bitcoin[33:18] Global expansion and product roadmap[35:08] Bitcoin becoming as normal as email[36:20] Future vision for universal Bitcoin compensation[39:30] Bitcoin as energy and universal truth [41:03] Why Bitcoin conferences change perspectivesResources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or AudiobookLantern Bitcoin by Scott Dedels | WebsiteThe Dao of Bitcoin by Scott Dedels | Book or AudiobookBitcoin for Financial Advisors by Scott Dedels | BookFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedInWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.
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82
81: Paul Rogers ON: The Spiritual Mechanics of Bitcoin
Paul Rogers is a financial planner turned author who wrote Money, Love, and Bitcoin, a book exploring the spiritual and societal implications of sound money.In this episode, you’re going to learn how inflation silently robs regular people of their ability to save, why Paul believes most people don’t actually want to invest—they just want to be secure, how Bitcoin could shift humanity’s focus from extraction to contribution, what universal laws like love and energetic balance have to do with money, and how a sound money system might change not only economies but the way we live and relate to each other.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[00:48] Fix the money fix the world[02:11] Building systems after money is fixed[04:01] Bitcoin and synchronizing consciousness[06:01] Why saving is hard in an inflationary system[07:10] The mindset of the average investor[08:15] Freedom from versus freedom to[09:06] Bitcoin as a foundation for deeper life questions[10:00] The premise of money, love, and Bitcoin[11:30] Understanding money as a technology[12:14] The problem of extraction vs contribution[13:22] Jeff Booth and falling prices[14:04] More people doing meaningful work[14:45] How commercialism shapes our worldview[15:33] Not everything in life is transactional[16:10] High time preference and broken systems[17:00] The importance of love in systems[18:50] FX trading as a symptom of fiat distortion[19:36] Universal law and quantum principles[20:20] The influence of the Tao of Physics[21:12] Everything is energy and vibration[22:01] The radio frequency analogy[23:18] Media distraction and energetic disconnection[24:00] From analog to digital age[25:00] Access to ideas throughout history[25:55] Tuning into higher frequencies[26:22] Can love be scientifically proven[27:05] Replacing extractive systems with aligned ones[28:01] Broken systems and political distraction[29:10] Fiat money versus thermodynamics[30:03] The impossibility of reconciling fiat logic[31:02] Jargon in traditional finance[31:50] Rethinking money as government-controlled[32:40] Money as stored labor and energy[33:15] Creating money without creating value[34:03] Paul’s optimism about humanity’s future[34:52] Moms working multiple jobs and broken incentives[35:40] People shouldn't need PhDs to survive[36:18] Building systems that serve instead of exploit[37:01] Avoiding centralized replacements[37:55] The digital age requires new visions[38:40] Drowning in data without wisdom[39:28] Ancient myths and cultural guardrails[40:15] Scientific thinking vs traditional wisdom[41:00] The Bitcoiners as a new social class[41:52] Final settlement vs endless credit[42:30] Importance of integrity and love[43:12] Interstellar as a metaphor for quantum loveResources Mentioned:Money, Love, and Bitcoin by Paul Rogers | BookThe Dao of Bitcoin by Scott Dedels | Book or AudiobookThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookThe Tao of Physics by Fritjof Capra | BookThe Systems View of Life by Fritjof Capra and Pier Luigi Luisi | BookThe Bushido of Bitcoin by Aleksandar Svetski | BookThe Block Reward episode on Bitcoin is Synchronizing Human Consciousness with Tomer Strolight | Spotify or AppleIf you want to connect with Paul, find him on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedInWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.
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80: Efrat Fenigson ON: The Truth About The Central Bank Digital Currency
Efrat Fenigson is a journalist and podcaster with a background in tech and marketing. In this episode, you're going to learn why Efrat left a successful corporate career to focus on journalism and podcasting, her concerns about government control and how it led her to Bitcoin, what Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) are and how they could impact privacy and freedom, how various countries like China, Thailand, and the EU are experimenting with CBDCs, and why Efrat believes Bitcoin offers a better solution for financial sovereignty.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction [07:00] Discovering Bitcoin and its potential[08:00] COVID-19 experience and loss of trust in government[09:30] Introduction to Bitcoin through Crypto Jungle[10:30] Efrat’s Bitcoin journey and learning process[12:00] Leaving old social circles and building new ones[14:00] The shift from valuing money and titles to valuing freedom and truth[17:30] Wholesale and retail CBDCs[18:30] Possible restrictions on CBDCs, including geofencing and expiry dates[19:30] Global alignment of CBDC rollout with Agenda 2030[21:00] The state of CBDC development in Israel[22:00] ECB’s plan to launch the digital euro in 2025[24:00] How China’s CBDC rollout evolved[26:00] Similar strategies being considered in Europe[28:00] European Bank’s plans to redirect private savings[30:00] Estimated cost of Euthe ropean CBDC project[32:00] How global institutions operate with long-term plans[34:00] The Overton window and how it applies to CBDCs[36:00] China’s approach to control and compliance[38:00] Privacy concerns related to CBDCs[40:00] Concerns about geofencing and limiting transactions[42:00] Thailand’s extreme CBDC experiments[44:00] Stablecoin pilots and KYC Bitcoin use in Thailand[46:00] The Overton window strategy and gradual rollout[48:00] How Bitcoin provides a solution to CBDCs[50:00] Bitcoin as a hedge against government controlResources Mentioned:The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookCrypto Jungle | WebsiteBitcoin Live Conferences | WebsiteIf you want to connect with Efrat, follow her on Instagram, X, Youtube, LinkedIn and Facebook.Make sure you check out Efrat’s Podcast, You're the Voice | Spotify or AppleFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedInWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.
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79: Lawrence Lepard ON: Bitcoin vs. The Endless Money Printing Machine
Lawrence Lepard is a bestselling author and a prominent voice in the Bitcoin space.In this episode, you're going to learn why Lawrence believes the current monetary system is broken, how inflation and debt are silently eroding the wealth of everyday people, why he thinks Bitcoin offers a better solution, how central banks’ policies are fueling inequality, and what Lawrence sees as the most likely scenarios for the future of money.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction [00:20] Sound money, hard assets, and monetary debasement [05:15] History of money and gold[08:00] Inflation from World War I[10:15] Wealth inequality in America[14:10] Decline of sound money since 1971[16:40] The Cantillon effect[17:55] 2008 financial crisis and QE policies[19:30] Debt growth vs. GDP growth[21:15] 2008 vs. COVID money printing[22:00] Consequences of the current system[23:15] Government spending and deficits[25:20] Sound money as a moral issue[26:15] Inflation as silent theft[30:00] Explanation of the fourth turning[32:30] Role of decentralization and technology[34:05] Prediction of a Bitcoin standard[36:00] Criticism of Keynesian economics[39:00] Importance of decentralized money[41:10] Monetary gunpowder concept[42:00] Why gold became the dominant money[43:00] High interest rates in the 1980s[45:00] Inevitability of continued printing[46:15] Debt and bond markets[48:00] Possible future scenarios [52:00] Public awareness and educationWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.If you want to connect with Lawrence, follow him on X, Instagram and LinkedIn.Resources Mentioned:The Big Print by Lawrence Lepard | Book or Audiobook The Fourth Turning by William Strauss and Neil Howe | Book or AudiobookThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookBitcoin Articles by Alex Gladstein | ArticlesThe Bible and Bitcoin by Alin Armstrong | Book or AudiobookEquity Management Associates | WebsiteFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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78: Jimmy Song ON: Bitcoin Will Outlast EVERY Altcoin (Here’s Why)
Jimmy Song is a longtime Bitcoin developer, author, and educator.In this episode, you're going to learn about how the Bitcoin narrative has evolved since 2011, the key differences between Bitcoin and altcoins, why Jimmy believes Bitcoin will eventually replace the US dollar as a global reserve currency, how fiat money erodes families and communities, and Jimmy's perspective on AI and quantum computing's impact on Bitcoin.Jimmy Song is a Bitcoin developer, educator, author, and entrepreneur who has been deeply involved in the Bitcoin space since 2011. He began his journey after discovering Bitcoin on Slashdot and soon became a contributor to open-source Bitcoin projects starting in 2013. Jimmy has authored several influential books on Bitcoin, and is a respected voice in the industry. He has taught numerous Bitcoin programming workshops, spoken at conferences worldwide, and runs a newsletter called Bitcoin Tech Talk. Known for his focus on the moral and economic implications of Bitcoin, Jimmy is dedicated to educating people about Bitcoin’s value as sound money and its potential to create a more just and decentralized financial system.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction [02:10] Early Bitcoin development and contributions [05:00] Bitcoin’s association with dark net money [06:45] The Silk Road era and influence on Bitcoin [08:45] Bitcoin’s price rise after Ross Ulbricht’s arrest [10:40] Jimmy’s motivation for writing books [12:00] Teaching developers the basics of Bitcoin [13:50] Purpose of Jimmy’s various books [16:00] The moral component of Bitcoin [18:10] Bitcoin vs altcoins [19:20] Why altcoins are fundamentally different [22:50] Bitcoin’s value as a savings vehicle [26:30] Impact of monetary policy on Bitcoin [29:00] Impact of Ukraine war on dollar dominance [30:40] Bitcoin as a neutral currency option [32:20] Companies using Bitcoin as a treasury asset [34:10] Companies adopting Bitcoin standards [35:40] Why quantum computing is overhyped [37:00] AI’s role in productivity [39:40] Open-source AI models and hype [41:20] Comparing Bitcoin’s hype to other technologies [43:00] Bitcoin’s superiority over other technologies [44:50] Fiat money’s impact on families [46:00] Social programs undermining families [47:40] Decline of marriage and family values [48:50] Money replacing human relationships [49:50] Bitcoiners finding meaning through traditional values Want to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.If you want to connect with Jimmy, follow him on X, Instagram and LinkedIn.Resources Mentioned:Programming Bitcoin by Jimmy Song | BookFiat Ruins Everything by Jimmy Song | BookThe Little Bitcoin Book by Jimmy Song | Book or AudiobookThank God for Bitcoin by Jimmy Song et al. | Book or AudiobookBitcoin and the American Dream by Jimmy Song et al. | Book or AudiobookThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookBitcoin Tech Talk by Jimmy Song | SubstackFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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77: Ella Hough ON: “GenZ will be the poorest generation ever”
Ella Hough is the founder of the Bitcoin Students Network, an organization that helps university students start Bitcoin clubs worldwide.In this episode, you're going to learn why Ella believes Bitcoin is essential for Gen Z’s financial future, how Bitcoin clubs are growing at universities despite institutional pushback, what challenges young people face in saving and investing today, how Bitcoin compares to blockchain and crypto, and why she sees Bitcoin as a new language for communicating value and truth.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[04:10] The difference between Bitcoin and blockchain[05:30] How Bitcoin helps young people save for the future[07:15] Why Ella started the Bitcoin students network[08:40] The challenges of starting a Bitcoin club at universities[10:20] How bitcoin clubs operate on campus[12:05] How many students and clubs are in the network[13:45] The university pushback against Bitcoin clubs[15:00] Why young people are struggling financially today[16:30] The future impact of Bitcoin on saving and investing[18:20] Why Ella sees Bitcoin as a language[19:45] How Bitcoin provides a foundation for truth[21:00] The flaws in traditional education systems[22:50] How Ella's time in China influenced her thinking[24:30] Studying AI ethics and its connection to Bitcoin[26:10] The difficulty of coding ethics into AI[27:55] Bitcoin’s role in financial freedom worldwide[29:20] How students can start a Bitcoin club[31:05] What the Bitcoin fellowship program offers[32:40] Ella's experiences traveling for Bitcoin events[34:15] Researching Bitcoin adoption across 25 countriesWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.You can learn more about Ella’s work with Bitcoin on her website.Resources Mentioned:The Sovereign Individual by James Dale Davidson and Lord William Rees-Mogg | Book God Bless Bitcoin | Documentary The Nakamoto Project | WebsiteMeg Jay's TED Talk: Why 30 is Not the New 20 | TED TalkFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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76: Mayor of Vancouver, Ken Sim ON: Will Vancouver Be the Next Bitcoin Hub?
Ken Sim is the mayor of Vancouver.In this episode, you're going to learn why Vancouver is considering adding Bitcoin to its balance sheet, how Ken's perspective on Bitcoin changed from skepticism to strong advocacy, why he believes Bitcoin is the most important invention in human history, how Bitcoin could protect cities and individuals from currency debasement, and what steps Vancouver is taking to become a Bitcoin-friendly city.Mayor Ken Sim has built a life in Vancouver with his wife Teena, their four sons, and their dogs Hank and Kona. Ken is a proud Vancouverite, having been born and raised in Vancouver. He is an accomplished entrepreneur and the co-founder of two successful Vancouver-based companies: Rosemary Rocksalt and Nurse Next Door.Professionally, Ken holds an FCPA (FCA) designation and has been a speaker at post-secondary institutions and conferences globally. Ken is a two-time recipient of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Pacific Region) in the Emerging Entrepreneur category (2006) and Healthcare Services category (2016).Ken was sworn in as the 41st Mayor of Vancouver on November 7th, 2022. He has committed to delivering on the major issues facing Vancouver including affordability, public safety, and mental health and addictions – leading a City Hall that prioritizes inclusivity, collaboration, and Indigenous Reconciliation. During his tenure as Mayor, Ken wants to see Vancouver become a city that is once again vibrant, prosperous, fun, and open for business – with a renewed sense of swagger and optimism about the future.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[01:45] Vancouver’s plan to become a Bitcoin-friendly city[02:30] How Ken Sim first heard about Bitcoin in 2018–2019[03:10] His son asking to buy Bitcoin at age 13 and his strong initial reaction[04:05] Apologizing to his son and buying his first Bitcoin in 2020[05:30] Why Bitcoin is the greatest invention in human history[06:40] Bitcoin vs. money printing: fixing a centuries-old problem[07:55] The role of Bitcoin in preserving purchasing power[09:10] Why cities should think about Bitcoin as a savings tool[10:50] How Vancouver’s $3.2 billion cash reserve is losing value[12:20] Real estate prices in gold vs. fiat: the illusion of rising home prices[14:00] Addressing concerns about Bitcoin’s long-term viability[15:35] Bitcoin’s security: why it has never been hacked[17:10] The risks of holding only fiat currency[18:45] How much Bitcoin should a city hold?[20:20] Why Ken Sim believes 1–3% Bitcoin allocation is too low[22:15] The political risks of advocating for Bitcoin as a mayor[24:00] How Vancouver’s Bitcoin-friendly stance could attract businesses[25:45] Comparing Bitcoin to gold as a financial reserve[27:30] The importance of getting ahead before major institutions accumulate Bitcoin[29:50] Bitcoin’s role in stabilizing city budgets over the long term[31:15] The 3-stage process for Vancouver’s Bitcoin adoption[33:05] Step 1: Getting council approval to explore Bitcoin[35:00] Step 2: Staff report on Bitcoin feasibility for Vancouver[36:50] Step 3: Gaining approval from the provincial government[38:10] Why voter support is crucial for moving Bitcoin adoption forwardWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Follow Ken on X, LinkedIn and Instagram.Resources Mentioned:The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookToken Economy by Shermin Voshmgir | BookWhen Money Dies by Adam Fergusson | Book or AudiobookGradually, Then Suddenly by Parker Lewis | WebsiteMichael Saylor | WebsiteMicroStrategy | WebsiteJeff Booth | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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75: Sam Gustavsson ON: Bitcoin and the Decentralization of Consciousness
Sam Gustavsson is a visionary thinker who bridges decentralized finance with higher consciousness.In this episode, you're going to learn why Sam believes Bitcoin mirrors the structure of the universe, how decentralization connects to human consciousness and freedom, why traditional financial systems are built on fear and control, how businesses can thrive by aligning with natural flow rather than rigid structures, and what it means to let go of external safety and trust in internal abundance.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[00:02] Why Bitcoin is the money of the future[00:55] How decentralization connects to consciousness[02:08] Sam’s background in music and early success[04:12] Why he left everything behind to go to India[05:37] What Sam learned from his spiritual initiations[07:04] How he bridges the physical and spiritual worlds[08:21] Bitcoin as a decentralized creation network[09:45] Why traditional financial systems are temporary[11:02] How decentralization reflects universal laws[12:19] The problem with centralized control structures[13:33] Moving from external safety to internal trust[15:01] Why people hold onto fear and scarcity[16:18] How letting go of control changes everything[17:44] Why businesses should function like Bitcoin nodes[18:57] Understanding your business as a living entity[20:22] How CEOs can align with their company’s energy[21:48] What happens when you harmonize business energy[23:15] The role of fear in the old business paradigm[24:37] How businesses can grow through flow and trust[25:52] How Bitcoin challenges the need for governments[27:08] Why centralized systems are becoming obsolete[28:35] The shift from control-based to flow-based leadership[29:49] What the sovereign individual mindset really means[31:02] Why physical reality is fluid, not fixed[32:26] The power of decentralization in daily life[33:41] How the fear-based system keeps people stuck[35:03] The divide between those who embrace change and those who resist[36:18] Why some people double down on control and fear[37:44] What happens when you move into a trust-based reality[39:07] The future of decentralized economies[40:22] How different societies will evolve separately[41:48] Why Bitcoiners should not force adoption[43:02] How forcing change creates resistanceWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Dao of Bitcoin by Scott Dedels | Book or AudiobookThe Sovereign Individual by James Dale Davidson and William Rees-Mogg | Book or AudiobookStalking the Wild Pendulum by Itzhak Bentov | Book or AudiobookReality Transurfing by Vadim Zeland | Book or AudiobookFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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74: Chris Pavlisec ON: How to Keep Your Bitcoin Secure
Chris Pavlisec is the co-founder of Bitcoin Alive, the largest Bitcoin-only conference in Australia.In this episode, you're going to learn the most important security steps for holding Bitcoin safely, why Chris hasn’t checked Bitcoin’s price in over three years, why Bitcoin events are essential for building strong communities, how Bitcoin Alive became Australia’s national Bitcoin conference, and what first-time attendees can expect from the event.Chris is a Bitcoin advocate, security expert, and trusted adviser, helping individuals and businesses navigate the world of digital assets. With a 10+ year background in Bitcoin, he has played a crucial role in securing Bitcoin holdings and promoting self-sovereignty. Now, as a driving force behind Bitcoin Alive, Chris connects top minds in the space to advance Bitcoin education and adoption, shaping the future of decentralized money.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[01:00] What makes Bitcoin-specific conferences unique[02:30] How Bitcoin Alive started and why Australia needed it[04:15] Challenges of organizing a Bitcoin conference[06:45] The first Bitcoin Alive event and its rapid launch[08:30] What makes Bitcoin Alive different from local meetups[10:00] The role of Bitcoin meetups in onboarding new Bitcoiners[12:10] How Bitcoin Alive helps connect the Australian Bitcoin community[14:20] The impact of geographic distance on Bitcoin adoption in Australia[15:45] How a Bitcoin-only conference creates a different energy[17:30] Why the Bitcoin price doesn’t matter for long-term believers[19:15] The social aspect of Bitcoin conferences and why it’s valuable[25:20] Why some people discover Bitcoin through personal responsibility[27:00] Chris’ experiment of not checking Bitcoin’s price for three years[28:45] How ignoring the Bitcoin price changed Chris’ mindset[30:10] Why Bitcoin should be thought of as a long-term savings tool[31:50] Jeff Booth’s influence on how to think about Bitcoin[33:15] How to securely store Bitcoin and avoid common mistakes[35:00] When to move Bitcoin off an exchange and into self-custody[36:30] How to use a hardware wallet for better security[38:10] The trade-offs between convenience and security in Bitcoin storage[40:00] Why you need a plan for inheritance and Bitcoin security[42:00] What to expect at Bitcoin Alive and why first-timers should attendWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or AudiobookThe Dao of Bitcoin by Scott Dedels | Book or AudiobookBitcoin For Financial Advisors by Scott Dedels | BookBTC Sessions | YoutubeBitcoin Alive | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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73: Jesse Shrader ON: Why AI Will Never Use Banks, ONLY Bitcoin
Jesse Shrader is the CEO and Co-founder of Amboss Technologies, which provides an intelligence layer for decentralized Bitcoin payments using the Lightning Network.In this episode, you're going to learn how the Lightning Network solves inefficiencies in traditional payment systems and why AI systems will rely on Bitcoin for fast and low-cost transactions. You’ll also learn how machine learning helps route Bitcoin payments efficiently, why AI-powered microtransactions are a perfect fit for the Lightning Network, and how Bitcoin can create safer financial operations for institutions in a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.Jesse Shrader has a background in environmental engineering and brings a unique perspective to the scalability and efficiency of Bitcoin payments. His work focuses on revolutionizing financial systems through the Lightning Network, making global transactions faster, more secure, and cost-effective. Jesse is dedicated to shaping the future of AI-driven economies powered by Bitcoin, providing innovative financial solutions for a decentralized world.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[03:15] How the Lightning Network scales Bitcoin payments[04:10] Jesse’s background in environmental engineering[05:30] Why Bitcoin is a debt-free payment system[06:45] Liquidity challenges in the Lightning Network[08:00] Using graph theory for payment routing[11:00] Benefits of Bitcoin for microtransactions[12:30] AI systems using Bitcoin for fast payments[14:00] Machine-to-machine payments with the Lightning Network[15:45] Real-world Bitcoin payments in El Salvador[17:00] AI limitations due to energy and compute costs[20:15] Instant settlement solves AI payment challenges[21:50] AI agents paying for data and services[23:30] Story of using AI for medical report analysis[25:10] AI’s potential to replace traditional web interactions[28:00] Why the Lightning Network is overlooked in crypto[29:30] Privacy advantages of lightning payments[30:45] Challenges with current payment systems[34:10] The Lightning Network and its regulatory challenges[37:30] Future of Bitcoin regulation in the U.S.Want to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Connect with Jesse through X or LinkedIn.Resources Mentioned:Damus | WebsiteAmboss Technologies | WebsiteAmboss Space | WebsiteLightning Network | WebsiteBancoLibre | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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72: Andrew Clubine ON: Bitcoin and the Non-Profit Space
In this episode, you're going to learn how Bitcoin can be used to reduce transaction costs for international charities, why Bitcoin is a strong endowment asset for nonprofits, what legal barriers prevent charities from holding Bitcoin, why El Salvador is becoming a hub for Bitcoin adoption, and how Bitcoiners can shape the future of philanthropy.Andrew’s legal career began in traditional corporate law, but his passion for Bitcoin and financial sovereignty led him to explore how Bitcoin intersects with philanthropy and non-profit structures.A dual citizen of Canada and El Salvador, Andrew has a unique perspective on Bitcoin’s role in global finance, particularly in El Salvador’s groundbreaking adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender. His firsthand experience navigating Bitcoin payments, governance, and regulation makes him a valuable voice in the evolving landscape of Bitcoin and law.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction [01:00] How Bitcoin can help charities long term[04:30] Early exposure to Bitcoin in high school[06:20] Bitcoin’s impact on El Salvador[07:30] The significance of Bitcoin as legal tender[08:50] Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador[11:25] Government policies and Bitcoin regulation[12:40] Jamie Dimon’s stance on banning Bitcoin[13:55] The challenges of regulating Bitcoin[15:10] Government overreach and financial control[16:30] The role of local governance in Bitcoin adoption[17:50] The libertarian perspective on Bitcoin[19:05] Bitcoin as a tool for financial sovereignty[20:20] Why some countries embrace Bitcoin while others resist[21:45] The impact of Bitcoin on Canadian financial policies[23:00] How Bitcoin can help nonprofits and charities[24:15] Reducing transaction costs with Bitcoin[25:30] Bitcoin as an endowment asset for charities[26:50] The financial struggles of modern charities[28:10] Why traditional donation models are failing[29:25] How Bitcoiners can support charities[30:40] The legal challenges of charities holding Bitcoin[32:00] Tax implications of Bitcoin donations[33:20] Potential policy changes to support Bitcoin philanthropy[34:40] Countries with favourable Bitcoin donation policies[36:00] Bitcoin as a long-term savings tool for charities[37:15] Encouraging nonprofits to accept Bitcoin[38:30] Michael Saylor’s impact on Bitcoin philanthropy[39:45] The future of Bitcoin in charitable giving[41:00] How Bitcoiners can shape philanthropyWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Connect more with Andrew on LinkedIn.Learn more about Outsiders Law on X, Instagram and their website.Resources Mentioned:Bitcoin White Paper | ArticleFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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71: Adam O'Brien ON: Bitcoin on Your Balance Sheet or Every Company Will Hold Bitcoin
Adam O'Brien is a leader in the Bitcoin space, focused on building Bitcoin-based financial solutions.In this episode, you'll learn how companies can use debt offerings to buy Bitcoin, how Bitcoin can be managed as a balance sheet asset, the benefits for small businesses using Bitcoin to protect their value, why Bitcoin may replace traditional banks in the future, and the potential impacts of Bitcoin adoption on corporate and national financial systems.CEO and Founder of Bitcoin Well (BTCW.v) Adam is a Bitcoin entrepreneur dedicated to building products that make it easy to buy, sell and use Bitcoin. He founded Bitcoin Well in 2013 which has grown to be one of Canada’s largest Bitcoin companies boasting over 280 Bitcoin ATMs across Canada and an online portal which is the fastest and safest way to buy and sell Bitcoin. In 2021, Bitcoin Well became the world’s first non-custodial Bitcoin business to be publicly traded. Today, he is CEO of Bitcoin Well and recognized as a true visionary in the field and strives to bring Bitcoin to the mainstream. His goal is to make Bitcoin easy, approachable and accessible for all. Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction [01:00] Exciting developments in Bitcoin for 2025 [03:43] The role of government in Bitcoin’s rise and fall [04:24] Strategies for building in the Bitcoin space [07:00] Debt offerings and Bitcoin equity strategy [09:21] Risk management with Bitcoin on the balance sheet [09:55] Educating investors about Bitcoin business strategies [10:50] Overcoming misconceptions about Bitcoin-backed debt [11:44] How businesses use Bitcoin as an asset [13:21] The freedom of using Bitcoin in business operations [14:00] The benefits of using Bitcoin in uncertain environments [15:28] Innovation versus slow growth in Bitcoin-based businesses [17:00] The impact of Bitcoin’s deflationary nature on innovation [17:52] Bitcoin’s role in corporate culture and decision-making [19:08] Thoughts on Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin strategy [21:00] Bitcoin as an asset versus leveraging fiat currency [22:43] Shifting Bitcoin strategy in corporate environments [23:51] The importance of debate within the Bitcoin community [26:00] Bitcoin becoming a standard asset for businesses [28:00] The rise of Bitcoin in global markets [32:00] Bitcoin as a key asset for Canada’s future [34:00] Political implications of Bitcoin adoption [35:15] The potential for Bitcoin to transform Canada’s economy [36:00] Bitcoin’s growing influence in global politics [37:15] The importance of Bitcoin adoption for national financial systems [39:00] Bitcoin’s potential in countries like Russia and Oman [41:00] The challenges of shifting from fiat to Bitcoin [44:00] Bitcoin’s potential to change global financial systems Want to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Connect with Adam on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and the Bitcoin Well Website.Resources Mentioned:FUTURE PROOF Podcast with Adam O’Brien | SpotifyMicrostrategy | WebsiteSemler Scientific | WebsiteMetaplanet | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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70: Max DeMarco ON: From Fiat to Freedom: Running a Debt-Free Bitcoin Business
Max DeMarco is an independent filmmaker and media agency owner focusing on Bitcoin documentaries.In this episode, you're going to learn why Max transitioned from the music industry to Bitcoin, how the music industry's profit-driven approach contrasts with Bitcoin's principles, what value-for-value means and how it works in content creation, how Max runs a business entirely on Bitcoin without relying on fiat currency, and what challenges and opportunities exist for businesses adopting the Bitcoin standard.Max DeMarco started his career in music production but found his true passion after discovering Bitcoin. This led him to align his work with Bitcoin’s core principles of value and authenticity. Now, he runs a media agency dedicated to Bitcoin content, traveling the world to document Bitcoin circular economies and produce documentaries. Max is driven by his mission to help businesses transition to the Bitcoin standard, explore value-for-value monetization, and understand Bitcoin’s growing impact on culture and art.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[03:57] How social media impacts music creation[05:09] The effect of profit-driven motives in the music industry[06:33] How Bitcoin can influence cultural values[07:08] What value-for-value means[09:11] Why Max finances his own content[10:43] How Nostr enables direct creator payments[12:19] The impact of real feedback on content creation[13:42] How zaps change incentive mechanisms[14:39] Comparing Nostr with traditional social media[18:30] Challenges of running a Bitcoin-only business[19:45] Planning for Bitcoin bull and bear markets[21:01] How Bitcoin affects business scalability[23:24] The pros and cons of not having credit[24:13] Living on a Bitcoin standard[26:00] Why Max uses credit cards for spending[27:00] Selling Bitcoin for monthly expenses[30:32] Opportunities in building Bitcoin-based businesses[32:11] How people might not be able to buy Bitcoin in the future[33:28] Why building a Bitcoin business now is crucial[36:19] How Bitcoin adoption could change the economy[38:41] How changing money can change culture[39:09] The future impact of Bitcoin adoption[40:10] Businesses that fail to adopt Bitcoin[41:36] What 2025 could mean for Bitcoin[42:30] How public perception of Bitcoin is shiftingWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Find more from Max on X, Instagram, Snort, YouTube and on his website.Resources Mentioned:Proof of Health Podcast with Max DeMarco | Spotify or AppleNOSTR | WebsiteNOSTR Documentary with Jack Dorsey | YouTubeBPR Podcast with Will Casarin | YouTubeTahini’s | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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69: Sam Roberts ON: Solving the Pension Problem with Bitcoin
Sam Roberts is a UK pension actuary and a leader in integrating Bitcoin into pension strategies.In this episode, you'll learn why his firm allocated 3% of their pension funds to Bitcoin and how this decision supports long-term investment returns, the challenges pensions face in ensuring financial stability for retirees, the role Bitcoin plays as a growth asset and a hedge against inflation, why traditional investment strategies might fall short in the future, and how Bitcoin could redefine retirement savings in the coming decades.Sam is a qualified actuary and director at Cartwright, a UK-based pensions and investment advisory firm that serves institutional clients such as corporate pension schemes, charities, and corporate treasuries.Under the direction of Sam, Cartwright has been the first UK firm to make the bold move of advising their clients to allocate Bitcoin to their portfolios, part of the so called 'arrival of institutions' into this new financial realm.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[04:50] Differences between defined benefit and defined contribution pensions [06:30] Challenges faced by defined benefit pensions [08:10] Why investment returns are critical for pensions [10:15] Role of Bitcoin as a growth asset in pensions [12:45] Analysis of Bitcoin’s historical performance [14:30] Explaining the 3% Bitcoin allocation decision [16:00] How Bitcoin's lack of correlation diversifies portfolios [18:20] Risk assessment for including Bitcoin in pensions [20:10] Long-term potential of Bitcoin compared to other assets [22:00] Why pensions need to consider Bitcoin as an option [24:15] Comparing Bitcoin to traditional investments like real estate [26:00] Addressing concerns about Bitcoin's volatility [28:10] Evolution of pension strategies over the decades [30:00] Impacts of inflation on pensions and savings [32:40] Importance of education for pension trustees [34:15] How Bitcoin simplifies the concept of saving [36:00] Predictions for Bitcoin’s role in pensions in the future [38:20] Encouraging active decisions on Bitcoin for pensions Want to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Do you need help getting where you need to be? Getting your pension trust in a prime position can be a tricky business. Find out if Cartwright is the perfect partner for you.If you want to connect with Sam, find him on LinkedIn.Resources Mentioned:Nakamoto Portfolio | WebsiteParamount Employee Benefits & Pension Consulting | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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68: Prince Philip Karađorđević ON: Governments Will Need Bitcoin, Not the Other Way Around
In this episode, you're going to learn why Bitcoin could improve governance models like democracy and monarchy, how private property rights are essential for societal prosperity, why Serbia has unique potential to embrace Bitcoin, how global political changes are influencing Bitcoin's adoption, and what Prince Philip envisions for Bitcoin's role in Serbia's future.HRH Hereditary Prince Philip Karađorđević of Serbia serves as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at JAN3, a global financial technology company. After a 13-year career in traditional finance, Prince Philip joined JAN3, driven by his belief in Bitcoin’s potential to deliver financial freedom and sovereignty to billions worldwide.As CSO, Prince Philip advocates for strong individual property rights and financial freedom through Bitcoin, while promoting legal frameworks that enable economic empowerment for the unbanked. A frequent guest speaker at prestigious international conferences, he engages with heads of state, legislators, monarchs, politicians, and C-suite executives.Prince Philip resides in Belgrade with his wife, HRH Princess Danica, their son, HRH Prince Stefan, and their daughter, HRH Princess Marija.Timestamps:[03:00] Why Bitcoin matters for governance [04:17] Prince Philip’s Bitcoin origin story [06:16] Transitioning from finance to Bitcoin [07:10] How Bitcoin gained recognition in Serbia [09:49] Family’s reaction to Bitcoin advocacy [11:03] Importance of private property rights [12:40] Comparing pre and post-war architecture [14:18] Monarchy’s historical role in governance [16:41] Bitcoin as incorruptible truth [17:55] How Bitcoin can improve governance models [19:32] Direct democracy and decentralized systems [20:28] Technology’s role in improving voting [22:04] Bitcoin’s reception among royal families [23:44] Why privileged groups struggle to understand Bitcoin [25:12] Time preference and monarchy’s sustainability [26:25] Lessons from the French Revolution [29:08] The impact of post-World War governance [30:29] Challenges of fiat systems in Europe [32:50] Political dynamics in modern Europe [35:03] Bitcoin’s potential in Serbia [36:28] Serbia’s tech talent and brain drain [37:52] Cultural reliance on cash in Serbia [38:54] Shifting perspectives on Bitcoin locally [40:08] Trump’s influence on Bitcoin’s credibility [42:24] Growing political focus on Bitcoin [44:30] The future of Bitcoin adoption globally [45:36] Why 2025 is pivotal for Bitcoin progressWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Follow Prince Philip on X.Build a Prosperous Future with Bitcoin and JAN3Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or Audiobook21 Lessons: What I’ve Learned from Falling Down the Bitcoin Rabbit Hole by Gigi | WebsiteThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookOnce BITten Podcast by Daniel Prince | WebsiteTrueVote by Brett Morrison | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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67: Jon Tellis ON: The Hidden Tax Rules Every Bitcoin Holder Needs to Know (in 2025)
John Tellis is a CPA and Bitcoin consultant specializing in taxation and wealth management for high-net-worth individuals and families.In this episode, you're going to learn why Bitcoin is not anonymous and how blockchain transparency affects its use, practical steps to manage tax obligations when buying, selling, or holding Bitcoin, key considerations for businesses accepting Bitcoin as payment, the challenges and opportunities of relocating Bitcoin to different tax jurisdictions, and strategies for intergenerational planning with Bitcoin wealth.Jon Tellis is an Accountant, Chief Technology Officer, and Partner at nmbrly.ai. His firm provides Accounting, Tax, Advisory, and CFO services to Bitcoin and other tech businesses. He is also an entrepreneur focused on the development of disruptive technology in the FinTech space. He is co-founder of Generatio.me, a professional services network offering Bitcoin family office and advisory services.Timestamps:[03:00] Bitcoin is not anonymous[04:12] Understanding blockchain transparency[05:25] Tax implications of Bitcoin transactions[06:42] Reporting Bitcoin gains and losses [08:14] Using Bitcoin wallets effectively [09:27] Taxation differences between countries [10:36] El Salvador’s approach to Bitcoin [11:42] Planning for Bitcoin wealth transfer [12:56] Teaching the next generation about Bitcoin[14:15] Moving Bitcoin across borders[15:28] Challenges of relocating Bitcoin wealth [16:45] Tax obligations for Canadians holding Bitcoin[17:59] Unrealized capital gains taxation[19:12] Potential global Bitcoin tax policies[20:24] Bitcoin as a borderless technology[21:36] Importance of harmonized tax strategies[23:04] Bitcoin's volatility and taxation[24:15] Fair treatment of Bitcoin compared to other assets[25:28] Vancouver’s Bitcoin-friendly policies[26:44] Bitcoin as a strategic reserve[27:58] Paying property taxes with Bitcoin[29:16] Encouraging businesses to accept Bitcoin[30:32] Accounting complexities with Bitcoin transactions[31:46] Benefits of stacking Bitcoin for businesses[33:04] Vendor education on Bitcoin reporting[34:18] Long-term advantages of accepting Bitcoin[35:34] El Salvador’s evolving Bitcoin policies[36:42] Bitcoin as an investment vs. medium of exchange[37:59] Regional differences in Bitcoin adoption[39:14] Future of global Bitcoin policies[40:24] Mining opportunities and Bitcoin development[41:38] Educating new Bitcoin investors on taxes[42:52] Preparing for Bitcoin’s long-term value[44:05] Managing Bitcoin legacy planningWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.If you want to connect with Jon, follow him on LinkedIn or the nmbrly website.Resources Mentioned:Generatio | WebsiteMicroStrategy | WebsiteFASB | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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66: William Casarin ON: The Future of Decentralized Social Media
William Casarin is the creator of Damus, an app that interfaces with the NOSTR protocol to decentralize social media.In this episode, you're going to learn what NOSTR is and how it decentralizes social media compared to traditional platforms, the potential for using Lightning payments with social networks, why algorithms on NOSTR are user-driven and flexible, how NOSTR's open data layer allows apps to interconnect seamlessly, and the challenges and future of building decentralized applications in a centralized app ecosystem.William Casarin is the founder of the iOS NOSTR client, Damus. NOSTR is a decentralized, censorship-resistant, open-source protocol that aims to change social media as we know it today. It also integrates Bitcoin through a system called “zaps” which Casarin invented. He’s been in Bitcoin since 2010 when he started mining his own and then moved on to contributing to Bitcoin core and lightning. He is passionate about the future of Bitcoin and decentralized protocols, with the aim of completing a desktop and Android version of Damus in 2025. Timestamps:[03:40] What is NOSTR?[05:10] How NOSTR decentralizes social media[07:15] Difference between NOSTR and traditional platforms[09:45] Using multiple servers for reliability[11:30] Why censorship is a problem on social media[14:20] How NOSTR notes work[16:05] Integrating lightning payments into NOSTR[18:40] What are zaps and what is their purpose?[21:10] Challenges with Apple’s App Store[23:50] Why algorithms on NOSTR are flexible[26:35] How NOSTR apps interact with the protocol[29:20] Building a universal storefront with NOSTR[32:10] Onboarding challenges for new users[35:00] Why network effects matter for NOSTR[37:30] Lightning network usage on NOSTRLearn more about and sign up for Damus, the social network YOU control.If you want to connect with William, you can email him at [email protected] Mentioned:The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff | Book or Audiobook or VideoMatt Taibbi’s Thread on The Twitter Files | X ThreadBari Weiss’s Thread on The Twitter Files | X ThreadCoinos | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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65: Brad Mills ON: The Gift of Bitcoin
Brad Mills is a Canadian Bitcoin advocate, angel investor, and entrepreneur.In this episode, you’re going to learn why Brad believes Bitcoin is inevitable and how he shifted his mindset to prepare for its long-term growth. You’ll also learn the biggest mistakes he made during previous Bitcoin cycles and what he wishes he’d done differently, how borrowing against Bitcoin can solve lifestyle funding challenges without selling it, why understanding Bitcoin as a savings technology can help protect wealth, and how Bitcoin’s network effect continues to grow without constant defence from its advocates.Brad Mills is a lifelong entrepreneur, with a focus on product development & marketing. Involved with Bitcoin since 2011 as a miner, entrepreneur & investor, Brad is a Value Maximalist at his core.Timestamps:[02:18] Bitcoin taught Brad to save like Scrooge [02:56] The realization of Bitcoin’s inevitability [03:51] Common fears in the early days of Bitcoin [06:13] Why the Bitcoin education battle will last decades [07:03] Lessons learned about selling Bitcoin too soon [08:11] The entrepreneurial mindset in Bitcoin [10:15] Why Brad regrets selling Bitcoin to pay a mortgage [12:11] How to solve lifestyle problems without selling Bitcoin [13:39] Bitcoin as a global reserve asset [14:28] Why early Bitcoiners start selling at psychological price levels [17:28] How wealth confiscation led Tony Yazbeck to Bitcoin [19:05] Why Bitcoin is growing without constant defence [24:45] The role of Bitcoin as a productive protest [27:06] Scott’s story of losing money in Terra Luna [30:18] Bitcoin technology solving real problems [32:52] Why non-custodial Bitcoin lending is the future [34:28] Sell pressure from early Bitcoin holders [36:23] How borrowing against Bitcoin reduces sell pressure [38:43] Supporting Bitcoin-only companies solving lending issues [40:35] Why Brad believes Bitcoin will reach $1 million [41:19] Learning from mistakes strengthens Bitcoin's conviction [44:19] Why launching altcoins was once experimental [45:18] Understanding how entrepreneurs approach Bitcoin [46:31] How reframing Bitcoin changes perspectives [47:46] The appeal of Bitcoin mining in the early days [48:02] What new Bitcoiners should focus on [49:00] Bitcoin as a savings technology for entrepreneurs [52:35] Why entrepreneurs need to rethink Bitcoin If you want to stay in touch with Brad, follow him on X. To learn more about his work, visit his Website.Resources Mentioned:The Block Reward, Episode 24 with Jeff Booth on Why Deflation is the Key to Abundance | Spotify or AppleThe Block Reward, Episode 52 with Tony Yazbeck on The Banks Don't Have Your Money | Spotify or AppleBitcoin Beach | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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64: Emma Apatu ON: Fixing Public Services with Sound Money
Dr. Emma Apatu is an associate professor at McMaster University specializing in the social determinants of health and the founder of Dream Grad Academy, an educational platform about Bitcoin.In this episode, you're going to learn how fiat money systems influence government incentives and public service effectiveness, why Bitcoin can address socioeconomic inequalities and empower communities, the potential role of Bitcoin in decentralizing healthcare systems, how Bitcoin is being adopted in countries with broken financial systems, and strategies for introducing Bitcoin concepts in academic and professional settings.Emma Apatu is the founder of Dream Grad Academy, an innovative educational platform where she collaborates with Bitcoin Mentor to provide comprehensive guidance to newcomers in the Bitcoin space, helping them navigate their learning journey. As a professor at McMaster University, she has developed a unique perspective on the intersection of public health and emerging technologies. Her interdisciplinary research and experience has led her to identify Bitcoin as a powerful catalyst for individual sovereignty and systemic transformation in health and social systems. Her most recent work, 'Bitcoin & Public Health: Addressing the Debt-Money Crisis,' published in Bitcoin Magazine, explores these critical connections.Timestamps:[05:15] How Bitcoin relates to public health[08:30] The socioeconomic impact of broken money systems[11:22] How Bitcoin empowers individuals in healthcare[14:05] Community-level benefits of Bitcoin adoption[17:40] Canadian healthcare funding challenges[21:10] The importance of decentralizing health systems[23:45] Impact of inflation on healthcare resources[26:30] How broken money affects global healthcare systems[29:55] Africa’s challenges with centralized financial systems[33:20] How Bitcoin can solve trade barriers in developing nations[36:05] Why deflation isn’t necessarily bad[38:30] How Bitcoin is gaining momentum globallyLearn more about Bitcoin Mentor on their website.Follow the Dream Grad Academy on Instagram and visit their website.Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or AudiobookWTF Happened in 1971? | WebsiteDream Grad Academy | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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63: Samson Mow ON: $1,000,000 BTC in 2025
Samson Mow is the CEO of JAN3 and a prominent advocate for Bitcoin adoption.In this episode, you're going to learn why Samson believes Bitcoin adoption is accelerating faster than anticipated, the potential for Bitcoin to surpass $1 million per coin, why fiat currencies are fundamentally flawed and might fail, the importance of personal Bitcoin custody and strategies for safeguarding it, and why the next big step in global Bitcoin adoption could come from governments and major corporations.Samson Mow is currently the CEO of Pixelmatic, the development studio behind Infinite Fleet, as well as the CEO of JAN3, a new Bitcoin technology company with a mission to accelerate hyperbitcoinization. Samson is known for his work on El Salvador's Bitcoin strategy, and nation-state Bitcoin adoption in general.Samson was previously the CSO at Blockstream, a leading provider of Bitcoin infrastructure. Before joining Blockstream, Samson was the COO of BTCC, one of the largest Bitcoin exchanges and mining pools in the world. At BTCC, Samson oversaw the day-to-day operations of the company and directly managed the exchange and mining pool business units.Timestamps:[03:50] Is Bitcoin ahead or behind schedule?[07:10] Adoption and price acceleration explained[08:27] Predicting Bitcoin's exponential growth[09:50] Thoughts on long-term price targets[12:27] Will Bitcoin coexist with fiat currencies?[15:12] Why Bitcoin is a perfect monetary system[17:02] Challenges in convincing governments to adopt Bitcoin[18:50] Strategic reserves and the role of ETFs[20:59] Global competition to accumulate Bitcoin[22:29] Institutional Bitcoin vs free Bitcoin[23:51] Could companies evolve into nation-states?[24:50] Why countries rejecting bitcoin may fail[26:24] Hidden Bitcoin mining by governments[28:11] Potential outcomes for BRICS currencies[30:32] US advantage with Bitcoin holdings[31:42] Importance of personal Bitcoin custody[34:31] Legislative changes needed for Bitcoin security[36:12] Multisig systems as a Bitcoin custody solution[37:23] The omega candle concept[38:25] Lessons from weaker fiat currencies[40:02] Goals for onboarding the next billion Bitcoin usersFollow Samson on XResources Mentioned:Michael Saylor Introduces Bitcoin24 | ArticleJAN3 | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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62: Ryan Macleod ON: The Synergy Of Bitcoin Mining and Nuclear Power
Ryan MacLeod is a nuclear industry professional and Bitcoin enthusiast operating under the handle "Nuclear Bitcoiner."In this episode, you're going to learn how nuclear power can address energy needs for bitcoin mining, why combining bitcoin mining with nuclear energy is beneficial for power grids, the challenges and opportunities of integrating nuclear and bitcoin technologies, what countries like Canada and China are doing with nuclear development, and how bitcoin mining is transforming waste energy into value across industries.Ryan MacLeod is an experienced Laboratory Technologist at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, specializing in analytical and process chemistry. A graduate of Cambrian College, he oversees gas analysis mass spectroscopy facilities focused on reactor safety and materials research.In 2021, Ryan led a team that won the North American Young Generation in Nuclear - Innovation 4 Nuclear contest with a proposal to integrate Proof-of-Work Digital Asset Mining into Canada’s Small Modular Reactor Action Plan. He has since developed expertise in monetary systems and electrical infrastructure.Ryan aims to deepen his understanding of electrical systems to support the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and build Proof-of-Work infrastructure in Canada and beyond, positioning himself at the intersection of nuclear energy and digital technology. Timestamps:[04:14] How nuclear power complements bitcoin mining. [05:52] The current state of nuclear power and its public perception. [07:47] Challenges faced by the nuclear industry. [08:26] Why nuclear power is the densest energy source. [10:48] Challenges of overbuilding power grids. [11:58] How nuclear power supports baseload generation. [13:14] Synergy between Bitcoin mining and nuclear power. [15:42] Bitcoin miners monetizing underused hydroelectric power. [16:21] Using Bitcoin miners for district heating projects. [18:55] How Bitcoin enables global energy monetization. [19:44] Turning agricultural waste into Bitcoin. [21:05] BRICS nations building hash rate to challenge SWIFT. [23:33] Long-term impacts of bureaucracy on nuclear projects. [24:31] How fiat money impacts nuclear project financing. [26:18] Positive outcomes of Canada’s reactor refurbishments. [27:13] Small modular reactors and their applications. [28:12] The potential for using weapons-grade uranium as fuel. [30:41] How incentives impact nuclear and bitcoin game theory. [33:03] Growth of bitcoin hash rate and future predictions. [35:17] Why AI’s energy needs intersect with Bitcoin and nuclear. [36:59] Challenges of data centers using nuclear energy off-grid. [38:53] How Bitcoin miners participate in grid stabilization. [40:13] Conflict between Bitcoin miners and peaker plants. [42:10] Changing behaviours with Bitcoin’s monetary system. [44:44] Comparing fiat systems to Bitcoin’s efficiency. Check out Ryan’s X and LinkedIn.Resources Mentioned:BTC Sessions by Ben Perrin | Spotify or Apple PodcastsMr. Obnoxious by Peter McCormack | Spotify or Apple PodcastsMax Keiser | XJason Lowery | XFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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61: Cory Timmons ON: The Social Layer of Bitcoin
In this episode, you'll learn why meeting fellow Bitcoin enthusiasts in person can deepen your understanding of the technology and strengthen your commitment to it. You’ll also learn the importance of creating local meetups to foster community connections, how attending Bitcoin conferences and meetups can be less intimidating than you think, why Canada has a strong Bitcoin culture despite its size, and how beginners can get started with Bitcoin.Cory Timmons is an economist, Bitcoiner and the host of the Ottawa Bitcoin meetup group.Timestamps:[03:36] How Cory got into Bitcoin [04:25] Discovering Bitcoin during the pandemic [05:31] The importance of truth in Bitcoin [06:08] Realizing Bitcoin is more than digital gold [06:52] Why Bitcoin meetups matter [07:30] The impact of attending meetups in Montreal [08:24] How the Ottawa meetup started [09:10] Why in-person Bitcoin conversations are crucial [09:38] First impressions of Bitcoin conferences [10:20] How conferences differ from meetups [10:55] Understanding the social aspect of Bitcoin [11:38] How Bitcoin changes everyday life [12:12] The role of Bitcoin meetups in education [12:49] The value of asking questions at meetups [14:22] Organizing meetups to grow the Bitcoin community [15:22] Why Canada has a strong Bitcoin community [15:59] Cultural factors driving Bitcoin adoption in Canada [16:56] Impact of the 2020 lockdowns on Bitcoin awareness [17:40] The rise of Canadian Bitcoiners [18:33] How meetups build trust among newcomers [19:12] Making Bitcoin accessible for beginners [19:47] Different types of Bitcoin meetups [20:28] Hosting themed meetups for deeper connections [21:06] Organizing BitDevs meetups for developers [21:49] How to attract newcomers to meetups [22:44] Balancing beginner and advanced meetups [23:20] Tips for hosting successful meetups [24:00] Why meetups are the entry point for Bitcoin [24:38] How Bitcoin meetups have grown [25:19] Cory's favourite Bitcoin podcasts [26:05] Podcast apps that reward listeners in Bitcoin [26:39] Using the Fountain app to earn Bitcoin [27:20] Bitcoin podcasts for beginners [28:10] Podcasts for beginners vs. experienced Bitcoiners [28:48] How listening to podcasts accelerates learning [29:36] Challenges of starting with advanced podcasts [30:12] Overcoming the learning curve in Bitcoin [31:03] How podcasts help with Bitcoin adoption [31:42] The role of podcasts in building the Bitcoin community [32:28] Tips for finding good Bitcoin podcasts [33:15] Cory's recommended podcasts to check out [34:01] Cory's recommended guests to listen to [34:43] Why different perspectives are valuable [36:02] How Bitcoin changes your mindset [36:54] How Bitcoin impacts your approach to money [37:30] Why connecting with others is essential [38:14] How Bitcoin fosters community [38:45] Building connections through local meetups [39:28] Planning the next Bitcoin meetup in Ottawa To learn more about Cory (aka Boomer) check out this Bitcoin Magazine Article or find him at The Broken Ruler on X.Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or AudiobookThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookThe Bitcoin Standard Podcast with Saifedean Ammous | WebsiteThe Canadian Bitcoiners Podcast with Joey and Len | WebsiteTales From The Crypt (TFTC) with Marty Bent | Website We Study Billionaires - The Investor's Podcast with Preston Pysh | WebsiteRock Paper Bitcoin by ₿usiness Cat and Fundamentals | Spotify or AppleCitadel Dispatch with Matt Odell | WebsiteFountain Podcasts | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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60: BJ Dichter ON: Honking for Freedom
BJ Dichter is a prominent Canadian Bitcoiner and author.In this episode, you're going to learn how BJ’s experience during the 2022 Ottawa Trucker Convoy protest changed his views on financial freedom, why he believes Bitcoin is essential in today’s world, the challenges he faced with government intervention and why he sees Bitcoin as a tool for safeguarding personal rights. You'll also hear about the practical steps BJ recommends for protecting your assets in uncertain times and what he learned about the power of decentralized finance during one of Canada’s most turbulent political events.BJ Dichter is the author of “Honking For Freedom” and a Podcaster, Speaker, Journalist, 🇨🇦 Trucker Convoy Spokesperson & Media Strategist.Timestamps:[04:51] Why BJ became interested in Bitcoin [05:17] The insurance policy of uncensorable money [06:35] How BJ got involved in politics [08:09] Realizing the true value of Bitcoin during the convoy [09:06] BJ's role in fundraising for the convoy [10:22] The use of Bitcoin to support the convoy [11:49] Challenges with GoFundMe and GiveSendGo [12:25] Ontario government’s injunction on donations [13:22] How Bitcoin donations were managed [14:57] The fear of using Bitcoin among convoy organizers [15:17] Misconceptions about Bitcoin and criminal activity [16:05] Lessons learned from dealing with authorities [17:07] The long-term implications of Bitcoin [17:51] Comparing Bitcoin to the printing press [18:51] How BJ’s brother, a financial analyst, views Bitcoin [19:31] BJ’s emotional journey to understanding Bitcoin [20:03] How the government misunderstood Bitcoin [20:58] Confiscation of Bitcoin during the protest [21:47] Lessons learned about securing Bitcoin [22:03] Importance of having a lawyer when dealing with Bitcoin [23:17] Advice on protecting yourself legally with Bitcoin [23:45] Government escalation during the convoy protest [24:09] How communication with authorities could have de-escalated tensions [25:09] BJ's book 'Honking for Freedom' and its purpose [26:46] Dr. Jordan Peterson’s endorsement of BJ’s book [28:05] How the protest changed BJ’s view on Bitcoin’s value [28:37] Why Bitcoin is a vital tool in uncertain times [29:16] BJ’s family history and why financial freedom matters [30:22] The role of Bitcoin in escaping oppressive regimes [31:40] Currency debasement as a universal problem [32:23] How inflation impacts everyday people [33:19] Inflation triggering fear and curiosity in the public [34:15] The challenge of educating people about Bitcoin [35:03] Using empathy to introduce new people to Bitcoin [36:10] The rise in financial awareness post-2020 [37:32] How BJ’s love of cars revealed inflation issues early [38:42] Using personal interests to understand economics [39:12] Empathy as a tool for Bitcoin adoption [40:00] How Bitcoin can help those in developing countries [40:26] BJ’s advice for storing and saving wealth [41:28] Why BJ prefers Substack over Twitter [42:01] How BJ’s book aims to unite people [43:08] The concept of Enlightenment 2.0 [43:47] How BJ introduced Bitcoin to a research professor [44:29] Michael J. Saylor’s influence on understanding Bitcoin [45:08] How every generation faces perceived turmoil [45:51] Finding unity in real-life conversations [46:17] The positive future BJ envisions with Bitcoin BJ Dichter can be found on X or through Honking for Freedom’s Substack or Website.Resources Mentioned:The Money Masters Documentary by William T. Still | YouTubeConnections Series by James Burke | YouTubeAndreas Antonopoulos | YouTubeExplaining Postmodernism by Stephen Hicks | Book or AudiobookDr. Jordan Peterson | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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60
59: Michael Dunworth ON: Bitcoin is a Cheat Code
In this episode, you're going to learn why Michael sees Bitcoin as a “cheat code” for fixing global financial systems, the surprising role of energy grids in Bitcoin mining, why companies might face legal pressure if they don’t adopt Bitcoin, how political factors are driving institutional interest in Bitcoin and why Michael believes that embracing Bitcoin could be the fastest way for companies to outperform their competition.Michael Dunworth is a Bitcoin enthusiast and Co-Founder and former CEO of Wyre Payments.Timestamps:[00:04] Why Bitcoin is like a cheat code for money problems [01:34] BlackRock and Microsoft’s Bitcoin moves [02:45] The influence of politics on Bitcoin adoption [03:58] Trump’s proposal on crypto taxation [05:04] MicroStrategy’s massive Bitcoin buying plans [06:16] Understanding the role of ego in executive decisions [07:21] Why CEOs hesitate to follow Bitcoin strategies [08:45] Bitcoin as the lazy path to wealth [11:10] Texas is paying miners to stabilize the energy grid [12:23] Iran’s strategy to mine Bitcoin for national gain [13:36] The importance of accumulating commodities like Bitcoin [14:52] How inflation pushes people into risky investments [16:14] Avoiding financial decisions during chaotic times [17:35] Bitcoin’s impact on mental clarity and decision-making [18:58] Bitcoin’s effect on corporate governance [20:15] CEOs resisting change due to pride and fear [21:45] Why companies may face lawsuits for not adopting Bitcoin [23:04] The concept of a “wartime CEO” for tough times [24:35] Michael J. Saylor’s debt strategy to accumulate Bitcoin [26:02] How predictable Bitcoin’s value is long-term [27:20] The difference between Bitcoin and fiat currency [28:45] Mental health benefits of holding Bitcoin [30:08] Bitcoin’s role in simplifying your financial life [31:29] Setting and achieving long-term accumulation goals [32:50] Why Bitcoin is a powerful recruiting tool [34:12] The challenges legacy companies face with Bitcoin [35:30] Bitcoin’s predictable cycles and their impact [36:48] How Bitcoin resists change and external pressure [38:10] Why change is crucial for corporate survival [39:27] How Bitcoin forces businesses to rethink strategies [41:00] The importance of unity and collaboration [42:26] Inflation’s impact on everyday spending habits [43:50] Bitcoin as a safeguard against economic instability [45:12] Storing time and energy through Bitcoin [46:30] Long-term planning with predictable money [47:55] Resistance to adopting new financial technologies [49:22] Lessons learned from Michael J. Saylor’s success [50:48] Empowering people and businesses with Bitcoin [52:10] Why those who adapt will thrive [53:39] The psychology behind old vs. young investors [55:04] The power of Bitcoin in building future wealth [56:32] How Bitcoin changes your perspective on money [57:59] Using Bitcoin to protect against inflation [59:25] Planning your financial future with Bitcoin [01:00:53] Why Bitcoin adoption is inevitable [01:02:14] The impact of social proof on Bitcoin adoption [01:03:37] Future predictions for Bitcoin and global markets [01:04:50] Why the world is moving towards a Bitcoin standard [01:06:20] How Bitcoin transforms personal finance strategies [01:07:44] Final thoughts on the future of money Connect with Michael Dunworth on X.Resources Mentioned:Michael J. Saylor | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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58: Christian Ander ON: Bitcoin is Freedom Tech
In this episode, you're going to learn the remarkable story of how Bitcoin changed Christian’s life in 2011, the challenges of running a Bitcoin exchange in Sweden, the influence the Wallenberg family had on Sweden's financial system, the importance of privacy in today’s geopolitical landscape and why Christian believes Bitcoin is crucial for financial freedom.Christian Ander is the Founder and CEO of Goobit, an industry-leading crypto services company dedicated to developing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between the traditional financial system and the world of cryptocurrencies. Timestamps:[01:22] Christian Ander’s journey into Bitcoin in 2011 [04:51] Why Swedish banks dislike Bitcoin [06:46] The Wallenberg family’s influence on Sweden’s financial system [11:33] How Sweden's cheap energy benefits Bitcoin miners [16:23] Global trends in restricting cash transactions [19:29] Bitcoin’s transparency and privacy challenges [24:13] Anti-money laundering laws and their true purpose [31:36] Historic inflation and currency devaluation [36:19] Quantum computing and its potential threat to Bitcoin [40:41] Bitcoin’s role in securing financial freedomFollow Christian on X and visit the BTCX website.Find More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Welcome to The Block Reward Podcast, where real stories meet real impact, all powered by real money—Bitcoin. Each week, we dive into the transformative world of Bitcoin through in-depth interviews with thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of decentralized finance.Your host, Scott Dedels, also shares solo episodes where he reflects on his journey as a conscious CEO, offering insights into leadership, personal growth, and the evolving role of Bitcoin in creating a more intentional and purpose-driven economy.Whether you're a seasoned Bitcoiner or just starting to explore its potential, The Block Reward Podcast delivers thought-provoking conversations and actionable takeaways to inspire your own financial freedom and conscious living.Join us as we uncover the stories and strategies that fuel the Bitcoin revolution—one block at a time.New episodes released every Tuesday!
HOSTED BY
Scott Dedels
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