Mr Obnoxious

Joseph Robertson is a political commentator and advocate focused on free-market economics and personal sovereignty. In this episode, we discuss the shifting political landscape in the UK, examining the impact of recent budgets on various social classes and the ideological shift from conservatism to socialism. Joseph and I explore the role of debt, inflation, and economic illiteracy among voters in shaping current policies, as well as the influence of career politicians who lack real-world experience. We also discuss the potential for Bitcoin as a hedge against financial overreach and the implications of regulation on self-sovereignty.

Peter St Onge is an Economist at the Heritage Foundation and a Fellow at the Mises Institute. In this episode, we discuss the challenges posed by government overreach, and the intricacies of the bureaucracy-politician dynamic. We get into how historical developments have influenced current political structures and the role of debt and its impact on economic growth. Peter also shares his thoughts on the possibility of reforming the current system, from central banking to taxation, and the path to a more efficient government.

Mike Brock is a political commentator, writer, and former executive. In this episode, we explore the dynamics of power politics versus distributive politics, the transformation of the Republican Party under Trump, and the struggle to uphold liberal values in a rapidly changing political climate. We dive into the role of economic incentives in shaping political actions, examine government corruption, and analyze the escalating U.S.-China economic rivalry. Additionally, we discuss how media influences public perception and why Mike sees the centre-left as perhaps the last hope for sustaining capitalism.

Jarrett Adams is a defense attorney, author, and founder of Life After Justice, a nonprofit focused on fighting wrongful convictions and supporting reintegration for exonerated individuals. In this episode, we get into his story of being wrongfully convicted at 17, the realities of navigating the criminal justice system, and the harsh conditions inside a supermax prison. We discuss the systemic issues that lead to wrongful convictions, including overburdened public defenders, incentivized witnesses, and racial bias in jury selection. We also explore the prison industrial complex, its economic incentives, and how it profits from incarcerated individuals.  

Alex Gladstein is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation and a leading advocate for Bitcoin's role in promoting freedom. In this episode, we discuss his work empowering activists under authoritarian regimes, the structural issues facing human rights funding, and how technology like Bitcoin are transforming the fight for liberty. We also get into the impact of peer-to-peer networks like Nostr, the evolution of Ecash, and the digital arms race between oppressive governments and freedom technologies. We cover forgotten global conflicts, the role of Western democracies, and how Bitcoin helps people survive hyperinflation and financial oppression.

Winston Marshall is a musician, cultural commentator, and former member of the band Mumford & Sons. In this episode, we discuss his journey from rock star to cultural commentator, the challenges of holding conservative opinions in the entertainment industry, and his exit from Mumford & Sons. We also get into the failures of corporate media, the rise of alternative media through podcasts, and the impact of political realignment in the U.S. and the UK. We also cover the ongoing struggle for free speech, the role of populism, and the future of liberty in a world increasingly dominated by censorship and ideological conformity.

David Zell is the Executive Director of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, a think tank focused on the public policy implications of Bitcoin. In this episode, we discuss the political landscape surrounding Bitcoin, its role as an insurance policy for both individuals and nation-states, how Bitcoin competes against traditional currencies, the global demand for stable money, and its implications for U.S. geopolitical strategy, especially in contrast to authoritarian regimes like China. We also discuss the politicisation of Bitcoin, potential regulatory threats, and how Bitcoin's existence challenges traditional financial systems.  

Izabella is the Senior Finance Editor at Politico and the founder editor of The Blind Spot. In this episode, we discuss the rapid advancement of AI, including how tools like ChatGPT are transforming journalism, the ethics of AI, its role in uncovering hidden information, and whether full transparency will lead to societal improvements or chaos. We also discuss economic stagnation, the collapse of the middle class, and the impact of inflation on daily life. We also get into the over-regulation in Europe, how it’s falling behind in technological innovation, and the parallels between modern challenges and historical examples of power structures and corruption.

Ben Arc is an open-source developer and an advocate in the Bitcoin and Nostr ecosystems. In this episode, we discuss the shift from centralised platforms like Twitter to decentralized systems, discussing how Nostr allows users to control their data and build communities without corporate interference. We get into Bitcoin’s evolution, synthesizing libertarian and socialist ideologies, the future of soft currencies, and the role of CBDCs in global economies. We also talk about the cultural significance of local currencies like the Welsh pound, the importance of free speech in a digital age, and how AI is transforming both daily life.  

Ian Birrell is a renowned British journalist, columnist, and foreign correspondent, known for his work on global conflicts, social justice, and political reform. In this episode, we discuss the failures of the prison system, whether it's true purpose is punishment or rehabilitation, and how countries like Norway and Texas are tackling recidivism with innovative approaches. We also get into Bitcoin’s role in empowering activists, the impact of social media on political tribalism, and Elon Musk’s controversial approach to free speech as well as the rise of political extremism, the decline of critical thinking, and the challenges of addressing the war on drugs and reforming criminal justice systems.  

Fernando Nikolić, Director of Marketing and Communications at Blockstream and a passionate Bitcoin advocate, offers a unique perspective on Argentina's economic turmoil and the libertarian revolution unfolding today. In this episode, we discuss the history of Argentina, exploring the impact of hyperinflation, political corruption, and the rise of populism. Fernando shares his thoughts on the impact of Juan Perón’s legacy, the devastation caused by decades of mismanagement, and the cultural factors that shaped the country’s economic collapse. We also discuss the rise of Javier Milei, the new libertarian leader, his drastic reforms, and the potential for Argentina to become a global libertarian test case.

Maajid Nawaz is a prominent counter-extremism activist, author, and former Islamist who has dedicated his life to combating radicalization.  In this episode, we discuss the complexities of modern Britain, the rise of extremism, the impact of divisive rhetoric, and the urgent need to rebuild societal trust. Maajid shares his insights on the weaponization of free speech, the failures of political leadership, and the challenges of integration and identity in a rapidly changing UK. We also get into his personal journey from radicalism to reform, the importance of shared values, and his vision for a new Britain.  

Dominic Frisby is a financial writer, comedian, and commentator known for his takes on economics, tax reform, and freedom. Dominic is a vocal advocate for liberty, self-governance, and the importance of sound money. In this episode, we dive into the state of personal freedom in the modern world and the battle for free speech. We explore the realities of high taxes, the lessons from Argentina’s economic chaos, and how libertarianism offers a path forward. We also look at the erosion of freedoms, the dangers of big government, and why taking control of your own life has never been more critical.  

Silkie Carlo is the Director of Big Brother Watch, where she leads efforts to defend civil liberties and protect privacy rights against state surveillance. She is at the forefront of challenging the UK's invasive surveillance laws and advocating for the protection of free speech and personal freedoms.  In this episode, we dive into the growing government panopticon, the implications of mass surveillance on privacy and democracy, and the battles being fought to protect individual rights in a digital age. We explore the expansion of state power, the impact of technologies like facial recognition, and the threats posed by new laws, as Silkie provides an eye-opening account of the fight against a surveillance state determined to monitor and control.  

Allen Farrington is a writer and investor. He co-wrote Bitcoin Is Venice and he’s a co-founder of Axiom, a Bitcoin-focused venture firm. In this episode, we discuss the distortions caused by fiat money, the consequences of misallocated capital, and the philosophical underpinnings of a Bitcoin standard. We get into how these issues impact both individuals and economies, dissect the flaws of modern capitalism, and discuss how Bitcoin offers a path toward financial sovereignty and a more equitable economic future, as Allen provides a compelling case for why the current system is unsustainable and what can be done to change it.