👉 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
👉 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
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
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
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
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
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
“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
"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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.