The Block Reward | Real Stories. Real Impact. All Powered by Real Money - Bitcoin

Bob Burnett is a longtime technologist with a career that spans from the early days of personal computers to his current work in Bitcoin.

In this episode, you're going to learn why Bob believes blockspace scarcity is just as important as Bitcoin scarcity, how nation-states and large institutions might control Bitcoin mining in the future, what it could mean for individuals trying to use the Bitcoin network, Bob’s view on the decentralization of computing and its role in creating Bitcoin, and the potential impact of rising blockspace fees on the future of Bitcoin transactions.

Bob Burnett is the founder and CEO of Barefoot Mining, a company focused on the development of “horse-class” mining sites, and he is a vocal proponent for the expansion of diversity in Bitcoin mining site geography, scale, and energy sources. Bob has spent over 35 years as a technologist including 13 years at Gateway, Inc., a Fortune 200 personal computer company, where he led the company’s product development efforts as Chief Technical Officer.  He has founded several companies in the Bitcoin mining space and is an evangelist and educator for Bitcoin and its importance to the world’s future. He has a degree in Computer Engineering from the University of Wisconsin at Milwaukee.

Timestamps:

[04:11] Discovery of Bitcoin after working with Ethereum

[08:11] Decentralization of computing and its connection to Bitcoin

[19:48] Explanation of what blockspaces are and why its scarcity is important

[25:41] Limitations of Bitcoin transactions and future implications

[34:00] Nation-states and institutions becoming major Bitcoin miners

[47:58] How Bitcoin could change global economics and national sovereignty

Follow Bob on X, visit the Barefoot Mining Website, and check out Old Man Yells! on YouTube.

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Mitchell Askew is the lead analyst at Blockware, a vertically integrated Bitcoin mining company.

In this episode, you're going to learn how Bitcoin's halving affects its price, why weaker Bitcoin miners are struggling and leaving the industry, what the difficulty adjustment means for Bitcoin mining, why Mitchell believes Bitcoin is the best way to protect against inflation and how the ongoing expansion of fiat money impacts global markets.

Mitchell Askew is the Head Analyst at Blockware and the author of "The Conservative Case for Bitcoin." Mitch has spent the past three years working full-time in the Bitcoin industry. His work focuses on content creation, marketing, and analyzing the Bitcoin & Bitcoin Mining ecosystems.

Timestamps:

[03:34] How Bitcoin halving impacts price

[06:07] Why weaker Bitcoin miners struggle

[17:40] How Bitcoin is becoming more widely distributed

[19:32] The relationship between global liquidity and bitcoin

[23:29] Why Bitcoin is a better choice than traditional assets

[36:00] Measuring wealth in Bitcoin vs local currencies

[41:09] Fiat money and its impact on family structures

[49:36] Where to find more of Mitchell’s work

Connect with Mitch on X and get your copy of his book, The Conservative Case for Bitcoin.

Find More From Scott:

Scott Dedels | X

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In this episode, Scott interviews Rajat Soni, a chartered financial analyst and Bitcoin enthusiast. Rajat sheds light on Bitcoin's potential to revolutionize wealth preservation and investments. He shares his insights on handling Bitcoin’s volatility, mitigating risks, and the future of various asset classes. Learn how Bitcoin compares to traditional financial tools and why understanding it could be crucial for your financial future. Tune in to grasp why Bitcoin might hit unprecedented highs and what separates it from stocks and real estate.

A Bitcoiner with 10+ years of experience in traditional finance, Rajat now focuses his time and energy educating on Bitcoin primarily through his Substack and YouTube channels.

Timestamps:

5:30 Understand the difference between saving and investing.

10:26 Why traditional real estate investments carry more risk today.

16:21 Learn how to avoid Bitcoin's most common investment mistakes.

22:34 How Bitcoin compares to traditional assets like stocks and real estate.

27:40 The risks of lending Bitcoin on exchanges and why you should avoid it.

33:25 Why borrowing against Bitcoin might not be the best strategy.

38:54 Sell a little Bitcoin when needed, don’t rely on lending.

Get in touch with Rajat through X or his YouTube channel.

Find More From Scott:

Scott Dedels | X

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In this episode, Scott interviews Ryan Verra, a resident of Bitcoin Jungle in Costa Rica and a facilitator of human consciousness through plant medicine. Ryan brings a unique perspective, exploring the spiritual and transformative potential of Bitcoin. He delves into how Bitcoin's stability and decentralization offer financial integrity and personal empowerment. This conversation will shift your views on money and consciousness, providing deep insights into why Bitcoin might just be the catalyst for a global awakening. Don't miss Ryan's compelling ideas that connect finance, spirituality, and future societal transformations.

Ryan Verra is a professional race car driver and extreme sport athlete who has expanded his expertise into brain-training, learning techniques and plant medicine. Over the past decade, he has worked with various indigenous tribes and plant-based medicines, such as Iboga, Ayahuasca and Psilocybin, developing protocols for neurogenesis and healing. His unique insights into Psilocybin earned him a speaking spot at Wonderland, the largest psychedelic conference in North America, where his ideas sparked significant controversy. Ryan now coaches high-level professionals and athletes, helping them enhance their mental health, productivity and consciousness through specialized plant medicine protocols.

Timestamps:

4:45 Understanding how Bitcoin can preserve wealth in an inflating world.

12:14 How plant medicine and Bitcoin are connected in consciousness.

18:13 Bitcoin as a spiritual tool to align with personal energy and choices.

24:17 The benefits of investing in Bitcoin for future generations.

32:05 How to stay patient and avoid distractions in the Bitcoin journey.

38:42 Taking responsibility for your Bitcoin and holding your own keys.

45:10 Building personal responsibility through self-sovereignty tools like Bitcoin.

To connect with Ryan check out the Source Code’s Website.

Find More From Scott:

Scott Dedels | X

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In this episode, Scott interviews Ian Major, co-founder of Joltz and a pioneer in Bitcoin-based loyalty programs. Ian dives into the intricacies of using the lightning network for fast, low-fee transactions and contrasts self-custodial and custodial solutions. He shares insights on why most businesses hesitate to adopt Bitcoin rewards and reveals groundbreaking developments in their wallet technology. Tune in to explore how Joltz is empowering financial self-sovereignty and transforming customer loyalty programs with Bitcoin.

Ian is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of Joltz, a Bitcoin infrastructure company with a focus on Lightning and Taproot Assets. Prior to Joltz, Ian sold and delivered enterprise analytics software to the largest companies across North America, the Middle East, and Africa, including Walmart and Emirates Airlines. Ian is also the Creator of the All Things Bitcoin YouTube channel and has helped nearly half a million people learn about Bitcoin.

Timestamps:

7:22 Why Bitcoin rewards outperform traditional loyalty programs.

13:49 How stablecoins enhance Bitcoin adoption for mainstream businesses.

19:46 Steps to create a Bitcoin rewards program for small businesses.

24:33 How taproot assets increase flexibility in Bitcoin rewards systems.

28:54 Why businesses should embrace Bitcoin to attract younger customers.

34:12 Solutions for improving self-custodial Bitcoin payment systems.

39:46 How to build a circular economy using Bitcoin rewards.

Check out Joltz and follow Ian on X.

Resources Mentioned:

Fold App | Website

Lolli | Website

Blockstream | Website

Lightning Labs | Website

River Financial Report: The Lightning Network | Article

Find More From Scott:

Scott Dedels | X

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Block Rewards | Website

Block Rewards | LinkedIn

In this episode, Scott interviews Tony Yazbeck, co-founder of The Bitcoin Way and a survivor of Lebanon’s financial collapse. Tony shares his firsthand experience of losing his life savings overnight and how it led him to embrace Bitcoin. He explains how Bitcoin can disrupt the fiat system, reduce global conflicts, and foster financial freedom. Tune in to hear why Tony believes a shift to Bitcoin is imperative and how it can protect your future in an unstable financial world.

Tony is Co-Founder of The Bitcoin Way- a global leader in Bitcoin education and custody solutions.

Timestamps:

5:30 How to protect yourself from financial collapse.

12:21 Why exiting the fiat system is critical to survival.

15:34 Learn how Bitcoin can safeguard your savings.

25:28 Study how Bitcoin works before taking any drastic financial steps.

35:16 Avoid these mistakes with Bitcoin custody to protect your funds.

40:12 Importance of self-custody of your Bitcoin for financial security.

50:15 Transitioning to Bitcoin for long-term financial freedom.

Check out The Bitcoin Way and follow Tony on X.

Resources Mentioned:

The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or Audiobook

The Block Reward Podcast Episode on Keeping Your Bitcoin Safe with Rick Messitt | Spotify or Apple

Find More From Scott:

Scott Dedels | X

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Block Rewards | YouTube

Block Rewards | TikTok

Block Rewards | Website

Block Rewards | LinkedIn

In this episode, Scott interviews Tom Karadza, co-founder of Rockstar Real Estate and a former tech professional, now a Bitcoin enthusiast. Tom shares his journey from the tech industry to real estate and Bitcoin investment. He delves into how these experiences shaped his financial philosophy, why Bitcoin is crucial for addressing real estate affordability issues, and the broader financial trends reshaping our world. This episode is packed with insights, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in real estate, Bitcoin, and their intersection.

Tom Karadza quit his job as a Software Sales Manager at NetSuite Inc. as it was going public on the New York Stock Exchange, to be a full-time entrepreneur and investor. As the sole income earner and with a very young family at home, Tom was advised against leaving behind such a high-paying job. But being true to his mission, he was done living on other people’s terms. He Co-Founded Rockstar Real Estate with his brother Nick, focused on helping real estate investors in the Greater Toronto Area create income for life. Word spread about what they were doing, they were featured in national media such as the National Post, the Business News Network (BNN), Canadian Real Estate Wealth Magazine, and numerous local publications as well.

Because of their focus on individualized coaching to create success, Rock Star Real Estate has grown to a team of 60+ people dedicated to working hand in hand with real estate investors. Together they “walk the walk” daily, as active investors themselves, and helping over 5,600 investors.

Timestamps:

7:24 Why leveraging real estate with debt creates higher returns.

14:15 How Bitcoin offers an alternative to the traditional method if investing in real estate.

23:31 How Bitcoin can prevent future housing bubbles.

28:10 Why real estate is no longer the best path to wealth.

33:45 How Bitcoin can democratize access to housing.

40:12 Why focusing on Bitcoin’s long-term growth is crucial for financial freedom.

To connect with Tom check out the Rock Star Inner Circle and follow him on X.

Resources Mentioned:

The Dao of Bitcoin by Scott Dedels | Book or Audiobook

The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or Audiobook

Find More From Scott:

Scott Dedels | X

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Block Rewards | LinkedIn

Scott celebrates the 50th episode by sharing his personal journey with Bitcoin, highlighting its unique features, and discussing its potential role in the future of finance.

Timestamps:

4:17 Understand the yen carry trade and its global impact.

7:18 Why Bitcoin's fixed supply is a key differentiator.

12:10 Network effects and the challenge for Bitcoin competitors.

19:20 How proof of work secures Bitcoin and prevents fraud.

24:16 Triple ledger accounting and its significance for Bitcoin.

32:54 The challenge of outrunning monetary debasement.

40:27 The finite nature of Bitcoin vs. infinite paper money.

Resources Mentioned:

The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or Audiobook

The Blocksize War by Jonathan Bier | Book or Audiobook

The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or Audiobook

The Genesis Book by Aaron van Wirdum | Book or Audiobook

The Block Rewards Podcast episode on The Rise of Carry and The Future of Central Bank Intervention with Kevin Coldiron | Spotify or Apple

The Block Rewards Podcast episode on Bitcoin is the Perfect Collateral with Peter Dunworth | Spotify or Apple

Find More From Scott:

Scott Dedels | X

Block Rewards | Instagram

Block Rewards | YouTube

Block Rewards | TikTok

Block Rewards | Website

Block Rewards | LinkedIn

In this episode, Scott interviews Roger Huang, an accomplished author and Bitcoin expert. Roger's book, "Would Mao Hold Bitcoin?" delves deep into China’s unique relationship with Bitcoin amidst strict government regulations and cultural nuances. He sheds light on the historical, economical, and societal factors influencing Bitcoin's role in China, the rise of digital currency exchanges, and the nation's evolving economic landscape. This insightful conversation unpacks how Bitcoin could force broader discussions around freedom and political reform in China.

Roger Huang was born in China, but raised in Canada. He became fascinated with Bitcoin as early as 2013 – He couldn’t quite find his way around describing exactly why, so he started diving into it by meeting Bitcoin supporters and writing about the topic. As a longtime observer, Mandarin speaker, and regular contributor to Forbes and other platforms on the subject of Bitcoin in China, Huang is uniquely positioned to evaluate the implications for the future.

Roger Huang’s "Would Mao Hold Bitcoin?" is the authoritative resource exploring Bitcoin’s disruptive intersection with Chinese history. Huang not only pulls back the curtain on the characters and events driving that story, but on the larger questions that arise from the clash between state-driven Chinese tech and the open source development that is Bitcoin.

Timestamps:

4:28 China's monetary history and inflation management.

7:21 The role of Bitcoin in circumventing China's capital controls.

14:35 The rise of Bitcoin mining and exchanges in China.

19:51 The evolution of China's Bitcoin ecosystem.

27:26 How China attempted to ban Bitcoin but failed.

32:48 Bitcoin as a tool for capital flight in China.

45:46 The future role of Bitcoin in China's economy.

Resources Mentioned:

Would Mao Hold Bitcoin? | Book

Bitcoin Magazine: Would Mao Hold Bitcoin? | Book

BTCC | Website

Bitcoin Block Party Vancouver 2024 | Website

Connect with Roger Huang on X or LinkedIn.

Find More From Scott:

Scott Dedels | X

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Block Rewards | YouTube

Block Rewards | TikTok

Block Rewards | Website

Block Rewards | LinkedIn

In this episode, Scott celebrates the one-year anniversary of the podcast with repeat guests John Ely and Seb Bunney from Block Rewards. They delve into the concept of employees earning Bitcoin and how it can revolutionize financial systems. John and Seb share their journey with Block Rewards, exploring the potential impact of Bitcoin on real estate, inflation, and global commerce. Tune in to understand why Bitcoin could be a game-changer in creating fair-value exchanges and reshaping the future of money.

John Ely founded Motovate.ai. It enables enterprise sales incentives over the Lightning network. He has joined Block Rewards as of February 2024 as Chief Product Officer.

Seb Bunney co-founded an educational platform: Looking Glass Education, and is the Author of "The Hidden Cost of Money" and "B is For Bitcoin". He is the Chief Information Officer at Block Rewards.

Timestamps:

3:18 Prepare for Bitcoin to reshape financial systems worldwide.

7:22 Remove intermediaries to enable frictionless transactions.

12:20 Collapse financial friction to zero using the lightning network.

19:18 Boost national GDP by eliminating remittance fees.

23:19 Understand Bitcoin's role in transforming global commerce.

35:18 Realign incentives by moving away from inflationary currency.

44:05 Address the breakdown of money to improve societal stability.

Resources Mentioned:

Looking Glass Education | Website

Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb | Book

Michael Saylor Bitcoin 2024 Keynote Speech | YouTube

Seb's Books:

The Hidden Cost of Money | Book

B is for Bitcoin | Book

Connect with John Ely on X or LinkedIn

Check out Seb Bunney on his Website, X or LinkedIn

Find More From Scott:

Scott Dedels | X

Block Rewards | Instagram

Block Rewards | YouTube

Block Rewards | TikTok

Block Rewards | Website

Block Rewards | LinkedIn