Unlocking Commerce

Unlocking Commerce

By Connie DavisBusinessEntrepreneurshipTechnology
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Unlocking Commerce episodes

  • Keep the 99: A Craftsman's 1% Receiving Tax for Small Businesses Gary Barnes

    What if your business kept 99 cents of every dollar and never filed another federal tax return? Retired master craftsman Gary Barnes spent decades hanging wallpaper and filing Schedule Cs. Now he's proposing a 1% Receiving Tax. Connie and Gary talk small business taxes, privacy, and a simpler tax code.Show Description: If you run a small business, there's a cost nobody sees. Not the rent. Not the inventory. The hours at the kitchen table with receipts, and the knot in your stomach every April.This week on Unlocking Commerce in Business, Connie sits down with Gary Barnes, a retired master craftsman, small-business owner, inventor, and author of Fixing America's Broken Government. Gary started hanging wallpaper in the early 1980s, raised six kids on self-employed income, and spent years doing his own quarterly filings. Eventually he decided to treat the federal tax system the way a craftsman treats a design that keeps breaking: not as something to patch, but as a systems engineering problem.His answer is the Receiving Tax. When money arrives in your account from a new owner, the bank snips 1%, the other 99% lands in your account, and your federal business taxes are done. No return. No forms. Gary explains how it would work, why he believes it protects financial privacy, how it treats moving money between your own accounts, and what it means for crypto, day traders and the new money rails.Gary doesn't claim to have every answer. He's building a pilot program with a public dashboard, a calculator anyone can try, and a grassroots community where he invites bankers, software builders and everyday business owners to test the idea.For entrepreneurs, side hustlers, nonprofit leaders and financial-service providers wondering whether a simpler tax code could unlock commerce.Simple enough to see. Fair enough to trust.
    Find Gary: https://fixyourgov.com/Social media: https://www.youtube.com/@FixYourGovernmenthttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gary-barnes-557923418/

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    55 min
  • The Commerce of Ideas:  What an Artist Learned Listening to Strangers

    Before anyone buys, donates, or signs, someone has to feel heard.

    This week on Unlocking Commerce in Business, Connie sits down with David Deighton — a Franco-American artist living in the high desert of New Mexico and the creator of Triptych Dialogue. For seven years, David has approached strangers in U.S. national parks and asked them three non-confrontational political questions. Then he listens. He becomes the canvas; they become the painters.

    Before this work, David and his wife ran an art gallery for 17 years. He shares what changed when he stopped worrying about whether a sale would close, why the moment you get triggered is the moment to get curious, and the strange question he uses to interrupt it: What does chaos taste like?

    Connie and David also dig into the 18th-century French idea of the commerce d’idées — the commerce of ideas — and why it may be the oldest market of all. Plus: what happened when an algorithm tried to keep him in his lane, why Old Faithful became his studio, and why you should practice your new idea on strangers before your loved ones.

    For founders, nonprofit leaders, financial service providers, and anyone with an idea they’re scared to put in front of people.

    Every exchange starts at a hinge.

    Find David:  

    His website: https://www.triptychdialogue.com/Social media: - You Tube: https://www.youtube.com/@triptych-dialogue- Instagram:  https://www.instagram.com/triptych_dialogue/

    Go Deeper:  Http://www.sacredledgers.com 

    http://www.conniedavisspeaks.com 

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    1 hr 3 min
  • The Ledger No Bank Can See — And Why It Changes Everything

    The most important business asset in your community might be the one banks can’t see. Connie Davis makes the case that the woman braiding hair in her kitchen, the mechanic fixing cars after work, and the grandmother selling plates after church are not “unbankable” — they are already carrying a ledger of skill, resilience, and value that traditional finance has been trained to ignore.With only Connie Davis speaking, this episode is a powerful solo reflection on money, dignity, and what it actually means to unlock commerce for the people building real economies at home. She draws on her 30 years in payments and financial infrastructure, plus insights from Ambassador Jeanette Mata, to expose the gap between the credit system’s narrow data and the lived experience of everyday entrepreneurs.You’ll hear Connie break down:

    • Why “insufficient history” often means “unread by the system,” not unprepared
    • The “broken chair and cushion” metaphor for survival mode and why quick fixes keep people stuck
    • Why emotional safety has to come before financial tools, coaching, or capital
    • How nonprofits, banks, credit unions, and builders can better serve people by studying how money actually moves in communities
    • The simple actions anyone can take this week to turn the knob for someone else

      • Connie also explores the idea that digital ledgers and AI should make value visible, not create new gatekeepers. She challenges lenders and builders to design for the neighborhood genius, the home professional, and the least sophisticated entrepreneur, because if your system only works for the most sophisticated people, it doesn’t unlock anything at all.Essential listening if you care about financial inclusion, community entrepreneurship, or building systems that see human beings before they see risk.

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      38 min
    • Human Rights in the Classroom: Ending Bullying for Good

      Can human rights education in schools create a kinder society? Jeannette Matta discusses why early awareness matters.
      This episode focuses on the necessity of teaching human rights to students at a young age. By normalizing these concepts early, we can build a foundation for respectful communities where everyone understands their inherent value and equal standing.
      We break down how integrating these concepts into the standard school curriculum could lead to significant bullying prevention. When children grow up understanding their own rights and the rights of others, it fosters a healthier social impact that lasts well beyond the classroom.
      Subscribe for more weekly conversations on education and social change. What role do you think schools should play in teaching these values?LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/amb-jeannette-matta-4318b32a2/?isSelfProfile=falseWebsite https://www.engagegia.com/Podcasthttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-unbreakable-hour/id6815400611

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      1 hr 8 min
    • Dream Power: Digital Value, Human Value

      Some books find you. When Dream Power by Dr. Ann Faraday found its way into Connie's hands, it unlocked the meaning of a childhood dream about men in white coats and revealed a new way to read the future of money.

      In this solo episode, Connie uses Faraday's two dream tools, the camera view and the mirror view, to decode how the financial system is describing what comes next: money as data, programmable money, onchain finance, and "users" transferring value. Drawing on 30 years of building the rails money moves on, she breaks down the launch of Open USD, Visa's new stablecoin platform, and what they mean for credit unions, families, and everyday people.

      Underneath it all is one question: when money becomes data, who holds the power, and what happens to human value?

      This episode also kicks off an upcoming series with leaders who are not only building the bridge between traditional and decentralized finance, but driving creative and critical missions to take us into the new world of digital value exchange. 

      In this episode:

      • What the shifting language of money reveals about where power is moving
      • Open USD, stablecoin reserves, and who keeps the value money earns
      • Visa's wallet and custody play, and what institutions gain and give up
      • Digital value vs. human value, and why trust must replace surveillance
      • Why the home, the Domus, is where value begins

        • Resources:

        • Rooted: Volume One, The Ground by Connie Davis: https://maiden-explorations-llc.kit.com/profile/products
        • Dream Power by Dr. Ann Faraday
        • Visa Stablecoin Platform announcement: https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases.releaseId.22591.html
        • Open USD coverage: https://theblock.co/post/406736/visa-stripe-coinbase-join-open-usd-stablecoin-shares-reserve-revenue

          • Note: U.S. dollar stablecoins like Open USD are generally backed by cash and short-term U.S. Treasuries.

          We are the source and store of value.

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          32 min
        • Is A New Mortgage Crisis Coming? The Goldman Prediction

          Goldman Sachs mortgage collapse strategies reveal how the firm profited while betting against the housing market. Learn the details behind the controversial trade that defined the 2008 crisis.
          This episode examines the specific actions taken by the bank, where they actively sold mortgage-backed securities to clients while simultaneously shorting those same assets. We break down the timeline of these events and how a massive financial institution navigated the fallout of the housing bubble.
          We also discuss the subsequent legal consequences, including the 565 million dollar fine imposed on the firm. While the penalty sounds significant, we analyze whether it truly impacted their monthly profits or if it was merely a cost of doing business during the financial crisis.
          Catch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/M-k-Hoffman-Commerce-Link
          Subscribe for weekly financial history breakdowns.

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          1 hr
        • Bitcoin Made Easy: Your First Step into Commerce

          Simplifying complex information is the first step toward true understanding. We break down the alphabet of ideas for beginners.
          Learning new subjects can feel intimidating, but the process becomes manageable when you start with foundational concepts. Arturo McDowell joins us to discuss how mastering the basics allows you to build a sturdy framework for knowledge, rather than getting lost in advanced jargon.For your listeners, here are the links we talked about: Start for FREE! Website https://www.blockchainabcs.com The book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B1JRHKRD - The app (free to download): search "Bitcoin ABCs" on the App Store or Google PlayApp Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/bitcoin-abcs/id6747802980 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.bitcoinabcs.app- The free 1-minute quiz: https://www.blockchainabcs.com/quizhttps://www.blockchainabcs.com/learn (Free Articles) - Verify our first certificate on the blockchain: https://www.blockchainabcs.com/verify (ID: ABCS45993529)
          We explore how this simple approach helps make bitcoin abcs accessible, proving that complex topics are just a series of smaller, logical steps. By focusing on the root of commerce, we can return to clarity and remove the barriers that keep people from engaging with new systems.
          May we remember the root of community as we build our understanding. Return to the root of commerce here: https://maiden-explorations-llc.kit.com/products/rooted-volume-i

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          54 min
        • You Can't Pour from an Empty Cell - The Mineral Fix for Burnout

          Dr. Carolyn Dean is a medical doctor and naturopath known for her long-running work on magnesium, mineral balance, and nutrient absorption. Her book The Magnesium Miracle has been in print for more than 20 years, and her latest work continues to challenge how we think about energy, aging, and cellular health.ORDER HERE:https://rnareset.com/?ref=zvjvhcus&utm_source=rrp_d2dEnter coupon code: CONNIEDAVIS. And get 10% off their orderYou can’t pour power, focus, or leadership from an empty cell. Dr. Carolyn Dean reveals why magnesium and vitamin C may be the overlooked foundation behind burnout, anxiety, brain fog, and the energy crash so many high-capacity people think is just “stress.”Host Connie Davis kicks off with a personal story of finding The Magnesium Miracle exactly when she needed it, then sits down with Dr. Dean, a medical doctor and naturopath who has spent more than 20 years making the case that the body’s real power source starts at the cellular level. Together they connect the dots between mitochondrial energy, nutrient depletion, and the daily habits that quietly drain performance.You’ll discover:Why magnesium is essential for 600 to 800 enzyme systems and roughly 80% of known metabolic functionsHow low magnesium can show up as fatigue, twitching, cramps, irritability, poor sleep, and brain fogWhy coffee, sugar, and “pushing through” can actually make depletion worseHow Dr. Dean thinks about the cell as a power plant, with magnesium regulating calcium flow and ATP productionWhy vitamin C, collagen, adrenal support, and mineral balance matter more than most people realizeDr. Dean also shares the origin story behind her decades-long focus on magnesium, from her own stress-filled years in New York to a Maui reset study that explored how well-absorbed nutrients may support healthier aging, better sleep, and more energy. Connie and Carolyn also discuss the limits of conventional nutrition research, the rise of synthetic supplements, and why nutrient literacy matters for entrepreneurs, caregivers, and underserved communities alike.This conversation is especially relevant if you’re constantly giving to others, running on fumes, or trying to do meaningful work while your body feels behind you. If you’ve been looking for a simpler, more practical way to support your energy, this episode is a powerful reminder that your mission can only go as far as your cellular reserves.Perfect for founders, female entrepreneurs, caregivers, and anyone ready to stop normalizing exhaustion and start refueling from the inside out.

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          55 min
        • The First Economy Was a Household - and a Woman Ran It

          The economy was never just Wall Street. It began in the household, where women managed scarcity, labor, planning, and survival long before the marketplace got the credit. This episode reframes everything you think you know about economics, finance, and even the way your nervous system handles money today.Connie Davis traces the hidden history of oikonomia - the Greek root of economy meaning household management - and makes the case that the first economist was the woman of the house. She connects that original role to the modern labels that stripped household labor of its value, from “domestic work” to GDP, and shows how industrialization and war shifted the strategist out of the home without replacing her.You'll discover:

          • Why household management is the original economic model
          • How forecasting, risk management, and labor allocation existed inside pre-industrial homes
          • The two major waves that displaced women from the center of economic life
          • Why the term “latchkey kid” is really an economic story as much as a family one
          • How scarcity can narrow cognitive bandwidth and shape lifelong financial behavior

            • Connie also brings in the psychology of scarcity and developmental neuroscience to show how stress, co-regulation, and childhood insecurity can become inherited operating systems. The result is a powerful argument that money behavior is not just about discipline or mindset - it is also about regulation, safety, and who was allowed to hold authority in the first place.If you care about money, family systems, trauma-informed leadership, or the future of TradFi, DeFi, and tokenized value, this episode gives you a deeper lens for understanding what is really at stake. Essential listening if you want to build an economy that does not require her to disappear for it to work.

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            28 min
          • The Original Language of Money Is Not What You Think

            Money is not just financial - it's linguistic. Connie Davis makes the case that if you've ever felt "too broke to deserve a business," the real problem may be the language of money itself, and she shows you how to start translating your worth into terms the system can't ignore.Drawing from history, lived examples, and the realities of modern finance, Connie reframes commerce as the full exchange of human value - not just dollars, credit scores, or bank approvals. She challenges the idea that people are "financially unsophisticated" and argues that many are simply unrecognized, untranslated, and excluded from the language that gatekeepers understand.You'll discover why early markets were built on trust, relationship, and demonstrated value, how a woman running a profitable business can still be denied because of terminology, and why cognitive labor - the ability to solve problems with no resources - is a form of currency. Connie also unpacks what happens when community leaders, founders, and nonprofit operators are misread by systems that only reward conventional framing.She takes the conversation into the future too, exploring how blockchain, decentralized finance, tokenization, and on-chain credit could rewire access for first-generation founders, rural entrepreneurs, and mission-driven organizations. But the real shift isn't tech - it's perspective. If money carries a current, then the question becomes who controls the flow, who gets left in the dark, and what it will take to restore access to value in the communities that create it.Connie Davis is the host of Unlocking Commerce and Business and the voice behind Sacred Ledgers, where she explores commerce, human worth, and the systems that shape both. Her work centers on translation - helping people recognize the value they already carry and express it in language that opens doors.If you've ever been told you're not ready, not qualified, or not enough, this episode will change how you see your own value. Essential listening for founders, nonprofit leaders, solopreneurs, and anyone ready to reclaim the original language of money.


            https://sacredledgers.com/

            https://maiden-explorations-llc.kit.com/profile/products

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            40 min

          About Unlocking Commerce

          From the publisher's feed

          Like a lighthouse in a storm, this podcast elevates voices and amplifies missions. We explore the ‘why’, the 'what' and the changing landscape of commerce. From community restoration efforts to…