Bitcoin, Nostr & Freedom Tech with Matt Odell - WBD684

Jul 17, 2023

In this discussion featuring Matt Odell, host of Citadel Dispatch and co-founder of OpenSats, the conversation centers on the evolving landscape of Bitcoin conferences and podcasts. Odell explores the significance of decentralized tech and the implications of identity verification on social media. They dive into Nostr’s potential as a censorship-resistant platform, while also examining the recent shift of BlackRock towards Bitcoin ETFs, raising questions about institutional investment's impact on the ecosystem.

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Intro

00:00 • 2min

The Nashville Bitcoin Exchange

01:54 • 16min

The Blue Checkmark Debate

18:01 • 10min

The Ethics of Identity Verification and Monetization Strategies

28:22 • 4min

Surveillance Capitalism and Identity on Social Media

32:16 • 22min

Navigating Censorship in Content Creation

54:12 • 2min

Decentralization vs. Centralization: The Clash of Social Media Policies

56:34 • 24min

Exploring Bitcoin Services and New Self-Custodial Solutions

01:20:29 • 4min

The Rise of Nostr: Navigating Decentralized Social Media

01:24:31 • 16min

Branding Challenges and Community Engagement in Bitcoin Tech

01:40:19 • 2min

BlackRock's Bitcoin Shift

01:42:06 • 6min

The Risks of Traditional Investments vs. Bitcoin Ownership

01:47:51 • 2min

Matt Odell is host of Citadel Dispatch, co-host of Rabbit Hole Recap, managing partner at Ten31 and co-founder of OpenSats and Bitcoin Park. In this interview, we discuss Bitcoin conferences and podcasts, the importance of decentralized tech, the implications of identity verification on social media, Nostr’s potential as a censorship-resistant social network, and the involvement of BlackRock in Bitcoin.

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Matt Odell is the Bitcoiners Bitcoiner: mission-driven, innovative, generous and yet unyielding in his expectations of the community. Given he’s a fellow podcaster and conference veteran, it was an invaluable opportunity to talk shop, but his wide-ranging expertise means we could again cover a plethora of current hot topics.

Matt discussed his views on the surge in global Bitcoin conferences and the changing landscape of Bitcoin podcasts. The boom in events, catering to various niches within the Bitcoin community, is a testament to the growth and diversity of this space. Podcasts too need to stand out from the crowd, whilst taking on mainstream content providers in terms of interviewing adroitness and production quality.

We discussed the pros and cons of having a blue checkmark on Twitter: whilst it can help users identify and connect with influential people, there are material concerns about the current identity verification system. The corollary to concerns about traditional social media companies is the potential to disintermediate these closed centralised systems with innovations like Nostr. Together with Bitcoin, Nostr could be a powerful tool for freedom movements.

Matt covered the critical importance of educating people on the risks and benefits of decentralization. Individuals with platforms and audiences should explain these risks to lessen the impact and pain that people may experience in a dark dystopian future where censorship and control are prevalent.

Finally, Matt provided his take on BlackRock's involvement in Bitcoin. Blackrock is the institution that Bitcoin was designed to resist. However, their involvement is a paradigm shift for Bitcoin’s narrative. Nevertheless, there are risks tied to the proposed Blackrock Bitcoin ETF. It's essential to learn how to hold self-custody of your Bitcoin instead of buying a paper claim. And further, it’s important Blackrock understand they can’t control Bitcoin.

This episode’s sponsors:

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