The "What is Money?" Show Bitcoin vs War, Violence, & Corruption w/ Gary Mahmoud
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Aug 19, 2025 In this engaging discussion, Gary Mahmoud, a Bitcoin enthusiast and educator, dives into the transformative potential of Bitcoin in the face of societal issues like war, violence, and corruption. He shares his journey from skepticism to advocacy for Bitcoin, critiquing traditional economic systems. The conversation also touches on the moral complexities of monetary policies affecting global conflicts and the need for empathy. Gary emphasizes Bitcoin as a tool for individual liberty and a fairer financial system, highlighting the importance of community and self-empowerment.
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First Bitcoin Purchase Like A 'Drug Deal'
- Gary bought his first 0.5 BTC in 2013 via a LocalBitcoins meet at a Starbucks, feeling like it was a drug deal.
- He carried a laptop wallet then and later learned the deeper mechanics over years of small purchases.
The Book That Clarified Money
- The Bitcoin Standard clarified for Gary what money fundamentally is and why Bitcoin fits as hard money.
- It connected historical money forms to Bitcoin's scarcity and security, triggering full conviction.
Money Printing Creates Perverse Incentives
- Fiat money printing creates incentives that reward proximity to power and produce distorted economics.
- Central banks' ability to counterfeit purchasing power fuels a pseudoscientific economics used to justify their privileges.
