60: BJ Dichter ON: Honking for Freedom

BJ Dichter is a prominent Canadian Bitcoiner and author.

In this episode, you're going to learn how BJ’s experience during the 2022 Ottawa Trucker Convoy protest changed his views on financial freedom, why he believes Bitcoin is essential in today’s world, the challenges he faced with government intervention and why he sees Bitcoin as a tool for safeguarding personal rights. You'll also hear about the practical steps BJ recommends for protecting your assets in uncertain times and what he learned about the power of decentralized finance during one of Canada’s most turbulent political events.

BJ Dichter is the author of “Honking For Freedom” and a Podcaster, Speaker, Journalist, 🇨🇦 Trucker Convoy Spokesperson & Media Strategist.

Timestamps:

[04:51] Why BJ became interested in Bitcoin  

[05:17] The insurance policy of uncensorable money  

[06:35] How BJ got involved in politics  

[08:09] Realizing the true value of Bitcoin during the convoy  

[09:06] BJ's role in fundraising for the convoy  

[10:22] The use of Bitcoin to support the convoy  

[11:49] Challenges with GoFundMe and GiveSendGo  

[12:25] Ontario government’s injunction on donations  

[13:22] How Bitcoin donations were managed  

[14:57] The fear of using Bitcoin among convoy organizers  

[15:17] Misconceptions about Bitcoin and criminal activity  

[16:05] Lessons learned from dealing with authorities  

[17:07] The long-term implications of Bitcoin  

[17:51] Comparing Bitcoin to the printing press  

[18:51] How BJ’s brother, a financial analyst, views Bitcoin  

[19:31] BJ’s emotional journey to understanding Bitcoin  

[20:03] How the government misunderstood Bitcoin  

[20:58] Confiscation of Bitcoin during the protest  

[21:47] Lessons learned about securing Bitcoin  

[22:03] Importance of having a lawyer when dealing with Bitcoin  

[23:17] Advice on protecting yourself legally with Bitcoin  

[23:45] Government escalation during the convoy protest  

[24:09] How communication with authorities could have de-escalated tensions  

[25:09] BJ's book 'Honking for Freedom' and its purpose  

[26:46] Dr. Jordan Peterson’s endorsement of BJ’s book  

[28:05] How the protest changed BJ’s view on Bitcoin’s value  

[28:37] Why Bitcoin is a vital tool in uncertain times  

[29:16] BJ’s family history and why financial freedom matters  

[30:22] The role of Bitcoin in escaping oppressive regimes  

[31:40] Currency debasement as a universal problem  

[32:23] How inflation impacts everyday people  

[33:19] Inflation triggering fear and curiosity in the public  

[34:15] The challenge of educating people about Bitcoin  

[35:03] Using empathy to introduce new people to Bitcoin  

[36:10] The rise in financial awareness post-2020  

[37:32] How BJ’s love of cars revealed inflation issues early  

[38:42] Using personal interests to understand economics  

[39:12] Empathy as a tool for Bitcoin adoption  

[40:00] How Bitcoin can help those in developing countries  

[40:26] BJ’s advice for storing and saving wealth  

[41:28] Why BJ prefers Substack over Twitter  

[42:01] How BJ’s book aims to unite people  

[43:08] The concept of Enlightenment 2.0  

[43:47] How BJ introduced Bitcoin to a research professor  

[44:29] Michael J. Saylor’s influence on understanding Bitcoin  

[45:08] How every generation faces perceived turmoil  

[45:51] Finding unity in real-life conversations  

[46:17] The positive future BJ envisions with Bitcoin  

BJ Dichter can be found on X or through Honking for Freedom’s Substack or Website.

Resources Mentioned:

The Money Masters Documentary by William T. Still | YouTube

Connections Series by James Burke | YouTube

Andreas Antonopoulos | YouTube

Explaining Postmodernism by Stephen Hicks | Book or Audiobook

Dr. Jordan Peterson | Website

Find More From Scott:

Scott Dedels | X

Block Rewards | Instagram

Block Rewards | YouTube

Block Rewards | TikTok

Block Rewards | Website

Block Rewards | LinkedIn