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

What if money doesn’t just buy things but actually changes how we think?In this episode, I talk with Helena Andrejko, an Australian psychotherapist who works with individuals and couples, as well as a psychedelic-assisted therapist trained to use psilocybin and MDMA for trauma and depression treatment in regulated medical settings. She splits her time between her therapy practice and her work in the Bitcoin space.We discuss how money can shape human consciousness, the overlap Helena sees between therapy and decentralization, and how trust functions differently in fiat and Bitcoin systems. Helena also shares why she believes Bitcoin challenges old power dynamics and what that could mean for how people relate to truth, pain, and authenticity.You’ll Learn:The surprising link between money and human consciousnessWhat it feels like to balance psychotherapy with being a BitcoinerThe real reason trust can’t be mandated in money systemsWhy fiat money mirrors a parent-child dynamicWhat happens when centralized authorities decide what truth isThe quiet damage of relying on monetary “heroes” for protectionHow Bitcoin shifts trust from institutions to math and codeThe role pain plays in growth and authenticity within decentralized systemsWhat history shows us about dissent, truth, and the cost of challenging powerTimestamps:[00:00] Introduction[06:40] How Helena connects therapy and Bitcoin through decentralization[08:55] The link between the invention of coinage and abstract thought[15:10] Why fiat money mirrors a parent-child trust dynamic[23:40] The hero, villain, and victim roles in money systems[29:00] How CBDCs and centralized decisions place people in the victim role[30:20] Why Bitcoin liberates authenticity by breaking old power structures[37:00] What history teaches about dissent and the cost of truth[39:10] How Bitcoin changes our relationship with pain and self-reliance[44:30] Why Bitcoin’s rules create boundaries without central authoritiesWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Dao of Bitcoin by Scott Dedels | Book or AudiobookRichard Seaford | AboutYuval Noah Harari | WebsiteByung-Chul Han | AboutLearn more about Helena on her website and follow her on LinkedIn.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

What if Bitcoin didn’t come to disrupt the system… but to save it?In this episode, I’m joined by Cedric Youngelman, the host of the Bitcoin Matrix podcast. Cedric’s been immersed in the Bitcoin space since 2017, and over the years he’s built a reputation for digging into the deeper philosophical and political implications of money, sovereignty, and how we organize society.We get into Cedric’s personal Bitcoin journey, from Facebook burnout and “heavily armed clowns” on Twitter to realizing that Bitcoin might be one of humanity’s few true paradigm shifts. We also talk about the rise of corporate and government accumulation, the dangers of centralization, and what happens when people confuse price action with understanding. Cedric doesn’t hold back.You’ll Learn:What it feels like to go from fiat confusion to Bitcoin convictionHow MicroStrategy and other treasury firms could destabilize Bitcoin during a downturnWhy self-custody is more than just a technical feature, it’s a societal shiftThe quiet damage of measuring everything in fiat termsWhat changes when you treat Bitcoin as money, not just a store of valueThe surprising link between centralized adoption and long-term riskWhat happens when states, ETFs, and corporations accumulate too much BitcoinWhy some Bitcoiners are questioning Ross Ulbricht’s reappearanceThe big risk of forgetting Bitcoin’s ethos while celebrating its priceTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [06:01] Cedric’s first exposure to Bitcoin and early confusion around altcoins [10:37] The moment he realized Bitcoin isn’t about tech, it’s about money [14:55] Why Bitcoin changes the rules of entrepreneurship and property ownership [19:03] The myth of store of value first, medium of exchange second [22:45] How ETFs and custodians give the old system leverage over Bitcoin [29:14] The risk of financialized Bitcoin companies during market crashes [33:45] Why state and corporate adoption might backfire [39:59] The problem with passing down Bitcoin values to the next generation [43:00] Cedric’s take on the Lightning Network and remaining skeptical [45:50] Why some Bitcoiners are ignoring valid critiques of the system [47:40] Could Bitcoin have been created by the state? [56:25] Cedric’s theory on Ross Ulbricht’s release and strange public reappearance [01:04:55] Reframing fiat life as a prison and Bitcoin as an escape hatchWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Bitcoin Matrix Podcast with Cedric Youngelman | WebsiteYour Wealth Is Melting by Joe Burnett | ArticleLex Fridman Interview with Jack Dorsey | YouTubeLearn more about Cedric by following him on X and LinkedIn.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

What happens when AI agents get paid in Bitcoin?In this episode, I sit down with John Ely, our Chief Innovation Officer at Block Rewards, for his second appearance on the podcast. John is a technologist with a sharp eye for where Bitcoin, AI, and the future of work intersect.We get into the explosion of AI agents and what it means to embed reasoning, logic, and even payments into software. John shares how AI is already reshaping our own company, his thoughts on why Bitcoin is the ultimate money for autonomous agents, and why he believes we’re on the verge of seeing AI create timeless works of art.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[04:45] How Tesla’s autonomous car shows where AI is headed[07:01] What AI agents are and how they’re already used in business[11:00] Michael Saylor’s use of deep research to create new financial products[13:55] Reflections on early tech and how AI feels like the next big shift[16:00] How coding agents plan, reason, and evaluate their own work[18:20] Why every company is becoming an AI company[23:00] Alpha Go, the God move, and what it revealed about AI creativity[26:00] What an agentic workforce could look like and how agents might be paid[31:00] The synergy between AI productivity and Bitcoin as sound money[35:00] Why white collar work is more vulnerable to AI than blue collar work[37:00] Bold prediction that AI will create a timeless work of art soonWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or AudiobookDeep Research | WebsiteClaude (Anthropic AI Tool) | WebsiteY Combinator | WebsiteCoinbase’s C402 Protocol | WebsiteLightning Labs' L402 Protocol | WebsiteMovie: AlphaGoLearn more from John by following him on X.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

“You thought you were free—until your bank froze your money.”This week on The Block Reward, Scott sits down with Jordi Llonch, a former airline pilot turned Bitcoin advocate and digital freedom strategist. Jordi’s not just talking tech—he’s living the life of a global citizen, traveling the world as a true digital nomad and helping others do the same. With a sharp eye for how broken financial systems restrict our autonomy, Jordi brings a unique and urgent perspective on why Bitcoin matters far beyond investment portfolios.In this episode, you’ll explore the rising tension between geographical freedom and financial dependence, and how Bitcoin is quietly becoming the tool that unlocks both. Jordi shares stories from his travels, explains how Bitcoin empowers remote workers and nomads, and introduces ideas like geoarbitrage, circular economies, and financial self-sovereignty. You'll also get a behind-the-scenes look at Barcelona’s thriving Bitcoin community, what’s really happening in places like El Salvador and Costa Rica, and why most people won’t care about Bitcoin—until they’re forced to. If you’re curious about building a life outside the system, this is the episode you’ve been waiting for.You’ll Learn:How digital nomads can unlock true freedom by combining geographic and financial independenceWhy most remote workers misunderstand what “freedom” actually requiresHow to use geoarbitrage to align your lifestyle with your valuesWhy banks freeze funds for nomads—and how Bitcoin bypasses that riskHow to identify the moment your freedom is just an illusionWhat Bitcoin adoption looks like on the ground in El Salvador vs. Costa RicaWhy freedom technologies matter more than speculative price chartsHow local Bitcoin communities fuel real-world adoption and resilienceWhy the global South may lead the next wave of Bitcoin innovationWhat a “Swiss bank account on your phone” really means for sovereigntyTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [03:10] What defines a digital nomad [05:05] Why freedom is the central value for nomads [06:45] The financial limitations of geographic freedom [08:00] The role of Bitcoin in solving financial friction [09:15] How Bitcoin becomes a tool for survival, not speculation [11:26] The mindset shift from settling to mobility [14:02] How capital controls broke the social contract [15:32] How Bitcoin flips the power dynamic between people and states [16:12] Why the global South may rise while the West declines [18:07] A comparison of Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador vs Costa Rica [20:49] The “frog in the jacuzzi” metaphor for passive decline [22:47] Why Bitcoin provides a mobile, uncensorable bank account [24:12] How a pizza shop was on boarded through real demand [25:01] Inside Barcelona’s thriving Bitcoin-only community [27:06] Examples of technical workshops offered in Barcelona [29:45] Behind the scenes of Barcelona’s Bitcoin-only conference [33:04] Why Jordi built a global Bitcoin event map [35:37] The power of Bitcoin meetups when traveling [37:20] Why nationalism and politics create division [39:51] Creating a culture of global citizenshipWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:BTC Map | WebsiteBTC Events Map | WebsiteNostr | WebsiteSatlantis | WebsiteLearn more about Jordi by following him on X, LinkedIn and SatlantisFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

"Bitcoin isn’t digital gold—it’s something far more powerful."In this episode, Scott is joined by two of the most respected names in on-chain analytics and Bitcoin macro strategy: Willy Woo, legendary data analyst and market commentator, and Yann Alleman, co-founder of Swissblock and architect of institutional-grade Bitcoin strategy. Together, they break down why Bitcoin’s trajectory isn’t just about price—it’s about fundamentally redefining value on a global scale.You’ll gain insider insight into Bitcoin’s path to 50%+ of global GDP, the rise of sovereign and corporate treasury adoption, and why volatility is not a bug—but a feature—of an evolving macro asset class. The trio explores how Bitcoin stacks up against fiat, gold, and altcoins, the role of liquidity flows, and why traditional portfolio management is being forced to adapt. You’ll also hear about the tools behind Bitcoin Vector, their new initiative aimed at professionalizing Bitcoin analytics and educating the next wave of institutional adoption.This is not your typical Bitcoin hype conversation—it's a masterclass in understanding the next evolution of money.You’ll Learn:How Bitcoin could realistically capture 50% of global GDP and what that means for investorsWhy measuring Bitcoin in fiat terms distorts long-term value projectionsHow on-chain data reveals Bitcoin's unique position as a macro asset, not just digital goldWhat liquidity trends tell us about Bitcoin’s sensitivity to global monetary policyHow to interpret Bitcoin’s volatility compression as a sign of market maturityWhy corporate and sovereign treasury adoption is accelerating—and what to watch forHow to assess the real risk behind Bitcoin-holding companies using convertibility metricsWhy altcoin dominance is likely to shrink as Bitcoin consolidates its role as the anchor assetHow stablecoins and Bitcoin together reshape the foundation of global financeWhat top funds get wrong about portfolio allocation in a high-liquidity Bitcoin worldTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [00:24] Bitcoin as a percentage of global GDP [03:16] Measuring Bitcoin by GDP instead of USD [04:22] Liquidity dynamics between real estate and Bitcoin [07:05] Bitcoin as a complex macro system [09:32] Why Bitcoin isn’t just digital gold [11:08] Coexistence of fiat and Bitcoin [14:35] How smaller nations lead Bitcoin adoption [18:09] Corporate treasury adoption trends [20:38] Market-neutral Bitcoin strategies explained [22:24] Risks of over-leveraged Bitcoin treasury firms [28:07] Sovereign Bitcoin adoption behind the scenes [32:19] Bitcoin dominance and the altcoin decline [36:25] Why altcoins continue to underperform [41:02] When altcoins actually outperform Bitcoin [45:00] Bitcoin’s cycles tied to global liquidity [49:06] Why most crypto trading strategies fail [53:05] Bitcoin as a check on fiat systems [56:03] Swissblock and Bitcoin Vector overviewWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Swiss Block | WebsiteGlass Node | WebsiteBlackRock | WebsiteCME | WebsiteStarlink | WebsiteBitcoin Vector | XLearn more from Willy by following him on X and LinkedIn. Learn more from Yann by following him on LinkedIn.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

Why the Ultra-Wealthy Never Sell—and What Bitcoin Has to Do with ItThis episode features Hunter Albright, systems engineer, AI expert, and traditional finance veteran turned Bitcoin educator and executive at Salt Lending. With decades of experience managing credit portfolios and building financial models, Hunter brings a rare combination of institutional insight and future-focused innovation to the conversation.You’ll learn why Bitcoin isn’t just digital gold—it’s becoming the foundational asset of a new financial paradigm. Hunter breaks down how Bitcoin enables everyday people to use wealth-building strategies once reserved for the elite: leveraging appreciating assets, avoiding taxable events, and gaining financial mobility across borders. You’ll also hear what’s brewing in the world of Bitcoin-backed loans, how businesses (from governments to mom-and-pops) are waking up to the power of holding Bitcoin on their balance sheets, and what the rise of global Bitcoin treasuries means for the future of real estate, debt, and sovereignty. Whether you're a curious investor or a serious builder, this conversation will change how you think about money, freedom, and what comes next.You’ll Learn:How borrowing against Bitcoin mimics ultra-wealthy strategies for tax-efficient wealth buildingWhy collateralized debt can be a smarter play than traditional creditHow Bitcoin’s portability redefines global financial freedomWhat rising institutional interest signals about Bitcoin’s future as collateralHow real estate investing could shift as Bitcoin adoption growsWhy stablecoins and other digital assets might dominate daily transactionsHow Bitcoin-backed loans unlock income bridging and retirement fundingWhat to look for in a lender to stay in control of your collateralHow Bitcoin treasuries can make small businesses more resilientWhy peer-to-peer transactions challenge the traditional four-party payment modelTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [02:00] How Bitcoin enables global, peer-to-peer wealth transfer [03:00] Using Bitcoin as a collateralized, appreciating asset [05:07] How the wealthy avoid taxes by borrowing against assets [07:00] Why Bitcoin could replace real estate as preferred collateral [09:00] Bitcoin loan interest rates vs expected appreciation [10:00] Institutional lenders entering Bitcoin-backed loan markets [12:00] The rise of Bitcoin treasury reserves in companies and governments [14:00] Why businesses underperform without Bitcoin on the balance sheet [17:00] How Bitcoin reserves support small and rural businesses [20:00] Global wealth preservation in failing fiat systems [22:00] Bitcoin as a portable Swiss bank account [25:00] Comparing Visa’s payment network to Bitcoin’s peer-to-peer model [27:00] Bitcoin’s potential to disrupt credit card fees and chargebacks [30:00] Why Bitcoin users need self-custody and financial literacy [32:00] What Salt Lending offers for Bitcoin-backed borrowing [34:00] Three key reasons people use Bitcoin loansWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Salt Lending | WebsiteCertified Bitcoin Professional (C4) | WebsiteBitcoin 2026 Conference (Las Vegas) | WebsiteFollow Hunter on LinkedIn and X.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

If you want a competitive edge, stop trying to out-AI everyone—and start doing things only humans can.This week on The Block Reward, Scott sits down with returning guest Aleks Svetski—entrepreneur, author of The Bushido of Bitcoin, and the visionary founder behind Satlantis, a decentralized, Nostr-powered travel and social app reshaping how sovereign individuals connect in the real world. With a track record of challenging the status quo, Aleks brings sharp insight into the future of technology, identity, and human connection.In this thought-provoking conversation, you’ll discover how Satlantis merges real-life exploration with digital sovereignty, why mainstream social media is devolving into algorithmic sludge, and how decentralized protocols like Nostr could reshape the internet as we know it. Aleks also drops bold takes on AI hype, Bitcoin’s inevitable dominance, and why your competitive edge lies in not outsourcing your life to tech. Whether you’re a Bitcoiner, builder, or freedom-seeking nomad, this episode offers a roadmap for staying human in an increasingly automated world.You’ll Learn:How building on Nostr changes what’s possible for decentralized appsWhy identity as a protocol beats identity as a featureHow social graphs drive personalized travel recommendationsWhy “real-world experience” is the next competitive edge after AI saturationHow to blend directory, social, and review systems into one seamless platformWhat Satlantis reveals about the future of network-driven communitiesWhy traditional social media is collapsing under its own algorithmsHow deflationary pressure from AI will reshape pricing and productivityWhy Bitcoin adoption and digital sovereignty go hand in handHow to position yourself where AI can’t compete—and humans thriveTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [05:00] Why existing tools like Nomad List fall short [07:15] How building on Nostr expanded the project beyond Bitcoin [09:57] What Nostr is and how identity works on it [13:03] Why Nostr offers the power of email with social reach [15:32] Building Satlantis fully on Nostr initially failed [18:15] Why the new version blends native features with protocol integration [19:45] Why the mobile and web apps are intentionally different [21:45] How the collections feature helps travelers plan ahead [23:14] How Satlantis combines events, merchants, and content [25:12] Why traditional travel and review apps feel outdated [26:57] How Satlantis blends social discovery with structured content [28:10] How social and interest graphs drive personalization [30:03] Why Instagram changed what people share and search for [31:59] Satlantis aims to replace TripAdvisor, Yelp, and Meetup [32:31] How Nostr-based identity enables a new kind of platform [33:49] How listeners can invest in Satlantis via Timestamp [35:02] Why slop content is killing social media [36:44] Why people are craving real-world connection again [39:10] Where humans have the edge in an AI-dominated future [41:05] Why capital is shifting toward Bitcoin and real value [43:31] How Satlantis plans to onboard merchants into Bitcoin at scaleWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.The Bushido of Bitcoin by Aleks Svetski | Book The UnCommunist Manifesto by Aleks Svetski and Mark Moss | Book or AudiobookSatlantis | WebsiteThe Bitcoin Times | WebsiteSpirit of Satoshi | WebsiteLearn more about Aleks on his website. You can also follow him on X and InstagramFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

I didn’t lose faith in crypto—I lost faith in lies.This week on The Block Reward, Scott sits down with author and sociologist Suman Kumar, whose new book Reclaiming Sovereignty explores the gritty personal journey from crypto disillusionment to Bitcoin conviction. With no background in finance or tech, Suman brings a rare lens: one rooted in global stories, community resilience, and a fierce demand for choice. Her insights are especially vital in a world waking up to the reality of broken money.You’ll hear how surviving the collapse of Luna and the FTX fallout led Suman not to retreat—but to lean in. She unpacks Bitcoin not as tech or trend, but as a social movement—a worldwide experiment in autonomy, hope, and human empowerment. We explore the emotional and existential stakes of financial sovereignty, how Gen Z and the Global South are shaping Bitcoin’s future, and why real freedom always comes with responsibility. If you’ve ever felt like the system wasn’t built for you, this conversation is your call to reconsider what’s possible.You’ll Learn:How disillusionment with crypto scams can sharpen clarity around Bitcoin’s core valueWhy Bitcoin’s social movement transcends race, politics, and geographyHow to reframe sovereignty as actionable personal choice, not just ideologyWhat global stories reveal about Bitcoin’s role in financial survivalHow community and shared values drive deeper adoption than profit aloneWhy emotional freedom depends on financial sovereigntyWhat Gen Z’s engagement with Bitcoin signals about the future of moneyHow Bitcoin mining intersects with energy reform and Indigenous autonomyWhy responsibility—not just rebellion—is central to true financial freedomHow real stories from the Global South challenge Western Bitcoin narrativesTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [01:45] The emotional fallout of Luna and FTX [03:10] What sets Bitcoin apart from altcoins [04:26] Turning financial loss into purpose [05:38] How personal stories shape the Bitcoin narrative [06:57] The power of the global Bitcoin community [08:19] Bitcoin as a vehicle for personal choice [09:36] Why sovereignty starts with money [10:42] Bitcoin’s role in transcending identity and borders [12:01] The deeper emotional impact of broken money [13:30] Bitcoin as a tool for reclaiming personal freedom [14:27] How Bitcoin transforms lives in the Global South [15:42] Breaking away from financial systems of control [17:00] Why sovereignty means more than just independence [18:23] The cultural layers of sovereignty on Indigenous land [19:41] Why freedom must be fought for [20:55] Compliance vs responsibility in financial systems [22:14] How Bitcoin fosters active, engaged communities [23:33] Bitcoin’s optimism and life-changing potential [24:11] El Salvador’s shift from fear to hope [25:18] Gen Z’s role in shaping Bitcoin’s future [26:22] What freedom feels like after finding Bitcoin [27:29] Writing as a personal sovereignty practice [28:24] Bitcoin mining and Indigenous energy strategyWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Reclaiming Sovereignty by Suman Kumar | Book The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookConsensus Conference | Website“With Bitcoin, we don’t have to earn our wealth twice” - Ella Hough | YouTubeLearn more about Suman Kumar by following her on XFind more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

The Fed Wants to Be a Hedge Fund—Here’s What That Means for BitcoinJames Lavish—managing partner of the Bitcoin Opportunity Fund and author of The Informationist—returns for a sharp, high-stakes conversation about markets, monetary policy, and the future of Bitcoin. With a background in hedge funds and Wall Street, James brings deep insight into how liquidity, debt, and geopolitical shifts are shaping the investment landscape.In this episode, you’ll hear James break down the trillion-dollar “basis trade” threat looming over global finance—and why the Brookings Institution is floating the idea of the Federal Reserve taking it on directly. You’ll learn how institutions like BlackRock are quietly stacking Bitcoin, why MicroStrategy’s playbook is nearly impossible to replicate, and what SAB 121’s repeal means for Bitcoin’s integration into traditional banking. We also unpack volatility, risk signals, and why all eyes are on liquidity as the true driver of price action. If you care about macro shifts, asymmetric bets, and the collision of old and new finance, this one’s unmissable.You’ll Learn:How the trillion-dollar “basis trade” threatens market stabilityWhy the Fed might start behaving like a hedge fundHow volatility forces institutions to liquidate Bitcoin firstWhat liquidity cycles reveal about Bitcoin price movementWhy MicroStrategy’s model can’t easily be copiedHow policy shifts like SAB 121 impact Bitcoin custody and lendingWhy institutional Bitcoin buys don’t always move the priceWhat global treasury markets signal about U.S. economic fragilityHow margin rules and volatility drive systemic riskWhy long-term Bitcoin conviction hinges on liquidity, not hypeTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [03:10] What the Fed watches when making rate decisions [05:35] How global liquidity ties into Bitcoin’s price [06:45] Why the US relies on foreign treasury buyers [08:05] The problem with holding US treasuries during inflation [10:30] How the “basis trade” works and why it’s dangerous [13:20] The scale and leverage behind today’s basis trade [15:45] What it means if the Fed takes hedge fund positions [18:05] How Bitcoin reacts to macro uncertainty [20:14] What a Bitcoin sell-off on weekends signals [22:52] The role of haircut changes during market stress [25:25] What makes liquidity broader than just money supply [27:38] Why Bitcoin may peak after liquidity peaks [29:38] How multiple macro factors shape Bitcoin price [31:12] How convertible bonds helped MicroStrategy scale [35:20] Why new Bitcoin companies can’t mimic MSTR returns [37:18] What 21.co and Jack Mallers are building [40:02] The impact of SAB 121 on banking and Bitcoin custody [42:10] How Chokepoint 2.0 disrupted Bitcoin funds [45:05] How banks will integrate Bitcoin into lendingWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Bitcoin Opportunity Fund | WebsiteBrookings Institution | WebsiteStrategy | WebsiteMetaplanet | Website21 | WebsiteLearn more about James through The Informationalist newsletter. You can also follow him on Instagram, X, and YouTube.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

Bitcoin is replacing real estate—and it’s happening faster than you think.In this episode, Leon Wankum, financial economist and real estate developer breaks down why Bitcoin is rapidly outcompeting real estate as a store of value, investment vehicle, and source of cashflow. With over 15 years in real estate and a background in financial economics, Leon brings unmatched insight into how the rules of wealth-building are being rewritten. From leveraging Bitcoin as pristine collateral to MicroStrategy’s game-changing financial products, this conversation challenges the long-held dominance of physical assets—and makes a compelling case that Bitcoin isn’t just an alternative investment, it’s becoming the benchmark. Whether you're a seasoned investor, real estate pro, or Bitcoin skeptic, this episode will shift how you think about capital, yield, and the future of money.You’ll Learn:How MicroStrategy’s financial products are engineered to outperform real estate cashflow without leverageWhy Bitcoin’s purchasing power growth outpaces even leveraged real estate over timeWhat makes Bitcoin a superior form of collateral compared to property assetsHow institutional capital is shifting from bonds and real estate toward Bitcoin-backed instrumentsWhy rising interest rates are exposing vulnerabilities in traditional real estate investingHow Bitcoin flips the time value of money and redefines financial riskWhat the decline of commercial real estate reveals about the larger economic paradigm shiftWhy measuring wealth in Bitcoin changes investment logic and portfolio strategyHow real estate developers can practically integrate Bitcoin into financing and reserve strategiesTimestamps: [00:00] Introduction [01:45] How Bitcoin flips the time value of money [03:10] Bitcoin vs real estate as yield-generating assets [05:30] Inflation benchmarks and real estate performance [06:55] Why Bitcoin’s growth outpaces even leveraged real estate [08:10] Bitcoin as superior collateral and digital real estate [09:35] MicroStrategy’s bond and preferred stock offerings explained [12:00] Real estate investor motivations and the shift to Bitcoin [14:20] Bitcoin’s threat to the $300 trillion real estate market [16:00] Declining commercial real estate value in a new economy [18:35] Central banking errors and rising interest rate impact [20:15] Real estate struggles while Bitcoin rises [22:00] Paradigm shift in storing and exchanging value [24:05] Clear math: Bitcoin vs real estate returns over time [26:20] Institutional capital shifting through MicroStrategy [28:00] Why Bitcoin is now the true investment benchmark [30:10] Will Bitcoin’s volatility decline or persist [32:20] Volatility as a resilience mechanism in BitcoinWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:Bitcoin As Real Estate by Surfer Jim | ArticleLearn more about Leon’s work on his Website. You can also subscribe to his Substack and follow him on LinkedIn and X.Find more from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn