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

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Feb 4, 2025 • 47min

71: Adam O'Brien ON: Bitcoin on Your Balance Sheet or Every Company Will Hold Bitcoin

Adam O'Brien is a leader in the Bitcoin space, focused on building Bitcoin-based financial solutions.In this episode, you'll learn how companies can use debt offerings to buy Bitcoin, how Bitcoin can be managed as a balance sheet asset, the benefits for small businesses using Bitcoin to protect their value, why Bitcoin may replace traditional banks in the future, and the potential impacts of Bitcoin adoption on corporate and national financial systems.CEO and Founder of Bitcoin Well (BTCW.v) Adam is a Bitcoin entrepreneur dedicated to building products that make it easy to buy, sell and use Bitcoin. He founded Bitcoin Well in 2013 which has grown to be one of Canada’s largest Bitcoin companies boasting over 280 Bitcoin ATMs across Canada and an online portal which is the fastest and safest way to buy and sell Bitcoin. In 2021, Bitcoin Well became the world’s first non-custodial Bitcoin business to be publicly traded. Today, he is CEO of Bitcoin Well and recognized as a true visionary in the field and strives to bring Bitcoin to the mainstream. His goal is to make Bitcoin easy, approachable and accessible for all. Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction  [01:00] Exciting developments in Bitcoin for 2025  [03:43] The role of government in Bitcoin’s rise and fall  [04:24] Strategies for building in the Bitcoin space  [07:00] Debt offerings and Bitcoin equity strategy   [09:21] Risk management with Bitcoin on the balance sheet  [09:55] Educating investors about Bitcoin business strategies  [10:50] Overcoming misconceptions about Bitcoin-backed debt  [11:44] How businesses use Bitcoin as an asset   [13:21] The freedom of using Bitcoin in business operations  [14:00] The benefits of using Bitcoin in uncertain environments  [15:28] Innovation versus slow growth in Bitcoin-based businesses  [17:00] The impact of Bitcoin’s deflationary nature on innovation  [17:52] Bitcoin’s role in corporate culture and decision-making  [19:08] Thoughts on Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin strategy  [21:00] Bitcoin as an asset versus leveraging fiat currency  [22:43] Shifting Bitcoin strategy in corporate environments  [23:51] The importance of debate within the Bitcoin community  [26:00] Bitcoin becoming a standard asset for businesses  [28:00] The rise of Bitcoin in global markets   [32:00] Bitcoin as a key asset for Canada’s future  [34:00] Political implications of Bitcoin adoption  [35:15] The potential for Bitcoin to transform Canada’s economy  [36:00] Bitcoin’s growing influence in global politics  [37:15] The importance of Bitcoin adoption for national financial systems  [39:00] Bitcoin’s potential in countries like Russia and Oman  [41:00] The challenges of shifting from fiat to Bitcoin   [44:00] Bitcoin’s potential to change global financial systems  Want to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Connect with Adam on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and the Bitcoin Well Website.Resources Mentioned:FUTURE PROOF Podcast with Adam O’Brien | SpotifyMicrostrategy | WebsiteSemler Scientific | WebsiteMetaplanet | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Jan 28, 2025 • 43min

70: Max DeMarco ON: From Fiat to Freedom: Running a Debt-Free Bitcoin Business

Max DeMarco is an independent filmmaker and media agency owner focusing on Bitcoin documentaries.In this episode, you're going to learn why Max transitioned from the music industry to Bitcoin, how the music industry's profit-driven approach contrasts with Bitcoin's principles, what value-for-value means and how it works in content creation, how Max runs a business entirely on Bitcoin without relying on fiat currency, and what challenges and opportunities exist for businesses adopting the Bitcoin standard.Max DeMarco started his career in music production but found his true passion after discovering Bitcoin. This led him to align his work with Bitcoin’s core principles of value and authenticity. Now, he runs a media agency dedicated to Bitcoin content, traveling the world to document Bitcoin circular economies and produce documentaries. Max is driven by his mission to help businesses transition to the Bitcoin standard, explore value-for-value monetization, and understand Bitcoin’s growing impact on culture and art.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[03:57] How social media impacts music creation[05:09] The effect of profit-driven motives in the music industry[06:33] How Bitcoin can influence cultural values[07:08] What value-for-value means[09:11] Why Max finances his own content[10:43] How Nostr enables direct creator payments[12:19] The impact of real feedback on content creation[13:42] How zaps change incentive mechanisms[14:39] Comparing Nostr with traditional social media[18:30] Challenges of running a Bitcoin-only business[19:45] Planning for Bitcoin bull and bear markets[21:01] How Bitcoin affects business scalability[23:24] The pros and cons of not having credit[24:13] Living on a Bitcoin standard[26:00] Why Max uses credit cards for spending[27:00] Selling Bitcoin for monthly expenses[30:32] Opportunities in building Bitcoin-based businesses[32:11] How people might not be able to buy Bitcoin in the future[33:28] Why building a Bitcoin business now is crucial[36:19] How Bitcoin adoption could change the economy[38:41] How changing money can change culture[39:09] The future impact of Bitcoin adoption[40:10] Businesses that fail to adopt Bitcoin[41:36] What 2025 could mean for Bitcoin[42:30] How public perception of Bitcoin is shiftingWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Find more from Max on X, Instagram, Snort, YouTube and on his website.Resources Mentioned:Proof of Health Podcast with Max DeMarco | Spotify or AppleNOSTR | WebsiteNOSTR Documentary with Jack Dorsey | YouTubeBPR Podcast with Will Casarin | YouTubeTahini’s | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Jan 21, 2025 • 41min

69: Sam Roberts ON: Solving the Pension Problem with Bitcoin

Sam Roberts is a UK pension actuary and a leader in integrating Bitcoin into pension strategies.In this episode, you'll learn why his firm allocated 3% of their pension funds to Bitcoin and how this decision supports long-term investment returns, the challenges pensions face in ensuring financial stability for retirees, the role Bitcoin plays as a growth asset and a hedge against inflation, why traditional investment strategies might fall short in the future, and how Bitcoin could redefine retirement savings in the coming decades.Sam is a qualified actuary and director at Cartwright, a UK-based pensions and investment advisory firm that serves institutional clients such as corporate pension schemes, charities, and corporate treasuries.Under the direction of Sam, Cartwright has been the first UK firm to make the bold move of advising their clients to allocate Bitcoin to their portfolios, part of the so called 'arrival of institutions' into this new financial realm.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[04:50] Differences between defined benefit and defined contribution pensions  [06:30] Challenges faced by defined benefit pensions  [08:10] Why investment returns are critical for pensions  [10:15] Role of Bitcoin as a growth asset in pensions  [12:45] Analysis of Bitcoin’s historical performance  [14:30] Explaining the 3% Bitcoin allocation decision  [16:00] How Bitcoin's lack of correlation diversifies portfolios  [18:20] Risk assessment for including Bitcoin in pensions  [20:10] Long-term potential of Bitcoin compared to other assets  [22:00] Why pensions need to consider Bitcoin as an option  [24:15] Comparing Bitcoin to traditional investments like real estate  [26:00] Addressing concerns about Bitcoin's volatility  [28:10] Evolution of pension strategies over the decades  [30:00] Impacts of inflation on pensions and savings  [32:40] Importance of education for pension trustees  [34:15] How Bitcoin simplifies the concept of saving  [36:00] Predictions for Bitcoin’s role in pensions in the future  [38:20] Encouraging active decisions on Bitcoin for pensions  Want to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Do you need help getting where you need to be? Getting your pension trust in a prime position can be a tricky business. Find out if Cartwright is the perfect partner for you.If you want to connect with Sam, find him on LinkedIn.Resources Mentioned:Nakamoto Portfolio | WebsiteParamount Employee Benefits & Pension Consulting | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Jan 14, 2025 • 48min

68: Prince Philip Karađorđević ON: Governments Will Need Bitcoin, Not the Other Way Around

In this episode, you're going to learn why Bitcoin could improve governance models like democracy and monarchy, how private property rights are essential for societal prosperity, why Serbia has unique potential to embrace Bitcoin, how global political changes are influencing Bitcoin's adoption, and what Prince Philip envisions for Bitcoin's role in Serbia's future.HRH Hereditary Prince Philip Karađorđević of Serbia serves as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at JAN3, a global financial technology company. After a 13-year career in traditional finance, Prince Philip joined JAN3, driven by his belief in Bitcoin’s potential to deliver financial freedom and sovereignty to billions worldwide.As CSO, Prince Philip advocates for strong individual property rights and financial freedom through Bitcoin, while promoting legal frameworks that enable economic empowerment for the unbanked. A frequent guest speaker at prestigious international conferences, he engages with heads of state, legislators, monarchs, politicians, and C-suite executives.Prince Philip resides in Belgrade with his wife, HRH Princess Danica, their son, HRH Prince Stefan, and their daughter, HRH Princess Marija.Timestamps:[03:00] Why Bitcoin matters for governance  [04:17] Prince Philip’s Bitcoin origin story  [06:16] Transitioning from finance to Bitcoin  [07:10] How Bitcoin gained recognition in Serbia  [09:49] Family’s reaction to Bitcoin advocacy  [11:03] Importance of private property rights  [12:40] Comparing pre and post-war architecture  [14:18] Monarchy’s historical role in governance  [16:41] Bitcoin as incorruptible truth  [17:55] How Bitcoin can improve governance models  [19:32] Direct democracy and decentralized systems  [20:28] Technology’s role in improving voting  [22:04] Bitcoin’s reception among royal families  [23:44] Why privileged groups struggle to understand Bitcoin  [25:12] Time preference and monarchy’s sustainability  [26:25] Lessons from the French Revolution  [29:08] The impact of post-World War governance  [30:29] Challenges of fiat systems in Europe  [32:50] Political dynamics in modern Europe  [35:03] Bitcoin’s potential in Serbia  [36:28] Serbia’s tech talent and brain drain  [37:52] Cultural reliance on cash in Serbia  [38:54] Shifting perspectives on Bitcoin locally  [40:08] Trump’s influence on Bitcoin’s credibility  [42:24] Growing political focus on Bitcoin  [44:30] The future of Bitcoin adoption globally  [45:36] Why 2025 is pivotal for Bitcoin progressWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Follow Prince Philip on X.Build a Prosperous Future with Bitcoin and JAN3Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or Audiobook21 Lessons: What I’ve Learned from Falling Down the Bitcoin Rabbit Hole by Gigi | WebsiteThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookOnce BITten Podcast by Daniel Prince | WebsiteTrueVote by Brett Morrison | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Jan 7, 2025 • 46min

67: Jon Tellis ON: The Hidden Tax Rules Every Bitcoin Holder Needs to Know (in 2025)

John Tellis is a CPA and Bitcoin consultant specializing in taxation and wealth management for high-net-worth individuals and families.In this episode, you're going to learn why Bitcoin is not anonymous and how blockchain transparency affects its use, practical steps to manage tax obligations when buying, selling, or holding Bitcoin, key considerations for businesses accepting Bitcoin as payment, the challenges and opportunities of relocating Bitcoin to different tax jurisdictions, and strategies for intergenerational planning with Bitcoin wealth.Jon Tellis is an Accountant, Chief Technology Officer, and Partner at nmbrly.ai. His firm provides Accounting, Tax, Advisory, and CFO services to Bitcoin and other tech businesses. He is also an entrepreneur focused on the development of disruptive technology in the FinTech space. He is co-founder of Generatio.me, a professional services network offering Bitcoin family office and advisory services.Timestamps:[03:00] Bitcoin is not anonymous[04:12] Understanding blockchain transparency[05:25] Tax implications of Bitcoin transactions[06:42] Reporting Bitcoin gains and losses  [08:14] Using Bitcoin wallets effectively  [09:27] Taxation differences between countries  [10:36] El Salvador’s approach to Bitcoin  [11:42] Planning for Bitcoin wealth transfer  [12:56] Teaching the next generation about Bitcoin[14:15] Moving Bitcoin across borders[15:28] Challenges of relocating Bitcoin wealth  [16:45] Tax obligations for Canadians holding Bitcoin[17:59] Unrealized capital gains taxation[19:12] Potential global Bitcoin tax policies[20:24] Bitcoin as a borderless technology[21:36] Importance of harmonized tax strategies[23:04] Bitcoin's volatility and taxation[24:15] Fair treatment of Bitcoin compared to other assets[25:28] Vancouver’s Bitcoin-friendly policies[26:44] Bitcoin as a strategic reserve[27:58] Paying property taxes with Bitcoin[29:16] Encouraging businesses to accept Bitcoin[30:32] Accounting complexities with Bitcoin transactions[31:46] Benefits of stacking Bitcoin for businesses[33:04] Vendor education on Bitcoin reporting[34:18] Long-term advantages of accepting Bitcoin[35:34] El Salvador’s evolving Bitcoin policies[36:42] Bitcoin as an investment vs. medium of exchange[37:59] Regional differences in Bitcoin adoption[39:14] Future of global Bitcoin policies[40:24] Mining opportunities and Bitcoin development[41:38] Educating new Bitcoin investors on taxes[42:52] Preparing for Bitcoin’s long-term value[44:05] Managing Bitcoin legacy planningWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.If you want to connect with Jon, follow him on LinkedIn or the nmbrly website.Resources Mentioned:Generatio | WebsiteMicroStrategy | WebsiteFASB | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Dec 31, 2024 • 40min

66: William Casarin ON: The Future of Decentralized Social Media

William Casarin is the creator of Damus, an app that interfaces with the NOSTR protocol to decentralize social media.In this episode, you're going to learn what NOSTR is and how it decentralizes social media compared to traditional platforms, the potential for using Lightning payments with social networks, why algorithms on NOSTR are user-driven and flexible, how NOSTR's open data layer allows apps to interconnect seamlessly, and the challenges and future of building decentralized applications in a centralized app ecosystem.William Casarin is the founder of the iOS NOSTR client, Damus. NOSTR is a decentralized, censorship-resistant, open-source protocol that aims to change social media as we know it today. It also integrates Bitcoin through a system called “zaps” which Casarin invented. He’s been in Bitcoin since 2010 when he started mining his own and then moved on to contributing to Bitcoin core and lightning. He is passionate about the future of Bitcoin and decentralized protocols, with the aim of completing a desktop and Android version of Damus in 2025. Timestamps:[03:40] What is NOSTR?[05:10] How NOSTR decentralizes social media[07:15] Difference between NOSTR and traditional platforms[09:45] Using multiple servers for reliability[11:30] Why censorship is a problem on social media[14:20] How NOSTR notes work[16:05] Integrating lightning payments into NOSTR[18:40] What are zaps and what is their purpose?[21:10] Challenges with Apple’s App Store[23:50] Why algorithms on NOSTR are flexible[26:35] How NOSTR apps interact with the protocol[29:20] Building a universal storefront with NOSTR[32:10] Onboarding challenges for new users[35:00] Why network effects matter for NOSTR[37:30] Lightning network usage on NOSTRLearn more about and sign up for Damus, the social network YOU control.If you want to connect with William, you can email him at jb55@jb55.comResources Mentioned:The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff | Book or Audiobook or VideoMatt Taibbi’s Thread on The Twitter Files | X ThreadBari Weiss’s Thread on The Twitter Files | X ThreadCoinos | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Dec 24, 2024 • 55min

65: Brad Mills ON: The Gift of Bitcoin

Brad Mills is a Canadian Bitcoin advocate, angel investor, and entrepreneur.In this episode, you’re going to learn why Brad believes Bitcoin is inevitable and how he shifted his mindset to prepare for its long-term growth. You’ll also learn the biggest mistakes he made during previous Bitcoin cycles and what he wishes he’d done differently, how borrowing against Bitcoin can solve lifestyle funding challenges without selling it, why understanding Bitcoin as a savings technology can help protect wealth, and how Bitcoin’s network effect continues to grow without constant defence from its advocates.Brad Mills is a lifelong entrepreneur, with a focus on product development & marketing. Involved with Bitcoin since 2011 as a miner, entrepreneur & investor, Brad is a Value Maximalist at his core.Timestamps:[02:18] Bitcoin taught Brad to save like Scrooge  [02:56] The realization of Bitcoin’s inevitability  [03:51] Common fears in the early days of Bitcoin  [06:13] Why the Bitcoin education battle will last decades  [07:03] Lessons learned about selling Bitcoin too soon  [08:11] The entrepreneurial mindset in Bitcoin  [10:15] Why Brad regrets selling Bitcoin to pay a mortgage  [12:11] How to solve lifestyle problems without selling Bitcoin  [13:39] Bitcoin as a global reserve asset  [14:28] Why early Bitcoiners start selling at psychological price levels  [17:28] How wealth confiscation led Tony Yazbeck to Bitcoin  [19:05] Why Bitcoin is growing without constant defence  [24:45] The role of Bitcoin as a productive protest  [27:06] Scott’s story of losing money in Terra Luna  [30:18] Bitcoin technology solving real problems  [32:52] Why non-custodial Bitcoin lending is the future  [34:28] Sell pressure from early Bitcoin holders  [36:23] How borrowing against Bitcoin reduces sell pressure  [38:43] Supporting Bitcoin-only companies solving lending issues  [40:35] Why Brad believes Bitcoin will reach $1 million  [41:19] Learning from mistakes strengthens Bitcoin's conviction  [44:19] Why launching altcoins was once experimental  [45:18] Understanding how entrepreneurs approach Bitcoin  [46:31] How reframing Bitcoin changes perspectives  [47:46] The appeal of Bitcoin mining in the early days  [48:02] What new Bitcoiners should focus on  [49:00] Bitcoin as a savings technology for entrepreneurs   [52:35] Why entrepreneurs need to rethink Bitcoin  If you want to stay in touch with Brad, follow him on X.  To learn more about his work, visit his Website.Resources Mentioned:The Block Reward, Episode 24 with Jeff Booth on Why Deflation is the Key to Abundance | Spotify or AppleThe Block Reward, Episode 52 with Tony Yazbeck on The Banks Don't Have Your Money | Spotify or AppleBitcoin Beach | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Dec 17, 2024 • 40min

64: Emma Apatu ON: Fixing Public Services with Sound Money

Dr. Emma Apatu is an associate professor at McMaster University specializing in the social determinants of health and the founder of Dream Grad Academy, an educational platform about Bitcoin.In this episode, you're going to learn how fiat money systems influence government incentives and public service effectiveness, why Bitcoin can address socioeconomic inequalities and empower communities, the potential role of Bitcoin in decentralizing healthcare systems, how Bitcoin is being adopted in countries with broken financial systems, and strategies for introducing Bitcoin concepts in academic and professional settings.Emma Apatu is the founder of Dream Grad Academy, an innovative educational platform where she collaborates with Bitcoin Mentor to provide comprehensive guidance to newcomers in the Bitcoin space, helping them navigate their learning journey. As a professor at McMaster University, she has developed a unique perspective on the intersection of public health and emerging technologies. Her interdisciplinary research and experience has led her to identify Bitcoin as a powerful catalyst for individual sovereignty and systemic transformation in health and social systems. Her most recent work, 'Bitcoin & Public Health: Addressing the Debt-Money Crisis,' published in Bitcoin Magazine, explores these critical connections.Timestamps:[05:15] How Bitcoin relates to public health[08:30] The socioeconomic impact of broken money systems[11:22] How Bitcoin empowers individuals in healthcare[14:05] Community-level benefits of Bitcoin adoption[17:40] Canadian healthcare funding challenges[21:10] The importance of decentralizing health systems[23:45] Impact of inflation on healthcare resources[26:30] How broken money affects global healthcare systems[29:55] Africa’s challenges with centralized financial systems[33:20] How Bitcoin can solve trade barriers in developing nations[36:05] Why deflation isn’t necessarily bad[38:30] How Bitcoin is gaining momentum globallyLearn more about Bitcoin Mentor on their website.Follow the Dream Grad Academy on Instagram and visit their website.Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or AudiobookWTF Happened in 1971? | WebsiteDream Grad Academy | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Dec 10, 2024 • 43min

63: Samson Mow ON: $1,000,000 BTC in 2025

Samson Mow is the CEO of JAN3 and a prominent advocate for Bitcoin adoption.In this episode, you're going to learn why Samson believes Bitcoin adoption is accelerating faster than anticipated, the potential for Bitcoin to surpass $1 million per coin, why fiat currencies are fundamentally flawed and might fail, the importance of personal Bitcoin custody and strategies for safeguarding it, and why the next big step in global Bitcoin adoption could come from governments and major corporations.Samson Mow is currently the CEO of Pixelmatic, the development studio behind Infinite Fleet, as well as the CEO of JAN3, a new Bitcoin technology company with a mission to accelerate hyperbitcoinization. Samson is known for his work on El Salvador's Bitcoin strategy, and nation-state Bitcoin adoption in general.Samson was previously the CSO at Blockstream, a leading provider of Bitcoin infrastructure. Before joining Blockstream, Samson was the COO of BTCC, one of the largest Bitcoin exchanges and mining pools in the world. At BTCC, Samson oversaw the day-to-day operations of the company and directly managed the exchange and mining pool business units.Timestamps:[03:50] Is Bitcoin ahead or behind schedule?[07:10] Adoption and price acceleration explained[08:27] Predicting Bitcoin's exponential growth[09:50] Thoughts on long-term price targets[12:27] Will Bitcoin coexist with fiat currencies?[15:12] Why Bitcoin is a perfect monetary system[17:02] Challenges in convincing governments to adopt Bitcoin[18:50] Strategic reserves and the role of ETFs[20:59] Global competition to accumulate Bitcoin[22:29] Institutional Bitcoin vs free Bitcoin[23:51] Could companies evolve into nation-states?[24:50] Why countries rejecting bitcoin may fail[26:24] Hidden Bitcoin mining by governments[28:11] Potential outcomes for BRICS currencies[30:32] US advantage with Bitcoin holdings[31:42] Importance of personal Bitcoin custody[34:31] Legislative changes needed for Bitcoin security[36:12] Multisig systems as a Bitcoin custody solution[37:23] The omega candle concept[38:25] Lessons from weaker fiat currencies[40:02] Goals for onboarding the next billion Bitcoin usersFollow Samson on XResources Mentioned:Michael Saylor Introduces Bitcoin24 | ArticleJAN3 | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Dec 3, 2024 • 51min

62: Ryan Macleod ON: The Synergy Of Bitcoin Mining and Nuclear Power

Ryan MacLeod is a nuclear industry professional and Bitcoin enthusiast operating under the handle "Nuclear Bitcoiner."In this episode, you're going to learn how nuclear power can address energy needs for bitcoin mining, why combining bitcoin mining with nuclear energy is beneficial for power grids, the challenges and opportunities of integrating nuclear and bitcoin technologies, what countries like Canada and China are doing with nuclear development, and how bitcoin mining is transforming waste energy into value across industries.Ryan MacLeod is an experienced Laboratory Technologist at Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, specializing in analytical and process chemistry. A graduate of Cambrian College, he oversees gas analysis mass spectroscopy facilities focused on reactor safety and materials research.In 2021, Ryan led a team that won the North American Young Generation in Nuclear - Innovation 4 Nuclear contest with a proposal to integrate Proof-of-Work Digital Asset Mining into Canada’s Small Modular Reactor Action Plan. He has since developed expertise in monetary systems and electrical infrastructure.Ryan aims to deepen his understanding of electrical systems to support the deployment of Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) and build Proof-of-Work infrastructure in Canada and beyond, positioning himself at the intersection of nuclear energy and digital technology. Timestamps:[04:14] How nuclear power complements bitcoin mining.  [05:52] The current state of nuclear power and its public perception.  [07:47] Challenges faced by the nuclear industry.  [08:26] Why nuclear power is the densest energy source.  [10:48] Challenges of overbuilding power grids.  [11:58] How nuclear power supports baseload generation.  [13:14] Synergy between Bitcoin mining and nuclear power.  [15:42] Bitcoin miners monetizing underused hydroelectric power.  [16:21] Using Bitcoin miners for district heating projects.  [18:55] How Bitcoin enables global energy monetization.  [19:44] Turning agricultural waste into Bitcoin.  [21:05] BRICS nations building hash rate to challenge SWIFT.  [23:33] Long-term impacts of bureaucracy on nuclear projects.  [24:31] How fiat money impacts nuclear project financing.  [26:18] Positive outcomes of Canada’s reactor refurbishments.  [27:13] Small modular reactors and their applications.  [28:12] The potential for using weapons-grade uranium as fuel.  [30:41] How incentives impact nuclear and bitcoin game theory.  [33:03] Growth of bitcoin hash rate and future predictions.  [35:17] Why AI’s energy needs intersect with Bitcoin and nuclear.  [36:59] Challenges of data centers using nuclear energy off-grid.  [38:53] How Bitcoin miners participate in grid stabilization.  [40:13] Conflict between Bitcoin miners and peaker plants.  [42:10] Changing behaviours with Bitcoin’s monetary system.  [44:44] Comparing fiat systems to Bitcoin’s efficiency.  Check out Ryan’s X and LinkedIn.Resources Mentioned:BTC Sessions by Ben Perrin | Spotify or Apple PodcastsMr. Obnoxious by Peter McCormack | Spotify or Apple PodcastsMax Keiser | XJason Lowery | XFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

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