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

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

Latest episodes

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Sep 24, 2024 • 54min

52: Tony Yazbeck ON: The Banks Don't Have Your Money

In this episode, Scott interviews Tony Yazbeck, co-founder of The Bitcoin Way and a survivor of Lebanon’s financial collapse. Tony shares his firsthand experience of losing his life savings overnight and how it led him to embrace Bitcoin. He explains how Bitcoin can disrupt the fiat system, reduce global conflicts, and foster financial freedom. Tune in to hear why Tony believes a shift to Bitcoin is imperative and how it can protect your future in an unstable financial world.Tony is Co-Founder of The Bitcoin Way- a global leader in Bitcoin education and custody solutions.Timestamps:5:30 How to protect yourself from financial collapse. 12:21 Why exiting the fiat system is critical to survival. 15:34 Learn how Bitcoin can safeguard your savings. 25:28 Study how Bitcoin works before taking any drastic financial steps. 35:16 Avoid these mistakes with Bitcoin custody to protect your funds. 40:12 Importance of self-custody of your Bitcoin for financial security. 50:15 Transitioning to Bitcoin for long-term financial freedom.Check out The Bitcoin Way and follow Tony on X.Resources Mentioned:The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookThe Block Reward Podcast Episode on Keeping Your Bitcoin Safe with Rick Messitt | Spotify or AppleFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Sep 17, 2024 • 55min

51:Tom Karadza ON: Bitcoin Makes Housing Affordable

In this episode, Scott interviews Tom Karadza, co-founder of Rockstar Real Estate and a former tech professional, now a Bitcoin enthusiast. Tom shares his journey from the tech industry to real estate and Bitcoin investment. He delves into how these experiences shaped his financial philosophy, why Bitcoin is crucial for addressing real estate affordability issues, and the broader financial trends reshaping our world. This episode is packed with insights, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in real estate, Bitcoin, and their intersection.Tom Karadza quit his job as a Software Sales Manager at NetSuite Inc. as it was going public on the New York Stock Exchange, to be a full-time entrepreneur and investor. As the sole income earner and with a very young family at home, Tom was advised against leaving behind such a high-paying job. But being true to his mission, he was done living on other people’s terms. He Co-Founded Rockstar Real Estate with his brother Nick, focused on helping real estate investors in the Greater Toronto Area create income for life. Word spread about what they were doing, they were featured in national media such as the National Post, the Business News Network (BNN), Canadian Real Estate Wealth Magazine, and numerous local publications as well.Because of their focus on individualized coaching to create success, Rock Star Real Estate has grown to a team of 60+ people dedicated to working hand in hand with real estate investors. Together they “walk the walk” daily, as active investors themselves, and helping over 5,600 investors.Timestamps:7:24 Why leveraging real estate with debt creates higher returns.14:15 How Bitcoin offers an alternative to the traditional method if investing in real estate.23:31 How Bitcoin can prevent future housing bubbles.28:10 Why real estate is no longer the best path to wealth.33:45 How Bitcoin can democratize access to housing.40:12 Why focusing on Bitcoin’s long-term growth is crucial for financial freedom.To connect with Tom check out the Rock Star Inner Circle and follow him on X.Resources Mentioned:The Dao of Bitcoin by Scott Dedels | Book or AudiobookThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Sep 10, 2024 • 53min

50: What is Bitcoin?

Scott celebrates the 50th episode by sharing his personal journey with Bitcoin, highlighting its unique features, and discussing its potential role in the future of finance.Timestamps:4:17 Understand the yen carry trade and its global impact. 7:18 Why Bitcoin's fixed supply is a key differentiator. 12:10 Network effects and the challenge for Bitcoin competitors. 19:20 How proof of work secures Bitcoin and prevents fraud. 24:16 Triple ledger accounting and its significance for Bitcoin. 32:54 The challenge of outrunning monetary debasement. 40:27 The finite nature of Bitcoin vs. infinite paper money.Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or AudiobookThe Blocksize War by Jonathan Bier | Book or AudiobookThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookThe Genesis Book by Aaron van Wirdum | Book or AudiobookThe Block Rewards Podcast episode on The Rise of Carry and The Future of Central Bank Intervention with Kevin Coldiron | Spotify or AppleThe Block Rewards Podcast episode on Bitcoin is the Perfect Collateral with Peter Dunworth | Spotify or AppleFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Sep 3, 2024 • 1h

49: Roger Huang ON: The State of Bitcoin in China

In this episode, Scott interviews Roger Huang, an accomplished author and Bitcoin expert. Roger's book, "Would Mao Hold Bitcoin?" delves deep into China’s unique relationship with Bitcoin amidst strict government regulations and cultural nuances. He sheds light on the historical, economical, and societal factors influencing Bitcoin's role in China, the rise of digital currency exchanges, and the nation's evolving economic landscape. This insightful conversation unpacks how Bitcoin could force broader discussions around freedom and political reform in China. Roger Huang was born in China, but raised in Canada. He became fascinated with Bitcoin as early as 2013 – He couldn’t quite find his way around describing exactly why, so he started diving into it by meeting Bitcoin supporters and writing about the topic. As a longtime observer, Mandarin speaker, and regular contributor to Forbes and other platforms on the subject of Bitcoin in China, Huang is uniquely positioned to evaluate the implications for the future.Roger Huang’s "Would Mao Hold Bitcoin?" is the authoritative resource exploring Bitcoin’s disruptive intersection with Chinese history. Huang not only pulls back the curtain on the characters and events driving that story, but on the larger questions that arise from the clash between state-driven Chinese tech and the open source development that is Bitcoin. Timestamps:4:28 China's monetary history and inflation management.7:21 The role of Bitcoin in circumventing China's capital controls.14:35 The rise of Bitcoin mining and exchanges in China.19:51 The evolution of China's Bitcoin ecosystem.27:26 How China attempted to ban Bitcoin but failed.32:48 Bitcoin as a tool for capital flight in China.45:46 The future role of Bitcoin in China's economy.Resources Mentioned:Would Mao Hold Bitcoin? | BookBitcoin Magazine: Would Mao Hold Bitcoin? | BookBTCC | WebsiteBitcoin Block Party Vancouver 2024 | WebsiteConnect with Roger Huang on X or LinkedIn.Find More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Aug 27, 2024 • 58min

48: John Ely and Seb Bunney ON: Harmonizing the Energy Exchange of Value Creation

In this episode, Scott celebrates the one-year anniversary of the podcast with repeat guests John Ely and Seb Bunney from Block Rewards. They delve into the concept of employees earning Bitcoin and how it can revolutionize financial systems. John and Seb share their journey with Block Rewards, exploring the potential impact of Bitcoin on real estate, inflation, and global commerce. Tune in to understand why Bitcoin could be a game-changer in creating fair-value exchanges and reshaping the future of money.John Ely founded Motovate.ai. It enables enterprise sales incentives over the Lightning network. He has joined Block Rewards as of February 2024 as Chief Product Officer.Seb Bunney co-founded an educational platform: Looking Glass Education, and is the Author of "The Hidden Cost of Money" and "B is For Bitcoin". He is the Chief Information Officer at Block Rewards.Timestamps:3:18 Prepare for Bitcoin to reshape financial systems worldwide.7:22 Remove intermediaries to enable frictionless transactions.12:20 Collapse financial friction to zero using the lightning network.19:18 Boost national GDP by eliminating remittance fees.23:19 Understand Bitcoin's role in transforming global commerce.35:18 Realign incentives by moving away from inflationary currency.44:05 Address the breakdown of money to improve societal stability.Resources Mentioned:Looking Glass Education | WebsiteFooled by Randomness by Nassim Nicholas Taleb | BookMichael Saylor Bitcoin 2024 Keynote Speech | YouTubeSeb's Books:The Hidden Cost of Money | BookB is for Bitcoin | BookConnect with John Ely on X or LinkedInCheck out Seb Bunney on his Website, X or LinkedInFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Aug 20, 2024 • 43min

47: Cole Walmsley ON: A Bitcoin Renaissance

In this episode, Scott interviews Cole Walmsley, a former professional poker player turned Bitcoin advocate. Cole shares his journey from traditional investing to discovering the transformative potential of Bitcoin. He discusses how Bitcoin can grant individuals financial freedom, challenge governmental control over currency, and potentially lead to a new Renaissance. Cole and Scott explore the concept of Bitcoin as a store of value and its potential impact on global wealth, productivity, and governance in the digital age.Cole Walmsley is the founder and CEO of Gaiter Capital, a spiritual seeker and an insatiably curious human being who decided to skip college at 18 to play professional poker in Florida. He also has a book on its way, titled “The Bitcoin Thesis”.Timestamps:3:16 Why Bitcoin should not be priced in dollars.8:12 How Michael J. Saylor does not fully understand Bitcoin.11:41 Bitcoin’s value retention makes it the best money.17:09 Incentives in private governance models for prosperity.22:21 How Bitcoin transmits money with no borders.28:55 Money being issued by an issuer is an outdated concept.34:41 Bitcoin enables freedom by giving back time and value.Connect with Cole on X and visit the Gaiter Capital website.Resources Mentioned:The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | BookMicroStrategy | WebsiteNvidia | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Aug 13, 2024 • 51min

46: Rick Messitt ON: Keep Your Bitcoin Safe

In this episode, Scott interviews Rick Messitt, Chief of Marketing at The Bitcoin Way. Rick shares his personal Bitcoin journey and the hard lessons he learned along the way. With over a decade of experience, Rick emphasizes the importance of prioritizing security, privacy, and self-custody when dealing with Bitcoin. He opens up about his own devastating loss and the emotional impact it had, underlining the critical need for strong cybersecurity measures in the Bitcoin space.Rick is the Chief Marketing Officer at The Bitcoin Way, a team of cyber security experts that transform people into sovereign individuals. The Bitcoin Way teaches you how to upgrade your device security so that you can protect your privacy and your Bitcoin, all the while developing robust inheritance plans and securing ‘Plan B’ citizenships.Timestamps:3:30 Understanding the importance of secure Bitcoin custody.7:54 Why holding Bitcoin is a long-term investment strategy.15:19 Avoiding common pitfalls in choosing hardware wallets.24:20 The significance of KYC (Know Your Client) data in Bitcoin security.32:32 Real-world risks of unsecured Bitcoin storage.38:41 Steps to improve overall cybersecurity for Bitcoin.45:14 Benefits of professional guidance in Bitcoin security.Connect with Rick on X.Resources Mentioned:The Bitcoin Way | WebsiteKeePass Safe | WebsiteLedger | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Aug 6, 2024 • 53min

45: Michelle Weekley ON: Fix the Money, Fix Corruption

In this episode, Scott interviews Michelle Weekley, the director of product development at Byte Federal and a staunch Bitcoin advocate. Michelle shares her insights on the regulatory challenges facing Bitcoin, the devaluation of money, and the need to preserve financial privacy. She also discusses the potential shift towards being paid in Bitcoin and how it could reshape the economy. With her unique experiences in foreign direct investment and corruption, Michelle offers a compelling perspective on why Bitcoin could be the key to financial freedom and transparency. Tune in to hear how Bitcoin may influence global finance and fight systemic corruption.Michelle Weekley has a background in computer science and is the Director of Product Development at Byte Federal, one of the first Bitcoin ATM companies. Prior to that she spent 10+ years working with tech startups and two years abroad in Foreign Direct Investment. She is now a free speech advocate and global corruption whistleblower.Timestamps:3:11 Bitcoin enables financial independence.6:05 Studying macroeconomics to understand Bitcoin.10:46 Connecting money printing to political corruption.14:59 Experiencing systemic corruption firsthand.20:00 Importance of financial privacy with Bitcoin.24:54 Addressing the consequences of inflation.28:50 Bitcoin as a tool for auditing governments.Connect with Michelle on XResources Mentioned:Byte Federal | WebsiteThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | BookFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Jul 30, 2024 • 48min

44: Jim Crider ON: Bitcoin is Money that Makes Sense

In this episode, Scott interviews Jim, a Bitcoin-focused financial adviser from Texas. Jim offers a deep dive into the confusion around inflation, the importance of understanding what money truly is, and the misconceptions about Bitcoin's volatility and risk. He shares insights on integrating Bitcoin into financial plans, addressing lifestyle creep, and the impact of social media on spending habits. Whether you're new to Bitcoin or a seasoned investor, Jim's perspectives are crucial for navigating the complexities of modern finance.Jim is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP) and CEO of Intentional Living Financial Planning which helps families achieve early financial independence. Intentional Living FP helps their clients navigate the decisions, opportunities, and obstacles that they face so their money is used efficiently and effectively to serve its purpose in their lives.Connect with Jim on X (formerly known as Twitter)Resources Mentioned:Intentional Living FP | WebsiteBitcoin Financial Advisors Network | WebsiteThe Investor’s Podcast Network Episodes:Bitcoin Commons Misconceptions with Robert Breedlove | PodcastBitcoin is Not a Hedge with Parker Lewis | PodcastThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | BookFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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Jul 23, 2024 • 51min

43: Bram Kanstein ON: Bitcoin is the Standard Measure of Human Productivity

In this episode, Scott interviews Bram Kanstein, Bitcoin enthusiast, creative internet entrepreneur and host of the Bitcoin for Millennials podcast. Bram delves deep into the flaws of the traditional banking system and the fiat money paradigm, explaining why Bitcoin offers a more transparent and reliable unit of value. He shares his journey from banking frustration to becoming a Bitcoin evangelist, aiming to educate and inspire millennials. If you're curious about how Bitcoin challenges the status quo and how it could reshape our financial future, you won't want to miss this enlightening conversation.Connect with Bitcoin Bram at his Website, on Youtube or X (formerly known as Twitter)Resources Mentioned: The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | AmazonBitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | AmazonBitcoin for Millennials | PodcastFind More from Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

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