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

Latest episodes

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May 7, 2024 • 59min

32: Ioni Appelberg ON: Bitcoin Is Kardashev Scale Technology

In this electrifying episode of The Block Reward, Ioni Appelberg joins us to delve into the transformative world of Bitcoin as not just a currency, but groundbreaking energy technology. Discover how Bitcoin challenges the traditional economic paradigms and acts as an economic psychedelic, paving the way for a new era in human civilization. We’ll explore its role in the dynamic interplay between energy consumption, technological sophistication, and the global quest for a Type I civilization on the Kardashev scale. Tune in to uncover how Bitcoin could potentially redefine our understanding of technology, power, and progress. Ioni Appelberg (pronounced Yo-Ni Apple-Burg) is a Bitcoin philosopher, author, and content creator. His love for science fiction, history, futurism, and psychedelics takes his stories (and unsuspecting readers) on swashbuckling journeys to the frontiers of technology, space, and the human mind. He is also an avid reader, a medical doctor, a freedom fighter, a regular fighter, a psychonaut, and a terrible chess player.Key Topics Discussed:Bitcoin's challenge to traditional economic systemsRole of Bitcoin in global energy innovationsThe Kardashev scale and civilization energy controlThe psychedelic effect of BitcoinTimestamps:04:24 A new economic operating system created by Bitcoin.08:11 Bitcoin exposes flaws and introduces economic plasticity.15:00 Bitcoin empowers global cooperation.22:47 Advancement in communication technologies vital for civilization, Bitcoin a recent addition.26:09 Advancing technology like Bitcoin enables progress toward a Type I Civilization.39:56 Bitcoin drives and incentivizes innovation in energy sector.Guest Socials:Ioni Appelberg | YoutubeIoni Appelberg | X (Formerly known as Twitter)Abundance Through Scarcity | Bitcoin Book Shop
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Apr 30, 2024 • 51min

31: Rob Wallace ON: The Ethical Dilemma Of The Business Of Ordinals

In this enlightening episode of The Block Reward, host Scott Dedels and Bitcoin enthusiast Rob Wallace dive deep into the controversies surrounding Bitcoin's true purpose. They tackle hot topics like the implications of NFTs on the Bitcoin blockchain, the evolving debate on Ethereum's influence, and the pitfalls of straying from Bitcoin’s mission to separate state and money. Join us as Rob emphasizes the significance of keeping Bitcoin pure and independent, addressing risks like ordinals and inscriptions that may redirect its foundational aim. Rob Wallace is passionate about delivering accurate and insightful information about Bitcoin. He is the co-founder of Bitcoin News, a media platform that covers the latest trends, developments, and opportunities in the Bitcoin space. Rob has over a decade of experience in video production, editing, and motion design, working with global brands, agencies, and startups. He started his career in Shanghai, where he launched his own PR and events company, PX Productions, and produced viral videos with millions of views. He then moved to New York, where he worked as a producer and associate producer at Simba Productions and Saatchi & Saatchi Wellness, creating engaging content for clients like Spotify, Pizza Hut, and Johnson & Johnson. Rob combines his production and creative skills with his knowledge of international relations, which he studied at Tufts University. He is adept at managing budgets, logistics, and workflows, as well as developing concepts, scripts, and storyboards. He is also proficient in social media, social networking, and project management. Rob's goal is to help accelerate the adoption of Bitcoin by educating and inspiring audiences through compelling storytelling.Key Topics Discussed:Bitcoin's fundamental purpose vs. market promotion schemesReliability of Bitcoin News for accurate information The viability and risks of NFTs on the Bitcoin blockchainBitcoin and Ethereum's differences and the Ponzi scheme labelOrdinals and inscriptions' impact on Bitcoin’s network and feesTimestamps:04:28 With the debt crisis worldwide, Bitcoin is a solution.08:12 Bitcoin enabling new non-monetary uses, sparking debate.12:40 Ordinals and inscriptions increase congestion and fees on Bitcoin which impacts accessibility for users.16:39 Bitcoin block size wars.18:38 Censorship, censorship resistance, and social responsibility.25:15 Understanding Bitcoin's significance in separating governments from money printers for a better future.34:22 Ethereum-Bitcoin relationship shows declining exchange rates.38:45 Bitcoin logo NFT sells for $750,000.45:07 Advocates for Bitcoin defend against criticism urging personal choice and speaking out on platforms.Guest Socials:Bitcoin News | WebsiteBitcoin Magazine: Beyond Tribalism | Website/ArticleThe Bullish Case for Ordinals with Pete Rizzo | Youtube
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Apr 23, 2024 • 28min

30: Scott Dedels ON: The Dao Of Bitcoin

In today's thought-provoking episode of The Block Reward, your host Scott Dedels invites you on a journey through the Dao of Bitcoin. We delve into how Bitcoin challenges and reshapes our understanding of money, society, and our interconnectedness within the cosmos. Scott discusses his new book, The Dao of Bitcoin, which explores Bitcoin's potential to spark a species-wide spiritual awakening, redefine value transfer and our internal worldviews. Tune in to discover how Daoism intersects with Bitcoin philosophy, and how this ancient wisdom could be the key to a harmonious, decentralized future. Buy the book: The Dao of Bitcoin: Towards a Cosmology of Energy Money: Dedels, Scott, Shilling, Mel, Bunney, Seb: 9798884441965: Amazon.com: BooksKey Topics Discussed:Bitcoin's influence on worldview and society.The concept of the 'orange pill' and the awakening in Bitcoin.Daoism's connection with Bitcoin philosophy.Centralization vs. Decentralization in societal evolution.Timestamps:05:48 Bitcoin promotes universal secure storage, property protection, and nonviolent interactions.08:43 Money loses value due to infinite supply.15:37 Daoism and Bitcoin.20:55 Bitcoin enables modern interactions that are aligned with ancient principles.24:14 The axioms of money and wealth.
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Apr 16, 2024 • 54min

29: Raphael Zagury ON: Conceptualizing Bitcoin as an Asset Class

In the 29th episode of The Block Reward, Scott Dedels is joined by Raphael Zagury, a financial maverick with roots in Brazil's hyperinflation crisis, who shares his journey to Bitcoin enlightenment. Delve into an eye-opening discussion on Bitcoin's potential to reshape the monetary landscape and outshine traditional assets. Raphael demystifies Bitcoin's value, drawing parallels to tech disruptions like the Internet and advocating for its rightful place in your portfolio. Get ready to have your perspective on money challenged and enlightened. Tune in to this crucial conversation for anyone looking to navigate the volatile world of Bitcoin.Use code block2024 for a discount on the Canadian Bitcoin Conference.Raphael Zagury was raised in Brazil, he experienced the impact of money debasement and inflation firsthand. This awareness, combined with his passion for technology and economics, naturally led him to Bitcoin. He joined Swan as a staunch believer in the potential of Bitcoin to revolutionize the financial landscape and a desire to contribute to its global adoption.Key Topics Discussed:Incorporating Bitcoin in employee compensationBitcoin's potential to revolutionize financeThe challenges of Bitcoin's acceptance in traditional institutionsAsset allocation including Bitcoin in portfoliosPredicting Bitcoin's value and market dynamicsTimestamps:04:13 Raphael moved from Fintech to Bitcoin in 2022, joined Swan after realizing Twitter didn't scale well.07:46 Experiencing Brazil's Hyperinflation in the 90's.15:12 Discovering new investment opportunities, like the Internet.17:47 Post-2008 regulations slowed banks' decision-making.21:05 Only a few financial advisors recommend investing in Bitcoin.27:23 Investors buy real estate and stocks for long-term value not understanding the specifics.38:05 Bitcoin's new technology unpredictability & volatility are natural and important during the early stages.41:52 Asset allocation tool has been tested with the Ontario Teachers pension plan.44:45 Bitcoin as a part of investment portfolios.48:44 Bitcoin gaining acceptance among younger generation in finance.Guest Socials:Alpha Zeta | X (formerly known as Twitter)Nakamoto Portfolio | Website
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Apr 9, 2024 • 1h 2min

28: Luke Mikic ON: 64 Million Dollar Bitcoin by 2030

On this captivating episode of The Block Reward, host Scott Dedels dives deep with Luke Mikic, unearthing the potential seismic shifts in Bitcoin's adoption and value. Discover a vision where 0.1 Bitcoin might anchor your family's wealth for generations and understand why some say we're on the brink of a 'digital gold rush.' Luke critiques traditional financial models, has insights into the Bitcoin multiplier effect, and has bold price projections. This episode challenges everything you thought you knew about cryptocurrency.Luke Mikic is a globetrotting Bitcoin content creator, who has spent the last two years travelling the world living on a Bitcoin standard.Key Topics Discussed:Bitcoin adoption and price projectionsTraditional currency dissatisfaction and alternativesExponential adoption patterns of BitcoinThe Bitcoin multiplier effect and its impact on the marketGenerational wealth potential of BitcoinTimestamps:06:10 The impact of Bitcoin and the internet.12:45 Bitcoin's bullish outlook and skeptics in markets.22:41 Past technologies have taken around 20 years to reach mass adoption, Bitcoin is possibly close to its inflection point.34:09 Pre-2010s money worked well but people are now dissatisfied.37:37 Every 80 years, the government defaults to pay off debt, a cycle causing inflation and wealth inequality.46:57 The Bitcoin multiplier effect.Guest Socials:Luke Mikic | Newsletter SubscriptionLuke Mikic | X (formerly known as Twitter)Luke Mikic | Youtube
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Apr 2, 2024 • 55min

27: Pierre Rochard ON: The Politics of Bitcoin Mining

Join us on The Block Reward for an illuminating discussion with Pierre Rochard, VP of research at Riot Platforms. In this episode, we unpack the turbulent intersection of Bitcoin mining, energy consumption, and regulatory pressures with a lens on Elizabeth Warren's stance. Dive into the complexities of Bitcoin's role as digital gold, its challenges in the global energy narrative, and the intricate dance of policy-making. With inside perspectives from a leading industry expert, this episode helps demystify the journey towards Hyperbitcoinization. Use code block2024 for a discount on the Canadian Bitcoin Conference.Pierre has been associated with Riot Platforms since July 2019, initially as a member of the Advisory Board before officially joining the Company in July 2022 as Vice President of Research. Pierre brings a significant amount of Bitcoin-related knowledge to Riot Platforms and is a widely respected advocate for Bitcoin’s decentralized governance and value. He has researched and written about Bitcoin since early 2013 and co-founded the Satoshi Nakamoto Institute in 2014 to curate best-in-class primary source literature about Bitcoin.Prior to working at Riot Platforms, Pierre was a Product Manager at Kraken Digital Asset Exchange, where he led the product direction for Bitcoin and launched the Lightning product. He currently also co-hosts the Noded Bitcoin Podcast and the Bitcoin for Advisors Podcast.Pierre holds both a Master's degree in Accounting and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Texas in Austin.Key Topics Discussed:Regulation motives of the Bitcoin industryBitcoin mining's energy consumption debateEvolution of environmentalism and energy policyFuture of Bitcoin and Dollar CoexistenceThe impact of Exchange-Traded Funds on Bitcoin accessTimestamps:03:49 Delves into Bitcoin from a microeconomic perspective.06:44 Discussion on currency conversion, adoption of Bitcoin as currency, and its potential use as a medium of exchange.09:54 The possibility of Hyperbitcoinization.13:54 ETF adoption, Bitcoin unit bias and underlying technologies.17:09 Criticism of Bitcoin in US politics.25:43 Bitcoin mining offsets peak energy demand which can benefit the grid.28:03 Elizabeth Warren and conflated reasons that resulted in legal challenges.33:52 Increasing industrial electricity use, integrating solar and wind.37:05 Bitcoin's environmental impact is misunderstood.46:43 Bitcoin mining energy consumption trend and prediction.Guest Socials:Pierre Rochard | LinkedInPierre Rochard | X (Formerly Known As Twitter)
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Mar 26, 2024 • 59min

26: John Ely ON: Re-engineering The Value For Value Model

Welcome to The Block Reward, where we unravel the digital curtain of Bitcoin for beginners! In this eye-opening episode, Scott Dedels hosts John Ely, a true Bitcoin believer who journeyed from architecture into the heart of decentralization technologies. They dive deep into a future where Bitcoin disrupts surveillance economies and empowers individual freedom. Discover how AI intersects with Bitcoin and why enthusiasts might eventually call Bitcoin the currency of AI. This is a mind-stretching interview that'll leave you rethinking value, privacy, and the potential of Bitcoin to reshape the digital and real-world landscape. John started his career in Architecture, working in Toronto, New York, and Vancouver. But in the late 90's, the rise of the internet stole his attention so he translated his design skills into the digital world and started a web application company. He continued to run that successful business until his Bitcoin obsession took over. After thousands of hours of research, and working for Bitcoin startups, John 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.Topics Discussed:Using Bitcoin as a safeguard against surveillanceDecentralization's importance in technologyBitcoin's historical and technological rootsAI integration with Bitcoin's economyBitcoin versus traditional asset classesTimestamps:20:35 Bitcoin solved the problem of sending money across a distributed network, enabling global value transfer.28:42 Motivate sales with Bitcoin-based leaderboard incentives.37:15 A new AI sales agent learns from calls and makes a thousand calls at once.46:30 New concept of personal AI using recorded answers to questions.55:23 Fiat incentives lead to dystopian surveillance making Bitcoin crucial.57:34 Governments spying on citizens but hope lies with decentralized technologies.Episode Resources:John Ely | X (Formerly Twitter)John Ely | LinkedIn
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Mar 19, 2024 • 59min

25: Ben Perrin ON: Building The World We Want To See

Step into the future of finance with Ben Perrin on The Block Reward, where host Scott Dedels uncovers the essentials of Bitcoin for newcomers. In this episode, Ben shares his expertise, developed from years of creating accessible Bitcoin content on his successful YouTube channel. As a renowned Canadian Bitcoin educator, he offers straightforward strategies for beginners to navigate the Bitcoin ecosystem with confidence. This episode provides a clear, engaging conversation filled with actionable advice for anyone looking to understand and participate in the world of Bitcoin. Tune in to discover how you can secure your financial future with Bitcoin knowledge.Ben is the host of BTC Sessions and has been educating people in the realm of using/securing Bitcoin since 2016. His YouTube channel has amassed over 9.2 million views, and in between making tutorials, Ben regularly travels the globe speaking at conferences, running workshops, and educating political dissidents on how to use BTC as a tool for human rights.Topics Discussed:Organizing Bitcoin-based Saturday SAT MarketEducation for Bitcoin beginnersBitcoin in compensation and benefitsBitcoin's role in future finances Fiat currency devaluation and inflation issuesTimestamps:09:51 Transition from technical understanding to helping people understand the "why" in videos.14:20 Bitcoin's relevance grew as concern for the devaluation of money increased.20:54 Power over money presents an inherent moral problem.30:33 TikTok videos inspire education on economic issues and inflation's impact on wages.32:51 The perceived view that a volatile currency is necessary.37:12 Bitcoin tutorial recommendations.39:50 Bitcoin layers facilitate smaller, secure transactions.45:53 Screen numbers versus real-life impact.53:02 Bitcoin meetups encourage grassroots cooperation and innovation.56:12 Step-by-step guide for obtaining and using Bitcoin.Episode Resources:BTS Sessions | YoutubeBTS Sessions | X (Formerly Twitter)Coldcard Bitcoin Hardware Wallet | Youtube
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Mar 12, 2024 • 53min

24: Jeff Booth ON: Why Deflation is the Key to Abundance

Join Scott Dedels as he discusses with Jeff Booth the paradox of deflationary technology, Bitcoin's potential for economic fairness, and the impact of AI. They explore the intersection of innovation, economy, and integrity, envisioning a world where technology enhances prosperity. Learn about Jeff's provocative thesis on the need for deflation in 'The Price of Tomorrow' and how Bitcoin could shape a brighter future.
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Mar 5, 2024 • 1h 5min

23: Sam Callahan ON: 5 Reasons to be Bullish About 2024

Welcome back to The Block Reward, where host Scott Dedels chats with Sam Callahan in a can't-miss conversation about Bitcoin's scarcity, potential market surges, and the key relationship dynamics between ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds) and miners. Sam unpacks the implications of Bitcoin Halving and its reverberations through the mining industry. Hear his invaluable insights into Bitcoin's secure and decentralized network and its role in shaping a robust monetary future. Uncover the misconceptions and awaken to hear about Bitcoin's transformative potential.Sam Callahan is the Senior Market Analyst at Swan Bitcoin and the Host of the Swan Signal Live podcast. Sam’s market commentary is frequently shared across social media and has been featured in publications like Forbes, Yahoo Finance, CNBC, CNET, Bitcoin Magazine, the Block, Coindesk, and more. He has been a featured speaker at conferences and has also moderated several high-profile fireside chats. Sam has been a guest on popular shows and podcasts such as CNBC's Crypto World, The Investor’s Podcast, What Bitcoin Did, Coin Stories Podcast, Stephan Livera Podcast, and more.Topics Discussed:Bitcoin's hedging against fiscal irresponsibilityBitcoin Halving’s impact on miningETF's (Exchange-Traded Fund's) influence on Bitcoin's market dynamicsPhilosophical implications of Crypto regulationsFASB (Financial Accounting Standards Board) rule changes and corporate Bitcoin adoptionTimestamps:08:19 Bitcoin and creating a decentralized monetary system that is incentivizing miners to process transactions.13:10 Bitcoin's security and decentralization are unbeatable by competitors.19:21 Austerity measures and market response.28:30 Bitcoin's market is growing, but volatility remains.33:59 ETFs(Exchange-Traded Funds) will improve access and liquidity, creating more trading opportunities.36:37 Bitcoin's valuation and marking losses in the market.49:14 Bitcoin mining is becoming more efficient with cheaper, sustainable energy sources.56:24 Enhanced privacy regulations are hindering Bitcoin transactions.Episode Resources:Swan Bitcoin | WebsiteSwan Bitcoin | YoutubeSam Callahan | X (Formerly Twitter)

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