Free Cities Podcast

Real Estate Investing, Bitcoin Standard, Austrian Economics, Property Market Crash, Monetary Expansion, Digital Economy, Inflation Hedge Myth, Free Cities, Proof-Of-Work, Architecture, Japan. - Timothy Allen speaks with Leon Wankum. Leon, a veteran real estate developer speaks about his journey from property and construction into Austrian economics and Bitcoin. Leon challenges the idea that real estate is a safe store of value, arguing that its monetary premium is misplaced in a digital economy. He contrasts the fragility of leveraged property markets with Bitcoin’s fixed supply, warning that utility-based pricing could upend the global financial system. From the demonetization of real estate to the rise of service-oriented housing and Bitcoin-based innovation, Leon envisions a future where property is valued for use, not speculation — and where Bitcoin strengthens resilience, reshapes development, and supports the growth of free cities. Enjoy the conversation. - SHOW SPONSOR: Veritas Villages: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities - Veritas Village Coronado is a phenomenal project in Panama, building off-grid, energy self-sufficient luxury homes for freedom lovers. Bitcoin is accepted at all villages, including for the purchase of property. All the podcast links: https://linktr.ee/freeCitiesPodcast Free Cities Telegram Community: https://t.me/+im6c6r4jQkUzMjU0 Free Cities Conference: https://freecitiesconference.com/ Free Cities Foundation Newsletter: https://free-cities.org/subscribe Conference Guide to Prague: https://tinyurl.com/FreeCitiesPragueGuide - DONATE Bitcoin to the Free Cities Podcast: bc1q5jun0nzxzqepch84rqk0jnv0rd8uvns28df7mg - Podcasting apps that support Value 4 Value Bitcoin payments: https://podcastindex.org/apps?appTypes=app - TIMESTAMPS 0:00:30 – Introduction To Episode 0:07:27 - Start of conversation 0:07:48 – Discovering Austrian Economics 0:11:38 – Challenging the Idea of Property as a Safe Investment 0:16:00 – Managing Change: Real Estate on a Bitcoin Standard 0:19:35 – Real Estate's Role in the Global Financial System 0:20:35 – Saving in Bitcoin Instead of Housing 0:27:57 – Interest Rates and the Real Estate Business Model 0:32:33 – Demonetization of Real Estate and Land 0:41:54 – Integrating Bitcoin into Real Estate 0:42:27 – Architecture and the Future Quality of Houses 0:48:00 – The Problem with the Fiat Monetary System 0:52:34 – Beauty and the Fiat System 0:56:30 – Proof of Work and Architecture 1:16:17 – Understanding the 18-Year Property Cycle 1:23:45 – Using Bitcoin as Digital Real Estate Collateral 1:40:18 – The Secrets of the Wealthy are Now Free 1:46:46 – Competitive Governance and Free Cities - NOSTR: Leon Wankum: npub1v5k43t905yz6lpr4crlgq2d99e7ahsehk27eex9mz7s3rhzvmesqum8rd9 Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c27tzjjnlf0wn7q7udjm7j2cl9xxz97eacns2mwpee - LEGACY SOCIAL MEDIA: Leon Wankum: https://x.com/leonwankum Timothy Allen: https://twitter.com/MrTimothyAllen Free Cities Foundation: https://twitter.com/freecitiesfound - OTHER LINKS: Leon's Newsletter: https://leonwankum.substack.com/ Free Cities Foundation: https://free-cities.org/ SPONSOR: Veritas Villages: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities Become a resident or business owner in Próspera: https://prospera.co/r/freecities

Freedom, John Locke, Privacy, Property, Cypherpunk, Bitcoin, Praxeology, Parallel Economies, Nomadism, Intervention, Sovereignty, Scarcity. Timothy Allen speaks with Max Hillebrand. Max joins me to explore freedom, privacy, and property rights in the free market of ideas. We discuss Cypherpunk strategies, the appeal of Bitcoin, Free Cities, and digital nomadism as ways to resist creeping socialism and surveillance. Drawing on Lockean ownership theory, Austrian economics, and praxeology, Max makes the case for combining decentralization, community, and technology to defend liberty in both physical and digital realms. - SHOW SPONSOR: Veritas Villages: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities - Veritas Village Coronado is a phenomenal project in Panama, building off-grid, energy self-sufficient luxury homes for freedom lovers. Bitcoin is accepted at all villages, including for the purchase of property. All the podcast links: https://linktr.ee/freeCitiesPodcast Free Cities Telegram Community: https://t.me/+im6c6r4jQkUzMjU0 Free Cities Conference: https://freecitiesconference.com/ Free Cities Foundation Newsletter: https://free-cities.org/subscribe Conference Guide to Prague: https://tinyurl.com/FreeCitiesPragueGuide - DONATE Bitcoin to the Free Cities Podcast: bc1q5jun0nzxzqepch84rqk0jnv0rd8uvns28df7mg - Podcasting apps that support Value 4 Value Bitcoin payments: https://podcastindex.org/apps?appTypes=app - TIMESTAMPS 0:00:30 – Introduction To Episode 0:08:39 - Start of conversation 0:17:14 — Triangular Interventions of the State 0:18:38 — The banning of VPNs 0:23:39 — Mean Time To Harassment 0:31:55 — The Cypherpunk Ideal: Increasing the Cost of Attack 0:37:50 — Dragnet Surveillance & Privacy 0:44:00 — Free Cities and The Importance of Freedom in Meatspace 0:51:16 — There are No Frontiers Left 1:00:20 — Conscription is Coming Back 1 :08:09 — There are Many More Good People Than Bad 1:14:05 — AI and Robots of Convenience in the Dystopian Future 1:25:37 — Bitcoin Proves John Locke's Theory of Property Rights 1:32:41 — Proving Economic Reasons 1:38:52 — The Cypherpunks Don't Know How Fundamentally Correct They Are 1:43:59 — Freedom is Correct. The State is Evil 1:56:34 — AI Will Remove Scarcity from the World 2:01:02 - Keynsian Bullshit 2:05:20 - Tik Tok Will Eventually Generate 100% AI Content 2:17:47 - Rally Cry for Freedom Lovers NOSTR: Max Hillebrand: npub1klkk3vrzme455yh9rl2jshq7rc8dpegj3ndf82c3ks2sk40dxt7qulx3vt Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c27tzjjnlf0wn7q7udjm7j2cl9xxz97eacns2mwpee - LEGACY SOCIAL MEDIA: Timothy Allen: https://twitter.com/MrTimothyAllen Free Cities Foundation: https://twitter.com/freecitiesfound - OTHER LINKS: Max Hillebrand: https://towardsliberty.com Free Cities Foundation: https://free-cities.org/ SPONSOR: Veritas Villages: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities Timothy on The Freedom Lover's Life Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Nd0XbF9GY Become a resident or business owner in Próspera: https://prospera.co/r/freecities

City of London, Free Cities, Liquid Democracy, Dilemma Analysis, Governance, Regulation, Wicked Problems, Self-Regulation, Economic Autonomy, Democracy, Rule of Law, Decentralization. Timothy Allen speaks with Michael Mainelli. Michael is an American-born British scientist, economist, and accountant, known for being Chairman of Z/Yen, Sheriff of the City of London for 2019–21, and the 695th Lord Mayor of the City of London. In this conversation we discuss the City of London's history and governance, plus various concepts related to free markets, regulation, democracy and wicked problems. - SHOW SPONSOR: Veritas Villages: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities - Veritas Village Coronado is a phenomenal project in Panama, building off-grid, energy self-sufficient luxury homes for freedom lovers. Bitcoin is accepted at all villages, including for the purchase of property. All the podcast links: https://linktr.ee/freeCitiesPodcast Free Cities Telegram Community: https://t.me/+im6c6r4jQkUzMjU0 Free Cities Conference: https://freecitiesconference.com/ Free Cities Foundation Newsletter: https://free-cities.org/subscribe Conference Guide to Prague: https://tinyurl.com/FreeCitiesPragueGuide - DONATE Bitcoin to the Free Cities Podcast: bc1q5jun0nzxzqepch84rqk0jnv0rd8uvns28df7mg - Podcasting apps that support Value 4 Value Bitcoin payments: https://podcastindex.org/apps?appTypes=app - TIMESTAMPS 0:00:30 – Introduction To Episode 0:06:15 - Start of conversation 0:06:45 – History of the City of London 0:12:16 – The Charter of William I & Legal Status 0:14:15 – London Uninhabited for 200 Years & Medieval Defense 0:17:15 – Independent City Expansion & Relationship with Greater London 0:20:04 – London’s Democratic Workers 0:24:32 – Residents, Voting & Local Issues 0:29:32 – Regulatory Autonomy & The Truth About Regulation 0:37:10 – Maritime Law & International Standards 0:42:55 – Cruise Ships, Private Cities & Free Market Regulation 0:55:30 – Dilemma Analysis and Wicked Problems 1:00:06 – Solving Wicked Problems in Governance. 1:06:16 – Is Democracy Working? Liquid Democracy & Policy Performance Bonds 1:13:41 – Decentralizing Governance & Federal Nations 1:20:14 – Competition in Government Services (Swiss Model) 1:24:30 – Fair Trade, Government Value & Conclusion - NOSTR: Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c27tzjjnlf0wn7q7udjm7j2cl9xxz97eacns2mwpee - LEGACY SOCIAL MEDIA: Michael Mainelli: https://x.com/mrmainelli Timothy Allen: https://twitter.com/MrTimothyAllen Free Cities Foundation: https://twitter.com/freecitiesfound - OTHER LINKS: Michael Mainelli: https://www.mainelli.org/ Z/Yen: https://www.zyen.com/ Free Cities Foundation: https://free-cities.org/ SPONSOR: Veritas Villages: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities Timothy on The Freedom Lover's Life Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Nd0XbF9GY Become a resident or business owner in Próspera: https://prospera.co/r/freecities

Sound Money, Fiat Currency, Economic Inequality, Government Control, Gold, Bitcoin, Monetary Sovereignty, Inflation, Constitutional Currency, Financial Innovation, Glint. Timothy Allen speaks with Jason Cozens. Jason, the CEO of Glint speaks about reintroducing gold as a viable form of money through Glint’s platform, which allows users to buy, store, and spend fractions of physical gold in real time. We explore gold’s enduring role as a store of value, its contrast with fiat currency and central bank policies, and how government control over money contributes to economic inequality. Jason explains how Glint offers a bottom-up solution that empowers individuals with sound money, likening it to Bitcoin but grounded in a tangible asset. They also discuss constitutional provisions for gold currency in the U.S., recent legislative efforts in several states, and the broader push to reclaim monetary freedom through trust, protection, and tax reform. Enjoy the conversation. SHOW SPONSOR: Veritas Villages: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities - Veritas Village Coronado is a phenomenal project in Panama, building off-grid, energy self-sufficient luxury homes for freedom lovers. Bitcoin is accepted at all villages, including for the purchase of property. All the podcast links: https://linktr.ee/freeCitiesPodcast Free Cities Telegram Community: https://t.me/+im6c6r4jQkUzMjU0 Free Cities Conference: https://freecitiesconference.com/ Free Cities Foundation Newsletter: https://free-cities.org/subscribe Conference Guide to Prague: https://tinyurl.com/FreeCitiesPragueGuide - DONATE Bitcoin to the Free Cities Podcast: bc1q5jun0nzxzqepch84rqk0jnv0rd8uvns28df7mg - Podcasting apps that support Value 4 Value Bitcoin payments: https://podcastindex.org/apps?appTypes=app TIMESTAMPS 00:00:30 – Introduction To Episode 00:11:33 - Start of conversation 00:16:47 - Glint: Gold-Based Electronic Gold Currency 00:21:33 - Gold as a Store of Value & Medium of Exchange 00:24:57 - Coming Off the Gold Standard 00:27:53 - Can You Solve The Problem of Paper Gold? 00:30:40 - The Problem with Gary's Economics 00:34:51 - The Rising Price of Assets 00:37:14 - Redistribution of Wealth vs. Sound Money 00:41:53 - Bitcoin vs. Gold 00:57:05 - Legal Tender Rules in the US Constitution 01:00:29 - Gold is Money 01:03:55 - Constitutional Gold Currency Viability 01:10:00 - Gold, Bitcoin & Government Overreach 01:18:20 - The Popularity of Gary's Socialist Economics is Worrying 01:24:00 - Predictions for the Future - NOSTR: Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c27tzjjnlf0wn7q7udjm7j2cl9xxz97eacns2mwpee - LEGACY SOCIAL MEDIA: Jason Cozens: https://x.com/jasoncozens Timothy Allen: https://twitter.com/MrTimothyAllen Free Cities Foundation: https://twitter.com/freecitiesfound - OTHER LINKS: Glint: https://glintpay.com/ Free Cities Foundation: https://free-cities.org/ Timothy on The Freedom Lover's Life Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2Nd0XbF9GY SPONSOR: Veritas Villages: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities Become a resident or business owner in Próspera: https://prospera.co/r/freecities

Bitcoin, Gary's Economics, Value-for-Value, Micropayments, Fountain, Content Creation, Monetization, Nostr, Attention Economy, Advertising, Community, Ownership. Timothy Allen speaks with Nick Malster. Nick is the co-founder of Fountain, a value-for-value podcasting app that enables Bitcoin micropayments. In this conversation we discuss the changing nature of work, critique popular economic views, and trace Nick’s journey from advertising to launching Fountain. The discussion focuses on how the attention economy distorts content creation and how Fountain aims to realign incentives by letting listeners directly reward creators. We examine the challenges of moving away from traditional advertising, the promise of decentralized platforms like Nostr for content ownership, and the importance of community-driven models and subscriptions for long-term creator sustainability. Enjoy the conversation. SHOW SPONSOR: Veritas Village: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities Veritas Village is a phenomenal project in Panama, building off-grid, energy self-sufficient luxury homes for freedom lovers. Bitcoin is accepted at all villages, including for the purchase of property. All the podcast links: https://linktr.ee/freeCitiesPodcast Free Cities Telegram Community: https://t.me/+im6c6r4jQkUzMjU0 Free Cities Conference: https://freecitiesconference.com/ Free Cities Foundation Newsletter: https://free-cities.org/subscribe DONATE Bitcoin to the Free Cities Podcast: bc1q5jun0nzxzqepch84rqk0jnv0rd8uvns28df7mg Podcasting apps that support Value 4 Value Bitcoin payments: https://podcastindex.org/apps?appTypes=app TIMESTAMPS 00:00:30 – Introduction To Episode 0:07:06 – Conversation Starts 0:06:55 – Co-Working Spaces and Modern Work Culture 0:11:17 – Critique of Gary's Economics and Monetary Policy 0:20:20 – Current Government and Societal Cycles 0:25:03 – The Genesis of Fountain and Nick's Journey 0:35:59 – The Internet's Attention Economy 0:41:53 – Incentives for Listeners and the Value for Value Idea 0:45:55 – Advertising-Free Content and Subscription Models 0:51:55 – The Importance of Being Consistent 0:53:35 – The Problem with Trying to Please Your Audience 1:00:53 – The Long View: Community-Centered Media 1:07:26 – Nostr's Potential for Decentralized Content 1:13:21 – Integrating Technology with Media Creation 1:21:48 – Nick’s Hopes for the Future of Value-for-Value NOSTR: Nick Malster: npub17nunpq6y9lgyypalalgpkthcqs09krmzf2v63xef2xmmhg72aqgshdyc4e Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c27tzjjnlf0wn7q7udjm7j2cl9xxz97eacns2mwpee LEGACY SOCIAL MEDIA: Nick Malster: https://x.com/nickmalster Timothy Allen: https://twitter.com/MrTimothyAllen Free Cities Foundation: https://twitter.com/freecitiesfound OTHER LINKS: Fountain App: http://fountain.fm Free Cities Foundation: https://free-cities.org/ SPONSOR: Veritas Village: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities

Próspera, Digital Nomads, Infinita, Biotech, Bitcoin, Community Outreach, Crawfish Rock, Regulatory Innovation, Public Relations, Misinformation, Honduras Timothy Allen speaks with Niklas Anzinger. Niklas, a digital nomad turned entrepreneur and community builder in Próspera speaks about navigating public relations and skepticism of the Free City project, particularly in response to criticisms by nomad influencer Gonçalo Hall (Episode 130 of this podcast). Niklas shares his journey to Próspera through his ventures, Infinita VC and Infinita City and he addresses misconceptions about Próspera, concerns about its effect on the nearby Crawfish Rock community, and the political challenges related to Honduras’ reputation. He highlights efforts to build trust through community engagement, correcting misinformation, and attracting investment, while positioning Infinita as a “layer two” business helping Próspera scale. Despite backing from figures like Brian Armstrong and Balaji Srinivasan, Niklas emphasizes the long-term effort needed to build a sustainable and appealing community. Enjoy the conversation. SHOW SPONSOR: Veritas Village: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities Veritas Village is a phenomenal project in Panama, building off-grid, energy self-sufficient luxury homes for freedom lovers. Bitcoin is accepted at all villages, including for the purchase of property. All the podcast links: https://linktr.ee/freeCitiesPodcast Free Cities Telegram Community: https://t.me/+im6c6r4jQkUzMjU0 Free Cities Conference: https://freecitiesconference.com/ Free Cities Foundation Newsletter: https://free-cities.org/subscribe DONATE Bitcoin to the Free Cities Podcast: bc1q5jun0nzxzqepch84rqk0jnv0rd8uvns28df7mg Podcasting apps that support Value 4 Value Bitcoin payments: https://podcastindex.org/apps?appTypes=app TIMESTAMPS 00:00:30 – Introduction To Episode 00:07:06 – Start Of Conversation 00:07:57 – Niklas's Background And Initial Interest In Próspera 00:10:50 – Replying To Goncalo Hall's Episode And Community Building In Próspera 00:12:01 – Niklas's Journey To Próspera 00:17:59 – Infinita City And The Vision For Biotech In Próspera 00:21:59 – Digital Nomads And High Switching Costs 00:30:42 – Experience: Crawfish Rock Community And Their Opinion On Próspera 00:35:15 – Próspera And Local Business 00:43:51 – What Is The Best Outcome For The Current Situation? 00:55:03 – Próspera Is Thriving, More Than Ever Now 00:57:40 – A Big Round Of New Investment In Próspera 01:00:14 – A Breakdown Of Day-To-Day Life In Próspera 01:27:38 – Do You Need A Whole Society Of Libertarians To Have A Libertarian Society? 01:31:31 – New Free City Projects Around The World 01:37:33 – Predictions For The Future NOSTR: Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c27tzjjnlf0wn7q7udjm7j2cl9xxz97eacns2mwpee LEGACY SOCIAL MEDIA: Niklas Anzinger: https://x.com/NiklasAnzinger Infinita City: https://x.com/InfinitaCity Timothy Allen: https://twitter.com/MrTimothyAllen Free Cities Foundation: https://twitter.com/freecitiesfound OTHER LINKS: Próspera: https://prospera.co/r/freecities Episode 130 with Gonçalo Hall: https://fountain.fm/episode/Uz0Z9Y28VevkhcMLPA8t Infinita City: https://www.infinita.city/ Free Cities Foundation: https://free-cities.org/ SPONSOR: Veritas Village: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities

Communism, Cuba, Government Overreach, Freedom, Political Indoctrination, Cuban Refugees, Education System, Individual Rights, Progressive Ideologies, Immigration, Defunding Government. Timothy Allen speaks with Mailyn Salabarria. In this episode, Mailyn shares her powerful story of growing up under communist rule in Cuba and how it shaped her deep awareness of government overreach and loss of individual freedoms. Drawing parallels between her past and current trends in the U.S., she discusses the rise of progressive ideologies in the education system, the erosion of parental rights, and the dangers of political indoctrination. Mailyn recounts her emotional journey to the U.S. as a refugee and offers a sobering warning about the slow creep of tyranny through bloated bureaucracy and unchecked power. She urges people to reclaim personal responsibility, educate the next generation on the value of freedom, and explore ways to reduce dependence on the state. Enjoy the conversation. SHOW SPONSOR: Veritas Village: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities Veritas Village is a phenomenal project in Panama, building off-grid, energy self-sufficient luxury homes for freedom lovers. Bitcoin is accepted at all villages, including for the purchase of property. All the podcast links: https://linktr.ee/freeCitiesPodcast Free Cities Telegram Community: https://t.me/+im6c6r4jQkUzMjU0 Free Cities Conference: https://freecitiesconference.com/ Free Cities Foundation Newsletter: https://free-cities.org/subscribe DONATE Bitcoin to the Free Cities Podcast: bc1q5jun0nzxzqepch84rqk0jnv0rd8uvns28df7mg Podcasting apps that support Value 4 Value Bitcoin payments: https://podcastindex.org/apps?appTypes=app TIMESTAMPS 0:00:30 – Introduction to Episode 0:07:52 – Start of Conversation 0:09:36 - Life in Cuba 0:11:15 - Tyranny in the United States 0:13:18 - Indoctrination and Brainwashing 0:17:41 - Red Flags in Cuban Schools 0:26:31 - The Journey From Cuba 0:31:38 - Life-Changing Airport Experience 0:37:26 - Cuban Adjustment Act in the United States 0:50:16 - Dangerous Things Emerging in the US 0:51:30 - The Regulatory State 1:08:36 - Escaping The Tax Plantation 1:15:17 - Attacking the Nuclear Family 1:16:06 - Final Thoughts NOSTR: Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c27tzjjnlf0wn7q7udjm7j2cl9xxz97eacns2mwpee LEGACY SOCIAL MEDIA: Mailyn Salabarria: https://x.com/cbntaRMNP Timothy Allen: https://twitter.com/MrTimothyAllen Free Cities Foundation: https://twitter.com/freecitiesfound OTHER LINKS: Free Cities Foundation: https://free-cities.org/ SPONSOR: Veritas Village: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities

Bitcoin, Societal Breakdown, Great Reset, Morality, NOSTR, Boomers, Taxation, Meaning of Life, Accountability, Proof of Work. Timothy Allen speaks with Ben Gunn. In the second part of this two part conversation we explore the evolving role of Bitcoin as both a store of value and a medium of exchange, analyzing its limitations due to taxation, regulation, and systemic incentives, while also diving into broader themes of economic decline, intergenerational tension, and political dysfunction. We also discuss the distortion of Bitcoin usage across class lines, drawing attention to the asymmetry in who can afford to use Bitcoin effectively. Ben critiques government overreach, anticipating societal collapse or reset. Emphasizing the importance of authenticity, personal mission, and proof of work, the conversation shifts to how individuals can navigate chaos by taking responsibility for their actions, embracing vulnerability & volatility, and aligning their values with meaningful action in both the physical and digital realms. Enjoy the conversation. SHOW SPONSOR: Veritas Village: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities Veritas Village is a phenomenal project in Panama, building off-grid, energy self-sufficient luxury homes for freedom lovers. Bitcoin is accepted at all villages, including for the purchase of property. All the podcast links: https://linktr.ee/freeCitiesPodcast Free Cities Telegram Community: https://t.me/+im6c6r4jQkUzMjU0 Free Cities Conference: https://freecitiesconference.com/ Free Cities Foundation Newsletter: https://free-cities.org/subscribe DONATE Bitcoin to the Free Cities Podcast: bc1q5jun0nzxzqepch84rqk0jnv0rd8uvns28df7mg Podcasting apps that support Value 4 Value Bitcoin payments: https://podcastindex.org/apps?appTypes=app TIMESTAMPS 0:00:30 – Introduction to Episode 0:06:05 – Start of Conversation 0:06:17 – Bitcoin: Store of Value vs. Medium of Exchange 0:10:38 – Bitcoin's Role in Different Economic Levels 0:13:30 – Capital Gains and Tax Implications 0:15:34 – Tax Loopholes for the Wealthy 0:18:20 – Bitcoin Lending and Borrowing 0:20:44 – Nigel Farage and Bitcoin Capital Gains Tax Policies 0:24:50 – Mafia vs. Government 0:27:51 – Abstract Power and Violence 0:32:12 – Politicians Cozying Up to Bitcoiners 0:36:57 – The State Is Looting Everyone 0:39:58 – Economic Collapse, the Baby Boomers, and Bitcoin 0:54:54 – Economic and Societal Decline 0:57:05 – There Aren’t Enough Dollars in the System 0:59:38 – The Pandemic Was Like Living in an Open-Air Nursing Home 1:06:09 – The Arc of a Baby Boomer’s Life 1:10:14 – Adapting to Chaos 1:14:20 – Finding the Meaning in Your Life 1:20:15 – The Importance of Being Vulnerable 1:26:23 – Winning in the Middle Ground 1:32:33 – Three Rules for Life 1:36:13 – Having No One to Blame 1:40:48 – Everyone Will Forget You 1:45:10 – I’m All Revved Up 1:48:04 – Having Kids Is the Most Important Thing You Can Do 1:55:10 – Accessing Superhuman Strength NOSTR: Ben Gunn: npub1lt8nn8aaa6qa63wjwj8gz2djf5nlhg3zfd0v6l45v8zhvuyh0p3s5zzt5y Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c27tzjjnlf0wn7q7udjm7j2cl9xxz97eacns2mwpee LEGACY SOCIAL MEDIA: Timothy Allen: https://twitter.com/MrTimothyAllen Free Cities Foundation: https://twitter.com/freecitiesfound OTHER LINKS: Ben's previous interview with FCP: https://fountain.fm/episode/LIqKd15kkcC8tp3R81ia Free Cities Foundation: https://free-cities.org/ SPONSOR: Veritas Village: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities

Hello and welcome to this bonus episode of the Free Cities Podcast. These episodes are only available to our subscribers on Fountain, and I'll be dropping them during the weeks when the regular release episode is one that subscribers have already had early access to. A little background behind the episode: this is part one of two separate conversations I had with the Bitcoin OG Gigi, which—sadly, until now—have never actually been heard by anyone other than him and me. Back in the summer of 2021, I was working on a personal film project with the Australian filmmaker Richard James. On my part, this involved conducting a series of interviews with prominent Bitcoiners discussing the subject of proof of work, which was also to be the name of the film. Back then, as now, I believed that understanding proof of work was key to greater acceptance of Bitcoin in the mainstream world, particularly with regard to energy consumption, which was certainly a hot topic at the time. How things have changed. Anyway, understanding proof of work is probably one of the harder aspects of Bitcoin to wrap your head around. And since I consider Gigi to be one of the key people on this subject, I was incredibly grateful to end up recording for nearly four hours with him. The conversation ventures into many different parts of the Bitcoin rabbit hole, including (in part two) some fascinating discussion about the spiritual aspects of Bitcoin’s emergence and Gigi’s personal story of discovery and transformation, which is just incredible. Now, bear in mind: this conversation often falls into a question-and-answer format, which isn’t my preferred way of talking (as you probably know from listening to the podcast), though it works well for film interviews. Speaking over the internet brought its own problems, too. You'll hear Gigi’s connection cut out no less than four times during the discussion. I tried to edit the interruptions out, but often it’s better to just leave them in to preserve the true flow of the conversation. Anyway, long story short: this film project fell foul of the so-called pandemic, which was still (kind of) raging in the background at the time of recording. I ended up closing my office and going abroad with my family to escape the draconian measures the UK was experiencing at the time. As a result, this interview—plus many more with the likes of Nic Carter, Brandon Quittem, Max Hillebrand, Tomer Strolight, Knut Svanholm, Harry Sudock (to name just a few)—have all sat idle on a hard drive for the last four years. Now, I hate seeing things go to waste, so I figured this might be the perfect place to finally publish these conversations. You’ll discover tons of signal here, of course, but what I found especially fascinating was observing just how much things have changed since these discussions back in 2021. And I don’t mean just my own understanding of the subjects discussed (I remember really struggling with the concept of proof of work), but also the massive changes we’ve seen in the adoption and public image of Bitcoin itself. Anyway, here’s the conversation. I would class Gigi as—well, in my case at least—the most respected Bitcoiner out there. He’s been at the sharp end of the Bitcoin wedge for a very long time, and I think these two interviews represent an excellent snapshot of that particular moment in Bitcoin’s history. Plus, it’s Gigi, so obviously, there’s a ton of alpha too. Anyway, enjoy the conversation, and see you on the next one.

Privacy, Anonymity, NOSTR, Bitcoin, Digital Identity, Governance, Freedom, Technology. Timothy Allen speaks with Ben Gunn. In part 1 of this conversation, pseudonymous Ben explores the evolving landscape of privacy, anonymity, and digital identity in a surveillance-driven world. He distinguishes privacy from secrecy, emphasizes the importance of reputation in small communities, and examines the challenges posed by increasingly pervasive monitoring technologies. Central to the conversation is NOSTR—and a decentralized identity and access control system designed to balance privacy, trust, and accountability. The discussion also touches on broader themes of governance, digital freedom, and the potential for tools like Bitcoin and NOSTR to foster a more open, responsible, and decentralized future. Enjoy the conversation. SHOW SPONSOR: Veritas Village: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities Veritas Village is a phenomenal project in Panama, building off-grid, energy self-sufficient luxury homes for freedom lovers. Bitcoin is accepted at all villages, including for the purchase of property. All the podcast links: https://linktr.ee/freeCitiesPodcast Free Cities Telegram Community: https://t.me/+im6c6r4jQkUzMjU0 Free Cities Conference: https://freecitiesconference.com/ Free Cities Foundation Newsletter: https://free-cities.org/subscribe DONATE Bitcoin to the Free Cities Podcast: bc1q5jun0nzxzqepch84rqk0jnv0rd8uvns28df7mg Podcasting apps that support Value 4 Value Bitcoin payments: https://podcastindex.org/apps?appTypes=app TIMESTAMPS 0:00:30 Introduction to Episode 0:09:41 Start of Conversation 0:10:34 Why Hide Your Face? 0:13:09 The Future of Anonymity 0:16:01 Freedom and the Ability to Express Yourself 0:18:24 The Case for Small Independent Jurisdictions 0:21:22 Using Nostr as an Identity 0:29:50 The Middle of Extremes 0:30:53 Ian Underwood’s New Theory of Governance 0:37:42 Will Nostr Adoption Scale? 0:42:10 Aren’t Centralized Systems More Efficient? 0:45:39 Insurance Is a Good Pricing Mechanism 0:48:15 Will Decentralized ID Always Remain a Niche Application? 0:51:23 Nostr Adoption vs. Bitcoin Adoption 0:57:36 Freedom: Digital vs. Physical 1:00:05 Living in a Parallel System 1:03:14 How Do We Get Freedom in the Physical World? 1:05:50 The Hardest Part of the Problem 1:07:40 You Don’t Have Michael Saylor’s Perspective 1:11:50 Bitcoin & Nostr Are So Important Together 1:15:24 The State Can Always Come In and Shut You Down 1:19:45 Run Away or Stay and Fight? 1:21:48 A Return to Morals 1:25:58 Is Bitcoin a Non-Violent Revolution? 1:28:26 The Audacity of the Nixon Shock 1:31:54 Outro – Listen to Part 2 NOSTR: Ben Gunn: npub1lt8nn8aaa6qa63wjwj8gz2djf5nlhg3zfd0v6l45v8zhvuyh0p3s5zzt5y Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c27tzjjnlf0wn7q7udjm7j2cl9xxz97eacns2mwpee LEGACY SOCIAL MEDIA: Timothy Allen: https://twitter.com/MrTimothyAllen Free Cities Foundation: https://twitter.com/freecitiesfound OTHER LINKS: Ben's previous interview with the FCP: https://fountain.fm/episode/LIqKd15kkcC8tp3R81ia Free Cities Foundation: https://free-cities.org/ SPONSOR: Veritas Village: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities