

Free Cities Podcast
Timothy Allen
The official podcast of the Free Cities Foundation hosted by Timothy Allen.
Timothy conducts in-person, long-form discussions with the preeminent thought leaders in the Free Cities ecosystem, including builders, investors, residents, entrepreneurs & people who value liberty & prosperity for all. Everyone is welcome, especially skeptics.
Topics: Private Cities, Pioneer Communities, Charter Cities, Seasteading, Homesteading, Libertarianism, Anarcho-Capitalism, Bitcoin, Economics, Geopolitics, Flag Theory, , Network States, Homeschooling, Technology, Free Markets & Digital Nomadism.
VIDEO VERSIONS of the show can be found here: https://linktr.ee/freeCitiesPodcast - New episodes every Friday.
Timothy conducts in-person, long-form discussions with the preeminent thought leaders in the Free Cities ecosystem, including builders, investors, residents, entrepreneurs & people who value liberty & prosperity for all. Everyone is welcome, especially skeptics.
Topics: Private Cities, Pioneer Communities, Charter Cities, Seasteading, Homesteading, Libertarianism, Anarcho-Capitalism, Bitcoin, Economics, Geopolitics, Flag Theory, , Network States, Homeschooling, Technology, Free Markets & Digital Nomadism.
VIDEO VERSIONS of the show can be found here: https://linktr.ee/freeCitiesPodcast - New episodes every Friday.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 8, 2025 • 1h 37min
142 - Michael Mainelli: Solving Wicked Problems
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.
Enjoy the conversation.
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SHOW SPONSOR: Veritas Villages: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities
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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
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DONATE Bitcoin to the Free Cities Podcast: bc1q5jun0nzxzqepch84rqk0jnv0rd8uvns28df7mg
-
Podcasting apps that support Value 4 Value Bitcoin payments: https://podcastindex.org/apps?appTypes=app
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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
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NOSTR:
Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app
Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c27tzjjnlf0wn7q7udjm7j2cl9xxz97eacns2mwpee
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LEGACY SOCIAL MEDIA:
Michael Mainelli: https://x.com/mrmainelli
Timothy Allen: https://twitter.com/MrTimothyAllen
Free Cities Foundation: https://twitter.com/freecitiesfound
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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

Aug 1, 2025 • 1h 27min
141 - Jason Cozens: Why Gold Still Matters in the Digital Age
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
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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
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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
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NOSTR:
Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app
Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c27tzjjnlf0wn7q7udjm7j2cl9xxz97eacns2mwpee
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LEGACY SOCIAL MEDIA:
Jason Cozens: https://x.com/jasoncozens
Timothy Allen: https://twitter.com/MrTimothyAllen
Free Cities Foundation: https://twitter.com/freecitiesfound
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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

Jul 25, 2025 • 1h 29min
140 - Nick Malster: Liberating Creators from the Attention Economy
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

Jul 18, 2025 • 1h 50min
139 - Niklas Anzinger: Inside Próspera - A Longtime Resident’s View
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

Jul 11, 2025 • 1h 18min
138 - Mailyn Salabarria: Government Red Flags - Lessons From a Cuban Refugee
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

Jul 4, 2025 • 1h 59min
137 - Ben Gunn: Three Rules For Life - Part 2
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

Jul 4, 2025 • 5min
BONUS 001 - Gigi: Proof of Work - Part 1
Hello and welcome to this BONUS episode of the Free Cities Podcast.
These episodes are only available to our subscribers on Fountain.fm, and I'll be dropping them during the weeks when the regular release episode is one that subscribers have already had early access to.
.
If you're not on Fountain, you can access the episode here:
https://fountain.fm/episode/dC5YtEIodvAuYj0gYsTp
.
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.

Jun 27, 2025 • 1h 33min
136 - Ben Gunn: Three Rules For Life - Part 1
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

Jun 20, 2025 • 1h 18min
135 - Jody Underwood: Homesteading, Microschooling & Living Off-Grid
Homesteading, Free State Project, Micro Schools, Education Reform, School Budgets, Off-Grid Living, Homeschooling, Bitcoin, Local Government, Critical Thinking.
Timothy Allen speaks with Jody Underwood
A former school board member and Free State Project board member, Jody discusses her off-grid lifestyle in New Hampshire, where she pursues self-sufficiency and runs an education non-profit. Drawn by the Free State Project, she moved with friends to embrace off-grid living, raising animals and growing food.
Jody shares insights into local education reform, including a controversial vote to drastically cut the school budget—later overturned—that sparked backlash. She critiques the traditional education system and advocates for alternatives like micro schools and homeschool co-ops, reflecting a broader shift toward personalized, parent-driven education.
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
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TIMESTAMPS
0:00:30 – Introduction to the episode and Veritas Village sponsor
0:03:35 – Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and Fountain integration announcement
0:08:18 – CONVERSATION STARTS
0:12:50 – Differences in daily life between New Hampshire, New York, and California
0:14:59 – Off-grid living, farming, and self-sufficiency
0:19:35 – Animal slaughter regulations in New Hampshire
0:21:10 – Registering chickens and avian flu
0:22:36 – Experience with the Free State Project and involvement in local government
0:25:18 – School board involvement and budget slashing
0:30:17 – Voting process and budget reduction
0:34:12 – Quorum, smear campaign, and revote
0:36:51 – Micro schools and learning pods
0:40:19 – Homeschool co-ops
0:41:51 – Micro schools as an entrepreneurial option
0:42:12 – Education savings accounts and government's role in education
0:48:11 – Shifting roles in education and the job market
0:53:30 – Individualization of learning
1:01:18 – Critical thinking in children
1:04:25 – Publicly funded Charter schools and religion
1:06:05 – Classical Schools with DEI
1:07:20 – Pornographic books in school libraries
1:08:22 – Leaning to the left on the education scale
1:08:57 – Is it possible as a homeschooler to get government money and universal ESAs?
1:11:37 – If bringing up kids, what's the best path forward and starting with homeschooling
NOSTR:
Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app
Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c27tzjjnlf0wn7q7udjm7j2cl9xxz97eacns2mwpee
LEGACY SOCIAL MEDIA:
Jody Underwood: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jody-underwood-157299
Timothy Allen: https://twitter.com/MrTimothyAllen
Free Cities Foundation: https://twitter.com/freecitiesfound
OTHER LINKS:
Jody's non-profit - EdOpt: https://edopt.org/
Free Cities Foundation: https://free-cities.org/
SPONSOR: Veritas Village: https://www.ecovillages.life/freecities

Jun 13, 2025 • 1h 31min
134 - Melissa Creem: Live Free or Die
Naming & Shaming Anti-Liberty Politicians, New Hampshire, Free State Project, Community, Liberty, Gun Rights, Political Activism, Local Governance.
Timothy Allen talks with Melissa Creem.
Melissa, a passionate advocate for liberty is the chairperson of the New Hampshire Liberty Alliance (NHLA). In this episode, we explore the unique political landscape of New Hampshire.
The conversation delves into the dynamics of the Free State Project, the challenges of local governance, and the importance of grassroots activism in promoting freedom. Melissa shares her insights on the role of the NHLA in monitoring legislation and advocating for pro-liberty bills, highlighting the significance of transparency and accountability in the statehouse.
We discuss the cultural differences between New Hampshire and other states, touching upon the impact of COVID-19, the complexities of gun rights and the societal implications of individual liberty versus government control.
Enjoy the conversation
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Please take an interest in our 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
TIMESTAMPS:
(00:30) Introduction
(09:20) Start of conversation
(11:51) Employing people since the pandemic
(13:27) Free Staters vs other liberty-minded people
(19:51) Coming to New Hampshire & impressions of the state
(21:57) Ignoring the rules during the COVID pandemic
(24:30) New Hampshire & gun ownership
(30:07) The NHLA and shaming anti-liberty politicians
(33:52) The liberty rating
(39:58) Senators vs Representatives
(43:11) How many Libertarian-minded representatives are there?
(46:35) Why are there no pro-liberty Democrats?
(52:25) Gun safety
(56:36) Reps are not paid in New Hampshire
(1:03:46) New Hampshire vs the federal govt.
(1:08:57) Succession
(1:16:08) Free Private Cities vs the US federal system
(1:22:20) Predictions for the future
(1:26:25) R vs K theory
NOSTR:
Timothy Allen: Search 'timothy@nostr.com' on your Nostr app
Free Cities Foundation: npub1lsj8pmgedqqamt89c…


