The Block Reward | Bitcoin For Beginners

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

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

In this episode, you'll learn why meeting fellow Bitcoin enthusiasts in person can deepen your understanding of the technology and strengthen your commitment to it. You’ll also learn the importance of creating local meetups to foster community connections, how attending Bitcoin conferences and meetups can be less intimidating than you think, why Canada has a strong Bitcoin culture despite its size, and how beginners can get started with Bitcoin.Cory Timmons is an economist, Bitcoiner and the host of the Ottawa Bitcoin meetup group.Timestamps:[03:36] How Cory got into Bitcoin [04:25] Discovering Bitcoin during the pandemic [05:31] The importance of truth in Bitcoin [06:08] Realizing Bitcoin is more than digital gold [06:52] Why Bitcoin meetups matter [07:30] The impact of attending meetups in Montreal [08:24] How the Ottawa meetup started [09:10] Why in-person Bitcoin conversations are crucial [09:38] First impressions of Bitcoin conferences [10:20] How conferences differ from meetups [10:55] Understanding the social aspect of Bitcoin [11:38] How Bitcoin changes everyday life [12:12] The role of Bitcoin meetups in education [12:49] The value of asking questions at meetups [14:22] Organizing meetups to grow the Bitcoin community [15:22] Why Canada has a strong Bitcoin community [15:59] Cultural factors driving Bitcoin adoption in Canada [16:56] Impact of the 2020 lockdowns on Bitcoin awareness [17:40] The rise of Canadian Bitcoiners [18:33] How meetups build trust among newcomers [19:12] Making Bitcoin accessible for beginners [19:47] Different types of Bitcoin meetups [20:28] Hosting themed meetups for deeper connections [21:06] Organizing BitDevs meetups for developers [21:49] How to attract newcomers to meetups [22:44] Balancing beginner and advanced meetups [23:20] Tips for hosting successful meetups [24:00] Why meetups are the entry point for Bitcoin [24:38] How Bitcoin meetups have grown [25:19] Cory's favourite Bitcoin podcasts [26:05] Podcast apps that reward listeners in Bitcoin [26:39] Using the Fountain app to earn Bitcoin [27:20] Bitcoin podcasts for beginners [28:10] Podcasts for beginners vs. experienced Bitcoiners [28:48] How listening to podcasts accelerates learning [29:36] Challenges of starting with advanced podcasts [30:12] Overcoming the learning curve in Bitcoin [31:03] How podcasts help with Bitcoin adoption [31:42] The role of podcasts in building the Bitcoin community [32:28] Tips for finding good Bitcoin podcasts [33:15] Cory's recommended podcasts to check out [34:01] Cory's recommended guests to listen to [34:43] Why different perspectives are valuable [36:02] How Bitcoin changes your mindset [36:54] How Bitcoin impacts your approach to money [37:30] Why connecting with others is essential [38:14] How Bitcoin fosters community [38:45] Building connections through local meetups [39:28] Planning the next Bitcoin meetup in Ottawa To learn more about Cory (aka Boomer) check out this Bitcoin Magazine Article or find him at The Broken Ruler on X.Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or AudiobookThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookThe Bitcoin Standard Podcast with Saifedean Ammous | WebsiteThe Canadian Bitcoiners Podcast with Joey and Len | WebsiteTales From The Crypt (TFTC) with Marty Bent | Website We Study Billionaires - The Investor's Podcast with Preston Pysh | WebsiteRock Paper Bitcoin by ₿usiness Cat and Fundamentals | Spotify or AppleCitadel Dispatch with Matt Odell | WebsiteFountain Podcasts | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

BJ Dichter is a prominent Canadian Bitcoiner and author.In this episode, you're going to learn how BJ’s experience during the 2022 Ottawa Trucker Convoy protest changed his views on financial freedom, why he believes Bitcoin is essential in today’s world, the challenges he faced with government intervention and why he sees Bitcoin as a tool for safeguarding personal rights. You'll also hear about the practical steps BJ recommends for protecting your assets in uncertain times and what he learned about the power of decentralized finance during one of Canada’s most turbulent political events.BJ Dichter is the author of “Honking For Freedom” and a Podcaster, Speaker, Journalist, 🇨🇦 Trucker Convoy Spokesperson & Media Strategist.Timestamps:[04:51] Why BJ became interested in Bitcoin [05:17] The insurance policy of uncensorable money [06:35] How BJ got involved in politics [08:09] Realizing the true value of Bitcoin during the convoy [09:06] BJ's role in fundraising for the convoy [10:22] The use of Bitcoin to support the convoy [11:49] Challenges with GoFundMe and GiveSendGo [12:25] Ontario government’s injunction on donations [13:22] How Bitcoin donations were managed [14:57] The fear of using Bitcoin among convoy organizers [15:17] Misconceptions about Bitcoin and criminal activity [16:05] Lessons learned from dealing with authorities [17:07] The long-term implications of Bitcoin [17:51] Comparing Bitcoin to the printing press [18:51] How BJ’s brother, a financial analyst, views Bitcoin [19:31] BJ’s emotional journey to understanding Bitcoin [20:03] How the government misunderstood Bitcoin [20:58] Confiscation of Bitcoin during the protest [21:47] Lessons learned about securing Bitcoin [22:03] Importance of having a lawyer when dealing with Bitcoin [23:17] Advice on protecting yourself legally with Bitcoin [23:45] Government escalation during the convoy protest [24:09] How communication with authorities could have de-escalated tensions [25:09] BJ's book 'Honking for Freedom' and its purpose [26:46] Dr. Jordan Peterson’s endorsement of BJ’s book [28:05] How the protest changed BJ’s view on Bitcoin’s value [28:37] Why Bitcoin is a vital tool in uncertain times [29:16] BJ’s family history and why financial freedom matters [30:22] The role of Bitcoin in escaping oppressive regimes [31:40] Currency debasement as a universal problem [32:23] How inflation impacts everyday people [33:19] Inflation triggering fear and curiosity in the public [34:15] The challenge of educating people about Bitcoin [35:03] Using empathy to introduce new people to Bitcoin [36:10] The rise in financial awareness post-2020 [37:32] How BJ’s love of cars revealed inflation issues early [38:42] Using personal interests to understand economics [39:12] Empathy as a tool for Bitcoin adoption [40:00] How Bitcoin can help those in developing countries [40:26] BJ’s advice for storing and saving wealth [41:28] Why BJ prefers Substack over Twitter [42:01] How BJ’s book aims to unite people [43:08] The concept of Enlightenment 2.0 [43:47] How BJ introduced Bitcoin to a research professor [44:29] Michael J. Saylor’s influence on understanding Bitcoin [45:08] How every generation faces perceived turmoil [45:51] Finding unity in real-life conversations [46:17] The positive future BJ envisions with Bitcoin BJ Dichter can be found on X or through Honking for Freedom’s Substack or Website.Resources Mentioned:The Money Masters Documentary by William T. Still | YouTubeConnections Series by James Burke | YouTubeAndreas Antonopoulos | YouTubeExplaining Postmodernism by Stephen Hicks | Book or AudiobookDr. Jordan Peterson | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn