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• 76: Mayor of Vancouver, Ken Sim ON: Will Vancouver Be the Next Bitcoin Hub?

  Ken Sim is the mayor of Vancouver.In this episode, you're going to learn why Vancouver is considering adding Bitcoin to its balance sheet, how Ken's perspective on Bitcoin changed from skepticism to strong advocacy, why he believes Bitcoin is the most important invention in human history, how Bitcoin could protect cities and individuals from currency debasement, and what steps Vancouver is taking to become a Bitcoin-friendly city.Mayor Ken Sim has built a life in Vancouver with his wife Teena, their four sons, and their dogs Hank and Kona. Ken is a proud Vancouverite, having been born and raised in Vancouver. He is an accomplished entrepreneur and the co-founder of two successful Vancouver-based companies: Rosemary Rocksalt and Nurse Next Door.Professionally, Ken holds an FCPA (FCA) designation and has been a speaker at post-secondary institutions and conferences globally. Ken is a two-time recipient of the Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (Pacific Region) in the Emerging Entrepreneur category (2006) and Healthcare Services category (2016).Ken was sworn in as the 41st Mayor of Vancouver on November 7th, 2022. He has committed to delivering on the major issues facing Vancouver including affordability, public safety, and mental health and addictions – leading a City Hall that prioritizes inclusivity, collaboration, and Indigenous Reconciliation. During his tenure as Mayor, Ken wants to see Vancouver become a city that is once again vibrant, prosperous, fun, and open for business – with a renewed sense of swagger and optimism about the future.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[01:45] Vancouver’s plan to become a Bitcoin-friendly city[02:30] How Ken Sim first heard about Bitcoin in 2018–2019[03:10] His son asking to buy Bitcoin at age 13 and his strong initial reaction[04:05] Apologizing to his son and buying his first Bitcoin in 2020[05:30] Why Bitcoin is the greatest invention in human history[06:40] Bitcoin vs. money printing: fixing a centuries-old problem[07:55] The role of Bitcoin in preserving purchasing power[09:10] Why cities should think about Bitcoin as a savings tool[10:50] How Vancouver’s $3.2 billion cash reserve is losing value[12:20] Real estate prices in gold vs. fiat: the illusion of rising home prices[14:00] Addressing concerns about Bitcoin’s long-term viability[15:35] Bitcoin’s security: why it has never been hacked[17:10] The risks of holding only fiat currency[18:45] How much Bitcoin should a city hold?[20:20] Why Ken Sim believes 1–3% Bitcoin allocation is too low[22:15] The political risks of advocating for Bitcoin as a mayor[24:00] How Vancouver’s Bitcoin-friendly stance could attract businesses[25:45] Comparing Bitcoin to gold as a financial reserve[27:30] The importance of getting ahead before major institutions accumulate Bitcoin[29:50] Bitcoin’s role in stabilizing city budgets over the long term[31:15] The 3-stage process for Vancouver’s Bitcoin adoption[33:05] Step 1: Getting council approval to explore Bitcoin[35:00] Step 2: Staff report on Bitcoin feasibility for Vancouver[36:50] Step 3: Gaining approval from the provincial government[38:10] Why voter support is crucial for moving Bitcoin adoption forwardWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Follow Ken on X, LinkedIn and Instagram.Resources Mentioned:The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookToken Economy by Shermin Voshmgir | BookWhen Money Dies by Adam Fergusson | Book or AudiobookGradually, Then Suddenly by Parker Lewis | WebsiteMichael Saylor | WebsiteMicroStrategy | WebsiteJeff Booth | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

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• 75: Sam Gustavsson ON:  Bitcoin and the Decentralization of Consciousness

  Sam Gustavsson is a visionary thinker who bridges decentralized finance with higher consciousness.In this episode, you're going to learn why Sam believes Bitcoin mirrors the structure of the universe, how decentralization connects to human consciousness and freedom, why traditional financial systems are built on fear and control, how businesses can thrive by aligning with natural flow rather than rigid structures, and what it means to let go of external safety and trust in internal abundance.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[00:02] Why Bitcoin is the money of the future[00:55] How decentralization connects to consciousness[02:08] Sam’s background in music and early success[04:12] Why he left everything behind to go to India[05:37] What Sam learned from his spiritual initiations[07:04] How he bridges the physical and spiritual worlds[08:21] Bitcoin as a decentralized creation network[09:45] Why traditional financial systems are temporary[11:02] How decentralization reflects universal laws[12:19] The problem with centralized control structures[13:33] Moving from external safety to internal trust[15:01] Why people hold onto fear and scarcity[16:18] How letting go of control changes everything[17:44] Why businesses should function like Bitcoin nodes[18:57] Understanding your business as a living entity[20:22] How CEOs can align with their company’s energy[21:48] What happens when you harmonize business energy[23:15] The role of fear in the old business paradigm[24:37] How businesses can grow through flow and trust[25:52] How Bitcoin challenges the need for governments[27:08] Why centralized systems are becoming obsolete[28:35] The shift from control-based to flow-based leadership[29:49] What the sovereign individual mindset really means[31:02] Why physical reality is fluid, not fixed[32:26] The power of decentralization in daily life[33:41] How the fear-based system keeps people stuck[35:03] The divide between those who embrace change and those who resist[36:18] Why some people double down on control and fear[37:44] What happens when you move into a trust-based reality[39:07] The future of decentralized economies[40:22] How different societies will evolve separately[41:48] Why Bitcoiners should not force adoption[43:02] How forcing change creates resistanceWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Dao of Bitcoin by Scott Dedels | Book or AudiobookThe Sovereign Individual by James Dale Davidson and William Rees-Mogg | Book or AudiobookStalking the Wild Pendulum by Itzhak Bentov | Book or AudiobookReality Transurfing by Vadim Zeland | Book or AudiobookFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

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• 74: Chris Pavlisec ON: How to Keep Your Bitcoin Secure

  Chris Pavlisec is the co-founder of Bitcoin Alive, the largest Bitcoin-only conference in Australia.In this episode, you're going to learn the most important security steps for holding Bitcoin safely, why Chris hasn’t checked Bitcoin’s price in over three years, why Bitcoin events are essential for building strong communities, how Bitcoin Alive became Australia’s national Bitcoin conference, and what first-time attendees can expect from the event.Chris is a Bitcoin advocate, security expert, and trusted adviser, helping individuals and businesses navigate the world of digital assets. With a 10+ year background in Bitcoin, he has played a crucial role in securing Bitcoin holdings and promoting self-sovereignty. Now, as a driving force behind Bitcoin Alive, Chris connects top minds in the space to advance Bitcoin education and adoption, shaping the future of decentralized money.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[01:00] What makes Bitcoin-specific conferences unique[02:30] How Bitcoin Alive started and why Australia needed it[04:15] Challenges of organizing a Bitcoin conference[06:45] The first Bitcoin Alive event and its rapid launch[08:30] What makes Bitcoin Alive different from local meetups[10:00] The role of Bitcoin meetups in onboarding new Bitcoiners[12:10] How Bitcoin Alive helps connect the Australian Bitcoin community[14:20] The impact of geographic distance on Bitcoin adoption in Australia[15:45] How a Bitcoin-only conference creates a different energy[17:30] Why the Bitcoin price doesn’t matter for long-term believers[19:15] The social aspect of Bitcoin conferences and why it’s valuable[25:20] Why some people discover Bitcoin through personal responsibility[27:00] Chris’ experiment of not checking Bitcoin’s price for three years[28:45] How ignoring the Bitcoin price changed Chris’ mindset[30:10] Why Bitcoin should be thought of as a long-term savings tool[31:50] Jeff Booth’s influence on how to think about Bitcoin[33:15] How to securely store Bitcoin and avoid common mistakes[35:00] When to move Bitcoin off an exchange and into self-custody[36:30] How to use a hardware wallet for better security[38:10] The trade-offs between convenience and security in Bitcoin storage[40:00] Why you need a plan for inheritance and Bitcoin security[42:00] What to expect at Bitcoin Alive and why first-timers should attendWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or AudiobookThe Dao of Bitcoin by Scott Dedels | Book or AudiobookBitcoin For Financial Advisors by Scott Dedels | BookBTC Sessions | YoutubeBitcoin Alive | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

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• 73: Jesse Shrader ON: Why AI Will Never Use Banks, ONLY Bitcoin

  Jesse Shrader is the CEO and Co-founder of Amboss Technologies, which provides an intelligence layer for decentralized Bitcoin payments using the Lightning Network.In this episode, you're going to learn how the Lightning Network solves inefficiencies in traditional payment systems and why AI systems will rely on Bitcoin for fast and low-cost transactions. You’ll also learn how machine learning helps route Bitcoin payments efficiently, why AI-powered microtransactions are a perfect fit for the Lightning Network, and how Bitcoin can create safer financial operations for institutions in a rapidly changing regulatory landscape.Jesse Shrader has a background in environmental engineering and brings a unique perspective to the scalability and efficiency of Bitcoin payments. His work focuses on revolutionizing financial systems through the Lightning Network, making global transactions faster, more secure, and cost-effective. Jesse is dedicated to shaping the future of AI-driven economies powered by Bitcoin, providing innovative financial solutions for a decentralized world.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[03:15] How the Lightning Network scales Bitcoin payments[04:10] Jesse’s background in environmental engineering[05:30] Why Bitcoin is a debt-free payment system[06:45] Liquidity challenges in the Lightning Network[08:00] Using graph theory for payment routing[11:00] Benefits of Bitcoin for microtransactions[12:30] AI systems using Bitcoin for fast payments[14:00] Machine-to-machine payments with the Lightning Network[15:45] Real-world Bitcoin payments in El Salvador[17:00] AI limitations due to energy and compute costs[20:15] Instant settlement solves AI payment challenges[21:50] AI agents paying for data and services[23:30] Story of using AI for medical report analysis[25:10] AI’s potential to replace traditional web interactions[28:00] Why the Lightning Network is overlooked in crypto[29:30] Privacy advantages of lightning payments[30:45] Challenges with current payment systems[34:10] The Lightning Network and its regulatory challenges[37:30] Future of Bitcoin regulation in the U.S.Want to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Connect with Jesse through X or LinkedIn.Resources Mentioned:Damus | WebsiteAmboss Technologies | WebsiteAmboss Space | WebsiteLightning Network | WebsiteBancoLibre | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

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• 72: Andrew Clubine ON: Bitcoin and the Non-Profit Space

  In this episode, you're going to learn how Bitcoin can be used to reduce transaction costs for international charities, why Bitcoin is a strong endowment asset for nonprofits, what legal barriers prevent charities from holding Bitcoin, why El Salvador is becoming a hub for Bitcoin adoption, and how Bitcoiners can shape the future of philanthropy.Andrew’s legal career began in traditional corporate law, but his passion for Bitcoin and financial sovereignty led him to explore how Bitcoin intersects with philanthropy and non-profit structures.A dual citizen of Canada and El Salvador, Andrew has a unique perspective on Bitcoin’s role in global finance, particularly in El Salvador’s groundbreaking adoption of Bitcoin as legal tender. His firsthand experience navigating Bitcoin payments, governance, and regulation makes him a valuable voice in the evolving landscape of Bitcoin and law.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction [01:00] How Bitcoin can help charities long term[04:30] Early exposure to Bitcoin in high school[06:20] Bitcoin’s impact on El Salvador[07:30] The significance of Bitcoin as legal tender[08:50] Bitcoin adoption in El Salvador[11:25] Government policies and Bitcoin regulation[12:40] Jamie Dimon’s stance on banning Bitcoin[13:55] The challenges of regulating Bitcoin[15:10] Government overreach and financial control[16:30] The role of local governance in Bitcoin adoption[17:50] The libertarian perspective on Bitcoin[19:05] Bitcoin as a tool for financial sovereignty[20:20] Why some countries embrace Bitcoin while others resist[21:45] The impact of Bitcoin on Canadian financial policies[23:00] How Bitcoin can help nonprofits and charities[24:15] Reducing transaction costs with Bitcoin[25:30] Bitcoin as an endowment asset for charities[26:50] The financial struggles of modern charities[28:10] Why traditional donation models are failing[29:25] How Bitcoiners can support charities[30:40] The legal challenges of charities holding Bitcoin[32:00] Tax implications of Bitcoin donations[33:20] Potential policy changes to support Bitcoin philanthropy[34:40] Countries with favourable Bitcoin donation policies[36:00] Bitcoin as a long-term savings tool for charities[37:15] Encouraging nonprofits to accept Bitcoin[38:30] Michael Saylor’s impact on Bitcoin philanthropy[39:45] The future of Bitcoin in charitable giving[41:00] How Bitcoiners can shape philanthropyWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Connect more with Andrew on LinkedIn.Learn more about Outsiders Law on X, Instagram and their website.Resources Mentioned:Bitcoin White Paper | ArticleFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

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