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

John Tellis is a CPA and Bitcoin consultant specializing in taxation and wealth management for high-net-worth individuals and families.In this episode, you're going to learn why Bitcoin is not anonymous and how blockchain transparency affects its use, practical steps to manage tax obligations when buying, selling, or holding Bitcoin, key considerations for businesses accepting Bitcoin as payment, the challenges and opportunities of relocating Bitcoin to different tax jurisdictions, and strategies for intergenerational planning with Bitcoin wealth.Jon Tellis is an Accountant, Chief Technology Officer, and Partner at nmbrly.ai. His firm provides Accounting, Tax, Advisory, and CFO services to Bitcoin and other tech businesses. He is also an entrepreneur focused on the development of disruptive technology in the FinTech space. He is co-founder of Generatio.me, a professional services network offering Bitcoin family office and advisory services.Timestamps:[03:00] Bitcoin is not anonymous[04:12] Understanding blockchain transparency[05:25] Tax implications of Bitcoin transactions[06:42] Reporting Bitcoin gains and losses  [08:14] Using Bitcoin wallets effectively  [09:27] Taxation differences between countries  [10:36] El Salvador’s approach to Bitcoin  [11:42] Planning for Bitcoin wealth transfer  [12:56] Teaching the next generation about Bitcoin[14:15] Moving Bitcoin across borders[15:28] Challenges of relocating Bitcoin wealth  [16:45] Tax obligations for Canadians holding Bitcoin[17:59] Unrealized capital gains taxation[19:12] Potential global Bitcoin tax policies[20:24] Bitcoin as a borderless technology[21:36] Importance of harmonized tax strategies[23:04] Bitcoin's volatility and taxation[24:15] Fair treatment of Bitcoin compared to other assets[25:28] Vancouver’s Bitcoin-friendly policies[26:44] Bitcoin as a strategic reserve[27:58] Paying property taxes with Bitcoin[29:16] Encouraging businesses to accept Bitcoin[30:32] Accounting complexities with Bitcoin transactions[31:46] Benefits of stacking Bitcoin for businesses[33:04] Vendor education on Bitcoin reporting[34:18] Long-term advantages of accepting Bitcoin[35:34] El Salvador’s evolving Bitcoin policies[36:42] Bitcoin as an investment vs. medium of exchange[37:59] Regional differences in Bitcoin adoption[39:14] Future of global Bitcoin policies[40:24] Mining opportunities and Bitcoin development[41:38] Educating new Bitcoin investors on taxes[42:52] Preparing for Bitcoin’s long-term value[44:05] Managing Bitcoin legacy planningWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.If you want to connect with Jon, follow him on LinkedIn or the nmbrly website.Resources Mentioned:Generatio | WebsiteMicroStrategy | WebsiteFASB | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

William Casarin is the creator of Damus, an app that interfaces with the NOSTR protocol to decentralize social media.In this episode, you're going to learn what NOSTR is and how it decentralizes social media compared to traditional platforms, the potential for using Lightning payments with social networks, why algorithms on NOSTR are user-driven and flexible, how NOSTR's open data layer allows apps to interconnect seamlessly, and the challenges and future of building decentralized applications in a centralized app ecosystem.William Casarin is the founder of the iOS NOSTR client, Damus. NOSTR is a decentralized, censorship-resistant, open-source protocol that aims to change social media as we know it today. It also integrates Bitcoin through a system called “zaps” which Casarin invented. He’s been in Bitcoin since 2010 when he started mining his own and then moved on to contributing to Bitcoin core and lightning. He is passionate about the future of Bitcoin and decentralized protocols, with the aim of completing a desktop and Android version of Damus in 2025. Timestamps:[03:40] What is NOSTR?[05:10] How NOSTR decentralizes social media[07:15] Difference between NOSTR and traditional platforms[09:45] Using multiple servers for reliability[11:30] Why censorship is a problem on social media[14:20] How NOSTR notes work[16:05] Integrating lightning payments into NOSTR[18:40] What are zaps and what is their purpose?[21:10] Challenges with Apple’s App Store[23:50] Why algorithms on NOSTR are flexible[26:35] How NOSTR apps interact with the protocol[29:20] Building a universal storefront with NOSTR[32:10] Onboarding challenges for new users[35:00] Why network effects matter for NOSTR[37:30] Lightning network usage on NOSTRLearn more about and sign up for Damus, the social network YOU control.If you want to connect with William, you can email him at jb55@jb55.comResources Mentioned:The Age of Surveillance Capitalism by Shoshana Zuboff | Book or Audiobook or VideoMatt Taibbi’s Thread on The Twitter Files | X ThreadBari Weiss’s Thread on The Twitter Files | X ThreadCoinos | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

Brad Mills is a Canadian Bitcoin advocate, angel investor, and entrepreneur.In this episode, you’re going to learn why Brad believes Bitcoin is inevitable and how he shifted his mindset to prepare for its long-term growth. You’ll also learn the biggest mistakes he made during previous Bitcoin cycles and what he wishes he’d done differently, how borrowing against Bitcoin can solve lifestyle funding challenges without selling it, why understanding Bitcoin as a savings technology can help protect wealth, and how Bitcoin’s network effect continues to grow without constant defence from its advocates.Brad Mills is a lifelong entrepreneur, with a focus on product development & marketing. Involved with Bitcoin since 2011 as a miner, entrepreneur & investor, Brad is a Value Maximalist at his core.Timestamps:[02:18] Bitcoin taught Brad to save like Scrooge  [02:56] The realization of Bitcoin’s inevitability  [03:51] Common fears in the early days of Bitcoin  [06:13] Why the Bitcoin education battle will last decades  [07:03] Lessons learned about selling Bitcoin too soon  [08:11] The entrepreneurial mindset in Bitcoin  [10:15] Why Brad regrets selling Bitcoin to pay a mortgage  [12:11] How to solve lifestyle problems without selling Bitcoin  [13:39] Bitcoin as a global reserve asset  [14:28] Why early Bitcoiners start selling at psychological price levels  [17:28] How wealth confiscation led Tony Yazbeck to Bitcoin  [19:05] Why Bitcoin is growing without constant defence  [24:45] The role of Bitcoin as a productive protest  [27:06] Scott’s story of losing money in Terra Luna  [30:18] Bitcoin technology solving real problems  [32:52] Why non-custodial Bitcoin lending is the future  [34:28] Sell pressure from early Bitcoin holders  [36:23] How borrowing against Bitcoin reduces sell pressure  [38:43] Supporting Bitcoin-only companies solving lending issues  [40:35] Why Brad believes Bitcoin will reach $1 million  [41:19] Learning from mistakes strengthens Bitcoin's conviction  [44:19] Why launching altcoins was once experimental  [45:18] Understanding how entrepreneurs approach Bitcoin  [46:31] How reframing Bitcoin changes perspectives  [47:46] The appeal of Bitcoin mining in the early days  [48:02] What new Bitcoiners should focus on  [49:00] Bitcoin as a savings technology for entrepreneurs   [52:35] Why entrepreneurs need to rethink Bitcoin  If you want to stay in touch with Brad, follow him on X.  To learn more about his work, visit his Website.Resources Mentioned:The Block Reward, Episode 24 with Jeff Booth on Why Deflation is the Key to Abundance | Spotify or AppleThe Block Reward, Episode 52 with Tony Yazbeck on The Banks Don't Have Your Money | Spotify or AppleBitcoin Beach | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

Dr. Emma Apatu is an associate professor at McMaster University specializing in the social determinants of health and the founder of Dream Grad Academy, an educational platform about Bitcoin.In this episode, you're going to learn how fiat money systems influence government incentives and public service effectiveness, why Bitcoin can address socioeconomic inequalities and empower communities, the potential role of Bitcoin in decentralizing healthcare systems, how Bitcoin is being adopted in countries with broken financial systems, and strategies for introducing Bitcoin concepts in academic and professional settings.Emma Apatu is the founder of Dream Grad Academy, an innovative educational platform where she collaborates with Bitcoin Mentor to provide comprehensive guidance to newcomers in the Bitcoin space, helping them navigate their learning journey. As a professor at McMaster University, she has developed a unique perspective on the intersection of public health and emerging technologies. Her interdisciplinary research and experience has led her to identify Bitcoin as a powerful catalyst for individual sovereignty and systemic transformation in health and social systems. Her most recent work, 'Bitcoin & Public Health: Addressing the Debt-Money Crisis,' published in Bitcoin Magazine, explores these critical connections.Timestamps:[05:15] How Bitcoin relates to public health[08:30] The socioeconomic impact of broken money systems[11:22] How Bitcoin empowers individuals in healthcare[14:05] Community-level benefits of Bitcoin adoption[17:40] Canadian healthcare funding challenges[21:10] The importance of decentralizing health systems[23:45] Impact of inflation on healthcare resources[26:30] How broken money affects global healthcare systems[29:55] Africa’s challenges with centralized financial systems[33:20] How Bitcoin can solve trade barriers in developing nations[36:05] Why deflation isn’t necessarily bad[38:30] How Bitcoin is gaining momentum globallyLearn more about Bitcoin Mentor on their website.Follow the Dream Grad Academy on Instagram and visit their website.Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or AudiobookWTF Happened in 1971? | WebsiteDream Grad Academy | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

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 discussion, Cory Timmons, an economist and host of the Ottawa Bitcoin meetup group, shares his passion for building the Bitcoin community. He emphasizes the transformative power of in-person meetups during the pandemic, revealing how they deepen understanding and engagement with Bitcoin. Cory discusses Canada's vibrant Bitcoin culture, the significance of local meetups for newcomers, and the vital role these connections play in education. He also reflects on memorable experiences from conferences and the unique dynamics of face-to-face Bitcoin interactions.

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

In this episode, you're going to learn why Michael sees Bitcoin as a “cheat code” for fixing global financial systems, the surprising role of energy grids in Bitcoin mining, why companies might face legal pressure if they don’t adopt Bitcoin, how political factors are driving institutional interest in Bitcoin and why Michael believes that embracing Bitcoin could be the fastest way for companies to outperform their competition.Michael Dunworth is a Bitcoin enthusiast and Co-Founder and former CEO of Wyre Payments.Timestamps:[00:04] Why Bitcoin is like a cheat code for money problems  [01:34] BlackRock and Microsoft’s Bitcoin moves  [02:45] The influence of politics on Bitcoin adoption  [03:58] Trump’s proposal on crypto taxation  [05:04] MicroStrategy’s massive Bitcoin buying plans  [06:16] Understanding the role of ego in executive decisions  [07:21] Why CEOs hesitate to follow Bitcoin strategies  [08:45] Bitcoin as the lazy path to wealth  [11:10] Texas is paying miners to stabilize the energy grid  [12:23] Iran’s strategy to mine Bitcoin for national gain  [13:36] The importance of accumulating commodities like Bitcoin  [14:52] How inflation pushes people into risky investments  [16:14] Avoiding financial decisions during chaotic times  [17:35] Bitcoin’s impact on mental clarity and decision-making  [18:58] Bitcoin’s effect on corporate governance  [20:15] CEOs resisting change due to pride and fear  [21:45] Why companies may face lawsuits for not adopting Bitcoin  [23:04] The concept of a “wartime CEO” for tough times  [24:35] Michael J. Saylor’s debt strategy to accumulate Bitcoin  [26:02] How predictable Bitcoin’s value is long-term  [27:20] The difference between Bitcoin and fiat currency  [28:45] Mental health benefits of holding Bitcoin  [30:08] Bitcoin’s role in simplifying your financial life  [31:29] Setting and achieving long-term accumulation goals  [32:50] Why Bitcoin is a powerful recruiting tool  [34:12] The challenges legacy companies face with Bitcoin  [35:30] Bitcoin’s predictable cycles and their impact  [36:48] How Bitcoin resists change and external pressure  [38:10] Why change is crucial for corporate survival  [39:27] How Bitcoin forces businesses to rethink strategies  [41:00] The importance of unity and collaboration  [42:26] Inflation’s impact on everyday spending habits  [43:50] Bitcoin as a safeguard against economic instability  [45:12] Storing time and energy through Bitcoin  [46:30] Long-term planning with predictable money  [47:55] Resistance to adopting new financial technologies  [49:22] Lessons learned from Michael J. Saylor’s success  [50:48] Empowering people and businesses with Bitcoin  [52:10] Why those who adapt will thrive  [53:39] The psychology behind old vs. young investors  [55:04] The power of Bitcoin in building future wealth  [56:32] How Bitcoin changes your perspective on money  [57:59] Using Bitcoin to protect against inflation  [59:25] Planning your financial future with Bitcoin  [01:00:53] Why Bitcoin adoption is inevitable  [01:02:14] The impact of social proof on Bitcoin adoption  [01:03:37] Future predictions for Bitcoin and global markets  [01:04:50] Why the world is moving towards a Bitcoin standard  [01:06:20] How Bitcoin transforms personal finance strategies  [01:07:44] Final thoughts on the future of money  Connect with Michael Dunworth on X.Resources Mentioned:Michael J. Saylor | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn

In this episode, you're going to learn the remarkable story of how Bitcoin changed Christian’s life in 2011, the challenges of running a Bitcoin exchange in Sweden, the influence the Wallenberg family had on Sweden's financial system, the importance of privacy in today’s geopolitical landscape and why Christian believes Bitcoin is crucial for financial freedom.Christian Ander is the Founder and CEO of Goobit, an industry-leading crypto services company dedicated to developing innovative solutions that bridge the gap between the traditional financial system and the world of cryptocurrencies. Timestamps:[01:22] Christian Ander’s journey into Bitcoin in 2011  [04:51] Why Swedish banks dislike Bitcoin  [06:46] The Wallenberg family’s influence on Sweden’s financial system  [11:33] How Sweden's cheap energy benefits Bitcoin miners  [16:23] Global trends in restricting cash transactions  [19:29] Bitcoin’s transparency and privacy challenges  [24:13] Anti-money laundering laws and their true purpose  [31:36] Historic inflation and currency devaluation  [36:19] Quantum computing and its potential threat to Bitcoin  [40:41] Bitcoin’s role in securing financial freedomFollow Christian on X and visit the BTCX website.Find More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn