Episodes
Thomas Hogg is an entrepreneur, author, and business leader with a wealth of experience in building companies from the ground up. Thomas Hogg reveals how complex tax codes and government inefficiencies harm small businesses and taxpayers. From urban design and healthcare reform to creating walkable cities, Thomas shares solutions for improving public policy and building a stronger economy. Discover the unexpected links between urban planning, public health, and economic growth. Learn how...
Published 11/18/24
Michael Dunworth is an Australian entrepreneur was one of the co-founders of Wyre, a Bitcoin payments and infrastructure provider established in 2013. In this episode we discuss the societal challenges of our times: mental health, the economic burden of modern life, and the revolutionary role of Bitcoin. From Australia’s housing crisis to the psychology of dopamine-driven tech addiction, this conversation explores the realities of capitalism, critical thinking, and purpose. Learn how...
Published 11/15/24
Steve Baker is a former Conservative Member of Parliament (MP) for Wycombe, serving from 2010 until 2024. In this episode, we discuss pressing economic and political issues such as the challenges of government debt, inflation, and the often overlooked consequences of central bank policies. With a focus on the impact of taxation and government spending on individual freedoms and economic productivity. We also discuss the structural inefficiencies in politics and examine the growing disconnect...
Published 11/13/24
Published 11/13/24
Dr. Tarik Sammour is a colorectal surgeon specialising in advanced bowel cancer and has worked across various healthcare systems, including in Australia, New Zealand, and the US. In this episode, we explore the complexities of modern healthcare systems and the impact of healthcare inflation on patient outcomes and accessibility. We get into the differences between public and private healthcare models, discussing the benefits and drawbacks of hybrid systems and the unique challenges of...
Published 11/06/24
Joseph Robertson is a political commentator and advocate focused on free-market economics and personal sovereignty. In this episode, we discuss the shifting political landscape in the UK, examining the impact of recent budgets on various social classes and the ideological shift from conservatism to socialism. Joseph and I explore the role of debt, inflation, and economic illiteracy among voters in shaping current policies, as well as the influence of career politicians who lack real-world...
Published 11/01/24
Peter St Onge is an Economist at the Heritage Foundation and a Fellow at the Mises Institute. In this episode, we discuss the challenges posed by government overreach, and the intricacies of the bureaucracy-politician dynamic. We get into how historical developments have influenced current political structures and the role of debt and its impact on economic growth. Peter also shares his thoughts on the possibility of reforming the current system, from central banking to taxation, and the...
Published 10/30/24
Mike Brock is a political commentator, writer, and former executive. In this episode, we explore the dynamics of power politics versus distributive politics, the transformation of the Republican Party under Trump, and the struggle to uphold liberal values in a rapidly changing political climate. We dive into the role of economic incentives in shaping political actions, examine government corruption, and analyze the escalating U.S.-China economic rivalry. Additionally, we discuss how media...
Published 10/27/24
Jarrett Adams is a defense attorney, author, and founder of Life After Justice, a nonprofit focused on fighting wrongful convictions and supporting reintegration for exonerated individuals. In this episode, we get into his story of being wrongfully convicted at 17, the realities of navigating the criminal justice system, and the harsh conditions inside a supermax prison. We discuss the systemic issues that lead to wrongful convictions, including overburdened public defenders, incentivized...
Published 10/23/24
Alex Gladstein is the Chief Strategy Officer at the Human Rights Foundation and a leading advocate for Bitcoin's role in promoting freedom. In this episode, we discuss his work empowering activists under authoritarian regimes, the structural issues facing human rights funding, and how technology like Bitcoin are transforming the fight for liberty. We also get into the impact of peer-to-peer networks like Nostr, the evolution of Ecash, and the digital arms race between oppressive governments...
Published 10/18/24
Winston Marshall is a musician, cultural commentator, and former member of the band Mumford & Sons. In this episode, we discuss his journey from rock star to cultural commentator, the challenges of holding conservative opinions in the entertainment industry, and his exit from Mumford & Sons. We also get into the failures of corporate media, the rise of alternative media through podcasts, and the impact of political realignment in the U.S. and the UK. We also cover the ongoing...
Published 10/14/24
David Zell is the Executive Director of the Bitcoin Policy Institute, a think tank focused on the public policy implications of Bitcoin. In this episode, we discuss the political landscape surrounding Bitcoin, its role as an insurance policy for both individuals and nation-states, how Bitcoin competes against traditional currencies, the global demand for stable money, and its implications for U.S. geopolitical strategy, especially in contrast to authoritarian regimes like China. We also...
Published 10/10/24
Izabella is the Senior Finance Editor at Politico and the founder editor of The Blind Spot. In this episode, we discuss the rapid advancement of AI, including how tools like ChatGPT are transforming journalism, the ethics of AI, its role in uncovering hidden information, and whether full transparency will lead to societal improvements or chaos. We also discuss economic stagnation, the collapse of the middle class, and the impact of inflation on daily life. We also get into the...
Published 10/07/24
Ben Arc is an open-source developer and an advocate in the Bitcoin and Nostr ecosystems. In this episode, we discuss the shift from centralised platforms like Twitter to decentralized systems, discussing how Nostr allows users to control their data and build communities without corporate interference. We get into Bitcoin’s evolution, synthesizing libertarian and socialist ideologies, the future of soft currencies, and the role of CBDCs in global economies. We also talk about the cultural...
Published 10/04/24
Ian Birrell is a renowned British journalist, columnist, and foreign correspondent, known for his work on global conflicts, social justice, and political reform. In this episode, we discuss the failures of the prison system, whether it's true purpose is punishment or rehabilitation, and how countries like Norway and Texas are tackling recidivism with innovative approaches. We also get into Bitcoin’s role in empowering activists, the impact of social media on political tribalism, and Elon...
Published 10/02/24
Fernando Nikolić, Director of Marketing and Communications at Blockstream and a passionate Bitcoin advocate, offers a unique perspective on Argentina's economic turmoil and the libertarian revolution unfolding today. In this episode, we discuss the history of Argentina, exploring the impact of hyperinflation, political corruption, and the rise of populism. Fernando shares his thoughts on the impact of Juan Perón’s legacy, the devastation caused by decades of mismanagement, and the cultural...
Published 09/30/24
Maajid Nawaz is a prominent counter-extremism activist, author, and former Islamist who has dedicated his life to combating radicalization.  In this episode, we discuss the complexities of modern Britain, the rise of extremism, the impact of divisive rhetoric, and the urgent need to rebuild societal trust. Maajid shares his insights on the weaponization of free speech, the failures of political leadership, and the challenges of integration and identity in a rapidly changing UK. We also get...
Published 09/27/24
Dominic Frisby is a financial writer, comedian, and commentator known for his takes on economics, tax reform, and freedom. Dominic is a vocal advocate for liberty, self-governance, and the importance of sound money. In this episode, we dive into the state of personal freedom in the modern world and the battle for free speech. We explore the realities of high taxes, the lessons from Argentina’s economic chaos, and how libertarianism offers a path forward. We also look at the erosion of...
Published 09/25/24
Silkie Carlo is the Director of Big Brother Watch, where she leads efforts to defend civil liberties and protect privacy rights against state surveillance. She is at the forefront of challenging the UK's invasive surveillance laws and advocating for the protection of free speech and personal freedoms.  In this episode, we dive into the growing government panopticon, the implications of mass surveillance on privacy and democracy, and the battles being fought to protect individual rights in a...
Published 09/23/24
Allen Farrington is a writer and investor. He co-wrote Bitcoin Is Venice and he’s a co-founder of Axiom, a Bitcoin-focused venture firm. In this episode, we discuss the distortions caused by fiat money, the consequences of misallocated capital, and the philosophical underpinnings of a Bitcoin standard. We get into how these issues impact both individuals and economies, dissect the flaws of modern capitalism, and discuss how Bitcoin offers a path toward financial sovereignty and a more...
Published 09/20/24
Anna Chekhovich serves as the Financial Director at Navalny's Anti-Corruption Foundation, where she plays a key role in exposing corruption within Putin's regime and promoting transparency and justice in Russia. She also works as the Nonprofit Bitcoin Adoption Lead at The Human Rights Foundation. In this episode, we discuss the challenges of fighting corruption inside Russia, the personal risks faced by opposition activists, and the state of civil liberties under Putin's rule. We explore...
Published 09/20/24
Gavin Sathianathan is the CEO of Research Smart and an advocate for medical cannabis and alternative therapies. In this episode, we dive into the role of cannabis as a treatment for various health conditions, exploring the therapeutic potential of drugs in modern medicine. We discuss the challenges facing patients and practitioners in the current healthcare system and examine how alternative therapies are pushing the boundaries of conventional treatment.
Published 09/20/24
Matthew Pines is the Director of Intelligence at SentinelOne and a National Security Fellow at the Bitcoin Policy Institute. In this episode, we explore UAPs, simulation theory, remote viewing, and human consciousness. We discuss the potential implications of knowing that aliens are real and what this could mean for humanity - exploring the nature of reality and challenging our understanding of existence, as we discuss the intersection of advanced phenomena and human perception.
Published 09/12/24
“We are promethean, we are taking the thermodynamic future of our planet and charging batteries that are full of the hardest money on earth and saving it in perpetuity…we have discovered fire, the world will never be the same again, we have a new tool that is going to re-shape the societies around us and the universe within our own minds…value can be delivered to the world in excess of the cost that it takes to deliver that value.”— Harry Sudock That’s a wrap! What Bitcoin Did is over, and...
Published 08/30/24
That’s a wrap! What Bitcoin Did is over, and what better way to close out the podcast than an episode with three of our favourite Bitcoiners, Jack Mallers, Matt Odell and Harry Sudock. In this one we did a little bit of reminiscing, discussed Bitcoin as hope, how the space is evolving and why we decided to end the podcast. – Show notes: https://www.whatbitcoindid.com/podcast/what-bitcoin-did This episode’s sponsors:  IREN - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably. Swan Bitcoin - Invest in...
Published 08/30/24