Bitcoin, Nostr & Freedom Tech with Matt Odell - WBD684

Matt Odell is host of Citadel Dispatch, co-host of Rabbit
Hole Recap, managing partner at Ten31 and co-founder of
OpenSats and Bitcoin Park. In this interview, we discuss
Bitcoin conferences and podcasts, the importance of
decentralized tech, the implications of identity
verification on social media, Nostr’s potential as a
censorship-resistant social network, and the involvement of
BlackRock in Bitcoin.


- - - -


Matt Odell is the Bitcoiners Bitcoiner: mission-driven,
innovative, generous and yet unyielding in his expectations
of the community. Given he’s a fellow podcaster and
conference veteran, it was an invaluable opportunity to
talk shop, but his wide-ranging expertise means we could
again cover a plethora of current hot topics.


Matt discussed his views on the surge in global Bitcoin
conferences and the changing landscape of Bitcoin podcasts.
The boom in events, catering to various niches within the
Bitcoin community, is a testament to the growth and
diversity of this space. Podcasts too need to stand out
from the crowd, whilst taking on mainstream content
providers in terms of interviewing adroitness and
production quality.


We discussed the pros and cons of having a blue checkmark
on Twitter: whilst it can help users identify and connect
with influential people, there are material concerns about
the current identity verification system. The corollary to
concerns about traditional social media companies is the
potential to disintermediate these closed centralised
systems with innovations like Nostr. Together with Bitcoin,
Nostr could be a powerful tool for freedom movements.


Matt covered the critical importance of educating people on
the risks and benefits of decentralization. Individuals
with platforms and audiences should explain these risks to
lessen the impact and pain that people may experience in a
dark dystopian future where censorship and control are
prevalent.


Finally, Matt provided his take on BlackRock's involvement
in Bitcoin. Blackrock is the institution that Bitcoin was
designed to resist. However, their involvement is a
paradigm shift for Bitcoin’s narrative. Nevertheless, there
are risks tied to the proposed Blackrock Bitcoin ETF. It's
essential to learn how to hold self-custody of your Bitcoin
instead of buying a paper claim. And further, it’s
important Blackrock understand they can’t control Bitcoin.





 


This episode’s sponsors:


Iris Energy - Bitcoin Mining. Done Sustainably
Ledn - Financial services for Bitcoin hodlers
Bitcasino - The Future of Gaming is here
Ledger - State of the art Bitcoin hardware wallet
Wasabi Wallet - Privacy by default
Unchained - Secure your bitcoin with confidence