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  • S01E13 – Reflecting on Trust Revolution: Season 1 recap

    S01E13 – Reflecting on Trust Revolution: Season 1 recap
    2025/07/10

    In this solo episode, host Shawn Yeager reflects on the first 12 episodes of Trust Revolution, expressing gratitude to listeners and sharing insights gained from conversations with various builders, thinkers, and leaders. The podcast aims to explore the erosion of trust in traditional institutions and the potential of decentralization and technology, such as Bitcoin, to restore personal sovereignty. Shawn discusses the importance of reaching those curious about alternative systems and highlights key themes like the diminishing trust in centralized entities and the promise of decentralized solutions.

    Throughout the season, Shawn engaged with a diverse group of guests, including futurists, technologists, and policy advisors, to discuss topics ranging from private AI and alternative app stores to the implications of AI on society. He emphasizes the need for citizen action and transparency to challenge existing power structures and the role of technology in reshaping business and governance. As the podcast moves forward, Shawn plans to focus on conversations with builders and advocates who are leading the way in creating change and empowering individuals to reclaim control over their trust and privacy.

    Subscribe at podcast.trustrevolution.co.
    Music in this episode by More Ghost Than Man.
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    20 分
  • S01E11 Matt O'Dell ‒ The past, present, and future of freedomtech

    S01E11 Matt O'Dell ‒ The past, present, and future of freedomtech
    2025/06/25
    Matt O'dell, Bitcoin OG and freedom tech advocate, joins Shawn to dissect trust in a world of surveillance and centralized control. From Bitcoin’s role as a beacon of financial agency to Signal's strides in secure communication, O'dell unpacks the tools reshaping money, identity, and expression. As co-founder of Bitcoin Park, OpenSats, and Ten31 Ventures, and host of Rabbit Hole Recap and Citadel Dispatch, he shares a decade of insights on building privacy-first businesses and communities. Recorded June 16, 2025, amid global tensions, this episode explores why open protocols matter, what’s thriving in 2025, and how to navigate a trust-minimized future.Background Matt O'dell is a veteran Bitcoiner and open-source advocate, driving freedom tech forward. He co-founded Bitcoin Park, OpenSats, a 501c3 funding open-source projects like nostr and Tor, and Ten31, a VC firm backing Bitcoin businesses like Strike and Start9. Hosting Rabbit Hole Recap with Marty Bent and Citadel Dispatch, O'dell educates thousands on Bitcoin and privacy. A former Human Rights Foundation volunteer and Bitcoin Policy Institute board member, he champions self-custody and financial freedom, blending technology, policy, and community to counter surveillance. Highlights Bitcoin’s Evolution: From a pre-Mt. Gox Wild West to 2025’s robust self-custody and mobile apps, Bitcoin empowers users, though KYC/AML normalizes surveillance.Freedom Tech Wins: Signal’s nonprofit model balances privacy and usability, while Tor persists despite vulnerabilities. Both lag Bitcoin’s anti-hegemonic design.OpenSats Mission: Funds open-source projects transparently, countering corporate capture, with support for Tor and Bitcoin-focused initiatives.Ten31 Ventures: Backs profitable Bitcoin businesses like Strike (fiat-Bitcoin bridge) and Start9 (self-hosting), balancing short-term gains with long-term freedom.Nostr’s Promise: Solves identity and social media challenges with permissionless, trust-minimized communication, countering deep fakes and censorship.Business Models: Buy/sell Bitcoin and collateralized loans dominate, but lean, open-source ventures like Primal and Peach bet on future demand. Tether’s $24B profit underscores fiat arbitrage, yet Bitcoin’s scarcity prevails long-term. Quotes to Remember“Bitcoin became this avenue of hope for me. It was a direction that we could actually affect actionable change and have true agency.” – Matt O'dell“The power of these projects relies on individuals. It’s a movement of people.” – Matt O'dell“Winning is 5% or higher of the global population using these tools in a freedom-focused way.” – Matt O'dell“The tools exist for people to take agency. It’s better spent improving the lives of those who seek it than convincing the masses.” – Matt O'dell“Bitcoin is the opportunity cost. You need to be profitable in Bitcoin terms.” – Matt O'dellResources & LinksHuman Rights Foundation Financial Freedom Report: hrf.org/financialfreedomreport – Weekly insights on global financial repression and freedom tech’s impact.Odell’s Resource Page: odell.xyz – Tools, contacts, and guides for Bitcoin and privacy tech.Rabbit Hole Recap: rhr.tv – Weekly Bitcoin news with Odell and Marty Bent.Citadel Dispatch: citadeldispatch.com – Matt Odell’s podcast on Bitcoin, privacy, and freedom tech.Bitcoin Park: bitcoinpark.com – Community hubs in Nashville and Austin for Bitcoin education.OpenSats: opensats.org – Support open-source projects driving freedom tech.Ten31: ten31.vc – Venture capital firm investing in Bitcoin-focused businesses.Subscribe at podcast.trustrevolution.co. Music in this episode by More Ghost Than Man.
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    1 時間 11 分
  • S01E10 Stephen Pollock ‒ Bitcoin and American statecraft

    S01E10 Stephen Pollock ‒ Bitcoin and American statecraft
    2025/06/18
    Stephen Pollock, SVP of Development at the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), joins Shawn to explore Bitcoin’s growing role in U.S. policy and statecraft. This discussion covers BPI’s mission to educate policymakers, the challenges of Washington’s political landscape, and the push for Bitcoin as a tool for freedom and national interest, including the Strategic Bitcoin Reserve.

    Background

    Stephen Pollock, Senior Vice President of Development at the Bitcoin Policy Institute (BPI), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit think tank co-founded by Grant McCarty and David Zell, drives the organization’s operational and advocacy efforts. As BPI’s first hire, he’s been key in building its influence in Washington, DC. With over a decade in political campaigns, public affairs, and FinTech, Pollock has shaped legislation through grassroots strategies and built networks with political and business leaders. A passionate Bitcoiner from Nashville, he bridges Bitcoin’s decentralized ethos with policy, championing self-custody and financial freedom through events like the Bitcoin Policy Summit.


    Highlights
    • BPI’s Mission: Founded to ensure policymakers take Bitcoin seriously, BPI builds credibility through white papers, 30+ expert fellows, and a new DC office, framing Bitcoin as freedom money, not a threat.
    • Washington Challenges: Bitcoin faces an education gap and political football dynamics in DC. BPI counters with research and hires like Ken Egan (ex-CIA) and Axe Shapiro for advocacy.
    • Strategic Bitcoin Reserve (SBR): BPI’s advocacy led to an SBR via executive order, needing codification through Senator Lummis’ Bitcoin Act, though stablecoin bills currently compete for attention.
    • Statecraft Shift: Bitcoin is seen as a statecraft tool, with the CIA’s Deputy Director speaking at BPI’s summit, signaling a subtle shift in perspective.
    • Bitcoin Conference Milestone: The Vice President’s 2025 speech praised Bitcoin as a hedge against inflation and control, with JD Vance as a potential future champion.
    • Five-Year Vision: BPI seeks to codify self-custody and regulatory clarity via the Bitcoin Act, build bipartisan support, and elevate Bitcoin to a nonpartisan asset like the internet, reducing risks like a 6102-style seizure.
    Quotes to Remember
    • “There's no CEO of Bitcoin… that creates vacuums unless someone steps up.”
    • “Memorize 12 words, take your life savings anywhere.”
    • “The worst thing is Bitcoin reaching government with nobody knowing what it is.”
    • “I don’t need an elected official to be a Bitcoiner, just to take it seriously.”
    • “Bitcoin is one of the most powerful human rights tools we have.”
    Resources & Links
    • Bitcoin Policy Summit: June 25, 2025, Washington, DC. Features CIA’s Michael Ellis, Hester Pierce, and lawmakers at btcpolicysummit.org.
    • BPI Website: Explore research and advocacy at btcpolicy.org.
    Subscribe at podcast.trustrevolution.co.
    Music in this episode by More Ghost Than Man.
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    1 時間 21 分
  • S01E09 R.U. Sirius ‒ The Internet’s lost promise and paths to freedom

    S01E09 R.U. Sirius ‒ The Internet’s lost promise and paths to freedom
    2025/06/11
    In this episode, Shawn sits down with a legendary figure from the early days of digital culture, R.U. Sirius, exploring the radical roots and transformative potential of the Internet. Our guest shares insights from his experience with pioneering publications like Mondo 2000, reflecting on the early ideals of user empowerment and decentralization. We delve into the evolution of the Internet from a space of individual freedom to one dominated by corporate interests, discussing the shifts in power dynamics and the impact of commercialization on the digital landscape. With a mix of optimism and caution, this episode offers a thought-provoking look at the past, present, and future of digital culture and individual agency.

    About RU Sirius

    RU Sirius is a writer, musician, and counterculture pioneer who co-founded Mondo 2000, the 1980s–1990s magazine that shaped cyberpunk and tech optimism. A “left-libertarian” influenced by transhumanists Timothy Leary and Robert Anton Wilson, he’s explored technology’s liberating potential for decades. Based in San Francisco, RU writes for Mindplex.ai on AI and creativity, performs as The Smarter Kings of Delirium, and is co-authoring a Mondo 2000 history with Shira Chess for Strange Attractor Press.

    Quotes to Remember
    • “The original ideal was that everything on the internet can be easily copied and shared… it won’t be controlled and it won’t be monetized.” — RU Sirius
    • “Competition was going to put more power into the hands of the hosts, the sites, and less into the hands of the participants.” — RU Sirius
    • “If Mondo 2000 had one message, it was be like Laurie Anderson… use the tools as creatively as is possible.” — RU Sirius
    • “Leaning into friendship can be a good thing to start doing [in a trolling world].” — RU Sirius
    Resources & Links
    • Mondo 2000 Archives: Explore cyberculture’s roots with digital scans at archive.org. https://archive.org/details/mondo2000magazine
    • Mindplex.ai Articles: Read RU’s takes on AI and creativity at Mindplex.ai. https://magazine.mindplex.ai/search/R.U.%20Sirius
    • Strange Attractor Press: Learn about RU’s forthcoming Mondo 2000 book. https://www.mondo2000.com/freaks-in-the-machine-mondo-2000-in-late-20th-century-tech-culture/
    • RU Sirius on X: Follow RU for updates on his work and events. https://x.com/2000_mondo
    Subscribe: https://podcast.trustrevolution.co

    Music in this episode by More Ghost Than Man: https://moreghostthanman.bandcamp.com/






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    54 分
  • S01E08 Rishad Tobaccowala – Trust is the currency of the future

    S01E08 Rishad Tobaccowala – Trust is the currency of the future
    2025/06/04
    Rishad Tobaccowala, futurist and author of Rethinking Work, joins Shawn to unravel the dynamics of power, talent, and trust in a decentralized, AI-driven future. This conversation exposes the seismic shifts dismantling traditional jobs, the rise of talent over capital, and why trust—rooted in truth and integrity—is the ultimate currency for brands and leaders. From technology’s promise to demographic realities, Rishad delivers a wake-up call for navigating the unbundled world of work.

    Background

    Rishad Tobaccowala, a global strategist, spearheaded digital transformation at Publicis Groupe for 37 years. Now a speaker, advisor, and author of Rethinking Work and Restoring the Soul of Business, he guides leaders on technology and human values. His Substack, with 30,000+ subscribers including global CxOs, offers sharp insights. Key lessons from his work include decentralizing work, empowering talent over capital, and building trust through integrity in an AI age.

    Highlights
    • Peak Jobs Are Over: By 2030, U.S. jobs could drop by a third due to automation, but work will explode outside traditional roles, driven by a 1.6 fertility rate and technologies like AI and blockchain.
    • Five Forces Unbundling Work: Societal/demographic shifts, technology (AI, blockchain, XR), marketplaces (Upwork, Etsy), gig work, and COVID’s redefinition of purpose decentralize work.
    • Trust as Currency: AI becomes table stakes; trust, built on integrity (aligned words, beliefs, actions, and truth), sets brands and leaders apart.
    • Talent Trumps Capital: Technology empowers individuals to own content and data via platforms like Substack and blockchain, shifting power to “companies of one.”
    • 2027 Ecosystem: A “whales” (e.g., NVIDIA) and “plankton” (small firms) model emerges, with fewer employees and AI-driven strategies.
    Quotes to Remember
    • “We’ve seen peak jobs… by the end of this decade, we will have maybe a third fewer jobs than currently exist.”
    • “Trust is what somebody earns… integrity is when what you say, what you believe, and what you do are completely aligned. And is it true?”
    • “Technology is the leverage that allows David to bring down Goliath. Power is moving to talent over capital.”
    • “The future is already here, but it’s not evenly distributed… Talent is evenly distributed, but opportunity is not.” (paraphrasing William Gibson)
    Resources & Links
    • Rethinking Work by Rishad Tobaccowala (HarperCollins): https://www.harpercollins.com/products/rethinking-work-rishad-tobaccowala
    • Restoring the Soul of Business by Rishad Tobaccowala (HarperCollins): https://www.harpercollins.com/products/restoring-the-soul-of-business-rishad-tobaccowala
    • Rishad Tobaccowala’s Substack: https://rishad.substack.com
    • Rishad on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rishadtobaccowala/
    • Rishad’s website: https://rishadtobaccowala.com/
    Subscribe: https://podcast.trustrevolution.co

    Music in this episode by More Ghost Than Man.
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    1 時間 12 分
  • S01E07 Fran – Revolutionizing the app store

    S01E07 Fran – Revolutionizing the app store
    2025/05/28
    In this Trust Revolution episode, Shawn Yeager and Fran, the Buenos Aires-based creator of Zapstore, explore the chokehold of centralized app stores. Fran details how Apple and Google’s control stifles innovation and erodes trust, then unveils Zapstore, a Nostr-powered, decentralized solution with cryptographic security and social trust layers. This 65-minute conversation spans the frustrations of arbitrary curation to the promise of AI-driven “vibe-coded” apps, showing how decentralized systems can reclaim power for users and developers.

    About Fran

    Fran is a full-stack software engineer with nearly two decades of experience, from Java in the 2000s to modern mobile frameworks. Based in Buenos Aires, Argentina, he’s the creator of Zapstore, a decentralized app store launched in May 2024 on the Nostr protocol. Driven by frustration with centralized app stores’ control, Fran’s work empowers users and developers with secure, censorship-resistant software distribution. A participant in the first Sovereign Engineering cohort in Madeira, he’s a vocal advocate for privacy and autonomy, blending technical expertise with a vision for a freer digital ecosystem.
    • X Profile: @FranOnNostr
    • Nostr: fran@primal.net
    • Zapstore: Zapstore
    Quotes to Remember
    • “The biggest problem is we can’t change the curator, and that creates resentment on both sides.” — Fran
    • “With centralized stores, the filters feel random, like they’re just flexing power.” — Fran
    • “ZapStore uses Nostr to sign apps, so you know they’re from the developer, not some middleman.” — Fran
    • “A free market of catalogs means no one can misbehave without losing trust.” — Fran
    • “In the future, AI will let anyone vibe-code apps, breaking the app store monopoly.” — Fran
    Resources & Links
    • Zapstore Website: Discover Zapstore’s decentralized app store for Android and explore its mission to empower users. Zapstore
    • Nostr Protocol: Learn about the decentralized protocol behind ZapStore’s censorship-resistant app distribution. nostr.com
    • Fran’s Blog Post: Read Fran’s detailed analysis of centralized app store flaws and Nostr’s potential to fix app distribution. Zapstore/blog
    Subscribe: https://podcast.trustrevolution.co

    Music in this episode by More Ghost Than Man.
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    1 時間 9 分
  • S01E06 Bronwyn Williams – Navigating the unraveling cycle of society

    S01E06 Bronwyn Williams – Navigating the unraveling cycle of society
    2025/05/21
    In this hard-hitting episode of Trust Revolution, Shawn sits down with Bronwyn Williams, a South African futurist and economist, to dissect the collapse of trust in centralized systems. Bronwyn analyzes how globalization and technology challenge institutional credibility, using South Africa’s governance struggles as a backdrop. She critiques AI’s centralizing risks, questions Bitcoin’s decentralized promise, and discusses ways businesses and individuals can rebuild trust. This conversation unravels the dynamics of power and agency in a low-trust world.

    About Bronwyn Williams

    Bronwyn Williams is a futurist, economist, and partner at Flux Trends, a leading consultancy focused on strategic foresight and trend analysis. Based in Johannesburg, she brings nearly two decades of experience advising global public and private sector clients on fintech, alternative economic models, and sustainable futures. She is the author of Rescuing Our Republic, a book tackling South Africa’s systemic crises, and co-author of The Future Starts Now (Bloomsbury UK), which explores global trends shaping the future. A sought-after speaker and media commentator on platforms like CNBC Africa and eNCA, she also runs What The Future Now?, unpacking chaos theory and future scenarios.

    Quotes to Remember
    • “Institutions work as long as they give people what they want.” — Bronwyn Williams
    • “Democracy is governance by the governed, not a menu of services.” — Bronwyn Williams
    • “Automate away your costs, not your value.” — Bronwyn Williams
    • “Money is an illusion… Power equals money, not the other way around.” — Bronwyn Williams
    • “Bitcoin opened Pandora’s box… It accelerated CBDCs.” — Bronwyn Williams
    Resources & Links
    • Book: Rescuing Our Republic by Bronwyn Williams – Analysis of South Africa’s governance challenges.
    • Book: The Future Starts Now by Bronwyn Williams – Exploring future trends and economic models.
    • Book: The Human Experience by John Sills – Insights on building trust in business.
    • Follow Bronwyn on X.
    • Flux Trends: fluxtrends.com for her trend reports.
    • Blog: What The Future Now? for chaos theory and future insights.
    Subscribe: https://podcast.trustrevolution.co

    Music in this episode by More Ghost Than Man.
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    1 時間 4 分