The Block Reward | Real Stories. Real Impact. All Powered by Real Money - Bitcoin
Scott Dedels
Welcome to The Block Reward Podcast, where real stories meet real impact, all powered by real money—Bitcoin. Each week, we dive into the transformative world of...
71: Adam O'Brien ON: Bitcoin on Your Balance Sheet or Every Company Will Hold Bitcoin
Adam O'Brien is a leader in the Bitcoin space, focused on building Bitcoin-based financial solutions.In this episode, you'll learn how companies can use debt offerings to buy Bitcoin, how Bitcoin can be managed as a balance sheet asset, the benefits for small businesses using Bitcoin to protect their value, why Bitcoin may replace traditional banks in the future, and the potential impacts of Bitcoin adoption on corporate and national financial systems.CEO and Founder of Bitcoin Well (BTCW.v) Adam is a Bitcoin entrepreneur dedicated to building products that make it easy to buy, sell and use Bitcoin. He founded Bitcoin Well in 2013 which has grown to be one of Canada’s largest Bitcoin companies boasting over 280 Bitcoin ATMs across Canada and an online portal which is the fastest and safest way to buy and sell Bitcoin. In 2021, Bitcoin Well became the world’s first non-custodial Bitcoin business to be publicly traded. Today, he is CEO of Bitcoin Well and recognized as a true visionary in the field and strives to bring Bitcoin to the mainstream. His goal is to make Bitcoin easy, approachable and accessible for all. Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction [01:00] Exciting developments in Bitcoin for 2025 [03:43] The role of government in Bitcoin’s rise and fall [04:24] Strategies for building in the Bitcoin space [07:00] Debt offerings and Bitcoin equity strategy [09:21] Risk management with Bitcoin on the balance sheet [09:55] Educating investors about Bitcoin business strategies [10:50] Overcoming misconceptions about Bitcoin-backed debt [11:44] How businesses use Bitcoin as an asset [13:21] The freedom of using Bitcoin in business operations [14:00] The benefits of using Bitcoin in uncertain environments [15:28] Innovation versus slow growth in Bitcoin-based businesses [17:00] The impact of Bitcoin’s deflationary nature on innovation [17:52] Bitcoin’s role in corporate culture and decision-making [19:08] Thoughts on Michael Saylor’s Bitcoin strategy [21:00] Bitcoin as an asset versus leveraging fiat currency [22:43] Shifting Bitcoin strategy in corporate environments [23:51] The importance of debate within the Bitcoin community [26:00] Bitcoin becoming a standard asset for businesses [28:00] The rise of Bitcoin in global markets [32:00] Bitcoin as a key asset for Canada’s future [34:00] Political implications of Bitcoin adoption [35:15] The potential for Bitcoin to transform Canada’s economy [36:00] Bitcoin’s growing influence in global politics [37:15] The importance of Bitcoin adoption for national financial systems [39:00] Bitcoin’s potential in countries like Russia and Oman [41:00] The challenges of shifting from fiat to Bitcoin [44:00] Bitcoin’s potential to change global financial systems Connect with Adam on Instagram, X, LinkedIn, YouTube and the Bitcoin Well Website.Resources Mentioned:FUTURE PROOF Podcast with Adam O’Brien | SpotifyMicrostrategy | WebsiteSemler Scientific | WebsiteMetaplanet | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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70: Max DeMarco ON: From Fiat to Freedom: Running a Debt-Free Bitcoin Business
Max DeMarco is an independent filmmaker and media agency owner focusing on Bitcoin documentaries.In this episode, you're going to learn why Max transitioned from the music industry to Bitcoin, how the music industry's profit-driven approach contrasts with Bitcoin's principles, what value-for-value means and how it works in content creation, how Max runs a business entirely on Bitcoin without relying on fiat currency, and what challenges and opportunities exist for businesses adopting the Bitcoin standard.Max DeMarco started his career in music production but found his true passion after discovering Bitcoin. This led him to align his work with Bitcoin’s core principles of value and authenticity. Now, he runs a media agency dedicated to Bitcoin content, traveling the world to document Bitcoin circular economies and produce documentaries. Max is driven by his mission to help businesses transition to the Bitcoin standard, explore value-for-value monetization, and understand Bitcoin’s growing impact on culture and art.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[03:57] How social media impacts music creation[05:09] The effect of profit-driven motives in the music industry[06:33] How Bitcoin can influence cultural values[07:08] What value-for-value means[09:11] Why Max finances his own content[10:43] How Nostr enables direct creator payments[12:19] The impact of real feedback on content creation[13:42] How zaps change incentive mechanisms[14:39] Comparing Nostr with traditional social media[18:30] Challenges of running a Bitcoin-only business[19:45] Planning for Bitcoin bull and bear markets[21:01] How Bitcoin affects business scalability[23:24] The pros and cons of not having credit[24:13] Living on a Bitcoin standard[26:00] Why Max uses credit cards for spending[27:00] Selling Bitcoin for monthly expenses[30:32] Opportunities in building Bitcoin-based businesses[32:11] How people might not be able to buy Bitcoin in the future[33:28] Why building a Bitcoin business now is crucial[36:19] How Bitcoin adoption could change the economy[38:41] How changing money can change culture[39:09] The future impact of Bitcoin adoption[40:10] Businesses that fail to adopt Bitcoin[41:36] What 2025 could mean for Bitcoin[42:30] How public perception of Bitcoin is shiftingFind more from Max on X, Instagram, Snort, YouTube and on his website.Resources Mentioned:Nostr | WebsiteTahini’s | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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69: Sam Roberts ON: Solving the Pension Problem with Bitcoin
Sam Roberts is a UK pension actuary and a leader in integrating Bitcoin into pension strategies.In this episode, you'll learn why his firm allocated 3% of their pension funds to Bitcoin and how this decision supports long-term investment returns, the challenges pensions face in ensuring financial stability for retirees, the role Bitcoin plays as a growth asset and a hedge against inflation, why traditional investment strategies might fall short in the future, and how Bitcoin could redefine retirement savings in the coming decades.Sam is a qualified actuary and director at Cartwright, a UK-based pensions and investment advisory firm that serves institutional clients such as corporate pension schemes, charities, and corporate treasuries.Under the direction of Sam, Cartwright has been the first UK firm to make the bold move of advising their clients to allocate Bitcoin to their portfolios, part of the so called 'arrival of institutions' into this new financial realm.Timestamps:[00:00] Introduction[04:50] Differences between defined benefit and defined contribution pensions [06:30] Challenges faced by defined benefit pensions [08:10] Why investment returns are critical for pensions [10:15] Role of Bitcoin as a growth asset in pensions [12:45] Analysis of Bitcoin’s historical performance [14:30] Explaining the 3% Bitcoin allocation decision [16:00] How Bitcoin's lack of correlation diversifies portfolios [18:20] Risk assessment for including Bitcoin in pensions [20:10] Long-term potential of Bitcoin compared to other assets [22:00] Why pensions need to consider Bitcoin as an option [24:15] Comparing Bitcoin to traditional investments like real estate [26:00] Addressing concerns about Bitcoin's volatility [28:10] Evolution of pension strategies over the decades [30:00] Impacts of inflation on pensions and savings [32:40] Importance of education for pension trustees [34:15] How Bitcoin simplifies the concept of saving [36:00] Predictions for Bitcoin’s role in pensions in the future [38:20] Encouraging active decisions on Bitcoin for pensions Do you need help getting where you need to be? Getting your pension trust in a prime position can be a tricky business. Find out if Cartwright is the perfect partner for you.If you want to connect with Sam, find him on LinkedIn.Resources Mentioned:Nakamoto Portfolio | WebsiteParamount Employee Benefits & Pension Consulting | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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68: Prince Philip Karađorđević ON: Governments Will Need Bitcoin, Not the Other Way Around
In this episode, you're going to learn why Bitcoin could improve governance models like democracy and monarchy, how private property rights are essential for societal prosperity, why Serbia has unique potential to embrace Bitcoin, how global political changes are influencing Bitcoin's adoption, and what Prince Philip envisions for Bitcoin's role in Serbia's future.HRH Hereditary Prince Philip Karađorđević of Serbia serves as the Chief Strategy Officer (CSO) at JAN3, a global financial technology company. After a 13-year career in traditional finance, Prince Philip joined JAN3, driven by his belief in Bitcoin’s potential to deliver financial freedom and sovereignty to billions worldwide.As CSO, Prince Philip advocates for strong individual property rights and financial freedom through Bitcoin, while promoting legal frameworks that enable economic empowerment for the unbanked. A frequent guest speaker at prestigious international conferences, he engages with heads of state, legislators, monarchs, politicians, and C-suite executives.Prince Philip resides in Belgrade with his wife, HRH Princess Danica, their son, HRH Prince Stefan, and their daughter, HRH Princess Marija.Timestamps:[03:00] Why Bitcoin matters for governance [04:17] Prince Philip’s Bitcoin origin story [06:16] Transitioning from finance to Bitcoin [07:10] How Bitcoin gained recognition in Serbia [09:49] Family’s reaction to Bitcoin advocacy [11:03] Importance of private property rights [12:40] Comparing pre and post-war architecture [14:18] Monarchy’s historical role in governance [16:41] Bitcoin as incorruptible truth [17:55] How Bitcoin can improve governance models [19:32] Direct democracy and decentralized systems [20:28] Technology’s role in improving voting [22:04] Bitcoin’s reception among royal families [23:44] Why privileged groups struggle to understand Bitcoin [25:12] Time preference and monarchy’s sustainability [26:25] Lessons from the French Revolution [29:08] The impact of post-World War governance [30:29] Challenges of fiat systems in Europe [32:50] Political dynamics in modern Europe [35:03] Bitcoin’s potential in Serbia [36:28] Serbia’s tech talent and brain drain [37:52] Cultural reliance on cash in Serbia [38:54] Shifting perspectives on Bitcoin locally [40:08] Trump’s influence on Bitcoin’s credibility [42:24] Growing political focus on Bitcoin [44:30] The future of Bitcoin adoption globally [45:36] Why 2025 is pivotal for Bitcoin progressWant to start a podcast like this one? Book your free podcast planning call here.Follow Prince Philip on X.Build a Prosperous Future with Bitcoin and JAN3Resources Mentioned:The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or Audiobook21 Lessons: What I’ve Learned from Falling Down the Bitcoin Rabbit Hole by Gigi | WebsiteThe Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or AudiobookOnce BITten Podcast by Daniel Prince | WebsiteTrueVote by Brett Morrison | WebsiteFind More From Scott:Scott Dedels | XBlock Rewards | InstagramBlock Rewards | YouTubeBlock Rewards | TikTokBlock Rewards | WebsiteBlock Rewards | LinkedIn
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67: Jon Tellis ON: The Hidden Tax Rules Every Bitcoin Holder Needs to Know (in 2025)
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 planningIf 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
About The Block Reward | Real Stories. Real Impact. All Powered by Real Money - Bitcoin
Welcome to The Block Reward Podcast, where real stories meet real impact, all powered by real money—Bitcoin. Each week, we dive into the transformative world of Bitcoin through in-depth interviews with thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers shaping the future of decentralized finance.
Your host, Scott Dedels, also shares solo episodes where he reflects on his journey as a conscious CEO, offering insights into leadership, personal growth, and the evolving role of Bitcoin in creating a more intentional and purpose-driven economy.
Whether you're a seasoned Bitcoiner or just starting to explore its potential, The Block Reward Podcast delivers thought-provoking conversations and actionable takeaways to inspire your own financial freedom and conscious living.
Join us as we uncover the stories and strategies that fuel the Bitcoin revolution—one block at a time.
New episodes released every Tuesday!
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