E298: Basecamp Classic

 

E298 Introduction

Well, with all sorts of things going on including getting over to our new house in central Washington and my beloved Seattle Mariners making the playoffs and scoring tickets, I just ran out of runway to get you something useful by Tues.

But do not fear Basecampers, we have our trusty Basecamp Classics where I take a real gem from our extensive back catalogue and offer it to you again. These are not random selections. I do my best to get you some of my best content and episodes that still feel really relevant to what is going on in the world and what might be going on with you personally.

This one is from back in season #4 with James Rapson titled Freeing Yourself from “Niceness”. It is perfect for all you people-pleasers out there and I used to be one of them. A healthy dose of menswork cured me of it and James and I talk all about it in the episode.

Also, I want to write a short episode on the storm that we are all facing. It seems the rapidly changing landscape is creating all sorts of inner chaos and turmoil as we all prepare for our black belt test in how fast can you integrate new inputs and a changing reality. Are you following me? I think I can write a juicy Firestarter in the next week or two.

For the time being, enjoy this Basecamp Classic with James Rapson.

E297: Bitcoin Simplifies Life with Special Guest Pete Noble

 

E297 Introduction

I LOVE talking to Bitcoiners! There is, not only an enthusiasm and excitement that is contagious but also a sense of possibility for the future coupled with a steely-eyed look at the current decaying monetary system that is irresistible to me. In short, Bitcoiners know some things. Things that not everyone knows yet. If this ruffles your feathers because you are a so-called “smart technologist”, neither my guest nor I really give two fucks. Are you following me? Sorry to be so crass out of the gate but there are some serious misconceptions about money that 99 percent of the population holds close.

I have a really interesting interview with a new friend today but first a couple of memes to capture the spirit of what we will be talking about. 

The first is from IG (I think from The Black Robinhood) and titled “If You’re Still Saving in Dollars, You Don’t Understand Money.

Here’ why: the dollar isn’t designed to hold value- it’s designed to lose it. Inflation is built into the system. Central banks print trillions, governments spend recklessly, and your “savings” melt away year after year. Bitcoin flips that script.

With a fixed supply of 21 million, Bitcoin is mathematically scarce. No one can print more. Every four years, new supply gets cut in half. Demand grows, supply shrinks and over time, price compounds.

Saving in dollars = guaranteed loss

Saving in Bitcoin = protection + exponential upside

When you stack in Bitcoin, you‘re not just saving money-you’’re saving your time, labor, and freedom in a form that can’t be inflated away.

People who dismiss Bitcoin expose themselves: they don’t actually understand what money is supposed to do- and that is store value over time.

Fiat fails that test. Bitcoin passes with flying colors. The question isn’t “Why Bitcoin?”. It’s “Why are you still trusting melting dollars?”

And another interesting tidbit for you. Young Hoon Kim, The man who holds the Guiness World Record for highest IQ of 276 has converted all his assets into Bitcoin believes that Bitcoin will 100 X in 10 years and become the world reserve currency. And is quoted as saying “Bitcoin is the only hope for the future economy.” So….. for all you smarty pants out there. The man with an IQ of 276 has done the proof of work and is putting his chips on Bitcoin. Do you think it might be worth a bit of study for you? Don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger.

I really love today’s interview. Enjoy!

Pete Noble Bio-

My guest today is Pete Noble. Pete is a hustband and father, a man who has worked in technology for decades, and an enthusiastic Bitcoiner. Here is my interview w Pete Noble. 

E297 Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoyed that conversation as much as I did. We will be keeping track of Pete and all the developments and ideas that spring forth in the Bitcoin space. What an exciting time to be alive! Thank you Basecampers!

E296: How to Age Gracefully with Special Guest Roy Holman

 

E296 Introduction

Aging gracefully and vibrant health is something that I have highly valued my whole life, really. I have watched as the so called “authorities” have put out dubious information about just about everything: our diets, how we exercise, our supplementation, our spiritual and emotional approach to our lives and our health.

It seems the dominant narrative is one where we are always surrendering our sovereignty. The mainstream, consensus mindset is to just try and do the best you can and, if things seem to go wrong or not feel good, go get on a pharmaceutical product. If that doesn’t work or creates new problems or side-effects, go back and get another.

I would imagine this simplified illustration is why so many Americans are on 5-10-15 or more medications. A person can lose track of what is what not to mention lose faith in their own bodies ability to find a healthy baseline. It’s like we are not even giving or God-given bodies a chance to find vibrant health, are you following me?

I have always found that being healthy is a life-long project. One of tinkering with all sorts of modalities, teachers, food, and supplements to find what is optimal for ME. That is one of the important pieces. What works well for someone else may not work well for you. You have to try things out and notice how you feel. Over and over again as you go.

Today’s interview is with my dear friend Roy Holman. He is a man that I deeply respect and admire and he takes a similar approach as a sort of health scientist.

We kick the tires on all sorts of things both well-known and little-known. Our hope is that you can hear your own calling to deeply connect with God and yourself, so that you can hear the whispers that speak uniquely to you. Enjoy the interview.

Roy Holman Bio

My guest today is Roy Holman. Roy is a meditation and yoga teacher, a lover of nature, and the creator and host of the podcast The Soulful Warrior. Here is my interview with Roy Holman.

 E296 Final Thoughts

Well, I hope you enjoyed that conversation as much as I did with our dear friend Roy Holman. My hope and prayer is that you heard a thing or two today that resonated with you and has you reframe the coming months and years for you, in terms of your health and vitality. God Bless you all Basecampers and we’ll see you around the fire next week.

E295: America, We Can Clear the Skies with Special Guest

Mark Herr

 

E295 Introduction

Well, we were all set for this interview and, as fate would have it, we had some tech difficulties (from my end) and had to postpone. And in the meantime, our beloved brother Charlie Kirk was assassinated. Murdered in front of his wife and young daughters.

To me, Charlie represented so many wonderful American attributes. He was unbelievably courageous, he inspired and led others, he was a Christian who wore his faith on his sleeve. And he LOVED America!

He loved all of it and could articulate this love with a wonderful blend of articulation, spirit, and humor. He was a stand for an America that could debate our differences. Where BOTH sides were heard and seen. It would be easy for the left to simply demonize him and call him names. This reflexive approach misses the larger context that Charlie and his legacy are pointing to. Something my guest eloquently expresses.

America is hurting right now. By ALL accounts. Everyone can sense that the nation has entered into a new phase. What will w all choose? What will you choose?

Like all entrenched conflicts, the nation is holding a collective trauma. That we have been disconnected and disregard by our fellow brothers and sisters. By our fellow AMERICANS. Nothing has seemed to heal this divide and now we have lost one of your bravest and brightest.

There is something about the episode today and my guest that stirred something in me. A missing piece that I personally have not been able to quite put my finger on.

See if you can see yourselves in today’s conversation. And I join you in prayer that America will do her work to clear the skies for ourselves, our children, and future generations. Enjoy the conversation. 

Mark Herr Bio-

My guest today is Mark Herr. Mark is a military veteran, the co-author of the book Speaking the Language of Liberty, a family man, and the founder of The Center for Self Governance. An organization making a huge impact on the way Americans heal and see a better way forward…for all of us. Here is my interview w Mark Herr. 

E295 Final Thoughts

I really loved this conversation and was moved my Mark’s mission and words. You can find him at www.centerforselfgovernance.com with all sorts of great classes and workshops. Go get yourself some new tools for the important next chapters in our nation.

E294: On Privacy…Get Off Zero

 

E294 Introduction

The topic of digital privacy is one that I have been personally circling around for quite a few years. Watching how Bitcoiners and cypherpunks ( young and old) navigate this topic.

I am a Gen Xer and grew up in the early days of technology and I have been a man who has put convenience of using technology ahead of my own privacy (as most all of us had). I have been a die-hard Apple user since I was a young man and have enjoyed how seamlessly the user interface is with all the Apps I regularly use.

But with my initiation into Bitcoin (and it is a true initiation and chapter in a Hero’s Journey) has come a growing awareness.

That my love of ease and convenience has made me an easy mark for surveillance and even control. In any centralized system, whoever controls the central node sets the terms. And if the terms are to continually watch and push inputs at you, for instance, then that is what you will get. Without getting too Orwellian out of the gate….centralized control IS thought-control. Do you like constantly being watched and programmed? Eh, maybe not so much.

But it is so convenient….” Yep, that is the rub.

There is a growing movement afoot called Freedom Technology. Open source, encrypted, impossible to control. And it all fits in nicely with Bitcoin, a decentralized ledger meant to put control of your money in your hands. It is early in the game but it is obvious that digital privacy along with Bitcoin and other decentralized systems that are emerging have a mutually beneficial relationship. To understand one is to take steps in understanding them all.

This decentralized revolution is quietly but surely making its way to the stage. You may not see it or think you need to understand it but I believe this will be talked about for decades to come.

The decentralized, open source movement reminds of Shawshank Redemption where Andy writes to Red “If you’ve come this far, perhaps you’re willing to come a little further.” I am speaking for myself as Red as much as you dear Basecamper. Another topic we will open with today but will surely be finding good guests in the episodes and seasons to come. Enjoy!

 Philip Charter Bio-

My guest today is Philip Charter. Philip is a totally human writer working in the Bitcoin space. He helps Bitcoin companies stack gains through expert articles, meaningful stories, and laser-focused copy. Here is my interview with Philip Charter.

E294 Final Thoughts-

 I love Philip’s message of getting off Zero. I think with complex topics like Bitcoin and digital privacy. The get off Zero approach gives you permission to muck around and learn at your own speed.

Personally, my get off zero involved running a Bitcoin node but also using Bitwarden to keep my most important passwords and info in a military-grade encrypted vault. But I will continue to learn about privacy, now looking into Proton mail and VPN suite and Graphene OS for phones. I will keep you posted.