the Pound hasn't been at $2 for years! Where does this cowboy get his info?

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 Musk’s controversial approach to free speech as well as the rise of political extremism, the decline of critical thinking, and the challenges of addressing the war on drugs and reforming criminal justice systems.

Ian Birrell on Prison Reform, Global Conflicts, Free Speech & Nostr - MOB009

Ben Arc is an open-source developer and an advocate in the Bitcoin and Nostr ecosystems.

In this episode, we discuss the shift from centralized 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 significance of local currencies like the Welsh pound, the importance of free speech in a digital age, and how AI is transforming both daily life and the future of podcasting.

Decentralising Freedom: Bitcoin, Nostr and Artificial Intelligence with Ben Arc - MOB010

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 over-regulation in Europe, how it’s falling behind in technological innovation, and the parallels between modern challenges and historical examples of power structures and corruption.

The AI Takeover: Media, Money, and the New World Order with Izabella Kaminska - MOB011

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 discuss the politicisation of Bitcoin, potential regulatory threats, and how Bitcoin's existence challenges traditional financial systems.

The Separation of Money and State with David Zell - MOB012

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 struggle for free speech, the role of populism, and the future of liberty in a world increasingly dominated by censorship and ideological conformity.

Winston Marshall on Free Speech, Censorship, Cancel Culture and UK Politics - MOB013

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 and freedom technologies. We cover forgotten global conflicts, the role of Western democracies, and how Bitcoin helps people survive hyperinflation and financial oppression.

Technology Powered Freedom with Alex Gladstein - MOB014

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 influences public perception and why Mike sees the centre-left as perhaps the last hope for sustaining capitalism.

Trump vs Kamala with Mike Brock - MOB016

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 path to a more efficient government.

Peter St Onge: Liberty, Central Banks, Sound Money & Free Speech - MOB017

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 experience. We also discuss the potential for Bitcoin as a hedge against financial overreach and the implications of regulation on self-sovereignty.

Joseph Robertson: Debt, Inflation, Culture, Cost of Living & Regulations - MOB018

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 funding healthcare sustainably. Tarik shares his experiences with administrative burdens, rising costs, and the ethical dilemmas posed by pharmaceutical influence. We also discuss the broader societal issues, from obesity trends to the role of sound money, and the potential for a more balanced approach to healthcare.

Tarik Sammour: Healthcare, Big Pharma, Inflation & Outcomes - MOB019

Dr Craig W Wright is probably the most controversial figure in the world of Crypto. A man outed by Gizmodo and Wired as the secret inventor of Bitcoin, Satoshi Nakamoto. A man widely accused of being a fraud, a liar and someone who exaggerates his achievements. 

Only recently, Ethereum founder, Vitalik Buterin called out Craig as a fraud at the Deconomy conference and questioned whether he should be allowed to speak at such events. Litecoin founder, Charlie Lee, added to the debate, stating "I will not attend or speak at any conference that invites CSW to speak."

While few believe that Craig is Satoshi, there is a small group of respected people he managed to convince he is, most notably, Gavin Andreson, who wrote in his blog about why he believes that Craig is Satoshi. He was not the only one, Jon Matonis, founding director of the Bitcoin Foundation also claimed that Craig Wright is Satoshi, stating how he had a "weird feeling of having just met Satoshi".

Despite these people having claimed they have seen proof that Craig is Satoshi, and stated he would publicly prove he is, he never did. Craig's position is now to neither admit or deny. Further, many have uncovered evidence of lying and fabrication.

Few people in the Crypto community believe he is or could be, yet I approached the interview with an open mind. I read everything I could with two objectives:
- Either convince myself conclusively that Craig is Satoshi
- Or convince myself conclusively that Craig isn't Satoshi

And I could do neither. He is either a hugely misunderstood person, who invented Bitcoin but does not fit the hero picture people have for Satoshi or is is a complete fraud. While there are clear and serious questions about his character and honesty, I cannot conclusively say that he isn't. 

The areas which leave a small window of doubt for me are as follows:
- He did manage to prove to Gavin Andreson, amongst others. So either Gavin was in on the con, which I doubt very much, Gavin was the victim of an elaborate con or Craig did provide conclusive proof. Gavin's blog post is worth reading.
- The details of the Kleinman case. Again, I suggest reading the details of the case and the full submission. While this is not proof that Craig is Satoshi, they were both undeniably involved with Bitcoin from very early on and managed to accumulate vast amounts of Bitcoin.

I appreciate that I open myself up to criticism by even suggesting the possibility he could be Satoshi, I am okay with this. I think it is important with situations like this to keep an open mind.

Do I believe that Craig is Satoshi, no I don't.

Do think there is a possibility, that if Satoshi is a group of people, then Craig could have somehow been involved or was close enough to the project in the early days to make a claim, or use it to construct a fraud, sure.

I enjoyed the interview, but I also recognise the flaws in his character. But Craig is still a human, and whoever Satoshi is, that person could also be deeply flawed. Others will likely point to more technical reasons why Craig isn't, for example, the criticisms of his writing and white papers and the more I read, the more I doubt he is.

Outside of the Satoshi question, Craig is a proponent of on-chain scaling, working on projects to grow and expand Bitcoin Cash. He is aggressively pursuing patents in this area, something which is questionable in a largely open source community.

Whatever you think of Craig, if you listen to the interview and you want to discuss it with me, then please do get in touch.

The What Bitcoin Did Podcast: Bitcoin & Crypto Stories | Trading | Strategy | Business | Mining

Is Craig Wright Satoshi? No!

The media lies, governments mismanage, and our financial systems are failing us. In Mr Obnoxious, Peter McCormack explores the new frontier of tech, money and governance.

Is Craig Wright Satoshi? No!

Mr Obnoxious

Recent comments

Cheese

Related tracks