Is the financial system really designed to benefit everyone - or is it quietly creating inequality?

In this episode, Paul, a former professional investor with over 30 years of experience, shares a powerful critique of modern monetary policy and the role central banks play in shaping today’s economy.

The conversation begins with a fundamental idea:

“In a free market capitalist system, you're only supposed to benefit to the degree that you provide value to others.”

But what happens when that system is distorted?

We explore how central banks, through policies like low interest rates and money printing, may be driving wealth inequality, unsustainable debt, and the misallocation of capital. Instead of rewarding productivity and innovation, the system increasingly rewards those closest to money creation.

This episode breaks down:

• why inflation acts as a hidden tax on your savings
• how the Cantillon Effect redistributes wealth
• why rising house prices may not reflect real economic growth
• the difference between money and true capital
• how central banks influence markets and distort price discovery

We also dive into key historical turning points, including the creation of the Federal Reserve and the removal of the gold standard in 1971, and how these decisions shaped the modern financial system.

Finally, Paul shares his vision for a fairer system - one based on sound money, real value creation, and long-term thinking - along with practical ideas on how individuals can protect their wealth in today’s environment, including investing in high-quality assets, gold, and Bitcoin.

If you want to understand how money really works, why inequality is rising, and what you can do about it, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

All the love, all the power, all of the time!

If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski

To connect with Paul, go to: https://pauliticaleconomy.com

Mentioned Episodes and Books:

"The Bitcoin Standard" - https://fountain.fm/episode/RCwkrgPTPzFgvS2wGrkF

"Why You Shouldn't Buy Bitcoin" - https://fountain.fm/episode/FIM7ht8BaiEFkkqfeaSm

"The Creature from Jekyll Island" - https://fountain.fm/episode/vgDpH28sM1q3DbM7h7r9

"The Price of Tomorrow" - https://fountain.fm/episode/Nrkb8qrat8Lk8tnXQFu3

Social Media Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories\_podcast/

YouTube:https://youtube.com/@w.salskicreativeworks?si=vduv475byjqWChqV

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a

Primal.net: @wspodcast

Can Bitcoin transform the way podcasts are created, distributed, and monetized? In this episode, Wojtek sits down with Nick Malster, co-founder of the Fountain app, to explore how Bitcoin and Nostr could reshape the future of podcasting and the creator economy.

Key Topics:

• Fountain App's origins and vision
• Challenges of marketing Bitcoin and Nostr
• Podcast and music distribution
• Building a startup and the importance of community
• Onboarding users to Fountain Nick's personal journey into BitcoinFountain started as an attempt to build a better podcast app - one that connects listeners and creators in a more social, interactive, and rewarding way. Unlike traditional podcast platforms, Fountain integrates Bitcoin payments, community features, and decentralized technology to create a new model for podcast discovery and monetization.

Nick explains the origins of Fountain, the vision behind the platform, and the challenges of building a startup that sits at the intersection of podcasting, Bitcoin, and Nostr. The conversation explores why many podcast apps feel purely functional and how Fountain aims to transform listening into a community-driven experience where listeners can directly support creators.

We also discuss the broader challenges of introducing decentralized technologies to mainstream audiences. Nick shares insights on onboarding users to Bitcoin and Nostr, why self-custody and private keys can be intimidating, and how Fountain is working to simplify the experience while maintaining the benefits of open systems.

The episode also dives into the creator economy and how traditional music and podcast platforms often fail to reward creators fairly. Fountain’s model allows listeners to send Bitcoin “zaps” and directly support podcasts and artists, offering an alternative to the closed ecosystems of large streaming platforms.

Nick also shares his personal journey into Bitcoin and how books like The Bitcoin Standard helped him understand the role of sound money in society and the broader implications of decentralized technologies.

If you’re interested in Bitcoin, podcasting, the creator economy, or decentralized social media, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how new technologies could reshape the future of content and online communities.

Listen to the full episode to discover how Fountain is building a new model for podcasts, creators, and communities in the Bitcoin era.

All the love, all the power, all of the time!

If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski

Join FountainFM today: https://fountain.fm/

Mentioned Episodes and Books:

"The Bitcoin Standard" - https://fountain.fm/episode/RCwkrgPTPzFgvS2wGrkF

"Touching the Void" book - https://amzn.eu/d/09zeLMmL

"Touching the Void" movie - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0379557/

Social Media Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories\_podcast/

YouTube:https://youtube.com/@w.salskicreativeworks?si=vduv475byjqWChqV

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a

Primal.net: @wspodcast

Can Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Transform Your Mind and Your Life? What does Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu really teach about discipline, philosophy, and personal development? In this episode of the WS Podcast, Marcelo Coppa — head referee of UKBJJ and international referee for IBJJF — joins Wojciech Salski to explore the deeper lessons behind Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, competition, and the mindset required to grow in the sport and in life.

Marcelo shares his journey into Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, beginning with a chance encounter that challenged the Hollywood stereotype of martial arts. What he discovered instead was a culture built on respect, discipline, and personal growth.

The conversation explores the evolution of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu over the past two decades, including how the internet, competition circuits, and global federations have transformed the sport. Marcelo explains the crucial role referees play in shaping the rules of the sport and how rule sets influence the way techniques are taught and applied in competition.

We also dive into the philosophy behind Jiu-Jitsu. Marcelo discusses how ideas from Taoism and classical philosophy influence the way practitioners approach training, conflict, and self-improvement. Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu becomes not just a martial art, but a laboratory for understanding the connection between mind, body, and spirit.

The episode also explores the benefits of Jiu-Jitsu for personal development. Marcelo explains how the pressure of training and competition teaches resilience, patience, and strategic thinking — skills that translate far beyond the mats.

We also discuss why Jiu-Jitsu can be particularly valuable for children and young people, helping them develop confidence, discipline, and the ability to navigate conflict without aggression.

If you're interested in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, martial arts philosophy, competition mindset, or personal growth through sport, this episode offers a fascinating perspective from one of the most experienced referees in the global BJJ community.

All the love, all the power, all of the time!

If you'd like to support the podcast, follow this link: https://linktr.ee/w.salski

Marcelo's Website: https://bjjbristol.com/instructors/bio/id/1761

Mentioned Episodes and Books:

"Tao Te Ching"- https://fountain.fm/episode/xlGeaIo5727SN9Ii5Gil

"The Art of War" - https://fountain.fm/episode/AZCxh1xHQKo5FUngqjEj

"The Book of Five Rings" - https://amzn.eu/d/0izDR26H

"Zen in the Art of Archery" - https://amzn.eu/d/0hJCbWNj

"Sanshiro Sugata" Movie - https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0036400/

Social Media Links:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unusual.stories\_podcast/

YouTube:https://youtube.com/@w.salskicreativeworks?si=vduv475byjqWChqV

Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=5d2a4438ae524b0a

Primal.net: @wspodcast