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

What does Ramadan really teach about discipline, faith, and personal growth? In this episode of the WS Podcast, Rami joins Wojciech Salski to discuss the deeper meaning of Ramadan, the power of fasting, and how faith and shared values shape relationships and marriage.

Ramadan, the holy month in Islam, is often understood simply as a time of fasting from food and water. But as Rami explains, its deeper purpose goes far beyond physical restraint. Ramadan is a period of reflection, discipline, and spiritual growth where people strive to break bad habits, practice kindness, and strengthen their connection to faith.

In this conversation, we explore how fasting builds self-discipline and mental resilience. Rami shares personal experiences of overcoming everyday habits like coffee, snacking, and swearing during Ramadan, highlighting how the practice helps reset the mind and strengthen willpower.

The discussion also examines the surprising parallels between Ramadan and other spiritual traditions such as Lent in Christianity, where fasting serves as a form of purification and reflection. We also explore the physiological aspects of fasting, including ketosis and autophagy, and why many people today experiment with intermittent fasting for health and longevity.

Beyond fasting, the episode turns to deeper topics such as marriage, shared values, and the role of faith in relationships. Rami reflects on his personal journey of discovering Islam later in life and how shared spiritual values create a strong foundation for marriage.

The conversation also touches on cultural wedding traditions in Arab communities, the importance of intention in relationships, and why couples benefit from sharing a common purpose and belief system.

This episode offers a thoughtful exploration of discipline, spirituality, relationships, and personal growth, showing how practices like Ramadan fasting can transform both habits and perspectives on life.

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

Rami's Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/3t6ZGAhmeguMWJQKJUkkO2?si=be1047f478694052

Rami's Instagram: @twbforeigner

Previous Episode with Rami: https://fountain.fm/episode/8Wcb3BrCCngUaLUUNCFj

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

Is inflation silently stealing your time and purchasing power? In this episode, Wojciech Salski explores the powerful ideas behind Bitcoin, scarcity, and the nature of money inspired by the book Bitcoin: Everything Divided by 21 Million by Knut Svanholm.

The conversation dives into how scarcity creates value and why the expansion of the money supply can lead to the opposite effect: abundance of money but scarcity of real goods. As governments and central banks increase the supply of currency, inflation erodes purchasing power and changes the way people save, spend, and plan for the future.

We explore the concept of inflation as a “time thief,” where the value of saved money gradually disappears, effectively reducing the value of the time and effort people spend earning it. This leads to a system that encourages consumption rather than saving and long-term thinking.

The episode also explains the Cantillon Effect, showing how those closest to money creation benefit the most from inflation, while others experience the loss of purchasing power. Understanding scarcity, money creation, and economic incentives helps explain why scarce digital assets like Bitcoin can maintain value over time.

Beyond economics, the discussion touches on deeper philosophical ideas about time, entropy, and value. Time is ultimately the scarcest resource, and the way money functions in an economy directly shapes how people use it. Bitcoin’s fixed supply of 21 million coins introduces a fundamentally different monetary system built on predictable scarcity.

Finally, the episode explores how a world built on sound money could change saving behavior, reduce wasteful consumption, and encourage more thoughtful economic decisions.

If you want to understand how inflation, scarcity, and Bitcoin intersect, this episode offers a thought-provoking exploration of money, value, and the future of the global economy.

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

Instagram: / unusual.stories_podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WS_Podcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=ce70a31da4d04854

Primal.net: @wspodcast

Link to the book on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/0esRzPxI

Related Media:

"Let's Talk About Money" - https://fountain.fm/episode/tZY2v4MyKpZLto6U13Bl

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

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

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

"The New Confessions of Economic Hitman" - https://fountain.fm/episode/PQCF1Jrp2ihVjCJZk7Lu

"Maps of Meaning" - https://fountain.fm/episode/4RDO0LE5lFGizqaLA4AJ

"Rich Dad, Poor Dad" - https://fountain.fm/episode/OTuJTBpFfU5FQ3wsUqat

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

Who really controls the flow of oil, metals, and food around the world? In this episode, we explore the hidden world of commodity trading and the powerful traders who shape the global economy. Inspired by the bestselling book The World for Sale by Javier Blas and Jack Farchy, this conversation reveals how a small group of traders influence global markets, geopolitics, and financial systems.

We discuss how commodity trading works, who the key players are, and why companies like Glencore, Vitol, and Cargill hold enormous economic power. The episode explores how these traders operate in high-risk environments, often navigating political instability and global crises to secure valuable resources.

We also examine the four major global developments that transformed commodity markets: the opening of previously closed economies, the collapse of the Soviet Union, the rapid economic rise of China, and the growing financialization of global markets.

Along the way, we explore how fear and greed drive markets, why traders often buy during times of crisis, and how financial instruments such as futures and options allow speculation on commodities without ever touching physical goods.

If you want to understand how global markets really work - and how politics, finance, and natural resources intersect - this episode offers a fascinating look into one of the most influential yet secretive industries in the world economy.

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

Instagram: / unusual.stories_podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WS_Podcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=ce70a31da4d04854

Primal.net: @wspodcast

Link to the book on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/05mUNMca

Related Media:

"Let's Talk About Money" - https://fountain.fm/episode/tZY2v4MyKpZLto6U13Bl

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

"Psychology of Money" - https://fountain.fm/episode/gReodmLToRnWwZ06afiC

"The Black Swan" - https://fountain.fm/episode/tAtbEebsvxVDqsi5MQXf

"New Confessions of Economic Hitman" - https://fountain.fm/episode/PQCF1Jrp2ihVjCJZk7Lu

Simon Dixon Hard Talk - https://fountain.fm/show/KkbRGlYpogiteOTyZupi

In this week’s episode, we dive into Morgan Housel’s The Psychology of Money, exploring how financial success is shaped not just by numbers and strategy, but by mindset, emotions, and the way we interpret the world around us.

We uncover why the soft skills of finance: patience, discipline, humility, and emotional awareness, often matter more than technical knowledge when it comes to building wealth. We’ll discuss the powerful influence of fear and greed on financial decisions, and how understanding these emotions can help us avoid costly mistakes in markets and in life. Additionally, we examine how each person views money through a unique lens shaped by their experiences, reminding us that financial advice is never truly universal.

We also explore the idea of defining personal wealth and understanding what “enough” truly means. Instead of endlessly chasing more, we reflect on the importance of protecting the non-financial aspects of life - reputation, relationships, freedom, and happiness - which ultimately give money its meaning. Along the way, we touch on the remarkable power of compound interest and how small, consistent decisions made over time can shape extraordinary outcomes.

Finally, we discuss the critical difference between getting wealthy and staying wealthy, and why preserving wealth often requires restraint, patience, and a healthy respect for uncertainty. The conversation also explores the deepest form of wealth - the freedom to control your time and live according to your values, and why each person’s financial strategy must reflect their own goals, risk tolerance, and life circumstances.

Join us to discover how The Psychology of Money offers timeless insights into the behaviors, habits, and perspectives that shape financial well-being. Tune in for a thoughtful conversation that blends personal reflection, practical wisdom, and a deeper understanding of how money interacts with human nature.

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

Instagram: / unusual.stories_podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WS_Podcast

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2bcP2r30SdpUuUCU6Jmnk9?si=ce70a31da4d04854

Primal.net: @wspodcast

Link to the book on Amazon: https://amzn.eu/d/0iMLD0hk

Related Media:

"Let's Talk About Money" - https://fountain.fm/episode/tZY2v4MyKpZLto6U13Bl

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

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

"The 4 Laws of Financial Prosperity" - https://fountain.fm/episode/d5pG9pbSQOr3FXVi4H3W

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

In this week’s episode, we dive into an inspiring and wide-ranging conversation with Steven Puri, exploring what it truly means to work in a state of flow; and how productivity, creativity, and fulfillment emerge when we align how we work with how we’re wired.

We explore the nature of flow states and why they are not reserved for elite performers, but accessible to anyone with the right tools and awareness. Drawing from Steven’s unique journey through the Hollywood film industry and the world of tech startups, we discuss how pressure, deadlines, and high-stakes environments can either drain us or elevate us, depending on how we structure our focus and energy.

We unpack the difference between leading and managing, looking at how leadership creates conditions for flow, autonomy, and meaning, while management often focuses on control and output. We also dive into practical tools for cultivating flow in everyday life, from structuring deep work to reducing cognitive overload and how these insights ultimately led Steven to create The Sukha Company, a platform designed to help people access clarity, calm, and sustained productivity.

Along the way, we draw inspiration from the work of Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi on flow, Anna Lembke on balance and dopamine, Daniel Kahneman on attention and decision-making, and we explore chronotypes to understand how timing, energy, and biology play a critical role in how and when we do our best work.

Join us for a thoughtful and energizing conversation about focus, leadership, creativity, and designing a life and workflow that supports your natural rhythm. Tune in to discover how flow isn’t about doing more - it’s about doing what matters, in the right state of mind.

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

Steven's Links:

Steven@TheSukha.co

for a 3-day free trial - www.TheSukha.co

Show Links:

Instagram: / unusual.stories_podcast

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WS_Podcast

Primal.net: @wspodcast

Related Media:

"Finding Flow" - https://fountain.fm/episode/hfEvgyPcADcSq2iAoCs5

"Thinking Fast and Slow" - https://fountain.fm/episode/cktX3OJgjLD2N8ZG4Fy3

"Meaningfully Involved" - https://fountain.fm/episode/xuUZeVDDHv4Ube4uZtz2

"Why We Sleep" - https://fountain.fm/episode/fIGvLOFonxzNfrQ6usxT