Spread Great Ideas: The Podcast

I dive into the world of decentralized finance with Martin Krung, a prominent figure in the crypto space and a key contributor to Curve Finance. Martin has been an active participant in the crypto community for over a decade, focusing on innovative solutions and technological advancements. As a full-stack developer with a background in art software and innovation engineering, Martin brings a unique perspective to the ever-evolving crypto landscape. In this episode, we explore the intricacies of liquidity management, the challenges and opportunities within decentralized exchanges, and Martin's journey in the development of Curve Finance. Join us as we unpack the complexities of DeFi through the insights of one of its most seasoned contributors. Who Is Martin Krung? Martin Krung is a Swiss crypto enthusiast and a pioneering contributor to the decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape. With over twelve years in the crypto industry, Martin is a full-stack developer whose expertise spans art software, innovation engineering, and blockchain technology. His notable contribution to Curve Finance underscores his commitment to advancing DeFi solutions and enhancing liquidity management on decentralized exchanges (DEXs). What Is Curve Finance? Curve Finance is a decentralized exchange, a platform where people can exchange cryptocurrencies, particularly types that are designed to stay stable in value, like Tether (USDT) and USD Coin (USDC). These cryptocurrencies are much more stable than other coins like Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETC). Curve is special because it allows people to trade large amounts of these digital currencies without significantly impacting their market prices, and often gives good returns to those who keep their money on the platform. Decentralized exchanges (DEXs), like Curve, are important for a few reasons: Control and Security:Privacy and Accessibility:Resistance to Censorship: In short, Curve Finance is a decentralized exchange that offers a specialized platform for stable and efficient trading of digital currencies, providing a more secure and inclusive trading environment that is free from central control and oversight. Key Takeaways Understanding Decentralized Finance (DeFi):The Role of Curve Finance in DeFi:Benefits of Decentralized Exchanges:Future Trends in Crypto and DeFi: Additional Resources Curve FinanceCryptonative@MartinKrung on X

I'm happy to have Demian Voorhagen with me, a name synonymous with scaling tech companies and driving substantial growth. Born and raised in Amsterdam, Demian's journey from exploring the realms of management, economics, and law, to becoming a pivotal figure in the startup and scale-up scene, is nothing short of inspiring. As someone deeply interested in AI, finance, and crypto, Demian's perspective on the future of technology and business growth is both unique and enlightening. Whether it's sharing success stories from his clients or discussing his own venture into creating trading infrastructure for crypto funds, Demian's experiences offer valuable lessons for anyone looking to accelerate their company's growth. We discuss his entrepreneurial journey, methodologies for fostering growth, and vision for the future of tech companies. Whether you're a small business owner, a tech enthusiast, or someone curious about the mechanics of scaling businesses successfully, there's something in this episode for you. Who Is Demian Voorhagen? Demian Voorhagen is well-known among European tech startups and scale-ups, best known for his strategic insights and expertise in propelling business growth. From Amsterdam, the Netherlands, his academic foundation in management, economics, and law, complemented by a specialized minor in entrepreneurship, laid the groundwork for his impressive career trajectory. Demian's passion for innovation and technology led him straight into the startup scene, where he excelled in various roles from sales to marketing analytics, and eventually, product ownership. His entrepreneurial spirit drove him to venture into artificial intelligence, earning both a bachelor's and a master's degree in AI long before it became a cornerstone of modern business strategy. Today, Demian leverages his diverse skill set and deep understanding of data analytics as a fractional head of growth, advising tech companies on how to optimize their operations, enhance their marketing strategies and achieve sustainable growth. He is the go-to expert for businesses seeking not just to solve immediate problems but to innovate and excel in competitive markets. Beyond his consultancy work, Demian is also at the forefront of the cryptocurrency world, running a software company (DemaTrading.ai) that develops trading infrastructure for crypto funds and ETFs. His unique blend of entrepreneurial experience, technical knowledge, and growth hacking skills makes him an invaluable asset to any organization aiming to scale in today's digital landscape. Key Takeaways Holistic Growth Strategy:From Data to Decisions:AI and Tech Expertise:Fractional Growth Leadership:Real Success Stories: Additional Resources DemianVoorhagen.comDemian Voorhagen on LinkedInDemaTrading.ai

Please welcome Vin Armani, also known as Cyprian, a man of many lives and many talents. Originally from Southern California, Vin first made a name for himself as the star of Showtime's "Gigolos" TV series which chronicled his life as a sought-after gigolo in Las Vegas. By day he's been a professional Bitcoin developer since 2014. He's an author, a researcher, an entrepreneur, and now a married man who moved his wife and children to Saipan in the Commonwealth of Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI), a little known U.S. territory, as the lunacy around COVID lockdowns kicked into high gear. We discuss everything from the rise and fall of his start-up, CoinText.io, the utility and spiritual aspects of Bitcoin to his baptism in the Eastern Orthodox church. I really enjoyed this show and I hope you do too! Who Is Vin Armani? Vin Armani is a multifaceted individual whose career spans across entertainment, technology, and cryptocurrency. Originally hailing from Southern California, Vin first entered the public eye as a star of the Showtime series "Gigolos," a role that brought him both fame and insight into the transient nature of celebrity. Recognizing the temporality of his entertainment career, Vin leveraged his experience and visibility to pivot towards his passion for software development and technology. An active participant in the Bitcoin community since 2012, Vin has distinguished himself as a forward-thinking bitcoin developer from 2014 onwards. His contributions to the cryptocurrency space are marked by a blend of technical acumen and philosophical depth, focusing on the liberating potential of blockchain technology. Vin is also an author and podcaster, where he shares his insights on technology, philosophy, and the societal impacts of cryptocurrency. In a bold move reflecting his libertarian values, Vin relocated with his family to Saipan, Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, seeking a life that aligned more closely with his ideals of freedom and innovation. In Saipan, he continues to work on projects that integrate cryptocurrency with daily life, aiming to enhance the adoption and understanding of digital currencies. Vin Armani's journey from a well-known television personality to a respected figure in the tech and crypto communities exemplifies his adaptability, vision, and commitment to fostering change. Through his work, he aims to illuminate the intersections between technology, freedom, and personal sovereignty, contributing to the ongoing dialogue on the future of money and society. Key Takeaways The Intersection of Technology and Liberty:Navigating Career Transitions:Building a Life Aligned with Values:The Potential of Decentralized Technologies:Critical Thinking and Open-mindedness: Additional Resources The Saipan Team@Cyprianous on YoutubeThe Counter Markets Newsletter

Please welcome Guy Smith, a 25-year gun control policy researcher and the founder of the Gun Facts Project. He's also the author of "Guns and Control", has appeared on Fox News, AlJazeera America, and is a frequent talk radio and podcast guest where he shares his team's learnings from conducting data-based investigations into criminology, public safety, and constitutional law. The slogan for the Gun Facts Project is “We are neither pro-gun nor anti-gun. We are pro-math and anti-BS.” And Guy personally is not "a member of any organization — not the NRA, not Everytown for Gun Safety, not the Second Amendment Foundation, not the Brady Campaign. Nada. Not even any political party. Someone once bought (him) a membership in the California Rifle and Pistol Association, and (he) immediately demanded to be removed from the membership roster. Let's hear what Guy has to say. Who Is Guy Smith? Guy Smith is a distinguished figure in the realm of gun control policy research, with a career spanning over 25 years dedicated to unraveling the complexities of gun legislation and its societal impacts. His journey began with an academic pursuit in public policy and sociology, leading him to specialize in the empirical analysis of gun laws and their effectiveness in preventing violence. Smith's work is rooted in a steadfast belief in data-driven policymaking, where decisions are guided by empirical evidence rather than political ideology or popular sentiment. Throughout his career, Smith has been at the forefront of critical debates, offering nuanced insights into the multifaceted nature of gun violence and the legislative efforts to curb it. His research has shed light on the localized dimensions of gun violence, highlighting how socio-economic, cultural, and demographic factors intertwine to influence the incidence and nature of gun-related incidents across different communities. As an advocate for rational skepticism, Smith encourages stakeholders in the gun control debate to question assumptions and examine data meticulously, promoting a balanced and informed approach to policy formulation. His contributions extend beyond academia to influence public discourse, aiming to bridge the divide with reasoned argumentation and evidence-based conclusions. Guy Smith's work is characterized by his unwavering commitment to understanding the intricate dynamics of gun control, his dedication to fostering informed dialogue, and his influence on shaping policies that strive to address the root causes of gun violence while respecting individual freedoms. Key Takeaways Importance of Data-Driven Approach in Policy Making:Critical Thinking and Skepticism:Localized Nature of Gun Violence:Impact of Social and Demographic Factors on Violence and Suicide Rates: Additional Resources GunFacts.info Guns and Control: A Nonpartisan Guide to Understanding Mass Public Shootings, Gun Accidents, Crime, Public Carry, Suicides, Defensive Use, and More

Please welcome Mark Pulliam, an award-winning lawyer, writer, and activist living in East Tennessee. His work has appeared in The Wall Street Journal, the L.A. Times, the Federalist, and many other publications. He writes regularly at Misrule of Law and is also a contributing editor at Law and Liberty. As a "political refugee" from blue Austin, TX, today he's joining me to discuss the ups and downs of building a grassroots conservative movement as a local activist in a supposedly "friendly" area. After all, the part of East Tennessee in which he lives, Blount County, voted by a 71% to 27% margin in 2020 for Donald Trump. Yet in building this grassroots movement which, you'd think, would be welcomed by the political establishment that purports to also be "conservative" he has run into the local version of "The Swamp" - a long-standing good ole boy network filled with RINOs that demonstrates the same clannish behavior which the original Scotch Irish settlers of East Tennessee brought with them. Is it possible for an "outsider" to inject a sense of urgency into the local populace and wake them from their slumber to defend their values and way of life from local leaders who say one thing and do another? Let's find out. Key Takeaways Grassroots Movements in Politically Homogenous Areas:Adaptation to Digital Platforms for Advocacy:Local vs. National Influence:Election Integrity and Participation: Additional Resources The Misrule of Law blogThe Misrule of Law on XBlount Patriot Facebook pageLaw & Liberty Mark Pulliam author profile Final Thoughts My interview with Mark Pulliam provides invaluable insights into the realm of political activism, grassroots movements, and the importance of broad-based community participation in effecting change. Pulliam, through his experience and actions, underscores the limitations of individual efforts in transforming political landscapes and the critical need for collective action. He emphasizes that significant shifts in politics require not just the vision of one but the concerted efforts of many, rallying together for a common cause. Pulliam's reflections on his journey from focusing on local issues to engaging with national and state matters shows the dynamic nature of activism. It's a reminder that while local engagement is crucial, maintaining a balanced perspective that encompasses various levels of governance can amplify impact. I hope you'll join me on this journey of discovery as I explore compelling stories from around the globe. From movements for sovereignty to breakthroughs in technology and more, the Spread Great Ideas Podcast delves into a diverse array of subjects designed to enlighten, provoke thought, and educate. Ensure you're up-to-date with our freshest episodes by subscribing. Voice your opinions through a review, and engage with us on social media platforms (X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) for lively debates and previews of what's next. We value your input highly, so dive into the dialogue and become an integral member of our community. Join the conversation, become part of the movement, and help drive the change you wish to see in your community and beyond. Your voice matters, and together, we can make a difference.

On this episode, I invite Phil Craig onto the show. He is the leader of South Africa's Referendum Party — a single-issue party whose goal is to call a referendum on the Western Cape province seceding from South Africa. According to polls, 68% of Western Cape voters support holding a referendum, and 58% support independence. We talk about South African politics and economics, why the Western Cape is so different from other provinces, internal and external migration trends in South Africa, what a free and independent Western Cape province would look like, and why Westerners (and especially Americans) who believe in political self-determination should care about this issue for moral as well as geopolitical reasons. I admire Phil's efforts! Key Takeaways The Universal Right to Self-Determination:Strategic Use of Legal Frameworks for Political Goals:The Role of Electoral Politics in Advocacy Movements:Challenges of Regional Autonomy within National Contexts: Additional Resources Referendum Party on FacebookPhil Craig on TwitterReferendum Party Final Thoughts I learned a lot from Phil and I hope you enjoyed the episode. I also hope you'll join me on this journey of discovery as I explore compelling stories from around the globe. From quests for independence to innovations in technology and beyond, the Spread Great Ideas Podcast covers a wide range of topics that inspire, challenge, and inform. Subscribe to stay updated on our latest episodes, share your thoughts with a review, and follow us on social media (X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn) for engaging discussions and sneak peeks into upcoming content. Your voice matters to us, so join the conversation and be a part of our community. Subscribe now and let's explore the world together!

Tom Kineshanko is the co-founder of the Swiss cryptocurrency hedge fund, Protos, which utilizes an interesting (and proprietary!) trading strategy for those HODLers who want to hold a long-term position in the top 10 cryptocurrencies. We talk about his experience in crypto, including the current threats and opportunities, the macro environment we find ourselves living in with QE, MMT, the weaponization of the U.S. dollar by Washington, etc., how crypto stacks up against gold, who is (and isn’t) talking their own book in the crypto world, which countries are the most crypto friendly (hello Zug, Switzerland!), how much someone should allocate to crypto in their portfolio, and part of the philosophy of liberty underpinning Satoshi Nakamoto’s vision for bitcoin. If you want to know more about crypto, professional money management, and why Switzerland is such a desirable locale then this episode is for you. “Life is super short. I want to spend time serving people who I like, doing something that I think is interesting and matters. I think crypto matters because we need a new financial system. We need a new way of collaborating.” Tom Kineshanko | ProtosTom Kineshanko | LinkedIn 2018 Cryptocurrency Crash – “Crypto Winter”Crypto Brawl: Alex Mashinsky vs. Nouriel Roubini “Dr. Doom”Paul Graham Zug, Switzerland Below is a transcript of the highlights from our conversation: How does the future of cryptocurrencies look to you? A lot of people, for example, talk about how crypto isn’t correlated to traditional assets, which is true but during the last couple of years: Point A.) we’ve never had a recession since the start of Bitcoin, and B.) when there’s a little flash crashes in the equities markets, Bitcoin immediately correlates to the stock market. It correlates and goes down. This is just an example of how I’m thinking about crypto right now, it’s like, we’re heading into a crazy year, what I’m constantly thinking about for our clients and also for myself is what bad stuff could happen to my crypto? What could cause it to go down? What are the opportunities to earn good returns? When you think about some of the bad stuff that can happen to your crypto, you’re talking about on a macro level, are you talking about the US election? Or are you talking about a recession, what are you referring to? I’m going to dive straight into Tom Kineshanko crypto thesis. That’s a quick start. I think that you have a macro environment where you see banks basically with a ton of money, giving money out for extremely low-interest rates to questionable borrowers. You’ve got the US dollar dominating the world and I believe that it will totally continue to dominate the world, and the US can put pressure on other countries to do things economically. You’ve got a generation of people like us who can be in Ubud recording a podcast. You have all these digital native people that wouldn’t mind, just transacting with each other without having to go to the smelly, old currency exchange office, who probably want just some shared currencies or just an easier way to get around. You’ve got a possible war or wars, you’ve got a possible recession. I guess you have take all the stuff together and if there is an economic recession globally, does Bitcoin go up because people flee to it? Or does it go down because it’s a risk on asset like an angel investment and people are just trying to get the hell out. I think my thesis is really, really simple. It’s basically if you take all the big macro trends in the world, there’s just so much evidence for why people would want a store of value that is decentralized and deflationary. A.) Limited in supply like land, except it’s shrinking because people lose one every day, people lose Bitcoin every day. B.) We’re now in an 11-year Bull Run for Bitcoin. There’s never been a period of more than 13 months of negative returns so we’re in a huge Bull Run, I think it just keeps going. I think we see all-time high prices this...

James Swanwick is an Australian-American entrepreneur who owns three successful businesses all designed to help people improve their lives, a former ESPN Sportscenter anchor, a fascinating conversationalist, and a well-rounded self-made man with a big heart. Our chat ran the gamut. We covered relationships, politics (including Trump!), business, philosophy, self-help courses we recommend (and those we don’t), our thoughts on living in California and Bali, the best ways we’ve found for creating accountability, affirming the truth vs. becoming delusional, how to tailor your communication style for men and women, people’s quest for identity in a post-religious world, and what is (and isn’t) your responsibility. This was a really fun, wide-ranging discussion. Favorite Quote: "I’m trying to avoid the pain of mediocrity, which is the most painful thing for me ever…I have an absolute disdain for knowing what I could be and am not." James’ Links: Maximum Life Summit Swanwick Sleep The 30 Day No Alcohol ChallengeProject 90@jamesswanwick on InstagramThe James Swanwick Show Podcast Other Relevant Links: Landmark ForumMark Manson | What’s the Point of Self-Improvement Anyway?“We must all suffer from one of two pains: the pain of discipline or the pain of regret. The difference is discipline weighs ounces while regret weighs tons.” - Jim RohnPeter Shallard | Commit Action Never Eat Alone | Keith Ferrazzi Ram DassTai LopezTim Ferriss and the 4-Hour Work WeekLynne E. Sheridan P.S. If you liked the show, please leave a review on whichever podcast platform you listened to it on. Positive reviews help others find our work. And if you didn’t like the show, please send an email to podcast@spreadgreatideas.com to let us know why so that we can do better next time. Thanks!

Lavinia Iosub is a fellow expat entrepreneur who originally hails from Romania and now runs a unique combo of a business incubator, remote team management, coworking space, and consultancy service here in Bali called Livit. (Basically, if you're looking to build a remote team, scale your existing remote team, learn how to properly be a digital nomad, or just get a cool, calm place to work from in Bali so you can actually get some things done whilst you're here - then Lavinia and Livit are going to be interesting for you.) We talk about hiring in Indonesia vs. the Western democracies, synchronous vs. asynchronous communication, how to scale successfully, the different work style personality types, her take on the future of remote work and being a long-term, successful digital nomad, finding and maintaining a healthy work/life balance, an obscure Dutch social scientist who classified why people from certain cultures act the way they do, what holacracy is all about (a new term to me), and more. "Rewards can have very different natures, they can be tangible or intangible…Somebody who works in our welcoming and hospitality part just recently said to me, 'This is the first company I’ve ever been employed at where I can save money and have vacation time to visit other countries.' To me, I live for things like that. I want people to travel, I want people to develop themselves, they’ll come back as better contributors." Livit InternationalTriatma Mulya Stenden: HomeLavinia Iosub | Project Getaway The Ideas Lab Podcast: Lavinia Iosub @LaviniaIosub on Twitter Holacracy | Evolve Your OrganizationREWORK | BasecampTwistGretchen RubinGeert Hofstede P.S. If you liked the show, please leave a review on whichever podcast platform you listened to it on. Positive reviews help others find our work. And if you didn’t like the show, please send an email topodcast@spreadgreatideas.comto let us know why so that we can do better next time. Thanks!

Andrei Ivanou, a Belarusian native, and I sit down to learn more about the fascinating, oft-forgotten country of Belarus. Belarus has the dubious honor of being the longest-running European dictatorship thanks to their leader, Alexander Lukashenko, who seized power in 1994 following the power vacuum that was created by the fall of the USSR. A military man, Lukashenko is often referred to as бацька (“dad”) by Belarusians because he oversees everything and dominates the country. If you’re like me before this episode, you don’t much about Belarus - or even where it’s located. (Hint: It’s sandwiched predominantly between Russia, Poland, and Ukraine on the eastern edge of Europe.) Nor have you given it much thought in terms of what life is like there. Yet for Europeans, it’s often viewed as a bridge between East and West. And for Russia, it’s long been one of its closest allies because it serves as a critical land buffer between Moscow and the EU across the North European Plain. Andrei and I discuss what’s changed since the fall of the USSR, what it’s like to live in a dictatorship (especially after having lived in the U.S.), what’s being smuggled into and out of the country, how much locals actually make and which surprising job is the best-paid, the sort of economic propaganda put forward by the press, why Belarusian women are known worldwide for their beauty, how to travel there (spoiler alert: It’s not that easy), and more. Andrei is the CSPO at TechVice, one of the companies which my software company, CallerSmart, works with. If you’d like to learn more about Belarus and get a “boots on the ground” taste of what life is actually like under “daddy” in Europe’s last dictatorship, then this episode is for you. Andrei’s Links: TechViceCallerSmart Other Relevant Links: Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko “It’s not the people who vote that count. It’s the people who count the votes.” Digital Nomads: The best city you've never been to | Sovereign ManChernobyl: The Wildlife Haven Created When People Left In Secretive Belarus, Chernobyl's Impact Is Breathtakingly Grim P.S. If you liked the show, please leave a review on whichever podcast platform you listened to it on. Positive reviews help others find our work. And if you didn’t like the show, please send an email to podcast@spreadgreatideas.com to let us know why so that we can do better next time. Thanks!

Rodolfo Young spent two years in silent practice. He wasn’t sitting in some ashram somewhere. He was out in the world - and chose not to speak. We talk about what he learned during those two years, why he decided to do this (including the heartbreak that was the catalyst), and how others received him as they spoke to him and he didn’t reply. In addition, we go into some fascinating mental models such as understanding the ego as an ice block, how an umbrella in the rain is useful for understanding our desire to share what we’ve learned whilst also not imposing ourselves on another, cultivating curiosity, and how true choice carries with it the burden of responsibility (and why that’s actually a good thing). Rodolfo is ex-U.S. military (he served during the Iraq War doing PsyOps), a TedX speaker, an American expat, a fellow Ubudian, a motivational speaker, and an all-around thoughtful and inspiring guy. His goal is to touch a million hearts. Please have a listen and appreciate someone who has probably gone deeper into his own heart and psyche than most! Rodolfo’s Links: Rodolfo Young TEDxUbud - The Art of Holding SpaceRodolfoYoung.com@rodolfo_young on Instagram Rodolfo Young on Youtube Rodolfo Young Almaflow Experience Rodolfo Young’s Books on Amazon Other Relevant Links: Radio Free EuropeAmerican SniperVipassana Meditations Landmark Forum The Magic of Thinking BigTony Robbins NLP The Slight Edge P.S. If you liked the show, please leave a review on whichever podcast platform you listened to it on. Positive reviews help others find our work. And if you didn’t like the show, please send an email to podcast@spreadgreatideas.com to let us know why so that we can do better next time. Thanks!

Freya Savage is an impressive, multi-faceted woman: An established entrepreneur, a devotee to plant-based health & wellness, a certified raw food chef, an ultra-marathoner, and a successful financial planner. She’s heavily involved in food & health as well as finance, which whilst it might seem like an unusual combination at first glance, in Freya’s view this combo all revolves around the same thing: Wealth. In this episode Freya and I discuss a variety of topics including different methods of building a successful, location independent business, establishing one’s boundaries and healthy routines, what to keep in mind when starting on a new endeavor, how to own your attractiveness, and why (and how!) to make time & space for yourself in an increasingly busy world. Freya’s Links: @freya_savage_ on InstagramWealthy Rebels With a Cause on FacebookFreyaSavage.comFull Power with Freya Savage Other Relevant Links: Product Launch FormulaHedonic Treadmill P.S. If you liked the show, please leave a review on whichever podcast platform you listened to it on. Positive reviews help others find our work. And if you didn’t like the show, please send an email to podcast@spreadgreatideas.com to let us know why so that we can do better next time. Thanks!

Aurimas Juodka, AJ for short, is a “gentle giant” - intimidating in stature and size, yet very pleasant and thoughtful when you chat with him. Originally from Lithuania, we met at DMSS and geeked out on biohacking, SE Asian hotspots, the health benefits to eating organ meats and intermittent fasting, Bali’s hidden gems, key biomarkers and how to track them, and what a healthy lifestyle in a truly holistic manner entails. In this podcast we cover these topics as well as what what AJ considers the six fundamentals for ultimate health: AJ’s goal is to help people go from good-to-great and reach their optimal health. Listen if you’re interested in bringing your body to its peak potential as we also discuss cryogenic therapy, infrared saunas, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy...you know, the usual biohacking stuff. :) AJ’s Links: The High Performance RetreatThriving WellnessWell With AJWell With AJ on Instagram Other Relevant Links: Oura RingVieLight Blue Light Blocking Glasses AccuPressure Mat RFID Blocking Phone Case Radiation Free Tubular Headphones P.S. If you liked the show, please leave a review on whichever podcast platform you listened to it on. Positive reviews help others find our work. And if you didn’t like the show, please send an email to podcast@spreadgreatideas.com to let us know why so that we can do better next time. Thanks!