ATL BitLab Podcast

AI assistants like ChatGPT and Claude are powerful tools, but they come with significant privacy trade-offs. In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme explore practical approaches to using AI without surrendering your data to big tech companies. They compare privacy-focused third-party services that use confidential computing (like Maple) and local storage options (like Venice.AI) before diving into running open-source models entirely on your own hardware with tools like Ollama, GPT4All, and LM Studio. They also reveal how your Smart TV might take screenshots of what you're watching through Automatic Content Recognition (ACR) and share steps to disable...

Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme break down the reality of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) beyond the marketing hype. They explore what problems VPNs actually solve—hiding your IP address from websites, concealing your browsing from ISPs, and encrypting traffic—while addressing their limitations and downsides. Jordan and Stephen compare VPNs with Tor, examine trusted providers including Proton VPN, Mullvad, IVPN, and the innovative Obscura, and discuss the frustrating trend of websites blocking VPN users. Learn practical advice for incorporating VPNs into your digital sovereignty toolkit and why you should stand up for your right to privacy online.

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Bitcoin is difficult to change. How do we reach consensus to change it?. Stephen DeLorme covers Part 2 of the Bitcoin Consensus Analysis Project, highlighting both technical and social layers of reaching consensus. Learn about the roles of various stakeholders in the Bitcoin ecosystem including economic nodes, investors, media influencers, miners, protocol developers, users, and application developers. Discover how stakeholder powers fluctuate throughout the upgrade process, potential risks of bounties leading to chain splits, and methods to gauge community sentiment.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/stephen-delorme-how-does-bitcoin-consensus-work-part-2

00:00 Introduction to Bitcoin Consensus and Bounties

00:51 Event...

Your smartphone is a computing device just like our desktop and laptop computers. How can you have a smartphone that isn't surveilled, censored, controlled, and constrained? Jordan discusses the challenges and solutions for achieving self-sovereignty with mobile devices. He critiques the limitations of iOS and explores the emerging landscape of Linux mobile devices. The episode focuses on de-Googled Android solutions like CalyxOS and GrapheneOS, elaborating on the latter's security features and compatibility with Google Pixel devices. Jordan also provides practical advice on acquiring and setting up these devices for enhanced privacy. Tune in to learn how you can reclaim...

In this episode of the Sovereign Computing Show, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme discuss the challenges of app store censorship and explore various alternatives to the Google Play and Apple App Stores. They dive into the Aurora Store, Obtainium, F-Droid, Zap Store, and Accrescent, examining how these platforms can help preserve user privacy and circumvent censorship. Learn about the benefits and limitations of each alternative and get insights on how to take back control of your device's app ecosystem.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/bypass-app-store-censorship

00:00 Introduction to Apple's App Store Policies

00:35 Welcome...

Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme delve into the importance and methods of acquiring non-KYC Bitcoin. They explore peer-to-peer platforms like HodlHodl, RoboSats, and Bisq, discussing their unique features, privacy benefits, and how to effectively use them. Learn how to navigate these decentralized networks to maintain control over your Bitcoin transactions while avoiding the pitfalls of KYC (Know Your Customer) regulations. This episode is a must-listen for anyone focused on enhancing their financial privacy.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/3-ways-stop-doxing-your-bitcoin

00:00 Introduction

00:21 Welcome to the Sovereign Computing Show

00:37 ATL BitLab Sponsorship and...

Dive into an insightful event recording discussing the technological paradigm shifts as presented in Jeff Booth's 'Price of Tomorrow,' focusing on chapters three and four. From the evolution of computational power, exemplified by Moore's Law, to the implications of self-driving cars and 3D printing, Andrew Lunde covers how new technologies can disrupt existing industries. Learn about the challenges of thinking differently, historical examples of significant cognitive shifts, and the potential future technologies that might surpass even quantum computing. This discussion also explores how technology can create an abundance that challenges traditional economic models based on continuous credit expansion.   Show N...

Whenever you pay for things with a debit/credit card, you're exposing yourself. In this episode, Jordan and Stephen discuss tools you can use to regain some control and privacy with your payments. They cover using Bitcoin & Lightning, virtual debit cards, gift cards, and cash.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/how-to-make-private-payments

00:00 Introduction and Reframing Privacy

00:29 Welcome to the Sovereign Computing Show

00:45 ATL BitLab Sponsorship

01:46 Introduction to Private Payments

02:32 Using Bitcoin for Private Payments

03:33 Challenges with On-Chain Bitcoin Privacy

07:11 Exploring Lightning Network for...

Bitcoin is difficult to change. How do we reach consensus to change it? Nitesh walks us through the first half of the Bitcoin Consensus Analysis Project paper, providing an in-depth analysis of Bitcoin’s consensus mechanism and the complexities surrounding protocol upgrades. He discusses the challenges of implementing changes in a decentralized network, the difference between soft forks and hard forks, and various activation methods like Flag Day, BIP 34, BIP 9, and BIP 8. Nitesh also outlines the different stakeholders in the Bitcoin ecosystem—including economic nodes, investors, media influencers, miners, protocol developers, users, and application developers—and their respective incentives and in...

Google Chrome is not just a browser; it's a surveillance tool. In this episode of the Sovereign Computing Show, Jordan Bravo and Steven DeLorme delve into why Chrome collects vast amounts of your data and discuss more private alternatives. They explore various browsers like Firefox, Brave, and the up-and-coming Ladybird, as well as private search engines such as DuckDuckGo, StartPage, and Kagi. Learn how to take back control of your web browsing experience with privacy-focused tools and strategies.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/is-your-web-browser-spying-on-you

00:00 Google Chrome: The Spy in Your Browser

00:36 Welcome...

In this episode, Rich Lassiter explores the economic insights from Jeff Booth's book, *The Price of Tomorrow.* Rich delves into the 2007-2008 financial meltdown and how experts' misjudgments led to rapid unraveling. He explains the dynamics of trust-based financial systems and the Ponzi-like nature of current economic structures. Rich also covers the transformative power of technology and the unique position of Bitcoin as a true free market, offering a comprehensive breakdown of platform dominance, creative destruction, and the Minsky Moment's impact on modern economies.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/rich-lassiter-first-currency-wars-then-trade-wars-then-real-wars

00:00 Introduction: Currency Wars and...

In this episode of the Sovereign Computing Show, hosts Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme delve into the importance of self-hosting to maintain control over your digital data. They highlight the benefits of using NextCloud, an open-source suite that can replace Google Drive, iCloud, and other big tech solutions. They discuss various hosting options, including third-party providers like enclaive.io and the ease of self-hosting with StartOS. The episode also explores how to setup photo and file syncing, and why this approach enhances your digital sovereignty.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/pocast/how-to-get-secure-sovereign-personal-file-storage

00:00 Introduction and Personal...

You might not realize it but your phone number is undermining your privacy and digital sovereignty. In this episode of the Sovereign computing show, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme discuss the problems with the typical setup that most of use have with phone numbers, SIM cards, & cellular data. Then they detail steps you can take to fix the problem by decoupling phone numbers from service providers, using VoIP numbers, eSIMs, and other tools.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/your-phone-number-is-compromised

00:00 Embracing the Sovereign Computing Mindset
00:50 Introduction to the Sovereign Computing Show
01:05 Sponsorship and C...

Discover how to regain control over your email in this episode of the Sovereign Computing Show with Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme. They outline the three main points of control we’ve lost in the modern age. Learn about domain separation, alternate email providers, and the power of email aliases to protect your privacy and digital life. Jordan and Stephen provide actionable tips and tools, including how to use SimpleLogin for email aliases, employing different email clients, and even self-hosting your email server.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/three-things-about-email-you-lost-control-of-how-to-fix-it

Deflation is an unstoppable force driven by rapid technological advances, according to Jeff Booth. In this episode, HODLBarbarian helps you explore the concept of deflation and its impacts on the economy through Booth's lens. We discuss why technology is rendering efforts to create inflation irrelevant, and how central banks' inflationary models drive wealth inequality and societal discord. Discover why Booth believes Bitcoin is the ultimate tool for economic transparency and how it’s repricing the world, challenging traditional economic paradigms. Join us as we delve into the key ideas from Booth's influential book, 'The Price of Tomorrow,' and unpack th...

You might think that nobody can read your private messages, but chances are, the apps you are using are not as private as you think. In this episode of the Sovereign Computing Show, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme discuss how to enhance digital privacy by replacing everyday messaging apps with more secure and sovereign options. They review various messaging applications like Signal, Matrix, and SimpleX, and delve into their benefits and drawbacks.   Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/your-messaging-apps-are-not-private   00:00 Introduction to the Sovereign Computing Show 00:16 Sponsorship and Community at ATL BitLab 01:28 Deep Dive into Instant Messengers 02:23 The Importance of End-to-End En...

Michael Tidwell reveals the secrets of the TABConf 6 Capture the Bitcoin challenge. In this one scavenger hunt breakdown, he demonstrates the flexibility and power of Bitcoin's taproot upgrade and how it can be used to build far more interesting things than just simple sending and receiving of bitcoin.

Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/michael-tidwell-bitcoin-secrets-revealed-taptree-of-horror

Ready to break free from big tech's grip on your digital life? In this episode of the Sovereign Computing Show, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme delve into the essential first steps of reclaiming your privacy by managing your own calendars and contacts. They explore various self-sovereign options, from using Proton's encrypted services to setting up Nextcloud and lightweight WebDAV servers. Learn how to seamlessly integrate these tools with your mobile and desktop devices, ensuring your sensitive personal data stays under your control. Don't miss this essential guide to taking the next steps in your sovereign computing journey.

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What is sovereign computing? Jordan and Stephen discuss taking back control of your technology to protect your data and ensure that the tools you use are serving your best interest and not the interests of third-parties. Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/what-is-sovereign-computing

In this episode, we spoke with John Light and Jose Storopoli from Alpen Labs about their project Strata. Strata is a work-in-progress EVM-compatible validity rollup on bitcoin, with the goal of enabling greater privacy and programmability. We go over how a validity rollup like Strata works, the role of bridge operators and sequencers, threat model and failure scenarios, and how you can start testing Strata from their GitHub repo.

Full shownotes and links: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/light-jose-storopoli-strata-privacy-programmability-zk-rollups

In this episode, we spoke with Randy Naar from Blockstream about Greenlight. We go into the weeds with how Greenlight works: proxy hsmd (remote signing), optimizing when nodes are online/offline, watchtowers, webhooks, pairing runes, and BOSS collaboration with Core Lightning.
Links
Randy Naar Follow on X: https://x.com/cryptocryyp GitHub: https://github.com/Randy80 Bitcoin Grove - Miami, FL: https://www.meetup.com/bitcoin-grove/ Understanding Bitcoin Source - Video Series: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmrOZjgut3brNplyctXhvRjl6DGw6h9Bo Blockstream Greenlight: https://blockstream.com/lightning/greenlight/ Core Lightning: https://github.com/ElementsProject/lightning Webhooks...

httpIn this episode, we spoke with Farscapian about BOLT 12 Prism. This is a plugin he has been working on for Core Lightning with Gudnuf which enables you to create payment splits. Prisms are a fascinating topic and I think you'll enjoy hearing about what he is working on! Note: apologies for the rough audio. We had some technical issues.

Links

Atlanta BitPlebs November 13, 2024 - This meeting will be a deep dive in the corporate financial wizardy employed by Michael Saylor's MSTR to generate better returns than Bitcoin itself or any stock in the S&P500 (including NVDA). We will present the Bull case and the Bear case for MicroStrategy and discuss where it could go from here as Saylor looks to execute his ambitious new 21 / 21 plan.