Soapbox Sessions
Soapbox Sessions

Soapbox Sessions

Soapbox Sessions

Overview
Episodes

Details

Soapbox Sessions is your weekly dose of all things Nostr + AI. It’s our Soapbox about what’s new, what’s cool, and what’s coming. We want to make it easy to understand and keep up with everything going on in the decentralized world of Nostr and AI as we work to rebuild the Internet.

Recent Episodes

Touching Humans
DEC 4, 2025
Touching Humans
In this conversation, Heather and Derek explore various themes surrounding the Web of Trust (WoT) and the importance of human verification in digital spaces. They discuss the significance of authenticity in content creation, the challenges of navigating social media dynamics, and the role of AI in shaping user experiences. The conversation also touches on community engagement, innovative approaches to learning about Nostr, and the future of user interactions in decentralized platforms. More episode shenanigans: Heather invites YouTuber King Kaiser to try out diVine after being behind his Ranger Rover in traffic: https://www.youtube.com/@kingkaiser26/videos Derek is really into Nostr Feedz, a new app we heard about thanks to a boost on Fountain! https://nostrfeedz.com/ Heather & Derek’s friend Seth, of Zap.Cooking, has built a Nostr advent calendar using Shakespeare: https://nostrchristmas.shakespeare.wtf/ We also find out if Jack Dorsey has slid into Derek’s DMs yet… Heather learns that Derek has made changes to Podstr.org and she’s going to have to go back into Shakespeare to update to her fork of the app… Bossman Alex Gleason keeps making updates to Shakespeare daily… 🎭 Join our Shakespeare vibe coding community: community.shakespeare.diy Submit a news tip or ask a question: https://soapbox.pub/soapbox-sessions/ Find tools on the website: https://soapbox.pub/ Follow on X: https://x.com/SoapboxTech Follow on Nostr: https://primal.net/p/nprofile1qqs8sxs4yuz47axp7uprpugrs3sfkdz5379tdg9xe2n5qfvz070a4egc9mrhy ⭐ Support the podcast on Podcast 2.0 open networks: The one we built, Podstr: https://sessions.soapbox.pub/ Listen on Fountain: https://fountain.fm/show/aq7IaS6bdQ6kF6NWDzzc Become a fan on True Fans: https://truefans.fm/soapbox-sessions Podverse: https://podverse.fm/podcast/hPdQ-otsG Podcast Guru: https://app.podcastguru.io/podcast/1837576097 Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/7473968 🔵 Listen on closed networks/walled gardens: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uBFCX46GH0npKB46stxAO Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soapbox-sessions/id1837576097 Chapters 00:00- Introduction to Decentralized Dreams 01:43 - AI and Dream Analysis 03:05 - Experiences at Nostrshire and Bitfest 05:02 - Panel Discussions and Community Feedback from Bitfest 07:28 - Nostr's Potential and Limitations 10:24 - Reflections on Progress and Future Developments 11:47 - Workshops and Audience Engagement 13:03 - Common Questions in Vibe Coding 14:48 - Privacy Challenges in Development 15:43 - The Fast-Paced Nature of Development 17:00 - Technical Challenges and Solutions 21:27 - Technical Insights and Simplifying Concepts 22:46 - Forking and Remixing in Development 25:55 - Maintaining Code and Updates 29:45 - New Features in Shakespeare 32:00 - Web of Trust in Amethyst (app by Vitor Pamplona) 39:38 - Human Connection in a Digital Age 45:34 - The AI Buzzword and Its Implications 46:26 - Navigating Social Media Fatigue 48:53 - Understanding Marketing Through Psychology 50:48 - The Ecosystem of Nostr 52:49 - The Value for Value Economy 55:56 - The Future of Content Creation 59:45 - Innovative Tools for Nostr Users 01:01:53 - Community Engagement and Events
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70 MIN
Nostr is diVine
NOV 27, 2025
Nostr is diVine
Could this be the most significant Nostr app yet? What is it like to have a hand in the most talked about social media app in the world? Why do they hope this is a breakout moment for Nostr? diVine means a lot to the world for both nostalgia and its anti-AI content stance. But what else can it mean for the Internet at large? diVine promises to ban AI-generated content but there’s more to authenticity than just that. The conversation also touches on the future features of diVine these two Nostr experts would want if they could wave a magic wand. Heather shares about the need for social media management tools in the decentralized landscape. Can someone please build a Nostr post scheduling app that manages multiple accounts? Derek & Heather explore what could and should be possible on Nostr, an open-source protocol. They discuss the importance of user control, the collaborative nature of the Nostr dev community, and the unique phenomena like the 'hellthreads' that have emerged within Nostr (and what makes it impossible on legacy social media platforms). Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Decentralized Social and AI 02:18 - The Rise of dViine and Its impact 04:44 - Understanding Nostr and Its Importance 06:34 - Political Neutrality in Decentralized Platforms 09:14 - The Freedom of Expression on Nostra 12:30 - Nostalgia for Vine and Its Cultural Impact 16:27 - The Future of Content Creation on diVine 22:25 - diVine: Possible Features and Future Possibilities 24:27 - The Impact of Nostr on Creators 26:39 - Community Collaboration and Open Source Development 28:12 - The Evolution of Open Source Software 30:31 - Integrating Various Media into diVine (wishlist!) 32:37 - User Management and Social Media Tools 34:44 - The Wild West of Nostr 36:29 - Nostr's Moment and Future Prospects 38:18 - Welcoming New Users to Nostr 41:24 - Empowering Users with Control 46:57 - Community Collaboration and Altruism 48:53 - The Freedom to Build and Collaborate 51:23 - Listener Engagement and Feedback 54:28 - Nostr and the Health Thread Phenomenon 01:00:45 - The Power of Community in Development 01:03:53 - Closing Thoughts and Thanksgiving Wishes
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64 MIN
Bat Drones
NOV 19, 2025
Bat Drones
They love to do it on their phones! Derek and Heather explore innovative ideas for travel apps and the BitFest conference in the UK, which Derek will be attending. They discuss the fascinating concept of AI-driven bat drones for search and rescue operations, the significant rise of data centers vs. oil, and the future of renewable energy in both AI and Bitcoin mining. They also share about building community with Shakespeare and the current state of e-commerce solutions within the Nostr ecosystem. TL;DR: e-commerce on Nostr is about to get a lot better! Derek & Heather also share what they’re grateful for in Nostr. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Decentralized Social and AI 02:53 Boosts and Community Engagement 05:51 Analytics in Podcasting 2.0 08:51 Bitcoin Payments and Square's Innovations 11:47 The Circular Economy and Small Businesses 14:48 Challenges and Opportunities with Bitcoin Payments 17:42 Community Support and Local Businesses 20:51 Future of Bitcoin Payments in Everyday Transactions 27:01 Bitcoin Adoption in Local Businesses 30:06 Exploring Bitcoin Payment Options 35:17 Nostr and the Developer Community 46:10 Derek's Upcoming Trip to BitFest 48:42 Innovative Rescue Solutions: The Bat Drones 51:28 Data Centers: The New Oil 54:27 The Future of Energy and AI 59:24 Building Community with Vibe Coding 01:07:23 E-commerce on Nostr: The Future of Online Business 🎭 Join our Shakespeare vibe coding community: community.shakespeare.diy Submit a news tip or ask a question: https://soapbox.pub/soapbox-sessions/ Find tools on the website: https://soapbox.pub/ Follow on X: https://x.com/SoapboxTech Follow on Nostr: https://primal.net/p/nprofile1qqs8sxs4yuz47axp7uprpugrs3sfkdz5379tdg9xe2n5qfvz070a4egc9mrhy ⭐ Support the podcast on Podcast 2.0 open networks: The one we built, Podstr: https://sessions.soapbox.pub/ Listen on Fountain: https://fountain.fm/show/aq7IaS6bdQ6kF6NWDzzc Become a fan on True Fans: https://truefans.fm/soapbox-sessions Podverse: https://podverse.fm/podcast/hPdQ-otsG Podcast Guru: https://app.podcastguru.io/podcast/1837576097 Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/7473968 🔵 Listen on closed networks/walled gardens: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uBFCX46GH0npKB46stxAO Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soapbox-sessions/id1837576097 🔵 Listen on closed networks/walled gardens: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uBFCX46GH0npKB46stxAO Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soapbox-sessions/id1837576097
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76 MIN
Nut November
NOV 13, 2025
Nut November
Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Soapbox Sessions 00:03:00 The Nostr App Debate; Damus vs. Primal—which is more decentralized? 00:09:00 Centralization vs. Decentralization 00:15:00 Exploring Cashu Privacy Features 00:21:00 Global Impact of Decentralized Tech 00:27:00 User Experience and Hybrid Apps 00:33:00 Future of Nostr and Decentralized Communication 00:39:00 The Role of Centralization in App Performance 00:45:00 Cashu: A New Era of Private Transactions 00:51:00 Building the Future: Nostr's Impact on Global Communication Submit a news tip or ask a question: https://soapbox.pub/soapbox-sessions/ Find tools on the website: https://soapbox.pub/ Follow on X: https://x.com/SoapboxTech Follow on Nostr: https://primal.net/p/nprofile1qqs8sxs4yuz47axp7uprpugrs3sfkdz5379tdg9xe2n5qfvz070a4egc9mrhy ⭐ Support the podcast on Podcast 2.0 open networks: The one we built, Podstr: https://sessions.soapbox.pub/ Listen on Fountain: https://fountain.fm/show/aq7IaS6bdQ6kF6NWDzzc Become a fan on True Fans: https://truefans.fm/soapbox-sessions Podverse: https://podverse.fm/podcast/hPdQ-otsG Podcast Guru: https://app.podcastguru.io/podcast/1837576097 Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/7473968 🔵 Listen on closed networks/walled gardens: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uBFCX46GH0npKB46stxAO Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soapbox-sessions/id1837576097 🔵 Listen on closed networks/walled gardens: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uBFCX46GH0npKB46stxAO Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soapbox-sessions/id1837576097
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63 MIN
It Should Just Work
NOV 6, 2025
It Should Just Work
In this episode of Soapbox Sessions, Derek Ross and Heather Larson discuss the evolving landscape of decentralized social media and AI, focusing on their recent experiences at Nosterville 3.0 in Nashville, TN, at Bitcoin Park. This episode veers into an early celebration of “Festivus,” or the airing of grievances. Heather and Derek explore the challenges musicians face in the value-for-value music space, the importance of user feedback, and the technical hurdles of onboarding new users to Nostr. They’re honest about the need for better user experience across Nostr apps. They also cover interoperability and the integration of payment solutions like Cash App to support artists effectively. In this conversation, Heather Larson and Derek Ross discuss the intricacies of app development, emphasizing the importance of understanding user behavior and feedback. They recommend every Nostr dev find a way to do user interviews to get a better idea of how people are using their apps. They explore the challenges developers face in creating user-friendly applications, the need for simplified security measures, and the role of AI in enhancing app development. The discussion also highlights the significance of building open-source solutions that empower communities and promote independence online. Soapbox uses Nostr and AI to offer solutions to legacy platform lock-in and pay-for-play social media. You get to hear how we’re building it on Soapbox Sessions! If you listen closely at the end, you’ll get the alpha on new skills for Shakespeare as well as a Shakespeare desktop app. Submit a news tip or ask a question: https://soapbox.pub/soapbox-sessions/ Find tools on the website: https://soapbox.pub/ Follow on X: https://x.com/SoapboxTech Follow on Nostr: https://primal.net/p/nprofile1qqs8sxs4yuz47axp7uprpugrs3sfkdz5379tdg9xe2n5qfvz070a4egc9mrhy ⭐ Support the podcast on Podcast 2.0 open networks: The one we built, Podstr: https://sessions.soapbox.pub/ Listen on Fountain: https://fountain.fm/show/aq7IaS6bdQ6kF6NWDzzc Become a fan on True Fans: https://truefans.fm/soapbox-sessions Podverse: https://podverse.fm/podcast/hPdQ-otsG Podcast Guru: https://app.podcastguru.io/podcast/1837576097 Podcast Index: https://podcastindex.org/podcast/7473968 🔵 Listen on closed networks/walled gardens: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uBFCX46GH0npKB46stxAO Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soapbox-sessions/id1837576097 🔵 Listen on closed networks/walled gardens: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1uBFCX46GH0npKB46stxAO Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soapbox-sessions/id1837576097 Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Setup 05:36 The Value for Value Music Space 08:42 Onboarding Challenges in Decentralized Platforms 11:38 User Experience and Media Uploads 14:35 Interoperability and Wallet Integration 17:35 Cash App and Zaps in the Music Industry 23:40 The Challenge of User Experience in Tech 24:34 Festivus: Airing Grievances in Tech 25:33 The Reality of Songwriter Rounds 26:38 Streaming Frustrations and Payment Issues 27:31 Interoperability Challenges in Streaming Platforms 28:35 User Experience and Technical Difficulties 29:37 The Importance of User Feedback 30:34 The Struggle of Non-Technical Users 31:31 The Need for Simplicity in Tech 32:27 Developer Insights on User Experience 33:29 The Importance of User Testing 34:30 Bridging the Gap Between Developers and Users 35:35 The Role of Feedback in Development 36:35 The Need for Better Tools in Tech 37:22 Custody vs. Self-Custody in Technology 38:32 Simplifying Security for Users 39:29 The Future of User-Friendly Tech 40:28 The Importance of Cyber Hygiene 41:23 The Alby Incident and Cybersecurity Awareness 45:55 Email Security and Phishing Threats 47:32 The Importance of Password Management 50:33 Innovations in AI and App Development 55:12 The Future of Open Source and Community Building
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63 MIN