Why Everything Costs More and Gets Worse

Why does everything cost more while the quality keeps getting worse? That's the question behind this episode. We look at why your paycheck doesn't stretch as far, why buying a home is so much harder, and why so many things cost more while giving you less. From shrinkflation and CEO incentives to bailouts and crony capitalism, the bigger story is about the rules and incentives underneath the economy. And that leads to the final question: what changed about the money itself, and where does Bitcoin fit in? 📖 Want to go deeper? Read the first two chapters of my book, Bitcoin Is for Everyone, free: https://www.talkingbitcoin.com/freechapters 📰 Subscribe to my free newsletter, The News Block, for my weekly breakdown of the biggest stories in Bitcoin, markets and the economy: https://thenewsblock.substack.com SHOW PARTNERS ⚡ Ledn Borrow against your Bitcoin without selling it. Ledn offers Bitcoin-backed loans built for serious holders, with rates that get lower as your loan size increases. With Ledn's custodied loan product, your Bitcoin is held in custody and not lent out. Ledn has operated through multiple market cycles without a loss of client assets and publishes Proof of Reserves so you can verify what they hold. Get 0.25% off your first Bitcoin-backed loan: https://www.ledn.io/natalie Offer subject to terms and eligibility. Digital asset lending involves risk, including loss of collateral. ⚡ Bitdeer Technologies Group (NASDAQ: BTDR) Bitdeer powers AI and Bitcoin mining infrastructure with 3 GW of secured global energy and owns the stack from equipment manufacturing to data centers and proprietary orchestration software. Learn more: https://www.bitdeer.com ABOUT COIN STORIES & THE NEWS BLOCK Natalie Brunell's content features conversations with leading voices in Bitcoin, economics, finance, and technology, exploring the future of money and how it impacts our lives. CONNECT WITH NATALIE Read Bitcoin is for Everyone: https://www.talkingbitcoin.com/freechapters Subscribe to the free newsletter: https://thenewsblock.substack.com Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/nataliebrunell Watch on Rumble: https://rumble.com/NatBrunell Follow Natalie on X: https://www.x.com/natbrunell Website: https://www.talkingbitcoin.com PARTNERSHIPS & INQUIRIES Interested in sponsoring Coin Stories? Contact [email protected] DISCLAIMER This podcast is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice. Guest views are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of Natalie Brunell or the show. Paid partnerships, sponsorships, and affiliate relationships are disclosed where applicable. Natalie Brunell may earn commissions from purchases or sign-ups through certain links, at no additional cost to you. Always conduct your own research before making financial decisions.