I recently came across an article by Herman Hastings arguing that “all future jobs will be value creation jobs.” This idea resonated with me – it’s one I’ve believed in for some time, but as the world of media and communication shifts, it’s worth a closer look.

The recent U.S. election highlighted a growing frustration with the mainstream media’s biases in covering major events. Many felt like part of a spectacle rather than participants in a truth-seeking process. Prediction markets, such as Bitcoin Prediction Market and Polymarket, provided an interesting contrast. Using decentralised networks where participants “put their money where their mouths are,” these markets harnessed crowd-sourced insights to cut through media noise and accurately predict outcomes. If these prediction markets can get it more clear than the actual media it raises questions about the legacy media's ability to provide any kind of real value or insight.

For years, media has relied on quick sound bites that often oversimplify complex issues. This approach can amplify the Dunning-Kruger effect, where people with limited knowledge on a topic overestimate their expertise ... and then go on to report about those topics in the media. This problem sits alongside a broader media ecosystem that prioritises hot takes, engagement farming, and ad impressions over actual insights - a high-time preference approach that is far from enlightening.

I think the remedy is in podcasts because in a long format conversation there is no where to hide. The age of the sound byte is over. People who want to listen and learn will do so for hours, while driving, while working out, while walking the dog. They will take the time to hear back to back episodes on the same topic from slightly different angles. Long-form content allows for complexity and nuance, giving listeners the depth they need to understand what’s really going on.

It is a common trope that the average Bitcoiner often knows more about the history of money and economics than many so-called experts.

Why?

Because for Bitcoiners, these subjects are very important and have a direct relationship to understanding the nature of inflation, the government's role in money creation, and their own material wealth. They invest time to learn and engage, as part of a broader commitment to understanding value and money in an increasingly unstable world. Hastings’ prediction that future jobs will revolve around value creation aligns well with this mindset.

As the host of The Transformation of Value podcast, I see these dynamics firsthand. After nearly two years of hosting in-depth conversations about Freedom, Energy, Creativity, and Bitcoin, I’ve seen my audience grow, prompting me to re-evaluate what it means to create real value in media and also what my responsibilities are. Early on, I was lucky to be able to work with sponsors to support the show, especially when it was primarily New Zealand-focused. But as the podcast’s reach has expanded globally, I've pursued the Value4Value donation model, popularised by podcast pioneer Adam Curry. With this approach, listeners who find real value in the content can contribute directly by streaming or boosting Bitcoin to the show's Bitcoin wallet (or via traditional fiat donation platforms). The V4V model fosters authenticity and genuine truth-seeking that resonates with listeners.

Value4Value is an experiment in public good for The Transformation of Value. The podcast remains free, but those who support it help keep it authentic and independent. If you value in-depth conversation, please consider supporting the show. You’ll find the donation page here, and with your help, I can continue asking important questions and exploring the topics that truly matter.