SOV-020: The Real Cost of "Free" Software - The Sovereign Computing Show
Release Date: 08/26/2025
SOV-022: Matt Hill from Start9 - The Sovereign Computing Show
ATL BitLab Podcast
Start9 CEO Matt Hill joins Jordan Bravo to discuss the evolution of sovereign computing and the upcoming StartOS 0.4.0 release. Learn about Start9's mission to democratize server administration, their revolutionary new networking capabilities, plans for an open-source router, and innovative community programs for scaling support and development. Plus: why dignity matters as much as privacy and security in computing. Show Notes: 00:00 Opening Quote: Sovereign Computing Definition 00:33 Introduction and Show Sponsorship 01:51 Welcome and Sovereign Computing Origins 03:21 What is...
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SOV-021: Google Kills Android Sideloading: The iOS-ification Begins - The Sovereign Computing Show
ATL BitLab Podcast
Google is making Android more like iOS by blocking "sideloading" of unverified apps starting next year. Jordan Bravo breaks down why "sideloading" is a psyop term designed to make normal software installation seem dangerous, how Google's new developer KYC requirements will kill freedom tech, and why this gradual "boiling of the frog" approach threatens projects like GrapheneOS. Plus a chilling reminder from former NSA/CIA director Michael Hayden: "We kill people based on metadata." Show Notes: 00:00 Opening Quote: Satoshi KYC Example 00:41 Introduction and Show Sponsorship...
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SOV-020: The Real Cost of "Free" Software - The Sovereign Computing Show
ATL BitLab Podcast
Not all "free" software is actually free - you're often paying with your data, privacy, or through deceptive subscription traps. In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme break down the business models behind the software you use daily, from ethical freemium approaches like Tailscale to exploitative data harvesting like Gmail. They explore managed hosting models, the pros and cons of subscriptions versus one-time payments, and expose dark patterns that trick users into unwanted charges. Plus updates on Jordan's private SIM card journey and news about Google's forced Android changes and...
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SOV-019: How to Choose Sovereign Software - The Sovereign Computing Show
ATL BitLab Podcast
Not all software is created equal when it comes to digital sovereignty. In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme break down their framework for evaluating software that respects your freedom and privacy. They cover why open source isn't always a guarantee, how to spot healthy vs abandoned projects on GitHub, the importance of data export capabilities, and sustainable business models that won't disappear overnight. Plus, news about Samsung killing bootloader unlocks, EU age verification requirements, and reviews of new authenticator apps from Proton and Ente. Show Notes: ...
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SOV-018: Private GPS & Maps: Ditch Google and Apple - The Sovereign Computing Show
ATL BitLab Podcast
Your location data is one of the most sensitive pieces of information you share, but are you trusting Google and Apple with every place you go? In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme explore private alternatives to mainstream navigation apps that don't track your movements. They cover privacy-focused options like Magic Earth and Organic Maps built on Open Street Maps, reveal how to use Waze on GrapheneOS without Google Play Services, and discuss the ultimate privacy solution: standalone Garmin GPS devices. Plus, news about Proton's new AI assistant Lumo and the company's concerning...
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SOV-017: The Cypherpunk Manifesto - The Sovereign Computing Show
ATL BitLab Podcast
Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme dive deep into Eric Hughes' groundbreaking 1993 Cypherpunk Manifesto, exploring how this foundational document predicted Bitcoin, anonymous transaction systems, and modern digital privacy tools. They discuss the historical context of cryptography being illegal, the evolution from military-controlled encryption to widespread adoption, and how today's privacy-focused services like Mullvad exemplify the manifesto's principles. The hosts examine why "cypherpunks write code" and how this philosophy continues to drive sovereign computing solutions today. Show Notes: ...
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SOV-016: Privacy Violations and Self-Hosting Wins - The Sovereign Computing Show
ATL BitLab Podcast
Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme return with a news-packed episode covering the latest privacy violations and surveillance schemes. They discuss Trump's plan to create a master database of Americans using Palantir, WhatsApp AI accidentally leaking user phone numbers, Meta and Yandex exploiting Android phones to track browsing habits, and Ford's patent for cars that report speeding drivers. Plus, Jordan shares updates on his sovereign computing journey including anonymous phone services, Alby Hub lightning setup, and self-hosted lightning addresses. Show Notes:...
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SOV-015: How to Get an Anonymous Website - The Sovereign Computing Show
ATL BitLab Podcast
In today's digital landscape, having your own website is more important than ever for true digital independence. Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme explain how to register domain names and set up web hosting with minimal personal information and maximum privacy. They cover Bitcoin-accepting registrars, anonymous VPS providers, and how the domain name system really works. Plus, they discuss a controversial Bitcoin update proposal that highlights why running your own node matters. Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/anonymous-website-hosting-and-domains 00:00 Why Own Websites Beat Social...
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SOV-014: Bitcoin Sovereignty: Running Your Own Full Node - The Sovereign Computing Show
ATL BitLab Podcast
Bitcoin is built on the principle of not trusting third parties, but are you trusting someone else's node to validate your transactions? In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme explore why running your own Bitcoin and Lightning nodes is crucial for true financial sovereignty. They break down the hardware requirements, software options like Umbrel and Start OS, and how to connect popular wallets to your own node. Plus, news about Thunderbird's new email service and the concerning bankruptcy sale of 23andMe's genetic data. Show Notes: 00:00 Why You Should Run Your Own Bitcoin...
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SOV-013: Sovereign AI: Using LLMs Without Sacrificing Privacy - The Sovereign Computing Show
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...
info_outlineNot all "free" software is actually free - you're often paying with your data, privacy, or through deceptive subscription traps. In this episode, Jordan Bravo and Stephen DeLorme break down the business models behind the software you use daily, from ethical freemium approaches like Tailscale to exploitative data harvesting like Gmail. They explore managed hosting models, the pros and cons of subscriptions versus one-time payments, and expose dark patterns that trick users into unwanted charges. Plus updates on Jordan's private SIM card journey and news about Google's forced Android changes and Linux desktop growth.
Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/sov-020-real-cost-of-software
00:00 Jordan's Opening Quote on Data-Subsidized Software
00:38 Introduction and ATL BitLab Sponsorship
01:56 Welcome and Contact Information
02:22 Jordan's Private SIM Card Update
02:48 - The "Pick Two" Dilemma: Private, Fast, Convenient
03:17 - Mint Mobile: Private and Fast but Inconvenient
04:03 - AT&T Prepaid: Convenient but Extremely Slow (3 vs 913 Mbps)
05:09 - US Mobile Blocks Anonymous Payment Methods
05:50 News: Google Forced to Open Android in Epic Games Victory
07:51 - Court Orders Google to Stop Monopolistic Practices
08:55 - Implications for Alternative App Stores
10:29 News: Linux Desktop Market Share Hits 6%
11:26 - Steam Deck and Gaming Driving Adoption
12:44 - Steam's Proton Compatibility Layer
14:07 - Privacy-Focused Users and Celebrity Endorsements
16:49 - AI/ML Workloads Favor Linux
17:57 Main Topic: Software Business Models
18:42 - Why Business Models Matter for Users
19:33 - Paying for Good Software vs "Free" Alternatives
20:17 Unethical Model: Data-Subsidized "Free" Software
20:43 - Gmail Example: How "Free" Services Really Work
22:58 Ethical Model: Tailscale's Enterprise Freemium Approach
25:12 - Pure Freemium vs Data Collection Hybrid
26:47 - When Freemium Goes Wrong
27:17 Managed Hosting: Element and Nextcloud Examples
29:10 One-Time Payment vs Subscription Models
29:46 - Adobe's Transition to Creative Cloud
31:07 - Accessibility vs Long-Term Value Trade-offs
33:21 - The Rise of Overpriced SaaS Tools
36:39 - Importance of Transparent Pricing Models
38:22 Dark Patterns and Deceptive Practices
39:10 - Jordan's Examples of Subscription Traps
40:00 - Stephen's ClassPass Cancellation Nightmare
43:09 - Multiple Deceptive Pattern Types Identified
44:44 - Hall of Shame: Major Companies Using Dark Patterns
46:04 Conclusion: Choosing Ethical Software Business Models
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