The Sovereign Computing Show

ATL BitLab

The Sovereign Computing Show is a podcast where we teach you how to take back control of your devices. Sovereign Computing means you own your technology, not the other way around. Hosted by Jordan Bravo and recorded in Atlanta's freedom-tech hackerspace, this show teaches you about topics like self-hosting, privacy, and other digital freedom tools.

  1. 09/16/2025

    SOV-022: Matt Hill from Start9 - The Sovereign Computing Show

    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: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/sov-022-matt-hill-start9 00:00 Opening Quote: Sovereign Computing Definition 00:33 Introduction and Show Sponsorship 01:51 Welcome and Sovereign Computing Origins 03:21 What is Sovereign Computing? 04:54 Privacy vs Confidentiality and the Dignity Factor 06:15 The Undignified Reality of Modern Computing 08:37 Making Server Administration Accessible 10:00 Democratizing Advanced Computing Skills 11:42 Familiar User Experience Design Philosophy 14:09 Learning from Mobile OS Evolution 15:45 Bringing Linux Admin Experience "Above the Hood" 18:05 StartOS Evolution: From 0.0.1 to 0.3.5.1 19:28 Dependency Management and Configuration Breakthroughs 20:17 Moving from Docker to Custom Container Runtime 21:33 StartOS 0.4.0: Complete Architecture Rewrite 24:44 Two Years of Development Hell and Breakthrough 26:30 Custom LXC Container Runtime Development 27:35 Advanced Networking Capabilities in 0.4.0 28:29 Granular Interface Control Example 31:49 Private Domains and DNS Management 35:06 The "Digital IKEA" Philosophy 36:34 VPN Tunneling and Network Abstractions 37:57 Start9 vs Tailscale Comparison 41:13 Router Hardware Prototypes and Development 46:47 Router as Standalone vs Integrated Product 52:00 StartOS and Router Integration Benefits 53:26 Router Release Timeline: Not Before Mid-2026 54:44 Community Tech Program: Scaling Support 01:00:18 Community Developer Program Announcement 01:05:02 Package Development and Crowdfunding Model 01:11:56 AI in Development: Limited but Useful 01:17:01 Self-Hosting AI Challenges and Hardware Limitations 01:24:37 TabConf 2025: Workshop and Package Development 01:26:55 Conclusion

    1h 28m

  2. 09/04/2025

    SOV-021: Google Kills Android Sideloading: The iOS-ification Begins - The Sovereign Computing Show

    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: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/sov-021-google-kills-android-sideloading-metadata-surveillance-state   00:00 Opening Quote: Satoshi KYC Example 00:41 Introduction and Show Sponsorship 01:59 Solo Episode Format and Holiday Week 02:47 Google Blocks Android Sideloading Starting 2026 03:12 "Sideloading" is a Psyop Term 04:24 Apple's Security vs Freedom Model 04:44 Google's New Developer KYC Requirements 06:28 Developer Identity Verification Requirements 07:14 Impact on Freedom Technologies - Satoshi Example 07:47 GrapheneOS and De-Googled Android Safe (For Now) 08:43 Android Source Code Becoming Closed 10:02 Hope for Future Mobile Operating Systems 10:51 Ladybird Browser as Example of Ground-Up Development 11:19 State of Mobile Linux 12:07 Email and Boost Support Information 12:34 Metadata Collection: Signal vs WhatsApp Comparison -13:23 Signal's Minimal Metadata Footprint 13:43 WhatsApp Uses Signal Protocol but Collects Metadata 15:11 What Metadata Can Reveal About You 15:34 Michael Hayden Quote: "We Kill People Based on Metadata" 16:38 Breaking Down the Hayden Quote 17:30 Importance of Minimizing Metadata Leakage 18:00 Fighting Back Against Surveillance State 18:24 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

    20 min

  3. 08/26/2025

    The Real Cost of "Free" Software - The Sovereign Computing Show (SOV020)

    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 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   Links Jordan Bravo Boost in on Fountain.FM Epic Games vs Google Court Decision Linux Desktop Market Share Statistics Deceptive Patterns Types and Examples "How I Broke Up With Adobe" by James Lee (Animation) PewDiePie's "I Installed Linux (so should you)"

    47 min

  4. 08/12/2025

    How to Choose Sovereign Software - The Sovereign Computing Show (SOV019)

    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: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/how-to-choose-sovereign-software   00:00 Jordan's Opening Quote on Software Choice 00:27 Introduction and ATL BitLab Sponsorship 01:45 Welcome and Contact Information 01:55 News: Samsung Kills Custom ROM Support 02:53 - No More Bootloader Unlocks on Samsung Devices 04:48 - Security Trade-offs with Unlocked Bootloaders 05:50 - Samsung's Motivations: Security vs Control 07:43 News: EU Age Verification Requirements 08:40 - Digital Sovereignty Alarm from Privacy Advocates 09:42 - EU's Contradictory Privacy Stance 12:39 - Decentralized Identity vs Google Monopoly 14:52 Proton Authenticator: Google Authenticator Alternative 16:32 - Open Source 2FA with Zero-Knowledge Sync 18:04 - Security Concerns of All-in-One Solutions 22:50 - Standalone App, No Proton Account Required 23:41 Ente Auth: Self-Hostable 2FA Alternative 24:55 - F-Droid Support and Open Source Commitment 25:48 Main Topic: How to Choose Sovereign Software 26:11 - Open Source as a Starting Point 26:56 - Cross-Platform and Alternative App Stores 27:36 - No Vendor Lock-In and Data Export 28:35 - Why Software Choice Matters Long-Term 29:48 Stephen's Framework for Evaluating Software 30:17 - Investigating "Open Source" Claims 31:38 - Checking GitHub Activity and Maintenance 34:58 - How to Evaluate GitHub Projects Live Demo 38:11 - Understanding GitHub Issues as Health Indicators 42:27 - Contributors and Community Health 43:38 - Open Standards and File Formats 46:29 - UI/UX Quality Matters for Daily Drivers 50:32 - Sustainable Business Models and Monetization 54:34 Conclusion and Future Episode Tease

    56 min

  5. 07/29/2025

    Private GPS & Maps: Ditch Google and Apple - The Sovereign Computing Show (SOV018)

    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 move away from Switzerland due to emerging surveillance laws.   Show Notes: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/private-gps-and-maps   00:00 Why Privacy Laws Can't Be Trusted - Jordan's Opening Quote 00:10 Introduction and ATL BitLab Sponsorship 01:32 Welcome and Contact Information 02:27 News: Proton Announces Lumo AI Assistant 03:35 - Proton's Privacy Claims for Lumo 05:31 - Testing Lumo's Capabilities and Models 12:22 - Privacy Trade-offs vs Google/OpenAI 13:28 - Proton vs Big Tech Business Models 15:10 - Proton Moving Infrastructure Out of Switzerland 16:21 - Swiss Privacy Laws Under Threat 17:18 - Jordan's Take on Privacy Law Volatility 17:35 - European "Euro Stack" Initiative 20:27 Main Topic: Private GPS and Navigation 21:12 Introduction to Open Street Maps 22:00 Magic Earth: Premium Privacy Navigation App 23:50 - $0.99/year pricing model 24:48 - Jordan's experience with Magic Earth 26:20 - Search limitations vs Google Maps 29:22 Organic Maps: Free but Limited UX 30:40 Waze on GrapheneOS: Surprising Discovery 33:14 Garmin Standalone GPS: Ultimate Privacy 34:30 - Benefits of dedicated navigation device 37:24 - Garmin dash cam capabilities 38:22 - Garmin watches for privacy-conscious users 39:39 BTC Map: Bitcoin Business Directory 43:00 Mapbox for Developers 45:28 Boost Segment: Anonymous and Keith Sharp 47:17 Conclusion and Contact Information

    48 min

  6. 07/22/2025

    The Cypherpunk Manifesto - The Sovereign Computing Show (SOV017)

    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: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast/cypherpunk-manifesto   00:00 Introduction and Bitcoin's Anonymous Transaction Systems  00:33 Welcome and ATL BitLab Sponsorship  01:54 New Dedicated Sovereign Computing Show Feed Announcement  03:23 Introduction to the Cypherpunk Manifesto  04:16 Reading Eric Hughes' Cypherpunk Manifesto (1993)  10:47 Analysis: Bitcoin as Anonymous Transaction System  2:04 Minimum Information Transactions (Mullvad, IVPN Examples)  13:11 Historical Context of Personal Computers and the Web  16:47 When Cryptography Was Illegal - Military Weapon Classification  20:51 Supreme Court Rules Encryption as Free Speech  22:21 Bitcoin White Paper as Cypherpunk Goals Implementation  24:28 Satoshi's Use of Decades of Cryptographic Research

    36 min

  7. 07/16/2025

    Privacy Violations and Self-Hosting Wins - The Sovereign Computing Show (SOV016)

    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: https://atlbitlab.com/podcast   00:00 Introduction and Digital Footprint Philosophy 00:35 Welcome to Sovereign Computing Show 00:51 ATL BitLab Sponsorship 01:55 Production Updates and Schedule Changes 03:18 News: Trump Taps Palantir for Master Database on Americans 06:02 Discussion: Government Data Collection Reality 08:50 Advice: Minimizing Digital Footprints 09:42 Personal Anecdote: Marketing Work with Surveillance Tech 13:17 News: WhatsApp AI Mistakenly Shares User's Phone Number 18:07 Analysis: LLM Context and Security Rules 24:01 WhatsApp Metadata and AI Concerns 24:59 News: Meta and Yandex Android Tracking Exploit 28:34 Technical Details: localhost Port Listening 30:56 Instagram Microphone Surveillance Discussion 34:23 News: Ford Patents Car Surveillance Technology 38:37 Future of Autonomous Vehicles and Privacy 40:06 Privacy Alternative: Toyota Hilux No-Frills Truck 42:08 Jordan's Sovereign Computing Updates 42:31 Text Verify for Anonymous Phone Verification 45:12 Steven's Experience with Simple Login App 48:01 Mint Mobile Payment Issues and AT&T Alternative 49:55 Self-Hosting: Albi Hub Lightning Node Setup 51:48 Self-Custodial Podcast Boosts with Podverse 52:09 Self-Hosted Lightning Address with RustDress 54:20 Nix Package Repository Work 55:05 Wrap-up and Contact Information 55:46 Outro and Bitcoin Tips

    57 min

  8. 07/08/2025

    How to Get an Anonymous Website - The Sovereign Computing Show (SOV015)

    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 Media Platforms  00:35 Introduction and ATL BitLab Sponsorship  01:55 Welcome and Contact Information  02:26 News: Bitcoin Core Pull Request to Remove OP_Return Limits  07:29 Why This PR Highlights the Importance of Running Your Own Node  11:22 Main Topic: Private Domain Names and Hosting  12:35 Minimizing Personal Information When Registering Domains  13:29 NameCheap: Domain Registration with Bitcoin  15:57 Using Fake Information and Domain Privacy Guard  17:15 Domain Takedown Threat Model  20:18 DNSSEC for Enhanced Security  21:21 PorkBun: Another Private Domain Registrar  21:54 Private Hosting Options Introduction  22:54 Hostinger VPS Services  24:11 1984 Hosting in Iceland  24:46 Flokinet in Iceland  25:17 Why Personal Websites Matter in the Social Media Age  29:46 Websites vs. Censorship-prone Social Media Platforms  31:36 Avoiding Services Like LinkTree  35:01 Technical Side Discussion: How Domain Names Work  35:30 How ICANN, Registries, and Registrars Interoperate  40:14 How Authorities Can Take Down Domain Names  42:33 Trade-offs with Different TLDs (.com vs alternatives)  47:56 Boost Segment and Listener Appreciation

    50 min
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About

The Sovereign Computing Show is a podcast where we teach you how to take back control of your devices. Sovereign Computing means you own your technology, not the other way around. Hosted by Jordan Bravo and recorded in Atlanta's freedom-tech hackerspace, this show teaches you about topics like self-hosting, privacy, and other digital freedom tools.

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