Is self custody the only "real" way to own Bitcoin—or is it gatekeeping millions from entering the market?

In this heated Cardone Debates with Dana episode, Bitcoin veterans go head-to-head:

🔐 TEAM SELF CUSTODY

• Simon Dixon – Bitcoin investor since 2011 ($3 BTC), invested in Coinbase, Kraken, Bitfinex

• Dustin Stockton – Political strategist, de-banked for 4 years, lived on Bitcoin

💼 TEAM CUSTODIAL SOLUTIONS

• Joe Carla – Commercial litigator serving Bitcoin miners

• Gary Cardone – Bitcoin advocate & entrepreneur

THE QUESTION: What's best for onboarding the next billion Bitcoiners—teaching self custody from day one, or removing friction with ETFs, exchanges, and custodial solutions?

Topics covered:

• The real risks of self custody (lost seed phrases, $50M mistakes)

• Why Simon won't trust banks with his Bitcoin after 50 account closures

• Dustin's story of surviving 4 years without a bank account

• Hal Finney's 2010 prediction about Bitcoin's future

• The surveillance state and why self custody matters for dissidents

• Practical advice for beginners

🎯 THE VERDICT: Both sides agree—get Bitcoin first, figure out storage later. But the debate reveals why understanding BOTH options matters for your financial freedom.

Chapters:

00:00 The Importance of Self-Custody

01:33 Debate Structure and Roles

03:24 Defining the Debate Topic

16:03 Simon Dixon's Opening Argument

20:27 Rebuttal: The Case for Custody Solutions

23:47 Dustin Stockton's Counterargument

36:46 Open Discussion: Balancing Custody and Self-Custody

40:56 Bitcoin and Sanctions: The Reality Check

41:18 Personal Experiences with Bitcoin and Banking

42:00 The Debate on Self-Custody vs. Custodial Solutions

44:27 Challenges of Using Bitcoin in the Traditional Financial System

50:19 The Importance of Self-Custody and Diversification

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📍 Cardone Debates with Dana airs every Tuesday at 5PM ET

🎙️ Hosted by Dana Howell

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