RECENT EPISODES
Thu 13 AugThe 'Useless' Theory Behind Modern SNARKs (ft. Gödel Prize Winner Noam Nisan)Gödel Prize and Knuth Prize winner Noam Nisan joins to trace how the Sumcheck Protocol, developed around 1990 and published in the LFKN paper, became the unchanged algebraic core of modern SNARKs. Nisan recounts discovering the multiprover interactive proof result in under a week and learning of Shamir's IP equals PSPACE generalization through a relayed note read by his mother over the phone.Mon 10 AugHow Zero-Knowledge Proofs Were Invented (ft. Co-Inventor and Turing Award Winner Shafi Goldwasser)Turing Award winner Shafi Goldwasser joins to recount the invention of zero-knowledge proofs, a result she developed with Silvio Micali and Charles Rackoff that now underpins SNARKs and blockchain privacy tools like ZCASH. The conversation traces the idea from the mental poker problem through six rejections of the GMR paper to its eventual influence on the proof that IP equals PSPACE.Sat 1 AugMarc Andreessen and Chris Dixon: Why America Needs CLARITYMarc Andreessen and Chris Dixon make the case for the CLARITY Act, a roughly 600-page bill that passed the House with bipartisan support and would for the first time give the SEC and CFTC formal oversight of crypto exchanges, including disclosure requirements, anti-fraud rules, and insider trading prohibitions.Mon 27 JulHow AI is Changing the Way We Build Companies (ft. Guy Wuollet and Noah Citron)Guy Wuollet and Noah Citron examine how AI token spend is reshaping company building, arguing that token budgets now function like headcount because output scales more linearly with dollars spent, a shift Citron says became apparent only in the past three months as their own monthly spend grew from a few thousand dollars to a few hundred thousand.Fri 24 JulThe Story Behind RSA: The Invention That Secured the Internet (ft. Turing Award Winner Ron Rivest)Turing Award winner Ron Rivest joins to recount how RSA encryption was born on April 2, 1977, after a dinner at Adi Shamir's house, with security grounded in the computational hardness of factoring large primes, a problem so sparsely studied at the time that the team's confidence was cautious rather than certain.Fri 17 JulWhy auction design matters (ft. Nobel economist Paul Milgrom)Paul Milgrom, who shared the Nobel Prize in Economics with Bob Wilson for their work on auction theory, joins the show to discuss how careful mechanism design translates into real-world outcomes worth tens of billions of dollars.Tue 14 JulWhy markets fail — and how to fix them (ft. Nobel economist Alvin Roth)Nobel laureate Alvin Roth joins the show to explain why some markets fail even when supply and demand exist, and what it takes to fix them. He walks through the three conditions any marketplace must satisfy in sequence: sufficient thickness, congestion management, and trustworthiness.Thu 25 JunLeslie Lamport on the Science of Distributed SystemsLeslie Lamport, Turing Award winner and pioneer of distributed systems, joins the show to trace the intellectual arc from his 1972 encounter with mutual exclusion through the bakery algorithm, logical clocks, Byzantine fault tolerance, and Paxos. He argues that state machine replication, not logical clocks, was the true contribution of his time clocks paper, a point Tim Roughgarden connects directly to modern blockchain systems like Ethereum and Solana.Mon 22 JunBefore Blockchains, There Was State Machine Replication (ft. Barbara Liskov and Tim Roughgarden)Barbara Liskov joins Tim Roughgarden to trace the lineage of distributed consensus from Viewstamp Replication in the mid-1980s through Practical Byzantine Fault Tolerance and into modern blockchains. Liskov explains how Viewstamp Replication introduced a view change protocol allowing backups to elect a new primary while preserving committed history, and how PBFT extended that foundation to handle lying replicas by requiring three F plus one nodes and an additional confirmation phase backed by cryptographic certificates.Mon 22 JunHow Bitcoin Rewired a Classic Computer Science Problem (ft. Tim Roughgarden and Ittai Abraham)Tim Roughgarden and Ittai Abraham trace how Bitcoin's arrival forced a long-overdue collision between two research traditions that had been solving the same problem in isolation. Abraham explains that state machine replication and Byzantine fault tolerance had addressed Bitcoin's core challenge roughly 40 years earlier, yet it took years after the 2009 launch for researchers to recognize the connection.Fri 12 JunHow Stablecoins Are Reconfiguring the Financial System | ft. Eddy Lazzarin and Sonal ChokshiEddy Lazzarin and Sonal Chokshi examine how stablecoins are reconfiguring the broader financial system by solving one specific function, moving a balance between addresses quickly and cheaply, so precisely that banks adding stablecoin capability gain collateral visibility and new lending possibilities without bespoke integrations.Fri 12 JunEddy Deep DiveEddy Lazarin, newly promoted to GP at a16z crypto, anchors his investment framework in a 2004 William Nordhaus finding that 97.8 percent of value created by companies leaks to consumers rather than being captured as profit, which he uses to explain why genuine value capture is rare and why crypto token economics, including buy and burn and mint and spend mechanisms unavailable to conventional equity, matter so much.Wed 13 MayThe Real Reason Behind Most DeFi HacksMost DeFi hacks trace back not to exotic exploits but to stolen keys, unauthorized machine access, and social engineering, which appears somewhere in the attack chain of nearly every significant incident. In April alone, roughly 635 million dollars was lost across close to as many incidents as days in the month, a spike one guest ties partly to AI tools released by Chinese developers giving attackers greater capability, partly to geopolitical tensions, and partly to intensified North Korean activity.Tue 5 MayWe Raised $2.2B. Here’s Why.In the podcast episode discussing A16's $2.2 billion fundraising for Crypto Fund 5, the partners emphasize the importance of integrating crypto into existing financial systems with a focus on stablecoin growth and regulatory frameworks like the Genius Act to foster trust. They note a cultural shift in crypto towards practical solutions, driven by advancements in AI and blockchain, with a vision for programmable agents to autonomously manage transactions and enhance financial ecosystems. Privacy and interoperability are recognized as crucial for institutional adoption.Mon 27 AprThe end of ads? AI agents are about to change how we buyThe podcast discusses the impact of AI agents on commerce, suggesting they may replace traditional apps by automating purchasing processes and enhancing consumer interactions. It highlights the emergence of an agent-native internet that could diminish the role of advertising, as user behavior shifts towards AI-driven transactions. Additionally, the conversation addresses the potential transformation of payment systems, considering the integration of stablecoins to improve transaction efficiency and reduce costs associated with traditional credit card systems.Wed 22 AprWhy AI is so centralized: How it's built, who controls it, and what comes nextThe discussion emphasizes the centralization of AI, highlighting how major companies control systems like ChatGPT, leading to inefficiencies and societal power imbalances. It advocates for decentralization to enhance trust and efficiency in human-machine interactions, suggesting that blockchain technology could introduce programmatic trust mechanisms. Additionally, the potential for machines to become sovereign economic actors raises important questions about their roles in a Darwinian market for intelligence.Fri 17 AprHow Bots, Deepfakes and AI Agents Are Forcing a New Internet Identity LayerThe podcast discusses the urgent need for an online identity layer in response to AI advancements, focusing on "Proof of Human" systems to combat bots and deepfakes. It highlights the importance of reliable biometric verification, particularly iris recognition, while exploring privacy-preserving technologies like multi-party computation. Additionally, the conversation critiques market competition and advocates for cryptographically secure identity methods to protect individual rights in an increasingly AI-driven landscape.Wed 8 AprHow DeFi lending actually works (with Paul Frambot, cofounder and CEO of Morpho Labs)The discussion centers on DeFi lending risks, as articulated by Paul Frambot of Morpho Labs, particularly the misconception surrounding under-collateralized loans in trustless systems. Morpho's infrastructure enables on-chain lending and borrowing with a focus on code safety and market risk dynamics. Additionally, the acceleration of DeFi adoption among financial institutions, including the launch of stablecoins, underscores the evolving landscape and potential for a unified financial system through blockchain technology.Fri 3 AprWhy Solana keeps getting faster — and what's next (ft. Jito Labs CEO Lucas Bruder)The discussion highlights Solana's ongoing advancements, notably through GEDO, the largest liquid staking protocol that enhances transaction efficiency and reduces network load. Solana's competitive edge in decentralized exchanges is underscored, especially against Ethereum's high fees, while the necessity for validator education on tools like Hyperliquid is emphasized. Overall, the conversation showcases Solana's rapid evolution and robust market position in the blockchain landscape.Wed 25 MarVitalik Buterin vs Beff Jezos: AI Acceleration Debate (E/acc vs D/acc)The conversation centers on the debate between Effective Accelerationism (EAC) and Decelerationism (DEC), highlighting the importance of intentional technological acceleration to foster optimism and agency, particularly regarding AI's role in society. Vitalik Buterin introduces Decentralized Defensive Acceleration (DIAC), warning against AI's potential for authoritarian control. The discussion also delves into open-source AI and equitable access to technology, emphasizing the need for adaptability in a rapidly evolving landscape while managing risks associated with AI development and power concentration.Tue 17 MarAI Is Changing the Internet. What Does It Mean for Creators? (with Justin and Michael Blau)The discussion highlights the challenges creators face with audience engagement in Web2, emphasizing the need for transparent, direct connections, which blockchain technology can facilitate. AI's impact on content creation raises concerns over diminishing costs and its effect on the creator economy, while a new value system for intellectual property is deemed necessary. Additionally, the potential of NFTs for digital ownership is underscored, emphasizing their foundational role in building identity and artistic integrity within the evolving landscape.Fri 13 MarThe Emmy Built on ETH: Emily Yang aka pplpleasr on the Future of StorytellingThe podcast highlights the Emmy-winning project "White Rabbit," the first crypto initiative to achieve such recognition, emphasizing its interactive storytelling through NFT purchases and community engagement. Focused on permissionless creativity, the platform Shibuya leverages Ethereum for capital formation. Additionally, the narrative explores AI themes, with the main character, Mirai, being an AI entity, showcasing the intersection of blockchain technology and creative storytelling.Thu 5 MarAI Just Gave You Superpowers — Now What?The podcast examines the transformative role of AI in entrepreneurship, highlighting how it empowers startups while redefining job responsibilities, particularly in software engineering. Key themes include the need for human verification of AI outputs, especially in complex domains like cryptocurrencies and blockchain. Additionally, the discussion emphasizes the synergy between AI and blockchain technology, particularly through smart contracts, as well as the evolving job market and the necessity for individuals to adapt and specialize in response to automation.Wed 4 MarWhy Tokenize? Fidelity on Onchain Assets and the Next Phase of AdoptionThe discussion highlights Fidelity's strategy to integrate tokenized assets into their offerings, bridging traditional finance with decentralized finance. Key phases of adoption focus on increasing client exposure to cryptocurrencies through ETPs and enhancing on-chain asset functionality for liquidity and yield generation. Additionally, the importance of robust infrastructure for token issuance, regulatory awareness, and partnerships is emphasized, reflecting the rapid growth and significance of tokenized assets in the current financial landscape.Tue 3 MarWhen Bots Have Bank Accounts: The Rise of the Agent Economy (With Sean Neville, Catena Labs)The conversation explores the rise of an AI bank, highlighting the necessity for AI agents to autonomously manage financial transactions within a secure infrastructure. It questions trust in traditional systems while proposing cryptographically secured solutions to identify reliable bots. The need for standardized communication between AI agents and concerns around auditability are emphasized to facilitate safe economic interactions, suggesting that clear regulatory frameworks will be crucial for the successful integration of AI in financial contexts.Wed 11 FebFrom Eater to Blackbird: Ben Leventhal on Restaurants, Loyalty, and Rebuilding PaymentsThe discussion highlights the urgent need for restaurants to regain control over payment systems projected to exceed a trillion dollars by 2025. Ben Leventhal emphasizes Blackbird's innovative use of cryptocurrency to decentralize payments, enhancing customer identity ownership and loyalty. Additionally, the varying outlook on technology adoption among restaurateurs reflects a crucial balance between reducing costs and leveraging new solutions to improve customer engagement and operational efficiency.Mon 2 FebBridge CEO Zach Abrams: Stablecoins Are The Next Platform for MoneyThe discussion centered on stablecoins as the future of global payments, predicting significant growth in their use for agentic transactions and cross-border payments, likened to the transformative role of credit cards. Zach Abrams emphasized the need for robust infrastructure to support stablecoins, including fraud prevention and regulatory systems. He also foresaw advancements in AI enhancing payments and critiqued the trend toward centralization, advocating for a decentralized financial ecosystem to benefit all users.Fri 30 JanWhy Privacy Will Be the Biggest Moat in CryptoThe discussion emphasizes privacy as the crucial differentiator in the cryptocurrency landscape, reinforcing the idea that it will be the biggest moat in crypto. Ali Yahya highlights that strong privacy features can create lock-in effects within blockchains, fostering network effects. Additionally, the evolving intersection of AI and privacy raises concerns about personal data ownership, signaling an increased demand for privacy solutions as AI exploits user data, thus underlining the importance of integrating privacy advancements in blockchain technology.Fri 23 JanFrom Oculus to Anduril: Palmer Luckey on Power, Technology, and the FutureIn the discussion, Palmer Luckey emphasizes the evolution of virtual reality (VR) and highlights the importance of quality over price in driving adoption. He also delves into the implications of AI and cryptocurrency, particularly regarding their transformative roles in technology and finance. Additionally, Luckey points out the strategic rivalry between the U.S. and China, urging proactive measures to address potential conflicts and foster innovation in both defense and technological sectors.Wed 14 JanNobody's Gonna Trust Your Corp ChainChristian Catalini discusses Bitcoin's role as a robust medium for global value transfer and contrasts it with stablecoins while addressing previous regulatory challenges from the Libra project. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining an open and neutral blockchain network, cautioning against the risks of corporate chains and advocating for trust in decentralized systems. Additionally, he highlights the potential of AI's impact on financial systems, paralleling the evolution of crypto with successful decentralized technologies like Linux.Wed 7 JanThe Obsession That Destroys Startups (with LayerZero CEO)The conversation with LayerZero CEO Brian Pellegrino underscores the necessity of interoperability in blockchain to foster a robust multi-chain ecosystem, paralleling the early internet's evolution. The discussion highlights blockchain's transformative potential for economic activities, advocating for significant, asymmetric opportunities while warning against overcentralization by corporations. A focus on self-disruption, strong internal standards, and the value of customer obsession is emphasized as critical for startups navigating the rapidly evolving crypto landscape.Mon, 29 Dec 2025How Elite Athletes Perform Under Extreme PressureThe discussion emphasizes how elite athletes perform under extreme pressure by utilizing mental strategies like visualization and mindfulness, which enhance focus and resilience. It highlights the comparison between sports and business, noting the importance of adaptability and critical decision-making during challenging times. Lastly, insights into the pressure faced by founders in project commitment reveal the significance of emotional presence and strong relationships, fostering successful execution amid uncertainty.Tue, 23 Dec 2025What, How & Why We're ReadingThe episode emphasizes the significance of reading, discussing campaign strategies through poker and diverse book recommendations, with a preference for fiction and memoirs over nonfiction. Insights on historical fiction's educational value highlight the importance of context, while technological impacts, including AI tools like ChatGPT, shape modern reading habits. Additionally, the evolution of literature adaptations and the quality of audiobook narrators enhance engagement, illustrating how AI and blockchain technologies may disrupt traditional literary experiences.Fri, 19 Dec 2025From Wallets to Super Apps: The Internet's New Interface (with Phantom CEO)The discussion highlights the evolution of crypto wallets into consumer finance platforms, with Phantom CEO Brandon Millman categorizing them into V0 and V1 stages of functionality. The potential for wallets to become super apps is explored, as they transition from finance to social and gaming features, enhancing engagement. Additionally, Balaji Srinivasan emphasizes AI's role in revolutionizing financial transactions through cryptocurrency, suggesting that integrating AI could further position wallets as vital interfaces in a decentralized digital economy.Wed, 10 Dec 2025Crypto's Killer App?The discussion centers on the intersection of cryptocurrencies, stablecoins, and AI, highlighting USDC's mission to democratize finance and the evolving role of stablecoins as core payment infrastructure. Sean and Zach emphasize the need for regulatory education and the challenges of achieving product-market fit, while exploring the potential of new base layer chains like Arc and Tempo to address inefficiencies in blockchain applications. The importance of decentralization in enhancing scalability and throughput of blockchain technology is also highlighted.Thu, 4 Dec 2025TradFi’s Tipping Point: Fidelity CEO Abigail Johnson on Stablecoins, Bitcoin, and Innovation BetsAbigail Johnson, CEO of Fidelity, discussed the company's pioneering efforts in cryptocurrency since 2013, including mining and a customer-facing custody service driven by burgeoning demand. She highlighted the evolution of stablecoins, advocating for their use in earning interest through innovative products like tokenized money market funds. Johnson stressed that integrating blockchain technology within traditional finance is essential for modernization, underscoring strategy, transparency, and curiosity as key to fostering innovation amid a rapidly changing financial landscape.Mon, 24 Nov 2025AI, Networks, and What Makes Consumer Products WinThe discussion highlights the intersection of AI, cryptocurrencies, and network dynamics, emphasizing the importance of exponential forces in shaping tech markets. Key insights include the critical role of strong network effects for platform success and the challenges of integrating AI into established business models. The conversation also touches on the growing significance of open-source software and its potential to democratize technology and support innovation amid evolving consumer behaviors and investment landscapes.Wed, 19 Nov 2025Pricing the Future (with Kalshi CEO)In the episode, Tarek Mansour, CEO of Kalshi, discusses the role of prediction markets in "pricing the future," distinguishing them from gambling by emphasizing their utility and transparency. He outlines plans to integrate cryptocurrency, particularly stablecoins, to enhance transaction speed and global reach. Additionally, Tarek highlights the importance of regulatory compliance for sustainable business, ensuring ethical trading practices and mitigating risks of manipulation in the market.Wed, 5 Nov 2025Trump's Tech Czar on Crypto, AI, and American InnovationDavid Sacks, the Trump administration's tech czar, emphasizes the need for regulatory clarity in both the crypto and AI sectors, critiquing the Biden administration's heavy-handed approach that threatens U.S. innovation. He highlights the urgency of positioning the U.S. as a leader in AI amid growing competition from China. Recent legislative developments, like the Genius Act and the Clarity Act, aim to foster stability in the crypto market, showcasing a shift toward more sensible regulation in response to industry demands.Sat, 1 Nov 2025The Data Behind Crypto's Breakout YearThe notes highlight three key topics: 1. **Crypto's Economic Impact**: The cryptocurrency market has exceeded a $4 trillion cap, with anticipated institutional adoption in 2025 and stablecoins overtaking traditional payment systems. 2. **Technological Advancements**: Innovations in blockchain technology are enabling faster, cheaper transactions and the integration of real-world assets into decentralized finance (DeFi), with significant potential for growth. 3. **Intersection with AI**: The integration of AI in crypto addresses challenges like verification of content authenticity while promoting openness through decentralized computing, reflecting a talent shift towards AI startups in the sector.