RECENT EPISODES
Wed 23 SeptAuto Research on Yukon with Soubhik DebIn this episode, Soubhik Deb explores the Yukon platform, which fosters collaborative auto research competitions, building on the success of the ecdsa.fail project. He discusses the implications of a Google paper revealing a quantum circuit that challenges elliptic curve cryptography, prompting the launch of competitions to develop more efficient circuits. Deb highlights significant advancements in research collaboration, including a breakthrough in the proximity prize competition, and emphasizes Yukon's role in accelerating AI-driven scientific discovery across various fields.Wed 16 SeptRon Rothblum on Fiat-Shamir Attacks, Flock and SNARK.fastIn this episode, Ron Rothblum delves into the implications of the Fiat-Shamir attack on protocol security, highlighting its potential to enhance efficiency while posing risks to certain systems like the GKR protocol. He discusses his work on Flock and SNARK.fast, emphasizing the importance of polynomial commitment schemes and the role of AI in optimizing circuit performance.Wed 9 SeptThe Evolution from ZKP2P to Peer with Richard LiangIn this episode, Richard Liang discusses the evolution of the project from ZKP2P to Peer, detailing significant architectural changes that enhance user experience and reliability. The transition from ZK TLS to a solution utilizing Trusted Execution Environments marks a pivotal shift, allowing for faster proof generation and improved privacy during transactions. Liang also introduces the new checkout interface, Pure Pay, which bridges traditional fiat payments with cryptocurrencies, while addressing the security implications of AI in the evolving digital finance landscape.Wed 5 AugMinimmit, Multimmit and the New Consensus Frontier with Patrick O'GradyPatrick O'Grady joins to discuss Commonware, his Rust library of over 40 composable blockchain primitives, and the two consensus protocols his team built on top of Simplex Consensus. Minimmit targets the 5F plus 1 fault tolerance setting that Alpenglow brought to prominence, splitting Byzantine and crash fault thresholds to 20 percent each and enabling two-step finalization that roughly halves latency compared to standard 3F plus 1 designs.Wed 29 JulPrivate Information Retrieval (PIR) with Alex HooverAlex Hoover joins the show to explain private information retrieval, a cryptographic primitive dating to 1995 that hides which entry a client fetches from a public database rather than the contents of that entry. The conversation traces the evolution from multi-server information-theoretic schemes through single-server computational approaches to the offline-online preprocessing designs that now reduce amortized server computation and communication from linear to roughly square-root-n.Wed 15 JulAlex Ozdemir on where Theorem Provers and ZK meetAlex Ozdemir, an assistant professor at Georgia Tech, joins to discuss his work connecting formal verification and zero-knowledge proofs, with a focus on ZK Pi, a ZK SNARK that lets a prover convince a verifier that a Lean theorem is true without revealing the underlying proof.Wed 8 JulSergey Gorbunov on TEEs and the Arc Privacy SectorSergey Gorbunov, co-founder of Interop Labs and the team behind Axelar, joins to discuss ARC, the EVM-compatible L1 blockchain Circle built after acquiring Interop Labs, and its privacy sector, a private execution environment running inside trusted execution environments. Gorbunov explains why he chose TEEs over zero-knowledge proofs, FHE, and MPC, arguing that composability with existing developer tooling and enterprise infrastructure is the primary reason most cryptographic privacy environments have failed to gain adoption.Wed 1 JulzkMesh+ Exclusive Clip – Benedikt Bünz on the threat of AIBenedikt Bünz makes the case that AI represents a structural threat to cryptography, not just a tool for finding implementation bugs. He describes a recent instance in which using Gemini and OpenAI tools helped him identify an attack on a hash-to-elliptic-curve-point construction within roughly a day, a result later confirmed and improved by elliptic curve specialist Yusuf.Wed 24 JunPushing the Limits of Proof Systems with Benedikt BünzBenedikt Bünz, chief scientist at Espresso Systems and NYU computer science professor, joins to discuss pushing the boundaries of modern proof systems. The conversation covers Espresso's consensus architecture, which processes 20 to 30 megabytes per second for rollup transaction ordering, and its growing engagement with large financial institutions including DTCC's stated goal of one million transactions per second for stock clearing.Thu 18 JunAnnouncement: zkMesh+ Exclusive Clip – Vericoding and SMTThis clip, available only to zkMesh Plus paid subscribers, picks up a prior conversation with Wyatt Benno to introduce vericoding as a formal alternative to vibe coding, the practice of trusting AI-generated code based on feel rather than proof.Wed 10 JunBuilding ZK-Powered AI Guardrails with Wyatt BennoWyatt Benno, technical founder of ICME Labs, joins to discuss ICME Preflight, a system that converts natural language guardrail policies into formal logic via SMT files and wraps them in zero knowledge proofs that verify in under one second without stopping transactions. Benno explains why existing approaches including LLM judges and regex-based tools top out around 80 percent accuracy and remain vulnerable to prompt injection, and how ZK allows policy verification without exposing the policy itself to third parties.Wed 27 MayThe Quantum Question Panel – Live from zkSummit14Recorded live at zkSummit14, this panel examines how close a cryptographically relevant quantum computer actually is and what Ethereum and ZK proof systems must do before one arrives.Wed 20 MayFrom Access Control to Encrypted Execution with Auryn MacmillanAuryn Macmillan traces the evolution of Zodiac from the technical scaffolding behind the Gnosis DAO into a modular access control suite now securing roughly three billion dollars in assets across treasury managers, vault operators, and the Gnosis Pay debit card. He uses the Bybit exploit to argue that constraining routine operations to pre-defined roles rather than granting full Safe root access would have limited the blast radius.Wed 6 MayQuantum Advances, Hybrid Signatures and SNARKs to the Rescue with Dan BonehDan Boneh addresses the urgency of transitioning to post-quantum cryptography amid Google's quantum developments, advocating for caution to avoid potential security mistakes. He discusses hybrid signatures that combine ECDSA with lattice-based signatures as a solution to enhance security against quantum threats. Additionally, the role of AI in developing cryptographic proofs and zero-knowledge applications is explored, highlighting its significance in improving blockchain security and addressing emerging cryptographic challenges.Wed 22 AprIs ZK dead? Or has it just begun? with the ZK Pod co-hostsIn episode 399 of the Zero Knowledge podcast, co-hosts explore the evolution and relevance of Zero-Knowledge (ZK) technology, debating whether it is "dead" or just beginning, and highlighting its growth from niche research to a vital infrastructure. They discuss the interplay between ZK and AI, emphasizing the need for verifiable AI and the rising importance of privacy. Additionally, they note significant advancements in ZK research and applications, including its potential role in enhancing post-quantum safety.Wed 8 AprVerifiable Databases with Shyam & Emanuele from ProvablyIn the discussion with Sham and Emanuele of Provably, key topics include the development of verifiable databases, particularly MiracleTree, which enhances SQL database correctness for multi-agent AI systems and blockchain applications. They emphasize the use of cryptographic techniques to maintain data privacy while enabling proof of financial performance. Additionally, the conversation touches on integrating traditional finance with stablecoin transactions and the future of decentralized proof systems, highlighting challenges in privacy and query integrity.Wed 1 AprDev Ojha on the Osmosis Story and his Return to PrivacyIn this episode, Dev Ojha discusses the evolution of Osmosis within the Cosmos ecosystem, focusing on scalability and privacy challenges, including Miner Extractable Value (MEV). He highlights his return to Zcash, emphasizing advancements in zero-knowledge technologies to enhance privacy and usability amid the complexities of DeFi. The aftermath of the Terra collapse prompted strategic pivots in security measures for cross-chain applications, underlining the potential for Cosmos as a hub for privacy-focused projects.Wed 1 AprDev Ohja on the Osmosis Story and his Return to PrivacyThe discussion with Dev Ohja centers on Osmosis's evolution within the Cosmos ecosystem, highlighting its role in developing pioneering technologies such as decentralized exchanges and cross-chain communication. Ohja also emphasizes privacy technology's significance, particularly in Zcash, addressing challenges like Miner Extractable Value and usability issues, while envisioning Cosmos as a hub for privacy applications. Furthermore, the conversation touches on the impact of the Terra collapse and the urgent need for robust security measures in the crypto landscape.Wed 25 Marlean Ethereum Part 6: Formal Verification with Alex HicksIn this discussion on formal verification in the Lean Ethereum ecosystem, Alex Hicks emphasizes the significance of creating machine-checkable proofs for components across the ZK stack, including RISC-V and ZKVM. The importance of trust in code and the necessity for client diversity are highlighted, along with the integration of AI in proof systems to streamline verification processes. The conversation also addresses the complex challenges of maintaining code and dependencies to ensure robust cryptographic standards and compiler optimizations.Wed 18 Marlean Ethereum Part 5: Devnets & Upgrade Coordination with Will and RaúlIn the fifth episode of Lean Ethereum, Will Cochran and Raúl Kripalani discuss crucial advancements in Ethereum, including the implementation of post-quantum signatures and snark aggregation. They emphasize the necessity of upgrade coordination and collaboration within the Ethereum development community, highlighting the transition from DevNet Zero to DevNet Four. Additionally, the conversations cover bandwidth optimization, the importance of signature size reduction, and the introduction of ETHP2P for enhanced network performance, all pivotal for the future of blockchain technology.Wed 11 Marlean Ethereum Part 4: leanVM, a Custom VM for Signature AggregationThe discussion focuses on Lean VM, a minimal ZK VM for post-quantum signature aggregation on Ethereum's consensus layer, designed to simplify operations with only four opcodes for efficiency. It emphasizes improvements in signature aggregation performance, aiming to exceed 1,000 XMSS signatures per second through optimizations and potential GPU acceleration. Additionally, Lean VM's architecture prioritizes security enhancements, aiming for over 100 bits of security, while facilitating collaboration among client teams on implementation and testing.Wed 4 Marlean Ethereum Part 3: Security of PQ SNARKs and an update about the Proximity PrizeIn this episode of Lean Ethereum, the discussion centers on post-quantum SNARKs and their relevance to Ethereum's future security. Key insights include the recent $1 million proximity prize fostering academic research on proximity gap conjectures, alongside advancements in proof systems like Whirl and Poseidon. Concerns regarding the security of hash-based SNARKs and the need for provable security against emerging threats emphasize the critical importance of robust coding techniques and the implications for blockchain technology.Wed 25 Feblean Ethereum Part 2: PQ Signatures and Poseidon with Dmitry and BenediktIn this episode, the focus is on Lean Ethereum and post-quantum signatures, specifically LeanSig, designed to enhance Ethereum's security against quantum attacks. The researchers discuss the trade-offs in signature size and performance, and the challenges of implementing multi-signature schemes with post-quantum security. Additionally, they delve into the cryptanalysis of Poseidon, a crucial hash function for LeanSig, emphasizing its potential vulnerabilities and the need for thorough security evaluation.Wed 18 Feblean Ethereum Miniseries Kick-off with Anna & NicoThe Lean Ethereum Miniseries, hosted by Anna and Nico, focuses on zero knowledge concepts and Ethereum's transition to post-quantum standards, highlighting hash-based signatures. It will also address the Proximity Prize initiative for improving hash-based security and feature insights from guest Justin Drake on cryptographic advancements. Additionally, ZK Summit 14 in Rome will gather experts in zero knowledge and blockchain technologies, underscoring the ongoing dialogue in these rapidly evolving fields.Wed 18 Feblean Ethereum Part 1: Introduction with Justin DrakeIn this episode, Justin Drake discusses Lean Ethereum's three-layer architecture (Consensus, Data, Execution) and the vital role of ZKEVMs for throughput enhancement. Emphasizing post-quantum cryptography for rapid transaction finality, he introduces LeanVM, designed for efficient cryptographic execution. The conversation also covers formal verification's significance, funding initiatives addressing mathematical challenges, and the implications of blockchain security transitioning to new hash functions, highlighting AI's potential influence on development.Wed 18 FebIntroduction to Lean Ethereum with Justin DrakeThe discussion highlights Lean Ethereum's innovative structure, focusing on the consensus, data, and execution layers, with ZKEVMs enhancing throughput. Key challenges include the need for post-quantum signatures, with SNOX addressing signature aggregation issues, and the introduction of LeanVM for optimized hash-based cryptography. Additionally, formal verification initiatives, including a $20 million bounty, aim to ensure security across the Ethereum ecosystem while exploring efficient aggregation methods for a scalable proof of stake system.Wed 18 FebLean Ethereum Miniseries Kick-off with Anna & NicoThe episode introduces a Lean Ethereum miniseries led by Anna Rose and Nico, focusing on the integration of zero-knowledge (ZK) technology in Ethereum. It explores the upgrade to post-quantum signatures, emphasizing the importance of hash-based methods for security and the uncertainties surrounding lattice-based solutions. The series aims to engage listeners on the intersection of cryptography and Ethereum's evolution, alongside the announcement of ZK Summit 14 in Rome for further community engagement.Wed 11 FebBonus: zkMesh+ & Upcoming MiniseriesThis week's bonus segment for ZK Mesh Plus features Ian Myers discussing Zcash, highlighting the importance of privacy and innovations to streamline its nullifier state. Additionally, an upcoming six-part miniseries titled "Lean Ethereum" will explore a post-Quantum vision for Ethereum, emphasizing zk technology integration.Wed 4 FebStateful ZK Identity with Ian MiersIn the podcast, Ian Miers discusses stateful zero-knowledge (ZK) identity, emphasizing self-sovereign identities that evolve and preserve anonymity while combating issues like account theft and trolling. He introduces concepts such as ambient identity and ZK promises to create anonymous identities with behavior-based accountability. The conversation also touches on the role of AI in moderation and the need for robust identity verification systems to enhance data integrity and prevent misuse in decentralized social networks.Thu 29 JanBonus: Join zkMesh+ for some bonus podcast content!The episode features a bonus segment with Sean Bow on the quantum threat to blockchains and its impact on ZK networks, highlighting future upgrades for Zcash. Additionally, ZK Mesh Plus is introduced, offering a subscription model that provides access to exclusive content and events related to Zero Knowledge. The host also mentions a return to a full-length episode next week.Wed 21 JanSean Bowe on Tachyon and the Evolution of ZcashThe discussion centers on the evolution of Zcash, led by Sean Bowe, emphasizing the development of Tachyon, a significant upgrade aimed at enhancing privacy and usability in shielded pools. Key advancements include the integration of the Halo 2 protocol, which improves scalability and addresses cryptographic bottlenecks. The conversation also touches on Zcash's increasing adoption of shielded transactions, governance enhancements, and the broader Zero Knowledge ecosystem's commitment to privacy solutions within cryptocurrency.Mon 19 JanBonus: Welcome to 2026 from ZK Podcast & zkMesh+The ZK Podcast is set to release new episodes focusing on zero-knowledge (ZK) technology within the Ethereum ecosystem, emphasizing innovative privacy paradigms and integration with broader technologies. "ZK Mesh Plus" will introduce supplementary materials, including a quarterly State of ZK report. The host expresses optimism for the future, envisioning 2026 as a pivotal year for ZK Acceleration in AI and blockchain advancements.Mon 19 JanWelcome to 2026 from ZK Podcast & zkMesh+The episode announces the return of the ZK Podcast and previews three upcoming episodes, highlighting a multi-part video series on ZK activity in the Ethereum ecosystem. Key topics for 2026 include advancements in privacy paradigms and the integration of ZK technology into various tech landscapes, with an optimistic view on ZK Acceleration shaping the future.Wed, 3 Dec 2025Year in Review: ZK Podcast in 2025 & BeyondIn the "Year in Review: ZK Podcast in 2025 & Beyond," key topics include the continued growth and applications of zero knowledge (ZK) technology despite challenging financial markets, with a strong focus on AI auditing and the urgent integration of ZK in the AI landscape. The podcast also highlights the advancements in quantum computing and lattice-based cryptography, emphasizing the need for post-quantum security. Additionally, a new subscription model, ZK Mesh Plus, enhances access to resources within the ZK ecosystem.Wed, 26 Nov 2025Pratyush Mishra on Tiny Proofs, Folding, Low-Memory SNARKs and MorePratyush Mishra explores advancements in SNARKs, particularly tiny proofs, folding schemes using hash functions, and low-memory SNARKs, emphasizing their potential in computer security beyond blockchain. He highlights the rapid growth of zero-knowledge proof (ZKP) research since 2021, including innovations in hash-based systems and their post-quantum security. The conversation also reflects on the increasing integration of ZK concepts into cryptocurrency education, showcasing the expanding applicability and efficiency of these technologies.Wed, 19 Nov 2025Lattices, Folding, & Symphony with Binyi ChenThe discussion centers on Binyi Chen's work in lattice-based technology, particularly Lattice Fold and its enhancements, highlighting its potential to replace traditional hash functions with greater efficiency and post-quantum security. The Symphony project aims to streamline folding processes and enhance proof systems, reducing verification complexity for scalable computations. Insights also cover the challenges of integrating lattice commitments and improving prover efficiency, underscoring the promise of lattice-based approaches in the evolving landscape of cryptography and blockchain technology.Wed, 12 Nov 2025The Quest for Practical iO with Machina iOIn the discussion on practical Indistinguishability Obfuscation (IO) with Machina iO, key insights include its potential to enhance privacy for smart contracts and secure handling of sensitive data, surpassing current technologies like Multi-Party Computation (MPC) and Fully Homomorphic Encryption (FHE). The conversation also explores the experimental status of IO within Ethereum's privacy roadmap, noting its implications for blockchain security and the quest for practical implementations amidst ongoing challenges in computation and security assumptions.Wed, 5 Nov 2025Countdown to Q-Day with Project 11The "Zero Knowledge" podcast discusses the urgent implications of quantum computing on cryptographic systems and blockchain security with Project 11. They emphasize the vulnerability of existing algorithms, proposing strategies for secure migrations to post-quantum cryptography to protect digital assets. The conversation also highlights advancements in zero-knowledge proofs and the necessity for new protocols tailored to emerging quantum threats, particularly addressing the risks posed by Shor's Algorithm to current blockchain infrastructures.Wed, 29 Oct 2025Bonus: ZK Mesh and ZK Whiteboard this week!This week, there is no episode; however, next week will cover quantum computers and their threats. The latest release of Module 5 of the ZK Whiteboard Sessions delves into zero-knowledge (ZK) concepts, crucial for understanding these advanced techniques in AI, cryptocurrencies, and blockchain. Additionally, the upcoming ZK Mesh Monthly Newsletter on October 31st will highlight research and developments in the ZK space.Wed, 22 Oct 2025Kevin Lacker on AI-Assisted Theorem Proving and AcornKevin Lacker discusses Acorn, an AI-assisted theorem prover that simplifies mathematical proof generation, making it user-friendly and more accessible than traditional systems like Lean. He explores the foundational role of axioms in mathematics and the potential of AI to enhance theorem proving and formal verification, particularly in cryptography. The conversation emphasizes the integration of AI in processing mathematical literature while addressing concerns over trust and the quality of proofs generated.