RECENT EPISODES
Wed 9 SeptThe DAO Security Fund: Turning a Historic Hack into Ethereum's Future | Griff GreenIn this episode, Griff Green delves into the implications of the DAO hack on Ethereum's security landscape, revealing how it led to the creation of the DAO Security Fund. He discusses the fund's mission to enhance safety in the crypto space by allocating resources to various security projects through a community-driven funding model.Thu 30 JulWhy Crypto Finally Makes Sense to Wall Street | Jason YanowitzJason Yanowitz, founder of Blockworks, explains why Wall Street is finally warming to crypto as capital markets begin moving on-chain, and how Blockworks is positioning itself to be the data and disclosure infrastructure layer for that shift. He details the acquisition of Messari and the launch of the Token Transparency Framework, a standardized open-source disclosure system backed by Coinbase, Kraken, Binance US, and others, which requires projects to file information on token supply, market maker agreements, and influencer compensation.Fri 3 JulVitalik Buterin on The Economic Zone (EEZ) Ep. 642Vitalik Buterin joins the show to explain the Ethereum Economic Zone, a project built by Nosus and Zisk with Ethereum Foundation backing that aims to restore the synchronous composability that fragmented across more than 200 layer 2 networks now holding roughly 40 billion dollars in TVL. Real-time proving allows smart contracts on different networks to call each other and settle within the same 12-second Ethereum block, collapsing cross-chain token transfers into single atomic transactions and eliminating bridges entirely.Fri 1 MayWhy Only 3 Builders Control All of EthereumThe discussion highlights the centralization of Ethereum block building, with Titan, Beaver, and FlashBots controlling over 90% of blocks due to transaction fee optimization and competitive advantages. Gattica’s evolution illustrates innovation in transaction privacy and efficiency through EV boost relays and order flow auction platforms. Additionally, the Proposer-Builder Separation (PBS) model aims to enhance fair transaction facilitation and trust among builders and validators, while ongoing developments seek to improve on-chain liquidity and integration of execution logic.Mon 13 AprInstitutional-grade yield on USD, BTC, and Gold?Movement's CEO Torab joins to discuss the April 9th launch of a new yield product on the Movement L1, starting with USD, expanding to BTC, and then gold, with the stated goal of delivering institutional-grade yield to everyday users including native yield on gold rather than mere gold access.Mon 13 AprInstitutional-grade yield on USD, BTC, and Gold?The discussion highlights three key topics: the shift from Layer 2 to a sovereign Layer 1 architecture to enhance user experience and operational efficiency; the emergence of institutional-grade yield products on USD, BTC, and gold, addressing demand for stablecoins and real-world assets; and the rising use of large language models for scalable security audits in blockchain technology. Together, these insights reflect the evolving landscape of cryptocurrencies and the importance of governance and trust in the ecosystem.Mon 30 MarInside Nansen's AI Trading Agent PlatformNansen has evolved from an on-chain analytics company with over 500 million labeled blockchain addresses into what it now calls a full-stack agentic trading product, after observing users discovering signals on its platform and then leaving to execute trades elsewhere. The Nansen AI mobile app lets users query real-time on-chain data and execute trades through a single agent that integrates self-custodial wallets via Privy, multiple DEX aggregators including Li-Fi and Jupiter, and live X social feeds.Mon 30 MarInside Nansen's AI Trading Agent PlatformNansen has evolved into a pioneering platform for AI trading, utilizing its database of over 500 million labeled blockchain addresses to provide real-time insights for investors. The introduction of AI agents and tools like OpenClaw and the Near AI Cloud enhances the trading experience, focusing on user-generated insights and entity identification. Furthermore, Nansen emphasizes the integration of on-chain and off-chain data to support agent-based trading, promoting individual empowerment in a rapidly expanding crypto market.Fri 27 FebAgentic AI Takes Crypto to the Next Level?The discussion emphasizes the integration of agentic AI on-chain as a transformative force in the blockchain ecosystem, enhancing user experience and driving Web 3.0 adoption. John critiques the current crypto landscape dominated by speculation, underscoring the need for decentralized solutions like Layer 2 to address Ethereum's scalability issues. Furthermore, he highlights the potential for stablecoins facilitated by AI to revolutionize transactions while stressing the importance of privacy, censorship resistance, and a compelling narrative to engage mainstream users.Sun 22 FebShould All Your Financial Assets be on Blockchain?The discussion highlights the dual potential for the blockchain market post-FTX and Terra crises: a collapse or growth for innovative companies, especially through leveraging Real-World Assets (RWAs) on-chain. Emphasizing the convergence of RWAs and cryptocurrencies, the conversation addresses the need for better usability and infrastructure to attract institutional interest and simplify asset management. Concerns about high leverage in crypto and the importance of decentralization and community-driven innovation are also key focal points.Sun 22 FebTokenization of All Financial Assets on Plume NetworkThe discussion centers on the tokenization of real-world assets (RWAs) on the Plume Network, highlighting its potential to innovate by merging crypto with traditional finance. It critiques the replication of traditional finance within blockchain, emphasizing the urgent demand for RWAs and stablecoins. The speakers also explore how AI may enhance asset management, the challenges of high leverage in the crypto ecosystem, and the importance of building a supportive community around tokenized assets.Sun 15 FebSomething better than USDC for your Ethereum?Michael Zurbutter discusses Liquity AG's innovative approach to stablecoins, emphasizing their decentralized model over traditional banking, particularly in the context of recent bank failures. He highlights Liquity's unique features, such as borrower fee distribution to stablecoin holders and a flexible redemption mechanism, which contrasts with established options like USDC. The conversation also addresses regulatory challenges and the potential for stablecoins to decouple from the dollar, advocating for a future in decentralized finance that prioritizes user trust and community support.Sun 1 FebIs The Future of Ethereum Centralised and Censored?The discussion highlights three key topics: 1. **Censorship and Centralization Risks**: Concerns grow around Ethereum's censorship potential, driven by Miner Extractable Value (MEV) practices that centralize block production, affecting the network's decentralized ethos. 2. **Block Selection and Validator Dynamics**: The block selection process involves hurdles for maintaining permissionlessness, with dominant builders and relayers creating centralization challenges despite efforts like Proposal Builder Separation. 3. **Future Developments and Security**: Proposed updates, including the FOSSE EIP, aim to enhance transaction inclusion and network security, while ongoing research addresses potential vulnerabilities in Ethereum's ecosystem.Sun 25 JanHow Will Stablecoins Replace Traditional BankingZach Abrams discusses the transformative potential of stablecoins in replacing traditional banking, emphasizing their economic advantages and the need for regulatory adaptations. He notes the risk perceptions from banks hinder their integration while highlighting the importance of focusing on customer engagement and regulatory collaboration. The conversation also touches on the evolving landscape of stablecoins and cryptocurrencies, identifying a shift towards a pluralistic currency ecosystem, driven by innovations in wallet infrastructure and the rise of company-issued stablecoins.Thu 15 JanBuidl Europe 2026: The State of DecentralizationThe discussion highlights the tension between privacy and institutional adoption in crypto, emphasizing the need for self-custody and transaction visibility. It explores Europe's unique position in fostering Web3 innovation while critiquing regulatory impediments. Additionally, the conversation underscores the emerging synergy between blockchain technology and AI, revealing how financial institutions are cautiously navigating these integrations while striving to preserve individual rights in a rapidly evolving landscape.Fri 9 JanThe Death of Altcoins & Bitget’s New "Universal Exchange"Gracie Chen, CEO of BitGit, outlines the company's focus on Real World Assets (RWAs) and plans to offer 700 cryptocurrencies, distinguishing itself from competitors. She envisions a "universal exchange" to enhance liquidity and attract users through AI generative engine optimization. Despite concerns over a struggling altcoin market, optimism remains for a future bull market, as traditional financial players shift interest toward equity in crypto, highlighting the evolving landscape of exchanges.Wed, 31 Dec 20252025 Rewind: End of the Infinite Money Glitch and Looking Ahead to 2026As 2025 ends, discussions center on the decline of many crypto projects and the threats posed by institutional adoption, which may dilute decentralized ownership. With a focus on the maturation of the industry, predictions for 2026 suggest that real-world assets and stablecoins will gain traction, while concerns over the quantum computing threat to Bitcoin loom large. The ongoing consolidation within the market raises questions about the future of decentralized finance amid increasing regulatory scrutiny and the challenge of maintaining core crypto values.Fri, 26 Dec 2025Solving The AI Black Box: ZK-Proofs in Defence TechThe podcast discusses the integration of zero-knowledge proofs (ZK-proofs) in defense technology, particularly through Lagrange Labs' use of ZK machine learning to enhance AI model verification while ensuring data privacy. It critiques existing privacy solutions and emphasizes the need for accountable autonomy in military AI applications, especially for UAVs. Additionally, it highlights the commercial viability of AI models in the cryptocurrency sector and the evolving landscape of defense technology funding to foster innovation in critical applications.Thu, 18 Dec 2025Aztec's Rebirth, The $61M Token Sale & Programmable Privacy on EthereumZach Williamson discusses Aztec's transition to private smart contracts on Ethereum, aiming to enhance programmability and decentralized architecture amid privacy challenges. The $61M token sale emphasizes the need for innovative cryptography and zero-knowledge proofs to maintain participant anonymity in decentralized finance. Aztec seeks to become the universal privacy layer for blockchain, addressing identity protocols and regulatory compliance while scaling its performance to support increased transaction throughput.Thu, 11 Dec 2025Will stablecoins end the US debt Crisis?Joe Lubin emphasizes the transformative potential of stablecoins like USDC and USDT in addressing the US debt crisis and their role as a bridge to decentralized financial systems, despite associated risks. He discusses the necessity for banks to adapt to blockchain technology and highlights advancements in Ethereum, including ZK technology and the push for user-friendly decentralized applications. The conversation also touches on cryptocurrencies' benefits for individuals in oppressive regimes, advocating for greater adoption and infrastructure development.Wed, 3 Dec 2025What will Quantum Computing Change?The discussion highlights the urgent need for the cryptocurrency community to address quantum computing risks, particularly the vulnerabilities of elliptic curve cryptography, which could jeopardize Bitcoin and Ethereum. Participants emphasize the fragmentation in Bitcoin's response compared to Ethereum's strategic approach, alongside the critical role of robust security measures in safeguarding digital assets. Additionally, advancements in quantum technology are poised to reshape not just cryptocurrencies but also the wider landscape of public key cryptography and data privacy.Thu, 27 Nov 2025DevConnect 2025: Inside The Biggest Ethereum Event in HistoryThe DEF CONNECT event in Argentina, organized by the Ethereum Foundation, seeks to showcase Ethereum's practical applications with nearly 20,000 attendees, highlighting the vibrant local crypto culture amidst economic challenges. Key insights include the significance of stablecoins and privacy in the Ethereum ecosystem, as well as initiatives aimed at fostering community growth in Latin America. The event also reflects broader trends in cryptocurrency adoption driven by inflation and distrust in traditional banking systems.Sun, 23 Nov 2025Why is the SEC Concerned about Privacy now?Key topics from the notes include the SEC's heightened concerns about privacy in blockchain technology, particularly regarding the regulatory burdens on validators and the implications of transparency on financial privacy. The discussion also highlights the shift towards recognizing the necessity of privacy in legitimate financial activities and the effectiveness of current compliance measures like KYC and AML. Additionally, advancements such as zero-knowledge proofs are proposed as solutions to enhance privacy while combating financial crime.Wed, 12 Nov 2025Cosmos: The Linux of Blockchains?The discussion centers on the evolution of the Cosmos ecosystem, likening it to Linux as an influential blockchain platform, emphasizing the need for a professional approach to attract institutional clients. The AppChain thesis is validated, underscoring Cosmos's innovation and interoperability goals amidst industry changes. Furthermore, the conversation highlights concerns about retaining grassroots values while pushing for significant partnerships and enhancements, including privacy features and scalability, to increase the appeal of Cosmos and its cryptocurrency, Atom.Wed, 5 Nov 2025Yield Basis: Disrupting Defi & Bitcoin YieldMichael Agorov discusses Yield Basis, a new model of governance and liquidity for decentralized finance that aims to disrupt traditional automated market makers (AMMs) by minimizing impermanent loss and enhancing Bitcoin yield through locked token voting. The model promotes long-term token commitment, potentially yielding up to 20%. Additionally, it addresses issues with liquidity provisioning and aims to shift Bitcoin trading from centralized exchanges to on-chain solutions, targeting a significant Total Value Locked (TVL) of around $50 billion.Wed, 29 Oct 2025Lamina1: Building The Future of The Creator EconomyThe discussion centers on the creator economy's future, emphasizing the need for decentralized platforms that fairly compensate artists, avoiding premature financialization. Lamina One aims to build a blockchain system to track creation and ownership, fostering collaboration in the metaverse. The conversation critiques the centralization seen in Web2 and highlights Web3's potential, while cautioning against common pitfalls that could lead to new forms of centralization in digital spaces.Wed, 29 Oct 2025Lamina1: The Future of The Creator EconomyThe discussion emphasizes the significance of a creator economy that prioritizes artistic integrity over financial outcomes, warning against the pitfalls of early financialization. Lamina One is developing blockchain solutions to improve ownership tracking and fair compensation for creators, while also critiquing the centralization seen in Web2. The conversations also explore the potential integration of Web3's decentralized approaches, addressing artist stigmas regarding compensation and the importance of user-friendly experiences in fostering creativity.Thu, 23 Oct 2025Is Blockchain Still a Revolution or Becoming Another Upgrade? Ep.621The discussion examines whether blockchain remains a revolutionary force or is becoming just another upgrade, highlighting the shift from counterculture to mainstream in the crypto ecosystem. Concerns about the limited effectiveness of decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs) and governance, alongside the corporatization of crypto, are discussed. Emphasizing the importance of transparency and adherence to cypherpunk values, the speakers advocate for a balanced approach that preserves decentralization while addressing practical applications of blockchain technology.Thu, 23 Oct 2025Is Blockchain still a revolution or another upgrade? Ep.621The discussion led by Friederike Ernst examines whether blockchain technology represents a genuine revolution or simply an upgrade. Key points include the shift of blockchain from counterculture to mainstream acceptance, the need for effective governance in decentralized systems like DAOs, and the impact of corporate interests on the ethos of crypto. The speakers emphasize the importance of practical use cases, transparency in governance, and engaging the public to preserve core decentralized values.Thu, 16 Oct 2025Brave: Building the Private User-Friendly Internet - Kyle Den HartogThe podcast explores challenges in the Web3 space, emphasizing the risk of centralization despite decentralized ideals, as seen in Brave's growth and the usage of Basic Attention Token (BAT). It highlights the importance of digital identity and privacy, advocating for user-first wallet designs that simplify crypto transactions while addressing regulatory challenges. Additionally, the role of AI in enhancing targeted advertising through privacy-preserving methods is discussed, underscoring the need for innovative solutions to enable user autonomy and decision-making.Sun, 12 Oct 2025Noble: Solving Crypto's Liquidity Problem, One Chain at a Time - Jelena DjuricJelena Djuric, CEO of Noble, discusses the significant growth potential of the stablecoin market, expected to reach $1.9 trillion by 2030, emphasizing new regulatory frameworks that encourage innovation. Noble's strategy includes developing an EVM Layer 2 to enhance DeFi capabilities while managing yield through infrastructure collaborations. The episode also highlights challenges in the Cosmos ecosystem and the need for impactful native token performance, positioning Noble as a crucial player in evolving payment infrastructures in the cryptocurrency space.Fri, 3 Oct 2025Benjamin Sarquis Peillard: Cap Labs – Insured Yield & the Future of StablecoinsThe discussion centers on Benjamin Sarquis Peillard's innovative stablecoin protocol, CAP, which offers insured yield and emphasizes safety in the evolving landscape of stablecoins. Key insights include the contrasting technological landscapes of China and Europe, the dominance of USDC and UST in the market, and challenges in decentralization versus institutional partnerships. Peillard advocates for comprehensive compliance to access broader financial systems and explores the future of stablecoins in promoting innovation and liquidity within the crypto ecosystem.Mon, 22 Sept 2025Mento: Onchain FX Markets - Decentralising World Currencies - Markus FrankeMarkus Franke of Mento Labs discusses the decentralization of FX markets using oracle-driven Fixed Price Market Makers (FPMM) to facilitate currency swaps among 15 currencies, including G7. He emphasizes the importance of on-chain stablecoins for financial inclusion in less developed regions and reflects on the industry's shift from "banking the unbanked" to "unbanking the banked." Mento's strategy also focuses on enhancing market access and robustness through on-chain governance and expanding collateral options for stablecoins.Sun, 14 Sept 2025Euler: The DeFi Super App - Michael BentleyIn the episode "Euler: The DeFi Super App," Michael Bentley discusses Euler's innovative DeFi lending protocol, which integrates with Uniswap to support diverse assets, including long-tail cryptocurrencies. He outlines Euler's efficient liquidation process and the platform's evolution, particularly after recovering from a significant exploit. Bentley also highlights future developments, such as fixed-rate lending and integrating real-world assets, while addressing the role of AI in optimizing DeFi strategies, indicating a promising direction for blockchain technology and finance.Sun, 14 Sept 2025f(x) Protocol: Decentralized Yield-Bearing Stablecoin & 0-Liquidation Perp - Cyrille BrièreThe FX Protocol introduces a decentralized yield-bearing stablecoin, FXUSD, and a unique leverage product for ETH and BTC, featuring an innovative liquidation mechanism that prevents hard liquidations and allows for a higher Loan-to-Value ratio. The protocol emphasizes the importance of decentralized stablecoins, advocates for alternatives to centralized options like USDC, and has achieved significant organic growth. Additionally, FX Protocol aims to build trust and stability in the DeFi space while mitigating risks associated with traditional leverage.Fri, 29 Aug 2025Zama: FHE and The Holy Grail of Blockchain PrivacyRand Hindy, CEO of Zama, highlights advancements in fully homomorphic encryption (FHE) aimed at enhancing blockchain privacy by enabling confidential smart contracts on platforms like Ethereum and Solana. The Zama protocol utilizes FHE and multi-party computation to maintain secure, encrypted transactions without altering existing blockchain protocols. Zama aims for widespread adoption of encrypted data in blockchain governance and targets thousands of confidential transactions per second by 2026, emphasizing the future value of FHE alongside blockchain technology.Fri, 29 Aug 2025Zama: FHE - the Holy Grail of Blockchain Privacy - Rand HindiRand Hindi of Zama highlights advancements in fully homomorphic encryption (FHE), making it 100 times faster and more accessible for developers, with applications in AI and confidential blockchain transactions. Zama's unique protocol enables secure smart contracts on public blockchains without modifying infrastructure, leveraging co-processors and incorporating multi-party computation (MPC) to enhance security. Additionally, Zama aims for high throughput in confidential payments, targeting thousands of transactions per second while focusing on privacy and governance within its ecosystem.Mon, 25 Aug 2025Pareto: Customizable On-Chain Private Credit Marketplace - Matteo PandolfiMatteo Pandolfi discusses the innovative Pareto platform, which offers customizable on-chain private credit lines to enhance risk management for institutional clients. By transitioning from traditional arbitrage bots to decentralized finance (DeFi), Pareto addresses inefficiencies in existing credit processes, significantly reducing documentation time. The introduction of yield tranches improves diversification and returns, while leveraging zero-knowledge technology aims to automate monitoring and protect sensitive data, showcasing advancements in blockchain-based credit solutions.Sat, 16 Aug 2025Lagrange: ZK-Proving AI Alignment - Ismael Hishon-RezaizadehThe discussion features Ismael Hishon-Rezaizadeh from Lagrange Labs, focusing on the significant role of zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs in enhancing AI alignment and privacy. Key insights include the critique of AIX in the crypto space, the cost reductions in ZK proof generation, and the application of ZK technology for secure AI inference across sectors like defense and healthcare. The conversation emphasizes the need for the crypto industry to shift towards value-generating models, separating technology from negative crypto perceptions.Sat, 9 Aug 2025Zorp: Nockchain's ZK Proof-of-Useful-Work Consensus - Logan AllenNockchain's ZK Proof-of-Useful-Work Consensus seeks to enhance the utility of zero-knowledge proofs via its Zero-Knowledge Virtual Machine (ZKVM), promoting a fair proof-of-work model that incentivizes real-world behavior. Logan Allen critiques the stagnation in crypto economics, emphasizing the need for distribution to drive adoption. The platform facilitates off-chain execution with on-chain verification, showcasing the potential of ZK proofs in diverse applications from finance to privacy while addressing emerging challenges like quantum computing security.