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Welcome to another exciting episode of The Edge of Show, your gateway to the Web3 revolution! In this episode, we are live at Bitcoin Las Vegas, where we dive deep into the world of blockchain, cryptocurrency, and the latest innovations in the digital space.Sheldon Hunt (Sundial Protocol) – Cardano-style Layer 2 that brings smart-contract speed and low fees to Bitcoin.Ben Kurland (DYOR & DSX) – Free research dashboard plus a one-click Telegram trading bot.Ekrem Bal (Citrea zk-Rollup) – First trust-minimized ZK rollup and BitVM bridge, compressing BTC transactions 10×.They cover:Why Cardano developers are migrating to BitcoinInstitutional yield routes and on-chain gaming potentialReal-time pricing data without paywallsHow BitVM + zero-knowledge proofs unlock scalable, programmable BTCWhether you're a crypto enthusiast, developer, or just curious about the future of finance, this episode is packed with valuable insights and exciting developments in the blockchain space.Support us through our Sponsors! ☕
In this episode, Anna Rose and Nico Mohnblatt speak with Dan and Sinu from TLSNotary to trace the project's journey from early Bitcoin forum ideas to its current role as a foundational protocol maintained by PSE. Dan recounts the origins of TLSNotary as a tool for cryptographically proving web data, while Sinu explains how the project was revived to provide modern TLS attestation. The conversation covers the use-cases for verifiable web proofs, the different modes these interactive protocols can take, and the broader impact of this technology on leveraging siloed user data. Related links: Episode 325: Web Proofs with Tracy from Pluto Episode 354: The Founding of Zero Knowledge Systems with Austin Hill Episode 362: zkTLS with Maddy from Reclaim 2013 Blog Post ‘tlsnotary - cryptographic proof of fiat transfer for p2p exchanges' TLSNotary Whitepaper DECO: Liberating Web Data Using Decentralized Oracles for TLS Primus Labs (Previously PADO) Town Crier: An Authenticated Data Feed for Smart Contracts Check out the latest jobs in ZK at the ZK Podcast Jobs Board. **If you like what we do:** * Find all our links here! @ZeroKnowledge | Linktree * Subscribe to our podcast newsletter * Follow us on Twitter @zeroknowledgefm * Join us on Telegram * Catch us on YouTube **Support the show:** *
Boundless launches to mainnet beta. SharpLink Gaming becomes the largest corporate holder of ETH. The DOJ ends its investigation into Polymarket. And Nethermind releases Halva. Read more: https://ethdaily.io/740 Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only, not endorsement or investment advice. The accuracy of information is not guaranteed.
In our third episode of Between Two Chains, we speak with Reka from RISC Zero about zerok-knowledge (ZK) proofs and their application in blockchain interoperability. Reka explains the benefits of verifiable compute and how it relates to ZK, how ZK can enhance the connectivity between over 350 blockchains, and potential future developments once interoperability is fully solved. Between Two Chains is a four-part miniseries produced by Rehash and co-hosted by LayerZero, where we explore whether blockchain interoperability is solved. ⏳ TIMESTAMPS: 0:00 Intro 05:27 Scaling with zero knowledge (ZK) technology 11:39 Boundless and the ZKVM 16:29 Unlocking computational potential for UX 19:30 Building for consumers and developers 22:00 Onboarding new users to crypto 27:59 Exciting apps to look forward to
Join us for an in-depth conversation with Steven Goldfeder, Co-Founder and CEO of Offchain Labs, the parent company of Arbitrum—the leading Ethereum Layer 2 solution by Total Value Locked (TVL).In this episode, we explore:How optimistic rollups work and their role in Ethereum's scalabilityThe ZK vs. optimistic rollup debateThe future of Ethereum L2s and their impact on the Ethereum ecosystemSteven's insights on DeFi growth, ETH vs. BTC, and the importance of neutrality in tech stacksThe episode kicks off with a special clip from AJ Warner, Co-Founder of Arbitrum, recorded at EthCC, before diving into Steven's journey into blockchain and his vision for the future of Ethereum scalability.00:00:00 – Why Ethereum Made Rollups Too Cheap to Ignore00:00:31 – Meet AJ Warner, Co-Founder of Arbitrum (Live from EthCC!)00:00:45 – Robinhood's Big Crypto Announcement: What It Means for Ethereum00:06:10 – Transition to Steven Goldfeder: The Visionary Behind Arbitrum00:07:05 – Steven's Journey: From Academia to Blockchain Pioneer00:13:24 – Optimistic Rollups 101: How They Supercharge Ethereum00:21:06 – ZK vs. Optimistic Rollups: The Great Debate00:29:34 – How Ethereum L2s Are Strengthening the Ethereum Mainnet00:36:20 – What More Can Ethereum Do to Support L2s?00:38:57 – The Status of Stage 2 L2s: What's Next?00:40:12 – Enshrining L2s: The Future of Ethereum Scalability00:40:25 – Infrastructure Trade-Offs: Making the Right Choices00:46:35 – Bridging the Gap: Interoperability Between L1s and L2s00:51:38 – What Sets Arbitrum Apart from the Competition?00:56:51 – Neutrality and Fairness: The Cornerstones of Tech Stacks01:04:52 – DeFi's Next Chapter: Steven's Predictions for ETH, BTC, and Beyond01:08:37 – Closing Thoughts: The Road Ahead for Ethereum and ArbitrumDon't miss this deep dive into the world of Ethereum Layer 2s and the innovations shaping the future of blockchain.
The future of decentralization is about true self-ownership, not just removing middlemen.In today's episode, we sit down with Eli Ben-Sasson, co-founder of StarkWare, to explore his bold 2025 prediction: Starknet becoming Bitcoin's execution layer. We dive into why ZK technology that isn't live in production doesn't scale, how blockchain is becoming the new diplomacy channel, and what happens when people realize they don't fully own their lives.Eli walks us through the pros and cons of turning Bitcoin into a powerhouse for computation and how Starknet is pushing forward with real decentralization.Let's get into it.The Rollup---Newton is the trust layer for autonomous finance. Smart. Secure. Verifiable. Built for a future where AI agents replace apps and interfaces. Learn more here: https://www.magicnewton.com/Get effortless access to crypto's best DeFi yields. Continually rebalanced by AI powered Keepers to earn you more while saving you time and reducing costs. Learn more here: https://summer.fi/earn?referralCode=2000096----Website: https://therollup.co/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1P6ZeYd9vbF3hJA2n7qoL5?si=7230787bb90947efPodcast: https://therollup.co/category/podcastFollow us on X: https://www.x.com/therollupcoFollow Rob on X: https://www.x.com/robbie_rollupFollow Andy on X: https://www.x.com/ayyyeandyJoin our TG group: https://t.me/+8ARkR_YZixE5YjBhThe Rollup Disclosures: https://therollup.co/the-rollup-discl
In this episode, Anna Rose and Nico Mohnblatt speak with Goblin Oats from Tonk and grjte from Bain Capital Crypto to explore the emerging world of local-first architecture. Goblin shares the evolution of Tonk from an experimental lab working on blockchain games to a product that enables anyone to build personalised local-first software using natural language. grjte discusses her Groundmist project exploring personal data lakes and the intersection between local-first systems and the AT Protocol. The conversation explores the technical foundations of local-first software, including Conflict-free Replicated Data Types (CRDTs), parallels with blockchain systems, and how ZK proofs show up within cloud-optional architecture. Related links: Tonk GitHub Groundmist Dappicom — NES Emulation in Noir Speakeasy Automerge CRDT AT Protocol Ink & Switch: Local-first software Homomorphically Encrypting CRDTs Beelay - A new sync protocol for Automerge Jess Martin - The last mile of Local First Local-First Conf 2025 Check out the latest jobs in ZK at the ZK Podcast Jobs Board. **If you like what we do:** * Find all our links here! @ZeroKnowledge | Linktree * Subscribe to our podcast newsletter * Follow us on Twitter
For EP33 of Chain Reactions, we sat down with Azeem Khan, longtime crypto operator and now co-founder of the privacy-first ZK blockchain Miden*,* to discuss what it takes to build a next-gen L1 in today's market.We trace Azeem's journey from Bitcoin blog posts and Kardashian cease-and-desists to running major BD at Gitcoin, closing partnerships with UNICEF, and now helping lead Miden, which just raised a $25M seed round co-led by a16z, 1kx, and Hack VC.We went deep on what it means to be a non-technical co-founder in a zero-knowledge protocol, why founder-led BD still beats most Web3 growth strategies, and how Miden's Pioneer Program is flipping the playbook by taking a venture studio approach to ecosystem building.Plus, we talk about astronauts as mascots, Taylor Swift as a blueprint for community, and why the best crypto brands borrow from culture, not crypto Twitter.If you're building an L1, supporting one, or just want to hear how thoughtful storytelling and asymmetric relationship capital can help turn a new chain into a category-defining ecosystem — this one's a must.Please enjoy, and as always, subscribe, drop a five-star review at https://bit.ly/chainreactions-spotify, or mint the episode at pods.media/myosinxyz!
In this episode, Anna Rose speaks with Florent Tavernier from Self and Marek Olszewski from Self and Celo to explore how Self are bringing identity onchain using ZK, the Sybil protection that offers, and the origins of OpenPassport. The discussion covers Self's approach to supporting different forms of ID, the challenges of disparate cryptographic standards, and how government signatures can be used to bootstrap onchain identity systems. Related links: Self Protocol on X/Twitter Episode 364: AI and ZK Auditing with David Wong Episode 363: Bringing ZK to Google Wallet with Abhi and Matteo Episode 358: Building ZK Registries Onchain with Rarimo Episode 93: Light clients & ZKPs with Celo Celo ZK Email Modular Summit 3 panel (with Florent and Anna) Plumo: An Ultralight Blockchain Client 0xPARC MiniPay Map of each country's cryptography choices Aadhaar p0tion: Toolkit for Groth16 Phase 2 Trusted Setup ceremonies. Check out the latest jobs in ZK at the ZK Podcast Jobs Board. **If you like what we do:** * Find all our links here! @ZeroKnowledge | Linktree * Subscribe to our podcast
Jerry (@Lightswarm), OPTN BCH Covenants wallet builder, discusses bringing zero knowledge tech into BCH, rank 12 in CoinMarketCap, CHIPs, repping BCH at crypto conferences, and latest mess in BTC land. Please share your thoughts in the comments.Links:Jerry on Twitter: https://twitter.com/LightswarmCHIP proposal (Native Elliptic Curve Arithmetic Operations): https://bitcoincashresearch.org/t/chip-2025-05-native-elliptic-curve-arithmetic-operations/1570Episode slides: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1Bjxmn5MpiAdocHrYo7LsupA-wLMG1XUj/edit?slide=id.g1001e085589_0_4#slide=id.g1001e085589_0_4Donations:bitcoincash:qr6quxs5hmc8zuppetxd58l5xcnwtg6v0v8nu3jpvmSponsors:Thank you very much to our FundMe.Cash contributors: https://fundme.cash/campaign/25General Protocols: https://generalprotocols.com and https://bchbull.comSocials:Website: https://www.bitcoincashpodcast.comTimestamps:00:00 Video starts00:37 Intro02:06 BCH price gains15:32 Getting BCH ready for a tidal wave of hype21:14 Jerry (lightswarm)25:57 OPTN wallet28:29 A BCH flavored hackathon?37:36 ZK technology - CHIP47:44 CHIP proposal: elliptic curve math52:10 ZK technology - rollups1:08:22 Other BCH upgrades1:11:46 BTC conference & OP_NEXT1:23:53 BTC upgrade update1:39:43 -Blockstream- Chaincode Core1:40:38 Community comment of the week1:46:06 Meme of the week1:54:10 Message to the community1:56:31 Podcast supporter appreciation1:57:30 Shoutouts & outro#bitcoin #bitcoincash #bch #btc #crypto #cryptocurrency #cbdc ▪️
Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. This week, we're joined by Vlad, the leverage legend behind Lighter, a zk-powered DEX taking aim at Hyperliquid in the rising CLOB wars. We unpack the new Token Transparency Framework from Blockworks and whether self-regulation can fix crypto's disclosure problem. Should VC wallets be public? Are market-making deals legally risky? And why do most projects still say nothing? Plus: Vlad explains how Lighter uses zero-knowledge proofs to enforce fairness and fight toxic flow—without harming retail. And Circle's stock goes full meme mode, TikTok retail piles in, and Robert reveals he's short. Is crypto finally growing up—or just evolving its chaos? Show highlights
Welcome to The Chopping Block – where crypto insiders Haseeb Qureshi, Tom Schmidt, Tarun Chitra, and Robert Leshner chop it up about the latest in crypto. This week, we're joined by Vlad, the leverage legend behind Lighter, a zk-powered DEX taking aim at Hyperliquid in the rising CLOB wars. We unpack the new Token Transparency Framework from Blockworks and whether self-regulation can fix crypto's disclosure problem. Should VC wallets be public? Are market-making deals legally risky? And why do most projects still say nothing? Plus: Vlad explains how Lighter uses zero-knowledge proofs to enforce fairness and fight toxic flow—without harming retail. And Circle's stock goes full meme mode, TikTok retail piles in, and Robert reveals he's short. Is crypto finally growing up—or just evolving its chaos? Show highlights
In this episode, Anna Rose and Tarun Chitra catch up with Kostas Kryptos from Mysten Labs to explore the latest ZK innovations being built on Sui. Kostas shares updates on zkLogin and introduces zkAt (ZK Authenticator), a new research project enabling programmable and updatable access control for accounts where Groth16's trusted setup and the generated toxic waste is used in a very novel way. This discussion also covers Sui's ambitious plans to become quantum-ready, including their innovative approach to transitioning existing EdDSA accounts to post-quantum security using STARKs without requiring users to change their addresses. They touch on ZK Tunnels, working with the Greek stock market, and how ZK is breaking out of the web2/web3 paradigm. Related links: Episode 257: Proof of Solvency with Kostas Chalkias Episode 302: ZK for web2 interop with zkLogin & ZK Email Episode 363: Bringing ZK to Google Wallet with Abhi and Matteo Zero-knowledge Authenticator for Blockchain: Policy-private and Obliviously Updateable zkLogin All About Account Abstraction Zengo Crypto Wallet Trusted Setup Ceremony Check out the latest jobs in ZK at the ZK Podcast Jobs Board. **If you like what we do:** * Find all our links here! @ZeroKnowledge | Linktree * Subscribe to our podcast newsletter * Follow us on Twitter @zeroknowledgefm * Join us on Telegram * Catch us on
ZKsync launches the Airbender zkVM. And Chainlink partners with Mastercard. Read more: https://ethdaily.io/727 Disclaimer: Content is for informational purposes only, not endorsement or investment advice. The accuracy of information is not guaranteed.
In this episode of ChainLeak, we explore “Syscoin: The ZK Bridge For Bitcoin” with special guest Jag Sidhu, Lead Developer of Syscoin.Syscoin is pioneering a new frontier in blockchain by blending Bitcoin's proven security with Ethereum-compatible smart contracts and cutting-edge ZK technology.__
In this episode, Anna sits down with David Wong from zkSecurity to discuss the impact of AI on the field of zero-knowledge auditing. David shares how his team is integrating AI agents into their workflow, the opportunities and challenges this brings, and how the role of the human auditor is evolving as AI becomes more capable. They also cover the unique aspects of auditing ZK-based systems, how this is different from smart contract auditing, and the broader implications of AI for security in cryptography and blockchain. The conversation touches on the ethical considerations of AI in security, the future of the auditing profession, and the ways ZK and AI are increasingly intersecting. Related links: Episode 290: Exploring, Teaching and Auditing ZK with David Wong Episode 76: Sean Bowe on SNARKs, Trusted Setups & Elliptic Curve Cryptography Proof is in the Pudding Session 04: Lattice-Based SNARKs and Post-Quantum Cryptography Fiat-Crypto: Synthesizing Correct-by-Construction Code for Cryptographic Primitives Ethproofs Call #2 | real-time proving Folding Circom circuits: a ZKML case study - Dr. Cathie So Check out the latest jobs in ZK at the ZK Podcast Jobs Board. **If you like what we do:** * Find all our links here! @ZeroKnowledge | Linktree * Subscribe to our podcast newsletter * Follow us on Twitter @zeroknowledgefm * Join us on Telegram * Catch us on YouTube **Support the show:** * Patreon * ETH - Donation address
tBTC, the leading decentralized, trust-minimized Bitcoin bridge, is now live with direct native minting on Starknet — one of the most advanced Ethereum Layer 2 networks powered by ZK-rollup technology.With this launch, Bitcoin holders can now seamlessly mint tBTC directly on Starknet, eliminating the need to bridge via Ethereum first. This brings the full security, transparency, and 1:1 BTC peg of tBTC natively to the Starknet ecosystem.This is a significant milestone as it::Enables Bitcoin to flow into Starknet's DeFi protocols (DEXs, lending, stablecoins)Reduces fees and friction for BTC onboardingMaintains tBTC's unmatched decentralization and non-custodial architectureThe launch also opens the door to future incentive programs designed to bootstrap BTC liquidity and drive adoption of Bitcoin-backed DeFi use cases on Starknet.Why it matters: Starknet is emerging as one of the most scalable, developer-friendly ZK-rollups, and native BTC liquidity will unlock new opportunities for the Starknet DeFi ecosystem. This is part of tBTC's broader vision to make Bitcoin universally accessible across major chains, with no compromises on decentralization or security.
In this episode, Anna and Nico speak with Abhi Shelat and Matteo Frigo from Google about their work integrating zero-knowledge proofs into the Google Wallet. They discuss the technical decisions behind the Anonymous Credentials for ECDSA system, including the challenge of designing a proof system where proving must be efficient enough to run on the client device in a large-scale consumer application, and how they design a system using sumcheck and Ligero to overcome NTT issues. The conversation also touches on the process of standardization, the return of ZK to its privacy roots, and the broader significance of seeing advanced cryptography adopted by a major tech company outside the blockchain space. Links: Episode 303: A Dive into Binius with Jim Posen Anonymous credentials from ECDSA libZK: a zero-knowledge proof library European Digital Identity FFTW Doubly-Efficient zkSNARKs Without Trusted Setup Ligero: Lightweight Sublinear Arguments Without a Trusted Setup Everything provable is provable in zero-knowledge Circle STARKs Highlights of libZK, the Google Wallet ZKP Parallel prefix --------------- Register for ZK Hack Berlin happening 20 - 22 June! --------------- Boundless is a universal zero-knowledge protocol developed by RISC Zero, that lets anyone access abundant verifiable compute, regardless of the blockchain they are using. Learn more about Boundless at
In this episode, Anna speaks with Madhavan (Maddy) Malolan from Reclaim Protocol about his work on zkTLS and its applications in web data verification. Maddy shares the journey of building Reclaim, from initial attempts at implementing DECO to developing their current proxy-based solution. The conversation explores the technical challenges of implementing zero-knowledge proofs for HTTPS connections, comparing proxy and MPC approaches, and discussing security considerations. Maddy explains how Reclaim is bringing ZK technology to mainstream applications, focusing on three key verticals: education verification, employment history, and financial background checks. Related links: Episode 353: Making ZK More Human with ZK Email TLSNotary DECO: Liberating Web Data Using Decentralized Oracles for TLS Proxying is Enough: Security of Proxying in TLS Oracles and AEAD Context Unforgeability Register for ZK Hack Berlin happening 20 - 22 June! **If you like what we do:** * Find all our links here! @ZeroKnowledge | Linktree * Subscribe to our podcast newsletter * Follow us on Twitter @zeroknowledgefm * Join us on Telegram * Catch us on YouTube **Support the show:** * Patreon * ETH - Donation address * BTC - Donation address * SOL - Donation address Read...
Zooko has been thinking about building decentralized Chaumian ecash since the mid 1990s. When Bitcoin came out, he was the first cypherpunk to write a blog post about it. And today, he's honoring Satoshi's last wish of researching ZK proofs with Zcash. Time stamps: Introducing Zooko (00:00:55) Early Cypherpunk and Digital Cash Days (00:03:18) Cypherpunk vs. Cryptography Mailing List (00:03:52) Discovering Digital Cash and Chaum's Blind Signing (00:04:44) The Internet, BBS, and the Fall of the Berlin Wall (00:09:10) Growing Up with Technology in Eastern Europe (00:12:04) First Computers and Early Programming (00:13:02) Loading Games and Computer Limitations (00:14:05) Impact of Tariffs and Internet Access (00:16:47) Economies of Scale and Computer Conferences (00:18:28) Social Media, Privacy, and Information Overload (00:19:33) Twitter Blocking & Echo Chambers (00:21:06) Personal AI and Information Control (00:24:08) First Computer Memories and Speech Synthesis (00:28:55) Programming Languages: BASIC, Pascal, and C++ (00:31:15) Vocoder Technology and Privacy (00:32:27) Video Games and University Life (00:34:28) Science Fiction and Cypherpunk Literature (00:36:10) Working at DigiCash and Early Digital Currency (00:39:04) Nick Szabo, Social Scalability, and Economic Thought (00:46:27) AI-Generated Personas and Real-Life Community (00:52:42) Global Talent, Work Ethic, and Financial Management (00:55:51) David Chaum as a Boss and DigiCash's Downfall (01:00:06) Decentralizing Ecash and Early Bitcoin Attempts (01:04:50) Wei Dai, Crypto++ and Peer-to-Peer Innovation (01:06:19) Open Source Maintenance and Funding Challenges (01:10:00) Why Digital Cash Mattered in the 1990s (01:12:30) Cypherpunks, Remailers, and Privacy Motivation (01:13:46) Bitcoin's Early Days and Zooko's Initial Skepticism (01:19:55) Bitcoin Advocacy and Security Flaws (01:39:07) Zooko's Triangle and Naming Systems (01:43:31) Altcoins, Experimentation, and Maximalism (01:51:09) Bitcoin's 2013 Privacy Papers: ZeroCoin & ZeroCash (01:55:12) Funding Innovation and Open Source Economics (02:00:27) Zcash Launch, Sidechains, and Market Dynamics (02:03:40) Sponsors and Bitcoin Innovation Renaissance (02:09:01) Proof of Stake, Hybrid Models, and Cross Link (02:26:14) Network Sustainability and Burn Mechanisms (02:33:37) Quantum Resistance and Lost Coins (02:37:26) Peter Todd's Compute Node, Zcash Ceremony and Trusted Setup (02:42:19) Zero Knowledge Proofs and Counterfeiting Bug (03:05:35) Zcash Design Choices and Block Size (03:43:04) Bitcoin Blocksize War and Evolution (03:49:09) Zcash vs. Monero and Privacy Models (04:27:33) Tachyon: Sean Bowe's Scalable Privacy Breakthrough (04:08:22) Live Zcash Demo and Address Privacy (05:27:00) Zcash Mining, Liquidity, and DEX Integration (05:49:57) Decentralization, Transparency, and the Future (06:02:22) Closing Remarks and Podcast Wrap-Up (06:05:15)
My conversation with Zooko Wilcox and Josh Swihart on unstoppable private money.Zooko Wilcox is a legendary cypherpunk and one of the founders of Zcash—private, digital money.Josh Swihart is the CEO of Electric Coin Company, the team behind the Zcash protocol and the Zashi wallet app.Topics we discuss are well captured by the timestamps below.Watch on YouTube or X. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or any other podcast platform. Follow me on X for updates on future episodes.Timestamps0:00 - Maya Protocol integrates with Zcash3:52 - Coinbase social engineering attack7:43 - Private money negates capital controls14:13 - Privacy comes from money at rest18:24 - The Zashi effect and future roadmap25:11 - Project Tachyon39:10 - Zcash's anonymity set doesn't depend on the number of its users45:37 - Turnstiles in Zcash and the 2018 inflation bug57:28 - “ZK” has become a marketing stunt among crypto projects59:48 - On Binance delisting ZEC1:01:35 - A transition toward using crypto as it was originally intended1:04:52 - Should exchanges use transparent addresses?1:17:38 - Coin holder voting in Zcash1:23:38 - Sci-fi influence1:28:37 - Gary Gensler1:29:40 - Why I like ZcashFollow Zooko on X.Follow Josh on X. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.arjunkhemani.com
Looking for the 'killer app' for Blockchain? Payments much just be it! And Concordium have a master plan for mass adoption...Bitcoin was the first mass-adopted cryptocurrency, but as 'digital gold', it may not be practical for everyday payments. After all, you don't pay for groceries with your pension, right?...Stablecoins have shown that digital assets anchored to FIAT currencies have strong potential, and map well to the traditional financial world. So what is holding back more widespread usage.With Boris, we'll cover the potential of 'PayFi' and give you all a basic understanding of the tech, the vision, and the challenges ahead, including:- An introduction to Concordium- The importance of Stablecoins for Web3 adoption- The importance of privacy, compliance and the role of ZK technology- Important use cases or projects in the Concordium ecosystem- What more is needed for wider adoption of 'PayFi'
There's no interview this week, but we have some ad spot availability coming up! If you want to reach a highly technical ZK audience and get eyes on your project, tooling, hiring, and more, get in touch at sponsorships@zeroknowledge.fm. If you would like to donate individually to the show, our eth address is here: 0xE2C080047213C1d8cDf2099E0B07479C5D9cee8a
This week, Ryan and David unpack Bitcoin's explosive run to $111K and the macro chaos driving it—specifically, the U.S. Treasury's failed bond auction and what it signals for the dollar. They break down the Senate's landmark stablecoin bill (and Elizabeth Warren's meltdown), Ethereum's ZK miracle that could 100x Layer 1 throughput, and Texas launching its own state Bitcoin reserve. Plus, why Stanley Druckenmiller's portfolio strategy might justify going all-in on crypto—and whether alt season is finally on the horizon. ------
Rob Viglione, Co-Founder and CEO of Horizen Labs and zkVerify, shares his transition from military intelligence in Afghanistan to co-founding a blockchain company. He discusses the role of zero-knowledge (ZK) technology in enabling private transactions, the need for integration of crypto with traditional finance, and the vision to bring off-chain information on chain. Key Takeaways: Zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs): what they are, and why they're so important in today's digital landscape The utility of cryptocurrencies for individuals in poorly governed jurisdictions The convergence of AI and blockchain, and how ZKPs can verify AI outputs without compromising privacy The real-world applications of ZK technology, such as private transactions, digital identity verification, and connecting traditional finance with blockchain Guest Bio: Rob Viglione is the co-founder and CEO of Horizen Labs, the development studio behind several leading Web3 projects, including zkVerify and Horizen. Rob served in the U.S. Air Force and was deployed to Afghanistan, where he supported Special Operations Task Force intelligence efforts. During this time, he developed an early interest in Bitcoin, recognizing its potential benefits for countries with unstable economies. Today, Rob's work focuses on Web3 scalability, blockchain efficiency, and zero-knowledge proofs (ZKPs). With the growing convergence of AI and blockchain, Horizen Labs is also exploring how ZKPs can be used to help verify AI model outputs without compromising privacy. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- About this Show: The Brave Technologist is here to shed light on the opportunities and challenges of emerging tech. To make it digestible, less scary, and more approachable for all! Join us as we embark on a mission to demystify artificial intelligence, challenge the status quo, and empower everyday people to embrace the digital revolution. Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a curious mind, or an industry professional, this podcast invites you to join the conversation and explore the future of AI together. The Brave Technologist Podcast is hosted by Luke Mulks, VP Business Operations at Brave Software—makers of the privacy-respecting Brave browser and Search engine, and now powering AI everywhere with the Brave Search API. Music by: Ari Dvorin Produced by: Sam Laliberte
Join Tommy Shaughnessy as he hosts Logan Allen, founder of Zorp and Nockchain, to discuss Nockchain, a new proof-of-work L1 blockchain. Learn about its ZK Powell consensus mechanism, where miners generate ZK proofs.Zorp: https://zorp.ioNockchain: https://nockchain.org
Eric from Polyhedra joins Sam Kamani to unpack how zero-knowledge proofs are redefining interoperability, AI verification, and developer tooling. They dive into the launch of ZK PyTorch, EXP Chain, and how verifiable AI could become the new standard for trusted machine learning. If you're building with LLMs, exploring trustless infrastructure, or care about blockchain security—this episode is for you.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam welcomes Eric from Polyhedra and previews the conversation on ZK proofs, AI, and Web3.[00:01:00] Polyhedra Origin: Eric shares how he met the team while working at LayerZero and why he joined the project.[00:02:30] The Problem with Bridges: Why Polyhedra's ZK-based approach makes interoperability more secure.[00:04:00] What is Expander?: A fast, scalable ZK proof system designed for real-time verifiability.[00:06:00] ZK PyTorch: Turning any PyTorch model into a verifiable model in minutes.[00:08:00] Verifiable AI Use Cases: Why financial applications like agents handling payments need proof-backed AI.[00:10:00] Developer Workflow: How easy it is to integrate ZK PyTorch into existing machine learning pipelines.[00:13:30] ZKML Festival & Community: Polyhedra's push to educate AI developers on trust-minimized systems.[00:15:30] Marketing Advice: Eric's background in content-driven growth, and why domain-specific content still wins.[00:19:30] EXP Chain: Polyhedra's new L1 for verifying ZK proofs cheaply and efficiently on-chain.[00:23:30] The Future of Verifiable AI: The team's goal to bring sub-second ZK proofs to large language models.[00:25:00] Call to Action: How developers, users, and founders can get involved with Polyhedra's ecosystem.Connecthttps://www.polyhedra.network/https://x.com/PolyhedraZKhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/polyhedrazk/https://x.com/vreelandhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/evreeland/DisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/
with @danboneh @succinctJT @smc90This episode is all about quantum computing -- explaining what it is, how it works, what's hype vs. reality, and how to prepare for it/ what builders should do. Specifically, we cover: What quantum computing is and isn't, and what people are really talking about when they worry about a quantum computer that can break classic computing-based cryptography systems -- a cryptographically relevant post-quantum computer.When is it happening/ what are the "timelines" for quantum computing becoming a reality -- how many years away are we? -- and when are the U.S. government's deadlines/ NIST standards for post-quantum cryptography?How will different types of cryptography be affected, or not? What are different approaches and tradeoffs?Where does quantum computing and post-quantum crypto apply to blockchains -- which are not only more easily upgradable, but also by and large rely on signatures, not encryption, so may be more quantum-resistant in many ways (and not in others).As always, we tease apart the signal vs. the noise in recent "science-by-press release" corporate quantum-computing milestone announcements. We also help answer questions on when do builders need to plan their switch to a post-quantum crypto world, what pitfalls to avoid there (hint: bugs! software upgrades!). Finally, we briefly cover different approaches to post-quantum crypto; and also dig deeper on zero-knowledge/ succinct-proof systems and how they relate to post-quantum crypto. Our expert guests are: Dan Boneh, Stanford University professor and applied cryptography expert and pioneer; also Senior Research Advisor to a16z crypto;Justin Thaler, research partner at a16z, professor at Georgetown, and longtime expert and pioneer in interactive and ZK proof systems.SEE ALSO: Post-quantum blockchains by Valeria Nikolaenkomore resources + papers on topics mentioned:A Graduate Course in Applied Cryptography by Dan Boneh and Victor Shoup [see also]Proofs, Arguments, and Zero-Knowledge by Justin ThalerLatticeFold+: Faster, Simpler, Shorter Lattice-Based Folding for Succinct Proof Systems by Dan Boneh and Binyi ChenNeo: Lattice-based folding scheme for CCS over small fields and pay-per-bit commitments by Wilson Nguyen and Srinath Setty"Q-Day Clock" from Project Eleven -- public dashboard to visually track timeline for quantum computing to reach cryptographically relevant capabilities and break widely used encryption algorithmson hard forks for quantum emergenciesQuantum analysis of AES, Kyungbae Jang, Anubhab Baksi, Hyunji Kim, Gyeongju Song, Hwajeong Seo, Anupam ChattopadhyayThe Google Willow Thing by Scott AaronsonFAQs on Microsoft's topological qubit thing by Scott AaronsonMicrosoft's claim of a topological qubit faces tough questions, American Physical SocietyAs a reminder, none of this is investment, business, legal, or tax advice; please see a16z.com/disclosures for more important information including a link to our investments.
Epicenter - Learn about Blockchain, Ethereum, Bitcoin and Distributed Technologies
Taiko is a decentralized, Ethereum-equivalent (type I) rollup scaling solution which uses ZK technology. Taiko's goal is to scale Ethereum efficiently while maintaining security and decentralization. Being a type I zkEVM, Taiko retains full Ethereum equivalence, which creates a seamless DevEx, although this comes at the expense of UX as slower proof generation is the main trade-off. Moreover, in order to stay true to its decentralised ethos, Taiko operates as a based rollup, meaning that transaction sequencing is performed by L1 validators.Topics covered in this episode:Joaquin's backgroundLoopring and Taiko's beginningsThe 4 types of zkEVMsTaiko's zk circuits vs. Polygon'sBased sequencingData availability and blob commitmentEthereum's role in the futureThe L2 landscape and its compromisesSequencer security modelDealing with MEVBased preconfirmations & Taiko ecosystem UXEpisode links:Joaquin Mendes on XTaiko on XLoopring on XSponsors:Gnosis: Gnosis builds decentralized infrastructure for the Ethereum ecosystem, since 2015. This year marks the launch of Gnosis Pay— the world's first Decentralized Payment Network. Get started today at - gnosis.ioChorus One: one of the largest node operators worldwide, trusted by 175,000+ accounts across more than 60 networks, Chorus One combines institutional-grade security with the highest yields at - chorus.oneThis episode is hosted by Friederike Ernst.
In this episode of Having Report, Brad Mines welcomes David Seroy to discuss various aspects of Bitcoin, including his work on ZK rollups, the Covenants SOFT-FORK, and the role of stablecoins. David shares his journey into the Bitcoin space, his philosophical motivations, and the importance of community and education in Bitcoin. The conversation also touches on the taboo surrounding innovation in Bitcoin and David's personal insights on life.Follow David Seroy: https://x.com/david_seroy⏰ 00:00 Introduction to Bitcoin and Guest Background
In this episode, Anna and Nico speak with Vadim Lyubashevsky, research scientist at IBM Research, about the evolving field of lattice-based cryptography and its role in zero-knowledge systems. Vadim shares the history and mathematical foundations of lattices, and explains how they might be used to build post-quantum secure ZK proofs and SNARKs. The conversation covers the unique challenges of adapting lattice techniques to zero-knowledge, explores the tradeoffs relative to hash-based constructions, and highlights the importance of developing quantum-safe standards for the future of cryptography. Related links: Episode 345: Latest ZK Research with Dan Boneh Episode 288: Quantum Cryptography with Or Sattath LaBRADOR: Compact Proofs for R1CS from Module-SIS⋆ IBM's post-quantum NIST published standards Project11 Minkowski's Geometry of Numbers LLL reduction Shortest vector problem Basic Lattice Cryptography: The concepts behind Kyber (ML-KEM) and Dilithium (ML-DSA) by Vadim Lyubashevsky Spots for zkSummit13 are limited - grab your ticket at www.zksummit.com! Missing Link are a talent team built for the Web3 era, helping projects across the ecosystem connect with the right candidates at the right time. Whether you're an established project or a startup searching for specialized talent, Missing Link can help. Visit their website at missing-link.io. **If you like what we do:** * Find all our links here!
This week, Anna speaks with Lasha Antadze, co-founder of Rarilabs and Rarimo, about the evolution of digital identity systems. Lasha shares his journey from working with government eID systems to building decentralized identity solutions using zero-knowledge proofs. The conversation explores how Rarimo is taking a fundamentally different approach to identity verification by keeping all processing client-side, from passport scanning to biometric verification. This enables new use cases like censorship-resistant voting systems and privacy-preserving account recovery, while avoiding the traditional pitfalls of centralized identity providers. The discussion also covers the challenges of building trust in cryptographic systems, the potential applications of client-side ZK proofs for AI governance, and how Rarimo is working to make identity tools that are both powerful and accessible to everyday users. This episode provides a fascinating look at how zero-knowledge proofs are reshaping our understanding of digital identity and privacy. Further reading: On-Chain Reputation & Identity Building with Sismo Coordinating Provers with Norbert from ZkCloud STORK 2.0 eIDAS Freedomtool Account recovery demo at Denver Spots for zkSummit13 are limited - grab your ticket at www.zksummit.com! Missing Link are a talent team built for the Web3 era, helping projects across the ecosystem connect with the right candidates at the right time. Whether you're an established project or a startup searching for specialized talent, Missing Link can help. Visit their website at missing-link.io. **If you like what we do:** * Find all our links here! @ZeroKnowledge | Linktree * Subscribe to our podcast newsletter * Follow us on Twitter @zeroknowledgefm * Join...
From proof of work to proof of stake, blockchain consensus is evolving once again into something new: proof of verifiable work.In today's episode, Tim Carstens and Jeremy Bruestle from Boundless share their insights into how this new approach works. They explain how proof of verifiable work leverages the computing power of everyday users to generate ZK proofs, enabling true blockchain scalability.Boundless is opening up a world where anyone with a laptop can earn rewards by contributing to on-chain computation. We chat about how this creates a decentralized marketplace for compute, driven by market forces.Let's jump in.Join The Rollup Edge: https://members.therollup.coWebsite: https://therollup.co/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1P6ZeYd..Podcast: https://therollup.co/category/podcastFollow us on X: https://www.x.com/therollupcoFollow Rob on X: https://www.x.com/robbie_rollupFollow Andy on X: https://www.x.com/ayyyeandyJoin our TG group: https://t.me/+8ARkR_YZixE5YjBhThe Rollup Disclosures: https://therollup.co/the-rollup-discl
Filip Baturan is the CEO of Tanari – a decentralized finance application suite that's built on top of Citrea. With it, bitcoiners can enjoy the features and user experience from banking applications such as Revolut... but within a self-custodial and sovereign environment, where the user sets the rules. The discussion centers around Tanari's vision to make Bitcoin more useful and replace the current financial system, contrasting it with projects that merely embed Bitcoin into existing structures. Baturan explains that Tanari aims to deliver on Bitcoin's promise of self-custody and financial system replacement, drawing inspiration from the ideal financial system rather than specific products like Revolut. We talk about Tanari's features: including secure Bitcoin storage, spending capabilities, and integration with the Bitcoin ecosystem (Citrea, Bitcoin mainnet, Lightning Network). The platform prioritizes ease of use, employing Face ID/fingerprint authentication and social recovery methods. The interview also covers the potential for financial primitives like lending, borrowing, and Bitcoin-backed stablecoins, all within a transparent framework. The discussion also addresses the challenges of balancing user-friendliness with privacy and security, particularly regarding usernames and potential transaction traceability. Filip Baturan emphasizes Tanari's commitment to open-source principles, sustainable business models, and integration with other Citrea applications. The interview concludes with Filip sharing his background in ZK rollups on Ethereum and his enthusiasm for building on Bitcoin with Citrea, highlighting the unique opportunities presented by this technology. ––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Time stamps: 00:00:53 - Introducing Filip Baturan 00:02:04 - Tanari's Origin and Citrea 00:05:30 - Ease of Use and Recovery Methods 00:08:20 - Tanari's Features 00:11:04 - Open Sourcing and Fees 00:12:19 - Citrea Integration and Usernames 00:15:24 - On-Chain Interoperability 00:17:19 - Lightning Network Integration 00:19:02 - Business Solutions and Competitive Advantages 00:21:22 - Custody and Decentralization 00:24:48 - Reputation and Social Media Integration 00:29:22 - Filip's Background 00:37:53 - Scalability and Settlement Time 00:41:44 - Trade-offs and Self-Ownership 00:48:00 - Swapping Services 00:51:46 - Future of Bitcoin and Tanari 01:02:10 - Tanari's Name and Meaning
After a majorly successful week for the Celestia ecosystem, winning Noble's new AppLayer & Ethena's 'Converge' chain, we are coming to you with an episode recorded in Denver this year with Nick White.We first touched on FUD and asked Nick to openly address the FUD from the community regarding staking, locked tokens, and the tokenomics in general.The technical discussion started their "Go Bigger" roadmap with gigabyte blocks, and dive into how ZK accounts and lazy bridging. Nick explains that their approach isn't about chasing quick gains but building the infrastructure that can *actually* support thousands of rollups.Let's explore.Join The Rollup Edge: https://members.therollup.coWebsite: https://therollup.co/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1P6ZeYd..Podcast: https://therollup.co/category/podcastFollow us on X: https://www.x.com/therollupcoFollow Rob on X: https://www.x.com/robbie_rollupFollow Andy on X: https://www.x.com/ayyyeandyJoin our TG group: https://t.me/+8ARkR_YZixE5YjBhThe Rollup Disclosures: https://therollup.co/the-rollup-discl
Concise Bullet SummaryCanada approves world's first spot Solana ETFs with native staking, SOL eyes breakout above $137Weekly NFT volume hits $12.27M, led by Ethereum and a 93,412% volume spike on SuperRareAbstract's mining sim faces Ponzi backlash as token price whipsaws and trust erodesUS-China trade collapse opens door for Bitcoin as a strategic hedge for global commerceSEC postpones ETH staking and BTC/ETH ETF redemption decisions to June, citing extended review12 new public companies add BTC in Q1; total holdings now near 700K BTC worth $57BXRP, ETH, and DOGE face key chart setups with breakouts or breakdowns on deckKraken launches commission-free stock and ETF trading in the U.S., blending TradFi with crypto railsVitalik warns AI's rise makes privacy essential, urges open-source ZK tools to fight surveillance creepAnalyst calls SOL's drop below $100 the biggest bear trap of the year, targets $340 by EOYAnalysts warn SHIB's forming a descending triangle, setting up a potential 50% crashCorporate BTC holdings jump 16% to 688K BTC in Q1 as treasuries lean into BitcoinPi Coin jumps 45% as Chainlink integration adds real-time price feeds and new DeFi potential • • GAMEE launches Telegram-native trading card game where memecoin prices shape gameplay
How do you prove someone is human in the AI era?In this episode, Sam Kamani speaks with Terence Kwok, the founder of Humanity Protocol — a decentralized identity blockchain now valued at over $1B. Terence shares how Humanity Protocol uses palm biometrics, ZK proofs, and partnerships with validators to establish proof of personhood, enable on-chain reputation, and prevent identity fraud.We explore use cases ranging from education credentials and credit scoring to gaming identities and undercollateralized lending — plus how AI is blurring the lines between human and machine online. Terence also shares the story of how he went from building a travel tech unicorn to launching a global identity protocol out of Hong Kong.If you're building in identity, AI, or Web3, this is one not to miss.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Intro: Sam introduces Terence Kwok and Humanity Protocol's billion-dollar vision. [00:02:00] Background: Terence shares how he pivoted from travel tech to Web3 identity. [00:04:00] What is Humanity Protocol?: A blockchain for proof of personhood and credentials. [00:07:00] Why Now?: The urgency of verifiable human identity in an AI-powered world. [00:09:00] Privacy & Sovereignty: How Humanity Protocol keeps biometric data safe.[00:13:00] Who Issues Credentials?: The role of validators and verifiers in the network. [00:16:00] Business Model: How staking, revenue-sharing, and token incentives work. [00:18:00] Beyond Network Effects: Use cases that work even with a small user base.[00:23:00] zkTLS Innovation: Zero-knowledge proofs for Web2 credentials. [00:26:00] On-Chain Credit: Proof of income and net worth for lending protocols. [00:28:00] Human Signals: Uber ratings, Airbnb history, and anti-bot credentials. [00:31:00] TPS vs Humanity: Why identity matters more than just scaling blockchains. [00:34:00] The Path Forward: Permissioned transactions and smarter chains. [00:36:00] Roadmap: App, mainnet, zkTLS, and biometric scanner rollouts. [00:37:00] Final Ask: Bringing on more dApps, developers, and potential investors.Connecthttps://www.humanity.org/https://www.linkedin.com/company/humanityprot/https://x.com/Humanityprot/https://t.me/HumanityProthttps://x.com/tk_humanityDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/
In this episode Anna explores the contentious topic of ZK benchmarking with Conner Swann, founder of ProofLab. Drawing parallels with AI's development, they explore how tools like ProofLab could help standardize benchmarking across dimensions like speed, cost, and security. The conversation touches on the importance of formal verification and real-world workload testing, while considering how better benchmarking could accelerate ZK adoption and potentially lead to ZK's own 'ChatGPT moment' Related links: zkSummit The Zero-Knowledge Community Survey NoirHack Noir ethProofs Designing Optimistic Interoperability with Nomad Trusted Setup Ceremonies Explored Anna's Post on Benchmarking The path to secure and efficient zkVMs: How to track progress Ben Fisch on Limiting Factors of Verifiable Compute ZKarnage Further reading: Celo Espero ceremony ZKVM Benchmarking The same thing that happened to AI is Happening to ZK Applications for zkSummit13 are open, spots are limited for this edition so apply soon (www.zksummit.com) if you want to join. ZK is finally easy with Noir, the fastest-growing zero-knowledge programming language. Build privacy-preserving apps without any ZK experience. Aztec Labs is running a 4 week program,...
In this intellectually charged episode of Rugpull Radio, GMoney sits down with philosopher and crypto OG Erik Cason for a mind-expanding conversation that goes way beyond Bitcoin. Together, they explore the concept of crypto sovereignty, the rise of cyphernets as a new digital battleground, and how Bitcoin operates not just as money, but as a military-grade protocol designed to upend authoritarian control structures. Erik breaks down how cryptography enables individuals to reclaim agency in a surveillance-dominated world, why privacy is foundational to freedom, and how the architecture of blockchain networks can shift global power away from outdated institutions. They unpack the philosophical, historical, and spiritual stakes of this emerging digital revolution, touching on Nietzsche, ZK tech, and the nature of resistance in a post-truth era. If you're ready to challenge the status quo and dive deep into the world where technology meets philosophy and freedom, this episode delivers the payload.
In this episode Anna dives back into the topic of prover networks & prover marketplaces with Norbert Vadas, Head of Product at ZkCloud. They kick off by mapping out different actors in the ZK supply chain, and then cover the variety of approaches and economic models behind prover marketplaces. They explore the ZkCloud system before diving into Norbert's perspective on the future of large-scale, industrial-grade ZK proving and what that will unlock. Related links: ZKV ZK Hack Kraków Mina Snarketplace Mina: What are SNARK workers and the Snarketplace Gevulot ZkCloud EthCC Paris: Toghrul Maharramov - Multi-Verifiers as a Hedge Against Bridge Vulnerabilities RISC Zero Bonsai Polygon zkEVM GitHub: Aztec Protocol Barretenberg ZK11: SNARK proving ASICs - Justin Drake Applications for zkSummit13 are now open, early bird tickets close this week! Apply now at www.zksummit.com. ZK is finally easy with Noir, the fastest-growing zero-knowledge programming language. Build privacy-preserving apps without any ZK experience. Aztec Labs is running a 4 week program, Noir Hack, with $200K in funding and grants. Sign up now at noirhack.com. **If you like what we do:** * Find all our links here! @ZeroKnowledge | Linktree * Subscribe to our...
Send us a textZero-knowledge proofs are revolutionizing trust in AI and blockchain by providing verifiable computation without compromising privacy or security. Ismael Hishon-Rezaizadeh, founder of Lagrange, explains how their technology is making AI trustworthy at internet scale with practical applications for combating deepfakes and securing sensitive data.• ZK proof generation costs have decreased by 1000x in just three years, making previously theoretical applications practical• Lagrange's DeepProof is the first zero-knowledge machine learning library, 700 times faster than competitors• Users typically don't prioritize privacy and security until they experience a breach, creating adoption challenges• ZK technology enables verifying AI outputs without revealing underlying data, essential for trust in autonomous systems• The convergence of AI and blockchain creates more than additive effects – not 1+1=2, but 1+1=5 in terms of innovation potential• Common misconception: ZK technology is not limited to Ethereum but applicable to any chain, execution environment, or application• Two enduring use cases in crypto: simple cross-border value transfer and complex AI systems deployed on decentralized infrastructureThis episode was recorded through a Descript call on March 18, 2025. Read the blog article and show notes here: https://webdrie.net/decentralizing-security-how-lagrange-is-revolutionizing-crypto-and-ai-verification-with-ismael-hishon-rezaizadehDiscover RYO: the Web3 payment solution making crypto simple and secure for everyone. Featuring an expansive ecosystem with LIFE Wallet, Global Mall, and Japan's first licensed Crypto ATM Network, RYO empowers your financial journey. Awarded 'Best Crypto Solution.'
StarkWare founder Eli Ben-Sasson explains Starknet settling on both Ethereum and Bitcoin, the need for Bitcoin scaling through OP_CAT, quantum computing threats, and preventing Bitcoin from becoming an exclusive asset only for the wealthy.You're listening to Bitcoin Season 2. Subscribe to the newsletter, trusted by over 7,000 Bitcoiners: https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.comEli Ben-Sasson, co-founder and CEO of StarkWare, joins us to discuss how StarkNet plans to settle on both Ethereum and Bitcoin. We dive into the technical details of zero-knowledge proofs, the importance of OP_CAT for Bitcoin's future, and the fascinating Collider Script approach to covenants. Eli shares his concerns about Bitcoin ossification, explaining why without scaling solutions, Bitcoin risks becoming a "Rolex" - an asset only accessible to the wealthy. We also explore quantum computing threats and potential solutions for securing Bitcoin's future.Subscribe to the newsletter! https://newsletter.blockspacemedia.comNotes:- StarkWare has over 200 team members- OP_CAT is the "greenest" covenant proposal- Quantum threats require ZK-based solutions- Collider Script enables covenants at high cost- Bitcoin fees prevent mass adoption- Bitcoin needs soft forks to avoid ossification00:00 Start01:09 Starkware background04:38 Bringing ZK tech to Bitcoin07:53 What is a "unified" layer 2?09:21 Why use Starknet?11:33 Posting proofs on-chain13:26 OP_CAT16:55 Collider script19:35 Arch20:09 SHA1 collisions?22:43 Brute forcing covenants into Bitcoin24:53 fear of soft fork27:59 Quantum32:16 Possible quantum futures34:26 Why ZK_Starks for Satoshi's coins??38:16 Confiscation vs network protection43:18 Self custody future-
Barna, co-founder of Malda and mendi.finance, joins the podcast to break down Ethereum's biggest DeFi problem: liquidity fragmentation. He explains how their protocol is using ZK co-processors and a host-extension chain model to unify lending and borrowing across rollups like Linea, Base, and more. We talk about why Ethereum's growth has stalled, how liquidation mechanics work across chains, and what's next in capital-efficient DeFi.Key Timestamps[00:00:00] Introduction: Sam introduces Barna and previews the discussion on Ethereum, DeFi, and Malda.[00:01:00] Barna's Background: From VC to Web3—how Barna entered crypto and launched Mendi Finance.[00:02:30] Rise of Rollups: Why Mendi chose Linea and the appeal of zk rollups.[00:04:00] Fragmentation Problem: How liquidity gets stuck across chains and slows DeFi down.[00:07:30] Bridging Bottlenecks: Why even optimistic rollups and native bridges hurt capital efficiency.[00:10:00] Lending Constraints: How fragmented liquidity impacts borrowing depth and real-time trades.[00:13:00] Global Architecture: The host-extension chain model and zkVMs powering Malda's unified protocol[00:17:30] Liquidations Across Chains: Barna explains how Malda lets liquidators repay from any supported chain[00:20:00] Testnet + Mainnet Plans: What's next for Malda as they prepare for launch and audits.[00:22:00] Future Upgrades: Building dynamic interest rates, loyalty incentives, and more with zk computation.[00:24:30] Ask and Call to Action: Public sale coming soon—team open to investors, builders, and contributors.[00:26:00] Wrap-Up: Sam and Barna close the episode with final thoughts and how to connect.Connecthttps://malda.xyz/https://mendi.finance/https://x.com/malda_xyzhttps://x.com/realbarnakissDisclaimerNothing mentioned in this podcast is investment advice and please do your own research. Finally, it would mean a lot if you can leave a review of this podcast on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share this podcast with a friend.Be a guest on the podcast or contact us - https://www.web3pod.xyz/
This week Anna catches up with Aayush Gupta from ZK Email, covering the latest developments and real-world applications of the ZK Email protocol. They explore how the project serves as a bridge between Web2 systems and Web3 infrastructure and go on to discuss use cases like wallet-based account recovery, anonymous reputation-based communication, and digital provenance verification. This was an exploration of novel ZK use cases, which is something we love to cover - so we hope you enjoy it! Related links: ZK Email Website ZKP2P with Brian & Richard Modular Summit 3.0 Panel: ZK Applications ZK12: Future of ZK Applications with Anna & Friends ZK for web2 interop with zkLogin & ZK Email ZK Email: Making Airdrops More Human Applications for zkSummit13 are open, spots are limited for this edition so apply soon (www.zksummit.com) if you want to join. Missing Link are a talent team built for the Web3 era, helping projects across the ecosystem connect with the right candidates at the right time. Whether you're an established project or a startup searching for specialized talent, Missing Link can help. Visit their website at missing-link.io. **If you like what we do:** * Find all our links here! @ZeroKnowledge | Linktree * Subscribe to our podcast newsletter * Follow us on Twitter @zeroknowledgefm * Join us on Telegram * Catch us on YouTubeRead transcript
In this conversation with Stephan, David and Simanta discuss the implications of ZK Roll-ups for Bitcoin. They explore the benefits of ZK Roll-ups as a scaling solution, the trade-offs compared to other technologies like Lightning Network and sidechains, and the vision behind Alpen Labs. The discussion also touches on the mechanics of ZK Roll-ups, user experience, and the potential impact of BitVM on the ecosystem. The conversation highlights the challenges and limitations of current technology while emphasizing the future possibilities for Bitcoin's programmability and user interaction. David & Simanta also address the risks associated with ZK Rollups, particularly in terms of data availability and trust assumptions, while exploring the future of Bitcoin and the implications of increased data usage on the network.Takeaways
This week Anna chats with Jeffrey Scholz, founder of RareSkills. They discuss onboarding developers into ZK and dive into RareSkills' education program via The ZK Book and their ZK bootcamps. They explore strategies for breaking down complex topics, decisions on curriculum design, tool selection, and methodologies for enabling self-sufficient learning. A great listen for the listeners who want to learn ZK and are trying to figure out how to approach the challenge. Related links:RareSkills WebsiteZK HACK Website ZK HACK Whiteboard SessionsRareSkills ZK BookJeffrey Scholz on MediumJeffrey Scholz's course on UdemyConsensys Bootcamp in 2021Encode ClubZK Podcast Episode 309 - ZK Jargon Decoder with Nico Mohnblatt videoZK HACK - Thaler Book Study Group Playlist on YouTubeThe MoonMath Manual to zk-SNARKs by Least Authority ---------------Applications for zkSummit13 are now open, spots are limited for this edition so apply soon (www.zksummit.com) if you want to join.---------------Missing Link are a talent team built for the Web3 era, helping projects across the ecosystem connect with the right candidates at the right time. Whether you're an established project or a startup searching for specialized talent, Missing Link can help. Visit their website at missing-link.io. ---------------**If you like what we do:*** Find all our links here! @ZeroKnowledge | Linktree* Subscribe to our podcast newsletter* Follow us on Twitter @zeroknowledgefm* Join us on Telegram* Catch us on YouTube
This week Anna jumps back into the story of Zero Knowledge Systems with Jonathan Wilkins, cofounder Blockstream and Cloaked Services and previous employee of ZKS back in 2000. They explore the emergence of security culture in the 1990s, what led Jonathan to join Zero Knowledge Systems and his experience working on projects such as the Freedom Network. They discuss the office atmosphere and the research lab before catching up on the work Jonathan has focused on since then. Key concepts we see in the ZK community today were first pioneered by the Zero Knowledge Systems research team and we hope to invite more of these past members of the team in the future! Related links: Podcast Episode: Back to the Future with Zero Knowledge iSEC Partners X.25 Networks 2600 Meetups C++ Builder Delphi ‘Zero-Knowledge: Nothing Personal' - Wired Handbook of Applied Cryptography by Alfred J. Menezes, Paul C. van Oorschot and Scott A. Vanstone Ian Goldberg profile Adam Schostack - Schostack + Associates Adam Back Twitter Austin Hill Twitter Bitcointalk Tor Network
Marty sits down with Lisa Neigut to discuss the clearing of mempools, the state of Lightning, btc++ events, and more.Lisa on Twitter: https://x.com/niftyneiLisa on Nostr: https://primal.net/niftyneibtc++: https://btcpp.dev/0:00 - Intro0:36 - Mempools cleared6:35 - Making fixes without consensus change13:38 - Fold & Bitkey15:21 - Ark19:35 - RHR bet, L2 is locked in23:49 - Sats on nostr, onboarding32:00 - Unchained33:00 - AI tool hackathon and other upcoming events41:24 - ZK proofs47:57 - Timing of ideas51:25 - Inscriptions, OP_CAT & ossification58:23 - Impatience1:03:08 - Nifty's focus on events1:09:45 - Tactile advantage - bitcoin touches grass1:17:28 - Marty's gonna winShoutout to our sponsors:Foldhttps://foldapp.com/marty/Bitkeyhttps://bitkey.world/Unchainedhttps://unchained.com/tftc/Join the TFTC Movement:Main YT Channelhttps://www.youtube.com/c/TFTC21/videosClips YT Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUQcW3jxfQfEUS8kqR5pJtQWebsitehttps://tftc.io/Twitterhttps://twitter.com/tftc21Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/tftc.io/Nostrhttps://primal.net/tftcFollow Marty Bent:Twitterhttps://twitter.com/martybentNostrhttps://primal.net/martybentNewsletterhttps://tftc.io/martys-bent/Podcasthttps://www.tftc.io/tag/podcasts/