Best Mike Mertes Podcasts (2024)

1
Is Crypto Ready for the Big Leagues? | Roundup 51:17

27m ago51:17

51:17

In this episode, the Roundup crew discusses Ethereum ETF flows, the Jito restaking announcement and its impact on the Solana Ecosystem, and the recent AAVEnomics update proposal. Additionally, they speculate on when the Fed will finally cut rates, and what Trump might say during his Bitcoin Conference speech. Finally, they dive into what crypto pol…

1
The Bear Case for Shared Security | S8 E8 | Sunny & Toghrul 1:22:07

19m ago1:22:07

1:22:07

In this episode, Sunny, the Co-founder of Osmosis, and Toghrul from Scroll joined us to present the bear case for shared security. We discussed issues with Proof of Stake, the relationship between slashing and enshrining an LST, and the market size for restaking. Finally, we provide our thoughts on the intersubjective work token, and staking’s pote…

1
Deep Dive: The CAKE Framework & Building a One Click Experience | Hart Lambur & Stephane Gosselin 1:18:09

1h ago1:18:09

1:18:09

In this special episode of Bell Curve, Stephane Gosselin and Hart Lambur joined us live at EthCC to discuss OneBalance and the CAKE Framework! Additionally, we dive into the economics of the solver layer, what effects an HFT dynamic arising in crypto would have, and UX in a OneBalance world. Finally, we speculate on how OneBalance will impact L2 bu…

1
A New Era: Trump’s Impact on Crypto and Innovation in the U.S. 1:14:19

5d ago1:14:19

1:14:19

In this episode, the Roundup crew covers a wild week in crypto and politics. They discuss the assassination attempt on Donald Trump, and how economic policy might look with JD Vance as the Vice President. Additionally, they speculate on whether or not Biden will drop out of the presidential race, and talk about the Fed’s approach to monetary policy…

1
EthCC Campside Chat: Protocols, Ecosystems, Community & Tokens | Vitalik Buterin & Christopher Goes 1:08:09

6h ago1:08:09

1:08:09

In this special episode, Vitalik Buterin and Christopher Goes joined us live from the Intents Discussions conference during EthCC 2024! Key highlights from this campside chat include: Vitalik’s reflections on crypto’s journey thus far and his insights on Ethereum’s inception, unbundling blockchain components, and competing with centralized protocol…

1
Unlocking DeFi With Infinex | Kain Warwick 1:01:28

7d ago1:01:28

1:01:28

Gm! In this episode, we explore Infinex’s mission to unlock DeFi by massively improving the onchain user experience. We discuss Kain’s crypto journey to date, the impact fees have on UX, and Infinex’s decision to integrate Solana. Finally, we cover the Craterun yield farming campaign, and how the current token meta could be broken. Enjoy! -- Follow…

1
Where Is the Money To Save Humanity? Wealthy People Have It: Chuck Collins, Institute for Policy Studies 1:21:43

4d ago1:21:43

1:21:43

For years, politicians have told us we cannot afford important investments in solving climate change, poverty, pandemics and many other problems - even on issues that are critical to the survival of human civilization. But it’s not true. Wealthy people have Trillions of dollars (not billions, Trillions) that could be redirected toward solving our e…

1
A Fresh Take on Shared Security | S8 E7 | Misha Putiatin 1:19:47

4d ago1:19:47

1:19:47

In this episode, Misha, CEO and Co-founder of Symbiotic, delves into the history and evolution of shared security. He discusses shared security’s various implementations over the years, and highlights Symbiotic's vision for the future. The conversation also touches on Symbiotic’s protocol design choices, offering a fresh perspective on shared secur…

1
A New Era for U.S. Regulations | Roundup 1:07:50

8d ago1:07:50

1:07:50

In this episode, the Roundup crew discusses the aftermath of the Presidential Debate, and a Trump victory’s potential impact on the markets. Additionally, they dive into what the Chevron Doctrine was, and what the implications of its overruling are. Finally, they provide their views on current sentiment within the crypto markets, and how fresh capi…

1
The Next Era Of Solana Scaling | Swen Schäferjohann 53:31

10d ago53:31

53:31

Gm! This week we're joined by Swen Schäferjohann for a discussion on Solana's latest scaling unlock... ZK compression. We deep dive into Light protocols origin story, how does ZK compression work, L1 composability & account construct & the future of Solana's scalability. Enjoy! -- Follow Swen: https://x.com/swen_sjn Follow Mert: https://twitter.com…

1
Time To Accelerate Crypto's App Ecosystem | Mike Dudas & Carl Vogel 55:11

11d ago55:11

55:11

Gm! This week we're joined by Mike Dudas & Carl Vogel of 6th Man Ventures for a discussion on the investing landscape in crypto. We deep dive into the Solana ETF application, why crypto needs more applications, the promise of AI & DePin, crypto's airdrop dilemma & much more. Enjoy! -- Follow Mike: https://x.com/mdudas Follow Carl: https://x.com/car…

1
Ethereum’s Path Forward: Aligning Security and Monetary Policy | S8 E6 | Hasu & Justin Drake 1:31:19

11d ago1:31:19

1:31:19

In this episode, Hasu and Justin Drake joined us to discuss restaking, preconfs, Minimum Viable Issuance, and the future of Ethereum. We dive into the effects Ethereum monetary policy has on the validator set, the current market for restaking, and our thoughts on attester-proposer separation and proposer-builder separation. Finally, we cover what w…

1
How Solana Enables Crypto's Onchain Future | Tristan Frizza 52:35

18d ago52:35

52:35

Gm! This week we invite Tristan Frizza to the show to discuss the future of onchain trading as he builds out Zeta markets. We deep dive into Zeta's token launch, why they built an L2, the path ahead for Zeta & much more. Enjoy! -- Follow Tristan: https://x.com/Tristan0x Follow Mert: https://twitter.com/0xMert_ Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyygu…

1
The Future Of Solana In 2024 & Beyond | Zano Sherwani 51:01

18d ago51:01

51:01

Gm! This week we're joined by Zano Sherwani for a discussion on the future of Solana & Jito in 2024 & beyond. We deep dive into the Jito origin story, why users are being sandwiched, Firedancer's unlock & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Zano: https://x.com/segfaultdoctor Follow Mert: https://twitter.com/0xMert_ Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy Follow…

1
Harnessing the Untapped Potential of Bitcoin Staking | S8 E5 | David Tse 1:20:16

18d ago1:20:16

1:20:16

In this episode, David Tse, Co-founder of BabylonChain, joins us to explore the latest developments in the Bitcoin ecosystem. We dive into the transformative impact of Bitcoin staking, the innovative role of Babylon, and the broader technological and cultural shifts in the Bitcoin ecosystem. Finally, David provides insight into the Bitcoin staking …

1
SocialFi Is Crypto's Biggest Opportunity | Mert Mumtaz 49:59

1M ago49:59

49:59

Gm! This week we're back with another weekly roundup. We discuss users getting sandwiched, what's next for Solana, Airdrops & how socialFi could be one of crypto's largest opportunities. Enjoy! -- Follow Mert: https://twitter.com/0xMert_ Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq -- Access is the …

1
Why Solana Will Eventually Flip Ethereum | Kyle Samani 1:03:58

1M ago1:03:58

1:03:58

Gm! This week we invite Kyle Samani to the show for a wide ranging discussion on his current crypto thesis. We deep dive into the L1 vs L2 debate, Stablecoins & DePin as crypto's killer use cases, why Solana will ultimately flip Ethereum & so much more. Enjoy! -- Follow Kyle: https://x.com/KyleSamani Follow Mert: https://twitter.com/0xMert_ Follow …

1
How ZK Accounts Expand dApp Limits | John, Uma, & Zaki 57:41

25d ago57:41

57:41

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of ZK accounts and their potential. Uma, Zaki, and John, unpack ZK accounts, the trade-offs involved in design decisions, and the political landscape. We explore how ZK accounts enable trustless interoperability, enhance scalability, and unlock a dimension for dApps. The conversation also touches upon th…

1
Will the Fed Cut Rates in 2024? | Roundup 58:49

29d ago58:49

58:49

In this episode, we discuss FOMC, previous rate cutting cycles over the years, and if the FED will cut rates prior to the presidential election. We also breakdown the differing approaches blockchains take when dealing with MEV, and the ways networks and applications can monetize. Finally, we dive into how Trump’s stance towards crypto has affected …

1
Powering Solana's Onchain Economy | Garrett Harper & Stepan Simkin 54:35

2M ago54:35

54:35

Gm! This week we invite Garrett Harper & Stepan Simkin from Squads to the show after they raised a $10 million Series A round. We deep dive into the Squads origin story, why wallet security matters & how they want to help power Solana's on chain economy. Enjoy! -- Follow Stepan: https://x.com/SimkinStepan Follow Garrett: https://x.com/GarrettHarper…

1
How AVSs Enable Scalable, Secure and Customizable Execution | S8 E4 | Ludwig & Muto 1:33:32

1M ago1:33:32

1:33:32

In this episode, Ludwig from Sorella Labs and Muto from Ethos, two AVS builders, join to discuss the potential of restaked ETH and attributable security to revolutionize DeFi. They dive into how AVSs offer a scalable alternative to rollups by leveraging restaking to enable customizable off-chain execution while preserving the benefits of shared L1 …

1
The State Of Solana In 2024 | Austin Federa 56:14

2M ago56:14

56:14

Gm! This week we invite Austin Federa to the show for a discussion on the current state of Solana & the most exciting developments happening in crypto. We deep dive into the current state of Firedancer, how to build community within crypto & attracting developers to Solana. We then debate is economic security a meme & of course the latest meta... s…

1
Crypto's Great Rate Cut Cycle | Roundup 54:11

1M ago54:11

54:11

In this jam-packed episode, we dive into Starkware's million dollar initiative to scale Bitcoin with ZK tech, debate the implications of looming ETH ETF approvals, and discuss how the largest rate cutting cycle of our lifetimes could supercharge crypto. We also break down Coinbase's new Web3 wallet, the convergence of crypto infrastructure, and why…

1
Exploring Crypto's Modular Path | Rex & NoSleepJon 47:32

1M ago47:32

47:32

In this special episode, the Jason and Mike announce the launch of Expansion, a new Blockworks podcast focusing on the modular blockchain ecosystem. Expansion hosts Rex and NoSleepJon aim to explore the modular design concepts and architectural principles in the blockchain space. They highlight the benefits and challenges of modularity, the cultura…

1
The Modular Integration Spectrum | Keone & Zon 1:03:53

2M ago1:03:53

1:03:53

In this episode, Keone from Monad and Zon from Initia to discuss the spectrum between modular and integrated blockchain designs. They explore the tradeoffs in decentralization, performance and scalability between the two approaches. They explore AppChains, rollups, composability challenges in modular systems, EVM compatibility, and when to scale bl…

1
The Modular Integration Spectrum | Keone & Zon 1:04:18

1M ago1:04:18

1:04:18

In this episode, Keone from Monad and Zon from Initia to discuss the spectrum between modular and integrated blockchain designs. They explore the tradeoffs in decentralization, performance and scalability between the two approaches. They explore AppChains, rollups, composability challenges in modular systems, EVM compatibility, and when to scale bl…

1
Crypto's Ultimate Vision: Who's Building On Solana? | Weekly Roundup 48:56

2M ago48:56

48:56

Gm! This week we're back with another weekly roundup. We discuss Mert's big takeaways from Consensus 2024, who's building on Solana, crypto payments & why is the latest meta celebrity coins & social tokens? Enjoy! -- Follow Mert: https://twitter.com/0xMert_ Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpod…

1
The Power Dynamics of Liquid Restaking | S8 E3 | Sam, Krane, & Clayton 1:13:23

1M ago1:13:23

1:13:23

In this episode, we dive deep into the rapidly evolving world of liquid restaking. Our expert panel unpacks the history and rise of Liquid Restaking Tokens, exploring LRT design, yield strategies, the leverage dynamics between LRTs and Eigen Layer, and the potential impact of introducing multi-assets like Bitcoin. We examine the challenges posed by…

1
Is Crypto Bipartisan Now? | Roundup 1:05:45

1M ago1:05:45

1:05:45

In this episode, the guys debate whether Democrats can reverse course before the upcoming election. They also discuss the rise and fall of meme coins, despite Iggy Azalea's recent token launch. The conversation then shifts to the challenges facing Bitcoin's L2 development, OpenAI's legal battles over celebrity rights and employee NDAs, and Nvidia's…

1
Why Businesses Are Building On Solana | Baxus, Tzvi Wiesel 56:24

2M ago56:24

56:24

Gm! This week we welcome Tzvi Wiesel Founder & CEO of Baxus to discuss why they're building on Solana, growing a global marketplace for spirits & of course... how Baxus are bringing whiskey onchain. Enjoy! -- Follow Tzvi Wiesel: https://x.com/web4O Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq -- Use…

1
Exploring EigenLayer and The Future of Ethereum Security | S8 E2 | Sreeram Kannan 1:50:58

2M ago1:50:58

1:50:58

In this episode we are joined by Sreeram Kannan, founder of EigenLayer, to discuss the current state and future potential of restaking. The conversation covers Eigenlayer's rapidly growing ecosystem of actively validated services (AVS), the different types of security guarantees made possible by restaking, and how restaking can benefit both externa…

1
How ETH ETFs Will Reshape Crypto | Roundup 1:05:12

2M ago1:05:12

1:05:12

In this episode, the crew dives into discuss the 75% odds of an ETH ETF approval this month. They unpack the implications of ETH ETFs on crypto market structure and institutional adoption. The conversation also covers the evolving regulatory landscape and the backlash against Yuga Labs over their CryptoPunks moves. Finally, they debate the future o…

1
How Phantom Became Solana's Largest Wallet | Brandon Millman & Donnie Dinch 47:49

2M ago47:49

47:49

Gm! This week we welcome Brandon Millman & Donnie Dinch for a discussion on Phantom's recent acquisition & how they grew to be the largest wallet within the Solana ecosystem! Enjoy! -- Follow Brandon: https://x.com/BChillman Follow Donnie: https://x.com/donnie Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeed…

1
Will An Ethereum ETF Get Approved? | Weekly Roundup 1:02:46

2M ago1:02:46

1:02:46

Gm! This week we're back with another weekly roundup. We discuss the potential Ethereum ETF approval, crypto's low float problem, L1 vs L2 scaling & more. Enjoy! -- Follow Mert: https://twitter.com/0xMert_ Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq -- Try 3 months FREE of Helium Mobile with the co…

1
Restaking's Renaissance: The Next Generation of Blockchain Security | S8 E1 1:07:36

2M ago1:07:36

1:07:36

This episode takes a deep dive into the evolving landscape of restaking and shared security. Mike and Myles trace the history of restaking from early iterations like Polkadot and Cosmos to the rise of specialized providers like Eigen Layer. They break down the market structure, analyzing the supply and demand sides, and exploring how new entrants p…

1
The Growing Partisan Divide in Crypto | Roundup 1:16:04

2M ago1:16:04

1:16:04

In this episode, the guys discuss the recent prosecution of the Tornado Cash developer, the potential partisan nature of crypto regulation, and the ongoing vote on SAB 121. They delve into the history of asset seizure in the US, the shifting political attitudes towards crypto, and the potential implications for the industry. The conversation also t…

1
Keeping Technology from Breaking Society: Wendell Wallach - Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs 1:31:35

2M ago1:31:35

1:31:35

In today’s world, there is so much technology at our fingertips that we don’t know how to manage it all. Technologies like artificial intelligence, synthetic biology, nanotech and chemicals have important benefits, but they could also destabilize society, destroy democracy, crash the economy, create the next pandemic or ruin the environment. And co…

1
How Helium Is Leading Solana's DePin Future | Amir Haleem 46:27

2M ago46:27

46:27

Gm! This week we welcome Amir Haleem CEO of Nova Labs for a discussion on how Helium is building out DePin infrastructure to capture one of crypto's biggest opportunities. Enjoy! -- Follow Amir: https://twitter.com/amirhaleem Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq -- Subscribe on YouTube: http…

1
The Solana End Game | Anatoly Yakovenko & Lucas Bruder 1:11:32

2M ago1:11:32

1:11:32

Gm! This week we invite Anatoly Yakovenko & Lucas Bruder to the show for a discussion on the current state of Solana. We deep dive into the transaction problem as on chain volumes have exploded in recent months. Toly & Lucas explore the solutions that could help to increase chain performance & what's next for Solana. Enjoy! -- Follow Anatoly: https…

1
Will Solana Surpass Ethereum In Economic Value? | Weekly Roundup 52:02

3M ago52:02

52:02

Gm! This week we're back with another weekly roundup. We discuss will Solana flip Ethereum, L1 vs L2 value accrual, Van Eck's meme coin index & the SocialFi hype. Enjoy! -- Follow Mert: https://twitter.com/0xMert_ Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq -- Try 3 months FREE of Helium Mobile wit…

1
Will Crypto Leave the US? | Roundup 1:07:02

2M ago1:07:02

1:07:02

In this episode, the crew discusses the current state of crypto regulation and political candidate support in the US. They explore the viability of meme coins and the challenges of annualizing returns in the crypto space. The conversation also debates crypto-native gaming, the importance of crypto remaining a key industry in the US, and the technic…

1
The Future Of Liquid Staking On Solana | FP Lee 50:38

3M ago50:38

50:38

Gm! This week we welcome FP Lee to the show for a discussion on the growth of liquid staking on Solana. We deep dive into launching LSTs, value accrual, solving liquidity issues & some of the products sanctum is building. Enjoy! -- Follow FP: https://twitter.com/soleconomist Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter…

1
Interoperability's Product-Market Fit | Deep Dive 50:53

2M ago50:53

50:53

In today's episode, Michael chats with Nikhil Suri from the Wormhole Foundation about the future of multichain and interoperability in crypto. They discuss the challenges of creating a seamless user experience across different chains, the role of general message passing protocols like Wormhole, and the potential impact of zero-knowledge proofs on s…

1
Why Stripe Is Building On Solana | Weekly Roundup 1:03:00

3M ago1:03:00

1:03:00

Gm! This week we're back with another weekly roundup. After a crazy couple of weeks for Solana & crypto more broadly, we deep dive into Stripe's crypto announcement, Solana MEV, EigenLayer's token launch, Kamino + Drift Airdrops & more! -- Follow Mert: https://twitter.com/0xMert_ Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy Follow Lightspeed: https://tw…

1
Eigen's Dual Staking Dilemma: Eth vs Eigen Security | Roundup 1:16:27

3M ago1:16:27

1:16:27

In this episode, Mike and Myles dive into Eigen Layer's major announcement, unpacking the details and implications of the Eigen token airdrop, the Eigen Foundation, and the positioning of Eigen as an "intersubjective work token". They discuss the community's mixed reaction to the airdrop details and geo-fencing, the objectives and considerations ar…

1
Igniting Liquidity Cross Chain At The Speed Of Light | Alex Smirnov 53:59

3M ago53:59

53:59

Gm! This episode Alex Smirnov joins the show for a discussion on how deBridge is working to power the crypto economy with cross chain bridging & interoperability. Enjoy! -- Follow Alex: https://twitter.com/AlexSmirnov__ Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy -- Use Code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off your ticket to Permissionless III: https://blockworks…

1
The Path To 100,000 Subnets | Patrick O'Grady, Aaron Buchwald & Stephen Buttolph 1:08:30

3M ago1:08:30

1:08:30

Gm! This week Patrick O'Grady, Aaron Buchwald & Stephen Buttolph join the show to discuss the path forward for the Avalanche ecosystem. -- Follow Patrick: https://twitter.com/_patrickogrady Follow Aaron: https://twitter.com/AaronBuchwald Follow Stephen: https://twitter.com/stephenbuttolph Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy -- Try 3 months FREE…

1
2024: The End Of EVM Dominance | Rushi Manche 48:55

3M ago48:55

48:55

Gm! This week Rushi Manche of Movement Labs joins the show to discuss why 2023 was the year of DA & 2024 will be the year of the VM. Enjoy! -- Follow Rushi: https://twitter.com/rushimanche Follow Mert: https://twitter.com/0xMert_ Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy -- Try 3 months FREE of Helium Mobile with the code LIGHTSPEEDMOBILE: helloheliu…

1
The Solana End Game | Anatoly Yakovenko & Lucas Bruder 1:12:44

3M ago1:12:44

1:12:44

Gm! This week we invite Anatoly Yakovenko & Lucas Bruder to the show for a discussion on the current state of Solana. We deep dive into the transaction problem as on chain volumes have exploded in recent months. Toly & Lucas explore the solutions that could help to increase chain performance & what's next for Solana. Enjoy! -- Follow Anatoly: https…

1
Crypto's Multichain Masterplan | S7 E8 1:32:32

3M ago1:32:32

1:32:32

Season 7 | Episode 8 In this wrap-up episode of Season 7, Mike and Hart dive deep into the multichain endgame of crypto. They discuss how the user and developer experience might evolve in a multichain future, the role of ZK tech in enabling interoperability, and the importance of standardization across chains. They explore the potential for L1 asse…

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