In this episode, we welcome you into the world of Monero, a cryptocurrency renowned for its privacy features. We start by discussing the basics of Monero, its role as a privacy token, and how it compares to Bitcoin. Co-host, Seth for Privacy, joins us as a new member of the Ungovernable Misfits crew, sharing his insights and experiences with Monero. The episode covers the history of Monero, its development, and the significant changes it has undergone to enhance privacy.

2024

Conferences
Monerotopia

On/Off-ramps

Growing atomic swap usage via UnstoppableSwap and BasicSwap
https://unstoppableswap.net/
https://basicswapdex.com/

Launch of Haveno Reto

https://retoswap.com/

Delistings

Technical improvements

FCMP++ protocol development being finished
https://repo.getmonero.org/monero-project/ccs-proposals/-/merge_requests/448#note_27450
Rapid funding of technical CCS requests
Explain how the CCS works, funding in Monero, etc.
Quickly funded! https://repo.getmonero.org/monero-project/ccs-proposals/-/merge_requests/518
Work on new addressing schemes that give drastically improved scanning key support
JAMTIS and CARROT
CARROT is the prevailing next step

Attacks

LinkingLion attacker running fake nodes to MitM real nodes
https://thehackerblog.com/the-orphaned-internet-taking-over-120k-domains-via-a-dns-vulnerability-in-aws-google-cloud-rackspace-and-digital-ocean/
https://x.com/monerobull/status/1832807857332330843
https://b10c.me/observations/06-linkinglion/
Ban list now available, deployed on all Cake nodes and my node, instructions in show notes
Cake Wallet DDoS
https://x.com/sethforprivacy/status/1856311150796804538

Adoption

Growing Monero usage for CoinCards, ShopInBit, MyNymBox
Monerica popularity
Barnjerky for monero
UM clothing for monero
CakePay growing, 4x since the beginning of the year
Ecosystem growth
Hardware wallet support for Monero on iOS in the latest Cake Wallet update
Launch of XMRChat
https://x.com/xmr_chat/status/1819935254922072144
Launch of XMRBazaar
Launch of Cupcake open beta
Passport Prime announcement
Cake Wallet app on Prime w/ Monero support in March, GA in June

2025

On/Off-ramps

Launch of Serai?

Technical improvements

wallet2 improvements, drastically increasing sync speed by making the process of downloading/scanning blocks more async - jberman

Adoption

No KYC debit card that can be topped up with Monero in Cake
Low limits, higher limits with KYC
Ecosystem growth
Launch of Cupcake full release
Background sync for Monero
Passport Prime shipping in March, Cake working on app w/ Monero support

This episode is a comprehensive exploration of Monero's past, present, and future, offering valuable insights for both new and experienced users.

IMPORTANT LINKS

VALUE FOR VALUE

Thanks for listening you Ungovernable Misfits, we appreciate your continued support and hope you enjoy the shows.

You can support this episode using your time, talent or treasure.

TIME:

- create fountain clips for the show
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TALENT:

- create ungovernable misfit inspired art, animation or music
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TREASURE:

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- DONATE via Paynym @ https://paynym.rs/+misfit
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(00:00:00) INTRO

(00:01:12) Welcome to the Crew, Seth!

(00:10:45) Monero as Digital Cash and a Privacy Tool

(00:17:33) Monero's History and Development

(00:32:02) Monerotopia Was The Highlight | 2024

(00:37:01) Max the Monero Dev

(00:45:47) The Ramps: Atomic Swap Usage Go Up | 2024

(00:55:19) The Ramps: Delistings Galore | 2024

(01:02:51) Attacks on Monero | 2024

(01:12:49) Technical Improvements & New Projects | 2024

(01:22:16) Monero Adoption Rises | 2024

(01:27:41) Monero Ecosystem Growth | 2024

(01:37:46) Looking Forward to 2025

(01:47:28) THANK YOU FOUNDATION

(01:48:53) THANK YOU CAKE WALLET

Welcome to the Crew | MONERO MONTHLY 01