Epicenter - Learn about Crypto, Blockchain, Ethereum, Bitcoin and Distributed Technologies

John Lilic, an Ethereum OG and consensus engineer, joins forces with Stefano Gogioso, an Oxford physicist and co-founder of NeverLocal, to explore the impending impact of quantum computing on cryptocurrency. They delve into the alarming vulnerabilities in crypto security, revealing how quantum algorithms could break current encryption methods. The duo discusses 'harvest now, decrypt later' threats to coin privacy and introduces groundbreaking 'Quantum Money' that leverages physics, not consensus, to combat double-spending. Prepare for a mind-bending look at our digital future!

Nathan Sexer, lead of the DevConnect and Events team at the Ethereum Foundation, shares insights from the monumental DevConnect 2025 in Argentina with 20,000 attendees. He discusses the innovative World's Fair format that allowed participants to interact with tangible Ethereum applications. Argentina's vibrant crypto culture, shaped by hyperinflation, was a perfect choice for hosting. The internet blackout became an unexpected catalyst for real connections, and plans are underway for DevCon in Mumbai, focusing on India's burgeoning developer community.

In this discussion, Peter Van Valkenburgh, Director of Research at Coin Center and a strong advocate for financial privacy in blockchain, dives into the growing tension between digital rights and regulation. He critiques the 'Transparency Paradox,' arguing that transparency can undermine neutrality in blockchain systems. The conversation explores legal threats against developers, particularly in the Pereira Bueno case, and the implications of Tornado Cash's legal challenges. Peter also introduces innovative solutions like the 'John Hancock Project,' advocating for privacy-preserving KYC alternatives.

In this discussion, Magnus, Co-CEO of Cosmos Labs, and Michael, also known as Cryptocito, a seasoned Cosmos investor, explore the evolution of the Cosmos ecosystem. They highlight a shift from grassroots enthusiasm to a focus on enterprise adoption, discussing strategic partnerships with Fortune 500 companies and CBDC initiatives. Magnus outlines innovations in the technical roadmap, including privacy features and app-chain flexibility, emphasizing the need for Cosmos to mature while maintaining its community spirit amid institutional engagement.

Michael Egorov, founder of Curve Finance and Yield Basis, discusses the innovative mechanisms behind DeFi yield. He highlights Curve's origins in optimizing stablecoin swaps and the mechanics of veCRV governance. The discussion delves into Yield Basis’s approach to impermanent loss mitigation, leveraging BTC paired with crvUSD for enhanced returns. Egorov forecasts a potential 20%+ APY, analyzing recent market volatility and its impact on returns. He emphasizes Yield Basis's role in increasing Curve's liquidity and revenue while outlining the roadmap for future growth.

Neal Stephenson, award-winning sci-fi author and co-founder of Lamina1, delves into the future of the creator economy. He discusses how storytelling shapes tech predictions and the balance of optimism and pessimism in envisioning the metaverse. Neal critiques Web3's risks, including surveillance and re-centralization, while championing creators' rights and direct micropayments. He also highlights the launch of 'Artifact,' a game aimed at integrating blockchain seamlessly, emphasizing that true success lies in empowering creators rather than just monetizing experience.

Dr. Nick Almond, Head of Governance at Jito, dives into decentralized governance's untapped potential alongside Paul Dylan-Ennis, a cryptophilosopher focused on blockchain culture. They explore the evolution of DAOs and discuss how governance has been diluted in today's crypto landscape. The conversation highlights the delicate balance of decentralization, the implications of surveillance laws, and the cultural risks posed by institutional influence. Ultimately, they advocate grassroots empowerment and event evangelism to reclaim the revolutionary ethos of blockchain.

Brave has spent a decade building a privacy-first browser that empowers users with tools like ad-blocking and fingerprinting protection, now serving 100 million monthly active users. Security engineer Kyle Den Hartog joins Friederike to unpack the centralization traps in digital identity from email's spam-driven dominance to one-size-fits-all DeFi lending rates and how Brave counters them with BAT's user-rewarding ad model, zero-knowledge personalization, and wallets that act as privacy guardians. Kyle warns of on-chain transparency's risks to consumer behavior, advocates for intent-based "vendor relationship management" advertising, and draws historical lessons on censorship's chilling effects amid rising regulations like EU chat controls. He shares Brave's vision for seamless private payments and user-controlled algorithms to reclaim the open web from Big Tech monopolies.Topics discussed in this episode:IntroductionKyle's background in security and identityWhy identity and privacy matterThe history and centralization of digital identityEmail as a cautionary tale for decentralizationBrave's privacy-first vision and 100M usersBAT: Rewarding users for attentionChallenges and evolutions in Brave's ad modelZero-knowledge for intent-based adsBrave Wallet: Privacy by defaultOn-chain privacy pitfalls and wallet solutionsBrowser wallets vs. built-in securityCensorship, regulations, and history's lessonsFixing social media algorithmsBrave's 5-year visionLinks mentioned in the episode: Kyle Den Hartog, Security Engineer at Brave: https://x.com/PryvitKyleBrave Browser: https://brave.com/Sponsors: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.io ⁠⁠This episode is hosted by Friederike Ernst.

Jelena Djuric, co-founder and CEO of Noble, shares her inspiring journey from political science to the heart of crypto innovation. She dives into Noble’s mission to streamline asset issuance in the Cosmos ecosystem, creating a stable, native liquidity hub. Discussing the importance of stablecoins, she reveals how Noble's 'boring' design enhances security. Jelena also touches on the roles of issuers, the exciting composable yield model, and plans for an EVM app layer on Celestia to expand functionality in the crypto landscape.

Benjamin Sarquis Peillard, founder of CAP Labs, discusses the future of stablecoins and the innovative design of insured yield products like CUSD and stCUSD. He emphasizes the hidden risks of stablecoins, highlighting why users should be cautious. Benjamin explains how CAP's unique allocation engine leverages restakers to generate yield, significantly shifting risk away from end-users. He also touches on the importance of regulation, interoperability, and how the crypto landscape can evolve towards increased trust and safety.