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

As more and more L2s launch promising to scale Ethereum, they end up competing for the same market share, userbase and liquidity. Apart from this harsh reality, crosschain interactions should be as seamless as possible in order to bridge different L2 ecosystems. Polygon envisions a scalable future in which various zero knowledge rollups post their proofs on an aggregation layer before settling on Ethereum, thus lowering latency and transaction costs as crosschain interactions take place expeditiously, without involving the L1 mainnet.We were joined by Sandeep Nailwal & Brendan Farmer, to discuss Polygon’s aggregation layer and how it aims to solve the current fragmentation of Ethereum L2 scaling solutions.Topics covered in this episode:Polygon’s ZK expansion and the acquisition of Mir ProtocolPolygon’s aggregation layerBlock building between different L2sShared sequencing & asynchronous sequencingSecurity guarantees of the aggregation layerSequencer decentralisation & censorship resistanceChains using Polygon’s aggregation layerPessimistic proofsCan optimistic rollups be included in the aggregation layer?Type 1 prover and Plonky3The evolution of ZKP systemsEnsuring ZK rollup integrityThe future of scalabilityEpisode links:Sandeep Nailwal on TwitterBrendan Farmer on TwitterPolygon on TwitterSponsors: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: Chorus One is one of the largest node operators worldwide, supporting more than 100,000 delegators, across 45 networks. The recently launched OPUS allows staking up to 8,000 ETH in a single transaction. Enjoy the highest yields and institutional grade security at - chorus.oneThis episode is hosted by Friederike Ernst.

In a world where a handful of (centralised) entities hold the majority of staked Ethereum (either directly or via delegation), the network’s decentralisation and security might be in peril. While there are multiple proposals being discussed to address this pressing matter, from reducing issuance after a certain breakpoint (~30% of total ETH being staked) to introducing more severe slashing for colluding entities, education and guidance remain paramount. EthStaker is a community led project whose goal is to guide, educate, support and offer resources for stakers, in order to lower the barrier of entry for solo stakers.We were joined by Superphiz & Nixorokish, to discuss the current Ethereum staking landscape and what challenges need to be addressed to ensure the network’s decentralisation and security.Topics covered in this episode:Superphiz’ & Nixorokish’ backgroundsEthereum staking evolutionStaking optionsLiquid stakingCentralization risksIncentivizing solo stakingLowering ETH issuance proposal & network securitySolo stakersHow a healthy staking ecosystem looks likeThe importance of client diversitySocio-political collusionMisc.Episode links:Superphiz on TwitterNixorokish on TwitterEthStaker on TwitterEthStakerSponsors: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: Chorus One is one of the largest node operators worldwide, supporting more than 100,000 delegators, across 45 networks. The recently launched OPUS allows staking up to 8,000 ETH in a single transaction. Enjoy the highest yields and institutional grade security at - chorus.oneThis episode is hosted by Friederike Ernst.

One could argue that psychedelic research has experienced a similar journey as crypto, in the sense that decentralised communities bound together to fund research where centralised entities refuse to do so. One of the greatest hurdles in modern science is access to research funding, and DeSci aims to provide a solution through decentralised crowdfunding. In addition, IP rights are incontestably attributed with the help of blockchain technology, as they cannot be altered at a later date. However, as the human mind is unique and moulded by each individual’s life story, establishing a causal relationship between consumption and their beneficial or detrimental effects can be extremely biased.We were joined by Dima Buterin & Paul Kohlhaas, to discuss the vast subject of psychedelics (especially in relationship to trauma), how research has progressed and how decentralisation pushes the field forward (DeSci).Topics covered in this episode:Dima’s & Paul’s backgroundsDiscovering psychedelicsDealing with traumaPsychedelics throughout history and societiesHow Molecule DAO was foundedDeSci & on-chain IPEthereum early days, causality & rationalityPsyDAONetwork statesMiscEpisode links:Dima Buterin on TwitterPaul Kohlhaas on TwitterMolecule DAO on TwitterPsy DAO on TwitterSponsors: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: Chorus One is one of the largest node operators worldwide, supporting more than 100,000 delegators, across 45 networks. The recently launched OPUS allows staking up to 8,000 ETH in a single transaction. Enjoy the highest yields and institutional grade security at - chorus.oneThis episode is hosted by Brian Fabian Crain.

Crypto experts Austin Griffith, Mona El Isa, and Peter Van Valkenburgh discuss the implications of Ethereum spot ETFs, regulatory hurdles, decentralization values, scaling solutions, end-user adoption, and the importance of user experience in the crypto industry. They emphasize the need to educate everyday users on decentralization and permissionlessness while navigating regulatory and legal challenges. The podcast also explores technology advancements, the impact of Web3, and the intersection of technology and society in the evolving cryptocurrency landscape.

Expert Mara Schmiedt discusses institutional liquid staking in crypto, focusing on Ethereum's staking landscape, risks, restaking opportunities, and Alluvial's ultrasound infrastructure. The episode explores staking dynamics, regulatory challenges, LS-Eath product stack, ETF impact, and the importance of validator distribution for decentralization in blockchain technology.

Kevin Owocki, Co-founder of Gitcoin, discusses quadratic funding and public goods funding models in Gitcoin, including the utility of Gitcoin Passport, sybil protection dilemma, capital allocation, GTC token utility, and decentralizing Allo Protocol. The episode covers new allocation models introduced by Gitcoin 2.0, the current landscape of DAOs, and the success of Gitcoin in raising over $60M towards public goods funding.

Blockchain experts Illia Polosukhin and Alex Skidanov discuss sharding technology and scalability in Near Protocol. Topics include challenges of building a sharded blockchain, stateless validation, shard security, and comparing shards vs. rollups. The podcast explores how Near Protocol improves leaderless chunk production and chain abstraction for efficiency in blockchain networks.

Paolo Ardoino discusses Tether's resilience post-Luna collapse, shift to T-bills reserves, and Bitfinex recovery. Topics: USDT adoption in emerging markets, stablecoin wars, P2P renaissance. Delves into entrepreneurship, decentralized stablecoins, and diversifying physical backing. Explores Tether's cross-chain support and long-term vision.

Lucas Schor, a key figure in Ethereum infrastructure, discusses the creation of Safe during the 2017 ICO frenzy to secure raised capital. They delve into the importance of multi-sig models for asset security, Smart accounts, and ERC-4337 for mass-adoption. Safe's design philosophy, OpSec, smart contract security, and expansion into cross-chain support are highlighted, showcasing its evolution within the Gnosis ecosystem.

Blockchain scalability expert, Rebecca Liao, discusses Saga's solution to Ethereum and Solana's scalability issues using chainlets. Saga focuses on building a Web3 gaming ecosystem with customizable parameters for developers. Topics include chainlets, validators, fee models, and SAGA token launch. The podcast explores the challenges and opportunities in the blockchain gaming space.