Arjun Khemani Podcast

Sean Bowe and Jack Grigg aka str4d are both cryptographic engineers working on the Zcash protocol. Sean’s latest project is Tachyon, intended to bring encrypted money into the hands of 8 billion people. 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 - Project Tachyon10:20 - Privacy can’t be an afterthought for a protocol15:24 - Encrypted Bitcoin22:11 - Soundness bug in original sprout pool30:15 - Sapling33:00 - A decade of progress39:04 - Zcash’s anonymity set51:29 - Using private money as a passthrough doesn’t work56:04 - The importance of ledger indistinguishability58:30 - The ultimate privacy stack1:05:58 - Tachyon removes all cryptographic bottlenecks of encrypted money1:08:16 - What’s next after Tachyon?1:15:25 - Weightless blockchains?1:18:24 - Ragu1:19:44 - What the next 12 months look like for Jack and Sean1:31:22 - “Everything worth doing is worth doing on ambitious timelines.” — Sean1:32:16 - Sean’s advice for young engineers1:34:18 - What got Sean and Jack into Zcash? 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

Samo Burja, founder of Bismarck Analysis and chair of Palladium Magazine, discusses the dynamics of 'live players' who drive societal innovation versus 'dead players' clinging to norms. He unpacks the Great Founder Theory, exploring how exceptional individuals can trigger profound change. Burja emphasizes the fragility of knowledge and societal structures, critiques American bureaucracy, and reassesses the legacy of ancient Sparta. He also shares advice for young people on personal agency and the importance of mentorship.

Zooko Wilcox, legendary cypherpunk and co-founder of Zcash, joins Josh Swihart, CEO of the Electric Coin Company, to discuss the future of private money. They delve into how Zcash innovations enhance user privacy and tackle issues around centralized exchanges. The conversation highlights the importance of zero-knowledge proofs and the significance of turnstiles in reconciling fund transparency. They also explore the philosophical impact of sci-fi on our understanding of technology and financial freedom, advocating for the moral imperative of private money in advancing society.

Ethan Thornton, founder of Mach Industries and a young tech entrepreneur, dives into the future of warfare. He discusses the impact of autonomous systems on military strategy and the need for decentralized supply chains. Thornton shares his experience raising $85 million at just 19 and why innovative technologies are crucial against threats like China. He examines the strategic advantages of his Viper aircraft and reflects on lessons learned from the Ukraine conflict, emphasizing resilience in military manufacturing.

In this discussion, philosopher Peter Boghossian, renowned for his critiques of modern education and moral relativism, delves into the key ideas from the Enlightenment and their relevance today. He warns about the dangers of moral relativism and critiques how modern education is falling short in promoting critical thinking. The conversation tackles complex topics such as the intersection of speech and violence in ideological debates, the ideological manipulation of science, and the need for stronger epistemology to foster meaningful dialogue.

Zooko Wilcox-O’Hearn, a cypherpunk and co-founder of Zcash, joins forces with his brother Nate and cryptographer Sean Bowe to dive deep into the fascinating world of Zcash. They tackle Bitcoin’s privacy issues and explore the unstoppable nature of private money. The trio discusses the challenges and innovations in zero-knowledge proofs, the comparison between Zcash and Monero, and the quantum threats looming over cryptocurrencies. Their insights on privacy's importance and the cultural shifts surrounding digital cash will leave listeners intrigued.

Naval Ravikant, an influential entrepreneur and investor, shares profound insights on wealth, philosophy, and technology. He explores the search for truth versus the consensus of groups, emphasizing that innovation leads to resource abundance. Naval critiques the degrowth ideology and discusses the implications of regulations on technological progress. He also delves into human creativity as a unique trait and debates the balance of lifespan and health span. His perspectives challenge conventional thinking about freedom, knowledge, and the future of society.

David Deutsch, a renowned physicist and author, engages in a thought-provoking conversation about humanity's unique role in the universe. He critiques cultural relativism and the outdated educational system that stifles creativity. The discussion touches on the importance of fallibilism and how innovation transforms resources into wealth. Deutsch warns against the dangers of regulating AI and emphasizes the need for uninhibited exploration of ideas. He also explores the moral centrality of humans and the potential for space colonization.

Julian Barbour, a renowned physicist known for his exploration of time, joins theoretical physicist Samuel Kuypers in a captivating discussion. They delve into the idea that time is not absolute, but shaped by moments. The duo contrasts Newton’s views with modern theories, exploring shape dynamics and cosmic evolution. They tackle entropy and the universe's heat death, while pondering free will versus determinism. Barbour's unexpected passion for Shakespeare adds a creative twist, enriching their philosophical reflections on existence and reality.

Nat Eliason, author of Crypto Confidential, discusses Ayn Rand, writing a book on crypto, decentralized social media, pseudonymity, creativity through constraints, and the future of work. He also shares unconventional health practices and his writing app similar to Strava.