

Bell Curve
Blockworks
Bell Curve breaks down the most important themes in crypto for people who, like us, are confined to the middle of the bell curve. Each season explores a different thesis that we'll test and refine through debate with crypto's best. If you're a crypto native, degen or investooor, this podcast is for you.Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmDSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXHGet top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/Join the Bell Curve Telegram group: https://t.me/+nzyxAvQ0Xxc3YTEx
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 19, 2024 • 1h 14min
A New Era: Trump’s Impact on Crypto and Innovation in the U.S.
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 leading up to the election. Finally, they wonder where we are in the AI hype cycle, and who benefits the most from L2 innovation.Thanks for tuning in!--ResourcesMark Cuban on Bitcoin: https://x.com/mcuban/status/1813591281970348264
--Sei Labs believes the EVM is here to stay.By providing the fastest time to finality of any chain, thousands of transactions per second and full backwards compatibility with the EVM, Ethereum developers can try out a brand new design space for their applications.Visit https://www.sei.io/ to find out more--Join us at Permissionless III. Use code BELL10 for a 10% discount: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iii--Follow Mike: https://twitter.com/MikeIppolito_Follow Michael: https://twitter.com/im_mandersonFollow Vance: https://twitter.com/pythianismSubscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmDSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH- -Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(1:54) EthCC Recap(3:53) Discussing the Assassination Attempt on Trump(14:44) Mark Cuban and Other Elites Suddenly Rallying Behind Crypto(21:06) Sei Ad(22:06) Would Jamie Dimon Be a Good Treasury Secretary? (24:37) Economic Policy With JD Vance as VP(32:45) Will Biden Drop Out?(39:55) Recent Moves in the Crypto Markets(45:39) The Feds Approach to Policy Ahead of an Election(52:38) Where Are We in the AI Hype Cycle?(58:56) Apps vs Infrastructure(1:05:06) Who Benefits the Most From L2 Innovation?--Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mike, Jason, Michael, Vance and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.tt and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Jul 16, 2024 • 1h 8min
EthCC Campside Chat: Protocols, Ecosystems, Community & Tokens | Vitalik Buterin & Christopher Goes
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 protocols. The interview concludes with thoughts on social consensus, and the importance of learning from past failures to better navigate future developments.Thanks for tuning in!--Namada is the shielded asset hub rewarding you to protect the multichain. Enabling data protection for any existing asset, app, or chain, Namada introduces shielded cross-chain actions and rewards for shielding your assets, which strengthens data protection guarantees for everyone.Namada is currently in its mainnet launch phase — follow along on namada.net--Kinto is the Safety-first L2 designed to accelerate the transition to an on-chain financial system.If you believe in this on-chain financial system, join Kinto's launch program (Engen) and become a founding member at engen.kinto.xyz--Join us at Permissionless III. Use code BELL10 for a 10% discount: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iii--Follow Vitalik: https://x.com/VitalikButerinFollow Christopher Goes: https://x.com/cwgoesFollow Myles: https://x.com/MylesOneilFollow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmDSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH- ---Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(5:22) Reflections on the Past 15 Years of Crypto(12:36) How Can We Compete Against Centralized Protocols?(19:08) Anoma Ad(20:07) Kinto Ad(21:01) Ethereum's Roadmap: What Comes Next?(38:33) The Role of Standards(49:47) Unbundling the Blockchain(56:12) Crypto's Successes and Failures(1:03:10) Questions From the Crowd--Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mike, Jason, Michael, Vance and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Jul 9, 2024 • 1h 20min
A Fresh Take on Shared Security | S8 E7 | Misha Putiatin
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 security's potential to streamline and secure emerging networks.Thanks for tuning in!--ResourcesEthena + Symbiotic: https://blog.symbiotic.fi/ethena-symbiotic/
--Namada is the shielded asset hub rewarding you to protect the multichain. Enabling data protection for any existing asset, app, or chain, Namada introduces shielded cross-chain actions and rewards for shielding your assets, which strengthens data protection guarantees for everyone.Namada is currently in its mainnet launch phase — follow along on namada.net--Kinto is the Safety-first L2 designed to accelerate the transition to an on-chain financial system.If you believe in this on-chain financial system, join Kinto's launch program (Engen) and become a founding member at engen.kinto.xyz--Join us at Permissionless III. Use code BELL10 for a 10% discount: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iii--Follow Symbiotic: https://x.com/symbioticfiFollow Felix: https://x.com/FelixLtsFollow Myles: https://x.com/MylesOneilFollow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmDSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH- ---Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(2:39) The History of Shared Security(6:27) Polkadot's Impact(12:18) Symbiotic's Vision for Shared Security(26:09) Namada Ad(27:08) Kinto Ad(28:02) Symbiotic's Protocol Design(56:13) Securing Cross-chain Transfers with Ethena(1:05:55) Symbiotic's Impact on Ethereum's Future--Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mike, Jason, Michael, Vance and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Jul 5, 2024 • 1h 8min
A New Era for U.S. Regulations | Roundup
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 capital is finding its way into crypto.Thanks for tuning in!--Sei Labs believes the EVM is here to stay.By providing the fastest time to finality of any chain, thousands of transactions per second and full backwards compatibility with the EVM, Ethereum developers can try out a brand new design space for their applications.Try out sei v2 devnet - visit the new sei.io to find out more--Kinto is the Safety-first L2 designed to accelerate the transition to an on-chain financial system.If you believe in this on-chain financial system, join Kinto's launch program (Engen) and become a founding member at engen.kinto.xyz--Follow Mike: https://twitter.com/MikeIppolito_Follow Michael: https://twitter.com/im_mandersonFollow Vance: https://twitter.com/pythianismSubscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmDSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH- -Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(3:06) The Presidential Debate(14:34) Sei Ad(15:34) Kinto Ad(16:27) Chevron Doctrine Overruled(24:16) Trump's Potential Impact on Markets(37:06) Making Sense of Current Market Sentiment(54:57) How Is Fresh Capital Finding Its Way Into Crypto?--Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mike, Jason, Michael, Vance and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.tt and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Jul 2, 2024 • 1h 31min
Ethereum’s Path Forward: Aligning Security and Monetary Policy | S8 E6 | Hasu & Justin Drake
Blockchain researchers Hasu and Justin Drake explore Ethereum's path forward, discussing restaking, monetary policy, and the future. They cover validator effects, market trends, attester-proposer separation, and what excites them about Ethereum's future.

Jun 25, 2024 • 1h 20min
Harnessing the Untapped Potential of Bitcoin Staking | S8 E5 | David Tse
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 market, and his outlook for its future. Thanks for tuning in!--Namada is the shielded asset hub rewarding you to protect the multichain. Enabling data protection for any existing asset, app, or chain, Namada introduces shielded cross-chain actions and rewards for shielding your assets, which strengthens data protection guarantees for everyone.Namada is currently in its mainnet launch phase — follow along on namada.net--Kinto is the Safety-first L2 designed to accelerate the transition to an on-chain financial system.If you believe in this on-chain financial system, join Kinto's launch program (Engen) and become a founding member at engen.kinto.xyz--Follow David: https://x.com/dntseFollow Myles: https://x.com/MylesOneilFollow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmDSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH- ---Resources
How Bitcoin Will Secure The Appchain Future | Rollkit, Babylon, Stride
https://apple.co/3VRFDZ4
Babylon Blog: Forkless Rollups with Bitcoin Staking
https://babylonchain.io/blog/forkless-rollups-with-bitcoin-staking
--Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(3:57) Recent Bitcoin Developments(12:10) How Babylon Enables Bitcoin Staking(33:39) Namada Ad (34:38) Kinto Ad(35:32) The Bitcoin Staking Market(55:18) Babylon's Massive Opportunity(1:01:12) Interview Reflection--Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mike, Jason, Michael, Vance and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Jun 18, 2024 • 58min
How ZK Accounts Expand dApp Limits | John, Uma, & Zaki
Experts Uma, Zaki, and John discuss the potential of ZK accounts, touching on trustless interoperability, scalability benefits, design decisions, and the shift towards app-focused innovation. They explore how ZK technology enhances dApps and enables user-friendly solutions in the blockchain space.

Jun 14, 2024 • 59min
Will the Fed Cut Rates in 2024? | Roundup
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 regulatory policy.Thanks for tuning in!--Namada is the shielded asset hub rewarding you to protect the multichain. Enabling data protection for any existing asset, app, or chain, Namada introduces shielded cross-chain actions and rewards for shielding your assets, which strengthens data protection guarantees for everyone. Namada is currently in its mainnet launch phase — follow along on namada.net--Join us at Permissionless III. Use code BELL10 for a 10% discount: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iii--Follow Mike: https://twitter.com/MikeIppolito_Follow Michael: https://twitter.com/im_mandersonFollow Vance: https://twitter.com/pythianismSubscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmDSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH- -Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(2:34) Discussing FOMC and Economic Data(14:08) The Discrepancy Between Economic Data and Public Perception(16:10) Nomada Ad(17:09) Rate Cutting Cycles(22:20) Will the Fed Make Changes Before the Election?(24:43) Solana's Approach to Dealing With MEV(32:22) How Decentralized Networks Monetize(43:18) Ethereum's Scaling Roadmap(48:32) Trump's Effect on Crypto Policy--Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mike, Jason, Michael, Vance and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Jun 11, 2024 • 1h 34min
How AVSs Enable Scalable, Secure and Customizable Execution | S8 E4 | Ludwig & Muto
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 liquidity. The discussion covers topics like preconfirmations, MEV, quorum design, costs of security, and Eigen Layer's role in enabling this new design space. Ludwig and Muto provide insights into how AVSs will unlock powerful new applications and impact the future of crypto. Thanks for tuning in!--Follow Ludwig: https://x.com/0xvanbeethovenFollow Muto: https://x.com/0xMutoFollow Myles: https://x.com/MylesOneilFollow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmDSubscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH- ---Sei Labs believes the EVM is here to stay. By providing the fastest time to finality of any chain, thousands of transactions per second and full backwards compatibility with the EVM, Ethereum developers can try out a brand new design space for their applications.Try out sei v2 devnet - visit the new sei.io to find out more--Kinto is the Safety-first L2 designed to accelerate the transition to an on-chain financial system.If you believe in this on-chain financial system, join Kinto's launch program (Engen) and become a founding member at engen.kinto.xyz- -Timestamps:(0:00) Introduction(2:52) AVS Demand Side(15:14) Unlocking a New Design Space with Restaking(23:34) Sei Ad(24:34) Kinto Ad(25:28) Ethereum Alignment(31:24) AVS Branding(37:57) Quorum Design(45:58) Using an AVS vs a Rollup(52:10) AVS Costs(1:03:33) How AVS' Will Impact Applications(1:13:25) Interview Reflection- -Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mike, Jason, Michael, Vance and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Jun 7, 2024 • 54min
Crypto's Great Rate Cut Cycle | Roundup
This podcast episode covers topics such as scaling Bitcoin with ZK tech, looming ETH ETF approvals, the impact of rate cuts on crypto, Coinbase's Web3 wallet, Bitcoin DeFi challenges, and the convergence of crypto infrastructure. The episode also discusses the EVM's importance, partisan views on crypto, Ethereum ETF speculation, Sei blockchain solutions, interest rate cuts, investment mentalities, biometric password keys for security, market trends, trading strategies, and institutional influences in the crypto market.