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Summary

In this episode, David Rhodus, founder and CEO of Permissionless Labs, shares his journey from AWS to Web3 infrastructure. He talks about launching Pipe Network, a decentralized content delivery network (CDN) designed to tackle video latency using a network of incentivized node operators. David breaks down the role of the POP client, explains how tokenomics will drive adoption, and reflects on building a two-sided marketplace that serves both streaming services and infrastructure providers. He also hints at future plans to go beyond video and support other data-heavy use cases like AI.

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Takeaways

— David’s time at AWS shaped his approach to building hyper-resilient systems.

— Pipe Network addresses video latency by using a decentralized CDN model.

— The POP client lets everyday users contribute bandwidth as node operators.

— Token incentives are key to driving participation and long-term network growth.

— The team is focused on product execution more than hype or community right now.

— Feedback from streaming companies helps iterate and improve the service.

— Web3 enables new coordination models that are ideal for global infrastructure.

— The vision goes beyond video—future use cases could include AI workloads and more.

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Timeline

(00:00) From Amazon to Entrepreneurship: Lessons Learned

(03:01) The Journey into Crypto: Early Experiences

(05:57) Building Pipe Network: Addressing Video Streaming Challenges

(08:57) Innovating with Blockchain: The Role of CDN

(11:56) Hyperlocal Edge Nodes: Reducing Latency in Streaming

(14:55) The Multi-CDN Strategy: Competing in the Streaming Market

(17:57) Incentivizing Node Operators: The POP Client and Tokenomics

(21:05) Ensuring Security: Zero Knowledge Proofs in Streaming

(23:51) Future of Pipe Network: Permissionless and Global Impact

(25:22) The Power of Streaming and Community Nodes

(29:26) Innovating Beyond Video: Expanding Use Cases

(32:18) Tokenomics and the Burn-Mint Equilibrium Model

(35:44) Becoming a Node Operator: The Onboarding Process

(38:04) Preparing for Full Production and Revenue Generation

(39:57) Skepticism in Web3: A Different Perspective

(43:20) The Role of Crypto in Coordination and Innovation

(44:28) Targeting Node Deployment: Meeting Customer Needs

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Summary

In this conversation, Campbell Easton, head of communications at Redstone Oracles, shares his journey into the crypto space, the innovative modular approach of Redstone in the blockchain oracle market, and the importance of client integration and support. He discusses the challenges and solutions related to real-world assets, the integration of Bitcoin, and the advancements in oracle technology, including the potential intersection of decentralized finance and AI. In this conversation, Campbell discusses the innovative communication methods being developed for AI networks, the importance of security in product development, and the concept of Oracle Extractable Value (OEV). He emphasizes the significance of building a community around oracles, gamifying engagement, and creating a unique community language. The discussion also covers event marketing strategies, content marketing, and educational initiatives, culminating in future plans for Redstone and how the community can get involved.

Takeaways

- Campbell started with crypto in 2018, mining Ethereum.
- Redstone is the fastest growing blockchain oracle.
- Oracles are essential for DeFi applications.
- Redstone's modular approach allows for rapid integration.
- Client integration is streamlined and efficient at Redstone.
- Real-world assets require customized oracle solutions.
- Integrating Bitcoin is less complex with Redstone's tech.
- Why Redstone is better than Chainlink
- User experience and security are top priorities for Redstone.
- Redstone OEV aims to revolutionize liquidation processes.
- AI and DeFi are converging with new projects like Clara. AI networks are evolving with new communication layers.
- Security is the top priority for engineering teams.
- OEV is a critical yet underexplored area in oracles.
- Community engagement is essential for oracles' success.
- Gamification can enhance community involvement.
- Authentic community building leads to better engagement.
- Unique language fosters a strong community identity.
- Event marketing increases brand visibility.
- Educational content can attract new users.
- Redstone is focused on creating valuable products.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Campbell Easton and Redstone Oracles
02:25 Campbell's Journey into Crypto and DeFi
03:19 Understanding Blockchain Oracles
05:02 Redstone's Modular Approach to Oracles
09:15 Client Integration and Support at Redstone
12:22 Real World Assets and Custom Solutions
15:29 Integrating Bitcoin and Other Chains
17:25 Enhancing User Experience and Security
18:04 Innovations in Oracle Technology
21:25 The Intersection of DeFi and AI
24:28 Innovative Communication in AI Networks
26:29 Prioritizing Security in Product Development
28:04 Understanding Oracle Extractable Value (OEV)
31:21 Building a Community Around Oracles
33:35 Gamifying Community Engagement
35:55 The Importance of Authentic Community Building
37:35 Creating Unique Community Language
39:20 Event Marketing Strategies for Visibility
43:32 Content Marketing and Educational Strategies
46:44 Future Plans and Community Involvement

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Summary

In this conversation, Yash Agarwal, co-founder of Send AI, discusses his journey into the Solana ecosystem, the motivation behind launching the Solana AI Hackathon, and the subsequent development of Send AI and the Solana Agent Kit. He emphasizes the importance of building a robust AI ecosystem on Solana and shares insights into the future of AI agents and the Send ecosystem, including the role of the Send coin and various upcoming projects.

Takeaways

Yash Agarwal entered the Solana ecosystem in 2021 during a bull market.

The Super Team community played a crucial role in his journey.

Solana's active developer community attracted him to the ecosystem.

The Solana AI Hackathon aimed to position Solana as a leader in AI agents.

Send AI was born out of the need for a focused AI initiative in Solana.

The Solana Agent Kit has seen significant adoption among developers.

Send AI aims to grow the Solana AI landscape exponentially.

The Send ecosystem includes various products, including games and tools for developers.

AI agents are still in their infancy but have great potential for future development.

The Send coin serves as an attention token for the ecosystem.

Timeline

00:00 Introduction to Yash Agarwal and Solana Ecosystem

02:53 The Rise of Send AI and the AI Hackathon

05:55 Building the Solana AI Ecosystem

09:01 The Launch of Send AI and Its Vision

11:49 The Solana Agent Kit: Features and Adoption

14:55 Expanding the Send Ecosystem: Games and Apps

17:51 Future of AI Agents and Their Market Fit

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Summary

In this episode, Anthony Broderick, co-founder of Lucid Labs, shares how his passion for economics and political transparency led him into crypto. He discusses the foundational ideas behind Lucid—a modular hub designed to streamline multi-chain DeFi by solving fragmentation and bridging challenges, including protocol-owned liquidity. Anthony unpacks the need for better no-code tools, sustainable liquidity through protocol-owned assets, and deeper community involvement. He also reflects on the difficulties of defining Lucid’s place in a fast-moving ecosystem, and the importance of real-world relationships in building long-term value in crypto.

Takeaways

— Anthony’s interest in fiat systems and dark money sparked his move into crypto.

— Lucid is a modular DeFi hub focused on simplifying multi-chain participation.

— Cross-chain bridging remains a critical problem in DeFi.

— No-code tools open the door for a broader range of developers.

— Protocol-owned liquidity can provide more sustainable project financing.

— Community engagement and education are essential to long-term adoption.

— Building human relationships still matters—even in decentralized spaces.

— Lucid aims to offer infrastructure that evolves with the modular blockchain future.

— The project resists traditional categories, reflecting the evolving crypto stack.

Timeline

(00:00) Anthony’s crypto and economics background

(05:59) Challenges of multi-chain DeFi

(11:51) New approaches to liquidity management

(17:53) Community engagement and protocol success

(33:32) Reviving old wisdom in DeFi design

(39:14) Collaboration with Everclear

(44:40) Community building strategies

(52:40) Positioning Lucid in the market

(58:13) Using events to build connections

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Summary

In this conversation, Brendan Sedo shares his path from a 15-year career in tech to his current role at CoreDAO. He dives into the platform’s mission to expand Bitcoin’s utility, particularly through products like LST Bitcoin that offer yield without compromising decentralization. Brendan highlights how customer development, institutional partnerships, and community building are central to CoreDAO’s growth. He also discusses how content marketing and hackathons play a vital role in educating users and attracting builders. Throughout, his long-term focus is clear: create a sustainable, user-friendly ecosystem that unlocks new layers of value for Bitcoin.

Takeaways

— Brendan Sedo brings 15+ years of tech experience, including a successful startup exit, to the crypto world.

— Customer development is a core focus, ensuring real-world problems are solved through user feedback.

— CoreDAO aims to expand Bitcoin’s utility, not just store its value.

— LST Bitcoin offers a low-risk yield product targeted at institutions.

— Institutions show growing interest in Bitcoin yield with manageable risk profiles.

— CoreDAO is building a two-sided network with both retail and institutional traction.

— Developer engagement is being fueled through upcoming hackathons.

— Content marketing is key to onboarding and educating users about Bitcoin, staking, and DeFi.

— CoreDAO’s vision is long-term, with an emphasis on sustainability and trust.

— The team is focused on creating a blockchain that balances innovation with accessibility.

Timeline

(00:00) Introduction to Brendan Sedo and CoreDAO

(03:58) Brendan’s journey into crypto and background in tech

(07:02) Lessons from customer development in the construction industry

(09:55) Applying user-centric development to crypto products

(12:43) CoreDAO’s mission to increase Bitcoin’s utility

(15:52) Sidechains vs Layer 2s: technical distinctions

(18:48) Intro to Bitcoin staking and the concept of yield

(21:55) Institutional approach to LST Bitcoin

(24:53) What institutions want: feedback and risk appetite

(27:46) Building a two-sided market: retail and institutions

(32:04) Launching with community involvement

(33:07) Gaming and new verticals on Core

(34:26) Hybrid consensus: Proof of Work + Stake

(36:57) Educating users through content marketing

(42:13) Hackathons as a strategy to attract developers

(46:04) Bitcoin’s next chapter: competition and opportunity

(50:30) Wallet UX and integrating user experience

(55:14) What’s next: growth, vision, and community

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Summary

In this episode, Heidi Christine, CMO of Pixels, shares how the team prioritized retention over hyper-growth to build one of the most active communities in Web3 gaming. She breaks down the philosophy behind Pixels’ “farmer-friendly” culture, the strategies used to onboard Web2 players, and the importance of meeting users where they are. Heidi also reflects on her own path—from engineering to leading marketing at a major gaming project—and the lessons learned along the way. The conversation touches on the role of blockchain in enhancing (not complicating) user experience, the decision to build on Ronin, and why fun, not financialization, must stay at the heart of game design.

Takeaways

— Retention is more valuable than raw growth in Web3 games

— A strong, welcoming culture builds sticky communities

— Web2 players can be onboarded when the experience feels familiar

— Blockchain should be additive to gameplay, not a barrier

— Heidi’s non-linear career path highlights the value of diverse backgrounds

— Transparency and communication strengthen user trust

— Ecosystem support from a layer one like Ronin can be transformative

— Game design must prioritize fun over financial mechanics

— Collaborating with gaming guilds accelerates community growth

— Listening to players leads to better product decisions

Timeline

(00:00) Intro to Pixels and its vision

(02:55) Why retention > growth

(05:58) Building a farmer-friendly culture

(08:46) Bringing Web2 users into Web3

(11:54) Heidi’s journey from engineer to CMO

(20:04) Leading one of Web3’s biggest games

(26:05) How blockchain fits into Pixels

(28:05) Why Pixels chose Ronin

(30:32) Guild partnerships and community building

(34:21) Using community input in dev

(36:35) Ronin’s impact on growth

(40:34) What’s next for the Pixels ecosystem

(44:40) Inspiration and humanity in game design

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