Web3’s decentralisation is currently limited to smart contracts as they can be verified on-chain. However, until scalability and UX become on par with that of Web2, the only realistic way for crypto to reach mass adoption is threw off-chain dApps. This creates the premise for a security bottleneck in the form of centralised APIs used for on-chain querying. Mel Project aims to expand on-chain security and decentralisation (consensus) to off-chain apps, basically achieving off-chain composability through trustless light clients. Earendil, the backbone of their ecosystem, designed to resist ISP-level censorship, is a decentralized anonymous communication and payment network that enables autonomous applications and true P2P protocols. Topics covered in this episode: Eric’s background and founding Mel ProjectWhy Ethereum came shortIs Infura a security bottleneck?Liberating markets (and the Internet)Light clients and how Mel Project tackles themUse casesSmart contracts on Mel ProjectScaling the ‘world computer’Mel Project’s consensus: StreamletWhy Mel Project chose an UTXO modelEarendil & ISP-level censorship resistanceRoadmapThe Geph VPNMel Project’s low volatility (stable) coin$SYM: PoS tokenMisc.Episode links: Eric Tung on TwitterMel Project on TwitterGeph VPN on TwitterMoxie Marlinspike's 'My first impressions on web3' articleStreamlet BFT consensus modelSponsors: 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.

We couldn’t miss EthCC 7, nor the chance to chat with Vitalik Buterin about Ethereum’s status quo as an L1 amidst the plethora of L2s competing for market share, and what challenges will most likely arise along the way (e.g. staking decentralisation). Tune in for a captivating discussion on the importance of decentralisation as a last stand of human empowerment in the current geopolitical context and how it could positively impact AI's trajectory.  Topics covered in this episode: Types of Ethereum ‘hardnesses’ (sic)The L1 status quoStaking decentralisation & block buildingNon-financial crypto applicationsAccount abstraction & interoperabilitySolana & Bitcoin ecosystemsDeSci, biotech & longevityGeopoliticsEthereum nation state?The impact of AIDo not go gentle into that good nightEpisode links: Vitalik Buterin on TwitterEthCC on TwitterEthereum 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 Sebastien Couture & Brian Fabian Crain.