Podcast
Lightspeed
Hosted by Blockworks · EN
Lightspeed is a podcast for those interested in how crypto can solve real problems and create products users love. It's a callback to the garage days of Silicon Valley, where builders pushed the limits of hardware and software to build world-changing products. We interview the projects and founders that will make this same impact today.
52episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
The DeFi-Native Prime Broker | MacBrennan Peet
Feb 2500:55:53Tap to summarizeGm! In this episode, we’re joined by MacBrennan Peet, Founder of Project 0, to discuss how the platform is tackling capital and risk fragmentation across DeFi venues. We cover unified margin, cross-venue credit, automated strategies, dynamic risk management, integrations across Solana lending markets, and Project 0 Pay. Enjoy! -- Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Follow Project 0: https://x.com/Project0 Follow MacBrennan: https://x.com/macbrennan_cc Follow Danny: https://x.com/defi_kay_ Join the Lightspeed Telegram: https://t.me/+QHlbNTNS4gc1ZTVh -- Join us at DAS (Digital Asset Summit) in New York City this March! Use the link below to learn more, and use code LIGHTSPEED200 to get $200 off your ticket! See you there! Learn more + get your ticket here: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-nyc-2026 -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:48) MacBrennan's Path to Project 0 (5:39) Rebuilding Prime Brokerage for DeFi (8:48) Unified Margin Across DeFi Venues (19:59) Automated DeFi Strategies (26:57) Risk Management & Asset Onboarding (31:51) The Evolution of Automated Strategies (35:19) Project 0 Pay Explained (46:33) Competing With DeFi Super Apps (51:10) What's Next for Project 0 (55:06) Closing Comments -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Danny, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
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Solana’s Block Building Battle: Jito BAM vs. Harmonic
Feb 1901:00:42Tap to summarizeGm! In this episode we discuss Blockworks’ new Solana-focused Lightspeed IR platform and a report on Solana block building. We examine the rivalry between Jito BAM and Harmonic, impacts on transaction ordering, fees, market structure, validator clients, and the push toward protocol-level solutions like MCP and application-controlled execution.Enjoy! -- Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq Follow Sam: https://x.com/minnus Follow Carlos: https://x.com/0xcarlosg Follow Danny: https://x.com/defi_kay_ Join the Lightspeed Telegram: https://t.me/+QHlbNTNS4gc1ZTVh -- Join us at DAS (Digital Asset Summit) in New York City this March! Use the link below to learn more, and use code LIGHTSPEED200 to get $200 off your ticket! See you there! Learn more + get your ticket here: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-nyc-2026 -- Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (3:42) Lightspeed IR Platform Launch (6:40) Block Building on Solana (12:28) Jito Bam vs. Harmonic: Architecture Breakdown (16:51) MEV, Fees, and Market Structure Impacts (34:04) MCP and Solana's Path Forward (48:49) What Happened to Jito and Harmonic? (55:55) Alpenglow & MCP Timeline (59:03) Closing Comments -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Danny, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Transcribe →Why Crypto Wallets Are Broken | Armani Ferrante
Feb 11, 202501:01:01Tap to summarizeGm! This week Armani Ferrante joins the show. We discuss the CEX vs DEX exchange model, who will win market share for perps in crypto, why crypto wallets are broken, the future of Mad Lads & more. Enjoy!--Follow Armani: https://x.com/armaniferranteFollow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--Use Code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off tickets to Digital Asset Summit 2025: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-new-york--Just for Lightspeed listeners, visit bonkbets.io/lightspeed and connect your wallet to get 10% back on any losses to bet again. For a limited time, make two $10 bets on any game before March 1 2025 to get a free third $10 bet.--Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(00:55) CEXs vs DEXs(08:51) Why Are DEXs Important?(13:51) Bonk Bets Ad(14:22) Does Decentralization Matter?(18:17) Spot vs Margin Exchanges(29:12) Bonk Bets Ad(29:44) Why Crypto Wallets Are Broken(41:23) The Backpack Mission Statement(51:18) The FTX Fallout(55:04) Mad Lads(56:18) Advice For Founders--Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Transcribe →Building Solana's Next Breakout App | Ilja Moisejevs & Richard Wu
Feb 7, 202500:52:38Tap to summarizeGm! This week Ilja Moisejevs and Richard Wu join the show to discuss the release of Vector. We deep dive into Tensor's pivot from NFTs, the rise of social trading, building a consumer platform, whats next for Tensor & more. Enjoy!--Follow Ilja: https://x.com/_ilmoiFollow Richard: https://x.com/0xrwuFollow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--Use Code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off tickets to Digital Asset Summit 2025: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-new-york--Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors the Lightspeed podcast. As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your Solana assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now and build confidently, knowing your SOL are safe.Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00.--Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(00:46) What Is Vector?(04:36) Vector Fees & Revenue(07:42) Vector’s Go To Market(09:20) Social Trading(14:32) Ledger Ad(15:20) Liquidity Fragmentation(17:01) Memecoin MEV(20:09) Pivoting From NFTs(28:08) Building A Consumer Platform(33:07) Ledger Ad(33:55) The Tensor Token & Treasury(37:23) Value Accrual(38:32) Advice For Founders(43:26) Internet Capital Markets--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Transcribe →Crypto's Biggest Opportunity In 2025 | Weekly Roundup
Feb 4, 202500:45:29Tap to summarizeGm! This week we're joined by Dan Smith for another roundup. We deep dive into crypto's weekend liquidation event, crypto's biggest opportunity, Solana updates in 2025 & more. Enjoy!--Follow Dan: https://x.com/smyyguyFollow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--Use Code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off tickets to Digital Asset Summit 2025: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-new-york--Just for Lightspeed listeners, visit bonkbets.io/lightspeed and connect your wallet to get 10% back on any losses to bet again. For a limited time, make two $10 bets on any game before March 1 2025 to get a free third $10 bet.--Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(01:53) Crypto’s Weekend Nuke(14:00) Bonk Bets Ad 1(14:32) The Trump Impact(18:01) SocialFi(28:56) Stablecoin Supply Growth(30:12) Bonk Bets Ad 2(30:51) Solana’s Biggest Opportunity(37:40) Solana Upgrades In 2025--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Transcribe →The Solana Thesis: Internet Capital Markets With Kyle Samani
Jan 31, 202500:55:02Tap to summarizeGm! This week Kyle Samani joins the show to discuss his most recent piece "The Solana Thesis: Internet Capital Markets". We deep dive into Kyle's current thesis for Solana, bringing TradFi on chain, the opportunity in DePIN & AI, the state of crypto venture & more. Enjoy! The Solana Thesis: Internet Capital Markets: https://multicoin.capital/2025/01/22/the-solana-thesis-internet-capital-markets/--Follow Kyle: https://x.com/KyleSamaniFollow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--Use Code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off tickets to Digital Asset Summit 2025: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-new-york--Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors the Lightspeed podcast. As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your Solana assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now and build confidently, knowing your SOL are safe.Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00.--Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(01:19) The Solana Thesis: Internet Capital Markets(03:57) Payments, Financial Services & The Role Of MEV(07:04) Latency On Solana(10:02) Ledger Ad(10:49) What Is Conditional Liquidity?(14:09) Bringing TradFi On Chain(18:53) Atomic Composability(23:33) UX Interoperability(29:05) The Future Of Ethereum Is Coinbase(36:46) Sandwich Attacks On Solana(40:10) Fee Reductions In Crypto(43:32) DePIN & AI(47:57) The State Of Crypto VC(50:34) The Solana ETF--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Transcribe →The Pudgy Penguin Playbook With Luca Netz
Jan 28, 202501:06:08Tap to summarizeGm! This week, Luca Netz joins the show to discuss the future of Pudgy Penguins. We deep dive into the Pudgy origin story, why Luca launched PENGU on Solana, building in the Solana ecosystem, what's next in 2025, key advice for founders & so much more. Enjoy!--Follow Luca: https://x.com/LucaNetzFollow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--Use Code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off tickets to Digital Asset Summit 2025: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-new-york--Renaud Partners has built the most elite network of native crypto marketers globally. They create custom, expert teams to support founders with transformative strategy work.Trusted by some of the best founders, VC firms, and ecosystem leaders in the business, helping their teams expedite their marketing success and catalyze their growth.If you’re a founder or a VC looking for support for your teams, I highly recommend connecting with them at RenaudPartners.com--Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(00:58) The Pudgy Penguin Playbook(06:41) The Pudgy Penguin Origin Story(12:54) Renaud Partners Ad(13:54) What Is Igloo?(20:19) Creating Memetic Distribution(25:22) Launching PENGU On Solana(33:05) Building In The Solana Ecosystem(38:55) Advice For Founders(44:34) NFT IP Ownership(52:53) Building Online Communities(59:13) What’s Coming In 2025?--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Transcribe →Solana vs Ethereum Restaking | Lucas Bruder & Sreeram Kannan
Jan 24, 202500:59:14Tap to summarizeGm! This week we are joined by Lucas Bruder & Sreeram Kannan to discuss everything you need to know about restaking on Solana vs Ethereum. We deep dive into why does restaking matter, how it differs on Solana vs Ethereum, is economic security a meme & more. Enjoy!--Follow Lucas: https://x.com/buffalu__Follow Sreeram: https://x.com/sreeramkannanFollow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--Use Code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off tickets to Digital Asset Summit 2025: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-new-york--Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(01:11) What Is Restaking?(03:33) Jito’s Restaking(06:25) The EigenLayer Origin Story(13:59) The Restaking Business Model(17:48) Why Does Restaking Matter?(26:52) Restaking On Solana vs Ethereum(34:37) Data Availability(42:39) Solana’s Inflation Impact On Staking(45:31) Is Economic Security A Meme?(52:39) Biggest Misconceptions About Restaking--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Transcribe →Solana's All Time High Chain Activity | Weekly Roundup
Jan 22, 202500:52:00Tap to summarizeGm! We're back with a special episode to discuss how Solana performed over the weekend as Trump launched his meme coin. We deep dive into the record on chain activity that occurred, how Solana managed to perform, the impact of Jito, what happened with Coinbase & more. Enjoy!--Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors the Lightspeed podcast. As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your Solana assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now and build confidently, knowing your SOL are safe.Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00.--Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(02:27) Solana’s Chain Performance(09:48) Ledger Ad(10:36) Breaking On Chain Records & The Jito Impact(18:54) Code Inefficiencies(21:44) Landing Transactions(26:54) Solana Outages(28:12) Is The $TRUMP Launch Bad For Crypto?(43:56) Coinbase--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
Transcribe →The State Of Solana With Matthew Sigel
Jan 21, 202501:01:19Tap to summarizeGm! this week Matthew Sigel returns to discuss the current state of Solana in 2025. We deep dive into Van Eck's new ETF filing, the state of the market, crypto IPOs under a Trump administration, unlocks on Solana & more. Enjoy!--Follow Matthew: https://x.com/matthew_sigelFollow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknaveFollow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/LightspeedpodhqSubscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed--Use Code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off tickets to Digital Asset Summit 2025: https://blockworks.co/event/digital-asset-summit-2025-new-york--Renaud Partners has built the most elite network of native crypto marketers globally. They create custom, expert teams to support founders with transformative strategy work.Trusted by some of the best founders, VC firms, and ecosystem leaders in the business, helping their teams expedite their marketing success and catalyze their growth.If you’re a founder or a VC looking for support for your teams, I highly recommend connecting with them at RenaudPartners.com--Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/--(00:00) Introduction(01:22) Van Eck’s Onchain Economy ETF(05:15) The Rise Of XRP(09:43) Renaud Partners Ad(10:43) Finding Projects In Crypto(14:50) Crypto IPOs(18:57) State Of The Market(20:58) Solana Unlocks(27:06) MEV On Solana(35:18) Value Accrual Of L2s(39:32) Ethereum vs Solana Apps(41:29) The Solana ETF(45:12) Speculation vs Utility(47:35) Alt L1s(48:41) Data Availability(50:45) The State Of Solana(56:25) VanEck Ventures--Disclaimers:Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation.Nothing said on Lightspeed 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. Mert, Jack, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.
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