Bell Curve

Latest Episodes:

How Bitcoin Prepared Us for the Memecoin Era | Murad Mahmudov Sep 25, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Murad Mahmudov joined us to bridge the gap between Bitcoin maximalism and memecoins! We dove into the exponential growth of altcoin bubbles, parallels between NFTs and Memecoins, and finding cult-like communities. Additionally, we asked ourselves: how important is revenue? Is Bitcoin a memecoin? Can older altcoins ever come back? Finally, we unpacked the four year crypto cycle.

Thanks for tuning in!

Resources

Murad Mahmudov: The Ultimate Bitcoin Argument: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/murad-mahmudov-the-ultimate-bitcoin-argument/id1434060078?i=1000422916306

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

L2s and L3s are history. Supra Containers give you dedicated, customizable AppSpace on Supra’s Layer-1 to rescue you from the costs, complexities, and fragmentation of L2s and L3s.

Containers help you build with better customization and control than appchains at a fraction of the cost. Use your own token as the gas token, create local fee markets with custom gas amounts or just go gasless, and scale on demand whenever you need to.

Supra Containers are secured by Supra’s L1 nodes and get access to Supra’s 500k TPS throughput, sub-second consensus latency, and all their built-in services like oracle price feeds and onchain randomness without any overhead. Supra is also MultiVM compatible so you can easily deploy your EVM, Move, and SVM smart contracts here.

Get all the freedom, control, and tools you need to build super dApps and bring the world onchain. To learn more, visit www.supra.com/blockworks

Join us at Permissionless III. Use code BELL10 for a 10% discount: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iii

Follow Murad: https://x.com/MustStopMurad

Follow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:15) Murad's Background & Finding Bitcoin

(6:17) Bridging the Gap Between Bitcoin & Memecoins

(16:10) The Exponential Growth of Altcoin Bubbles

(23:56) How Important Is Revenue?

(30:13) Namada Ad

(31:12) Supra Ad

(32:09) Drawing Parallels Between NFTs and Memecoins

(42:36) Finding Memecoin Cults

(51:32) Is Bitcoin A Memecoin?

(59:32) Crypto's Four Year Cycles

(1:03:49) Thoughts on NFTs

(1:06:44) Can Older Alts Ever Come Back?

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.

Navigating the Expanding Rollup Landscape | Roundup Sep 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and Myles discuss Solana’s new mobile phone, Seeker, and the impact it might have on crypto adoption. Additionally, they dove into the L2 landscape today, and asked themselves - when do gas costs stop being a differentiator? What are the most important aspects to consider when building an L2? Finally, they closed the episode with commentary on the rapidly growing number of L2s on the market.

Thanks for tuning in!

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 Myles: https://x.com/MylesOneil

Follow Mike: https://twitter.com/MikeIppolito_

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD

Subscribe 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

(4:11) Solana Doubles Down On Mobile

(10:50) Namada Ad

(11:49) The L2 Landscape Today

(24:03) When Do Gas Costs Stop Mattering?

(30:47) The Most Important Aspects of Rollups

(52:13) Are There Too Many L2s?

Rethinking Ethereum's Block Building: CommitBoost & Pre-Confirmations | Drew Van der Werff Sep 18, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we dive deep into the future of Ethereum's infrastructure with Drew from CommitBoost. We unpack how CommitBoost aims to change Ethereum's block building process, potentially solving long-standing issues of censorship resistance and transaction efficiency. We unpack the concepts of inclusion lists and pre-confirmations, and how they could transform crypto. Thanks for tuning in!

Follow Drew: https://x.com/drewvdw

Follow Rex: https://x.com/LogarithmicRex

Follow nosleepjon: https://x.com/nosleepjon

Follow Expansion: https://x.com/ExpansionPod_

Subscribe on YouTube: / @expansionpod

Subscribe on Apple: http://apple.co/4bGKYYM

Subscribe on Spotify: http://spoti.fi/3Vaubq1

Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

Join us at Permissionless III Oct 9-11. Use code: EXPANSION10 for a 10% discount: https://blockworks.co/event/permissio...

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:43) MEV Boost Overview

(13:52) End Game of Ethereum Infra

(17:23) Permissionless III Ad

(18:55) Designing Public Goods in Ethereum

(24:27) Designing Commitments

(32:58) Inclusion List Implications

(39:13) Credible Neutrality Implications

(51:10) Opt In Requirements

Disclaimer

Expansion was kickstarted by a grant from the Celestia Foundation.

Nothing said on Expansion 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. Rex, Jon, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

Atlas: Combining TradFi Performance With DeFi Transparency | Eugene & Frankie Sep 12, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we’re joined by Frankie from Paradigm, and Eugene from Ellipsis Labs! We discussed the launch of the Atlas L2 private testnet, why Atlas is utilizing the SVM to build an Ethereum L2, and design decisions made along the way. Additionally, we dove into Atlas’ approach to handling MEV. Finally, we covered what the Atlas application set needs to contain on mainnet launch, and first party vs third party apps

Thanks for tuning in!

Resources

Atlas Announcement Thread: https://x.com/atlasxyz/status/1833880969251524973

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 Frankie: https://x.com/FrankieIsLost

Follow Eugene: https://x.com/0xShitTrader

Follow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:25) The Atlas L2

(4:47) Why Launch An SVM L2?

(10:01) The Differences Between SVM and EVM

(14:48) Opinionated vs Unopinionated Design Philosophy

(19:48) Token Incentivization and L2 Business Models

(27:00) Atlas Design Decisions

(35:11) Namada Ad

(36:10) The Great Rollup Debate

(42:09) Why Choose Ethereum As The Atlas Settlement Layer?

(51:31) Handling MEV On Atlas

(55:52) Should MEV Be Returned To Users?

(1:01:57) Developing More Apps

(1:04:54) First Party Apps vs Third Party Apps

Are L2s Parasitic? | Roundup Sep 06, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and Myles opened with discussion on crypto’s meme culture, and Near’s recent marketing stunt. They then moved on to one of our industries hottest topics: the L1 value accrual debate. Is a rollup centric roadmap good, or bad, for Ethereum? How should we think about value capture? Additionally, they wondered, how valuable is interoperability? Finally, they closed by diving into community formation around decentralized networks.

Thanks for tuning in!

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 Myles: https://x.com/MylesOneil

Follow Mike: https://twitter.com/MikeIppolito_

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD

Subscribe 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

(2:20) Crypto's Meme Culture

(7:34) Near's Marketing Stunt

(11:43) The L1 Value Accrual Debate

(20:13) Namada Ad

(21:12) Is A Rollup Centric Roadmap Good For Ethereum?

(39:05) Thinking About Value Capture

(48:25) How Valuable Is Interoperability?

(53:28) Building Communities

(59:58) The Role of Infrastructure In Bootstrapping Community

(1:09:41) Myles' Five Year Outlook

Finding Consumer Gems in Crypto | Qiao & Imran Sep 03, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Qiao and Imran from AllianceDAO joined us to discuss infrastructure exhaustion in crypto, the Fat App Thesis, and the cultural differences between blockchains. Additionally, we asked ourselves, is there a long term bull case for L1s? Where are the consumer app builders? Finally, we unpacked how TikTok has intersected with crypto, and how crypto can potentially solve the failing business model of traditional media.

Thanks for tuning in!

Resources

Mason Nystrom - The Fat App Thesis: https://x.com/masonnystrom/status/1827026279964799043

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 Alliance: https://x.com/alliancedao

Follow Imran: https://x.com/lmrankhan

Follow Qiao: https://x.com/QwQiao

Follow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(1:56) Infrastructure Exhaustion in Crypto

(7:22) Relative Valuation Between Apps & Infrastructure

(14:48) The Fat App Thesis

(21:40) Is There A Long Term Bull Case for L1s?

(28:26) Where Are the Consumer App Builders?

(32:46) Namada Ad

(33:45) Cultural Differences Between Chains

(42:40) What Do Blockchains Effectively Enable?

(51:36) TikTok's Intersection With Crypto

(1:00:39) Can Crypto Save the Traditional Media Business Model?

(1:07:44) How Will Founders Change Over the Next 10 Years?

Why Crypto Founders Are Leaving the West | Roundup Aug 31, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, we discuss the arrest of Telegram founder Pavel Durov and its potential impact on the TON blockchain. We then explore the SEC's lawsuit against OpenSea and its implications for NFTs as securities. The conversation shifts to the broader regulatory landscape for crypto in the US and globally. Finally, we touch on the current state of the NFT market and its future performance. Thanks for tuning in!

- -

Namada is currently in its mainnet launch phase — follow along on namada.net

- -

Follow Mike: https://twitter.com/MikeIppolito_

Follow Michael: https://twitter.com/im_manderson

Follow Vance: https://twitter.com/pythianism

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD

Subscribe 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

(2:07) Sky Maker Rebrand

(11:14) Namada Ad

(12:13) Telegram Founder Arrested

(26:54) TON Blockchain Outages & Ecosystem

(37:28) SEC vs OpenSea

(42:51) Where do Crypto Founders Go?

(48:43) Are NFTs Dead?

- -

The Fed’s Big Decision | Roundup Aug 24, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, the Roundup Crew discusses the current sentiment among market participants, and how seasonality impacts the markets. Additionally, they covered the Fed’s upcoming Jackson Hole symposium, rate cuts and job number revisions, and Kamala Harris’ potential capital gains tax policies. Finally, they took a look at Tron’s recent success and asked themselves, are centralized chains better at acquiring users?

Thanks for tuning in!

Resources

2xDog Chart on Bitcoin Seasonality: https://x.com/2xdog/status/1826460239090385028

S.Y. Lee’s Comments: https://x.com/storysylee/status/1826296244568019259

Tron Fees Chart: https://x.com/AviFelman/status/1825969241050550507

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_manderson

Follow Vance: https://twitter.com/pythianism

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD

Subscribe 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

(2:42) Sentiment in the Crypto Markets

(8:51) How Seasonality Impacts Markets

(13:30) The Fed's Jackson Hole Symposium

(15:27) Namada Ad

(16:26) Kamala Harris' Capital Gains Tax Policies

(24:06) Which Presidential Candidate Will Be Better For Crypto?

(28:23) Rate Cuts & Job Revision Numbers

(40:01) Story Protocol's Series B Announcement

(46:51) Tron's Pump Fun Competitor

(50:01) Are Centralized Chains Better at Acquiring Users?

(55:22) Peter Thiel's Interview With Joe Rogan

(58:50) Bill Clinton at the DNC

Sreeram Speaks on the EigenLayer Airdrop Saga Aug 22, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Mike and Jason are joined by Sreeram Kannan, the Founder of EigenLayer to discuss the recent Eigen Labs airdrop controversy, why Eigen Labs was not upfront about this list, and what changes they are making internally. Additionally, they dive into EigenLayer’s close relationship with the Ethereum Foundation, avoiding conflicts of interest within the industry, and the need for more disclosures in crypto. Finally, they take a look at how permissionless tokens will impact AVS security preferences.

Thanks for tuning in!

Resources

Coindesk: Top Crypto Startup Drove Other Projects’ Airdrops to its Employees: https://x.com/CoinDesk/status/1824067033350258815

Coindesk: Crypto Airdrops Ban U.S. Users, but Americans Are Claiming Tokens Anyway: https://x.com/CoinDesk/status/1826441814770872797

EigenLayer’s Response to the Coindesk Article: https://x.com/eigenlayer/status/1824175022308724749

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 Sreeram: https://x.com/sreeramkannan

Follow Jason: https://x.com/JasonYanowitz

Follow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:27) Addressing the Eigen Labs Airdrop Controversy

(10:42) Dealing With A Rapid Rise to Prominence

(17:24) Namada Ad

(18:23) Why Was Eigen Labs Not Upfront About the List?

(22:28) Working Closely With the Ethereum Foundation

(30:52) Avoiding Conflicts of Interest in the Crypto Industry

(32:15) What Changes Is EigenLayer Making Internally?

(35:27) Have Eigen Labs Employees Been Claiming Airdrops?

(37:23) Upcoming Developments in the EigenLayer Ecosystem

(58:57) How Permissionless Tokens Impact Security Preferences

(1:03:20) The Need for More Disclosures in Crypto

Who Is Bharat Ramamurti? | Alex Thorn & Nic Carter Aug 20, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Alex Thorn from Galaxy Research, and Nic Carter from Castle Island Ventures joined us to discuss Operation Choke Point 2.0! We covered who’s involved in Operation Choke Point 2.0, Bharat Ramamurti’s influence on crypto policy in the United States, and how policy will vary between a Harris presidency and a Trump presidency. Additionally, we dove into the effectiveness of Operation Choke Point 2.0, and how we can advocate for our industry. Finally, we talked about the impact election odds have on crypto markets.

Thanks for tuning in!

Resources

“Kamala Harris will continue crypto crackdown” Alex Thorn’s Thread: https://x.com/intangiblecoins/status/1823338570104352884

Cooper & Kirk - Operation Choke Point 2.0: The Federal Bank Regulators Come For Crypto: https://www.cooperkirk.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/Operation-Choke-Point-2.0.pdf

Stand With Crypto: https://www.standwithcrypto.org/

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 Nic: https://x.com/nic__carter

Follow Alex: https://x.com/intangiblecoins

Follow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_

Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9

Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD

Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH

Timestamps:

(0:00) Introduction

(2:44) Operation Choke Point 2.0

(6:42) Who's Involved In Operation Choke Point 2.0?