In this episode of Untangling Web3, hosts Jack and Alec dive deep into the fascinating world of Zero-Knowledge Proofs (ZKPs) with a focus on their pivotal role in enhancing privacy and scalability in blockchain technology. The discussion illuminates how ZKPs enable verification without revealing any additional information, thus preserving data privacy while maintaining the integrity of blockchain transactions. They explore practical applications, including digital identities and secure voting, showcasing how ZKPs address critical challenges within the blockchain ecosystem. The episode wraps up ..read more

In this episode of Untangling Web3, hosts Jack and Alec are joined by Jia Yang, founder of the innovative social platform Playground. Jia shares her journey from a successful career in advertising and tech to pioneering in the Web3 space, leveraging her expertise to enhance community interactions through blockchain technology. The discussion delves into the importance of genuine community connections in Web3, exploring how Playground is setting new standards for social engagement and creator empowerment. This episode revolves around Jia's vision of a decentralized social future where communiti ..read more

In this edition of Untangling Web3, Jack and Alec speak to Luke Mulks from Brave Software, exploring the concept of Web 2.5 as a transitionary phase towards a fully integrated Web3 future. Luke shares his journey into the Web3 space, emphasizing Brave's initiatives in marrying traditional internet infrastructures with emerging Web3 technologies. The discussion delves into Brave's innovative approach to user-first web browsing, the importance of privacy, and the implementation of blockchain technology to reimagine web advertising. This episode illuminates the challenges and opportunities of nav ..read more

In this week's episode of the Untangling Web3 podcast, we dive deep into the heart of cryptocurrency's most talked-about phenomenon – the Bitcoin halving. This episode unpacks the mysteries, implications, and the sheer excitement surrounding the imminent Bitcoin halving event. With ETF approvals settling down, the crypto world's eyes are now fixed on the halving – a topic that sounds almost mythical but holds significant sway over Bitcoin's future. Join us as we explore what the Bitcoin halving really means for the crypto space and why it's capturing everyone's imagination. Learn more about We ..read more

In this episode of Untangling Web3, Jack and Alec demystify the concept of side chains in the blockchain ecosystem, discussing their significance for Bitcoin, Ethereum, and overall blockchain scalability. They delve into the various types of side chains, like federated pegs and cryptographic pegs, and explore practical applications and security implications. The hosts cover the challenges of balancing scalability, security, and decentralization, and highlight side chains like Polygon and Rootstock, illustrating their roles in enhancing blockchain functionality without compromising the integrit ..read more

In this episode of Untangling Web3, Jack and Alec sit down with Antonio Senatore, CTO at VeChain Foundation, to dive deep into the realm of sustainability within the Web3 ecosystem. Antonio shares his extensive background in blockchain and IT, emphasizing the transformative power of blockchain in addressing global sustainability challenges. Through a detailed discussion on the inception and evolution of VeChain, Antonio highlights the platform's commitment to leveraging blockchain technology for real-world sustainability solutions, from anti-counterfeiting and track-and-trace systems to digita ..read more

In the latest episode of Untangling Web3, Jack and Alec are joined by Sam Simmons, the visionary behind MintPass, a Web3 travel companion app revolutionizing the way we collect digital souvenirs and earn rewards. Sam, transitioning from the gaming and media sector to the forefront of Web3, shares his journey into the blockchain world, sparked by the tangible benefits he observed in crypto for cross-border transactions within the poker community. He dives deep into how NFTs and digital communities can enhance fandom experiences, transforming traditional travel memorabilia into digital assets th ..read more

In this episode of Untangling Web3, hosts Alec Burns and Jack Davies delve into the intricate relationship between decentralized finance (DeFi) and traditional finance (TradFi). They emphasize the importance of understanding the foundations of TradFi, including banks, investment firms, and stock markets, to fully grasp DeFi. Banks are highlighted as intermediaries, while stock markets are depicted as platforms for trading shares. The hosts also note the ongoing evolution of both TradFi and DeFi, with banks increasingly integrating technology-driven solutions and DeFi seeking regulatory clarity ..read more

In this episode, Alec and Jack delve into the evolution, functionality, and future potential of smart contracts within the Web3 ecosystem. We begin by tracing the history of contractual agreements from ancient times to the digital age, highlighting the shift towards automation and decentralization. The discussion progresses through the technical underpinnings of smart contracts, emphasizing their role in automating agreements in a trustless environment. Key applications across industries such as finance, supply chain, and entertainment are explored, showcasing the transformative impact of smar ..read more

In this episode of the Untangling Web3 podcast, hosts Jack and Alec welcome Richard Baker, founder and CEO of Tokenovate, who shares his journey from working in telecommunications and digital media to founding a financial services company. Richard discusses the evolution of blockchain technology and its applications in traditional finance, particularly in derivative trading and the role of digital assets and tokenization. He emphasizes the importance of foundational protocols for commerce and value exchange systems. The conversation explores the complexities of the derivatives market, regulato ..read more