Gm! This week we're joined by Michael McGee to discuss the current state of Firedancer. We deep dive into how to improve Solana, the future of blockchain design, Firedancer's TPS improvements, Alpenglow's impact on Solana & more. Enjoy!
--

Follow Jump: https://x.com/jump_
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--
Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users.
Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates]
--
Grab your tickets to Permissionless IV. Use code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iv
--
Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

--

(00:00) Overview of Firedancer

(05:14) Frankendancer & Agave

(10:00) Katana Ad

(10:59) Impact of Alpenglow

(15:36) TPS & Performance Metrics

(24:59) Compute Unit Limit

(29:36) Validator Behavior

(33:23) Katana Ad

(34:21) Areas for Improvement in Solana

(45:33) US Equities Market Structure

(51:24) Stake Delegation Program

(57:08) Infinite Mint Bug Risk

(01:08:45) Future of Blockchain Design

(01:14:14) Final Thoughts

--

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.

Gm! This week we're joined by Blockworks Research to discuss the announcement of Pump's $4B TGE announcement. We deep dive into Pump's strategy, the launchpad wars, should crypto apps build mobile first & is this bullish or bearish for the Solana trenches. Enjoy!
--
Follow Ryan: https://x.com/_ryanrconnor
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Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed
Join the Lightspeed Telegram: https://t.me/+QUl_ZOj2nMJlZTEx
--
Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users.
Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates]
--
Grab your tickets to Permissionless IV. Use code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iv
--
Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/

--

(00:00) Introduction

(01:00) Pump Fun’s ICO Is Confirmed

(11:10) Katana Ad

(12:10) Pump Fun’s Strategy

(21:58) Is Pump Fairly Priced?

(25:35) The Launchpad Wars

(34:04) What’s Next For Airdrops?

(37:21) Who Are Pump’s Main Competitors?

(43:04) Katana Ad

(44:03) Should Crypto Apps Build Mobile First?

(48:59) Is Pump’s TGE Bullish For Solana?

(01:07:50) Final Thoughts

--

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.

Gm! This week we're joined by Ariel Seidman to discuss everything happening with Hivemapper in 2025. We deep dive into the Hivemapper origin story, how to monetize as a DePIN network, how to attract more builders to crypto, partnering with robotaxi companies & more. Enjoy!

--

Follow Ariel: https://x.com/aseidman

Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave

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Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed

Join the Lightspeed Telegram: https://t.me/+QUl_ZOj2nMJlZTEx

--

Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users.

Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates]

--

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.

SOL lovers, grab your Ledger Flex Solana Edition now at:

https://ecommerce-shop-frontend.stg.ldg-tech.com/products/ledger-flex-solana-edition-sol-eligibility

--

Grab your tickets to Permissionless IV. Use code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iv

--

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

--

(00:00) Introduction

(01:24) The Hivemapper Origin Story

(07:08) How Does Google Maps Monetize?

(11:43) Katana Ad

(12:36) Ledger Ad

(13:06) Partnering With Robotaxi Companies

(20:34) How Does Hivemapper’s Data Collection Compare To Tesla?

(22:31) What Is Bee?

(25:02) Katana Ad

(25:55) Ledger Ad

(26:25) Launching With A Token vs U.S Dollars

(30:03) The Evolution Of DePIN

(32:09) Do DePIN Networks Need Tokens?

(38:58) Do Subscription Models Work For DePIN Networks?

(46:35) Integrating AI With Hivemapper

(53:19) How To Attract More Builders To Crypto?

--

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.

Gm! This week we're joined by Eugene Chen to discuss how to improve Solana's market structure. We deep dive into what Eugene is building with Atlas, Phoenix & SolFi, how to improve market making in crypto, MEV on Solana, how to build a great product & more. Enjoy!

--

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

Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave

Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq

Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed

Join the Lightspeed Telegram: https://t.me/+QUl_ZOj2nMJlZTEx

--

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

--

Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users.

Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates]

--

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.

SOL lovers, grab your Ledger Flex Solana Edition now at:

https://ecommerce-shop-frontend.stg.ldg-tech.com/products/ledger-flex-solana-edition-sol-eligibility

--

(00:00) Introduction

(03:24) What Is Atlas?

(06:39) Multiple Concurrent Leaders

(09:21) How To Improve Market Making In Crypto

(13:58) Katana Ad

(14:50) Ledger Ad

(15:20) How To Optimize Phoenix?

(23:00) Does Decentralization Matter?

(27:36) MEV On Solana

(28:29) Katana Ad

(28:59) Ledger Ad

(34:58) How To Build A Great Product In Crypto

(39:06) SolFi: Solana’s Premier Liquidity Source

(44:05) Improving Solana’s Market Structure

(47:39) Sandwiching On Solana

(52:17) Final Thoughts

--

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.

Gm! This week we're joined by Ali Yahya to discuss the state of crypto in 2025. We deep dive into crypto venture in 2025, the Solana thesis, stablecoins, funding apps vs infra & more. Enjoy!

--

Follow Ali: https://x.com/alive_eth

Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave

Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq

Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed

Join the Lightspeed Telegram: https://t.me/+QUl_ZOj2nMJlZTEx

--

Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users.

Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates]

--

Grab your tickets to Permissionless IV. Use code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iv

--

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

--

(00:00) Introduction

(06:44) a16z’s Crypto Thesis

(14:23) Katana Ad

(15:23) The State Of Crypto VC

(20:20) Investing On Short vs Long Term Timeframes

(27:55) The Solana Thesis

(32:03) Katana Ad

(33:02) Stablecoins

(39:20) Worldcoin

(44:33) Investing In Apps vs Infra

--

isclaimers: 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.

This week, we're excited to share with our community a bonus episode which recaps PERMISSIONLESS IV, which just took place this past week in Brooklyn, NY. This episode features some of the biggest names in the Blockworks podcast family and we hope you enjoy all the alpha!

–

Follow Boccaccio: https://x.com/salveboccaccio

Follow Danny: https://x.com/defi_kay_

Follow Rizzo: https://x.com/pete_rizzo_

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Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave

–

Follow Lightspeed:   / lightspeedpodhq  

Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed

Join the Lightspeed Telegram: https://t.me/+QUl_ZOj2nMJlZTEx

--

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

–

Gm! This is a live episode recorded at Permissionless 2025 with Tzvi (Baxus), Luca (Pudgy Penguins), Armani (Backpack) & Santi (Inversion). We deep dive into how to acquire users in crypto, finding PMF, why it's time to build great apps & more. Enjoy!

--

Follow Tzvi: https://x.com/web4O

Follow Luca: https://x.com/LucaNetz

Follow Armani: https://x.com/armaniferrante

Follow Santi: https://x.com/santiagoroel

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Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq

Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed

Join the Lightspeed Telegram: https://t.me/+QUl_ZOj2nMJlZTEx

--

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

--

Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users.

Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates]

--

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.

SOL lovers, grab your Ledger Flex Solana Edition now at:

https://ecommerce-shop-frontend.stg.ldg-tech.com/products/ledger-flex-solana-edition-sol-eligibility

--

(00:00) Introduction

(01:26) Acquiring Users In Crypto

(06:46) Crypto’s Path Forward In The Next 10 Years

(13:52) Katana Ad

(14:45) Ledger Ad

(15:15) Finding PMF In Crypto

(20:05) The Next Evolution Of Crypto Exchanges

(29:13) Katana Ad

(30:05) Ledger Ad

(30:35) Why Build Consumer Apps?

--

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.

Gm! This week we're joined by Max Resnick to discuss Solana's path towards achieving a decentralized Nasdaq. We deep dive into what is Anza, Alpenglow, how to disrupt TradFi, SOL inflation, steps to improve Solana & more. Enjoy!

--

Follow Max: https://x.com/MaxResnick1

Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave

Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq

Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed

Join the Lightspeed Telegram: https://t.me/+QUl_ZOj2nMJlZTExAre you bullish or bearish on these tokens over a 12 month time horizon? - https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemxnAfdIvNRM6nLtyKTH01GlZKobvVUFHgs5FeFv9YIQmOpw/viewform

--

Katana is a DeFi-first chain built for deep liquidity and high yield. No empty emissions, just real yield and sequencer fees routed back to DeFi users.

Pre-deposit now: Earn high APRs with Turtle Club [https://app.turtle.club/campaigns/katana] or spin the wheel with Katana Krates [https://app.katana.network/krates]

--

Zenrock is a permissionless, decentralized custody network backed by 1RoundTable Partners, 10T, Maven11, and Spartan. Live on Jupiter, $ROCK is the native token for transactions within the Zenrock ecosystem and secures Zenrock’s decentralized custody network.

The first application launching on Zenrock is zenBTC – yield-bearing Bitcoin on Solana. zenBTC will be live in April 2025. Visit zenbtc.io to learn about earning yield with Bitcoin on Solana.

--

Grab your tickets to Permissionless IV. Use code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iv

--

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

--

(00:00) Introduction

(03:29) What Is Anza?

(05:43) Will Alpenglow Launch This Year?

(07:25) Solana: 2020 vs Today

(10:30) Katana Ad

(11:22) Zenrock Ad

(12:12) Solana’s Path To Decentralized Nasdaq

(20:04) Multiple Concurrent Leaders

(22:08) Are CLOBs The Best Design?

(30:36) How To Disrupt TradFi?

(32:36) How To Improve Market Structure On Solana

(39:14) Katana Ad

(40:08) Zenrock Ad

(40:57) MEV On Solana

(59:11) SOL Inflation

(01:08:21) How To Improve Solana

--

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.

Gm! This week we're joined by Mike Dudas to discuss the current state of crypto venture. We deep dive into the 6MV origin story, liquid vs venture investing, Solana's app ecosystem & more. Enjoy!

--

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

Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave

Follow Lightspeed: https://twitter.com/Lightspeedpodhq

Subscribe to the Lightspeed Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/lightspeed

Join the Lightspeed Telegram: https://t.me/+QUl_ZOj2nMJlZTEx

--

Grab your tickets to Permissionless IV. Use code LIGHTSPEED10 for 10% off: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iv

--

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

--

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.

SOL lovers, grab your Ledger Flex Solana Edition now at:

https://ecommerce-shop-frontend.stg.ldg-tech.com/products/ledger-flex-solana-edition-sol-eligibility

--

(00:00) Introduction

(02:03) The 6MV Origin Story

(06:42) The Revenue Meta

(08:15) Liquid vs Venture Investing

(14:05) Ledger Ad

(14:35) Crypto’s Token Problem

(26:03) Solana’s App Ecosystem

(31:45) Ledger Ad

(32:14) What We’ve Learned From Hyperliquid’s Success

(38:22) Pump Fun’s ICO

(43:49) The IPO Window Is Open

(48:49) Is Trump Good Or Bad For Crypto?

--

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.

In this special episode from the Empire podcast, Blockworks unveils its new Token Transparency framework—an initiative designed to close the information gap and bring much-needed clarity to the crypto space. Dan Smith, Head of Data at Blockworks, explains how this framework will reshape how token projects operate and why transparency is the key to crypto’s future. Enjoy!

--

Start your day with crypto news, analysis and data from Katherine Ross.

Subscribe to the Empire newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/empire?utm_source=podcasts

--
Follow Felipe - https://x.com/TheiaResearch

Follow Louis - https://x.com/0xLouisT

Follow Dan: https://x.com/smyyguy

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

Follow Empire: https://twitter.com/theempirepod

--

Join the Empire Telegram: https://t.me/+CaCYvTOB4Eg1OWJh
--
Chapters:

(00:00) Token Transparency

(02:25) The Token Market & Lemons

(11:40) Equity vs Token Risk

(14:18) Structural Token Issues

(17:12) How Did We Get Here?

(22:57) Token Horror Stories

(31:50) Token Launches

(56:50) Best Case Scenario

(01:02:38) Impact On Token Prices

—

Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire 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. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.