Summary

Toma Heremans, CEO of the Obol Association, joins the ATX DAO Podcast to explore how distributed validator technology is reshaping Ethereum staking. In this deep-dive episode, he breaks down the core challenges of proof-of-stake—like slashing risks, machine failure, and validator centralization—and explains how Obol’s middleware, enables decentralized validator clusters to deliver higher uptime, stronger security, and better rewards. From solo stakers to institutional operators, Obol is making staking more resilient and scalable.

The conversation spans technical infrastructure, Ethereum’s long-term roadmap, and the role Obol plays in supporting trustless staking across protocols like Lido, EtherFi, and Monad. Toma also shares Obol’s vision of creating a decentralized marketplace for operators to run not just validators, but any distributed app—from AI agents to decentralized storage. Whether you’re a validator, builder, or crypto-curious, this episode offers a clear look at the future of decentralized infrastructure.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Obol and Decentralized Validation

03:01 Understanding Distributed Validators

07:17 The Evolution of Obol's Problem-Solving Approach

11:44 Middleware Implementation and Its Importance

16:14 Increasing Node Operator Diversity and Security

20:05 Scalability and Cluster Dynamics

28:21 Solo Staker Use Case Exploration

28:52 Building a Cluster for Staking

31:15 The Mission of the Obol Association

34:16 Governance Structure and Community Control

36:05 The Future of the Obol Collective

39:25 Expanding Beyond Ethereum

42:07 The Role of the $OBOL Token

45:44 Exploring Financial Instruments and Tokenization

51:57 Getting Involved with Obol

Connect with Toma and Obol:

• X (Twitter): ⁠⁠Toma - @_Cryptoma | Obol - @Obol_Collective
• LinkedIn: Thomas Heremans | Obol Association | Obol Collective
• Website: https://obol.org

Check out our friends at Tequila 512:

• Website:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tequila512.com⁠⁠
• Socials: ⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠

To learn more about ATX DAO:

• Check out the ⁠ATX DAO ⁠website
• Follow ⁠@ATXDAO⁠ on X (Twitter)
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Connect with us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• Join the community in the ⁠ATX DAO Discord⁠

Connect with the ATX DAO Podcast team on X (Twitter):

• Ash:  ⁠@ashinthewild⁠
• Luke: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Luke152⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast:

• If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network.
• Subscribe for more insights, interviews, and deep dives into the world of Web3.

Summary

Jonathan Libby from Gauntlet joins the ATX DAO Podcast to unpack his journey from DeFi founder to driving growth at one of the most influential firms in on-chain risk management. He shares how Gauntlet evolved from agent-based simulations and protocol consulting into a powerhouse that builds core infrastructure, including Morpho vaults and curated restaking strategies, while managing billions in TVL.

In this episode, Jonathan breaks down how DeFi protocols can scale safely, what makes a DAO partnership compelling, and why applied research is key to the next wave of financial innovation. It is a deep dive into smart risk, real-world DeFi applications, and the mindset it takes to build at scale.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Crypto and DeFi

05:35 The Journey of a Founder in DeFi

14:48 Building and Scaling at Gauntlet

26:53 Economic Safety Strategies for Protocols

31:08 Symbiotic Alts and Risk Mitigation

37:22 The Era of Financial Instrumentation

43:14 Innovations in DeFi Products

46:04 Building Relationships with DAOs

51:36 Navigating Governance Risks in DAOs

Connect with Jon and Gauntlet:

• X (Twitter): ⁠⁠Jon - @0xJibby | Gauntlet - @gauntlet_xyz | Morpho - @MorphoLabs
• Telegram: @jonathanLibby
• LinkedIn: Jon Libby | Gauntlet
• Gauntlet Website: https://www.gauntlet.xyz
• Morpho Website: https://app.morpho.org/ethereum/earn

Check out our friends at Tequila 512:

• Website:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tequila512.com⁠⁠
• Socials: ⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠

To learn more about ATX DAO:

• Check out the ⁠ATX DAO ⁠website
• Follow ⁠@ATXDAO⁠ on X (Twitter)
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Connect with us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• Join the community in the ⁠ATX DAO Discord⁠

Connect with the ATX DAO Podcast team on X (Twitter):

• Ash:  ⁠@ashinthewild⁠
• Luke: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Luke152⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast:

• If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network.
• Subscribe for more insights, interviews, and deep dives into the world of Web 3.

Summary

Marvin Bertin and Varderes Barsegyan, co-founders of Maestro, join the ATX DAO Podcast to unpack how their team is building the infrastructure powering the next generation of Bitcoin-based apps. From indexing UTXO chains to supporting wallets, DEXs, and Bitcoin L2s, Maestro is focused on providing developers with the tools they need to scale reliably. The founders also dive into their surprising journey from biotech to blockchain, the early days of Maestro, and why boring infrastructure is a competitive edge in Web3.

This episode also explores the growing demand for robust Bitcoin infra from institutions, financial apps, and layer 2 ecosystems. Marvin and Varderes explain how Maestro helps teams abstract away infrastructure complexity, stay up 24/7, and move fast without breaking things. Whether you’re building on Bitcoin or just curious about what makes a solid infra stack tick, this is a deep yet approachable look at one of crypto's most important — and overlooked — layers.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Maestro's Role in Blockchain Infrastructure

06:06 The Evolution of Maestro

11:30 Milestones and Challenges in Building Maestro

17:15 Future Vision and Market Expansion

30:04 Exploring UTXO and Cardano's Unique Features

32:41 The Evolution of Bitcoin Layer 2 Solutions

37:11 Building a High-Performance Team Culture

43:05 Navigating the Challenges of a Decentralized Workforce

48:22 The Art of Fundraising and Investor Relations

54:29 Lessons from the Bear Market and Industry Volatility

58:00 Crafting Compelling Narratives for Investors

01:01:47 Authenticity in Recruitment and Community Engagement

Connect with Marvin, Varderes and Maestro:

• X (Twitter): ⁠⁠Marvin - @MarvinDefi | Varderes - @varderes_crypto | Maestro - @GoMaestroOrg
• LinkedIn: Marvin Bertin | Varderes Barsegyan | Maestro
• Website: gomaestro.org

Check out our friends at Tequila 512:

• Website:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tequila512.com⁠⁠
• Socials: ⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠

To learn more about ATX DAO:

• Check out the ⁠ATX DAO ⁠website
• Follow ⁠@ATXDAO⁠ on X (Twitter)
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Connect with us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• Join the community in the ⁠ATX DAO Discord⁠

Connect with the ATX DAO Podcast team on X (Twitter):

• Ash:  ⁠@ashinthewild⁠
• Luke: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Luke152⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast:

• If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network.
• Subscribe for more insights, interviews, and deep dives into the world of Web 3.

Tools & Resources We Love

• Podcast Recording & Editing - ⁠Riverside FM⁠: We use Riverside FM to record and edit our episodes. If you’re interested in getting into podcasting or just recording remote videos, be sure to check them out!

Summary

In this episode of the ATX DAO Podcast, we sit down with Brock Haugen, co-founder of Indexing Co, to explore the critical role of indexing in blockchain infrastructure. Brock shares his journey from Coinbase to launching a company focused on real-time blockchain data, explaining why traditional APIs fall short and how Indexing Co provides a more scalable, cost-effective solution. Whether you’re a developer, data enthusiast, or Web3 founder, this conversation sheds light on how proper indexing can save companies time and money while unlocking new possibilities in DeFi, NFTs, and beyond.

We also dive into the challenges of working across multiple blockchains, the unexpected hurdles Brock faced as a founder, and why he believes the cost of data is headed toward zero. Plus, hear insights on the future of indexing, AI-driven data pipelines, and how real-time blockchain analytics could reshape everything from compliance to consumer apps. If you’re curious about the future of blockchain data, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

03:36 Understanding Indexing in Blockchain

08:05 The Unique Approach of Indexing Company

10:50 Ideal Customer Profile

13:41 Real-World Applications in DeFi

16:18 Machine Learning and Agentic Access

20:15 Unexpected Challenges and Lessons Learned

22:43 From Coinbase to Data Indexing Innovations

23:52 Cost Optimization and Eliminating Bottlenecks

25:46 Learning from Mistakes: The Autopsy of Failures

27:07 Building Resilience: A Methodology for Success

28:43 Navigating the Indexing Landscape

31:09 Insights from Web3 Conferences

32:40 Common Use Cases in DeFi and Beyond

33:14 Integrating with Financial Systems

33:46 Leveraging Social Graphs for DeFi

37:18 Future Directions and Market Strategies

40:25 Competing with Established Data Giants

43:21 Self-Service Data Solutions for Customers

Connect with Brock and The Indexing Company:

• X (Twitter): ⁠⁠Brock - @runninyeti | Indexing Company - @indexingco
• Farcaster: Brock - @runninyeti.eth | Indexing Company - /indexing
• Blog: https://mirror.xyz/runninyeti.eth
• Website: https://www.indexing.co

Check out our friends at Tequila 512:

• Website:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tequila512.com⁠⁠
• Socials: ⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠

To learn more about ATX DAO:

• Check out the ⁠ATX DAO ⁠website
• Follow ⁠@ATXDAO⁠ on X (Twitter)
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Connect with us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• Join the community in the ⁠ATX DAO Discord⁠

Connect with the ATX DAO Podcast team on X (Twitter):

• Ash:  ⁠@ashinthewild⁠
• Luke: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Luke152⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast:

• If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network.
• Subscribe for more insights, interviews, and deep dives into the world of Web 3.

Tools & Resources We Love

• Podcast Recording & Editing - ⁠Riverside FM⁠: We use Riverside FM to record and edit our episodes. If you’re interested in getting into podcasting or just recording remote videos, be sure to check them out!

Summary

If you’ve ever aped into a meme coin, taken an L on a bad trade, or wondered how some of these ridiculous projects turn into full-blown communities, this episode is for you. Metafroggy, co-founder of MemeCon, joins us to break down what makes meme coins so unique, why attention is the most valuable currency in the space, and how some projects manage to keep their communities engaged while others fade fast. He also shares some of the wildest moments from past MemeCon events, including live roast sessions and confession booths where traders admit their worst decisions.

We also dive into how MemeCon started as a simple idea and became the first major conference dedicated to meme coins. Metafroggy explains why these projects are more than just speculation, how they tap into internet culture, and why meme coins might be the most community-driven part of crypto.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Metafroggy's Journey

11:02 The Appeal of Meme Coins

20:53 Creating Community through MemeCon

27:15 The Success of MemeCon Events

28:10 Introduction to MemeCon and Merchandise

29:44 The Blend of Fun and Education at MemeCon

33:08 Unique Experiences: Confession Booth and Roast Sessions

37:02 Building Genuine Connections at Conferences

43:23 Trends and Challenges in the Meme Coin Space

52:57 Getting Involved: How to Attend MemeCon

55:31 Staying Connected: Engaging with MemeCon Online

Connect with Metafroggy and Memecon:

• X (Twitter): ⁠⁠Metafroggy - @MetaFroggy_ | Memecon - @MEMECON_OMG
• Website: https://memecon.lol/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@memecon_omg
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/memecon_lol/
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@memecon_omg?lang=en

Check out our friends at Tequila 512:

• Website:  ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tequila512.com⁠⁠
• Socials: ⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠

To learn more about ATX DAO:

• Check out the ⁠ATX DAO ⁠website
• Follow ⁠@ATXDAO⁠ on X (Twitter)
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Connect with us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• Join the community in the ⁠ATX DAO Discord⁠

Connect with the ATX DAO Podcast team on X (Twitter):

• Ash:  ⁠@ashinthewild⁠
• Luke: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Luke152⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast:

• If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network.
• Subscribe for more insights, interviews, and deep dives into the world of Web 3.

Tools & Resources We Love

• Podcast Recording & Editing - ⁠Riverside FM⁠: We use Riverside FM to record and edit our episodes. If you’re interested in getting into podcasting or just recording remote videos, be sure to check them out!

Summary

AI is advancing rapidly, but who controls the data that powers it? In this episode, we explore the future of decentralized AI with Sam Padilla from Eidon, a company building a permissionless AI data marketplace. Traditional AI models rely on centralized data controlled by a few corporations, but Eidon is shifting the paradigm by enabling anyone to contribute and own their data. We discuss how blockchain ensures transparent compensation, why AI needs real-world contextual data, and how decentralized networks can create fairer and more open AI ecosystems.

We also dive into the inefficiencies of traditional AI models, the impact of DeepSeek’s efficiency breakthroughs, and how data ownership will define the next era of AI innovation. As companies race to develop ever-larger models, Eidon is focused on making AI more accessible, ethical, and decentralized. Tune in to learn how you can participate in the future of AI and why data sovereignty matters now more than ever.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sam Padilla and His Journey03:08 The Entrepreneurial Spirit and Its Impact06:09 Transitioning from Google to Decentralized AI09:07 The Vision Behind Eidon and Its Mission12:19 Philosophical and Pragmatic Approaches to Data15:20 Creating New Data for AI Models17:58 Real-World Context and AI Understanding20:59 Data Collection Methodologies and Challenges23:54 The Future of AI and Personal Data Ownership27:10 The Utopian Vision for Eidon36:27 Opening Up the Data Market39:26 Navigating the AI and Crypto Landscape43:35 DeepSeek and Market Reactions49:52 Eidon's Data Marketplace Explained

Connect with Sam and Eidon:

• X (Twitter): ⁠⁠@theSamPadilla | @eidon_ai
• Website: https://www.eidon.ai
• App: https://app.eidon.ai

Check out our friends at Tequila 512:

• Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.tequila512.com⁠⁠
• Socials: ⁠⁠X (Twitter)⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠

To learn more about ATX DAO:

• Check out the ⁠ATX DAO ⁠website
• Follow ⁠@ATXDAO⁠ on X (Twitter)
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Connect with us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• Join the community in the ⁠ATX DAO Discord⁠

Connect with the ATX DAO Podcast team on X (Twitter):

• Ash: ⁠@ashinthewild⁠
• Luke: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Luke152⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast:

• If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network.
• Subscribe for more insights, interviews, and deep dives into the world of Web 3.

Summary

What goes into launching a brand-new Layer 1 blockchain? In this episode, Dr. K from Quai Network takes us behind the scenes of bringing Quai to mainnet—covering everything from decentralized mining incentives to sharding for scalability. He breaks down the technical and economic challenges of building a high-throughput proof-of-work blockchain, explaining how Quai’s unique architecture enables seamless scaling without relying on traditional layer-two solutions.

We also explore the role of mining in securing the network, the incentives behind Quai’s dual-token system with Quai and Qi, and the complexities of coordinating developers, miners, and exchanges for a successful launch. With insights into real-world adoption, protocol stability, and the future of decentralized finance, this conversation sheds light on what it truly takes to bring a blockchain from concept to reality.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Quai Network and Dr. K

01:28 Dr. K's Journey in Blockchain

05:07 Understanding Quai's Sharding Mechanism

08:27 The Economics of GPU Mining

13:10 Mainnet Launch and Initial Performance

17:05 Tokenomics: Quai and Qi Explained

21:17 Transition from Testnet to Mainnet

25:30 Building on Quai: Advantages for Developers

32:02 Understanding Sharding and Throughput

37:50 Comparing Sharding Mechanisms in Blockchain

40:43 User Experience and Initial Offerings on Quai

47:31 Institutional Interest and Future Plans for Quai

53:24 Onboarding Users and Mining Quai

Connect with Dr K, Dominant Strategies, and Quai:

• X (Twitter): ⁠⁠Dr. K - @mechanikalk | Dominant Strategies - @Dominant_Strat | Quai - @QuaiNetwork
• LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/company/quai-network/
• YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@QuaiNetwork

Quai Ecosystem

• Litepaper: https://qu.ai/lightpaper
• Docs: https://docs.qu.ai/build/introduction
• github: https://github.com/dominant-strategies/
• Wallet: https://pelaguswallet.io/
• Ecosystem: https://ecosystem.quai.network

To learn more about ATX DAO:

• Check out the ⁠ATX DAO ⁠website
• Follow ⁠@ATXDAO⁠ on X (Twitter)
• Subscribe to our newsletter
• Connect with us on ⁠LinkedIn⁠
• Join the community in the ⁠ATX DAO Discord⁠

Connect with the ATX DAO Podcast team on X (Twitter):

• Ash: ⁠@ashinthewild⁠
• Luke: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@Luke152⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Support the Podcast:

• If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review and share it with your network.
• Subscribe for more insights, interviews, and deep dives into the world of Web 3.

Tools & Resources We Love

• Podcast Recording & Editing - ⁠Riverside FM⁠: We use Riverside FM to record and edit our episodes. If you’re interested in getting into podcasting or just recording remote videos, be sure to check them out!

Summary

Jameel Khalfan, Head of Ecosystem Development at Sui Foundation, joins the ATX DAO Podcast to explore how Sui is shaping the future of Web3. He breaks down Sui’s origins, its unique object-based blockchain design, and why it’s gaining traction in gaming, DeFi, and decentralized storage. The discussion covers real-world applications, including Sui Play, the upcoming Walrus storage network, and the evolving role of Bitcoin in DeFi. Whether you’re a developer or a Web3 enthusiast, this episode offers key insights into Sui’s growing ecosystem.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Sui and Its Origins

Connect with Jameel and Sui:

This episode was hosted by DAO members Luke and Ash. To learn more about ATX DAO:

Connect with the ATX DAO Podcast team on X (Twitter):

Support the Podcast:

Summary

Join us as we chat with Chris Fusillo and Candice Jarrett, the co-founders of XKOVA, about their groundbreaking approach to blockchain-powered payments. In this episode, Chris and Candice share their journey from Web2 business owners to Web3 innovators, creating a seamless payment solution to bridge the gap between traditional merchants and blockchain technology.

Discover how XKOVA eliminates high payment processing fees, offers a no-wallet, no-gas onboarding experience, and integrates effortlessly into existing Web2 systems like Shopify and WooCommerce. Learn about the Avalanche ecosystem’s role in enabling this innovative payment infrastructure and how XKOVA empowers merchants to reduce costs while embracing the future of finance.

Whether you're a business owner curious about blockchain or a Web3 enthusiast exploring new use cases, this episode offers valuable insights into how blockchain technology simplifies payments for everyone.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to XKOVA and Its Founders

Connect with Chris, Candice, and XKOVA:

This episode was hosted by DAO members Luke and Ash. To learn more about ATX DAO:

Connect with the ATX DAO Podcast team on X (Twitter):

Support the Podcast:

Tools & Resources We Love

Episode Summary:

In this episode of the ATX DAO Podcast, Luke and Ash sit down with Lynette Ban, co-founder of DISGO, to explore how blockchain is revolutionizing loyalty programs for the restaurant industry. Lynette shares how her background in hospitality and early exposure to blockchain at Cornell University inspired her to create DISGO, a platform that uses NFTs and blockchain to enable seamless, user-friendly loyalty solutions.

The discussion highlights how DISGO tackles traditional loyalty challenges with word-of-mouth incentives, transparent data tracking, and interoperable rewards. Lynette also reflects on her experience in the Avalanche Codebase program, which helped refine DISGO’s vision and strategy, as well as her participation in the ATX DAO pitch competition. Plus, she shares exciting plans for 2025, including a big debut at South by Southwest and expanding DISGO’s restaurant network.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Lynette’s background

Connect with Lynette and DISGO:

This episode was hosted by DAO members Luke and Ash. To learn more about ATX DAO:

Connect with the ATX DAO Podcast team on X (Twitter):

Support the Podcast:

Tools & Resources We Love