Gm! This week Rebecca Rettig joins the show for a discussion on crypto's policy landscape in 2025 & beyond. We deep dive into why Rebecca recently joined Jito, meeting with the SEC & their stance on SOL, the impact of crime season within crpyto, what's coming for crypto policy & more. Enjoy!

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Follow Rebecca: https://x.com/RebeccaRettig1

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

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

Subscribe 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.

--

Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: https://cryptotaxcalculator.io/us/?coupon=BW2025&utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=referral+&utm_campaign=lightspeedpodcast

Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms.

Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant.

Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!

--

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

--

(00:00) Introduction

(01:14) Meeting With The SEC

(05:12) Joining The JITO Team

(08:49) Post Gary Gensler

(14:42) Ledger Ad

(15:33) Is SOL A Security?

(20:51) Staking On Solana

(27:44) What’s Next For Crypto Policy?

(36:41) The Crypto Summit

(38:32) Crypto Tax Calculator Ad

(39:04) Ledger Ad

(39:52) Strategic Bitcoin Reserve vs Stockpile

(41:23) MEV In Crypto

(46:19) Crime Season

(49:16) Crypto’s Social Layer

(54:07) The State Of DeFi

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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 Dan Smith for another roundup. We deep dive into the LIBRA token launch and it's impact on Solana. Enjoy!

--

Follow Dan: https://x.com/smyyguy

Follow Jack: https://x.com/whosknave

Follow 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 https://bonkbets.io/ 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.

--

Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator: https://cryptotaxcalculator.io/us/?coupon=BW2025&utm_source=blockworks&utm_medium=referral+&utm_campaign=lightspeedpodcast

Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms.

Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant.

Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!

--

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

--

Timestamps:

(00:00) Introduction

(00:33) The LIBRA Fallout

(10:59) Bonk Bet Ad

(11:30) Crypto’s Social Layer

(18:10) Why Is Sentiment So Bad?

(21:43) Are Meme Coins Ruining Crypto?

(25:18) The Impact On Solana

(30:57) Crypto Tax Calculator Ad

(31:29) Bonk Bet Ad

(32:01) State Of The Market

--

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 Santi joins the show to discuss why now is crypto's time to accelerate adoption. We deep dive into Santi's updated Solana thesis, crypto's biggest opportunities in 2025, what's next for Inversion & more. Enjoy!

--

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

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

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

Subscribe 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.

--

Accurate Crypto Taxes. No Guesswork. Say goodbye to tax season headaches with Crypto Tax Calculator:

Generate accurate, CPA-endorsed tax reports fully compliant with IRS rules. Seamlessly integrate with 3000+ wallets, exchanges, and on-chain platforms.

Import reports directly into TurboTax or H&R Block, or securely share them with your accountant.

Exclusive Offer: Use the code BW2025 to enjoy 30% off all paid plans. Don’t miss out - offer expires 15 April 2025!

--

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

--

(00:00) Introduction

(02:03) Crypto’s Broken Funnel

(08:01) What’s Crypto’s Biggest Opportunity?

(15:16) Ledger Ad

(16:04) DePIN

(19:58) Crypto’s End State

(25:53) The Solana Thesis

(30:46) Crypto Tax Calculator Ad

(31:18) Ledger Ad

(32:06) Managing Risk

(47:03) What’s Next For Inversion?

(55:20) Reviving Old Businesses

--

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 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/armaniferrante

Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_

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

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

Subscribe 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 https://bonkbets.io/ 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.

Gm! 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/_ilmoi

Follow Richard: https://x.com/0xrwu

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

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

Subscribe 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.

Gm! 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/smyyguy

Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_

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

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

Subscribe 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.

Gm! 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/

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Follow Kyle: https://x.com/KyleSamani

Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_

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

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

Subscribe 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.

Gm! 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!

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

Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_

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

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

Subscribe 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.

Gm! 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!

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Follow Lucas: https://x.com/buffalu__

Follow Sreeram: https://x.com/sreeramkannan

Follow Mert: https://x.com/0xMert_

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

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

Subscribe 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

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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! 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/whosknave

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

Subscribe 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

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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.