Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast

In this episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, host Anthony Day is joined by Thomas Kerber, Technical Architect at Midnight.
Join them as we discuss:

• The Kachina model for smart contracts and its novel approach to privacy in blockchain
• The evolution of Kachina from research to implementation in the Midnight network
• The challenges developers face when working with zero-knowledge proofs
• A round-trip transaction on Midnight, showcasing the intricacies of data-protecting smart contracts
• The potential impact of data-protecting smart contracts on blockchain adoption and data sovereignty
• The future of privacy-preserving blockchain technology and its applications

Thomas Kerber is a Technical Architect at Midnight, with a significant background in computer security and blockchain technology. His work on the Kachina Protocol and its evolution into Midnight has been groundbreaking in the field of smart contracts. Thomas brings a wealth of experience from his research and development at Input Output Global, particularly in the areas of privacy and scalability in blockchain systems.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Highlights:[00:01:27] The potential of data-protecting smart contracts[00:04:07] Overview of the Kachina model for smart contracts[00:06:33] Evolution of Kachina into the Midnight Network[00:08:42] SNARK upgradability in Midnight's design[00:11:41] How zero-knowledge proofs enable data protection in smart contracts[00:13:16] Challenges for developers working with zero-knowledge proofs[00:16:28] Live demo: A round-trip transaction on Midnight[00:30:47] The future of data-protecting smart contracts
Episode Resources: 

• Thomas Kerber on LinkedIn
• Kachina Protocol Research Paper: Kachina – Foundations of Private Smart Contracts
• Midnight Network: Midnight Network
• IOHK Website

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.
Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, a team of experts introduces the groundbreaking Midnight network.
Join them as they cover:

• The challenges in current data management and blockchain adoption
• Midnight's innovative approach to data protection and blockchain utility
• The architecture and design of the Midnight network
• The Compact programming language and its benefits
• Real-world use cases for Midnight
• Midnight's unique token system with NIGHT and DUST
• The roadmap from Devnet to beyond Mainnet
• Ecosystem development and support for various participants
• And much more!

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Resources: 

• Eran Barak on LinkedIn
• Ben Beckmann on LinkedIn
• Thomas Kerber on LinkedIn
• Mauricio Magaldi on LinkedIn
• Anthony Day on LinkedIn
• Midnight Network: Midnight Network
• Midnight Docs: Midnight Docs

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.
Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, host Anthony Day connects with Kevin Millikin, Principal Architect for Midnight. Join them as they discuss:

• An under-the-hood look at Compact as a programming language
• Why Midnight needs its own language, and the importance of great developer experience. Kevin highlights the differences in working with Blockchain technology
• A live demo of Compact language by showcasing the code for a bulletin board app
• Compact roadmap: Aligning more closely with TypeScript
• Why developers need to join the Midnight Discord channel
• The need to innovate in decentralized applications

Kevin Millikin is a seasoned software architect specializing in programming language design and implementation. Currently, at Midnight, he is instrumental in developing a cutting-edge data protection blockchain platform. This innovative platform leverages zero-knowledge (ZK) proofs to ensure secure computations while maintaining privacy. Kevin's work focuses on designing a domain-specific language (DSL) for smart contracts, creating a compiler targeting JavaScript, and developing a custom virtual machine runtime for on-chain computations. His expertise extends to building support libraries, developer tools, and the overall architecture that drives this privacy-focused blockchain solution.
Kevin has also worked at Google and Deep Mind and, while there, worked on an experimental Python optimizing JIT compiler using the CPython interpreter and runtime. This was open-sourced as S6 (https://github.com/google-deepmind/s6). He also worked on Alphabet-internal Python development tools, including Python static typing and static analysis of Python programs.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and Google Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Resources: 

• Kevin on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-millikin-89a235/
• Midnight Network: Midnight Network
• IOHK Website: https://iohk.io/

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.
Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, host Anthony Day is joined by Mauricio Magaldi, Head of Product at Midnight.
Join them as they:

• Shine a light on the critical role of ZKPs in enhancing data protection
• Explain Midnight's innovative smart contract system
• Explore the hurdles in adopting blockchain within traditional finance (TradFi)
• Examine the slow regulatory adaptation, the burden of legacy technology, and the risks associated with data exposure on public blockchains
• Unpack Midnight’s roadmap to Mainnet (and beyond)
• Discuss Midnight’s ambition to become a ubiquitous yet discreet infrastructure
• And much more!

Mauricio Magaldi is a seasoned expert in blockchain technology and data governance and is currently Head of Product at Midnight. With a robust background in finance and a significant tenure as a Chief Data Officer, Mauricio has cultivated deep expertise in data protection, zero-knowledge proofs, and blockchain applications. His professional journey includes pivotal roles at IBM, HSBC and 11:FS, contributing to the development and strategic direction of blockchain solutions. Recognized as a Top 10 Thought Leader in Blockchain and Cryptocurrency by Thinkers360, Mauricio's impact spans across multiple industries, while the majority of his recent experience has been driving business transformation and innovation in financial services. 
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Resources: 

• Maurício on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magaldi
• Midnight Network: Midnight Network

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.
Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, host Anthony Day is joined by Jonathan Sobel, the Consulting Architect for Midnight at Input Output Global.
Join them as they:

• Discuss Midnight’s architecture, including the role of compilers, contracts, decentralized blockchain nodes, and proof servers
• Shine a light on the significance of zero-knowledge proofs and their role in enhancing security
• Explore how zero-knowledge proofs and data-separating mechanisms can change the way developers approach building secure applications.
• A live demo of how to set up Midnight on your machine, how to code, launch and interact with the bulletin board demo DApp
• And much more!

Jonathan Sobel is the Consulting Architect for Midnight at Input Output Global, tasked with designing and deploying complex systems while specializing in software architecture, programming language design, and implementation. With a background in storage management, risk management, and regulatory compliance, Jonathan brings a wealth of experience to his role at Midnight, focusing on making blockchain technology accessible and beneficial for developers from all backgrounds.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.This episode is brought to you by Midnight.
Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, host Anthony Day is joined by Charles Hoskinson, Co-Founder and CEO of Input Output Global.
Join them as they:

• Delve into the vision behind Midnight
• Unpack the core technologies driving Midnight
• Midnight's role in creating a universal consensus algorithm
• Shine a light on the challenges of transparency in Web3
• Examine why previous generations of blockchains can't keep a secret 
• Consider why projects like Midnight are needed to unlock wider adoption of decentralized technology
• And much more!

Charles Hoskinson is the Co-Founder and CEO of Input Output Global, a blockchain engineering company. A prominent figure in the blockchain community, Charles is known for his significant contributions to the development of blockchain technology. He first entered the blockchain space to create sound money and trustworthy institutions. Charles was a co-founder of Ethereum and has since founded various pivotal projects under Input Output Global, including Cardano and Midnight.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.
This episode is brought to you by Midnight.
Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, host Anthony Day is joined by Charles Hoskinson, Co-Founder and CEO of Input Output Global.
Join them as they:

• Delve into Midnight’s real-world use cases and benefits  
• Shine a light on the importance of simplifying blockchain for the masses
• Unpack Midnight's role as a partner chain in Cardano's ecosystem
• Examine the future of secure, interoperable blockchain solutions
• Explore Midnight's vision for web3 interoperability and data protection 
• And much more!

Charles Hoskinson is the Co-Founder and CEO of Input Output Global, a blockchain engineering company. A prominent figure in the blockchain community, Charles is known for his significant contributions to the development of blockchain technology. He first entered the blockchain space to create sound money and trustworthy institutions. Charles was a co-founder of Ethereum and has since founded various pivotal projects under Input Output Global, including Cardano and Midnight.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Google Podcasts, instructions on how to do this are here.
This episode is brought to you by Midnight.
Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.
Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

Ever wondered how blockchain technology can revolutionize data protection? Or how zero-knowledge technology can empower a more equitable internet?

Welcome to Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight.

We help you understand and use zero-knowledge technology for building better apps and scaling the decentralized internet.

We’ll be speaking with guests like:

Charles Hoskinson, Eran Barak and Mauricio Magaldid

Make sure to search for unshielded in Apple Podcasts, YouTube, Spotify, or anywhere else podcasts are found and follow so you don’t miss any future episodes.This episode is brought to you by Midnight.
Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so