Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast

In this episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, host Ian Kane is joined by Demetrios Skalkotos, Chief DeFi and Protocol Officer at Blockdaemon, to unpack how enterprise-grade infrastructure is reshaping decentralized finance. From securing digital assets across 400+ institutions to integrating privacy-first technologies, Demetrios shares the real challenges and opportunities driving adoption at scale.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to design a security architecture that never compromises
• Why institutional clients demand something fundamentally different from retail
• The unified API framework for solving DeFi fragmentation
• How rational privacy enables institutional participation in DeFi
• The go-to-market advantage of consolidating your vendor stack
• How institutional DeFi will integrate with TradFi to become the new normal in finance
  
  

With a career spanning traditional finance infrastructure at NASDAQ and NYSE, coupled with foundational roles at Ledger and Blockdaemon, Demetrios brings deep expertise in institutional blockchain infrastructure, custody solutions, and DeFi protocol integration.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.


Episode Resources:

• Demetrios Skalkotos on LinkedIn
• Blockdaemon Website
• Ian Kane on LinkedIn
• Midnight Foundation Website

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.


To learn more about the Midnight Network, visit the website at https://midnight.network/
Join the Midnight Discord: https://discord.com/invite/midnightnetwork


Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, host Ian Kane is joined by George Bordianu, Co-Founder and CEO of Balance, Canada’s largest digital asset custodian, to explore how institutional-grade custody is built from the ground up. George shares Balance’s journey to securing nearly $5 billion in digital assets, the engineering principles that drive security and scalability, and why automation, regulatory rigor, and selective disclosure are key to earning trust in the evolving world of digital finance.

What You’ll Learn:

• How Balance built a qualified digital asset custodian from first principles
• Why “security-driven development” and automation are central to scalability
• The critical differences between institutional and retail custody models
• Lessons from real-world custody and staking security incidents
• How selective disclosure strengthens privacy and compliance in blockchain systems
• What Canada’s special purpose trust framework means for crypto custody’s future
  
  

George Bordianu, Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Balance, is a seasoned entrepreneur with a robust technical background. Holding an MSc in Computer Science from McGill University, he previously served as Director of Engineering at 500px and co-founded YourExtraLife, a social mobile startup featured prominently on the App Store across multiple countries.

Under George's leadership, Balance has emerged as Canada's largest digital asset custodian, securing close to $5 billion in assets. In October 2024, Balance achieved a significant milestone by registering its subsidiary, Balance Trust Company, as a special purpose trust with Alberta's Treasury Board and Finance, becoming Canada's second qualified custodian for digital assets and also a U.S. qualified custodian. George's expertise in digital asset custody has positioned Balance as a trusted partner for institutional clients. 

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.

Episode Resources:

• George Bordianu on LinkedIn
• Balance Website
• Ian Kane on LinkedIn
• Midnight Foundation Website

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.


To learn more about the Midnight Network, visit the website at https://midnight.network/
Join the Midnight Discord: https://discord.com/invite/midnightnetwork


Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, host Jason Schober is joined by Farid a.k.a. Dapp Central, a Blockchain and Cryptocurrency Enthusiast, and Rupert Whitehead, Developer Relations Lead at Input Output, to unpack how technical content creators bridge the gap between complex blockchain technology and audience understanding, while examining the delicate balance between education and entertainment in Web3 communities.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to define creators broadly and their essential role in ecosystem growth
• The strategic importance of matching content format to audience segments
• Why balancing educational and entertainment content is crucial for building engaged blockchain communities
• How to leverage complementary skillsets between developers and content creators for maximum ecosystem impact
• The value of authentic voice and genuine expertise in technical content creation
• Why community feedback and experimental content formats are essential for growing blockchain audiences
  
  

Farid a.k.a. Dapp Central is a prominent technical content creator and blockchain educator, specializing in developing blockchains with a focus on Cardano, Bitcoin, and Midnight protocols. As the creator of a successful YouTube channel, he bridges complex technical concepts with accessible education, producing both pre-recorded content and live streams. His work has established him as a trusted voice in blockchain education, particularly in helping developers and enthusiasts understand emerging blockchain technologies.

Rupert Whitehead serves as the Developer Relations Lead at Input Output, focusing primarily on the Cardano ecosystem. His expertise lies in connecting developers with resources and opportunities within the blockchain space, while helping to translate complex technical concepts for various audience segments. Rupert's work centers on building and nurturing developer communities while ensuring technical content reaches its intended audience effectively.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do so are here.

Episode Resources:

• Rupert Whitehead on LinkedIn
• Farid a.k.a. Dapp Central on X
• Input Output (IOHK) Website
• Dapp Central Website
• Jason Schober on LinkedIn
• Midnight Foundation Website

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.


To learn more about the Midnight Network, visit the website at https://midnight.network/
Join the Midnight Discord: https://discord.com/invite/midnightnetwork


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 Bjarne from TECH Pool, an experienced Cardano stake pool operator who has recently joined Midnight as a block producer. They explore the technical requirements, operational differences, and practical steps for setting up validator nodes on the Midnight network.

What You'll Learn:

• How to transition from Cardano stake pool operations to Midnight block production
• The key infrastructure differences between running Cardano and Midnight nodes
• Why decentralization matters in block production and how to avoid over-reliance on major cloud providers
• The essential technical requirements for running a Midnight node, including CPU and RAM specifications
• How to navigate the block producer registration process with a step-by-step demonstration
• The importance of proper synchronization of DB sync, Kupo, and Obmios before node registration
• The critical role of high-performance hardware (especially SSDs) in node operation
• How established SPOs can expand their operations to include both Cardano and Midnight networks
  
  

Bjarne is a Cardano Stake Pool Operator (SPO) and founder of TECH Pool, specializing in blockchain infrastructure and community development. As one of the first Cardano SPOs to onboard as a Midnight block producer, he brings extensive experience in node operation, server maintenance, and blockchain tooling development. His contributions to the Cardano ecosystem include creating JetRadar, a monitoring tool for Djed and Shen transactions, and cglobe.io, an interactive visualization platform demonstrating Cardano's decentralization. With a strong commitment to true decentralization through avoiding major cloud providers, Bjarne focuses on building robust, independent infrastructure while actively engaging with the community through technical support and educational initiatives. His expertise in both Cardano and Midnight networks positions him as a valuable voice for those interested in blockchain infrastructure, decentralization, and privacy-focused technologies

Episode Resources: 

• Bjarne Social: https://x.com/CardanoTech
• TECH Pool Website: https://cardanotech.io
• Midnight Network: https://midnight.network

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.


To learn more about the Midnight Network, visit the website at https://midnight.network/
Join the Midnight Discord: https://discord.com/invite/midnightnetwork


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 Imants Firsts and Sergey Kisel from Brick Towers, winners of the Midnight Sea Battle Hackathon challenge.

Join them as they:

• Discuss their experience participating in the Midnight Hackathon and working with zero-knowledge proofs technology
• Share their approach to building a privacy-preserving Sea Battle game where players' ship positions remain completely private
• Explain the technical challenges they faced and how they iterated on their solution multiple times to ensure proper privacy
• Demonstrate their Sea Battle game with a unique twist - players can bet with shielded tokens
• Highlight their focus on user experience and accessibility for non-technical users
• Introduce Urble, their vision for a blockchain-based, privacy-focused saving solution that makes personal finance social and fun
• Explore the importance of privacy in financial applications and how zero-knowledge proofs can help achieve this
  
  

Brick Towers is a startup based in Crypto Valley, Switzerland, with expertise in software and financial engineering. The team consists of Sergey, Imants, and Aldis, who combined their skills in application development, infrastructure, and UI design to create their award-winning Sea Battle game. Beyond hackathons, Brick Towers is developing Urble, a blockchain-based goal-oriented saving solution that preserves privacy while adding social elements to personal finance.


If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources: 

• Imants Firsts: https://www.linkedin.com/in/firsts
• Sergey Kisel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kisel
• Brick Towers Website: https://bricktowers.io
• Urble Website: https://urble.io/en/about.html
• Midnight Network: https://midnight.network

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.


To learn more about the Midnight Network, visit the website at https://midnight.network/
Join the Midnight Discord: https://discord.com/invite/midnightnetwork


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 Stasia Carson, CEO and co-founder of Sindri.
Join them as they:

• Explore how Sindri's API-first approach makes ZK infrastructure accessible
• Discuss the synergy between Midnight's TypeScript-based approach and Sindri's enterprise-grade tooling
• Walk through a live demo of setting up and deploying ZK infrastructure using Sindri's CLI
• Examine how ZK technology can improve user experience in blockchain applications
• Look ahead to opportunities in stablecoins and AI
• And much more!
  
  

Stasia Carson is the CEO and co-founder of Sindri, a ZK infrastructure automation company helping teams deploy zero-knowledge technology at scale. With a focus on making complex cryptographic infrastructure accessible through simple APIs, Stasia and her team are working to accelerate the adoption of privacy-preserving technologies across enterprise and web3 applications.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.

Episode Resources: 

• Stasia Carson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stasiacarson
• Sindri Website: https://sindri.app
• Midnight Network: https://midnight.network

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.


To learn more about the Midnight Network, visit the website at https://midnight.network/
Join the Midnight Discord: https://discord.com/invite/midnightnetwork


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 Sebastien Guillemot, co-founder of Paima Studios and dcSpark.
Join them as they:

• Explore the concept of trustless web3 gaming and its importance
• Demonstrate live gameplay of Tarochi, showcasing stateful NFTs in action
• Discuss how the Paima Engine enables cross-chain gaming experiences
• Examine how zero-knowledge proofs can enhance gaming performance and privacy
• Preview upcoming features and innovations in blockchain gaming
• Dive into the technical architecture enabling seamless multi-chain experiences

Sebastien Guillemot is the co-founder of Paima Studios and dcSpark, where he leads the development of innovative blockchain gaming solutions. His work focuses on creating seamless gaming experiences that leverage the full potential of blockchain technology while maintaining user accessibility. Through the Paima Engine, Sebastien and his team are pioneering new approaches to game development that bridge multiple blockchain ecosystems, including Cardano, EVM chains, and Midnight.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.


To learn more about the Midnight Network, visit the website at https://midnight.network/
Join the Midnight Discord: https://discord.com/invite/midnightnetwork


Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so

In this special year-in-review episode of Unshielded: A Blockchain & Data Podcast by Midnight, host Anthony Day takes us through the standout moments and groundbreaking discussions that shaped 2024.


This compilation features:

• Charles Hoskinson’s insights into the future of blockchain, the challenges of mainstream adoption, and the importance of privacy and programmability for Web3
• Mauricio’s roadmap for Midnight, including advancements like Halo 2 and testnet preparations
• Eran Barak’s exploration of Midnight’s dual asset system, balancing governance, network sustainability, and transaction privacy
• Thomas Kerber’s introduction to the Kachina model, bridging the gap between transparency and privacy in smart contracts
• Highlights from hackathon winners, showcasing innovative dApps like NuCast for content authentication and Entropi Labs’ KYC management solution
• Reflections on the evolving role of privacy-preserving technologies in an AI-driven world
• And much more!

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.


Episode Resources: 

• Charles Hoskinson: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Hoskinson
• Eran Barak on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eranbarak/
• Thomas Kerber on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/semihonest/
• Maurício Magaldi on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/magaldi/
• Midnight Network: Midnight Network

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.


To learn more about the Midnight Network, visit the website at https://midnight.network/
Join the Midnight Discord: https://discord.com/invite/midnightnetwork


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 three winning teams from recent Midnight hackathons to explore their innovative solutions.
Join them as they discuss:

• How Midnight's developer-friendly SDKs and APIs abstract away the complexity of zero-knowledge proofs
• Entropi Labs' approach to revolutionizing KYC management with user-controlled data access
• Nucast's solution for tackling content authentication and fighting misinformation in an AI-driven world
• Edda Labs' private polling system and their journey from hackathon to real-world applications
• Firsthand insights into the development experience across different blockchain platforms
• How Midnight's private and public state capabilities enable privacy-centric applications
• The importance of privacy features for future real-world asset (RWA) implementations
• And much more!

The episode features Vito Melchionna from Entropi Labs, winners at Cardano Hackathon Berlin; Sricharan Ganta and Sam Jeffery from Nucast, winners of Midnight hackathon at Rare Evo Las Vegas; and Erick Romero from Edda Labs, winners of the inaugural Midnight Virtual Hackathon. Each team shares their experience building with Midnight, demonstrates their winning solutions, and offers valuable advice for developers interested in zero-knowledge technology.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Resources: 

• Vito on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vitomelchionna
• Sricharan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sricharangm
• Sam on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-jeffrey-m-2091731a7
• Erick on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erick-romero-suarez
• Midnight Network: midnight.network
  
  

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.


To learn more about the Midnight Network, visit the website at https://midnight.network/
Join the Midnight Discord: https://discord.com/invite/midnightnetwork


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 Brandon Wolf, GM of Lace Wallet.
Join them as discuss:

• The evolution of Brandon's career from webmaster to GM of Lace Wallet
• The importance of wallets as entry points for users in the Web3 ecosystem
• Lace Wallet's current functionalities and future roadmap, including mobile support and multi-chain capabilities
• The collaborative journey between Lace and Midnight in developing interoperability
• A live demonstration of a shielded transaction on the Midnight testnet using Lace Wallet
• Lace's upcoming features and its vision for becoming a premier wallet in the world

Brandon Wolf brings over 25 years of technology experience to his role as GM of Lace Wallet. His journey from webmaster to CTO positions at companies like Napster and Algorand has equipped him with a unique perspective on the evolution of web technologies. Now at Lace, Brandon is leading efforts to create a user-friendly entry point for both crypto-savvy users and newcomers to the Web3 space.
If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe, rate, and review it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube Podcasts. Instructions on how to do this are here.
Episode Highlights:[00:00:52] Brandon's journey from webmaster to GM of Lace Wallet[00:02:27] The importance of wallets in the Web3 user experience[00:03:37] Lace Wallet's current functionalities and future roadmap[00:05:18] Collaboration between Lace and Midnight for interoperability[00:07:01] Live demonstration of a shielded transaction on Midnight testnet[00:10:17] Upcoming features and developments for Lace Wallet
Episode Resources: 

• Brandon on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/wolfbrandon
• Lace Wallet: https://www.lace.io
• Midnight Network: Midnight Network

This episode is brought to you by Midnight.


To learn more about the Midnight Network, visit the website at https://midnight.network/
Join the Midnight Discord: https://discord.com/invite/midnightnetwork


Unshielded is handcrafted by our friends over at: fame.so