Blockchain and Beyond /w Farzan Akhtar
Welcome to the Blockchain and Beyond Podcast where we talk different ideas in the Web3 ecosystem, speaking to the great minds behind it, and sharing lessons of over the past half decade. We've got a drive for making things easy to understand in an extremely complex space. Hosted by Farzan Akhtar.
Distributed Computing - How It Applies To Blockchain And AI
In this episode, Farzan discusses distributed computing and how it takes multiple computers work together to solve a large problem. This makes an entire network of computer appear as a single entity as it provides large-scale resources to enable advanced computations. In the context of blockchains, distributed computing is vital for running of the virtual machine (e.g., Ethereum Virtual Machine) which enables dapps, but also required for acheiving consensus across the network.
When applied to AI, models needs to be trained, most individuals do not have the local resources to train large model and instead rely...
Rekeying - How it works with Real World Examples
In this episode, Farzan discusses what rekeying is in the context of blockchain wallets by using the idea of public/private keys and which keys are allowed to manage signing for transactions. He further goes on to provide some context of when and where it can be used following the recent events of the MyAlgo wallet exploit on the Algorand blockchain.
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
The Need For On-Chain Notifications | With Vidhyanand | Founder of Notiboy
In this episode with Vidhyanand (AP) , the founder of Notiboy, and on-chain notifcation protocol on Algorand we discuss the need secure on-chain communications in the face of scams and dusting transactions. We also cover his background, how we got into the cryptospace, and also the developing startup and blockchain ecosystem in India, especially in places like Bangalore. We take some time to look at blockchains from a fundamental POV and evaluate the impact it can have in countries like India and Pakistan where corruption is widespread.
Vidhyanand
Twitter - https://twitter.com/vithushaj...
Finding Value In The Crypto Markets
Exploring my approach to finding value within the crypto market and I share some of my bags that I'm holding.
My Links:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
Vendible Fireside with Doug, Gwin, and Mehmet
A casual catch-up with the Vendible team about what they've been working on over the past few months, including:
- Focusing on a single product
- Cryptography
- The bear markets
- Justification of a DAO
My Links:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
Analysis of Blockchain's Effectiveness in Voting and Elections
My Links:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
This video explores the topic of blockchain technology's role in the voting and election process. The presenter analyzes the potential benefits and drawbacks of using blockchain and conducts a thorough examination of its impact on the election process as a whole. The video aims to provide a balanced and informative look at the suitability of blockchain for democratic elections, and covers key factors that contribute to the success of...
On-Chain Money Streaming with Superfluid
Check out Superfluid - https://www.superfluid.finance/
My Links:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
Superfluid is an asset streaming protocol that brings subscriptions, salaries and rewards to DAOs and crypto-native businesses. Real-time token-streaming protocol is revolutionizing the way we send and receive token transfers. With fast, efficient, and cost-effective transactions, Superfluid is perfect for use cases such as subscriptions, salary streams, and even gaming. Compatible with multiple blockchain networks and built on a d...
Onboarding The Next 1b Web3 Users with DropChain | With Nate and Carter | Founders of DropChain
With DropChain you can add Web3 functionality to your Web2 application with a few lines of code. They are aiming to onboard the next 1,000,000 Web3 developers, and the next 1,000,000,000 Web3 users.
Carter and Nate are the ambitious minds behind this project and want to streamline the process of using Web3 and leading the way to decentralisation.
Links
DropChain Website - https://www.dropchain.network/
DropChain Twitter - https://twitter.com/DropChainAPI
Nate's Twitter - https://twitter.com/thoreson_nate
Carter's Twitter - https://twitter.com/crazink
My Links:
...
Ultrade and B2B DeFi solutions | With Dan Goldman | CEO and Founder of Ultrade
Ultrade describes themselves as a DeFi-As-A-Service solution, building B2B DeFi infrastructure which can be leveraged by brands and creators to strengthen the connection and value with their community.
Using Ultrade, anyone can create a fully customisable trading suite which includes AMMs, Order Books, Derivatives, and Lending markets, with just a few lines of code.
Benefits of using Ultrade include:
- Better liquidity
- Gather trading fees
- Customisability of the platform
Ultrade
Website: Ultrade.org
Twitter: https://twitter.com/ULTRADE_org
Twitter - https://twitter.co...
How I would learn about Blockchain in 2023 - Technical and Non-Technical topics
Today I discuss how I would approach leaning about Blockchain and Crypto in 2023. We discuss topics like: - History of Blockchain - Smart contracts - Consensus Mechanisms - Issues facing blockchains - Regulatory landscape Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
Proof-Of-Reserves - Useful or overhyped?
In this episode, we discuss the concept of proof-of-reserves, a method used by some cryptocurrency exchanges to provide transparency around the amount of cryptocurrency they hold in reserve. We explore the potential benefits of proof-of-reserves and consider whether they are worth the hype.
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
2022 in Crypto and The Future
An extra episode this week going over what the year 2022 had in store for the blockchain and crypto ecosystem. I definitely glazed over some topics but I get the big ones in there.
I also discuss the future of the podcast and how I want to continue to develop it going further including speaking to more thought leaders in the space, and having a higher production quality.
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/cha...
Trantorian and the blockchain gaming ecosystem (With Manuel - CCO of Indelve Studios)
Trantorian is a blockchain 3D space exploration, battle, economic and civilization development NFT based game situated on a persistent, ever growing metaverse.
Trantorian bridges the best of traditional games with the added benefits of blockchain. Such as asset ownership, decentralization and governance.
The gameplay brings a combination of genres such as RPG with 4X games. Making Trantorian a one of a kind game.
Today, I am joined by Manuel, CCO of Indelve Studios, to speak more about Trantorian, how the project is developing, and how they aim to change the gaming ecosystem.
<...
Verifiable Random Functions (With Bit from D13 Collective)
A Verifiable Random Function takes a secret key and a value and produces a pseudorandom output, with a proof that anyone can use to verify the result.
Today I'm joined by Bit from D13 Collective to talk more about them and their usecases.
D13 - https://d13.co/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/d13_co
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115...
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxh...
Instagram - https://ww...
The Creator Economy on Algorand (With Christian - Founder of Niftgen)
Niftgen is an Algorand-based NFT platform where content creators can build and monetize their brands by empowering fans to play a key role in the creative process.
Today I am joined by Christian, founder of Niftgen to discuss more about Niftgen and the impact they want to have.
Niftgen:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/niftgen
Discord - https://t.co/3YuD5UOUc6
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115-farzan-a
...
Quantum Computing, Blockchains, and Falcon Keys
Quantum computing has the capacity to break modern-day encryption. Blockchains (and most systems) rely on this encryption to remain secure.
Today I discuss quantum computing, the impact it has, and what the future may look like with Falcon Keys.
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115-farzan-a
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blockchainandbeyondpodcast/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blockch...
Portfolio Tracking and Management on Algorand (With Kieran - Founder of Algorgator)
Algogator is a portfolio tracker for the Algorand blockchain ecosystem. Bringing together all your assets — tokens and NFTs — and provide your net worth, staking totals and yield farm totals all in one place.
Today I'm joined by Kieran, one of the founders of Algogator. We discuss the highly anticipated V3 of their platform inclduing the new features users can expect to see. We also take a turn and discuss his time working in the gaming industry and some of his advice.
Algogator - @TeamAlgogator
Website - https://algogator.finance/
Twitter - https://twitter.c...
Algorand's Pure Proof-of-Stake Consensus Protocol
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115-farzan-a
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blockchainandbeyondpodcast/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blockchainandbeyond2021
Algorand uses a pure proof-of-stake (PPoS) protocol built on Byzantine consensus. Each user’s influence on the choice of a new block is proportional to its stake (number of tokens) in the system. Users are randomly and secretly selected to propose b...
Casual Conversation about DEXs, Algorand, and Adoption (With Alexander - CTO of Algonaut Capital)
DEXs form a backbone of DeFi services within the blockchain ecosystem. They are mostly made up of Automated Market Makers, but we also have the emergence of Order Book DEXs.
Today I'm joined by Alexander, cto of Algonaut Capital and founder of Algodex, an Algorand based Order Book DEX. We talk about the technology and where we see adoption heading.
Alexander - https://twitter.com/a3voices
Algodex - https://twitter.com/AlgodexOfficial
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk...
Blockchain Uptime - Decentralisation and Technical Considerations (Solana, Bitcoin, Ethereum, Ronin)
On October 1st Solana experience 6 hours of downtime before the network was restarted and operations were continued. These sort of downtimes can be the result of two thing, technical issues, and issues of decentralisation.
Today I discuss both of these and how they apply to blockchains such as Solana, Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the Ronin side chain.
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115-farzan-a
Youtube - htt...
Wallet Recovery and Zero-knowledge Identity For Blockchain (With Doug - CEO of Vendible)
Vendible is a privacy-preserving identity network that gives you greater control over your data and assets while helping developers remove barriers to DeFi adoption.
https://www.vendiblelabs.com/
Doug - https://twitter.com/brought012
Vendible - https://twitter.com/govendible
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115-farzan-a
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
Instagram - https://www...
The Aftermath of Ethereum's Merge - The good, the bad, and the ugly
Ethereum's Merge has been the hottest topic in crpyto this week - I discuss the outcomes of the change, including the good, the bad, and other things things that might not have been considered.
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115-farzan-a
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blockchainandbeyondpodcast/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@blo...
FIFA+ Collect and how it it leverages blockchain using Algorand
Recently FIFA announced FIFA+ Collect, a platform for users to collect memorabilia from the FIFA World Cup tournaments. This platform is powered by Algorand and marks an immense step of the adoption of blockchain technology for the retail markets.
Football has over 5 billion fans worldwide, making the FIFA World Cup one of the world's biggest sporting events.
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115-farzan-a
Youtube - ht...
Bridging Chains Together With Wormhole
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Cryptocurrency bridges are digital assets that allow for the transfer of value between different blockchain protocols. By doing so, they enable interoperability and flexibility in the cryptocurrency ecosystem. The bridges are built on top of existing protocols and use smart contracts to facilitate the transfer of value. This allows for a wide range of possible applications, including cross-chain exchange,atomic swaps, and more.
Wormhole crypto has created a generic messaging platform which enables interoperability between blockchain platforms. Through this they have integrated over 10 blockchains that can no...
Future of On-Chain Dollar Cost Averaging (With Sero and Michael from Richochet Exchange)
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Dollar-cost Averaging is a strategy allowing the user to incrementally buy assets at regular intervals, progressively increasing their exposure. Traditional centralised exchanges offer this capacity but often charge high fees.
Ricochet Exchange aims to make dollar-cost averaging a reality by bringing it on-chain. By leveraging technology such as Superfluid they enable uses complete flexibility of how much they want to invest
Michael - https://twitter.com/mikeghen
Sero - https://twitter.com/seroxdesigns / https://twitter.com/DefiTalksHQ
Ricochet Exchange - https://twitter.co...
Intro to financial blockchains - J.P. Morgan's Onyx
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
DeFi has been a very popular application of blockchain technology, as it enables traditional functions such as loans, yield-generations, options, futures, and more.
Since 2020 J.P. Morgan, one of the world's biggest financial institues have been building their own blockchain platform. Their offerings combine the best of other platforms and aim to bring it under one roof.
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115-farzan-a
Youtube...
Algogems, DAOs, and NFT Marketplaces (With Wilder - CMO of Algogems)
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
The preservation of historical events is key to understanding human, and scienctific history. Traditonally physical records can become lost or damaged over time reducing their reliablilty. Thanks to blockchain technology we now have a way to preserve information in a permanent, immutable, public record.
Today I'm joined by Robert, CTO of MakerX and Data Museum. We discuss the preservation of historically significant artifacts, the imapct of ARC-19 NFTs, and the flexibility that APIs can provide.
Robert's Twitter - https://twitter.com/robdmoore
MakerX Twi...
Preservation of Historical Artifacts Using The Blockchain (With Robert - CTO of MakerX)
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
The preservation of historical events is key to understanding human, and scienctific history. Traditonally physical records can become lost or damaged over time reducing their reliablilty. Thanks to blockchain technology we now have a way to preserve information in a permanent, immutable, public record.
Today I'm joined by Robert, CTO of MakerX and Data Museum. We discuss the preservation of historically significant artifacts, the imapct of ARC-19 NFTs, and the flexibility that APIs can provide.
Robert's Twitter - https://twitter.com/robdmoore
MakerX Tw...
Future of Digital Identities
Our 2nd place solution: https://devpost.com/software/orange-interstellar-corporation-event-webapp
Our 1st place DID solution: https://devpost.com/software/did-of-things-didot-allergen-management-in-food-shopping
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Digital Identities form a crucial part of our online interactions on all platforms. However, there's a few caveats, we often share more information than we'd like to when browsing online. And our methods to keeping our accounts secure aren't the best.
Today I discuss a new solution a team of us created and discuss the main components of it; decentralised identities, 2-factor authentication, pass...
Decentralised Internet Networks (With Charvel - CEO of Wayru Network)
Use my link to join the Wayru waitlist: https://wayru.io/wl-genesis?r=farzan279O
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Wayru aims to make the internet more accessible to individuals across the globe. They aim to better connectivity in modern cities, while enabling previously unconnected communities.
Today I'm joined by Charvel, CEO and Founder of Wayru to discuss what they're are doing to acheive a better connected world.
Charvel's Twitter - https://twitter.com/charvelchedraui
Wayru's Twitter - https://twitter.com/WayruNetwork
My Links:
Po...
Storytelling, world building, and playable NFTs (With Rach from Land Of Alegra)
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Publishing writing can be a difficult thing to get right, but through NFTs and blockchains writers can get support from their community to help them grow, and direct their work.
Today I'm joined by Rach from Land Of Alegra, which is a project focused on creating a fantasy world - It also includes a playable text-based NFT game.
Land Of Alegra Twitter - https://twitter.com/LandOfAlegra
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.co...
Bitcoin's Taproot Upgrade and Taro Protocol
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
In November 2021, Bitcoin's Taproot upgrade went live. It marked the first major upgrade in 4 years, and included a number of upgrades to improve the scalability and privacy of Bitcoin.
Recently, the Taro protocol has been announced, this enables the creation and transferring of assets via the Lightning Network, while being underpinned by Bitcon's security.
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115-farzan-a
Youtube - https://www.you...
Lending Markets and Liquid Governance on Algorand (With Benedetto - CEO of Folks Finance)
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Lending markets are perhaps one of the strongest use cases that we've seen in the DeFi space. They enable entirely permissionless lending and borrowing whilst ensuring capital is protected through over-collateralisation which minimises counter-party risk.
Today Benedetto, CEO of Folks Finance, a lending protocol on Algorand, discussed the current state of lending markets and some of the unique features they are working on. We also discuss powerful tools such as liquid governance and also the stablecoin ecosystem.
Benedetto's Twitter - https://twitter.com/BenedettoBio
Algorand On-Chain analytics, state proofs, rekeying, and more (With Bit from D13 Collective)
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Today I'm joined by Bit from D13 Collective, a group focusing on analysing on-chain data on Algorand.
This episode gets super technical as we talk about things like state proofs, rekeying, and smart signatures. But we try our best to keep it simple as possible!
D13:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/d13_co
Website - d13.co
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115...
Play-To-Learn and wider social impacts (With AlgoLeagues and Algopard)
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Today I'm joined by Eddie and Fikri, creators of the AlgoLeague and Algopard, respectively.
Algoleagues focuses on teaching users about the blockchain through their ever evolving superhero storyline.
Algopard is an interactive NFT projects which aims to do their part to better the world by supporting real life causes.
AlgoLeagues:
Twitter - https://twitter.com/AlgoLeagues
Website - https://www.algoleagues.com/
Algopard
Twitter - https://twitter.com/Algo_pard
Website - https://algopard.com/
My Link...
Liquid Staking
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
Liquid Staking is a new method of staking tokens which allows individuals to circumnavigate minimum staking requirements and unbonding periods. Today I discuss how they work, their downsides, and my general opinion on them.
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115-farzan-a
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/blockchainandbeyondpodcast/
Tiktok - https://www.tiktok.com/@b...
Collapse of LUNA and UST
Join me on Discord: https://discord.gg/Rf7CkZEGds
The LUNA discussed today refers to the now named Luna Classic (LUNC) as Terra have now launched a LUNA 2.0.
The recent collapse of LUNA say $30b of assets vanish over the course of a few days. At the core of this was the relationship between LUNA, UST, and the Anchor protocol.
Today I discuss each of the components responsible and explain how the entire situation went down.
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter...
NFTs, Algo, and The Future (With PennyCrayonNFTs)
Today I sit down with Penny, an NFT artist on Algorand with her own Captain Squishy collection. We talk about how she got to where she is, the Algorand community, her plans for the future, and advice for any newcomes to the NFT space.
Penny's social media links: https://linktr.ee/PennyCrayonNFTs
My Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115-farzan-a
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
Instagram - https://www.instagram...
Problems Facing Crypto
I explore some of the issue that crypto has, these are both fundamental, and technical issues which may impact the adoption of crypto going forward.
Cryptocurrencies have faced much criticism such as being a method of money laundering and theft, but it also has other smaller criticisms such as the inability to recover lost keys.
Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Substack - https://substack.com/profile/33433115-farzan-a
Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpxhLjdOdi5oiOG2nRIgsTQ/featured
Instagram - https...
Bitcoin's Lightning Network
Today I discuss the history of Lightning Network, it's uses, and it's future.
Bitcoin is often known for being slow, and being expensive. Transactions can take up to an huor to be confirmed, which is too long for most cases, not to mention the costs associated with all transactions. That's where Lightning Network comes in, it is a solution built on top of Bitcoin to directly solve the scalability issue by minimising costs and transactions times.
Links:
Podcast - https://www.blockchainandbeyond.co.uk/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/FarzanAkhtar1
Substack...
