Simon Gallagher

Our latest episode is out today, featuring @AveryChing, Co-Founder & CTO of @Aptos. We dive into the intersection of AI and crypto, Aptos' fundraising journey, its position against Ethereum and Solana, and the future of the Move programming language. Avery also shares insights from his decade at Meta, including his work on Diem, and how those experiences shaped his approach to building scalable blockchain infrastructure. A conversation on Aptos' long-term vision and what comes next for Web3.

What keeps someone building when the goal is bigger than any single product? @diksha_nanduri speaks with @averyching, Co-Founder & CTO of @Aptos, about his motivation to make blockchain a public utility. They explore his vision for a more open internet where users control their assets and can transact freely without relying on centralized intermediaries.

“We focused on four core areas: finance, gaming, social, and entertainment — but DeFi has gained the most traction on @Aptos.” @sachi_morikawa joins @averyching, Co-Founder & CTO of @Aptos, to explore what's driving DeFi adoption across the network. From Move's security advantages to the composability that lets applications integrate with larger protocols, they examine why DeFi is leading Aptos' ecosystem growth and where that momentum could lead next.

“Bitcoin was the first distributed systems paper I read with an economic layer built into it — and that changed everything.” @kenzi_morikawa sits down with @averyching, Co-Founder & CTO of @Aptos, to explore his path from supercomputing and large-scale data infrastructure at Meta to the world of crypto. Avery reflects on discovering Bitcoin and recognizing how economic incentives could transform distributed systems, a realization that eventually shaped his decision to co-found Aptos Labs.

The future of decentralized AI depends on infrastructure capable of handling data at an entirely different scale. In this conversation, @sachi_morikawa joins @michaelh_0g, Founder of @0G_labs, to examine the evolving landscape of data availability and the performance demands of AI-native blockchain systems. They explore how 0G compares with Celestia, Avail, and EigenDA, why throughput must increase by orders of magnitude, and how overcoming broadcast bottlenecks and integrating decentralized storage could transform data ingestion and retrieval. A deep dive into next-generation data availability, high-performance blockchain architecture, and the infrastructure required to unlock scalable decentralized AI.

Every major technological breakthrough begins with curiosity — and sometimes, an unexpected environment can shape an entire entrepreneurial journey. @michaelh_0g, Founder of @0G_labs, joins @kenzi_morikawa for an insightful discussion tracing his journey from Berlin to Silicon Valley and the early experiences that sparked his passion for technology and entrepreneurship. The conversation explores how time spent at his father's SAP Lab, independent learning, and an unconventional path helped shape his interest in Web3 and ultimately led to the creation of 0G Labs. A closer look at the origins of entrepreneurial ambition, the power of intellectual curiosity, and the personal journey behind building decentralized AI infrastructure.

The early days of crypto were defined by radical experimentation, permissionless innovation, and an entirely new approach to building technology. Our host @diksha_nanduri sits down with @michaelh_0g, Founder of @0G_labs, to revisit the explosive creativity of the 2016–17 crypto ecosystem and explore how that culture continues to shape Web3. They discuss how tokenization is unlocking alternative funding models, creating new opportunities for open-source development, and challenging the limitations of traditional Web2 economics. A deep dive into permissionless innovation, decentralized incentives, and the economic models that could power the next generation of Web3 breakthroughs.

In this week’s episode, we welcome Michael Heinrich (@michaelh_0g), Founder of 0G Labs (@0G_labs), for an in-depth conversation on the future of decentralized artificial intelligence, next-generation blockchain infrastructure, and the mindset required to build transformative technology. From an unconventional early journey to founding one of the projects advancing decentralized AI infrastructure, Michael shares the experiences, challenges, and defining decisions that shaped his entrepreneurial vision. We explore how meditation, mental discipline, and long-term strategic thinking have influenced his leadership philosophy, providing a unique perspective on what it takes to build and scale ambitious technology companies. At the center of our discussion is 0G Labs and its mission to redefine how artificial intelligence is developed, deployed, and owned. Michael breaks down the potential of modular AI blockchain architecture, decentralized computing, distributed data storage, and community-owned infrastructure to challenge traditional centralized AI models. We examine how 0G Labs is working to unlock a new generation of AI-powered applications, giving developers, enterprises, and decentralized ecosystems the infrastructure needed to build more open, scalable, and accessible intelligent systems. As AI and blockchain continue to converge, fundamental questions around data ownership, computational power, decentralization, and digital sovereignty are becoming increasingly important. This episode explores the technologies, founder philosophies, and infrastructure innovations that could shape the next era of artificial intelligence — and why decentralized AI may represent one of the most significant opportunities in the evolution of Web3.

What if the next major breakthrough in AI isn't about intelligence itself, but proving that intelligence can be trusted? @sachi_morikawa sits down with DC Builder (@dcbuilder) to explore the emerging frontier of zero-knowledge machine learning (ZKML) and its potential to transform how AI systems are verified and trusted. They discuss DC’s role in developing the ZKML community, how cryptographic proofs can verify AI computations without repeating the entire process, and why this technology could become essential infrastructure for decentralized intelligence. The conversation also highlights innovations from Modulus Labs, Giza, and EZKL, alongside emerging research into proof of inference and scalable AI verification. A deep dive into the convergence of cryptography and artificial intelligence, and the technologies bringing verifiability, accountability, and trust to the next generation of AI.

In Web3, your reputation isn't defined by your background, but by the ideas you share and the things you build. @kenzi_morikawa sits down with DC Builder (@dcbuilder) to explore the rise of pseudonymous identities in crypto and how an open, merit-driven culture is reshaping the way people establish credibility. They discuss DC’s journey from the 2021 DeFi research community to becoming a builder, the inspiration behind his pseudonym, and how choosing a name can become a powerful commitment to personal growth. A conversation on digital identity, reputation, and why Web3 creates opportunities for talent and ideas to stand on their own, beyond traditional credentials.

What makes Web3 one of the most dynamic and accessible environments for research and innovation? @diksha_nanduri sits down with DC Builder (@dcbuilder) to explore the unique culture of crypto research, where open collaboration, public discussions, and direct access to protocol contributors are accelerating innovation. They discuss how Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs), community forums, and technical debates create an ecosystem where researchers can actively contribute to shaping decentralized infrastructure, regardless of institutional background. A closer look at how open research, permissionless collaboration, and community-driven innovation are redefining the way breakthrough ideas emerge and evolve across Web3.

What if proving you're human becomes one of the most important foundations of the next generation of the internet? This week, we sit down with DC Builder (@dcbuilder), Research Engineer at World Network (@worldnetwork), to explore the future of decentralized identity, digital privacy, and the infrastructure powering a more human-centric internet. We discuss Worldcoin’s vision for global identity and financial inclusion, the challenges of verifying personhood at scale, and how zero-knowledge technology, Semaphore, and privacy-preserving systems could redefine digital trust. The conversation also dives into the emerging frontier of ZKML, the convergence of AI and crypto, and the growing role of verifiable intelligence in decentralized ecosystems. A deep dive into the technologies shaping a future where identity, privacy, and trust can coexist in the digital world.

From studying central banking to mining Ethereum in an MIT dorm room — an unexpected entry into the world of crypto. @kenzi_morikawa sits down with Anna Kazlauskas (@annakaz), Founder of @Vana, to explore the early experiences that shaped her journey into blockchain and decentralized technology. Anna reflects on her fascination with monetary policy, discovering MIT’s early Bitcoin community, and how exposure to a new generation of decentralized systems transformed her perspective on the future of finance. A look back at the curiosity, unconventional ideas, and pivotal moments that sparked a journey from traditional economics into Web3.