ECH Institute Podcast

Hosted by ECH Institute Inc.

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Jun 2026

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🐱 Your go-to educational podcast on the Ethereum ecosystem. Hosted by the ECH Institute Inc., it covers: 🔹 PEEPanEIP – Deep dives into Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs). 🔹 Ethereum Core Devs Calls – Key insights from core client development discussions. 🔹 Ecosystem Project Demos – Showcasing Web3 public goods projects. 🔹 In-Depth Interviews – Conversations with builders shaping Ethereum and beyond. Stay informed, stay decentralized—tune in now! Listen on Spotify - https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/ethcatherders

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June 15, 2026Episode 3431 min

The Future of Public Goods Funding: Octant V2 & Direct ETH Donations with Nico | EPD #34

In this episode, Nico Gallardo from Octant explains how Octent V2 advances public good funding on Ethereum by expanding accessibility, transparency, and mechanisms like proper quadratic funding. Discover how this platform is shaping a more inclusive, community-driven ecosystem for funding projects that keep Ethereum thriving.🎬 Related ContentPresentation: 🌐 Useful LinksOctant: https://octant.app/QF Calculator: https://qf.octant.app/🎙️ FeaturingGuest Speaker: Nico Gallardo: https://twitter.com/@nicnode👥 ECH Institute TeamHost: Pooja Ranjan – https://twitter.com/poojaranjan19Podcast Producer: Akash – https://twitter.com/lookupforskyCoordinator: Meenakshi Singh – https://twitter.com/Meenakshiy2k🕒 Chapters00:00 – Introduction and Episode Overview01:15 – Nico's Background and the Core Vision of Octant04:30 – Reflecting on Octant V1: Lessons Learned from GLM Locking08:45 – The Shift to Octant V2: Why Move to Direct ETH Donations?12:10 – How the New Donation Model Enhances Sustainability15:30 – Technical Breakdown: Simplifying Public Goods Funding21:00 – Addressing the Transition for Current GLM Holders25:45 – The Future Roadmap for Octant and Community Governance29:30 – Closing Thoughts and Where to Follow Nico’s Work📺 Recent EPD EpisodesDeFiScan with Emilien Duc: https://youtube.com/video/HZ2jxHSySF4powdr with Leo Alt: https://youtube.com/video/9BvZ_y5QjGYDIP Box with Tim Pechersky: https://youtube.com/video/whp641j7vrYPrivacy Pool with Nathaniel Fried: https://youtube.com/video/hkfD9-M_kpcRoadmap for funding Ethereum's open source with Sejal Rekhan & Devansh Mehta: https://youtube.com/video/FhcJ1AaI2Fo🌐 Official Websites• ECH Institute – https://echinstitute.org/💸 Support ECH InstituteDonate: https://www.echinstitute.org/donate📲 Follow ECH InstituteX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ECHInstituteWarpcast: https://warpcast.com/ethcatherdersMedium: https://medium.com/ethereum-cat-herdersDiscord: https://discord.gg/H2eYpKCxxm#Octant #OctantV2 #GLM #GolemNetwork #ECHInstitute

June 4, 2026Episode 2381 hr 18 min

Execution Layer Meeting 238[2026-06-04 | ACDE 238

The call covers discussions on Glamsterdam Devnet 5, including the status, updates, and integration with other Devnets. It also delves into EIP proposals, their implications, and the need for a breakout call to further explore the topics. The conversation covers a range of EIPs and proposals related to Ethereum, including discussions on code delegation, privacy pools, staking flows, and account abstraction. There are also considerations for potential attacks and the impact on client performance.TakeawaysGlamsterdam DevNet five status and updatesEIP proposals and implications Code delegation and account abstraction are key topics of discussion.Privacy pools and staking flows are being explored for Ethereum.Considerations for potential attacks and their impact on client performance are important aspects of EIPs and proposals.Chapters00:00 Discussion on EIP 7979 and 817353:08 Code Delegation and Account Abstraction59:03 Two-Phase Deposit and Withdrawal Credential01:13:12 EIPs for Account Abstraction01:28:15 Concerns and Considerations

June 3, 2026Episode 3345 min

How to Secure Smart Contracts from AI Attacks | CredShields | Indranil Roy | EPD #33

In this episode of Ecosystem Project Demo 33 on the ECH Institute channel, we dive deep into the evolving landscape of Web3 security with Indranil Roy from CredShields. As AI continues to transform the tech industry, it also introduces new vulnerabilities and sophisticated "AI attacks" targeting smart contracts.Indranil shares expert insights on the proactive measures developers and organizations can take to secure their blockchain applications. We explore the intersection of artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, discussing how to leverage advanced tooling and rigorous auditing to safeguard assets in an increasingly complex digital environment.🎬 Related ContentPresentation: 🌐 Useful LinksCredShields: https://credshields.com/🎙️ FeaturingGuest Speaker: Indranil Roy: https://twitter.com/@itsmeroy2012👥 ECH Institute TeamHost: Pooja Ranjan – https://twitter.com/poojaranjan19Podcast Producer: Akash – https://twitter.com/lookupforskyCoordinator: Meenakshi Singh – https://twitter.com/Meenakshiy2k🕒 Chapters00:00 - Teaser: The structural edge of attackers and AI risks.01:13 - Introduction to EPD #33 and guest Indranil Roy.02:32 - Indranil’s journey: From bug bounties to co-founding CredShields.06:35 - The "Cat and Mouse" game: Why smart contract hacks still happen.09:02 - The Audit Process: From scoping to the final developer report.11:42 - CredShields Presentation: Analyzing the $27B lost in Web3.13:06 - What is Solidity Scan? Automated security for developers.15:48 - The Security Ecosystem: Automation, Manual Audit, and Bug Bounties.17:20 - Future of Security: Expanding into Web2, Cloud, and AI infrastructure.18:22 - AI vs. Human: Why human intervention is still critical in auditing.20:57 - Demo: How to use Solidity Scan for smart contract security.26:13 - Positioning: How CredShields differs from other review tools.29:22 - The 72-Hour Promise and Agentic AI Workflows.31:26 - New Attack Surfaces: Prompt injection and API key vulnerabilities.34:02 - Minimum Viable Security for small teams and DAOs.38:22 - Rapid Fire Round: Best audits, AI predictions, and weird vulnerabilities.44:18 - Closing remarks and where to find Indranil Roy.🌐 Official Websites• ECH Institute – https://echinstitute.org/💸 Support ECH InstituteDonate: https://www.echinstitute.org/donate📲 Follow ECH InstituteX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ECHInstituteWarpcast: https://warpcast.com/ethcatherdersMedium: https://medium.com/ethereum-cat-herdersDiscord: https://discord.gg/H2eYpKCxxm#ai #web3security #CredShields #SolidityScan #echinstitute

June 2, 2026Episode 1791 hr 5 min

Consensus Layer Meeting 179[2026-05-28| ACDC 179

The meeting covered updates on Glamsterdam DevNet 4, discussions on target gas limit PRs, and the introduction of a new tool called Disruptor. The conversation also delved into EIP 7684 and EIP 8148, addressing the custom sweep threshold for validators and the return deposits for distinct credentials. The conversation covers a range of EIPs and their potential impact on stakers, validators, and node operators. It also discusses the proposal to change the timing of the ACDC call to accommodate participants from different time zones.TakeawaysGlamsterdam DevNet 4 issues and investigationsDiscussion on target gas limit PRsIntroduction of Disruptor tool for reorgs and network forksEIP 7684 and EIP 8148 for validators and return deposits EIP 8148 is supported by solo stakers, small operators, and institutional stakers due to its predictable cash flow benefits.EIP 8148's configurable cap is seen as useful for institutional stakers to manage risk limits and for solo stakers to consolidate into zero X02 validators.EIP 8148's automatic sweep mechanism is preferred for seamless reward accounting and better user experience.EIP 8061's increase in exit and consolidation churn is already implemented and tested, making it a candidate for SFI.The proposal to change the timing of the ACDC call to accommodate participants from different time zones is being considered for the next ACDC call as a trial.The decision to change the timing of the ACDC call will be based on the turnout and engagement of participants in the next call.Chapters00:00 Glamsterdam DevNet 4 Update13:02 Discussion on Target Gas Limit PRs21:35 Introduction of Disruptor Tool38:10 EIP 7684 - Custom Sweep Threshold for Validators48:08 EIP 8148: Predictable Cash Flow and Configurable Cap53:24 EIP 8148: Automatic Sweep Mechanism59:14 EIP 8148: Support from Node Operators01:08:22 EIP 8080: Exits Using the Consolidation Queue01:15:28 EIP 7688: Forward Compatible Consensus Data Structures01:21:25 ACDC Call Timing Change Proposal

May 22, 2026Episode 3246 min

The Future of AI Security with Kevin Jones, Founder of 1Claw | Ecosystem Project Demo #32

In this episode, Pooja Ranjan interviews Kevin Jones, a leader at Edge and Node and creator of 1Claw - an innovative infrastructure platform designed to secure AI agents and manage secrets. They explore the critical vulnerabilities in AI workflows, how 1Claw addresses these risks, and the future of AI security in decentralized ecosystems.🎬 Related ContentPresentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1ChCPYfQYuvA7OteUdo2MwgMaiNu7SGo2XW18ePB3tvs/edit?usp=drivesdk🌐 Useful Links1Claw: https://1claw.xyz/🎙️ FeaturingGuest Speaker: Kevin Jones: https://twitter.com/cryptomastery_👥 ECH Institute TeamHost: Pooja Ranjan – https://twitter.com/poojaranjan19Podcast Producer: Akash – https://twitter.com/lookupforskyCoordinator: Meenakshi Singh – https://twitter.com/Meenakshiy2k🕒 Chapters00:00 – The "8 Seconds" Problem: How AI accelerated malicious attacks01:17 – Intro: Pooja Ranjan welcomes Kevin Jones (Edge & Node / 1Claw)02:15 – Kevin’s Journey: From photography to Web2 infrastructure & Blockchain03:50 – The "Aha Moment": API keys leaking into AI chat history05:15 – Deep Dive: Why developers are accidentally exposing .env files06:50 – Technical Solution: Using HSMs and Trusted Execution Environments (TEE)09:55 – The LLM Proxy: Automated redaction and protecting against prompt injection11:20 – Signing transactions without holding keys: The Intents API13:42 – Developer Tooling: SDKs, CLIs, and open-source MCP tools15:00 – Ecosystem Integrations: Cursor, Claude, CrewAI, and NVIDIA Nemo17:12 – 1Claw Platform Demo: Registering an agent and creating secure vaults23:30 – Supported Blockchains: Ethereum, Bitcoin, Solana, and more27:25 – Human vs. Agent API keys: Managing access and audit logs30:50 – EIP-712 Security: Restricting contract interactions for AI agents35:05 – Real-World Use Cases: Secure Telegram Bots and BankerBots37:30 – OIDC Federation: Hooking up agents directly to Claude API42:02 – Rapid Fire Round: Biggest developer mistakes and Claude vs. GPT45:20 – Final Summary: How to secure your agentic future🌐 Official Websites• ECH Institute – https://echinstitute.org/💸 Support ECH InstituteDonate: https://www.echinstitute.org/donate📲 Follow ECH InstituteX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ECHInstituteWarpcast: https://warpcast.com/ethcatherdersMedium: https://medium.com/ethereum-cat-herdersDiscord: https://discord.gg/H2eYpKCxxm#1Claw #Cybersecurity #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #Blockchain #Web3

May 21, 2026Episode 23753 min

Execution Layer Meeting 237[2026-05-22| ACDE 237

The conversation covers updates on the Glam Amsterdam DevNet 4 launch, delegate inclusion on field calls, an update on EIP 7904, EAP 8188 discussing state tiering, and EAP 8182 proposing private transfers to Ethereum. The conversation covers innovative authentication methods, ZK proof and hardware wallets, credential proof separation, risk mitigation, synchronous composability, security and soundness mitigation, gas costs, supply side work, deactivation of self-destruct, and client feedback on execution API cases.TakeawaysGlam Amsterdam DevNet 4 launch updatesDelegate inclusion on field callsUpdate on EIP 7904EAP 8188: State tieringEAP 8182: Private transfers to Ethereum Innovative authentication methods allow users to bring their own authentication, ZK proofs enable hardware wallet authorization, and credential proof separation ensures synchronous composability.Deactivation of self-destruct functionality requires careful consideration of potential impact on existing contracts and use cases.Chapters00:00 Glam Amsterdam DevNet 4 Launch18:42 Update on 790437:30 EAP 8182: Private Transfers to Ethereum43:15 Credential Proof Separation57:17 Deactivation of Self-Destruct01:11:23 Client Feedback on Execution API Cases

May 18, 2026Episode 134 min

How Zero Knowledge and Infinite Trust Can Reshape Our Digital Future | Eli Ben-Sasson | TCC 1

In this insightful interview, Eli Ben-Sasson, co-founder of Starkware, shares his journey from academia to blockchain innovation, discusses the significance of ZK-Starks in blockchain scalability and security, and explores the urgent need for quantum-resistant cryptography. Discover how these technologies are shaping the future of digital trust and privacy.Zero Knowledge, Infinite Trust book isn't just about math; it’s a story about people, freedom, and the personal journeys that shaped the blockchain revolution.🌐 Useful Linkshttps://blockchainthebook.com/https://starkware.co/https://www.starknet.io/Get a special discount on 'Zero Knowledge, Infinite Trust' at https://www.blockchainthebook.com/show🎙️ FeaturingGuest Speaker: Eli Ben-Sasson: https://twitter.com/EliBenSasson👥 ECH Institute TeamHost: Pooja Ranjan – https://twitter.com/poojaranjan19Podcast Producer: Akash – https://twitter.com/lookupforsky🕒 Chapters00:00 – Preview01:13 – Introduction to The Code Confession01:34 – Introducing Eli Ben-Sasson02:10 – The timing of the new book release and technical announcements.03:38 – Eli’s transition from pure mathematics to Bitcoin and blockchain.05:12 – Early interactions with OG Bitcoin developers like Greg Maxwell.06:26 – The "red pill" moment07:07 – The Shenzhen fish market story10:07 – Understanding the "Quantum Iceberg" and the threat to current cryptography.13:05 – Solutions for a post-quantum world15:15 – Recent breakthroughs18:12 – The urgency for Bitcoin governance to act on quantum resistance.19:10 – Explaining STARKs vs. SNARKs22:21 – The origins of the original STARK white paper and Eli’s deep conviction.24:42 – The future of Ethereum scalability and Starknet’s central role.26:21 – Unpacking the paradox27:35 – About the book29:28 – The experience of co-writing the book with Nathan Jeffay.31:18 – Recommendations: Which chapters to read (and which to skip).32:40 – Rapid-fire questions🌐 Official Websites• ECH Institute – https://echinstitute.org/💸 Support ECH InstituteDonate: https://www.echinstitute.org/donate📲 Follow ECH InstituteX/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ECHInstituteWarpcast: https://warpcast.com/ethcatherdersMedium: https://medium.com/ethereum-cat-herdersDiscord: https://discord.gg/H2eYpKCxxm#ZeroKnowledge #ZKProofs #BlockchainTechnology #Cryptography #DigitalFuture

May 15, 2026Episode 1781 hr 11 min

Consensus Layer Meeting 178[2026-05-14] | ACDC 178

The conversation covers the agenda items for DevNet 4, including EIPs 70, 71, and 72, as well as the impact of the Engine API change on gas limit. It also discusses the limitation of deposit transactions on the EIA side, benchmarking and testing with Prism and Teku, and potential solutions for an overflow issue. The conversation covers the introduction of optional proofs for execution, collaboration with the broader community, sub-linear and stateless validation, opt-in proof generating and verifying modes, infrastructure and observability improvements, and standardizing the input for guest program execution. The discussion is divided into three main chapters: Introduction to Optional Proofs, Execution Proof Engine and API, and Execution Layer Specification.TakeawaysDevNet 4 includes EIPs 70, 71, and 72Discussion on Engine API change and its impact on gas limitLimiting the number of deposit transactions on the EIA sideBenchmarking and testing with Prism and TekuOverflow issue and potential solutions Optional proofs for executionCollaboration with the broader communitySub-linear and stateless validationOpt-in proof generating and verifying modesInfrastructure and observability improvementsStandardizing the input for guest program executionChapters00:00 DevNet 4 Agenda Items13:21 Engine API Change and Gas Limit39:22 Deposit Transactions Limit45:03 Overflow Issue and Solutions54:54 Execution Proof Engine and API01:23:15 Execution Layer Specification

May 8, 2026Episode 2361 hr 8 min

Execution Layer Meeting 236 [2026-05-07] | ACDE 236

The conversation covers the progress from the Svalbard Interop, including the launch of DevNet-0 and subsequent DevNet updates. It also delves into the progress of Balldefinite 6, debugging and gas accounting proposals, EIP status and stages, and the reorg window and client support. The discussion provides insights into the latest developments and proposals in the Ethereum ecosystem. The conversation covers the management of deep reorgs, the limitation of block size, and a proposal for the self-destruct feature. It delves into the trialogue with prior versions of each account and slot, the printing mechanism for rollback, and the handling of extremely long reorgs. It also discusses unwinding to 512 blocks in Aragon, rollback by batch in Bezu, and the handling of out of memory for deep logs. Additionally, it explores the removal of the burn feature of self-destruct and the behavior of self-destruct in a limited factor. The conversation methodically reviewed the self-destruct usage analysis and discussed the implications of EIP 8253 and EIP 7610. The self-destruct usage analysis provided insights into the increase in usage despite deprecation notices, while the discussion on EIPs 8253 and 7610 focused on the implications and feasibility of the proposed changes.TakeawaysSvalbard Interop ProgressDevNet Updates Management of deep reorgsLimiting block sizeProposal for self-destruct feature Self-destruct usage analysisEIP 8253 and EIP 7610 discussionChapters00:00 Svalbard Interop Progress and DevNet-012:25 Debugging and Gas Accounting36:02 Managing Deep Reorgs01:03:40 Self-Destruct Usage Analysis01:13:21 EIP 8253 and EIP 7610 Discussion

April 23, 2026Episode 2351 hr 20 min

Execution Layer Meeting 235 [2026-04-23] | ACDE 235

The episode begins with an introduction and the announcement of Nixo joining as co-lead of AllCoreDev. The conversation then transitions into DevNet updates and discussions around EIP 8037 testing concerns, highlighting issues with test failures and the impact of EIP 8037 on gas limits and costs. The conversation covered concerns and complexities related to EIP 1837, proposals for EIP 8163 and EIP 7979, and performance optimization for ZK-AVM use cases through engine API changes. The discussion also included considerations for mascot selection and the impact of EIP changes on DevNet 4.TakeawaysNixo joins as co-lead of AllCoreDevDevNet updates and issues with EIP 8037 testing EIP 1837 concerns and complexitiesPerformance optimization for ZK-AVM use casesDiscussion on engine API performance and potential changesChapters00:00 Introduction and Nixo's Co-Lead Announcement57:26 EIP 1837 Concerns and Complexities01:09:12 EIP Proposals and Mascot Selection for Glam-Sedam01:14:52 EIP 7979 Proposal and Discussion01:31:22 Engine API Performance Optimization for ZK-AVM Use Cases#Ethereum #ACDE #AllCoreDev