The AwesomeAlgo Podcast

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May 2025

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A casual technical deep dives into interesting tools, platforms and projects in Algorand ecosystem ⛓

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23 recent

May 23, 202539 min

#23 – Uroš Hudomalj: Valar - decentralized peer-to-peer staking on Algorand

In this episode of the Awesome Algo podcast, hosts Al and Mike welcome Uroš, CEO of Valar Solutions and one of the founders of Valar Staking, to discuss their innovative peer-to-peer decentralized staking platform for Algorand.Uroš shares his background in electrical engineering and mechatronics, explaining how his team's vision for blockchain decentralization led to creating Valar - a platform that connects blockchain stakeholders directly with node runners through a permissionless marketplace. The discussion covers how Valar emerged from a winning hackathon project at Decipher 2024 and evolved through the Algorand Foundation's incubator program.The episode explores Valar's unique approach to staking that maintains self-custody while enabling users to participate in consensus through native delegation. Uroš explains the platform's architecture, including smart contracts, the daemon for node runners, and the user interface, highlighting how it differs from traditional staking pools by eliminating commission on rewards and offering transparent service-based pricing.With impressive growth metrics - 320 active stakers managing 57 million ALGO across 70+ node runners representing over 15% of all consensus accounts - Valar is demonstrating significant impact on network decentralization. The conversation also touches on their Certify application for node runner verification and future roadmap items including improved monitoring, distributed validator technology, and solutions for "block anxiety."Uroš concludes with advice for aspiring Algorand developers, emphasizing the excellent developer experience with AlgoKit and the supportive community ecosystem.References:Valar Staking: https://stake.valar.solutions/Valar on X: https://x.com/ValarStakingValar Discord: https://discord.com/invite/vSKNznSywtValar GitHub: https://github.com/ValarStakingBlock Anxiety: https://github.com/Algorand-Developer-Retreat/block-anxietyAwesomeAlgo website: https://awesomealgo.com/Algorand Foundation: https://www.algorand.foundation/Learn more about MakerX:Website: https://www.makerx.com.au/Museum of Data History: https://museum.datahistory.org/QRX Codes: https://qrx.codes/Subtopia: https://subtopia.io/Affiliate Links:CleanShot X: https://cleanshot.sjv.io/GKoE29

November 27, 202438 min

#22 – Doug Richar: From chaos to clarity - how 'use-wallet' revolutionized Algorand wallet management

In this episode of the Awesome Algo podcast, hosts Al and Mike discuss the 'use-wallet' framework, a comprehensive wallet management solution for Algorand dApps, with guest Doug Richar, co-founder, and lead engineer at TxnLab. Doug explains how UseWallet simplifies connecting various wallet providers through a unified interface, easing the complexities of wallet management for Algorand applications. The interview covers the development history, moving from React dependency to a more flexible, framework-agnostic solution, and integrating different wallets including the new Defly web extension. Doug highlights the open-source contributions and community feedback that have elevated 'use-wallet', showcasing its evolution and potential future improvements. The episode also touches on upcoming Algorand developments and the significance of open-source cooperation in advancing blockchain toolsets.---If you would like to appear on the podcast and have an interesting project related to Algorand or web3, submit your application at https://bit.ly/awesomealgo.To support the podcast, please subscribe and follow new episodes on your favorite podcasting platforms. Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode!---References:Doug on X: https://x.com/dricharGetting started with use-wallet: https://txnlab.gitbook.io/use-walletTxnLab website: https://www.txnlab.dev/NFDomains: https://app.nf.domains/Reti Pooling overview: https://txnlab.gitbook.io/reti-open-pooling AwesomeAlgo website: https://awesomealgo.com/Algorand Foundation: https://www.algorand.foundation/AlgoKit GitHub: https://github.com/algorandfoundation/algokit-cliLearn more about MakerX:Website: https://www.makerx.com.au/Museum of Data History: https://museum.datahistory.org/QRX Codes: https://qrx.codes/Subtopia: https://subtopia.io/

August 4, 20242 hr 2 min

#21 – Michael Feher: LiquidAuth - enhancing Algorand authentication interoperability

Welcome to the AwesomeAlgo Podcast!In this episode, we will dive deep into the world of LiquidAuth, an innovative authentication protocol developed powered by WebAuthn and FIDO2, developed by the Algorand Foundation. Our guest, Michael Feher, a full-stack engineer at Algorand Foundation, will break down the intricacies of LiquidAuth, its importance, and how it stands out from centralized solutions like WalletConnect. We will also explore its implications for Algorand adoption and interoperability with Web2 ecosystems.Highlights include:Introduction to LiquidAuth and its significanceComparison with centralized solutions like WalletConnectThe role of FIDO2, WebAuthn, and passkeys in LiquidAuthFuture developments and community contributionsInsights into the Awesome Algorand organization and its projectsIf you would like to appear on the podcast and have an interesting project related to Algorand or web3, submit your application at https://bit.ly/awesomealgo.To support the podcast, please subscribe and follow new episodes on your favorite podcasting platforms.Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode! Episode references:Michael on X: https://x.com/PhearZeroGetting started with LiquidAuth: https://liquidauth.com/guides/getting-started/AwesomeAlgo website: https://awesomealgo.com/Algorand Foundation: https://www.algorand.foundation/Algorand Foundation's GitHub: https://github.com/algorandfoundationAlgoKit GitHub: https://github.com/algorandfoundation/algokit-cliWhat's new/upcoming in algokit ecosystem with Alessandro and Rob: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M0mmDCJymJ0&t=130sLearn more about MakerX:Website: https://www.makerx.com.au/ Museum of Data History: https://museum.datahistory.org/QRX Codes: https://qrx.codes/Subtopia: https://subtopia.io/

January 19, 20241 hr 17 min

#20 – John Woods, Alessandro Cappellato, Rob Moore: Insights on Algorand's Voyage into 2024

Welcome to the AwesomeAlgo Podcast!In this episode, we explore the latest news in Algorand ecosystem and the AlgoKit project. Joining us are experts John Woods (CTO, Algorand Foundation), Rob Moore (CTO, MakerX), and Alessandro Cappellato (Head of Product, Algorand Foundation).Highlights include:- John Woods discussing Algorand's consensus updates and his vision for protocol decentralization.- Rob Moore on the challenges and innovations in developing AlgoKit, focusing on its impact on developers.- Alessandro Cappellato detailing AlgoKit's design philosophy, aimed at meeting developer needs for seamless integration.The episode features a roundtable discussion on the future of Algorand, decentralized systems in software development, and Algorand's industry influence. Closing thoughts provide insights into blockchain's future and advice for aspiring engineers and startups in blockchain technology. If you are an Apple support engineer listening to this please help John with his feedback id - fb13463773 :-)For more information:- Algorand Foundation: https://www.algorand.foundation/- Algorand Foundation's GitHub: https://github.com/algorandfoundation- AlgoKit GitHub: https://github.com/algorandfoundation/algokit-cli- AlgoKit Puya dev preview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4i44Wd1R5Ao&t=253s- Proof of State show with John, Alessandro, Rob, and Ryan: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yeXuThD4PUs&t=19sMakerX:- Website: https://www.makerx.com.au/- Museum of Data History: https://museum.datahistory.org/- Subtopia: https://subtopia.io/Extra references:- Rob Moore's talk at NDC Sydney '18: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rSY-zqDfc_s- Awesome Algorand repository: https://github.com/aorumbayev/awesome-algorand- Awesome Algo YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@awesomealgoEnjoy the episode, and thanks for tuning in!

October 22, 20231 hr 39 min

#19 – Bit (D13): Consensus incentives, P2P, Box Storage use cases, and Base32 Fund

Welcome to the AwesomeAlgo podcast! In this episode we are joined by Bit (D13), a passionate Algorand community member and a talented software developer known for a variety of prominent contributions and activities in the ecosystem! Here's what you can expect from this episode:Introduction to Bit's biography and journey to the domain of Blockchain systems. Discussions on participation node incentives, shift towards P2P, Bit's own advanced use cases for Box Storage and Base32 Fund which is his latest upcoming project.Advice for aspiring Software Engineers.If you would like to appear on the podcast and have an interesting project related to Algorand or web3, submit your application at https://bit.ly/awesomealgo.To support the podcast, please subscribe and follow new episodes on your favorite podcasting platforms.Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode! 🙂Resources:https://d13.co/ - D13's website.https://ask.awesomealgo.com/ - refer here to ask your questions to upcoming guests.https://github.com/aorumbayev/awesome-algorandhttps://www.youtube.com/@awesomealgo

July 27, 20231 hr 31 min

#18 – MG: GoPlausible, a Proof-of-Anything protocol powered by Algorand

Welcome to the AwesomeAlgo podcast!In this episode, we are joined by a co-founder of GoPlausible Protocol. A unique Proof of Anything protocol powered by Algorand, allowing you to create digital attestations for anything that requires a digital proof. Here's what you can expect from this episode:Introduction to MG's biography, and journey into Software Engineering and Computer Science.Deep dive into GoPlausible protocol. Architecture, platform features, story behind original project creation.Cross chain future of GoPlausible platform.Advice for aspiring Software Engineers.If you would like to appear on the podcast and have an interesting project related to Algorand or web3, submit your application at https://bit.ly/awesomealgo.To support the podcast, please subscribe and follow new episodes on your favorite podcasting platforms.Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode! 🙂Resources:https://goplausible.com/ - GoPlausible websitehttps://goplausible.gitbook.io/goplausible/ - GoPlausible docshttps://github.com/GoPlausible - GoPlausible githubhttps://ask.awesomealgo.com/ - refer here to ask your questions to upcoming guests.https://github.com/aorumbayev/awesome-algorandhttps://www.youtube.com/@awesomealgo

May 19, 202357 min

#17 – Ertekin Erdin: Designing strong and meaningful branding for blockchain ecosystems

Welcome to the AwesomeAlgo podcast!In this episode, we are joined by a multidisciplinary designer behind Tinyman - Ertekin Erdin. He is a creative force behind tinyman branding and design system, one of the first AMMs on Algorand and probably the most recognizable brand within the ecosystem. Here's what you can expect from this episode:Introduction to Ertekin's biography, his academic experience, and journey into becoming a designer at HipoLabs and Tinyman.Deep dive into Tinyman brand building.Benefits of strong branding in blockchain ecosystemBranding tips for blockchain protocols.Future of Tinyman.Advice for aspiring designers in the blockchain space.If you would like to appear on the podcast and have an interesting project related to Algorand or web3, submit your application at https://bit.ly/awesomealgo.To support the podcast, please subscribe and follow new episodes on your favorite podcasting platforms.Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode! 🙂Resources:https://tinyman.org/ - Tinyman websitehttps://ertekin.xyz/ - Ertekin's bloghttps://ertekinno.notion.site/2bbe6d8bfb5947e887be84ead1675941?v=97949d94241c4d8e97ceb3bef5131862 - Ertekin's Tinyman portfoliohttps://github.com/tinymanorg/brand - Tinyman's brand and asset guidelineshttps://ask.awesomealgo.com/ - refer here to ask your questions to upcoming guests.https://github.com/aorumbayev/awesome-algorandhttps://bit.ly/awsmalgovideoCredits for episode image cover: https://github.com/tinymanorg/brand

April 17, 20231 hr 38 min

#16 - Joe Polny: How TEALScript allows writing Algorand Smart Contracts in TypeScript

Welcome to the AwesomeAlgo podcast!In this episode, we are joined by a Software Engineer from the Algorand Foundation - Joe Polny. Joe is the creator of TEALScript, which is currently the only high-level transpilation language that allows you to write Algorand Smart Contracts in pure TypeScript.Here's what you can expect from this episode:Introduction to Joe's biography, his academic experience, and projects prior to his journey into the blockchain space and creating TEALScript.Deep dive into TEALScript.The motivation and story behind building TEALScript.Overview of the main features and comparison with PyTEAL and Tealish.Architecture overview and AVM interoperability.A brief overview of testing methodologies.Advice for aspiring software engineers.If you would like to appear on the podcast and have an interesting project related to Algorand or web3, submit your application at https://bit.ly/awesomealgo.To support the podcast, please subscribe and follow new episodes on your favorite podcasting platforms.Thank you for listening, and we hope you enjoy this episode! 🙂Resources:https://github.com/algorand-devrel/TEALScript - TEALScript documentation and source code.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iwViloTnMLM&t=2367s - Joe's Keynote on writing Algorand smart contracts from Decipher Dubai 2022.https://ask.awesomealgo.com/ - refer here to ask your questions to upcoming guests.https://github.com/aorumbayev/awesome-algorandhttps://bit.ly/awsmalgovideo

February 27, 20232 hr 6 min

#15 - Fergal Walsh: How Tealish improves Algorand smart contract development

Welcome to the AwesomeAlgo podcast!In this episode, we are joined by a CTO of Tinyman - Fergal Walsh, a brilliant engineer with deep experience in Software Engineering in Python, Machine Learning and PhD in Geospatial Computing. Fergal will talk about his new smart contract development language called Tealish - which is a transpilation language that operates directly on top of TEAL.Here's what you can expect from this episode:Introduction into Fergal's biography, his academic experience and projects prior to his journey into Blockchain space and building a decentralized exchange protocol on Algorand.Deep dive into Tealish.The motivation and story behind building TealishHow does it simplify smart contract development experience?How does it compare to tools like Pyteal and Beaker?A brief overview of main features.A brief overview of Algojig - a testing toolkit that aids development in TealishFuture roadmapAdvice for aspiring software engineersIf you would like to appear on the podcast and you have an interesting project related to Algorand or web3, submit your application at https://bit.ly/awesomealgo.To support the podcast, please subscribe and follow new episodes on your favorite podcasting platforms. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode! 🙂Resources:https://tealish.readthedocs.io/en/latest/ - Tealish documentationhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hri7ugVIDPs - Fergal's Keynote presenting Tealish at Decipherhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTHkNkgFJeg&t=2076s - Fergal's keynote on his python framework called Picohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gjic6QgYbeI - Fergal's keynote at PyCon https://ask.awesomealgo.com/ - refer here to ask your questions to upcoming guests.https://github.com/aorumbayev/awesome...https://bit.ly/awsmalgovideo

February 22, 202351 min

#14 - Anne Kenyon: Optimizing dApp development on Algorand

Welcome to the AwesomeAlgo podcast!In this episode, we are joined by our special guest Ann Kenyon, a Director of Product at Algorand Inc. Ann will share valuable insights into the new features and capabilities of the upcoming Algorand release.Here's what you can expect from this episode:Introduction (5-10 mins): Ann will provide a brief biography and share how she discovered Algorand, as well as her first experience with this domain.Deep dive (40 mins): Ann will provide a detailed overview of the upcoming Algorand release, covering the following topics:The gist of new capabilities which are being improved in the upcoming release, and a review of each of the features announced/mentionedForeign array references and their impact on blockchain development in Algorand, including the main use cases when this will be of the most use for Dapp developersThe benefits and functionality of the Simulate endpoint and the main use cases, describing the value in testing of contracts and moreAn explanation of what Conduit is and how it improves filtering and exporting Indexer data in blockchain developmentMacros in TEAL and official Docker images.Closing thoughts (5-10 mins): During the closing thoughts segment, Ann will discuss:How Algorand Inc gathers developer feedback, and the main source for feedback. She will explain how developers listening to the podcast can contribute towards discussions on these upcoming features and provide valuable feedback.The biggest goal for Algorand Inc in 2023, and the biggest challenge for the entire web3 space for several years ahead.If you would like to appear on the podcast and you have an interesting project related to Algorand or web3, submit your application at https://bit.ly/awesomealgo.To support the podcast, please subscribe and follow new episodes on your favorite podcasting platforms. Thank you for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode! 🙂Resources:https://algorand.comhttps://github.com/algorand/go-algorandhttps://awesomealgo.com/https://ask.awesomealgo.com/ - refer here to ask your questions to upcoming guests.https://github.com/aorumbayev/awesome...https://bit.ly/awsmalgovideo