The Index Podcast

• Blockchain Oracles, Tokenized Finance & AI Agents: RedStone with Co-founder Marcin Kaźmierczak

  What powers the fastest-growing blockchain oracle—and why is real-time, AI-ready data now mission-critical for DeFi? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Marcin Kaźmierczak, Co-founder of RedStone, the fastest-growing oracle network in web3. Together, they unpack how RedStone is redefining what on-chain data can do—for DeFi protocols, institutional finance, and AI agents alike.When a single bad tick can destroy an entire strategy, “good enough” data just won’t cut it. RedStone is building the next-gen oracle layer: low-latency, manipulation-resistant price feeds that move at Solana speed, span multiple chains, and empower everything from loans and perps to tokenized treasuries and real-world assets.We explore RedStone’s acquisition of Credora, a DeFi ratings platform that turns protocol complexity into clean, institutional-grade risk signals. Because behind every juicy APR is a deeper truth—governance dynamics, multisig vulnerabilities, oracle exposure. Ratings help users choose risk on purpose, while giving institutions the audit-ready insights they need.And as AI agents begin to analyze markets, make trades, and interact with smart contracts, verifiable data isn’t just helpful—it’s an AI safety layer. We dive into how RedStone’s architecture supports AI-native finance, from model training to real-time validation, all with MEV-aware design baked in.Whether you’re building in DeFi, deploying capital, or experimenting with AI, this is a deep dive into the composable, verifiable, high-performance data layer powering the next era of web3.Enjoy the episode? Follow The Index, leave a review, and share it with someone building the future.Website: https://www.redstone.finance/Show LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

  --------  

  27:35

  --------

  27:35
• From the White House to Solana: Amira Valliani, Head of DePIN

  What happens when blockchain technology moves beyond finance to reshape the physical world around us? In this episode of The Index, host Alex Kehaya sits down with Amira Valliani, Head of DePIN at the Solana Foundation we explore the revolutionary potential of Decentralized Physical Infrastructure Networks and their impact on everything from telecommunications to satellite tracking.Amira's journey from the Obama White House to crypto advocacy offers a unique perspective on bridging the worlds of policy and blockchain innovation. What started as a simple "crypto week" to become conversant at dinner parties blossomed into a three-year mission to help policymakers understand the technology's potential while helping builders navigate Washington's complex landscape.The conversation takes us deep into the world of DePIN projects transforming multiple industries. We discover how GeoNet provides centimeter-precise mapping for agricultural applications, disrupting monopolistic players like John Deere who charge farmers tens of thousands annually for similar services. We explore companies deploying robots through gaming competitions to collect valuable environmental data for future autonomous systems. Perhaps most intriguingly, we learn about "Space DePIN" projects creating decentralized networks for tracking the rapidly growing constellation of satellites orbiting our planet.Beyond the technical innovations, Amira shares valuable insights about engaging with policymakers in Washington DC. She challenges the crypto community to move beyond skepticism and actually visit the Capitol, where they'll find many legislators genuinely curious about blockchain's potential. As she notes, the divide on crypto policy is "much more generational than partisan," with bipartisan support growing as more officials understand the technology's practical applications.If you’re a dev working in Web3, exploring DePIN, or building real-world applications on Solana, this conversation offers insight into where the space is headed—and what still stands in its way.Website: https://solana.com/Show LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

  --------  

  33:19

  --------

  33:19
• Unchained: Building the Future of Bitcoin Wealth with Joe Kelly

  What is the future of Bitcoin wealth? This week on The Index, Alex Kehaya sits down with Joe Kelly, CEO of Unchained, to explore the rise of a Bitcoin-focused financial services company built on self-sovereignty.From pioneering Bitcoin-backed loans to securing over 100,000 BTC as a full-suite wealth management platform, Kelly shares how Unchained grew into a 140-person team while staying true to core Bitcoin values.At the heart of their model is collaborative custody. Unlike traditional custodians, Unchained’s multi-signature approach gives clients two keys, while the company holds just one—allowing access to loans and IRAs without giving up control. After the collapse of FTX, this model gained serious traction as a safer, more aligned alternative.Kelly opens up about balancing Bitcoin ideals with business realities, building products that satisfy both regulators and sovereignty-minded clients. The conversation also dives into Unchained’s Bitcoin IRA, which blends tax compliance with key control—something never before possible in retirement accounts.You’ll also hear about Unchained’s Legacy Project, which supports education, development, and philanthropy in the Bitcoin ecosystem. As ETFs and institutions move in, Unchained keeps its sights set on empowering individual holders to truly own their financial future.Learn more at https://www.unchained.com/Show LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

  --------  

  31:13

  --------

  31:13
• Solana, 24/7 Trading, & Internet Capital Markets with Hadley Stern, Marinade Finance

  What happens when traditional finance collides with decentralized networks? Hadley Stern, Chief Commercial Officer at Marinade Finance, takes us on a fascinating journey from his 18-year career at Fidelity Investments to the cutting edge of decentralized finance. Drawing from his pioneering experience leading Bitcoin initiatives as early as 2014, Hadley provides unique insights into why decentralized networks represent the future of global finance.The conversation explores the revolutionary convergence of traditional finance with blockchain technology. As tokenized equities begin trading on Solana through platforms like Superstate, we're witnessing a fundamental shift in market accessibility. Unlike previous attempts that merely tracked prices, these new offerings provide actual ownership with voting rights while enabling 24/7 global trading – a stark contrast to traditional exchanges' limited hours.Hadley articulates why this matters: "It comes back to this ethos of decentralization and the idea that networks, tools, software, things that we do every day that are currently handled by centralized entities can actually be handled by decentralized entities, and that's better for the world."The total addressable market for "internet capital markets" is staggering – potentially many trillions of dollars. With Solana processing more transaction volume than all other blockchains combined, Marinade Finance is strategically positioned at the center of this revolution as a staking provider for institutional players entering the space.The discussion also touches on fascinating technological parallels, including how AI and "vibe coding" are enabling developers to build applications that reach $100 million in revenue within months – a pace unimaginable even during the early internet boom.Whether you're an investor, builder, or simply curious about where finance is heading, this episode provides an illuminating roadmap to the future of capital markets. Subscribe to The Index Podcast for more conversations with visionaries shaping the next generation of technology and finance.Learn more at https://marinade.finance/Show LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

  --------  

  38:21

  --------

  38:21
• DoubleZero: Building a Faster, Safer & Censorship-Proof Internet with Austin Federa

  What if blockchain networks could process transactions hundreds of times faster than they do today? This fundamental question led Austin Federa to leave his position at the Solana Foundation and co-found Double Zero, a revolutionary project building what might be the future of the internet itself.Austin reveals the surprising limitations of our current internet infrastructure that most people never consider. While engineers at Solana had built validator clients theoretically capable of processing a million transactions per second, the public internet simply couldn't support those speeds. Even more concerning, the entire internet is controlled by approximately 20 tier-one ISPs worldwide, creating both performance bottlenecks and potential censorship vulnerabilities.Double Zero's solution is breathtakingly ambitious yet practical: create a parallel infrastructure using dedicated fiber connections that enable direct routing between nodes. By September 2023, they had connected 50 different fiber links across 18 global locations, offering 20-100 times the bandwidth capacity of typical blockchain nodes. What makes this approach unique is the consortium model, bringing together 11 different companies to contribute existing fiber to the network rather than attempting to build this massive infrastructure alone.The economic innovations are equally fascinating. Austin explains "proof of utility," their novel reward system based on Shapley values that measures actual contribution to network performance. Unlike traditional cryptocurrency models, if you operate a fiber link that nobody uses, you earn nothing. This creates fierce competition to provide the fastest, most reliable connections.Perhaps most intriguing is Double Zero's long-term vision: eventually eliminating IP addresses entirely in favor of cryptographic routing. This would remove centralized intermediaries like certificate authorities and DNS servers, creating a more secure and truly decentralized internet infrastructure resistant to spoofing and man-in-the-middle attacks.As traditional finance increasingly explores blockchain solutions, the demand for high-performance networks will only grow. Double Zero isn't just improving existing technology—it's rebuilding the internet from the ground up. Listen now to understand how this revolution might transform our digital infrastructure forever.Show LinksThe Index X ChannelYouTube

  --------  

  34:07

  --------

  34:07

More Business podcasts

Trending Business podcasts

About The Index Podcast

The Index Podcast: Podcasts in Family