#99 Moonwalk Releases Their App

Episode Overview

Special episode featuring the launch of the Moonwalk fitness app with Caitlin from the Moonwalk team demonstrating the new iOS application. Full video demo available on YouTube and Drip.

App Launch Details

  • Initial release on iOS
  • Android version coming within the month
  • Focus on mainstream consumer accessibility
  • Built on Solana blockchain technology

Key Features

Step Tracking & Visualization

  • Real-time step count tracking
  • Moon-themed progress visualization
  • Weather integration option
  • Total steps, games, and miles statistics

Game System

  • Official Moonwalk team contests
  • Community games through ambassador program
  • Private game creation for experienced users
  • Multiple game categories and filtering options

Social Features

  • Global leaderboard system
  • Friend connections
  • Achievement badges
  • Profile customization
  • Referral system with XP rewards

Stats & Progress Tracking

  • Detailed activity statistics
  • Weekly/monthly averages
  • Streak tracking
  • Achievement system
  • Multiple difficulty levels (Stroll, Stride, Shred)

Wallet Integration

  • Support for USDC, Solana, and BONK
  • Credit system for future fiat integration
  • Ability to send credits between users

Future Development Plans

  • Enhanced social features including chat
  • Additional biometric tracking
  • Expanded contest types
  • In-person event integration
  • Notification system improvements

Accessibility

  • No geographical restrictions
  • Some jurisdictional limitations on deposits
  • Spectator mode available for free play
  • Customized onboarding process
  • Beginner-friendly options

Where to Find

  • Available now on iOS App Store
  • Website: moonwalk.fit
  • Community: Telegram chat
  • Video demo available on YouTube and Drip

Notable Quote

“Hopefully lots of people are moonwalking through 2025.”

Note: This episode includes a live demo of the app. Check out the video version for the full visual walkthrough.

Video on drip/youtube

#100 – Lulo Is The Ultimate Stablecoin Savings Account With Maurice

Detailed Show Notes

Understanding Lulo Protocol

  • How Lulo routes user deposits across multiple DeFi protocols to maximize yield
  • Current directed liquidity of $81.67M and growing
  • Explanation of the 60-minute rebalancing system for optimal returns
  • Integration with major Solana lending platforms: Drift, MarginFi, and Save (formerly Solend)

Security and Risk Management

  • Comprehensive auditing of all integrated protocols
  • Safe routing feature for deposits over $1,000
  • No custody of user funds – true DeFi approach
  • Transparent on-chain operations
  • Risk mitigation through multi-protocol distribution

The State of Traditional Finance vs. DeFi

  • Traditional banks offering minimal interest (US national average: 0.59% APR)
  • Discussion of historical failures in centralized crypto lending (Celsius, BlockFi)
  • How Lulo’s approach differs from failed centralized platforms
  • The importance of transparency and on-chain verification

Personal Finance in Crypto

  • Building sustainable wealth beyond speculation
  • Using stablecoins as part of a balanced portfolio
  • Strategy for managing different stablecoins (USDC, PYUSD, USDS)
  • The psychological benefits of earning yield on savings
  • Moving away from FOMO/YOLO culture in crypto

Looking to the Future

  • Development of consumer-focused mobile app
  • Plans for fiat on/off ramps
  • Integration with traditional banking features
  • Vision for mainstream adoption
  • The role of regulation in crypto’s future

Notable Quotes

“Cryptocurrency is the great equalizer of the world. It gives everybody an opportunity to participate in a system that is built for everybody.”

“In an ecosystem that is just wrought with gambling and degeneracy… I find Lulo to be like a very refreshing, realistic addition to anyone’s personal financial stack”

Key Takeaways

  1. Lulo represents a shift toward sustainable and responsible crypto finance
  2. The protocol achieves high yields while maintaining security through transparency
  3. DeFi savings could become a mainstream alternative to traditional banking
  4. The importance of balancing innovation with security and user experience

Resources Mentioned

  • Lulo Protocol [link]
  • Tim Ferriss/Ramit Blog
  • Supported stablecoins: USDC, USDT, PYUSD, USDS
  • Integrated lending platforms
  • Safe routing feature documentation

Note: This episode contains discussions about cryptocurrency and DeFi protocols. Nothing in this episode constitutes financial advice. Always conduct your own research before making investment decisions.

Connect with Maurice

  • Twitter: [@Mauricedotxyz]
  • Lulo Protocol: [lulo.fi @uselulo]

Connect with Thomas

  • Twitter: [@thomasbahamasfi, @solanaweeklypod]
  • Drip: [profile] drip.haus/solanaweekly

Solana 2024 in Review

Solana’s 2024: A Year in Review

Solana began 2024 with a mission to reassert its position in the blockchain arena. Despite facing challenges in the preceding years, the Solana community and developers persevered. 2024 witnessed a remarkable resurgence for the network, solidifying its place as a leading force in the decentralized finance (DeFi) landscape and beyond. This report delves into Solana’s key achievements and milestones throughout 2024, analyzing its performance across various metrics and highlighting its potential for future growth.

OPOS (Only Possible on Solana)

A defining characteristic of Solana is its capacity to support applications that are “OPOS” (Only Possible on Solana). These innovative use cases leverage Solana’s unique architecture and high throughput to achieve functionalities not feasible on other blockchains. Here are some prime examples:

  • On-chain order books: Solana’s speed and low transaction fees allow for high-frequency trading with on-chain order books, a feat not practical on Ethereum due to high gas fees 1. This capability opens up new possibilities for decentralized exchanges and trading platforms.
  • Compressed NFTs: Solana’s state compression technology, implemented through projects like the Light Protocol, enables the creation of compressed NFTs 2. This innovation reduces storage costs and improves efficiency, making Solana a more attractive platform for NFT projects and creators.

These OPOS applications demonstrate Solana’s potential to drive innovation and unlock unique use cases within the blockchain space. As the Solana ecosystem continues to mature, we can expect to see even more groundbreaking OPOS applications emerge.

Network Performance

Solana’s resurgence in 2024 was largely fueled by its impressive network performance. Let’s examine the key metrics that illustrate this progress:

Total Value Locked (TVL)

Solana’s Total Value Locked (TVL) experienced a significant surge in 2024, rising from $1.41 billion in January to $9.45 billion by December 7th, representing a remarkable 572.34% increase 3. This growth was driven by several factors, including the rise of liquid staking, the expansion of DeFi lending protocols, and a renewed sense of optimism surrounding the network. Notably, for the first time in three years, five Solana DeFi protocols individually surpassed $2 billion in TVL 3. This impressive growth underscores the increasing attractiveness of Solana as a platform for DeFi applications.

It’s important to acknowledge that Solana’s TVL, measured in USD, did experience a dip towards the end of the year, falling by $1.1 billion to $8.01 billion in December 4. However, this decline should be considered in the context of the broader market downturn and the inherent volatility of the crypto space. Furthermore, Solana displayed resilience by maintaining high on-chain volume, exceeding $3 billion daily despite the market conditions 5.

DeFi Metrics

Solana’s DeFi ecosystem witnessed explosive growth in 2024. Monthly decentralized exchange (DEX) volume skyrocketed from $1 billion in 2023 to a record-breaking $129 billion in November 2024, surpassing Ethereum’s all-time high of $117 billion set in May 2021 3. This remarkable surge in DEX volume highlights Solana’s growing dominance in DeFi and its ability to attract liquidity and users.

Several factors contributed to this DeFi boom. Grayscale Research noted that “retail traders increasingly enter the crypto market through Solana speculation intensifies around Solana-based memecoins and AI agent tokens” 6. This influx of retail investors, coupled with the expansion of key DeFi protocols like Jupiter and Kamino Finance 3, fueled Solana’s DeFi growth.

Furthermore, Solana-based decentralized applications (DApps) raised $173 million in Q3 2024, a 54% increase from the previous quarter 7. This significant investment demonstrates growing confidence in Solana’s potential from both retail and institutional investors.

To support this burgeoning ecosystem, Solana offers a range of token launch tools, including Armada and Jupiter’s LFG Launchpad 1. These platforms provide the necessary infrastructure for new projects to launch and thrive on Solana, further contributing to the network’s growth.

Transaction Fees

Solana’s transaction fees are structured to be remarkably low, with a base fee of 0.000005 SOL per transaction 8. This affordability is a key factor in Solana’s accessibility and appeal to users. However, it also presents challenges. The low-fee structure can incentivize spam transactions, potentially leading to network congestion and increased transaction fees 8.

To mitigate these challenges, Solana has implemented solutions like priority fees, which allow users to pay extra to expedite their transactions, and local fee markets, which help to distribute transaction processing across the network 9. Despite these efforts, Solana’s transaction fees have experienced fluctuations, reaching their highest point since May 2024 due to the surge in memecoin activity 10. It’s important to note that these fee increases could potentially impact trading activity on the chain 2.

In 2024, Solana validators earned more from MEV (miner extractable value) than their Ethereum counterparts for the first time 11. This shift in validator economics highlights Solana’s growing importance in the DeFi landscape and its ability to generate revenue for network participants.

Uptime

Historically, Solana has faced criticism for network outages 12. However, 2024 saw significant improvements in network stability. From September 2023 to January 2024, Solana achieved an impressive 100% uptime 13. While the network did experience a 5-hour outage in February caused by a bug in the LoadedPrograms function 14, it’s crucial to highlight that the time between outages continues to grow 13. In fact, Solana’s longest-ever period without a network interruption was 309 days, from February 25, 2023, to December 31, 2023 13. This trend suggests that Solana is making progress in addressing its historical stability issues.

Transactions Per Second (TPS)

Solana boasts an impressive Transactions Per Second (TPS) capacity, averaging 2200 in the first half of 2024 15. This high throughput is a crucial factor in Solana’s ability to handle a large volume of transactions and support a thriving DeFi ecosystem. When compared to other blockchains, Solana ranks second in real-time TPS, with 1,202 tx/s, only trailing behind ICP 16. This performance solidifies Solana’s position as a high-speed blockchain platform.

Number of Apps/Protocols

The Solana ecosystem continued to expand in 2024, with a growing number of apps and protocols built on the network. As of March 11th, Solana had over 4,021 nodes spread across 45 countries 17. This global distribution of nodes contributes to the network’s decentralization and resilience.

The number of daily active addresses on Solana also surged in 2024, surpassing 5 million in September 18. This growth in active addresses indicates increased user engagement and adoption of Solana-based applications. In fact, Solana ranked second among all blockchains in terms of daily active addresses, with 2.6 million and an impressive 702% year-on-year growth 19. This data further supports the claim of Solana’s growing ecosystem and user base.

Moreover, Solana has attracted a significant number of new developers, particularly in India, where it holds the largest share of new developers compared to any other blockchain 20. This influx of developers signals a growing interest in building on Solana and contributes to the platform’s long-term potential.

Unicorns

Solana witnessed the emergence of new “unicorns” in 2024, with companies like Phantom wallet achieving a $1.2 billion valuation 21. Other notable unicorns include Jito, a liquid staking protocol, and Bonk, a memecoin that gained significant traction in the Solana ecosystem. These milestones highlight the growing investor confidence in the Solana ecosystem and its potential to foster successful projects.

Solana in Mobile

Solana has made significant strides in the mobile space, with initiatives aimed at integrating blockchain technology into everyday devices. The Saga phone, priced at $450, and the JamboPhone 2, priced at $99, are examples of Solana’s efforts to bring blockchain to the masses 9. These mobile-focused initiatives demonstrate Solana’s commitment to expanding beyond DeFi and reaching a wider audience.

Solana’s success in mobile can be attributed to several factors:

  • Superior mobile experience: Solana’s high throughput and low transaction fees make it ideal for mobile applications, where speed and efficiency are paramount.
  • Dedicated mobile devices: The Saga and JamboPhone 2 provide a user-friendly interface for interacting with Solana-based applications, making blockchain technology more accessible to a wider audience.
  • Integration with existing mobile platforms: Solana has integrated with popular mobile wallets and applications, allowing users to seamlessly access and manage their Solana assets on their smartphones.

Validator Economics

Running a validator node on Solana involves costs for hardware, on-chain voting fees, server expenses, and bandwidth 9. However, advancements in technology and the availability of cloud-based solutions have reduced these costs. You can rent bare metal servers for around $300 per month, and the Solana Foundation Delegation Program (SFDP) helps to offset voting costs for participating validators 9.

Comparison with Other Blockchains

Solana’s performance in 2024 should be analyzed in comparison to other leading blockchains. While Solana has often been positioned as an “Ethereum killer,” a more nuanced perspective reveals a dynamic and competitive landscape.

MetricSolanaEthereum
TVL (Dec 2024)$8.01 billion 4$17 billion (Liquid Restaking) 22
Daily Fees (Dec 2024)Highest since May 2024 10$67 million per week (nine-month high) 23
Uptime (Nov 2024 – Jan 2025)No incidents reported 2499.64% – 100% 25
TPS (Real-time)1,202 tx/s 1615.15 tx/s 16
Daily Active Addresses (Dec 2024)4.27 million 2610.9 million (DeFi-related super users) 27

Solana demonstrates clear advantages in terms of TPS and lower transaction fees. However, Ethereum maintains a larger TVL and a more established DeFi ecosystem with a higher number of active users.

Beyond Ethereum, Solana faces competition from other emerging blockchains like Sui and Aptos 28. These platforms have also seen significant growth in 2024, with Sui, in particular, rivaling Solana in terms of price performance 28. Additionally, blockchains like Hyperliquid, Sui, and TON have experienced substantial increases in daily active addresses, further intensifying the competition 29.

While other blockchains, like Base, have tried to position themselves as “Solana killers,” they haven’t been able to match Solana’s performance and ecosystem growth 30. Solana has outpaced Ethereum in actual development, not just theoretical potential, as evidenced by its higher TPS, lower fees, and growing number of DApps and active users 7.

Key Events and Achievements

Several key events and achievements shaped Solana’s trajectory in 2024:

  • Migration of Protocols: A notable trend in 2024 was the migration of various blockchain protocols to Solana. This includes established DeFi protocols like Ondo Finance and even TradFi giants like PayPal, which brought its stablecoin PYUSD to the Solana ecosystem 31. This migration highlights the growing recognition of Solana’s capabilities and its attractiveness as a platform for diverse applications.
  • Memecoin Frenzy: Solana-based memecoins experienced a surge in popularity, with platforms like Pump.fun generating substantial revenue and attracting a wave of retail investors 32. This memecoin frenzy contributed significantly to Solana’s on-chain activity and brought increased attention to the network.
  • Launch of DEPIN: Solana emerged as a hub for DEPIN (decentralized physical infrastructure networks). Projects like Helium and Honey, focused on building decentralized wireless networks, expanded to Solana, leveraging its high throughput and low-cost transactions 33.
  • State Compression with Light Protocol: The introduction of state compression with Light Protocol marked a significant milestone in Solana’s development 34. This open-source technology 35 utilizes zero-knowledge proofs to compress on-chain state, reducing storage costs and enhancing scalability. Light Protocol also supports custom ZK compute, opening up new possibilities for developers 35.
  • Firedancer Improvements: The development of Firedancer, a new validator client built by Jump Crypto, promises to further enhance Solana’s performance and scalability 36. Firedancer went live in non-voting mode during the Solana Breakpoint conference in September 2024 37. While the full launch timeline remains uncertain, recent code commits suggest ongoing progress towards full functionality 37.
  • Cross-chain Interoperability: Solana made significant strides in cross-chain interoperability with the launch of Circle’s Cross-Chain Transfer Protocol (CCTP) and LayerZero 1. These integrations enhance Solana’s connectivity with other blockchains, facilitating the seamless transfer of assets and data.

Sustainability

Solana has demonstrated a commitment to sustainability, significantly reducing its environmental impact in 2024. According to the Solana Foundation, the network achieved a remarkable 69% reduction in its carbon footprint, going from nearly 8,800 tons of CO₂ in 2023 to just 2,671 tons in 2024 38. This achievement highlights Solana’s efforts to minimize its environmental impact while maintaining high performance.

Future Outlook

Solana’s achievements in 2024 have laid a strong foundation for continued growth in the future. The ongoing development of Firedancer, the potential for increased on-chain activity driven by factors like memecoins and DEPIN, and the expansion of OPOS applications are all positive indicators. However, Solana also faces challenges, including competition from Ethereum Layer-2 solutions and the need to maintain network stability and address concerns regarding transaction fee fluctuations.

Conclusion

Solana’s 2024 renaissance was a testament to the blockchain’s resilience, adaptability, and innovative spirit. The network not only recovered from previous setbacks but thrived, establishing itself as a key player in the DeFi space and beyond. Solana’s focus on specific niches like memecoins and DEPIN, coupled with its high-performance architecture and growing ecosystem, positions it for continued success. However, navigating the competitive blockchain landscape and maintaining a balance between affordability and network stability will be crucial for Solana’s long-term growth.

Works cited

1. State of Solana DeFi 2024 – Yash Agarwal, accessed January 6, 2025, https://yashhsm.medium.com/state-of-solana-defi-2024-372e2eab46d7

2. Solana’s High Transaction Fees Wreak Havoc; Can It Reverse SOL’s Price? – CryptoRank, accessed January 6, 2025, https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/18835-solanas-high-transaction-fees-wreak-havoc-can-it-reverse-sols-price

3. Inside Solana’s Record Year: Unpacking the Milestones Behind DeFi’s Growth in 2024, accessed January 6, 2025, https://solanafloor.com/news/inside-solana-s-record-year-unpacking-the-milestones-behind-de-fi-s-growth-in-2024

4. Solana’s TVL And Revenue Plunge : What’s Next ? – Cointribune, accessed January 6, 2025, https://www.cointribune.com/en/solanas-tvl-and-revenue-plunge-whats-next/

5. Solana Shows Signs of Heating Up as TVL Reaches New 2024 Highs, accessed January 6, 2025, https://thecurrencyanalytics.com/altcoins/solana-shows-signs-of-heating-up-as-tvl-reaches-new-2024-highs-152602

6. Solana adds $1B worth of stablecoins in December – Cointelegraph, accessed January 6, 2025, https://cointelegraph.com/news/solana-adds-1-billion-worth-stablecoins-december

7. Solana’s DEX Metrics: Are They the Future of Crypto Liquidity? – OneSafe Blog, accessed January 6, 2025, https://www.onesafe.io/blog/solana-vs-ethereum-crypto-dex-metrics

8. Fees on Solana, accessed January 6, 2025, https://solana.com/docs/core/fees

9. Protocol Overview: Solana 2024 – Galaxy, accessed January 6, 2025, https://www.galaxy.com/insights/research/protocol-overview-solana-2024/

10. Solana’s Fee Frenzy: What It Means for Crypto Investors – OneSafe Blog, accessed January 6, 2025, https://www.onesafe.io/blog/solana-transaction-fees-surge-impact-on-crypto-investment

11. Solana Founders Bet Big on Memecoins, Dismiss AI Agents as Overrated: Survey, accessed January 6, 2025, https://bravenewcoin.com/insights/solana-founders-bet-big-on-memecoins-dismiss-ai-agents-as-overrated-survey

12. Solana Maintains A 100% Uptime For 7 Straight Months Ahead Of Firedancer – Bitcoinist, accessed January 6, 2025, https://bitcoinist.com/solana-100-uptime-7-straight-months-firedancer/

13. Network Performance Report: March 2024 – Solana, accessed January 6, 2025, https://solana.com/news/network-performance-report-march-2024

14. Solana Blockchain Experiences Major Outage, Disrupting Its Record Uptime Streak, accessed January 6, 2025, https://solanafloor.com/news/solana-blockchain-experiences-major-outage-disrupting-its-record-uptime-streak

15. Solana’s Average TPS Reaches 2200 With Over 80% Transaction Success Rate In H1 2024 – Binance, accessed January 6, 2025, https://www.binance.com/en/square/post/2024-06-28-solana-s-average-tps-reaches-2200-with-over-80-transaction-success-rate-in-h1-2024-10085491122530

16. Fastest Blockchains by TPS [2024] – Chainspect, accessed January 6, 2025, https://chainspect.app/dashboard

17. Solana: A 2024 Ecosystem Overview – Stakin, accessed January 6, 2025, https://stakin.com/blog/solana-a-2024-ecosystem-overview

18. Solana Shatters Blockchain Record With Most Active Users—How Did It Happen?, accessed January 6, 2025, https://cryptorank.io/news/feed/3538d-solana-makes-new-record-with-most-active-users

19. Crypto Rand’s 2024 Blockchain Rankings: NEAR, Solana, and TRON Lead in Daily Active Addresses | Cryptoglobe, accessed January 6, 2025, https://www.cryptoglobe.com/latest/2024/12/the-top-10-blockchains-of-2024-by-daily-active-addresses-crypto-rand-report/

20. Solana gained highest share of new devs in 2024: Electric Capital – Blockworks, accessed January 6, 2025, https://blockworks.co/news/electric-capital-report-solana-developers

21. Solana-Based Phantom Wallet Hits Unicorn Status With $1.2 Billion Valuation – Bitcoinist, accessed January 6, 2025, https://bitcoinist.com/solana-phantom-wallet-hits-unicorn-status/

22. Ethereum liquid restaking TVL surges from $284M to $17B in 2024 – Cointelegraph, accessed January 6, 2025, https://cointelegraph.com/news/liquid-restaking-17-billion-growth-2024

23. Ethereum Fees Explode To $67 Million! Who Benefits From This Increase? – Cointribune, accessed January 6, 2025, https://www.cointribune.com/en/ethereum-fees-explode-to-67-million-who-benefits-from-this-increase/

24. Solana Status, accessed January 6, 2025, https://status.solana.com/

25. Uptime History – Infura Status, accessed January 6, 2025, https://status.infura.io/uptime

26. Solana – DefiLlama, accessed January 6, 2025, https://defillama.com/chain/Solana

27. 2024 On-Chain User Report: Base Leads Ethereum User Growth, DeFi Market Shows “Winner Takes All” – AICoin, accessed January 6, 2025, https://www.aicoin.com/en/article/435507

28. Potential Solana Killers To Watch: Sui, Aptos, Sei, Sonic and Hyperliquid | CoinMarketCap, accessed January 6, 2025, https://coinmarketcap.com/academy/article/potential-solana-killers-to-watch-sui-aptos-sei-sonic-and-hyperliquid

29. Review of the performance of 22 mainstream public chains in 2024: Half of the data declined, Hyperliquid ranked first in multiple metrics – ChainCatcher, accessed January 6, 2025, https://www.chaincatcher.com/en/article/2160129

30. Scaling Ethereum: Top Layer 2 Solutions in 2024 – Dexola, accessed January 6, 2025, https://dexola.com/blog/scaling-ethereum-top-layer-2-solutions-in-2024/

31. The Great Solana Migration: Which Protocols Expanded to Solana in 2024? – SolanaFloor, accessed January 6, 2025, https://solanafloor.com/news/the-great-solana-migration-which-protocols-expanded-to-solana-in-2024

32. Solana DApp revenue reaches $365M in November 2024, led by memecoins, accessed January 6, 2025, https://cointelegraph.com/news/solana-dapps-memecoin-revenue-growth-2024

33. Only possible on Solana, accessed January 6, 2025, https://solana.com/possible

34. Light Protocol, accessed January 6, 2025, https://lightprotocol.com/

35. Light Protocol: Bringing ZK Privacy to Solana’s High-Speed Ecosystem, accessed January 6, 2025, https://solanacompass.com/learn/Unlayered/unlayered-episode-7-light-protocol-where-zk-meets-solana

36. What is Solana Firedancer and Why is it a Game-Changer Upgrade? – CoinDCX, accessed January 6, 2025, https://coindcx.com/blog/cryptocurrency/what-does-solana-firedancer-do-and-its-2024-release-date/

37. Seeker and Firedancer expected to ship Solana products in 2025 – Blockworks, accessed January 6, 2025, https://blockworks.co/news/2025-solana-product-launches

38. The Solana ecosystem has a lot to be thankful for this year – Blockworks, accessed January 6, 2025, https://blockworks.co/news/solana-ecosystem-2024-milestones

#98 – Ditch Your Resolutions: Building Lasting Habits with Caitlin from Moonwalk

Episode Overview

In this episode, we explore Moonwalk with Caitlin Cook, diving into how this innovative platform is revolutionizing fitness accountability through financial incentives and community support.

Podcast also available on: Spotify, Apple, Drip.Haus, YouTube

Episode Highlights

Platform Overview & Mechanics

• Step-based competitions with financial incentives.

• Users stake funds (USDC, SOL, BONK) to join competitions.

Prize pools are created from missed step goals.

• Moonwalk boasts tens of thousands of signups with ~5,500 active users.

• Compatible with Apple Health, Google Fit, Fitbit.

Psychology & Design

• Combines financial, social, and health incentives.

• Crypto vs. non-crypto users have different motivations.

Loss aversion drives behavior change.

• Community accountability supports sustainable habit formation.

Impact & Benefits

• The average American walks only 3-4K steps/day.

• Research shows 7K steps/day reduces mortality risk by 50-70%.

• Moonwalk users typically double their daily step counts.

• Success stories of life-changing transformations.

• Overcoming depression with daily walks.

Maurice from Lulo: Quit smoking, improved diet, and better health.

• Thomas’s journey: Getting his family involved and thriving with the additional movement.

Future Development

iOS app launching soon, followed by Android.

• Enhanced social features in the pipeline.

• Moving toward mainstream adoption.

• A credit system for gifting entries.

Notable Quotes

“Put your money where your health is” – Caitlin Cook

“Healthy habits beget healthy habits” – Core Moonwalk philosophy

Guest Info

Caitlin Cook

• Twitter: @deadcaitbounce

• Platform: @moonwalkfitness

Resources

• Website: Moonwalk.fit

• Join the community on Telegram.

• Twitter: @moonwalkfitness

Key Takeaway

Moonwalk succeeds by making health goals achievable through financial incentives and community support, creating sustainable habits rather than unsustainable resolutions.

My REF LINK

Disclaimer: Not financial advice. Always DYOR (Do Your Own Research)

#97 – How Matt Makes Crypto Taxes Easy

Solana Weekly #97 – How Matt Makes Crypto Taxes Easy

1. Episode Overview

In this comprehensive episode, we dive deep into the complex world of crypto taxation with Matt from Crypto Tax Made Easy. From DeFi transactions to NFT tax implications, we explore essential strategies for crypto traders and investors to stay compliant while optimizing their tax position.

2. Key Topics Covered

2.1 Origin and Evolution of Crypto Tax Services

– Matt’s journey from early Bitcoin investor to DeFi trader

– How 2020’s DeFi boom exposed the need for better tax solutions

– Growth from helping friends to serving 500+ clients

– Current challenges in crypto tax accounting

2.2 Common Tax Software Issues

– Average overstatement of capital gains by mid-five figures

– Why automatic calculations often fail with DeFi transactions

– Importance of human oversight in transaction categorization

– Problems with deleted or ignored transactions

2.3 Tax Loss Harvesting Strategies

– Proper approach to NFT tax loss harvesting

– Importance of “arm’s length” transactions

– Considerations for compressed NFTs (CNFTs)

– Contract migrations and tax implications

2.4 IRS and Compliance

– Details on “Operation Hidden Treasure”

– How IRS is developing better tracking capabilities

– Common red flags that attract attention

– Benefits of voluntary compliance

2.5 Record Keeping Best Practices

– Monthly vs. quarterly transaction review recommendations

– Importance of maintaining exchange records

– How to handle multiple wallets and accounts

– Dealing with bankrupt platforms and lost records

2.6 Future of Crypto Taxation

– Potential impact of AI and automation

– Upcoming regulatory changes

– Integration of tax software with DeFi protocols

– Predictions for future compliance requirements

3. Expert Tips from Matt

3.1 For New Crypto Users:

1. Set up a crypto tax software immediately

2. Pull transaction data regularly

3. Document new wallets and exchanges

4. Keep records of all platform access

3.2 For Active Traders:

1. Focus on profitability first, tax optimization second

2. Regular transaction monitoring

3. Proper documentation of DeFi activities

4. Understanding of tax loss harvesting opportunities

3.3 For Tax Season:

1. Don’t delete transactions

2. Maintain complete wallet lists

3. Keep exchange records accessible

4. Consider professional help for complex situations

4. Resources and Links

Find Matt and Crypto Tax Made Easy:

– Twitter: @CryptoTaxSux

– Website: cryptotaxmadeeasy.com

– Contact for quotes: cryptotaxmadeeasy.com/contact

5. Looking Ahead

– Future developments in crypto tax software

– Potential regulation changes

– Integration of AI in tax reporting

– Evolving DeFi tax implications

*Not financial advice. All content is for informational purposes only. Always do your own research and consult with tax professionals for your specific situation.*

DECK

Solana Weekly

Your Gateway to the Solana Ecosystem
Hosted by Thomas Bahamas

My Story

Launched in October 2022 during the bear market, Solana Weekly stands as a testament to the vibrant Solana ecosystem. While others claimed Solana was dying, we showcased the thriving community of builders and users.

Reach & Impact

  • Drip.Haus: 30,000+ followers
  • Total Audio Downloads: 21,200+ across Apple, Spotify. 
  • X/Twitter: Peak impressions of 79,000 on an episode. 
  • Apple Podcasts: 288 subscribers
  • DSCVR Social: 480+ interactions per episode

What We Cover

  • Protocol Deep Dives: Expert analysis of the latest Solana protocols
  • Builder Interviews: Conversations with the people building Solana’s future
  • User Perspective: Real insights from an active ecosystem participant
  • Market Analysis: Updates on Solana ecosystem growth and opportunities

Interviews: Neon, AgriDex, Golfn, ISC, All Domains, Moonwalk, Lulo, Crypto Tax Made Easy, ZetaX/Bullet, Solayer, FlashTrade, Parcl, Oro, RWA, 

Connect With Us

Follow along as we explore the acceleration of the Solana blockchain through the eyes of a user.

Contact: [info@solanaweekly.io]

Building Bullet L2 for the Ultimate Trading Experience on ZetaX

Episode Overview

A deep dive with Tristan, founder of Zeta Markets, exploring their groundbreaking L2 solution, Bullet. This episode covers the evolution from Zeta to Bullet, technical innovations, and how they’re achieving CEX-level performance with DeFi transparency.

Own this episode as an NFT on Drip HERE

Detailed Show Notes

Tristan’s Background & Early Solana Days

  • Started in AI/machine learning before crypto
  • Won early Solana hackathon (2nd ever) among 10,000 teams
  • Built one of the first DEXs during early Solana days
  • Left tech job to build Zeta full-time in 2021

Zeta’s Journey

  • Built first on-chain perpetuals exchange on Solana
  • Processed over $15B in trading volume
  • Reached 100,000+ users
  • Faced challenges with Solana congestion during high-volume periods

Why Build an L2?

  • Current Solana limitations:
    • Account limits in Solana VM
    • Network congestion during peak times
    • Transaction speed constraints
  • Need for better execution in perps trading
  • Goal: Match or exceed CEX performance

Bullet Technical Innovation

  • 5ms latency (vs Binance’s 20ms)
  • 5-7,000 TPS capability
  • ZK proofs for transaction verification
  • Custom execution environment
  • Seamless 2-second bridging from Solana

User Experience Improvements

  • No wallet popups for trading
  • Session keys for continuous trading
  • Embedded wallet integration with Privy
  • Web2 authentication options
  • Simplified onboarding process

Market Making & Liquidity

  • Improved environment for market makers
  • Better execution and lower fees
  • Faster price updates and order matching
  • Support for proper limit orders

Future Plans

  • Closed beta testing in progress
  • Public beta launching January 2024
  • Mainnet target: End of Q1 2024
  • Plans for 100+ trading pairs
  • Focus on meme coin markets

Integration with Solana

  • Uses Solana for settlement and data availability
  • Maintained security through Solana validator network
  • Fast bridging due to Solana’s quick finality
  • Support from core Solana team

Resources

Key Quotes

“We don’t want another FTX. We want to build an autonomous system that people can trade that they can experience free markets on.”

“The beauty of derivatives is they are derived from the actual underlying price… we don’t actually need the native asset itself, all we need is an Oracle price.”

#95 – Josh is Accelerating Solana Through Restaking at Solayer

Guest: Josh from Solayer Labs

Topic: Restaking on Solana, Infrastructure Solutions, and sUSD

Episode Overview

In this episode, we explore how Solayer Labs is revolutionizing Solana’s infrastructure through restaking, while differentiating their approach from Ethereum’s restaking ecosystem. From transaction throughput optimization to their innovative sUSD stablecoin, we cover the technical and practical aspects of Solayer’s solution.

Key Segments

1. Understanding Restaking Fundamentals

  • Origins of restaking from Ethereum’s EigenLayer ($14B TVL)
  • Why Solana needed a different approach than Ethereum
  • Evolution from basic staking to liquid staking tokens (LSTs)
  • How restaking extends capital efficiency
  • Current Solana staking yields (~7.25% base + Jito MEV rewards)

2. Solayer’s Technical Implementation

  • Stake-weighted Quality of Service (QoS) explanation
  • How Solayer helps dApps secure reliable transaction throughput
  • Infrastructure sharing model for smaller protocols
  • Transaction acceleration without individual validator setup
  • Receipt tokens and delegation process explained

3. The Innovation of sUSD

  • First T-bill backed yield-bearing stablecoin on Solana
  • Implementation of Token-2022 standard
  • UI improvements for user experience
  • How sUSD maintains stable value while accruing yield
  • Integration with major platforms like Phantom and Orca

4. Future Development & Ecosystem Impact

  • Upcoming exo-AVS implementations
  • Partnerships with protocols like Sonic and Bonk
  • Discussion of emerging L2s and rollups on Solana
  • Vision for scaling Solana’s infrastructure
  • Potential for new use cases and applications

Technical Highlights

  • Detailed explanation of endogenous vs exogenous AVS
  • How receipt tokens enable multiple layers of yield
  • Infrastructure optimization for validator performance
  • Integration with Jito for MEV rewards
  • Implementation of Token-2022 for yield-bearing assets

User Benefits

  1. Higher yields through multiple staking layers
  2. Support for favorite dApps while earning rewards
  3. Access to T-bill yields through sUSD
  4. Improved transaction reliability for supported protocols
  5. No need to run individual infrastructure

Notable Quotes

“We’re not just a restaking company… we are looking to solve Solana core infrastructure and congestion problems using restaking.”

“Each ecosystem would have its own restaking in a different flavor… we can’t just copy paste whatever’s working in Ethereum.”

Resources & Links

  • Website: solayer.xyz
  • Twitter: @SolayerLabs
  • Discord: Join for AMAs and community updates
  • Currently supported LSTs: Multiple major liquid staking tokens accepted

Looking Ahead

Solayer Labs is focusing on:

  • Launching exo-AVS implementations
  • Expanding protocol partnerships
  • Developing new scaling solutions
  • Improving infrastructure efficiency
  • Building more ecosystem tools

Quick Terms Guide

  • AVS (Application-Specific Validator Set): A group of validators dedicated to supporting specific applications or services on Solana. Think of it like having specialized highway lanes for certain types of traffic.
  • Stake-Weighted QoS (Quality of Service): A system where the more stake you have, the more reliable your transaction throughput becomes. Similar to having a “fast pass” that’s proportional to how much you’ve staked.
  • Endogenous vs Exogenous AVS:
    • Endogenous: Services native to Solana’s main network (like transaction acceleration)
    • Exogenous: External services built on top of Solana (like Layer 2s or rollups)
  • LST (Liquid Staking Token): Tokens you receive when staking SOL that can still be used in DeFi (like JitoSOL or mariSOL)
  • Restaking: Using already-staked assets to secure additional services, essentially making your staked assets work multiple jobs
  • MEV (Maximal Extractable Value): Additional rewards validators can earn from optimizing transaction ordering
  • sUSD: Solayer’s yield-bearing stablecoin backed by T-bills, using Token-2022 standard for built-in yield accrual

#94 – The Future of Music Streaming is Built on Solana With HIO

Episode Overview

Listen on HIO HERE

Join Thomas as he sits down with Ryder Havdale, CEO/Founder of HIO Music, to discuss how they’re transforming music streaming on Solana with a platform that prioritizes artist compensation and community engagement.

Key Topics & Timestamps

Ryder’s Journey & HIO’s Origins [00:01:50]

  • From web developer to musician with Broken Social Scene
  • Personal experience with streaming payouts
  • Identifying transparency issues in current streaming models

The HIO Difference [00:03:40]

  • 100% of subscription revenue goes to creators
  • Current catalog of 6M+ songs, expanding to 100M
  • Direct artist uploads and minting on Solana
  • Comparison to traditional streaming platforms’ payment models

Platform Features [00:05:15]

  • In-app merch sales capabilities
  • User-generated content integration
  • Community engagement rewards
  • Upcoming social feed and artist-fan interaction features

Solana Integration [00:09:30]

  • Why they chose Solana over other blockchains
  • Integration with Solana Mobile/Saga
  • Benefits of blockchain technology without complexity
  • Making Web3 accessible to mainstream users

Upcoming Features [00:31:20]

  • Pre-release capabilities
  • Ticketing integration
  • Live show recordings
  • Direct artist-fan messaging
  • Playlist import functionality

Token Launch & Community [00:34:00]

  • HIO token utility and rewards
  • Community engagement incentives
  • Airdrop plans for early users
  • Platform growth strategy

Notable Quotes

“Our mission is to get a billion creators paid. It’s not about onboarding a billion people to Web3, it’s about actually getting creators paid.” – Ryder Havdale

Team Highlights

  • Recent addition of Arabian Prince (NWA founding member) as Chief Innovation Officer
  • Collaboration with George Brown University on music discovery AI
  • Partnership with Merge Records

Where to Find HIO Music

  • Website: hiomusic.com
  • Twitter/X: @hiomusic
  • Instagram: @hiomusicforever
  • Available on Apple App Store, Google Play, and Solana Saga

Looking Forward

  • Token launch coming within next few weeks
  • Major platform updates incoming
  • Expanding catalog and feature set
  • Focus on building creator-fan relationships

#93 – Watching Whales and Portfolios Go Up With Matias From Asset Dash

AssetDash Deep Dive with Matthias

EPISODE OVERVIEW: In this packed episode, we explore how AssetDash has evolved from a portfolio tracker to becoming a central hub for crypto trading intelligence. Matthias breaks down their revolutionary Whale Watch feature, democratizing access to trading signals previously confined to exclusive alpha groups.

KEY PRODUCT DEVELOPMENTS:

🐋 Whale Watch Feature:

  • Real-time tracking of whale movements in memecoin markets
  • Sophisticated filtering system removing bots and low-quality signals
  • Custom notifications for multiple whale purchases
  • Instant trading capability with right-swipe execution
  • 24-hour validation period for new whale communities before listing

💰 Trading Infrastructure:

  • $1 maximum trading fee (compared to industry standard 1%)
  • Integration with Jupiter for optimal routing
  • Dynamic priority fees and JITO tips
  • Rewards system with “Gold” points and guaranteed-win loot boxes
  • Real-time portfolio synchronization

🔍 Technical Innovation:

  • Advanced whale identification algorithms
  • Continuous improvement of signal quality
  • Multi-chain portfolio tracking
  • Custom notification systems
  • Automated bot detection and filtering

MARKET INSIGHTS:

Memecoins:

  • Case study: Chill Guy reaching 85,000 holders in days
  • Discussion of retail vs crypto-native participation
  • Analysis of current market dynamics
  • Prediction of continued growth through 2025

NFT Market:

  • Current state and future outlook
  • Utility vs speculation discussion
  • Prediction for NFT revival in 2025
  • Elements NFT benefits and utility

FUTURE OUTLOOK:

  • Potential Solana ETF approval in 2025
  • Expansion of retail adoption
  • Evolution of meme coin trading
  • Integration with traditional finance

NOTABLE STATISTICS:

  • 20,000+ new tokens launching daily
  • 24/5 human customer support
  • Multi-chain tracking capabilities
  • 81% success rate on whale signals

PRODUCT ROADMAP:

  • Continued refinement of Whale Watch algorithms
  • Enhanced filtering systems
  • New portfolio management features
  • Expanded trading capabilities

USER BENEFITS:

  • Portfolio discovery tools
  • Multi-chain asset tracking
  • Competitive trading fees
  • Rewards program
  • Real-time whale movement alerts

QUOTABLE MOMENTS: “Every day Whale Watch gets better – it’s getting more filtered, more accurate, and providing better signals for our users.”

“We’re basically moving into a new phase in the market where things are only going to get louder, louder, louder, more aggressive.”

RESOURCES:

  • Website: assetdash.com
  • Mobile Apps: iOS and Android
  • Twitter: @AssetDash
  • In-app support available 24/5