Bitcoin Ossification Is a Threat to Its Survival | Eli Ben-Sasson

In this episode, Co-Founder of StarkWare Eli Ben-Sasson joins the show to explore the philosophical and technical crossroads between Bitcoin and Ethereum. He recounts the early hopes of building zk-tech on Bitcoin, the cultural rift that pushed innovation elsewhere, and why Bitcoin’s potential remains limited without soft forks. Eli argues for a future where Bitcoin’s principles—decentralization, verifiability, and self-custody—can scale globally through new cryptographic tools like ZK proofs and Layer 2s. He reflects on governance, protocol ossification, and the critical need for experimentation to preserve Bitcoin’s revolutionary promise. Enjoy!
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Timestamps:
00:00 Introduction
01:41 Early Bitcoin Development
02:48 Privacy & Alternative Cryptocurrencies
05:56 Bitcoin: The Asset vs. Tech
10:03 Ledger Ad
10:51 Bitcoin: The Asset vs. Tech
13:48 Ethereum's Emergence & Impact
20:53 Experimentation & Innovation in Crypto
31:54 The Cultural Impact of Bitcoin's Development
34:03 Historical Perspective on Bitcoin's Adoption
34:55 The Necessity of Experimentation in Crypto
35:54 Bitcoin's Global Product Market Fit
37:12 Ledger Ad
37:59 Challenges in Bitcoin's Consensus Process
39:18 Governance Issues in Decentralized Blockchains
41:33 The Future of Bitcoin & Global Economics
43:34 The Role of Decentralization in Blockchain
54:51 ZK Technology & Its Applications
01:01:32 Living on Bitcoin

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Supply Shock is a recommendation to buy or sell securities or tokens. This podcast is for informational purposes only, and any views expressed by anyone on the show are opinions, not financial advice. Hosts and guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.

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