EP-18 Building the Next-Gen L1: Berachain’s Vision & Tech

In this episode, we talk with Smokey, the co-founder of Berachain, about the unique aspects and transformative potential of Berachain within the blockchain ecosystem. Smokey provides insights into how Berachain's proof of liquidity model enhances security and incentivizes liquidity. He discusses the EVM-identical nature of Berachain, the use of Comet BFT consensus for single slot finality, and the two-token system of $BGT and $BERA. Smokey also highlights Berachain's evolution from an NFT community, the challenges and innovations in airdrop design, and the role of native dApps in setting a quality baseline for the ecosystem. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the positive flywheel effect and the future of Berachain.

Text summary: wublock.substack.com

Shownotes:

00:00 Opening

00:05 Introduction and Background of Berachain

04:48 Proof of Liquidity and Incentive Marketplace

11:09 Evolution from NFT Community to Blockchain

27:42 Airdrop Design Challenges and Innovation

29:07 Decreasing Utility and Retention of Airdrops

31:28 Rise of Institutional Airdrop Farmers

34:13 The Two-Token System on Bearchain

36:12 Creating a Positive Flywheel Effect on Berachain

47:27 The Role of Native dApps on Berachain