Solana Weekly #112 - Oro is Bringing Gold On Chain and into the 21st Century

Solana Weekly with Tboh - "The Greater Fools" Book DiscussionGuest BackgroundTboh (Scott) is a professional author and screenwriter with 30 years of experience in Los Angeles. He previously had a successful true crime book that debuted at #1 on Amazon, appeared on major media outlets (Howard Stern, SNL, NBC), and became a Jeopardy answer. For the past 10-15 years, he's been ghostwriting for others, but decided to write about something he's passionate about: Solana.The Book: "The Greater Fools"* Genre: Fantasy/adventure story that teaches crypto concepts through narrative* Target Audience: 300 million fantasy/sci-fi readers worldwide who want to learn about crypto* Length: 110,000 words (originally planned for 50,000)* Timeline: 1.5 years in development (originally planned for 8 months)* Educational Goal: By the end, readers understand wallets, exchanges, blockchain basics, Bitcoin, Solana, Ethereum, and how to avoid common scamsFunding and Community SupportTebow took an unconventional approach by raising "seed funding" for a novel:* Initial Investors: Jordan and Barage (DTP founders), Monterey Rice (Pandas CEO), Nana Trades, EJ the Cray* Community Backing: Exalt DAO (sub-community of Pandas) provided treasury funds* Solana Foundation: Gave him a booth at Breakpoint Singapore 2023* Investment Philosophy: Investors said "if we see the money again, great, but we want to support what you're doing"Solana NFT History Deep DiveThe conversation provides rich historical context about Solana's NFT evolution:Degen Apes - The Catalyst* Impact: Brought Solana to worldwide attention, caused network congestion* Significance: First major hyped mint that attracted people from other blockchains* Art Quality: Described as "Pixar-level" 3D art* Community: Focused on IP development, entertainment company aspirationsOther Major Collections* Degenerate Trash Pandas: Where Tebow found his community, focused on supporting struggling artists* Famous Foxes: Early utility pioneers, built essential NFT tools* Solana Monkey Business: "LinkedIn of Solana" - networking hub for builders and successful individuals* Okay Geckos: Gossip Goblin's collection, known for strong community support* DeGods: Described as having a "frat boy" culture, controversial but loyal communityNFTs vs. Meme Coins AnalysisNFT Communities (Historical)* Structure: Discord-based, PFP-driven tribal identity* Characteristics: Country club model - pay entry fee, stay for community value* Innovation Hub: Where most Solana tooling and infrastructure was developed* Longevity: Built for long-term community engagement* Shared Trauma: Community bonds strengthened during the FTX collapse and bear marketMeme Coins (Current)* Structure: Telegram-based, focused on quick gains* Philosophy: "Come make money and feel free to dump on me"* Timeframe: Shorter-term oriented* Capital Formation: Can go from zero to billions quicklyKey Insights on Solana's Competitive Advantages* User Experience: Superior wallet experience, negligible transaction fees* Artist Accessibility: Low barriers to entry for creators* Community Accessibility: Direct access to founders and CEOs via DMs* Developer Tools: Rapid innovation in NFT infrastructure* Battle-Tested Community: Survived FTX collapse and bear market togetherThe Future of NFTsBoth hosts believe NFTs will return because:* Established Communities: Collections like Monkey DAO, SMBs, and Geckos built lasting value* Unique Utility: Access to exclusive groups, deal flow, and networking opportunities* Proven Models: Examples like Quacks providing tiered access to investment opportunities* Undervaluation: Current NFT prices don't reflect the community infrastructure builtBook Marketing Challenges and StrategiesTebow faces unique challenges marketing a crypto book:* Timing Issue: Wrote during NFT winter when interest was low* Distribution Dilemma: Balancing Web3 native release vs. traditional publishing* Community Approval: Getting permission from all mentioned projects and collections* Innovative Distribution Ideas:* Serialized release on Drip House* NFT versions with different cover art* Compressed NFT distribution* Partnership with wallets for "stake-to-read" programsTechnical and Cultural Observations* Network Evolution: From network congestion during DGen Apes to current high performance* Gas Fee Psychology: Ethereum's high fees were bizarrely seen as status symbols* Community Loyalty: Many holders still maintain NFTs despite significant value drops* Innovation Through Adversity: Best tools and communities emerged during difficult timesPrice Predictions and BullishnessThomas boldly predicts $1,000 Solana, noting that the community has become hesitant to express extreme bullishness despite strong fundamentals and ecosystem growth. Get full access to The Dramas of Thomas Bahamas at thomasbahamas.substack.com/subscribe

Host Thomas sits down with Simon, founder of Solana ID, during Solana Accelerate in New York to discuss the future of digital identity on Solana. They explore how Solana ID is solving user acquisition challenges for dApps while giving users control over their digital reputation.GuestSimon - Founder of Solana ID Hosts the "Sol Brothers" podcastKey Topics DiscussedThe Digital Identity ProblemThe Core Issue: dApps don't know their users - "DeFi apps don't have users, they have strangers"Users build reputation across multiple wallets with no way to aggregate their identityCurrent marketing is inefficient - throwing money at random users who don't care about the productHow Solana ID WorksUnified Identity: Connects multiple wallets to create one comprehensive identity profileSOLID Score: Aggregates on-chain behavior into meaningful scores and badgesPrivacy-First Approach: Apps get behavioral data without knowing real identitiesWin-Win-Win Model: Users get perks, apps get better targeting, protocol generates revenuePrivacy vs User Experience BalanceUX First Philosophy: Prioritizing ease of use over extreme privacy to drive adoptionDual Approach: Offering both zero-knowledge proofs and traditional Web2 API integrationsZK Implementation: Using ZK-TLS technology with ZK Pass for cryptographic verification of social media and other off-chain dataSolana Ecosystem InsightsConsumer Chain Evolution: Solana's focus on user experience over pure tech specificationsNetwork Effects: Why Ethereum remains dominant despite inferior tech, and how Solana is building similar network effectsDeveloper Experience: Rust vs Solidity - more complex but more robust developmentTechnical ChallengesData Accessibility: Making Solana's complex on-chain data readable for appsReal-time Querying: Providing instant access to wallet history and behavior patternsInfrastructure: Building indexing and aggregation tools for the ecosystemToken Strategy and Market DynamicsSOLID Token: Launched in December, faced market challenges during altcoin declineDual Product Management: Balancing protocol development with token utilityMarket Timing: Lessons learned from launching during market downturnUpcoming Features and AnnouncementsID Display Network: Partners will show perks directly on their platforms to Solana ID holdersSocial Media Integration: Traditional API connections alongside ZK proofsSingle Sign-On: Potential "Sign in with Solana ID" functionalityMajor Announcement: Something big coming with Solana Foundation during Accelerate weekMulti-Chain Future DiscussionSolana Focus: Staying laser-focused on one ecosystem for maximum impactPotential Expansion: Future possibility of white-labeling or expanding to other chainsMarket Dynamics: Why most chains haven't achieved the network effects needed for successRegulatory EnvironmentInnovation Acceleration: How improved crypto regulations will benefit the ecosystemSolana's Position: As a US-based company, well-positioned for regulatory clarityBuilder Ecosystem: Expecting more innovation as regulatory uncertainty decreasesKey Quotes"DeFi apps don't have users, they have strangers""Privacy usually adds an element of complexity - if you don't give a big enough benefit, people will not use your application""Solana ID is a bet on Solana, and Solana is a bet on crypto""We're making wallets human readable basically"Resources MentionedSolana ID App: app.solana.idWeekly Community Calls: "SOLID Talks" - Saturdays 3:00 PM UTCJupiter: Leading example of consumer-focused Solana appsPortfolio Trackers: Awaken Tax, Jupiter Portfolio, Asset DashDomain Services: SNS, All DomainTechnical StackZero-Knowledge: ZK-TLS technology via ZK Pass partnershipProgramming: Rust on SolanaData Indexing: Custom infrastructure for real-time wallet analysisIntegration: API endpoints for dApp integrationTarget AudienceSolana developers building consumer applicationsDeFi users looking to leverage their on-chain reputationAnyone interested in the intersection of privacy and user experience in Web3Episode TakeawaysIdentity is Infrastructure: Digital identity will be critical infrastructure for the next phase of crypto adoptionBalance is Key: Success requires balancing privacy ideals with practical user experienceNetwork Effects Matter: Technical superiority alone doesn't guarantee success - community and adoption are crucialRegulatory Clarity Helps: Improved regulations will accelerate innovation and business buildingSolana's Momentum: The ecosystem's focus on consumer experience is driving real adoptionConnect with Simon on X: https://x.com/simonmolitorFollow the "Sol Brothers" podcast for more Solana ecosystem insightsJoin SOLID Talks community calls for the latest Solana ID updatesTry Solana ID at app.solana.idHost: ThomasProduction: Solana WeeklyMore at solanaweekly.fun/episodesEpisode with Eno (cohost of SolBrothers) Get full access to The Dramas of Thomas Bahamas at thomasbahamas.substack.com/subscribe

Gold has been money for 2,000 years but it’s never moved at 400 ms or earned 4 % APY. 🏎️Usman, co-founder of Oro, sits down with Thomas Bahamas to unveil how Oro tokenizes fully-audited bullion on Solana, pays 3-4 % real yield through the century-old “gold-leasing” market, and lets you redeem down to one gram in Dubai, London, the U.S.even for an engagement ring. We break down the macro tailwinds pushing gold above $3 k/oz, why Solana desperately needs a non-USD store of value, and how you’ll soon LP, borrow, or save with the planet’s oldest asset… at DeFi speed.GuestUsman – CEO & Co-Founder, Oro• Fifth-generation gold-market insider (family biz > 100 yrs)• Building the world’s largest on-chain gold redemption network• Twitter: @theusmansalKey TakeawaysMacro Gold Boom – 40 % YoY rise, 5-10 % portfolio allocation coming back in vogue.Tokenization Done Right – Monthly third-party vault audits, bankruptcy-remote trusts.Real-World Yield – 3-4 % from institutional gold leasing, stacked on top of price gains.One-Gram Redemption – Physical pickup or delivery in major gold hubs; jewelry optional.DeFi Utility – LP pools, on-chain collateral, and “GOLD +” staked savings account.Solana Edge – Sub-penny fees and 24/7 liquidity beat legacy ETFs and wrapped BTC.Resources & LinksJoin the Oro wait-list: orogold.appGold-Leasing Explainer (blog)Pyth Network – On-chain gold price oracleMentioned protocols: Lulo, CarrotCall to ActionEnjoyed the episode? Follow Solana Weekly, drop a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating, and share with one friend who still thinks gold is “just a rock.” Got feedback or bags to shill?X: @thomasbahamasfi; solanaweeklypodSolana Weekly is for educational purposes only. Do your own research, stay hydrated, and keep stacking good decisions. Get full access to The Dramas of Thomas Bahamas at thomasbahamas.substack.com/subscribe

1. Intro* Thomas welcomes listeners, positions episode as an “alpha drop” on gaming.* Introduces Jorge, a leading voice for Solana gaming and marketing strategist inside the Solana Foundation.2. Why Web3 gaming is finally real* AAA & indie teams have been building since 2021 fund-raise phase; quality titles simply take 3-6 years.* Solana now hosts every genre: AAA (Star Atlas), mid-core (Aurory, Decimated), mobile (Honeyland).* Light at the end of the tunnel: playable builds, user-ready economies, not just white-papers.3. Solana’s differentiation for games* Ultra-low fees let studios place gameplay-critical actions (fueling a ship, item craft, marketplace swap) directly on-chain.* Near-instant finality = seamless UX; devs can read on-chain user behavior to fine-tune economies.* Global payments and provably scarce assets remove grey-market risk (eBay skin scams, black-market key reselling).4. The new Gaming on Solana initiative* Mission: aggregate content, surface hidden gems, spotlight devs & streamers.* Weekly Twitter Spaces (+ recorded pods) with founders & players.5. Solana Game Pass alpha* Four-week mint window (Magic Eden) – open entry, no FOMO drop games.* Questing system that retro-rewards late minters so nobody misses out.* Prize pool funded by studios and infra partners (Solflare, Boom, Gamer, Beam, Play Solana, etc.).* Mirrors Xbox/PSN language to avoid NFT jargon and lower friction for mainstream gamers.6. Tackling gamer skepticism* Early “play-to-earn Ponzinomics” poisoned the well; Solana message is fun first, ownership optional.* Blockchain benefits framed in gamer terms (true item ownership, fair markets, instant global payouts).7. Compliance & tooling conversation* Jorge stresses need for legal teams & CFOs in Web3 startups.* Both speakers highlight emerging tax software (e.g., Wakeyn) to wrangle 50k+ on-chain TXs.* Regulatory clarity in US improving; Solana’s low-cost chain uniquely positioned for broad retail adoption.8. Outlook & Events* “On-chain super-cycle”: transaction growth > price hype.* Content blitz planned for Accelerate NYC (May 22) – full camera crew capturing live demos, dev interviews.* Breakpoint Abu Dhabi (Dec) to showcase Game Pass results & 2025 road-map.9. Parting wisdom* Jorge: “Shout-out to every builder who weathered the storm—your badge of honor is forged in steel.”* Thomas: encourages listeners to subscribe, leave reviews, and “shield your bags…work for them.”Resources & Links* Mint the Solana Game Pass: (Magic Eden, 3 pm EST launch)* Gaming on Solana Twitter: @gamingonsolana (weekly Spaces, quest updates)* Featured studios: Star Atlas • Aurory • MIXMOB • Honeyland • Decimated • Ian Heroes* Tools mentioned: Solflare wallet • Beam payments • Wakeyn Tax • Meteora LaunchpadCall to Action* Subscribe & Review Solana Weekly on your favorite podcast app.* Mint a Game Pass and complete quests to support early Solana games.* Join the community: follow @gamingonsolana, hop into Tuesday Spaces, and meet Thomas & Jorge at Accelerate NYC. Get full access to The Dramas of Thomas Bahamas at thomasbahamas.substack.com/subscribe

In this insightful follow-up interview, Omar from AgriDex returns to share the company's impressive progress since their last appearance. Omar details how AgriDex is revolutionizing global agricultural trade by providing instant, low-cost settlement through blockchain technology on Solana.The conversation covers AgriDex's successful token launch, their expansion initiatives across Africa, and their innovative approach to tokenizing agricultural trades rather than physical crops. Omar explains how they're addressing the $18 billion trade finance gap in African agriculture while building a platform that abstracts blockchain complexity for traditional businesses.Thomas and Omar discuss the formation of the Solana RWA Council, regulatory developments in the US and UK (including AgriDex's presentation to UK Parliament), and the contrast between speculative market movements and building lasting real-world utility.This episode offers a fascinating look at how blockchain technology is solving genuine problems in global agriculture, providing financial tools to underserved farmers, and creating sustainable financial instruments beyond the hype cycles of crypto.Highlights:How AgriDex reduces cross-border settlement fees from 3-6% to less than 0.5% with instant transactionsThe company's expansion through Africa, including partnerships with agricultural ministriesTheir unique approach to tokenizing trades between parties rather than physical assetsWinning Stand With Crypto's competition for best UK use case and presenting to ParliamentFormation and vision of the Solana RWA Council for promoting real-world asset applicationsCreating financial instruments that help farmers while providing stable yields for investorsBalancing token price performance with long-term business buildingWebsite: agridex.comsolanaweekly.io/episodes for more Get full access to The Dramas of Thomas Bahamas at thomasbahamas.substack.com/subscribe

In this exciting episode of Solana Weekly, host Thomas Bahamas welcomes back Joshua from Solayer to discuss groundbreaking advancements in blockchain scalability through their latest innovation, InfiniSVM.Episode Highlights:📌 Introducing InfiniSVM – The First Hardware-Accelerated Blockchain* Joshua discusses the creation of a new blockchain category leveraging specialized hardware (similar to advances in AI).* InfiniSVM aims to dramatically enhance blockchain performance through Nvidia's Infiniband technology, optimizing networking and consensus at a hardware level.📌 Reaching New Heights in TPS (Transactions per Second)* Internal testnets are achieving around 500,000 TPS, with ambitions to push towards 1 million TPS.* A theoretical test demonstrated 16 billion TPS under highly controlled, non-conflicting transaction conditions.📌 Real-Time Blockchain Experiences* The goal is immediate transaction confirmation—no waiting, no uncertainty.* Use cases include high-frequency trading, DeFi, real-world assets, and consumer apps like streaming services or e-commerce platforms.📌 Infinite Scalability via Specialized Hardware* Joshua explains the shift from software scaling limitations to hardware scalability, making it possible to expand network capabilities elastically.* Comparisons drawn with cloud computing infrastructure, envisioning seamless expansion as demand grows.📌 User Experience: Seamless Integration* Potential SDK integrations for Solana apps, providing an "escape button" during high congestion.* Vision of blockchain use invisible to the user—transactions as seamless as traditional Web2 payments.📌 Community and Ecosystem* Solayer seeks a community focused on genuine utility, product-driven innovation, and long-term value.* A vibrant, "degenerate-friendly" but fundamentally tech-oriented community is encouraged to experiment and build creatively.📌 Potential Use Cases and Market Impact* Real-time consumer-facing applications (e-commerce, social platforms).* Financial services (payments cheaper than Venmo or PayPal).* Entertainment streaming (e.g., bringing platforms like Netflix or Spotify on-chain).📌 Technical Insights and Hardware Specifics* Using technology adapted from the AI space (InfiniBand, RDMA, SDN).* Networking stack optimized for 100 gigabytes per second bandwidth, an unprecedented feat in blockchain tech.📌 Future Plans and Timeline* Public Testnet expected around Q2, followed by mainnet shortly thereafter.* Continued commitment to staking and restaking on Solana, leveraging hardware innovations to improve yields.📌 Addressing Concerns and Decentralization* Discusses validator structure: a main sequencer (megaliter) complemented by checker nodes, ensuring decentralization through statistical sampling and slashing mechanisms.* The network expands decentralization organically as transaction volume and revenue scale.🔥 Notable Quotes:* "We're going for a hundred or even a thousand times improvement over current blockchains."* "Economics wins long-term—transactions must be faster, cheaper, and frictionless."* "What can you do when transactions are infinite? We don't even know yet—but it's exciting to find out."🎯 Action Items & Call to Action:* Builders and integrators encouraged to reach out and explore InfiniSVM.* Listeners encouraged to stay tuned for public testnet releases and further announcements from Solayer.🎙️ Host: Thomas Bahamas🎤 Guest: Joshua from Solayer📆 Podcast: Solana Weekly Episode #91More at solanaweekly.ioDisclaimer: This is not financial advice. Always perform your own research. Get full access to The Dramas of Thomas Bahamas at thomasbahamas.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of Solana Weekly, host Thomas sits down with Gus Marquez from Parcl to explore how they're revolutionizing real estate investment on the Solana blockchain.Episode Highlights:Discover how Parcl creates synthetic exposure to real estate returns through data-driven indexes without tokenizing physical propertiesLearn about Parcl Labs, which indexes every home in the U.S. and provides institutional-grade dataExplore the inefficiencies in traditional real estate markets and how Parcl addresses themUnderstand the advantages: 18 basis points transaction costs vs. 2-5% for physical real estate and leverage up to 50xHear why Solana was the perfect blockchain for Parcl's visionAbout the Guest:Gus Marquez is part of the team at Parcl, working to make real estate investment more accessible and efficient by bringing it on-chain. Parcl allows users to long or short specific real estate markets with none of the maintenance headaches of physical ownership.Key Moments:The founders conceived Parcl during COVID while observing migration trends, inspired by the lack of tools to short real estate markets. After several iterations, the current V3 platform offers sophisticated risk management and daily price updates based on extensive data aggregation.Whether you're saving for a home while tracking market returns, hedging property value for retirement, or seeking investment diversification without property management headaches, Parcl offers a compelling solution for both retail and institutional investors.Visit parcl.co to learn more, and look for parcllabs.com launching soon with institutional-quality real estate reports.This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial or investment advice.More at solanaweekly.fun/episodes Get full access to The Dramas of Thomas Bahamas at thomasbahamas.substack.com/subscribe

Podcast Show Notes: Solana Weekly with Aly from Blockchain Founders FundHost: Thomas BahamasGuest: Aly Madhavji, Managing Partner at Blockchain Founders FundDate: March 19, 2025Overview: In this episode of Solana Weekly, Thomas sits down with Aly Madhavji, a seasoned investor and managing partner at Blockchain Founders Fund, to explore the investment landscape of crypto, with a deep dive into Solana’s ecosystem. Aly shares insights from his eight years of experience, discussing market cycles, investment strategies, and emerging trends in Web3, including tooling, real-world assets (RWAs), fintech, and the intersection of AI and blockchain.Key Discussion Points:* The Crypto Market Rollercoaster* Aly reflects on the volatility of crypto markets, referencing recent events like Trump’s announcements causing 25% surges followed by sharp declines.* “There are no days off in crypto,” Aly notes, highlighting the fast-paced nature of the industry.* Investment Philosophy: Founders First, Themes Second* Aly emphasizes investing in exceptional founders who bring world-class practices to crypto, even if their focus isn’t his top thematic priority.* Key investment themes:* Infrastructure: Early bets like Solana at 18 cents showcase the potential of Layer 1s, though Aly sees diminishing returns for new L1s. Innovations like Bearchain’s proof of liquidity still intrigue him.* Tooling: A critical gap in Web3, with inefficiencies plaguing developers. Companies like Uniblock (API aggregation) and Validation Cloud (node infrastructure) are solving real problems.* Real-World Assets (RWAs): From advising Polymath eight years ago to seeing BlackRock’s Larry Fink push tokenization, Aly sees RWAs gaining traction, with startups like Zoth (on-chain yields) and Asterism (RWA infra) leading the charge.* Fintech & Payments: This cycle features profitable companies, a shift from past bull runs. Stablecoin payments and remittances are ripe for growth, with examples like Mastercard settling a third of transactions on a private blockchain.* The State of Solana* Aly praises Solana’s rise, noting its speed and user base make it a focal point for builders. Every company now considers a “Solana strategy.”* The recent U.S. strategic reserve announcement including Solana underscores its growing prominence.* Challenges in Crypto Investing* Value Extraction vs. Value Creation: Aly critiques short-term “cash grab” token launches and meme coin hype, advocating for sustainable businesses that grow the pie for everyone.* The Death Spiral: Poorly executed token launches can tank even great companies, a phenomenon Aly calls the “death spiral.”* Retail Fairness: Aly pushes for retail investors to access deals at VC prices, citing platforms like Echo and CoinList as steps toward democratization.* VC Process Unveiled* Blockchain Founders Fund reviews 300–500 companies monthly, sourced from events, online submissions, and a network of 410 funds.* Quick filtering (deck reviews in minutes) narrows the pool, followed by calls and a rating system assessing traction, team, and value-for-money.* Aly’s tip for founders: Nail your pitch in 11 seconds, 30 seconds, and 90 seconds—anything longer risks losing interest.* Emerging Trends & Innovations* AI & Blockchain: Hype around AI agents is overstated, but legitimate projects like Virtuals show promise.* Decentralized Systems: Aly highlights Unit Network, which tokenizes business ownership with transparent treasuries, and DEAN, a decentralized insurance network—both vital for a hyper-decentralized future.* Meme Coins with Substance: Could real businesses disguise themselves as meme coins for fun and fundamentals? Aly sees potential in this hybrid model.* Long-Term Vision* Aly’s 10-year fund horizon reflects a belief in building enduring companies, not quick flips. He contrasts this with short-term token funds and founders vesting in a year.* “Great things take time,” Aly says, urging focus on consistent progress over flashy launches.* U.S. Crypto Renaissance* Dropped lawsuits and lighter regulations are revitalizing the U.S. crypto scene, keeping talent stateside and reversing the exodus seen in places like Canada (Ethereum’s origin).Guest Contact:* Twitter/X: @Aly_Madhavji* Website: Blockchain Founders Fund* Aly welcomes startup pitches—submit via the website or reach out directly!Closing Thoughts:Thomas wraps up with gratitude to Aly for shedding light on crypto investing and a call to listeners to subscribe, review, and shill their bags. “This isn’t financial advice, but let’s accelerate and get this bag!” Get full access to The Dramas of Thomas Bahamas at thomasbahamas.substack.com/subscribe

Dive into a dynamic conversation with Swervor, core contributor to WEN, exploring Solana's evolution from early NFT mania to meme coin ecosystems, the importance of community, and WEN’s unique journey from the largest community airdrop on Solana to becoming a global brand. Key Discussion Points* NFTs & Solana’s Early Days* The 2021-2022 NFT craze on Solana (e.g., Okay Bears, SMB, Degen Apes) and its role in stress-testing the network.* Shared nostalgia for mint days, community bonding, and the cultural shift toward utility-driven NFTs.* How NFT communities laid the groundwork for Solana’s resilient, tight-knit ecosystem.* WEN: From Airdrop to Brand* The fairest airdrop in Solana history: 70% of WEN tokens distributed evenly to 1M+ wallets, including Saga phone holders, NFT communities, and Jupiter users.* Fractionalizing a poem (as an NFT) into a meme coin using Token-2022.* WEN’s pivot to building a mainstream IP: Merch, games, and partnerships targeting cat lovers globally.* Solana’s Community Edge* Why Solana’s community-first ethos outperforms competitors (Ethereum, Monad).* Shared trauma (FTX collapse, network outages) and how it strengthened loyalty.* Toly (Solana co-founder) and leadership’s hands-on involvement in fostering growth.* Future of Meme Coins & NFTs* Predictions: A return to quality projects post-Pump.Fun saturation.* Why WEN is positioned for longevity (treasury funding, real-world branding).Notable Quotes* “Solana’s community is its superpower—you can’t fake years of shared trauma and trust.”* “WEN isn’t just a meme coin; it’s a love letter to Solana’s ethos of fairness and innovation.”Actionable Takeaways* For builders: Prioritize fair distribution and community alignment (à la WEN’s airdrop).* For traders: Watch for projects blending memes with real-world utility (e.g., WEN’s merch/game partnerships).* For degens: Nostalgic NFT seasons might return—stay plugged into communities like Tensorians or SMB.Follow on X:@solanaweeklypod@wenwencoin@theswervorEpisode show notes and more at solanaweekly.fun Get full access to The Dramas of Thomas Bahamas at thomasbahamas.substack.com/subscribe

Davide from Neon Protocol joins Thomas to discuss Neon’s latest mainnet release, repositioning as a Solana Network Extension, and how it simplifies EVM compatibility for Ethereum developers. Learn how Neon eliminates friction for users, enables Solana wallets like Phantom for EVM apps, and unlocks new opportunities for DeFi, AI, and meme coin projects.Key Topics Discussed:Neon’s Repositioning as a Solana Network ExtensionTransition from being perceived as an L2 to a native Solana extension.Unified user experience: Solana wallets (e.g., Phantom) now interact directly with EVM apps on Neon.Technical Upgrades & User BenefitsSolana Signature SDK: Allows Ethereum developers to deploy protocols on Solana with minimal front-end changes.No asset bridging required; gas fees paid in SOL.EIP-1559-style fee structure for predictable transaction costs.Ethereum Developer AdoptionNeon enables Ethereum protocols to tap into Solana’s user base without rewriting code in Rust.Focus on bringing battle-tested DeFi primitives (lending, DEXs) and meme/AI projects to Solana.Composability & Future RoadmapComposability V1: Already integrates with Solana DEXs (e.g., Orca, Raydium) for liquidity.Composability V2: Upcoming support for atomic transactions, flash loans, and cross-protocol liquidations.Market OpportunitiesSolana’s growing dominance in user activity, volume, and developer interest.Neon’s role in attracting EVM chains (e.g., Base) and upcoming L1s (Monad, Berachain) to Solana.Key Takeaways:For Users: Access EVM apps on Solana without MetaMask or bridging.For Developers: Deploy Ethereum-tested protocols on Solana in days, not months.For Solana: Reduced fragmentation and expanded use cases via EVM compatibility.Relevant Links:Neon Protocol: neon-labs.orgSolana Weekly: Website | TwitterFollow the Show:Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform.Leave a review to support the podcast!Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Get full access to The Dramas of Thomas Bahamas at thomasbahamas.substack.com/subscribe