Vivi in the Valley

How T1 Protocol Brings Real-Time Proving to Ethereum | Orest Tarasiuk on Scaling, Security & UX

Ethereum’s scaling story is hitting limits—with rollups fragmenting users, liquidity, and developer experience. In this episode, Vivi sits down with Orest Tarasiuk (CTO & co-founder of T1 Protocol, ex-Scroll) to break down how “real-time proving” could finally deliver the speed, security, and seamless composability Ethereum needs. Highlights: * What real-time proving means for Ethereum and why it matters now * How T1 Protocol blends TEEs, ZK proofs, and crypto-economic security for “zero-delay” cross-rollup actions * Why rollup fragmentation isn’t just technical—it’s a user experience roadblock * The tension between idealism and pragmatism in building for Web3 * Orest’s advice for founders (plus the human story behind the tech) Favorite Quotes: * “We don’t just rely on one layer of trust—T1 combines TEEs, ZK, and crypto-economic security for real-time finality.” * “Real-time proving restores Ethereum’s original vision—Lego blocks you can actually build with.” Connect: * T1 Protocol: @t1protocols on X * Orest Tarasiuk: @OrestTa on X [https://x.com/OrestTa] * Vivi in the Valley: @vivi_valley | @vivilinsv Like, follow, and share if you’re excited about a more usable, soulful future for Ethereum and Web3!

Stablecoins, RWA & Crypto Regulation—What U.S. Policymakers Don’t Say Out Loud, with Jason Brett

How do the decisions made in Washington DC ripple through the entire crypto industry? Can blockchain rebuild trust in finance—or will outdated policies hold back real innovation? On this episode of Vivi in the Valley: Crypto for Good Series, Vivi sits down with Jason Brett, former FDIC regulator and one of crypto’s sharpest policy minds. Jason draws from his experience during the 2008 financial crisis and years advising governments, giving us a rare look inside DC’s halls of power at a true turning point for digital assets. Highlights: * How trust and transparency can rebuild finance (and why blockchain matters) * The real story behind “Operation Chokepoint 2.0” * What’s actually happening in DC right now on crypto policy (including stablecoins & market structure bills) * Why real world asset tokenization (RWA) is the next frontier—and where the hype stops * Jason’s inside stories from Capitol Hill, advice for US policymakers, and global trends you need to watch Whether you’re a builder, investor, or just crypto-curious, this episode will help you make sense of the shifting regulatory landscape—and what it means for the soul of innovation. Watch the full video episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuy07hoAa20 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yuy07hoAa20] Connect with Jason Brett: * X/Twitter: @RegulatoryJason [https://twitter.com/RegulatoryJason] Stay connected: * Host: Vivi Lin @vivilinsv [https://twitter.com/vivilinsv] | @vivi_valley [https://twitter.com/vivi_valley] * Newsletter & articles: vivilinsv.substack.com #CryptoForGood #Blockchain #Regulation #Innovation

How to Be AI-Irreplaceable: Raising Creators in the Age of AI with Amy Love

n this episode of Vivi in the Valley - AI for Humanity Series, we ask a powerful question: How do we raise creators—not just consumers—in a world shaped by AI? Our guest is Amy Love, founder of Discovering AI [https://www.discoveringai.org/] and author of Raising Entrepreneurs. From filing a federal gender equity case at age 9 to leading Fortune 500 brands and AI unicorns, Amy’s journey is all about turning purpose into impact. We explore: * The 6 essential traits for thriving in the AI era * How to parent intentionally in a tech-driven world * What “Generation Glass” needs from us * Why entrepreneurship is a mindset, not a job title * How to shift from fear to fluency—and build confidence with AI This episode isn’t just for parents—it’s for anyone who wants to thrive in the age of AI with purpose, clarity, and creativity. 🔗 Watch the full video on YouTube: youtu.be/eBiuRSxI_uk [https://youtu.be/eBiuRSxI_uk] 🌐 More on Amy: www.discoveringai.org [https://www.discoveringai.org] 🧠 Host: Vivi Lin | @vivilinsv | @Vivi_Valley https://vivi.media/ #AIParenting #TechWithSoul #FutureOfWork #RaisingEntrepreneurs #AIFluency #ViviInTheValley #AmyLove

Turning Idle Phones into Purpose: aZen’s Vision for Decentralized AI

In this episode of Vivi in the Valley – Crypto for Good, host Vivi Lin sits down with Alessandro Vené, co-founder of aZen Protocol [https://twitter.com/azen_protocol], to explore how decentralized infrastructure can turn everyday smartphones into AI powerhouses. From refugee phones earning income to a new computing paradigm called Ubiquitous AI, aZen’s mission is to make AI more democratic, accessible, and impactful—especially in underrepresented communities. 🎧 What you'll learn: * What is DePIN and why it matters * How aZen is bringing edge computing to the masses * Real-world adoption stories across Africa * How the Social AI Agent empowers creators * The long-term vision for a Goodwill Fund and public infrastructure This episode is packed with tech insights, real-world relevance, and a shared belief in building tech with soul. 🌐 Guest: 🔹 Alessandro Vené, COO at aZen Protocol [https://azen.tech] 🔹 Twitter: @dersummit [https://twitter.com/dersummit] | @azen_protocol [https://twitter.com/azen_protocol] 🔹 Website: azen.tech [https://azen.tech] 🎙️ Host: 🔹 Vivi Lin — Founder of Vivi in the Valley, FT China Columnist, Web3 & AI Advocate 🔹 Twitter: @vivilinsv [https://twitter.com/vivilinsv] | Show: @Vivi_Valley [https://twitter.com/Vivi_Valley] 🔹 Website: vivi.media [https://vivi.media] ⚠️ Disclaimer: This episode is for educational and entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice. Always DYOR. 🎥 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPe4ev_iRC0 [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPe4ev_iRC0] 📖 Read the full story on Substack: https://vivilinsv.substack.com/p/how-azen-plans-to-turn-passive-devices

Pakistan’s Crypto Dream | Bilal Bin Saqib on Youth, Bitcoin Mining, and a New Future

Welcome to the Crypto for Good series by Vivi in the Valley — a global conversation at the frontier of Web3, AI, and innovation for real-world impact. In this exclusive interview, Bilal Bin Saqib — Special Advisor to Pakistan’s Finance Minister and CEO of the National Crypto Council — shares how Pakistan is betting big on blockchain, youth empowerment, Bitcoin mining, and financial inclusion. In April 2025, Pakistan appointed Binance founder CZ (Changpeng Zhao) as a strategic advisor to its national crypto council — a move driven by Bilal’s leadership. Bilal was later also appointed Global Advisor to World Liberty Financial, a U.S.-based crypto platform linked to the Trump family. 🎙 Hosted by Vivi Lin, award-winning journalist and Web3/AI strategist. Topics Covered: * How Bilal brought CZ onboard * Pakistan’s secret weapon: its youth * Bitcoin mining, stablecoin, and fintech opportunities * Navigating political, economic, and infrastructure challenges * Crypto and AI shaping emerging markets 📰 Read the full article:https://open.substack.com/pub/vivilinsv/p/pakistans-crypto-dream [https://open.substack.com/pub/vivilinsv/p/pakistans-crypto-dream] 🎥 Watch the Chinese-subtitled video on FT Chinese:https://www.ftchinese.com/video/4250 [https://www.ftchinese.com/video/4250] 🌐 Connect with Vivi Lin: * X (Twitter): https://x.com/vivilinsv [https://x.com/vivilinsv] * LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivi-lin-1862276/ [https://www.linkedin.com/in/vivi-lin-1862276/] * Website: https://vivi.media [https://vivi.media] 🎧 Subscribe for more conversations at the frontier of Crypto, AI, and Innovation.