Gm! This week we invite Austin Federa to the show for a discussion on the current state of Solana & the most exciting developments happening in crypto. We deep dive into the current state of Firedancer, how to build community within crypto & attracting developers to Solana. We then debate is economic security a meme & of course the latest meta... social tokens & meme coins. Enjoy! -- Follow Austin: https://x.com/Austin_Federa Follow Mert: https://twitter.com/0xMert_ Follow Dan: https://twitter.com/smyyguy -- Get 15% off an indoor or outdoor Helium Mobile Hotspot using code LIGHTSPEEDHOTSPOT: hellohelium.com/hotspot Helium Mobile is a new phone service that uses the Helium Network – a decentralized wireless network built by people – AND the nation’s largest 5G network. By creating coverage, you’re helping to build a better network together, while earning MOBILE rewards. -- Join us at Permissionles III. Use code LIGHTSPEED10 for a 10% discount: https://blockworks.co/event/permissionless-iii -- Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/43o3Syk Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3OhiXgV Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3OkF7PD Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ -- (00:00) Introduction (02:11) The State Of Solana In 2024 (05:17) The Solana Foundation (08:45) Firedancer (11:37) Helium Mobile Ad (12:56) The Solana Roadmap (19:20) Crypto Marketing (24:54) Blockchain Speed & Latency (31:27) Permissionless III Ad (32:29) Blockchain Incentives (36:03) Is Economic Security A Meme? (38:42) Issuance vs Cost (47:41) Meme Coins & Social Tokens -- Disclaimers: Lightspeed was kickstarted by a grant from the Solana Foundation. Nothing said on Lightspeed 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 solely our opinions, not financial advice. Mert, Dan and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.