You Might Not Care About Decentralization, But Security Still Matters

Thomas Heremans is the CEO at the Obol Association.

In this episode, we dive into why decentralization isn’t just an ideology in crypto—it’s a critical security feature. We explore how Obol is strengthening Ethereum’s infrastructure, how much decentralization is enough, and why projects like Rocket Pool, Lido, and ether.fi are betting on Obol to secure the future of staking.

------
🔗 Essential Show Links 🔗

► Newsletter: https://the-edge.xyz
► Youtube: https://youtube.com/@DeFiDad
► Apple: https://tinyurl.com/edgepod
► Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/edgepodspotify
► Linktree: https://linktr.ee/edge_pod
► Follow DeFi Dad: https://x.com/DeFi_Dad
► Follow Nomatic: https://x.com/Nomaticcap
► Learn DeFi: http://defidad.com/

------
The Edge Podcast Sponsor Resources

🔮 PYTH NETWORK | SMARTER DATA FOR SMARTER CONTRACTS

⏳ HOURGLASS | LEVERAGED AIRDROP FARMING AND BOOSTED POINTS

🪄 TANSSI | LAUNCH YOUR SYMBIOTIC RESTAKED NETWORK IN MINUTES

📊 iYIELD | YOUR FINANCIAL PICTURE, SIMPLIFIED

🐐 GOAT NETWORK | A BITCOIN L2 TO EARN WITH BTC & DOGE

🧪 MANTLE | START YOUR RESTAKING JOURNEY TODAY WITH CMETH

🐡 PUFFER UNIFI | A BASED ROLLUP TO ETHEREUM WITH NATIVE YIELDS

🌔 MOONWELL | THE LEADING LENDING AND BORROWING APP ON BASE

⚙️ GEARBOX PROTOCOL | ONCHAIN LENDING REIMAGINED

📈 DEFINITIVE | THE MOST ADVANCED PLATFORM FOR ONCHAIN TRADE EXECUTION

------
Timestamps

0:00 - Intro
5:44 - The problem to solve with Obol
7:55 - Operator vs validator
9:07 - Obol Collective, Obol Association, Obol Labs
11:17 - How Obol enables the Ethereum blockchain to work
14:24 - Why does decentralization matter?
16:39 - How much decentralization is enough?
20:32 - Mantle mid-roll
21:10 - Is there a tradeoff to decentralization?
23:00 - Decentralization should be reframed as security
27:35 - Will Obol expand beyond Ethereum?
29:58 - Sponsor mid-roll
31:37 - The Obol product suite
36:52 - Why teams like Rocket Pool, Lido, and ether.fi love Obol
40:29 - OBOL token details
44:52 - Closing

------
🔗 Guest Links 🔗

► Obol website: https://obol.org/
► Obol on X: https://x.com/obol_collective
► Thomas on X: https://x.com/_cryptoma

------
If you're a DeFi/Web3 builder, contact our team at: https://fourthrevolution.capital/

All opinions expressed by hosts and podcast guests are solely their own opinions and not necessarily those of Fourth Revolution Capital. Podcast guests and 4RC may have positions in the assets or other matters discussed in this podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for investment decisions. Do your own research. This is not a recommendation or endorsement to buy any token(s) related to any platform(s) discussed.