Deep Dive: L1 Governance Today | Cooper Kunz, Jim Parillo, and Myles O’Neil

In this episode, we dive into L1 governance! We discuss the implications of SIMD-228, validator voting structures, and comparisons with Ethereum, Cosmos, and Bitcoin governance. We debate whether decentralization inherently leads to better decision-making, and analyze the role of foundations, token holders, and validators in shaping networks. Finally, we ask ourselves - why should anyone hold L1 tokens? Thanks for tuning in! -- Resources 0xResearch: What Does SIMD-228 Mean For Solana?: https://apple.co/43Ngi6T Lightspeed: Why Solana Should Change Its Inflation Rate: https://apple.co/3FKFzVe SIMD-228 Deep Dive: https://x.com/0xcarlosg/status/1899570952943387023 -- Namada is the shielded asset hub rewarding you to protect the multichain. Enabling data protection for any existing asset, app, or chain, Namada introduces shielded cross-chain actions and rewards for shielding your assets, which strengthens data protection guarantees for everyone. Namada is currently entering phase 3 of its mainnet launch — follow along on https://namada.net/ -- Ledger, the global leader in digital asset security, proudly sponsors Bell Curve! As Ledger celebrates 10 years of securing 20% of global crypto, it remains the top choice for securing your assets. Buy a LEDGER™ device now, and build confidently, knowing your BTC, ETH, SOL, and more are safe. Buy now on https://shop.ledger.com/?r=1da180a5de00. -- Traders, AI enthusiasts, and degens—listen up! The game is changing, and DESK is leading the charge. Welcome to the next generation of perpetual trading—where cutting-edge technology meets AI-driven automation. Trade today at https://desk.exchange/?register-channel=BWpodcast and follow @TradeOnDESK on X! -- Morpho is a permissionless lending platform that allows anyone to earn yield and borrow assets on your terms. Its flexible, trustless infrastructure also empowers developers and businesses to build and tailor their own financial products. Whether you're an individual, fund, fintech, or institution, Morpho is for you. Try Morpho today: https://app.morpho.org/?network=mainnet&spdl=99nsk9 -- Follow Cooper: https://x.com/cooper_kunz Follow Jim: https://x.com/VelvetMilkman Follow Myles: https://x.com/MylesOneil Follow Mike: https://x.com/MikeIppolito_ Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3R1D1D9 Subscribe on Apple: https://apple.co/3pQTfmD Subscribe on Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3cpKZXH Get top market insights and the latest in crypto news. Subscribe to Blockworks Daily Newsletter: https://blockworks.co/newsletter/ Join the Bell Curve Telegram group: https://t.me/+nzyxAvQ0Xxc3YTEx -- Timestamps: (0:00) Introduction (1:57) L1 Governance Today (14:14) Ads (Namada & Ledger) (14:48) Governance Models and the Role of Foundations (28:54) Ads (Namada & Ledger) (30:04) What Governance Models Work? (35:47) Was SIMD-228 Rushed? (44:27) Ads (Desk & Morpho) (45:22) Ossification in L1 Governance (52:18) Bitcoin Governance (57:30) Why Hold L1 Tokens? -- Disclaimer: Nothing said on Bell Curve 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. Mike, Jason, Michael, Vance and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.