Ready for Merge

Meet Calvin, a Bitcoin protocol developer sponsored by OpenSats, who is working on the Utreexo project.Utreexo is a hash-based accumulator for the Bitcoin UTXO set. In non-technical terms, it's a way to store and retrieve necessary data about chain state to validate Bitcoin blocks and transactions.Calvin has been working on Utreexo since 2019.In this interview, Calvin shares how he came to work on Utreexo full-time and the exciting development milestones he anticipates reaching this year.This interview was recorded on January 7, 2026.Timestamps:(2:45) Utreexo explained in Ethereum terms(10:26) Utreexo in the Bitcoin governance process(14:02) How Calvin joined the Utreexo team(20:29) How the Utreexo project is funded(25:25) The sustainability of funding for Bitcoin development work(28:05) What Calvin might do next after Utreexo(38:01) Utreexo development goals in 2026(44:22) Rapid-fire questionsLinks:- Utreexo BIPs (https://github.com/utreexo/biptreexo)- BTC Before Light newsletter on Utreexo (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/issue-03)- Floresta (https://github.com/getfloresta/Floresta)- Summer of Bitcoin (https://www.summerofbitcoin.org/)- Vinteum (https://x.com/Vinteum_org)- OpenSats (https://opensats.org/) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

Christine D. Kim gives another bi-weekly brief on the important updates in Bitcoin and Ethereum development.On the Bitcoin side, she covers two new pull requests merged into Bitcoin Core over the past week that will support ongoing benchmarking efforts for the protocol. On the Ethereum side, she gives an overview of the four proposals being discussed for inclusion in Ethereum’s Hegota upgrade. This episode was recorded on February 4, 2026. Timestamps: (1:25) Bitcoin development updates(5:18) PR #34207 overview(6:43) PR #34253 overview(10:00) Ethereum development updates(12:46) EIP 8105, Universal Enshrined Encrypted Mempool (EEM)(14:50) EIP-8141, Frame Transaction(18:01) EIP-7807, SSZ execution blocks(20:30) EIP-7805, Fork choice enforced inclusion lists (FOCIL)(31:50) Next week’s showLinks: Bitcoin PR #34207 (https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/34253)Bitcoin PR #34253 (https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/34207)Ethereum Magicians Hegota Topic (https://ethereum-magicians.org/tag/hegota)BTC Before Light Issue #26 (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/btc-before-light-issue-26)ACD After Hours ACDE #229 (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/acde-229)Titan Builder at 50% marketshare (https://x.com/nero_eth/status/2018989296141701605?s=20) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

Meet Murch, a full-time Bitcoin protocol developer who co-founded his own Bitcoin development company called LocalHost Research.As part of his day job, Murch is one of six editors who oversee the Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) process. He recently championed long-overdue changes to the BIP process. In my interview with Murch, we discussed his journey as a Bitcoin developer and his most recent work updating the BIP process through BIP-3. This interview was recorded on January 16, 2026.Timestamps: (2:38) Murch's contributions to Bitcoin(6:08) Murch's journey as a Bitcoin developer (14:18) The vision behind Local Host Research(17:33) What it takes to become a Bitcoin developer(21:02) What it takes to become a BIP editor(25:19) A summary of BIP-3 changes(30:46) The BIP process vs Bitcoin governance process(40:02) Ongoing BIP process challenges(54:03) How BIP-3 was activated(1:01:10) Rapid-fire questionsLinks: Murch's X profile (https://x.com/murchandamus)Bitcoin Optech (https://bitcoinops.org/)Local Host Research (https://lclhost.org/)BIP-3 (https://bips.dev/3/)Blockspace article about BIP-3 (https://x.com/blockspace/status/2011821673184375239)BTC Before Light issue about BIP-3 (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/issue-17)Chaincode BOSS program (https://bosschallenge.xyz/)BIP-110 (https://bip110.org/) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

In this bi-weekly brief, Christine D. Kim provides updates on the scoping process for the Glamsterdam upgrade. She also highlights updates to the Bitcoin Core and Bitcoin Improvement Proposal (BIP) Github repositories.Timestamps:(0:00) Intro(3:23) Ethereum updates(15:06) Bitcoin updates(27:17) OutroLinks: - Calvin Kim Ready for Merge Interview (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/podcast-ep-12) - EIP 8037 (https://eips.ethereum.org/EIPS/eip-8037)- Glamsterdam EIPs List (https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ifXjsiFFzQW8s1gl4Gz3kVDKE2pvTMkPslHuE3U7Nqk/edit?usp=sharing)- The Charlatan Bio (https://thecharlatan.ch/about/)Song Credits:Special thanks to Calios for the music featured in this episode. You can listen to the full track, “Our Lives,” and other songs by Calios on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qs62M8pLHGZuttTwgP6JK. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

In this bi-weekly brief on Bitcoin and Ethereum protocol development, Christine discusses:1. The activation of the second Blob Parameter Only (BPO) hard fork on Ethereum2. Three Bitcoin Improvement Proposals (BIPs) requiring soft fork activation that the Bitcoin community is divided over right nowTimestamps:(5:05) Ethereum Updates(22:52) Bitcoin UpdatesLinks:Mempirate's analysis on the impacts of Fusaka on Ethereum (https://ethresear.ch/t/block-blob-propagation-with-peerdas/23801)An explanation of Ethereum's EIP-1559 code change (https://www.galaxy.com/insights/research/ethereum-eip-1559-upgrade-100-days-later)ACDE #227: Call Minutes + Insights (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/acde-227)BTC Before Light newsletter issue on the three Bitcoin code changes requiring soft fork activation that were mentioned in this episode (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/issue-22)Song Credits: Special thanks to Calios for the music featured in this episode. You can listen to the full track, “Our Lives,” and other songs by Calios on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qs62M8pLHGZuttTwgP6JK. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

Summary:In this episode of the Ready for Merge show, Christine D. Kim reviews the most significant code changes in Bitcoin and Ethereum protocol development for the year 2025. She highlights Ethereum's major upgrades, Pectra and Fusaka, which led to substantial Layer-1 and Layer-2 scaling improvements. On the Bitcoin side, the uncapping of the data carrier size sparked controversy within the community. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of both protocols and the challenges they face in 2026.Timestamps:06:48 The Most Influential Ethereum Code Merges of 202525:45 The Most Influential Bitcoin Code Merges of 2025Links: - Nethermind blog post on block gas limit testing improvements in 2025 (https://www.nethermind.io/blog/getting-ethereum-ready-for-gigagas) - R4M episode on the controversy of Bitcoin Core v30 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFg-hU9KXxA) - R4M episode on the C-header API (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iNLh-flmUdg) - R4M episode on the cluster mempool PR (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp8sdOW4Xlk) - BTC Before Light newsletter post on the nTime overflow problem (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/issue-21) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

In this guest episode of the Ready for Merge podcast, Christine is joined by EthPandaOps Engineer Barnabas Busa and Prysm Client Developer James He to review the Ethereum Fusaka upgrade from shipping to scoping. Fusaka is the latest hard fork that Ethereum developers have activated on mainnet. It contains several features that will help the protocol scale for more users. Busa and He share their candid thoughts on the main learnings from this upgrade and areas for improvement in the Ethereum protocol development process for the next.Timestamps: [1:05] Barnabas and James introductions[6:57] Was the Fusaka timeline too fast? [12:10] The motivation for shipping two forks per year[21:58] EthPandaOps live custody monitoring tool demo[30:09] Pending Prysm client optimizations and fixes for Fusaka [42:26] Hoodi blob storage calculator demo[46:16] The expanding role of EthPandaOps in the Ethereum development process[52:17] Final thoughts on Fusaka[57:57] Info about next week's R4M showLinks:- Barnabas' X profile (https://x.com/BarnabasBusa)- James' X profile (https://x.com/jameshe_eth)- EthPandaOps' live blob custody monitoring tool (https://lab.ethpandaops.io/ethereum/data-availability/probes)- Dasmon, live custody monitoring engine for PeerDAS (https://github.com/ethp2p/dasmon)- Hoodi blob storage calculator (https://dora.hoodi.ethpandaops.io/blobs)- Prysm v7.1.0 client release (https://github.com/OffchainLabs/prysm/releases/tag/v7.1.0) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

In this bi-weekly brief on Bitcoin and Ethereum protocol development, Christine discusses two main topics: 1. Bitcoin Core's newly merged Cluster Mempool PR, what it does, and how it benefits Bitcoin miners2. Ethereum's Fusaka mainnet activation, how to watch it happen, and what to be watching forTimestamps: 4:09 - Bitcoin Updates16:54 - Ethereum Updates41:30 - Show Programming UpdatesLinks: - Delving Bitcoin Cluster Mempool overview (https://delvingbitcoin.org/t/an-overview-of-the-cluster-mempool-proposal/393)- Christine D. Kim Cluster Mempool Substack post (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/issue-19) - Fusaka overview and recent client releases (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/acdt-62)- Ethereum Foundation's Fusaka watch party livestream (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=upns65rH7mQ)- EthStaker Discord channel (https://discord.com/invite/ethstaker)- Eth R&D Discord channel (https://discord.com/invite/qGpsxSA)- Beacon Chain block explorer (https://beaconcha.in/)- Christine D. Kim subscriber chat (https://christinedkim.substack.com/chat)Song Credits:Special thanks to Calios for the music featured in this episode. You can listen to the full track, “Our Lives,” and other songs by Calios on Spotify⁠⁠: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qs62M8pLHGZuttTwgP6JK. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

In this bi-weekly brief on Bitcoin and Ethereum protocol development, Christine discusses four topics: 1. Fusaka mainnet activation on December 32. EIP 7918, Blob base fee bounded by execution cost3. BIP-3, Changes to the Bitcoin Improvement Proposal process4. Ord V0.2.3 releaseTimestamps2:45 - Ethereum Updates26:03 - Bitcoin Updates39:16 - Show Programming UpdatesLinks- BTC Before Light issue on Ord V0.2.3 (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/issue-18)- BTC Before Light issue on BIP-3 (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/issue-17)- ACD After Hours issue on the Glamsterdam FOCIL discussions (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/acdc-169)Song CreditsSpecial thanks to Calios for the music featured in this episode. You can listen to the full track, “Our Lives,” and other songs by Calios on Spotify⁠⁠. See: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6qs62M8pLHGZuttTwgP6JK This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

Meet Justin, a Besu developer who works at Consensys.Justin wasn’t initially a fan of Ethereum. He was first interested in Bitcoin and considered Ethereum a memecoin.In my interview with Justin, we discussed how he came to work as a full-time client developer for the Besu team and his perspective on the role of client developers within the Ethereum ecosystem.This interview was recorded on July 16, 2025.Below are the show notes for the interview, along with the interview transcript.For more information about the ‘Meet the Devs’ interview series, read this post.Show Notes* Justin Florentine* X: robocopsgonemad* LinkedIn: Justin Florentine* GitHub: jflo* Consensys* Mission* Products* Blog* Besu* Official repository* User documentation* Good first issues for prospective contributors This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode, Christine D. Kim shares updates on the Ethereum Fusaka upgrade timeline, Glamsterdam scoping discussions, a controversial Bitcoin Improvement Proposal to limit arbitrary data storage, and the Bitcoin Core Kernel Project. Timestamps: 00:00 Intro: Topics covered 01:51 Ethereum Updates: Fusaka and Glamsterdam 23:15 Bitcoin Updates: Soft Fork Controversies and Code Merges 38:50 Conclusion: Next episode details Links: - Ethereum ACDT #60 Call Minutes (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/acdt-60) - Forkcast tool (https://forkcast.org/) - Bitcoin soft fork proposal controversy (https://christinedkim.substack.com/p/issue-15) - Bitcoin Core PR #30595 (https://github.com/bitcoin/bitcoin/pull/30595) - Meet the Devs video archive (https://christinedkim.substack.com/s/acd-toolkit) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

Marius van der WijdenX: vdwijdenLinkedIn: Marius van der WijdenGitHub: mariusvanderwijdenEthereum Foundation- Official Website- 2025 Strategic GoalsGeth- Official repository- Good first issues for new contributors to take on This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

Summary: In this episode of the Ready for Merge show, Christine D. Kim discusses the latest updates in Bitcoin and Ethereum protocol developments. She highlights recent code merges in Bitcoin, including improvements in transaction processing and multi-signature transactions. The episode also covers the upcoming Fusaka upgrade in Ethereum, detailing its implications for node operators and smart contract developers. Christine emphasizes the differences in development culture between Bitcoin and Ethereum, showcasing the unique challenges and progress in both ecosystems.Takeaways:* The Bitcoin Core development process involves regular updates and releases.* Recent Bitcoin updates focus on improving transaction processing efficiency.* The Cluster Mempool Working Group aims to enhance how unconfirmed transactions are handled.* Ethereum’s Fusaka upgrade is set to activate on December 3rd, introducing significant changes.* Fusaka will activate a new transaction gas limit in Ethereum.* The culture of Bitcoin development prioritizes long-term stability over rapid changes.* Ethereum developers focus on speed and iteration in protocol upgrades.* The completion of working groups in Bitcoin is a significant milestone.* Christine highlights the importance of understanding code changes in both Bitcoin and Ethereum.* Next Wednesday’s Ready for Merge episode will be a rerun of a Meet the Devs interview with Geth developer Marius van der Wijden. Timestamps:00:00 Introduction and Show Updates 02:17 Bitcoin Protocol Developments 21:55 Ethereum Protocol Updates 38:40 Outro and Info About Future EpisodesLinks: * More information about the Bitcoin PRs mentioned in this episode and the great consensus cleanup soft fork * Holešky Testnet Shutdown Announcement * Fusaka Transaction Gas Limit Cap * Fusaka Information for Blob users * Fusaka Testing Updates and Christine’s views on Péter Szilágyi’s open letter to the Ethereum FoundationSong Credits: Special thanks to Calios for the music featured in this episode. You can listen to the full track, “Our Lives,” and other songs by Calios⁠ on Spotify⁠⁠. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

Giulio RebuffoX: GiulioRebuffoSubstack: Giulio’s SwampGitHub: Giulio2002Infinite Jungle Interview: Meet Giulio, CTO of ErigonErigon, the company- Official Website- BlogErigon, the client - Official repository- RPC tests repository This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe

Keywords: Bitcoin, Ethereum, blockchain, protocol development, cryptocurrency, podcast, code changes, decentralized technologies, Ready for MergeSummary: The Ready for Merge podcast, hosted by Christine D. Kim, focuses on the evolution of Bitcoin and Ethereum, aiming to make complex technical updates accessible to a broad audience. The show will feature bi-weekly updates, guest interviews, and discussions on significant protocol developments, ensuring stakeholders stay informed about the impacts of these changes on their investments and businesses.Takeaways:* The Ready for Merge show is a new podcast series created by Christine D. Kim.* It focuses on code changes in Bitcoin and Ethereum.* The show aims to be accessible to non-technical listeners.* Bi-weekly episodes will provide digestible updates.* Guest episodes will feature expert insights on specific changes.* The name ‘Ready for Merge’ references significant upgrades in Ethereum and Bitcoin.* Bitcoin Core V30 is a major upcoming release.* Fusaka is the next Ethereum upgrade to watch for.* Listeners can expect a mix of brief updates and in-depth discussions.* The podcast encourages community feedback and engagement.Timestamps:00:00 Welcome to Ready for Merge01:23 Understanding the Ready for Merge Show03:40 The Importance of Bitcoin and Ethereum Protocols06:54 Show Format and Frequency09:13 Meet the Devs Interview Series10:23 The Significance of the Show’s Title15:01 Current Updates on Bitcoin Development33:02 Ethereum Development Updates and Fusaka42:19 RPC Standardization and Its ImportanceLinks: - ⁠Christine D. Kim Substack⁠- ⁠ACD After Hours newsletter⁠- ⁠BTC Before Light newsletter⁠- ⁠Bitcoin Core’s letter to the community about uncapping OP_RETURN datacarriersize ⁠- ⁠Fusaka testnet upgrade timeline and testnet-ready client releases⁠- ⁠Substack post about why listeners should stay informed about both Ethereum and Bitcoin protocol updates ⁠Song Credits: Special thanks to Calios for the music featured in this episode. You can listen to the full track, “Our Lives,” and other songs by Calios⁠ on Spotify⁠⁠. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit christinedkim.substack.com/subscribe