Today we are joined by Josh Bown (Astria) and Ben Fisch (Espresso Systems) to discuss the role of shared sequencers in the modular future. Josh and Ben explain the risks of centralized sequencers, why rollups will use a shared sequencer and the core tradeoffs. What is the value proposition of a shared sequencer? How will MEV be allocated between rollups and sequencers? Why haven't rollups already decentralized their sequencer? We discuss these questions and more in this epic conversation!

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Timestamps:
(00:00) Intro
(04:27) The Role of a Sequencer
(11:24) The Risks of Centralized Sequencers
(20:13) Using the L1 as the Sequencer
(23:12) Why Use a Shared Sequencer?
(34:56) Quicknode
(36:43) Kwenta
(37:40) The Tradeoffs
(40:35) Who will be the Sequencers?
(45:23) The AWS Analogy
(50:27) Economic Capture and Allocation Challenges
(58:28) How Block Times Impact Shared Sequencing
(01:01:12) Competition
(01:05:04) Restaking Risk and Timelines
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Follow Ben: https://twitter.com/benafisch
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This episode is brought to you by Quicknode. QuickNode is an end-to-end blockchain developer platform that makes building Web3 apps easy. Go to QuickNode.com and use code Empire for a free month on their feature-packed Build Plan!
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This episode is brought to you by Kwenta, the premier derivatives trading platform on Optimism that offers deep liquidity, low fees and up to 50x leverage across 24+ assets. Go to Kwenta.io and start trading today!
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Resources

Espresso Systems
https://www.espressosys.com/
https://twitter.com/EspressoSys

Astria
https://www.astria.org/
https://twitter.com/AstriaOrg

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Disclaimer: Nothing said on Empire 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. Santiago, Jason, and our guests may hold positions in the companies, funds, or projects discussed.