### YouTube Description

In this episode of the TLD Podcast, host Dirt (aka Mike) sits down with Nicky Scanz, founder of Layer33 – a new coalition of independent Solana validators aimed at preserving and strengthening Solana’s decentralization.

Fresh off their indie SOL pool launch and a standout presence at Breakpoint, Nicky shares his journey into Solana: from minting Degen Ape Academy NFTs on the legendary Sollet mobile web app in 2021, to becoming CEO of DAA, working at Marinade, and now founding Layer33.

They dive deep into:

- Why 33% stake on truly independent validators is the key safety threshold for Solana’s long-term decentralization

- The alarming trend of independent validators shutting down and stake funneling toward institutional operators

- How Layer33 unites top indie validators to build products ...