Proof of Work - An interview with Tom Trevethan (Computational Scientist)

## Proof of Work Podcast with Tom Trevethan: A Summary

1. Narrative Summary:

This episode of the "Proof of Work" podcast features an in-depth interview with Tom Trevethan, a computational scientist with a fascinating journey into the world of cryptocurrency. Tom’s early experiences with computers, initially marked by frustration with early programming, evolved into a passion for cryptography and a deep dive into Bitcoin around 2013-2014. He initially explored Bitcoin mining, quickly realizing the limitations imposed by the rise of specialized hardware (ASICs). His career path took a significant turn when he joined NChain, a research-focused company where he spent a year and a half producing intellectual property. However, a desire to build tangible products led him to leave NChain and join Comments Block, a startup focused on leveraging Bitcoin's immutability. The conversation touches on the complexities of the crypto startup environment, the challenges of securing funding, and the exciting developments surrounding Comments Block's upcoming launches, including an asset-backed sidechain and the innovative "Mainstay" service. The interview also briefly touches on Tom’s experience working with Craig Wright, who claims to be Satoshi Nakamoto, though Tom declined to comment extensively due to a non-disclosure agreement.

2. Main Topics Discussed:

• Early Computing & Programming: Tom's initial struggles and eventual motivation in programming, using PHP and SQL.
• Academic Background: His physics degree and PhD in theoretical computational physics, utilizing supercomputers.
• Bitcoin & Cryptography: His initial interest in Bitcoin, driven by a fascination with cryptography and a brief foray into mining.
• NChain Experience: His time at NChain, the freedom afforded to him and his team, and the reasons for his departure.
• Comments Block: The founding and development of Comments Block, the team's growth, and the technology behind the platform.
• Mainstay Service: Details about the upcoming "Mainstay" service and its function in leveraging Bitcoin’s immutability.
• Startup Challenges: The difficulties of securing funding and managing a startup’s runway in the cryptocurrency space.
• Craig Wright & Satoshi Nakamoto: Tom’s experience working with Craig Wright and his perspective on the ongoing claims of being Satoshi Nakamoto.

3. Key Quotes:

• "I was very frustrated." (regarding early programming experiences)
• "It's always good to have someone around who's claiming to be Satoshi, gives the media something to do, someone to interview, and although it doesn't really go anywhere, it's like a hamster in a wheel." (Regarding Craig Wright)
• "I wanted to get into building things, essentially, and seeing things, you know, go from an idea into a real working, you know, product." (Regarding his departure from NChain)
• "It's not the same as just having that job that you work at for 30 years and having a pension and then, you know, they give you an old watch." (Describing the difference between startup life and traditional employment)

4. People Mentioned:

• Tom Trevethan: Guest, Computational Scientist
• Thomas Hunt: Host
• Craig Wright: Claimed Satoshi Nakamoto, former colleague
• Nick: Co-founder of Comments Block
• Steve Jobs: Referenced in connection to early computing experiences.
• Xerox: Referenced in connection to early computing experiences.

5. Bitcoin Price:

• Mentioned in relation to the period around 2013-2014. No specific price was discussed.

For more information about Comments Block, visit commasblock.com.