diff --git a/bin/mkreleaselog b/bin/mkreleaselog
index a60125cb2f4..1b31854a754 100755
--- a/bin/mkreleaselog
+++ b/bin/mkreleaselog
@@ -261,6 +261,11 @@ recursive_release_log() {
 
         printf -- "Generating Changelog for %s %s..%s\n" "$module" "$start" "$end" >&2
 
+        echo "### Changelog"
+        echo
+        echo "<details><summary>Full Changelog</summary>"
+        echo
+
         printf -- "- %s:\n" "$module"
         release_log "$module" "$start" "$end" | indent
 
@@ -286,7 +291,9 @@ recursive_release_log() {
             done
 
         echo
-        echo "Contributors"
+        echo "</details>"
+        echo
+        echo "### Contributors"
         echo
 
         echo "| Contributor | Commits | Lines ± | Files Changed |"
diff --git a/docs/RELEASE_ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md b/docs/RELEASE_ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
index 9edf679c130..13b14c8a4f9 100644
--- a/docs/RELEASE_ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
+++ b/docs/RELEASE_ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-<!-- Last updated by @galargh during [0.16.0 release](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/issues/9237) -->
+<!-- Last updated by @galargh during [0.17.0 release](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/issues/9319) -->
 
 > Release Issue Template.  If doing a patch release, see [here](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/blob/master/docs/PATCH_RELEASE_TEMPLATE.md)
 
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@
 * Release reviewer: @who
 * Expected RC date: week of YYYY-MM-DD
 * 🚢 Expected final release date: YYYY-MM-DD
-* Accompanying PR for improving the release process: (example: https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/pull/9100)
+* Accompanying PR for improving the release process: (example: https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/pull/9391)
 
 See the [Kubo release process](https://pl-strflt.notion.site/Kubo-Release-Process-5a5d066264704009a28a79cff93062c4) for more info.
 
@@ -41,11 +41,13 @@ As usual, this release includes important fixes, some of which may be critical f
 Checklist:
 
 - [ ] **Stage 0 - Prerequisites**
-  - [ ] Open an issue against [bifrost-infra](https://github.com/protocol/bifrost-infra) ahead of the release ([example](https://github.com/protocol/bifrost-infra/issues/2109)).
+  - [ ] Open an issue against [bifrost-infra](https://github.com/protocol/bifrost-infra) ahead of the release ([example](https://github.com/protocol/bifrost-infra/issues/2109)).  **Idealy, do this multiple days in advance of the RC** to give Bifrost the heads up that asks will be coming their way.
     - [ ] Spell out all that we want updated - gateways, the bootstraper and the cluster/preload nodes
     - [ ] Mention @protocol/bifrost-team in the issue and let them know the expected date of the release
+      - Issue link:
   - [ ] Ensure that the `What's left for release` section has all the checkboxes checked. If that's not the case, discuss the open items with Kubo maintainers and update the release schedule accordingly.
   - [ ] Create `docs-release-vX.Y.Z` branch, open a draft PR and keep updating `docs/RELEASE_ISSUE_TEMPLATE.md` on that branch as you go.
+      - [ ] Link it in the "Meta" section above.
   - [ ] Ensure you have a [GPG key generated](https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/managing-commit-signature-verification/generating-a-new-gpg-key) and [added to your GitHub account](https://docs.github.com/en/authentication/managing-commit-signature-verification/adding-a-gpg-key-to-your-github-account). This will enable you to created signed tags.
   - [ ] Ensure you have [admin access](https://discuss.ipfs.tech/g/admins) to [IPFS Discourse](https://discuss.ipfs.tech/). Admin access is required to globally pin posts and create banners. @2color might be able to assist you.
   - [ ] Access to [#bifrost](https://filecoinproject.slack.com/archives/C03MMMF606T) channel in FIL Slack might come in handy. Ask the release reviewer to invite you over.
@@ -54,6 +56,8 @@ Checklist:
   - [ ] You're also going to need NPM installed on your system. See [here](https://docs.npmjs.com/downloading-and-installing-node-js-and-npm) for instructions.
   - [ ] Prepare changelog proposal in [docs/changelogs/vX.Y.md](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/blob/master/docs/changelogs/).
     - Skip filling out the `### Changelog` section (the one where which lists all the commits and contributors) for now. We will populate it after the release branch is cut.
+    - PR link:
+  - [ ] Ensure the new changelog is linked in the [CHANGELOG.md](CHANGELOG.md) file.
   - [ ] Install ZSH ([instructions](https://github.com/ohmyzsh/ohmyzsh/wiki/Installing-ZSH#install-and-set-up-zsh-as-default)). It is needed by the changelog creation script.
   - [ ] Ensure you have `kubo` checked out under `$(go env GOPATH)/src/github.com/ipfs/kubo`. This is required by the changelog creation script.
     - If you want your clone to live in a different location, you can symlink it to the expected location by running `mkdir -p $(go env GOPATH)/src/github.com/ipfs && ln -s $(pwd) $(go env GOPATH)/src/github.com/ipfs/kubo`.
@@ -63,25 +67,25 @@ Checklist:
     - [ ] See the list here: https://hub.docker.com/r/cimg/go/tags
     - [ ] [ipfs/distributions](https://github.com/ipfs/distributions): bump [this version](https://github.com/ipfs/distributions/blob/master/.tool-versions#L2)
     - [ ] [ipfs/kubo](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo): [example PR](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/pull/8599)
-    - [ ] [ipfs/ipfs-docs](https://github.com/ipfs/ipfs-docs): [example PR](https://github.com/ipfs/ipfs-docs/pull/1298)
+    - [ ] [ipfs/ipfs-docs](https://github.com/ipfs/ipfs-docs): [example PR](https://github.com/ipfs/ipfs-docs/pull/1298) - only if the major version changed
   - [ ] Fork a new branch (`release-vX.Y.Z`) from `master`.
   - [ ] Bump the version in `version.go` in the `master` branch to `vX.(Y+1).0-dev` via a PR ([example](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/pull/9305)).
 - [ ] **Stage 2 - Release Candidate** - _if any [non-trivial](docs/releases.md#footnotes) changes need to be included in the release, return to this stage_
-  - [ ] Bump the version in `version.go` in the `release-vX.Y.Z` branch to `vX.Y.Z-rcN`.
-  - [ ] If applicable, add new commits to the `release-vX.Y.Z` branch from `master` using `git cherry-pick -x ...`
+  - [ ] If it's not a first RC, add new commits to the `release-vX.Y.Z` branch from `master` using `git cherry-pick -x ...`
       - Note: `release-*` branches are protected. You can do all needed updates on a separated branch (e.g. `wip-release-vX.Y.Z`) and when everything is settled push to `release-vX.Y.Z`
-  - [ ] Push the `release-vX.Y.Z` branch to GitHub (`git push origin release-vX.Y.Z`) and create a draft PR targetting `release` branch if it doesn't exist yet ([example](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/pull/9306)).
+  - [ ] Bump the version in `version.go` in the `release-vX.Y.Z` branch to `vX.Y.Z-rcN`.
+  - [ ] If it's a first RC, create a draft PR targetting `release` branch if it doesn't exist yet ([example](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/pull/9306)).
   - [ ] Wait for CI to run and complete PR checks. All checks should pass.
   - [ ] Create a signed tag for the release candidate.
     - [ ] This is a dangerous operation, as it is difficult to reverse due to Go modules and automated Docker image publishing. Remember to verify the commands you intend to run for items marked with ⚠️ with the release reviewer.
     - [ ] ⚠️ Tag HEAD `release-vX.Y.Z` commit with `vX.Y.Z-rcN` (`git tag -s vX.Y.Z-rcN -m 'Pre-release X.Y.Z-rcn'`)
-    - [ ] Run `git show vX.Y.Z` to ensure the tag is correct.
-    - [ ] ⚠️ Push the `vX.Y.Z` tag to GitHub (`git push origin vX.Y.Z`; DO NOT USE `git push --tags` because it pushes all your local tags).
+    - [ ] Run `git show vX.Y.Z-rcN` to ensure the tag is correct.
+    - [ ] ⚠️ Push the `vX.Y.Z-rcN` tag to GitHub (`git push origin vX.Y.Z-rcN`; DO NOT USE `git push --tags` because it pushes all your local tags).
   - [ ] Add artifacts to https://dist.ipfs.tech by making a PR against [ipfs/distributions](https://github.com/ipfs/distributions)
     - [ ] Clone the `ipfs/distributions` repo locally.
     - [ ] Create a new branch (`kubo-release-vX.Y.Z-rcn`) from `master`.
     - [ ] Run `./dist.sh add-version kubo vX.Y.Z-rcN` to add the new version to the `versions` file ([instructions](https://github.com/ipfs/distributions#usage)).
-      - `dist.sh` will print _WARNING: not marking pre-release kubo vX.Y.Z-rc1n as the current version._.
+      - `dist.sh` will print _WARNING: not marking pre-release kubo vX.Y.Z-rcN as the current version._.
     - [ ] Push the `kubo-release-vX.Y.Z-rcn` branch to GitHub and create a PR from that branch ([example](https://github.com/ipfs/distributions/pull/760)).
     - [ ] Ask for a review from the release reviewer.
     - [ ] Enable auto-merge for the PR.
@@ -90,7 +94,7 @@ Checklist:
       - `master` build will publish the artifacts to https://dist.ipfs.io in around 30 minutes
     - [ ] Ensure that the artifacts are available at https://dist.ipfs.io
   - [ ] Publish the RC to [the NPM package](https://www.npmjs.com/package/go-ipfs?activeTab=versions) by running https://github.com/ipfs/npm-go-ipfs/actions/workflows/main.yml (it happens automatically but it is safe to speed up the process and kick of a run manually)
-  - [ ] Cut a pre-release on [GitHub](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases) ([instructions](https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/releasing-projects-on-github/managing-releases-in-a-repository#creating-a-release), [example](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases/tag/v0.16.0-rc1))
+  - [ ] Cut a pre-release on [GitHub](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases) ([instructions](https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/releasing-projects-on-github/managing-releases-in-a-repository#creating-a-release), [example](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases/tag/v0.17.0-rc1))
     - Use `vX.Y.Z-rcN` as the tag.
     - Link to the release issue in the description.
     - Link to the relevant [changelog](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/blob/master/docs/changelogs/) in the description.
@@ -108,26 +112,8 @@ Checklist:
       - [ ] IPFS Discord #ipfs-chatter
       - [ ] FIL Slack #ipfs-chatter
       - [ ] Matrix https://matrix.to/#/#ipfs-chatter:ipfs.io
-    - [ ] Mention [early testers](https://github.com/ipfs/go-ipfs/tree/master/docs/EARLY_TESTERS.md) in the comment under the release issue ([example](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/issues/9237#issuecomment-1258072509)).
+    - [ ] Mention [early testers](https://github.com/ipfs/go-ipfs/tree/master/docs/EARLY_TESTERS.md) in the comment under the release issue ([example](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/issues/9319#issuecomment-1311002478)).
 - [ ] **Stage 3 - Internal Testing**
-  - [ ] Library Testing.
-    - [ ] [interop](https://github.com/ipfs/interop)
-      - [ ] Clone the `ipfs/interop` repo locally.
-      - [ ] Create a new branch (`kubo-release-vX.Y.Z-rcn`) from `master`.
-      - [ ] Update `go-ipfs` version to `vX.Y.Z-rcN` in [package.json](https://github.com/ipfs/interop/blob/master/package.json).
-      - [ ] Run `npm install` locally
-      - [ ] Push the `kubo-release-vX.Y.Z-rcn` branch to GitHub and create a draft PR from that branch ([example](https://github.com/ipfs/interop/pull/511)).
-    - [ ] [go-ipfs-api](https://github.com/ipfs/go-ipfs-api)
-      - [ ] Create a branch with kubo version pinned in the [test setup action](https://github.com/ipfs/go-ipfs-api/blob/master/.github/actions/go-test-setup/action.yml) ([example](https://github.com/ipfs/go-ipfs-api/commit/d156b808cc3aebafba65a38e5dd6993543a50e82)).
-      - [ ] Ensure that CI is green.
-      - [ ] Delete the branch.
-    - [ ] [go-ipfs-http-client](https://github.com/ipfs/go-ipfs-http-client)
-      - [ ] Create a branch with kubo version pinned in the [test setup action](https://github.com/ipfs/go-ipfs-http-client/blob/master/.github/actions/go-test-setup/action.yml) ([example](https://github.com/ipfs/go-ipfs-http-client/commit/8a057960d26f1c60fffef09be3b05ec3f2e71bba)).
-      - [ ] Ensure that CI is green.
-      - [ ] Delete the branch.
-    - [ ] [WebUI](https://github.com/ipfs-shipyard/ipfs-webui)
-      - [ ] Run [CI workflow](https://github.com/ipfs/ipfs-webui/actions/workflows/ci.yml) with `vX.Y.Z-rcN` for the `kubo-version` input.
-      - [ ] Ensure that CI is green.
   - [ ] Infrastructure Testing.
     - [ ] Update the issue against [bifrost-infra](https://github.com/protocol/bifrost-infra) ([example](https://github.com/protocol/bifrost-infra/issues/2109)).
       - [ ] Mention @protocol/bifrost-team in the issue to let them know the release is ready
@@ -150,7 +136,7 @@ Checklist:
       - [ ] Check that the comunication between Kubo daemon and IPFS companion is working properly checking if the number of connected peers changes.
 - [ ] **Stage 5 - Release** - _ONLY FOR FINAL RELEASE_
   - [ ] Prepare the `release` branch.
-    - [ ] Bump the version in `version.go` in the `release-vX.Y.Z` branch to `vX.Y.Z`.
+    - [ ] Bump the version in `version.go` in the `release-vX.Y.Z` branch to `X.Y.Z`.
     - [ ] Update the [docs/changelogs/vX.Y.md](docs/changelogs) with the new commits and contributors.
       - [ ] Run `./bin/mkreleaselog` twice to generate the changelog and copy the output.
       - The first run of the script might be poluted with `git clone` output.
@@ -184,12 +170,12 @@ Checklist:
         - `master` build will publish the artifacts to https://dist.ipfs.io in around 30 minutes
       - [ ] Ensure that the artifacts are available at https://dist.ipfs.io
     - [ ] Publish the release to [the NPM package](https://www.npmjs.com/package/go-ipfs?activeTab=versions) by running https://github.com/ipfs/npm-go-ipfs/actions/workflows/main.yml (it happens automatically but it is safe to speed up the process and kick of a run manually)
-  - [ ] Cut the release on [GitHub](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases) ([instructions](https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/releasing-projects-on-github/managing-releases-in-a-repository#creating-a-release), [example](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases/tag/v0.16.0))
+  - [ ] Cut the release on [GitHub](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases) ([instructions](https://docs.github.com/en/repositories/releasing-projects-on-github/managing-releases-in-a-repository#creating-a-release), [example](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases/tag/v0.17.0))
     - Use `vX.Y.Z` as the tag.
-    - Link to the release issue in the description.
     - Copy the relevant [changelog](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/blob/release/docs/changelogs/) into the release description.
-      - Keep the release notes as trim as possible (e.g. remove top headers where possible, [example](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases/tag/v0.15.0))
+    - Keep the release notes as trim as possible (e.g. remove top headers where possible, [example](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases/tag/v0.17.0))
   - [ ] Synchronize release artifacts by running [sync-release-assets](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/actions/workflows/sync-release-assets.yml) workflow.
+  - [ ] TODO: https://github.com/protocol/bifrost-infra/issues/2184#issuecomment-1315279257
   - [ ] Announce the release
     - [ ] Add a link to the release to this release issue as a comment.
     - [ ] Create a new post on [IPFS Discourse](https://discuss.ipfs.tech). ([example](https://discuss.ipfs.tech/t/kubo-v0-16-0-release-is-out/15286))
@@ -203,19 +189,21 @@ Checklist:
       - [ ] IPFS Discord #ipfs-chatter
       - [ ] FIL Slack #ipfs-chatter
       - [ ] Matrix
-  - [ ] Add a link from release notes to Discuss post (like we did here: https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases/tag/v0.15.0)
+  - [ ] Add a link from release notes to Discuss post (like we did here: https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases/tag/v0.17.0)
   - [ ] Update the draft PR created for [interop](https://github.com/ipfs/interop) to use the new release and mark it as ready for review.
   - [ ] Update the draft PR created for [IPFS Desktop](https://github.com/ipfs-shipyard/ipfs-desktop) to use the new release and mark it as ready for review.
   - [ ] Update docs
     - [ ] Run https://github.com/ipfs/ipfs-docs/actions/workflows/update-on-new-ipfs-tag.yml to generate a PR to the docs repo
     - [ ] Merge the auto-created PR in https://github.com/ipfs/ipfs-docs/pulls ([example](https://github.com/ipfs/ipfs-docs/pull/1263))
-  - [ ] Get the blog post created and shared
+  - [ ] Get the blog post created
     - [ ] Submit a request for blog post creation using [the form](https://airtable.com/shrNH8YWole1xc70I).
-      - Notify marketing in #shared-pl-marketing-requests about the blog entry request (since the form tends to go to spam; [example]([example](https://filecoinproject.slack.com/archives/C018EJ8LWH1/p1664885305374909))).
-      - Don't mark this as done until the blog entry is live.
-    - [ ] Share the blog post
-      - [ ] Twitter (request in Filecoin Slack channel #shared-pl-marketing-requests; [example](https://filecoinproject.slack.com/archives/C018EJ8LWH1/p1664903524843269?thread_ts=1664885305.374909&cid=C018EJ8LWH1))
-      - [ ] [Reddit](https://reddit.com/r/ipfs)
+      - Title: Just released: Kubo X.Y.Z!
+      - Link type: Release notes
+      - URL: https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/releases/tag/vX.Y.Z
+    - [ ] The post is live on https://blog.ipfs.io
+  - [ ] Share the link to the GitHub release
+    - [ ] Twitter (request in Filecoin Slack channel #shared-pl-marketing-requests; [example](https://filecoinproject.slack.com/archives/C018EJ8LWH1/p1664903524843269?thread_ts=1664885305.374909&cid=C018EJ8LWH1))
+    - [ ] [Reddit](https://reddit.com/r/ipfs)
 - [ ] **Stage 6 - Post-Release**
   - [ ] Merge the `release` branch back into `master`, ignoring the changes to `version.go` (keep the `-dev` version from master).
   - [ ] Create an issue using this release issue template for the _next_ release.
@@ -226,7 +214,5 @@ Checklist:
 Would you like to contribute to the IPFS project and don't know how? Well, there are a few places you can get started:
 
 - Check the issues with the `help wanted` label in the [ipfs/kubo repo](https://github.com/ipfs/kubo/issues?q=is%3Aopen+is%3Aissue+label%3A%22help+wanted%22)
-- Join an IPFS All Hands, introduce yourself and let us know where you would like to contribute - https://github.com/ipfs/team-mgmt/#weekly-ipfs-all-hands
-- Hack with IPFS and show us what you made! The All Hands call is also the perfect venue for demos, join in and show us what you built
-- Join the discussion at [discuss.ipfs.io](https://discuss.ipfs.io/) and help users finding their answers.
-- Join the [🚀 IPFS Core Implementations Weekly Sync 🛰](https://github.com/ipfs/team-mgmt/issues/992) and be part of the action!
+- Join the discussion at [discuss.ipfs.tech](https://discuss.ipfs.tech/) and help users finding their answers.
+- See other options at https://docs.ipfs.tech/community/