Explore every episode of the podcast Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43: Why Wealth and Income Are Not the Same Thing | 19 Aug 2026 | 00:54:06 | |
For a lot of people, the word wealth puts up a wall. It sounds like a club you were never invited to, something for people who already have money and already know the language. But NCA's research found that when everyday crypto holders describe how the technology makes them feel about their financial lives, the top words are not rich or wealthy. They are proud and confident, with 83% reporting they feel that way. Ali sits down with Dr. Tonya Evans to understand where that confidence comes from. Tonya is a former tenured law professor who spent nearly two decades in legal academia before pivoting fully into digital assets. She built the first blockchain, cryptocurrency, and law certificate program at a US law school, wrote Digital Money Demystified, and hosts the SiriusXM podcast Confidently Crypto. Her origin story is its own hook: an intellectual property lawyer researching orphan works in copyright who tumbled into a two-week rabbit hole over one holiday and came out convinced this technology would change the world. The heart of the conversation is a distinction most people never learn: the difference between income and wealth. Tonya explains why wealth is less about a windfall and more about ownership and control, how capital assets are meant to work harder than the hours you trade for a paycheck, and why crypto is taxed in the US as a capital asset rather than a currency, a detail she says trips up newcomers constantly. She is candid about risk, too. She walks through the myths she wrote her book to address, from proof-of-work energy concerns to the idea that crypto is only for criminals, and offers a memorable rebuttal on which asset bad actors actually prefer. The through-line is trust: trusting the technology, trusting the information, and, hardest of all, learning to trust yourself with your own financial decisions. Tonya makes the case that new technology can expand access, but access without understanding only deepens the gaps it was meant to close, which is why she keeps returning to literacy as the thing that actually builds and protects wealth. Read Digital Money Demystified or find free Crypto 101 courses at nca.org. Because crypto was always meant to be for everyone, including you. Learn more at nca.org. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA):Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 42: The Crypto Course With Nothing to Sell You | 12 Aug 2026 | 00:45:05 | |
Sixty-seven million Americans use crypto today, roughly one in four adults, up from one in five a year ago. But NCA's 2026 State of Crypto Holders research found that more than a third of those owners say the thing holding them back from using it more is not money or access. It is that they still do not really understand what they own. Adoption is running ahead of understanding, which almost never happens with a credit card or a 401(k). Ali sits down with Kara Calvert, Head of US Policy at Coinbase, and Kevin Boucher, Chief Strategy and Communications Officer at Operation HOPE, to unpack why more crypto content has not closed that gap, and what three organizations with very different incentives built to try. Kevin traces Operation HOPE's roots back more than three decades of financial literacy work and describes the moment at a special edition Hope Global Forum when the industry and regulators sat at the same table for the first time. His read on what happened next: the government hesitated, chose to do nothing, and communities were caught in the middle. Kara makes an unusually candid case for why Coinbase did not simply build this alone. People see educational material from an exchange and wonder what is being sold to them, so a credible third party was the missing piece. She also walks through the pattern she has watched repeat for decades, from her grandmother who lived to 102 and never once carried a credit card, through chip and PIN, through tap to pay, and why she thinks people arrive at crypto for the same reason they adopted each of those. The conversation gets specific on scams, too. Kevin explains why scammers stay a step ahead and which populations get targeted hardest, Kara covers what to actually do in the first hours after you are defrauded, and Ali shares the impersonation scam using NCA's own name that landed in her inbox the day before recording. The last stretch zooms out to financial inclusion, a phrase Kevin argues means different things depending on who you ask. His framing is that new technology can expand access, but access without understanding only deepens the gaps it was supposed to close. That is the thinking behind the free course now running through Operation HOPE's network of coaches across 300 cities and 1,500 locations, people who live in the communities they serve, with no product to sell. Take the course yourself at operationhope.org or find more free Crypto 101 material at nca.org. Because crypto was always meant to be for everyone, including you. Learn more at nca.org. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA):Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 41: Crypto’s Impact on the Job Market and Economy | 05 Aug 2026 | 00:34:00 | |
When people argue about crypto, they usually argue about price. A new economic report suggests the more important story is happening somewhere else entirely: the American job market. In this episode, host Ali Tager sits down with economist Oliver Browne, who helped develop NCA’s Crypto At Work report, to unpack what the numbers say about crypto as a full-fledged American industry rather than just an asset class. Browne starts by busting a few common myths, that crypto work is only coding and finance, that the jobs all sit in Silicon Valley, and that they vanish the moment prices drop. According to the report, the crypto ecosystem already supports roughly 232,000 jobs across the US in 2026, spanning customer support, accounting, legal, operations, and compliance. And Browne explains that for every direct crypto job, the report finds six more are supported throughout the wider economy, a ripple effect he compares to tossing a stone into a pond, reaching everyone from the law firm and the data center to the corner restaurant and the DoorDash driver. The conversation digs into the parts that surprised Browne most: an average crypto salary of around $133,000 a year, roughly double the US median, and a map of opportunity that runs well beyond the coasts into Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and a stretch of heartland and energy-belt states. The takeaway, in Browne's framing, is that the question is no longer whether crypto matters to the American economy, but how much, and who gets to share in it. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA):Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 40: Crypto Security Explained | 29 Jul 2026 | 00:07:09 | |
Somewhere out there is a person who wants to try crypto but keeps hearing the same kind of story: someone lost everything because of a private key or a seed phrase, terms they never fully understood. That fear keeps a lot of people on the sidelines, and honestly, that is fair. The good news is that almost all of the confusion comes down to a small handful of words nobody ever bothers to explain clearly. In this episode, Ali breaks down the five crypto security terms that actually matter: private key, seed phrase, hot and cold wallets, multisig, and smart contract approvals. No background required. Just plain-English explanations and the kind of everyday analogies that make each one click. You will learn why "not your keys, not your crypto" is more than a slogan, the one thing you should never do with your seed phrase, when a hot wallet makes sense versus a cold one, and the simple habit of reviewing your approvals that most people skip. Each term comes with a real-world comparison, from the only key to a safe to handing a gym your credit card. By the end, you will know exactly what you are protecting and how to protect it, the same way you already stay safe online or with your bank. Want to practice with zero risk? Try the free simulator at nca.org, where you can explore wallets and transactions without ever touching your real accounts. Remember, crypto was always meant for everyone, including you. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA):Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 39: 5 Things Nobody Tells You About Stablecoins | 22 Jul 2026 | 00:14:25 | |
Splitting a dinner bill, paying a freelancer for work they just finished, sending money to someone across the world. The payment usually gets where it needs to go, but rarely as easily as it should, slowed down by fees, delays, and banking hours. Even the apps that feel instant, like Venmo, are really just moving IOUs behind the scenes, and the money is not always yours to use the moment it lands. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, host Ali Tager breaks down stablecoins, the digital dollars designed to hold a steady value and move like a text message, clearing in seconds for pennies at any hour of any day. She walks through the five things everyone should understand before they hear the word in the news again. Ali starts with what a stablecoin actually is, a digital asset pegged to one US dollar and issued by a regulated company required to hold real reserves behind every token, which she compares to a coat check where the dollars are your coat and the token is your ticket. From there she reframes how to think about them, as a tool for moving and holding value rather than something you buy hoping it grows, and explains why they are suddenly everywhere, driven by real adoption from payment companies and banks and by the Genius Act, the first federal law written specifically for payment stablecoins. The episode also slows down for the fine print. Not every stablecoin is built the same way, and Ali walks through the four main types and why the algorithmic ones have proven the most fragile, pointing to the 2022 collapse of TerraUSD as the cautionary tale the new rules are meant to guard against. She is also clear about what a stablecoin is not: it is not printed by the government, and it is not an insured bank deposit. It closes on a practical note. Before using one, do a few minutes of homework, check that the issuer is regulated, confirm the reserves are real and audited, make sure you can redeem it, and start small. For anyone who wants to see how it works first, Ali points to the free NCA Crypto Simulator at nca.org, which lets you practice sending and holding a stablecoin without any real money involved. The goal, she reminds listeners, is stability, not returns. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA):Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 38: 7 Things Nobody Tells You About Prediction Markets | 15 Jul 2026 | 00:16:45 | |
If you have watched the news lately, you have probably seen a percentage tucked in the corner of the screen next to the polling numbers, pulled from a place called Polymarket or Kalshi. Most people glance at it, wonder for a second where it came from, and move on. But that small number sits on top of one of the fastest-growing corners of finance, where billions of dollars now move every month on the outcomes of real-world events. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, host Ali Tager breaks down prediction markets, walking through what they are, how they are built, and why some of the biggest names in finance have started paying attention. At their simplest, these are platforms where people trade contracts tied to a future outcome, and the price of each contract reflects what the crowd collectively thinks the probability is. From there, Ali unpacks why the structure matters, how these markets run more like a stock exchange than anything else, and how the two biggest platforms, Polymarket and Kalshi, are built very differently under the hood. She digs into the part most people miss, that prediction markets have turned out to be surprisingly good at forecasting, accurate enough that researchers and even the Federal Reserve have taken note. And she connects it back to crypto, framing prediction markets as one of the clearest real-world examples of blockchain solving a practical problem today, running on-chain, settling automatically, and staying transparent around the clock. The episode closes on a structural takeaway: knowing what prediction markets are, how they are built, and where they fit is the difference between watching the news and understanding it. The same, Ali points out, goes for crypto more broadly. We do not get to opt out of technology that is already part of how the world works, but we do get to choose how informed we are about it. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA):Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 37: Real Estate Tokenization Explained with Brandon Frans | 08 Jul 2026 | 00:46:57 | |
Real estate has long been one of the clearest ways for everyday people to build something lasting, but getting started can come with a high price tag. Down payments, financing, paperwork, closing timelines, and the challenge of managing property from far away can make ownership feel out of reach before the process even begins. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, host Ali Tager sits down with Brandon Frans to unpack real estate tokenization, a new lane that lets people buy smaller pieces of investment properties instead of purchasing the whole thing. Brandon shares how he went from traditional real estate investing in Nebraska to owning slices of property across 26 states, and why the ability to spread smaller amounts across more places changed the way he thinks about access, diversification, and risk. From there, Ali and Brandon walk through how the process actually works, from choosing a platform and reviewing properties to completing onboarding steps and receiving rent distributions. They also slow down for the fine print: what ownership means when the deed is usually held by an LLC or SPV, why tokenized real estate is not the same as buying the home you live in, and why regulation, liquidity, offering documents, and platform research all matter. The episode closes with a practical reminder that tokenization does not replace traditional real estate or remove the need to do your homework. It adds a smaller on-ramp, faster settlement, and a clearer record of ownership, while still requiring people to understand what they are buying, start small, read the documents, and think carefully about whether the opportunity fits their goals. What We Discuss:0:00 Owning Real Estate Fractions0:43 What Is Property Tokenization2:35 Meet Brandon Franz, Realtor4:35 Owning Property In 26 States21:50 How To Buy Tokenized Real Estate25:00 Blockchain Property Records Explained26:54 Tokenization Vs Fractionalization36:34 Is Your Name On The Deed?41:03 Selling Tokenized Property Shares Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA):Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 36: Memecoins: Fact vs. Fiction | 01 Jul 2026 | 00:13:23 | |
Memecoins are one of the loudest, funniest, riskiest, and most misunderstood corners of crypto. They can start as jokes, spread through online communities, and suddenly show up everywhere in your feed, but that does not mean they work like major crypto tokens, stocks, or traditional investments. In this solo episode of Crypto, Explained, host Ali Tager breaks down what memecoins actually are, why people buy them, and what makes them different from other parts of the crypto world. She starts with the biggest misconception, that memecoins are “just a joke,” and explains how internet culture, community, attention, and belief can create real market activity even when a token is not built around a specific job it is meant to do. From there, Ali unpacks who actually buys memecoins, why cheap per token does not mean low risk, and why viral is not the same as verified. She explains how copycat tokens can use familiar names and logos, why checking the contract address matters, and why a token that everyone is talking about still needs to be verified before you touch it. The episode closes with a practical framework for approaching memecoins safely: treat them like fun money, use reputable platforms, verify what you are buying, make a small test purchase first, be careful with suspicious airdrops, and decide your exit plan before the moment starts making decisions for you. By the end, listeners will have a clearer way to look at the next memecoin lighting up their feed and understand the joke, the community, the attention, the risk, and the difference between enjoying something and betting on it. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA):Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 35: Making Sense of Crypto Finance Terms | 24 Jun 2026 | 00:07:46 | |
Market cap. Cost basis. Realized gains. Dollar cost averaging. For a lot of people, the vocabulary around crypto can feel like it requires a finance degree just to follow along. In this solo episode, host Ali Tager makes the case that it doesn't, and breaks down five personal finance terms you will hear in crypto so you can make sense of a chart and follow a conversation about the market without getting lost. Ali starts with dollar cost averaging, or DCA, the practice of buying a fixed dollar amount at regular intervals no matter the price, and compares it to filling up your gas tank on the same day every week, or to the way a 401(k) quietly does the same thing in the background. From there she unpacks market cap, showing how a coin trading at two dollars with a hundred million coins in circulation carries a two hundred million dollar market cap, and why that number tells you more about the size of a project than the price of a single coin. The conversation turns to volatility, framed through the weather, with crypto markets sitting on the stormier end of the spectrum, and why understanding that the swings run in both directions is one of the most important mental shifts for anyone getting started. Ali then clears up the difference between realized and unrealized gains, the fifty dollars you hold on paper when a hundred dollar buy climbs to one fifty, versus the gain that only becomes real, and in most places taxable, the moment you sell. She closes on cost basis, the hundred and two dollars you actually paid once a two dollar fee is folded in, and why good record keeping there saves a lot of headaches come tax time. What We Discuss:
Crypto Taxes with guest, Trish Turner: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HCU3gaX61mI Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA):Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 34: A New Way to Access Crypto: Digital Asset Treasuries with Asheesh Birla | 17 Jun 2026 | 00:49:53 | |
For more than a decade, blockchain has come with a lot of promises about what it could do someday. This episode is about what it is actually doing right now. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, host Ali Tager sits down with Asheesh Birla, CEO of Evernorth, a digital asset treasury focused on XRP that is preparing to go public. Asheesh has spent 13 years at the intersection of blockchain infrastructure and institutional finance, including a long run at Ripple, so he has watched this shift happen from the inside. Ali and Asheesh start with what blockchain actually delivers today once you strip away the theory. Asheesh explains the core idea in plain terms, that the technology lets you remove the middleman and trust the network instead, then walks through tokenization, the standardizing of real-world assets like bonds, equities, and property so they can move freely. He notes there is now roughly 300 billion dollars in stablecoins circulating, with more than half of it sitting outside the US, mostly in emerging markets where financial access is harder to come by. The heart of the conversation is digital asset treasuries, or DATs. Ali builds the picture from the original story most people know, Michael Saylor's company converting its corporate treasury into Bitcoin in 2020, and Asheesh explains what a DAT actually is: a regulated, audited, publicly traded way to get exposure to an asset like XRP without buying and custodying it yourself. He draws the line between passive treasuries and what Evernorth is building, an active treasury meant to be a steward of the XRP ecosystem, putting its balance sheet to work through lending and liquidity rather than just letting it sit. The throughline is what all of this means for everyday people. Ali cites the NCA's 2026 State of Crypto Holder report, which found that a quarter of American adults now hold crypto, up from one in five last year, and that the share actively using it roughly doubled. The takeaway is simple. This shift is not theoretical anymore. It happens quietly, in filings and boardrooms, and then one day a category that did not exist is just a normal part of the markets we already use. What We Discuss: 0:00 – Intro: What is blockchain actually doing today? Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA):Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 33: Crypto Policy Explained: What You Need to Know with Zunera Mazhar | 10 Jun 2026 | 00:53:48 | |
For a long time, the honest answer to "how is crypto regulated in the United States?" was some version of "it's complicated, it's evolving, the rules aren't clear yet." That answer is finally starting to change. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, host Ali Tager sits down with Zunera Mazhar, VP of Policy and Government Affairs at The Digital Chamber, to make sense of where crypto policy actually stands right now. Zunera spent more than two decades across banking and government, including serving at the FDIC as its first Deputy Chief Innovation Officer, so she has watched this shift happen from the inside. Ali and Zunera start with the headline most people have missed: real legislation is moving. The CLARITY Act, the market structure bill that aims to settle who regulates what, cleared the Senate Banking Committee in a bipartisan 15 to 9 vote, and the industry is hopeful it will pass. They also cover the news that crypto derivatives are coming back onshore, and what that means for the billions in liquidity that returns to the U.S. From there, Zunera takes on the biggest misconception she hears, that crypto does not want to be regulated. Coming from a regulator background, she explains why the opposite is true, and why the industry has been asking for clear rules all along. The conversation breaks down why the SEC and the CFTC treat crypto so differently, why Bitcoin gets classified as a commodity while many other tokens look more like securities, and how a tokenized money market fund is closer than you think. The throughline is what all of this means for everyday people. Ali and Zunera talk through the nearly 20 percent of U.S. adults who are unbanked or underbanked, how blockchain solved real access problems overseas before regulation ever caught up, and how someone nervous about getting started can take it slow. The takeaway is simple. Crypto policy in the U.S. is evolving, not disappearing. The space is maturing, not fading. And the people who take the time to understand what is actually happening are the ones who will feel most confident navigating it. What We Discuss: 0:00 - Intro & Clip: The Crypto Industry DOES Want Regulation 1:01 - The State of Crypto Policy in America 2:29 - Guest Intro: Zunera Mazar, VP of Policy at the Digital Chamber 3:11 - Zunera's Background & The Digital Chamber 5:09 - What Is MiCA? (EU Crypto Regulation Explained) 6:01 - Where US Crypto Regulation Stands Today (May 2026) 8:18 - Perps Coming Onshore: Historic CFTC Move 14:07 - Biggest Misconceptions About Crypto Regulation 14:07 - SEC vs. CFTC: What's the Difference? 16:57 - What Everyday Crypto Holders Need to Know 30:14 - Are Policymakers Informed or Playing Catch-Up? 31:16 - How Policy Will Impact Everyday People (Not Just Institutions) 36:34 - Crypto Risks & Benefits Often Overlooked 42:40 - Will the CLARITY Act Bring Innovation Back to America? 45:32 - Global Crypto Regulation Progress 47:52 - Where We're Over-Complicating Crypto Policy 49:36 - One Piece of Advice for Crypto Newbies Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA):Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 32: Decoding the 5 Most Common Crypto Assets | 03 Jun 2026 | 00:08:38 | |
If you've ever sat through a crypto conversation feeling like everyone else got handed a glossary you didn't, you're not alone. Terms like altcoin, memecoin, NFT, and ETF get tossed around constantly, but the truth is they're all just different flavors of the same world. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, host Ali Tager pulls together five of the most common digital asset types and lines them up side by side so you can finally see the full picture. We start with the difference between a coin and a token, two terms that get used interchangeably but actually describe different things. A coin runs on its own blockchain, like Bitcoin on the Bitcoin network or XRP on the XRP Ledger, while a token lives on top of an existing one, more like an app running on an iPhone's operating system. From there, we unpack NFTs, the one-of-a-kind digital assets that can't be swapped one-for-one, and why their use cases now stretch far beyond digital art into tickets, credentials, ownership records, and in-game items. We also dig into memecoins, a more volatile and culture-driven corner of crypto, and why they are often a first introduction to the space but also the area where new holders need to be the most careful. The conversation rounds out with altcoins, the catch-all term for any cryptocurrency that isn't Bitcoin, and ETFs, which aren't actually a type of crypto at all but a traditional investment product that holds crypto on your behalf. By the end, you'll have a clear mental map of how these assets relate to one another, and the confidence to keep up the next time these terms come up in conversation. What We Discuss: [0:00] Intro [0:32] What is a crypto asset? [1:37] Today's 5 terms overview [1:37] Term 1: Token vs. Coin [2:41] Term 2: NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens) [3:43] Term 3: Meme Coins [4:52] Term 4: Altcoins [6:09] Term 5: ETFs (Exchange Traded Funds) [7:24] Recap Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 31: The Surprising Way Ranchers Are Using Blockchain | 27 May 2026 | 00:55:34 | |
When you think about crypto, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn't cattle ranching. But that is exactly where some of the most interesting real-world blockchain use cases are happening right now. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, host Ali Tager sits down with Rob Jennings, President and Co-founder of CattleProof Verified, and Dr. Evan Whitley, Executive Director of Agriculture and Natural Resources for the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. CattleProof Verified is the first and only USDA-certified Process Verified Program that uses blockchain tech to create a trusted, audit-ready digital record of an animal's full story, from the pasture it was born into to the grocery store it ends up in. Rob and Evan walk through the problem blockchain technology actually solves. For decades, ranchers in the "cattle breadbasket" of America have been paid commodity prices for premium cattle because their story could not be verified at scale. Now by logging each animal's data onto a blockchain through tamper-resistant electronic ID tags, CattleProof creates an immutable, individual record for every animal, not just a group certificate that anyone could photocopy. From there, the conversation goes deeper into what changes on the ground. Choctaw Nation runs seven ranches across 65,000 acres and 2,500 cows, and Evan explains why adopting the system added almost no friction to their existing workflow. We also dig into the broader implications: faster disease traceability for food safety outbreaks, new export opportunities for small and medium producers, and how blockchain-based payments could eventually help ranchers settle faster, access better loan rates, and finally get paid what their work is worth. Rob and Evan close on a bigger idea. Blockchain is not just for finance or speculation. It is a railroad that can carry value and information for any industry, and cattle ranching is one of the clearest, most grounded examples of that already working in the real world. What We Discuss: (0:00) – Intro & episode teaser (0:19) – Welcome to Crypto Explained (1:09) – From ranch to grocery store: the blockchain journey (1:49) – Ranchers as unexpected blockchain pioneers (2:30) – Meet the guests: Rob Jennings & Dr. Evan Whitley (5:01) – What is provenance & why does it matter? (18:44) – Consumer trends: transparency & trust in beef (26:07) – How fraud enters the supply chain (33:08) – Day-to-day impact on ranchers (50:18) – Lightning round & key takeaways Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 30: What the FBI Wants You to Know About Crypto Safety | 20 May 2026 | 01:00:58 | |
Most online safety advice falls into one of two camps. It is either too vague to be useful, or so overwhelming that you tune it out before you can act on it. The truth sits somewhere in the middle. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, host Ali Tager sits down with Patrick Wyman, Chief of the Virtual Assets Unit at the FBI, and Travis Wiehn, Supervisory Special Agent at the FBI, for a candid conversation about what online scams actually look like in 2026 and the small set of habits that protect against most of them. The Virtual Assets Unit was established in 2022 as the FBI's dedicated team for crypto and digital asset cases, and Patrick and Travis walk through what their work really looks like, from tracing illicit value on the blockchain to freezing assets and returning them to victims. The conversation gets practical fast. Travis lays out three foundational habits anyone can build: delete the suspicious wrong-number texts, ignore unsolicited investment DMs, and always go directly to your platform rather than clicking links in emails. Patrick reinforces it with the FBI's Take a Beat campaign, built around the simple act of pausing before reacting to anything urgent. We also dig into how AI is reshaping the threat landscape, from deepfakes and voice cloning to grandparent emergency scams that sound real. From there, the conversation turns to the harder topics: how to talk to aging parents and kids about scams, the value of a family code word, and what the Internet Crime Complaint Centers (IC3) 2025 report reveals about where these crimes are headed. Patrick and Travis explain why reporting still matters even when results take time. What We Discuss: (0:00) - Intro & teaser (deepfake/LinkedIn story) (0:30) - Welcome & episode overview: Crypto scams (2:37) - Introducing guests: FBI's Virtual Asset Unit (2:38) - What is the FBI Virtual Asset Unit? (Patrick) (9:18) - Day-to-day casework at the VAU (Travis) (14:47) - What do you wish more people knew about this work? (20:47) - What does staying safe online actually look like? (22:05) - Top 2-3 foundational habits to stay safe online (28:48) - Social media & AI deepfake risks (37:07) - Protecting aging parents & family conversations (42:22) - IC3 Annual Report & scam data breakdown (48:07) - #1 most common scam: Investment/crypto fraud (55:02) - Closing on an optimistic note Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 29: Who Uses Crypto, Really? with Stu Alderoty | 13 May 2026 | 00:50:46 | |
Two years ago, the picture of a typical crypto holder was a 25-year-old guy in his mom's basement, chasing meme coins and dreaming of a Lambo. The data today tells a very different story. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, host Ali Tager sits down with returning co-host Stu Alderoty, President of the National Cryptocurrency Association and Chief Legal Officer at Ripple, to unpack the brand new 2026 State of Crypto Holders Report. Last year's headline was 1 in 5 American adults. This year it is 1 in 4, with more than 67 million U.S. adults holding crypto. Ali and Stu walk through who these new holders actually are, and the picture is nothing like the common stereotype. Construction workers outpace finance professionals, more than a quarter of holders earn under $75,000 a year, and 28 percent are 55 or older. We also dig into what they are doing with their crypto, from sending money to friends and family to paying for everyday goods, and why the data shows people are using it, not just holding it. From there, the conversation turns to the why behind the shift. Financial independence, personal growth, and the excitement of being part of something innovative are all up year over year, signaling that the motivation has moved from getting rich quick to building something for yourself. Stu also draws on his decades in traditional finance to explain why the line between TradFi and crypto is blurring, and why regulation may be the last domino for the crypto-curious still on the sidelines. What We Discuss: (0:00) – Intro: Crypto's normalization moment (cell phones vs. crypto comparison) (0:32) – The old image of crypto: who people thought was using it (1:44) – "Something is happening" – not a craze, a structural shift (2:36) – Interview begins with Stu Alderoty (NCA / Ripple) (2:52) – The big headline: 1 in 4 Americans now own crypto (12:55) – Who actually owns crypto? The surprising demographic breakdown (17:01) – Manufacturing workers & blue collar crypto usage data (20:18) – How people are actually using crypto (sending, spending, businesses) (23:45) – Why people use crypto: financial independence up to 54% (36:21) – Crypto holders see it as established & integrated into traditional finance (39:13) – The biggest hurdles before crypto becomes truly seamless (41:15) – Access, education & confidence: what needs to happen next (46:17) – "Knowledge equals trust" – how to get started with crypto Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 28: How Crypto Really Works Behind Every Transaction | 06 May 2026 | 00:08:32 | |
Ever nodded along when someone mentioned gas fees or layer twos, secretly hoping no one would ask you to explain? You are definitely not alone. The truth is, once you understand how crypto actually moves from one person to another, a lot of the mystery disappears. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, host Ali Tager walks through the four concepts that explain how crypto moves under the hood, giving you the vocabulary to follow along in any conversation. We start with gas fees, the small cost of asking a global network of computers to process and verify your transaction, and why those fees go to the people running the network rather than any middleman or company. From there, we unpack on-chain versus off-chain transactions, using a simple bar tab analogy to show why some transactions are recorded permanently on the blockchain while others happen faster and cheaper outside of it. We also explore layer two networks like Lightning, Arbitrum, and Optimism, which sit on top of the main blockchain to move transactions faster and at a lower cost, and why this is where a lot of the real crypto innovation is happening today. Finally, we cover block explorers, the free public search engines that let anyone look up any transaction, wallet, or block in real time. By the end, you will have a clearer picture of what actually happens when crypto goes from point A to point B, and the confidence to keep up when these terms come up in conversation. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 27: The Latest In Crypto: Breaking Down Recent Headlines | 29 Apr 2026 | 00:17:40 | |
Crypto headlines can feel overwhelming, full of noise, strong opinions, and confusing signals. This episode breaks them down into simple, clear takeaways so you can understand what is actually happening and what is worth paying attention to. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we unpack the biggest crypto headlines shaping the space right now. We break down media skepticism through the Ben McKenzie documentary, PayPal expanding its PYUSD stablecoin globally, banks like Wells Fargo exploring digital dollars, and how companies like Mastercard are integrating blockchain into everyday payment systems. We also explore what these stories signal about where crypto is heading, from stablecoins becoming part of global financial infrastructure to the early connection between AI and crypto through automated payments and new digital systems. Ali is the approachable, curious voice behind Crypto, Explained, helping beginners make sense of crypto in plain English so they can feel confident, capable, and included as they learn how crypto can fit into everyday life. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 26: Inside the NCA: How Crypto, Explained Was Built with Ant Lillingston | VP of Marketing, NCA | 22 Apr 2026 | 00:43:58 | |
Crypto can feel confusing when the story behind it is missing. Many people hear about crypto through headlines, trends, or opinions, but rarely understand who is building it or why it exists in the first place. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we sit down with Ant Lillingston, VP of Marketing at the National Cryptocurrency Association, to unpack why the NCA was created and how Crypto, Explained came to life. We break down how crypto inherited a culture of complexity and exclusion, why that created a gap for everyday people, and how the NCA is working to make crypto more accessible through real stories, simple education, and practical tools. We also explore how real crypto users across the country are using it in everyday ways, what the NCA learned from its first year of research and storytelling, and why the biggest barrier to adoption comes down to understanding rather than trust. Ant Lillingston is the VP of Marketing at the National Cryptocurrency Association, where he leads brand strategy, storytelling, and education efforts focused on helping everyday people understand and use crypto with confidence. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association
Learn more about Ant Lillingston: Linkedin: Ant Lillingston Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 25: The 5 Biggest Cryptocurrencies Explained | 15 Apr 2026 | 00:11:55 | |
Crypto includes a wide range of digital assets, each built for a specific function within the broader ecosystem. Understanding what each one does is key to making sense of how crypto works in practice. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we walk through five of the most widely used cryptocurrencies, Bitcoin, XRP, Ethereum, Solana, and Cardano, and break down what each one is designed to do. We cover how they differ in purpose, from storing value to enabling payments, powering applications, and supporting scalable networks. We also highlight a few additional cryptocurrencies to give you a broader view of how different tools fit into the crypto landscape. In this episode, Ali Tager, your crypto confidence coach, walks you through each concept step by step, making it simple to understand how crypto actually works in the real world. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 24: The Next Wave of Crypto Participation with PayPal + Karin | SXSW Panel | 08 Apr 2026 | 00:29:50 | |
Crypto can feel overwhelming when it lives in headlines, hype, and technical language. But behind all of that, it is increasingly becoming something people and businesses use in real, practical ways. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we sit down with Smitha Purohit, Sr. Director of Crypto Product at PayPal, and Karin Kusano, Crypto Market Strategist, to unpack how crypto is entering the mainstream through real use cases and everyday infrastructure. We break down how stablecoins are changing the way money moves, how companies like PayPal are integrating crypto into payments, and how financial autonomy and access are showing up for real people. We also explore how crypto is already being used for cross border payments, merchant transactions, and financial access, and why the biggest barrier today is not access but understanding. Smitha Purohit leads crypto products at PayPal, where she focuses on building payment infrastructure powered by digital assets, while Karin Kusano, a crypto market strategist, brings a personal and practical perspective on how crypto can create financial independence and real world impact. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association
Learn more about Smitha Purohit: LinkedIn: Smitha Purohit
Learn more about Karin Kusano: Website: cryptomommi Website: karinkusano LinkedIn: Karin Kusano
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 23: Reacting to Crypto Hot Takes with Ali Tager | Crypto Confidence Coach | 01 Apr 2026 | 00:13:37 | |
Crypto often gets reduced to headlines, hype, or fear, leaving many people unsure what to actually believe. For most, the biggest barrier is not access, but understanding what crypto is and how it fits into real life. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, Ali Tager, your crypto confidence coach, reacts to real, unfiltered opinions about crypto from everyday people. She breaks down common misconceptions around whether crypto is real, how it gets its value, and why it can feel confusing or intimidating at first. We also explore key concerns around security, including wallets and seed phrases, how to think about scams versus the underlying technology, and the simple rules that can help you stay safe. Finally, we highlight how crypto is already being used in practical ways, from payments to business adoption, and how confidence grows once people move from headlines to real understanding. Ali Tager is the host of Crypto, Explained and a leading voice in making crypto simple, approachable, and usable in everyday life. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 22: 5 Easy Ways to Start with Crypto with Stu Alderoty | President, National Cryptocurrency Association | 25 Mar 2026 | 00:45:14 | |
Crypto can feel intimidating when you are not sure where to start. Many people assume they need technical expertise or a large investment before exploring digital assets. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we sit down with Stu Alderoty, President of the National Cryptocurrency Association and Chief Legal Officer at Ripple, to unpack five simple ways beginners can explore crypto. We break down how crypto ETFs work through traditional brokerage accounts, how stablecoins introduce people to digital finance, and why buying a small fraction of a cryptocurrency can help people learn the crypto space step by step. We also explore how receiving crypto can sometimes be easier than buying it, how wallet addresses function similarly to bank routing and account numbers, and how crypto payments already appear in everyday tools used for shopping, sending money, and paying businesses. Stu Alderoty is President of the National Cryptocurrency Association and Chief Legal Officer at Ripple, where he focuses on advancing clear policy, responsible innovation, and broader public understanding of digital assets. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 21: Crypto Taxes Made Simple with a Former IRS Agent | 18 Mar 2026 | 00:43:02 | |
Crypto taxes can feel overwhelming, especially when you hear terms like capital gains, 1099 forms, and reporting requirements. The good news is that once you understand the basic rules, crypto taxes become much more manageable. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we sit down with Trish Turner, crypto tax expert and former head of the IRS digital asset division, to unpack how crypto is actually taxed and what that means for everyday holders. We break down when crypto is treated like property, what triggers a taxable event, how the new 1099 DA form works, and which key forms like 8949, Schedule D, and Schedule 1 matter most. We also explore common misconceptions like thinking you only owe taxes when you cash out to dollars, how losses and wash sale rules apply, what happens with NFTs and gifting, and why tracking every move across wallets and exchanges can save you serious stress later. Trish Turner is the founder of Crypto Tax Girl, where she helps individuals and businesses navigate complex digital asset tax situations with clarity, strategy, and practical guidance. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: National Cryptocurrency Association Facebook: National Cryptocurrency Association
Learn more about Trish Turner Website: https://cryptotaxgirl.com Instagram: @cryptotaxgirl Threads: Crypto Tax Girl
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 20: Stablecoins in the Headlines: What the Latest News Actually Means | 11 Mar 2026 | 00:14:51 | |
Stablecoins are appearing in crypto headlines across policy, payments, and technology. From Washington regulation to global finance infrastructure, new developments are shaping how digital dollars can move through everyday financial systems. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we break down the biggest stablecoin headlines shaping the conversation right now. We unpack the policy debate around rewards on dollar backed stablecoins and the proposed Clarity Act, the growing tension between banks and crypto companies, and why companies like Polygon, PayPal, YouTube, and Visa are building new payment systems around stablecoins. We also explore how stablecoins are moving into other financial lanes, from creator payouts to cross border payments and payment networks used by millions of people every day. Ali Tager, host of Crypto, Explained and the voice behind the show's plain English approach to crypto education, helps listeners understand the news shaping digital assets so they can feel confident navigating the crypto space. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 19: Crypto ETFs Explained for Beginners | 04 Mar 2026 | 00:15:07 | |
Crypto ETFs can sound like a complicated Wall Street product. In reality, they are a simple way to get crypto price exposure through a regular brokerage account, without needing to set up wallets or learn new tools. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we unpack what ETFs are, how they work, and how crypto ETFs fit into the picture. We break down spot versus futures crypto ETFs, how ETFs compare to mutual funds and individual assets, and what makes crypto treasury companies like MicroStrategy a completely different category. We also explore why people choose crypto ETFs, the biggest benefits and trade-offs, and the key questions to ask before buying, including fees, goals, and the gap between ETF pricing and underlying crypto prices. Ali is the approachable, curious voice behind Crypto, Explained, helping beginners make sense of crypto in plain English so they can feel confident, capable, and included as they learn how crypto can fit into everyday life. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 18: Stablecoins and the Rise of Digital Dollars | 25 Feb 2026 | 00:47:14 | |
Talking about stablecoins can sometimes feel technical or confusing, especially when the word crypto already makes some people hesitate. In this episode, we break down the steady side of crypto and show how digital dollars actually work in real life.
In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we sit down with Jack McDonald, SVP of Stablecoins at Ripple, to unpack what stablecoins are, how they stay pegged to the U.S. dollar, and why they are becoming one of the most practical use cases in crypto today. We break down how stablecoins are minted and redeemed, how reserves are held in treasuries and money market funds, what the GENIUS Act means for regulation, and why some people call stablecoins the least crypto part of crypto.
We also explore cross border payments, inflation in high risk countries, on chain money that moves 24-7, programmable payments, de-pegging risk, and how everyday users can do smart due diligence before getting started.
Jack McDonald leads stablecoin strategy at Ripple, one of the longest standing digital asset companies in the industry, and helps institutions understand how regulated digital dollars can move faster, settle instantly, and bridge traditional finance with blockchain technology.
What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Learn more about Ripple: Ripple Website: https://ripple.com Ripple X: https://x.com/Ripple Ripple LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ripple/
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 17: When One Partner Is Crypto Curious and One Is Not | 18 Feb 2026 | 00:43:44 | |
Talking about crypto with your partner can feel awkward, risky, or even off limits. In this episode, we break down how real couples navigate skepticism, risk tolerance, and long term financial goals without turning it into a fight. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we sit down with Jennifer and Jason, a real life couple balancing careers, parenting, and investing, to unpack what it actually looks like when one partner is crypto curious and the other is skeptical. We explore how they moved from doubt to alignment, what helped build trust, how they created a shared financial path, and why starting small made all the difference. We also explore FOMO, risk tolerance, crypto ETFs using retirement accounts, merchant adoption at places like Whole Foods and Home Depot, and how tools like glossaries, beginner courses, and simulators can make crypto feel practical instead of intimidating. Jennifer and Jason are working parents who approach crypto with transparency, research, and humor, showing how everyday families can build confidence, stay aligned, and make thoughtful decisions about money in a digital world. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 16: Building on Blockchain Without Being a Tech Bro with Dom & Phil Kwok | 11 Feb 2026 | 00:55:44 | |
Building on a blockchain can sound technical, intimidating, or out of reach, but at its core it is simply software created by real people that runs on decentralized networks instead of traditional servers. This episode breaks down what building on-chain really means, how it works, and why more people than ever can participate without being engineers or insiders. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we unpack blockchain building in plain English with Phil and Dom Kwok, co-founders of EasyA. We explain what "building on-chain" actually means, how it differs from traditional software development, and how tools like smart contracts make it easier to create apps, move value, and launch ideas directly on blockchain networks. We also explore common myths and misconceptions around crypto and blockchain, including who can build, how much coding knowledge is required, and debunking that this technology is only for experts. The conversation highlights real-world use cases, from payments and stablecoins to global access and mobile-first education, showing how blockchain is already part of everyday life around the world. Ali is the approachable, curious voice behind Crypto, Explained, guiding beginners through crypto and blockchain without hype or jargon, and helping listeners feel confident, capable, and included as they learn how blockchain can fit into their everyday lives. What We Discuss: (00:40) Introduction: Why Building on Blockchain Feels Intimidating Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Learn more about Phil Kwok and Dom Kwok.
Learn more about EasyA: Website: https://www.easya.io Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 15: How Crypto Donations Actually Work | 04 Feb 2026 | 00:42:28 | |
Crypto donations can feel complicated, intimidating, or unclear, but at their core they are simply a new way to give using digital assets. This episode breaks down what crypto donations really are, how they work, and why they can make giving easier, faster, and more impactful for both donors and nonprofits. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we unpack crypto philanthropy in plain English with Emily Fascilla from The Giving Block. We explain what crypto is at a basic level, how donating crypto works step by step, and how it differs from traditional payment tools like credit cards or Venmo. We also explore common myths and misconceptions around crypto, including anonymity, security, and risk, and explain the real benefits of crypto giving, from tax advantages to global access and financial sovereignty. The conversation highlights how crypto is already being used for good and why it is not just for experts, insiders, or tech savvy investors. Ali is the approachable, curious voice behind Crypto, Explained, guiding beginners through crypto and blockchain without hype or jargon, and helping listeners feel confident, capable, and included as they learn how crypto can fit into everyday life. What We Discuss:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Learn more about Emily Fascilla: LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/emilyfascilla X : https://x.com/TheGivingBlock website : https://thegivingblock.com Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 14: Memecoins Explained | 28 Jan 2026 | 00:21:41 | |
Memecoins can sometimes feel confusing, overhyped, or outright chaotic, but at their core they are digital tokens driven by internet culture, community, and attention rather than utility. This episode breaks down what meme coins really are, how they work, and how to approach them safely if you choose to experiment. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, Ali unpacks memecoins to explain why they move so fast, how they differ from other cryptocurrencies, and why their value is tied more to hype and momentum than long-term use. The episode covers common memecoin scenarios, major misconceptions, real pros and cons, and the risks beginners need to understand. We also explore how understanding memecoins helps listeners set realistic expectations, recognize scams, manage risk, and decide whether treating memecoins as digital collectibles or entertainment makes sense for them. Ali is the approachable, curious voice behind Crypto, Explained, guiding beginners through blockchain and crypto in plain English and helping people feel confident, capable, and included in the digital asset space. What We Discuss: (00:40) Introduction: What Meme Coins Are and Why They Feel Confusing (01:50) What Is a Meme Coin and How It Works (04:26) Meme Coins vs Other Cryptocurrencies (5:46) Three Real Meme Coin Scenarios (9:25) The Biggest Misconceptions About Meme Coins (11:40) Pros, Cons, and Real Risks (16:30) How to Try Meme Coins Safely (19:42) Recap and Key Takeaways (21:05) Closing Thoughts and What's Next
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 13: NFTs Explained | 21 Jan 2026 | 00:18:54 | |
NFTs can sometimes feel confusing, overhyped, or hard to understand, but they are simply unique digital assets with verified ownership on the blockchain. This episode breaks down what NFTs really are, how they work, and why they matter in everyday life. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, Ali unpacks NFTs, or non-fungible tokens, to explain how they establish digital ownership, why each one is unique, and how blockchain keeps transfers secure and transparent. The episode covers NFTs uses from art and gaming to access, and real-world assets (RWA's). We also explore how understanding NFTs helps listeners approach digital assets with clarity, knowing what they are actually buying, what rights come with them, and how these tools can be used meaningfully. Ali is the approachable, curious voice behind Crypto, Explained, guiding beginners through blockchain and crypto in plain English and helping people feel confident, capable, and included in the digital asset space. What We Discuss: (00:38) Introduction: Why NFTs Confuse Newcomers (01:31) What Actually is an NFT? (03:01) Non-Fungible Tokens: The Definition of Fungibility (03:42) How the Blockchain Records Ownership (04:23) NFTs Beyond Art: Music, Gaming, and Access (05:43) Real-World Uses: Royalties and Gaming Items (06:53) Tickets, Membership Passes, and Real-World Records (08:09) Understanding NFTs With the Museum Painting Analogy (09:24) Benefits and Trade-Offs: Verification and Fractional Ownership (11:42) Considerations: Terms, Volatility, and Scams (13:02) What Happens if You Sell an NFT? (14:13) Getting Started: Wallets, Marketplaces, and Buying (16:10) Recap: The Seven Key Takeaways (18:16) Closing Thoughts: Reviews and Next Episode Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/ Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 12: Smart Contracts Explained | 14 Jan 2026 | 00:18:44 | |
Smart contracts can sound complicated, but at their core, they are just code that executes agreements automatically. In this episode, Ali breaks down how these digital rules work and why they matter in everyday life. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, Ali unpacks smart contracts to uncover how these programs remove middlemen, enforce rules automatically, and make blockchain more than just a way to send money. She explains how smart contracts automate agreements, make rules transparent, and reduce extra steps by running directly on the blockchain. She also explores how smart contracts show up in real-world situations, from buying digital art and trading in-game items to accessing financial tools without traditional barriers. Understanding these examples helps make these programs feel practical, usable, and safe. Ali is the approachable, curious voice behind Crypto, Explained, guiding listeners through blockchain and crypto in plain English, and helping beginners see how smart contracts can actually simplify and empower everyday interactions with digital assets. What's Discussed: (00:41) Introduction to Smart Contracts and How They Work (02:02) How Smart Contracts Run Automatically Without Middlemen (04:23) A Simple Example: Buying Digital Art and NFTs (05:29) Why Blockchains Needed Smart Contracts to Evolve (07:15) Smart Contracts Explained with the Hotel Key Card Analogy (08:41) Rules, Predictability, and Removing Ambiguity in Contracts (12:03) Real-World Uses: Gaming, Digital Assets, and Everyday Tools (15:01) How Smart Contracts Expand Access Beyond Traditional Systems (16:01) Speed and Reliability Compared to Traditional Methods (16:50) Recap and What's Next: Building on Smart Contracts Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 11: 8 Simple Steps to Keep Your Crypto Secure | 07 Jan 2026 | 00:10:55 | |
Crypto security can feel complicated, but most protection comes from simple habits anyone can learn. In this episode, we walk through eight small routines that make a big difference in keeping your accounts and devices safe. Everything stays clear, practical, and beginner friendly. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we walk through eight essential steps that strengthen your online security and protect your digital assets. You will learn how two factor authentication adds a critical layer of defense, why phishing traps are so convincing, and how to set up your tools so they work quietly in the background to keep you safe. We also explain hot and cold wallets, why test transactions prevent expensive mistakes, and how each step works together to shut down the most common scams. We also explore how bookmarking official sites, updating your devices regularly, and reviewing wallet activity each week can turn security into a simple routine that supports your crypto confidence over the long term. Ali is the curious, approachable voice behind Crypto Explained, guiding listeners through crypto in plain English and giving beginners the tools they need to feel secure, capable, and ready to explore digital money with confidence. Tune in to Crypto, Explained by the NCA, Episode 11, to discover how curiosity can turn into confidence in the world of digital money.
What's Discussed: (00:06) How two-factor authentication protects your most important accounts (03:51) Why phishing traps work and how to avoid them (06:21) The difference between hot wallets and cold wallets (07:17) Why test transactions prevent costly mistakes (08:04) How updates, browser hygiene, and clean devices keep wallets safe (08:58) The right way to store keys and recovery phrases offline (10:17) How to spot scams that rely on urgency or unrealistic promises (11:03) Why checking wallet activity weekly boosts long-term security
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
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| 10: How to Get Started in Crypto with Karin | 31 Dec 2025 | 00:39:39 | |
Crypto is becoming a powerful tool for ownership, strategy, and long term financial confidence as it enters mainstream finance. This episode focuses on how crypto connects individual empowerment with institutional adoption and real market impact. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we sit down with Karin, a crypto holder and trader to unpack how financial self sovereignty, market structure, and real world crypto adoption intersect. We break down how institutions approach crypto as an asset class, why wallets and on-chain transparency matter, and how strategy, education, and access shape sustainable participation in crypto markets. We also explore how to get started with crypto, how to keep your assets secure, and how crypto provides transparency and financial self sovereignty, helping people build confidence, clarity, and control as they engage with digital assets. Karin is a dynamic leader, consultant, and recognized voice in Web3 and institutional crypto adoption, serving in fractional executive roles, advising startups, speaking globally on crypto and DAO security, and supporting financial literacy through board leadership and industry education. What's Discussed:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Disclaimer: The information I share in this content is for educational purposes only and should not be taken as financial, legal, or investment advice. If you choose to reuse, quote, or repurpose any part of this material in media, print, or online, please credit me appropriately as the original source in some form or capacity. Thank you for helping ensure my contribution is properly attributed.
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| 9: How Crypto Changes the Way Money Moves with PayPal | 24 Dec 2025 | 00:33:02 | |
Crypto payments are quietly reshaping how money moves, making transfers faster, cheaper, and more accessible for everyday people around the world. This episode focuses on the real value behind crypto and why payments may be the place where it matters most. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we sit down with May Zabaneh, Vice President of Product for Blockchain, Crypto, and Digital Currencies at PayPal, to unpack how crypto is moving beyond trading and into real world payments. We break down why cross border transfers are still inefficient, how stablecoins create economic stability, how people are using crypto for shopping and gifting, and what recent data reveals about growing adoption. We also explore how trusted platforms, familiar apps, and a focus on real world utility over technical complexity are helping crypto feel simpler, safer, and more usable in everyday life. May Zabaneh leads PayPal's blockchain, crypto, and digital currency initiatives, working at the intersection of traditional finance and emerging technology to improve how money moves globally for consumers and merchants. What's Discussed:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 8: Decoding Crypto Jargon with the NCA Team | 17 Dec 2025 | 00:36:06 | |
Crypto jargon creates confusion fast and keeps beginners from feeling confident in the space. This episode simplifies the core terms that shape the crypto world so listeners can finally understand the language without getting lost in complexity. We break everything down into plain English so the concepts feel familiar and usable. In this episode of Crypto Explained, we sit down with Gabby from NCA, a leading educator at the National Cryptocurrency Association, to unpack the crypto vocabulary every beginner hears but rarely gets explained clearly. We cover what crypto actually is, how DeFi works in everyday terms, the difference between coins and tokens, why stablecoins stay steady, what makes meme coins unpredictable, and how private keys, seed phrases, gas fees, and DYOR fit into safe navigation of the digital economy. We also explore how relatable analogies, simple definitions, and real examples help beginners learn faster and start using crypto with clarity and confidence. What's Discussed:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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| 7: 5 Crypto Scams and How to Easily Avoid Them | 10 Dec 2025 | 00:15:22 | |
Crypto scams show up in more places than people expect, and knowing how to spot them helps you stay safe online. In this episode, we break down the five major scams that target beginners and explain the simple habits that protect your digital assets. In this episode of Crypto Explained, we sit down with the National Cryptocurrency Association team to unpack how relationship scams build trust before asking for money, why pump and dumps rely on hype, how fake giveaways spread through deepfakes, what impersonation scams look like, and how phishing links attempt to steal sensitive information. We also explore how quick checks like verifying URLs, slowing down when something feels urgent, and avoiding surprise messages can help you stay secure every time you go online. The National Cryptocurrency Association provides education and real-world guidance to help everyday people understand crypto safely and confidently, empowering listeners to use digital money with clarity and control.
What's Discussed:
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 6: Making Crypto Make Sense with Natalie Rix | 03 Dec 2025 | 00:50:14 | |
Crypto can feel confusing when headlines and hype overshadow the simple ideas that make the technology useful. In this episode, we bring everything back to basics so beginners can finally understand how crypto shows up in everyday life. Everything stays clear, practical, and easy to follow. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we sit down with Natalie Rix, Head of Communications at Gemini, to unpack the biggest myths that keep people from feeling comfortable with crypto. We break down why scandals like FTX were driven by old fashioned fraud rather than blockchain, how crypto supports faster global payments, and why small steps like rewards or fifty dollar buys help beginners learn without pressure. We also explain how clear language, simple analogies, and real world examples make crypto feel accessible to anyone. We also explore how curiosity, small habits, and beginner friendly tools can shift crypto from something intimidating to something practical in daily life. Natalie Rix is the communications leader at Gemini, known for turning complex ideas into plain language and helping everyday people feel informed, included, and confident as they explore digital money. Tune in to Crypto, Explained by NCA, Episode 6, to discover how simple conversations can clear the confusion and help you understand crypto with confidence. What's Discussed: (00:06) Why crypto myths spread and how they confuse beginners (03:42) The difference between crypto scams and actual blockchain technology (06:15) How global payments and remittances work on crypto rails (08:03) Why crypto can help protect value in high inflation environments (09:27) How to start small with rewards or fifty dollar buys (11:14) Why jargon blocks adoption and how simple language fixes it (13:02) How to think about ownership on chain vs traditional banking (15:48) Everyday examples of crypto showing up in real life
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
Learn More about Natalie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliearix | |||
| 5: What Actually Gives Crypto Its Value | 26 Nov 2025 | 00:17:17 | |
Crypto feels like it's everywhere, but knowing where you should get started? That's the tricky part. In this episode of Crypto, Explained, we make the first steps clear and simple. You'll learn what gives crypto its value, how to use it safely, and why understanding the basics can open new doors for your financial future. We answer real listener questions, break down how crypto works, and show how it's already being used for payments, DeFi, and NFTs in everyday life. Tune in to Crypto, Explained by the NCA, Episode 5 , to discover how curiosity can turn into confidence in the world of digital money.
What's Discussed: 2:48 – What Actually Gives Crypto Its Value 4:58 – Why You Don't Need a Whole Coin to Start 5:46 – How Crypto Makes Payments Faster and Easier 7:52 – Why It's Not Too Late to Get Started 13:31 – What DeFi Really Means and Why It Matters 17:40 – Real-Life Story: How a Creator Pays His Team in Crypto
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/
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| 4: Crypto Wallets Explained | 19 Nov 2025 | 00:19:08 | |
Your crypto isn't really in your wallet. So where is it? And how do you keep it safe? In this episode, we break down the role of wallets in the crypto world and why understanding them matters. From how they give you access to your assets to the different levels of security and control they offer, you'll learn how to make smart, confident decisions that fit your needs. We unpack the five fundamentals of crypto wallets, explain how they work in plain English, and show how real people are using them to build financial independence. Tune in to Crypto, Explained by the NCA, Episode 4, to learn how wallets are transforming the way people store, protect, and use their money in the digital world. What's Discussed: 1:22 – Why Crypto Wallets Aren't as Complicated as They Seem 10:30 – Who's Really Using Crypto (The Surprising Stats) 15:35 – How Crypto Wallets Actually Work 17:42 – Choosing the Right Type of Wallet 22:50 – Keys, Addresses, and Recovery Phrases Explained Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA):
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| 3: Stu Alderoty: Crypto Myths Debunked in Plain English | 12 Nov 2025 | 00:43:06 | |
If you've spent any time online, you've probably noticed everyone seems to have a strong opinion about crypto. Some call it the future of money. Others say it's a scam, a fad, or just fake internet cash. It can be confusing, and it makes sense why so many myths have taken hold. In this episode, we're unpacking the biggest myths and misconceptions that shape how people view crypto. From claims that it has no real value to the idea that it's too late to get started, we're taking a closer look at what's fact and what's fiction. Ali is joined by Stu Alderoty, President of the National Cryptocurrency Association and Chief Legal Officer at Ripple. Stu brings years of experience at the intersection of law, finance, and innovation, offering a clear perspective on what crypto is and how it actually works. 🎧 Tune in to Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association for Episode 3 to uncover the truth behind the biggest crypto myths and learn how this technology is already transforming money, trust, and everyday life. What we discuss:
Find more from Stuart Alderoty: Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org X: https://twitter.com/@natcryptoassoc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@natcryptoassoc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/ Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 2: 7 Things You Need to Know About Blockchain (Explaining It In Plain English) | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:25:54 | |
Almost half of people in the U.S. who don't own or use crypto say they don't understand how it all works. Nearly 70% say they'd want more information before they'd even consider getting involved. And about a third are open to learning, but the truth is… overall confidence in understanding the tech is still pretty low. That's a huge number of people basically saying, 'I've heard the word blockchain, but I couldn't explain it even if my life depended on it.' And honestly? We get it. The word itself sounds complicated, the headlines make it feel intimidating, and the crypto hype doesn't exactly make it easier to trust. But, as crypto is becoming more mainstream, it's time that someone clearly explains what it is. So in today's episode, we're stripping it all down. No jargon, no tech headaches, just 7 simple things you need to know about blockchain. By the end of this,hopefully you'll be able to explain it in plain English for yourself. We promise: you'll walk away from this episode with a clear, no-BS understanding of what this is all is and why it matters. What's Discussed: 03:45 – The Biggest Myth About Blockchain, Debunked 07:10 – Blockchain Explained: The Giant Digital Notebook 12:25 – What "Decentralized" Really Means (In Plain English) 17:40 – The Google Doc Analogy That Makes Blockchain Click 22:55 – Every Transaction Is a Lego Brick That Locks in Forever 28:30 – How Blockchain Balances Privacy and Transparency 33:45 – Real-World Blockchain: How Crypto Is Modernizing Ranching
Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org/ Twitter: https://x.com/natcryptoassoc?lang=en Instagram: @natcryptoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7_uritgUHlXQyVC3HKqJOQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc/?viewAsMember=true Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| 1: What Is Crypto, Really? | 05 Nov 2025 | 00:37:28 | |
If you've ever wondered what crypto actually is, why it matters, and why everyone has an opinion about it—this episode is for you. With expert guest Stuart Alderoty, President of the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA) and Chief Legal Officer at Ripple, we break down what crypto is, how blockchain works, and why it's becoming part of everyday life. You'll learn how to explain crypto to your grandma, what gives crypto its value, how it cuts out middlemen to make transactions faster and cheaper, and hear real stories of people using it for freedom, security, and opportunity. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or starting from zero, this episode will finally make crypto make sense with this Crypto 101 crash course — no jargon, charts, or hype. What's Discussed: 03:10 – From Wall Street to Blockchain: A Big Shift 08:25 – Quickfire Myths, Mistakes, and Must-Knows 12:10 – Explaining Crypto So Even Your Grandma Gets It 18:45 – What Actually Gives Crypto Its Value 25:30 – 5 Surprising Ways People Use Crypto Every Day 33:15 – "Trustless" Sounds Bad… Until You Hear This 39:40 – The Future of Money Is Already Here Find more from Stuart Alderoty: Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice. | |||
| Welcome to Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association | 28 Oct 2025 | 00:02:16 | |
Let's be real — most people feel lost when it comes to crypto. The language sounds like another planet, the research feels overwhelming, and the loudest voices often make it seem like you need to be in finance or deep in the tech world just to keep up. But here's the truth: Crypto isn't just for experts or insiders — it's for you. Whether you're crypto-curious, crypto-confused, or somewhere in between, this is your space to see how crypto can actually fit into your everyday life. The National Cryptocurrency Association was created to help Americans make sense of crypto by sharing real stories of how it benefits your everyday life and supporting the communities with the most to gain. It's our goal to provide educational resources to help you navigate the jargon and complexity and to make sure you stay informed with what happens next. On this show, we'll tackle the questions you've always had but maybe felt too embarrassed to ask. We'll bust the big myths, like "crypto is just a scam," break down the headlines so they actually make sense, and show you the practical ways crypto and blockchain are already showing up in everyday life. So whether you're just dipping your toes in or you've been curious for years but never knew where to start, this podcast is your guide. Each week we'll break it down, keep it simple, and help you become crypto confident. New episodes drop every week — so hit follow on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and together we will discover how crypto fits into your money, your world, and your future. Find more from the NCA: Website: https://nca.org/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc/ X: https://x.com/NatCryptoAssoc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natcryptoassoc/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7_uritgUHlXQyVC3HKqJOQ Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.
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