Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association
This podcast aims to demystify cryptocurrency for everyday people. It breaks down complex crypto concepts into simple, understandable terms, helping listeners become more confident in navigating the crypto world. Each episode covers practical ways crypto can fit into daily life, without requiring a finance or tech background.
Episodes
50: How to Start Learning Crypto From Zero
Most people can name the moment they decided something was not for them. Someone explained it badly, the room seemed to already understand, and asking felt worse than not knowing. That decision gets filed away as a preference and then sits there for years, never reopened.In this episode, Ali Tager sits down with Lauren Weymouth, who leads the University Blockchain Research Initiative, Ripple's
49: Most People First Meet Crypto Through Media
Picture someone who owns crypto. For most of us the same face shows up: a young guy, a wall of screens, a lot of jargon, and maybe a little too much confidence. That picture is doing real damage, because it tells everyone who does not see themselves in it that this was never meant for them.In this episode, Ali Tager sits down with Kristina Sherk, a headshot photographer and Photoshop educator base
48: Companies Are Building the Rails for AI Payments, Part 2
Picture someone who owns crypto. For most of us the same face shows up: a young guy, a wall of screens, a lot of jargon, and maybe a little too much confidence. That picture is doing real damage, because it tells everyone who does not see themselves in it that this was never meant for them.In this episode, Ali Tager sits down with Kristina Sherk, a headshot photographer and Photoshop educator base
47: The Clarity Act Did Not Get the Votes It Needed
Yesterday the Senate voted on whether to advance the Clarity Act, and it did not get the votes it needed. In this short update, Ali explains what that actually means, starting with the thing worth hearing first: if you already hold crypto, nothing changes.The vote was a cloture vote, not a vote on whether the Clarity Act becomes law. It was a vote on whether the Senate could begin debating it, and
46: Crypto and AI Are Using Each Other, Not Merging, Part 1
Open a news app, a feed, or a newspaper right now and the same two words keep showing up together: crypto and AI. They get stacked in headlines so often that it starts to feel like they are merging into one bigger thing. They are not. They are two separate technologies, and what is actually happening between them is smaller, more specific, and a lot more useful to understand.In this episode, Ali w
45: Crypto in the Real World
Picture someone who owns crypto. For most of us the same face shows up: a young guy, a wall of screens, a lot of jargon, and maybe a little too much confidence. That picture is doing real damage, because it tells everyone who does not see themselves in it that this was never meant for them.In this episode, Ali Tager sits down with Kristina Sherk, a headshot photographer and Photoshop educator base
44: What is DeFi? 5 Common Terms To Know
There is a specific kind of moment that keeps people out of crypto. You are scrolling, or you are at dinner, and somebody starts talking about yield and liquidity pools and staking rewards like it is all perfectly normal conversation, and you are just sitting there thinking you do not know what any of that means. That feeling is not a knowledge problem. It is a vocabulary problem, and it has a fix
43: Why Wealth and Income Are Not the Same Thing
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
42: The Crypto Course With Nothing to Sell You
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
41: Crypto’s Impact on the Job Market and Economy
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
40: Crypto Security Explained
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 cl
39: 5 Things Nobody Tells You About Stablecoins
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.
38: 7 Things Nobody Tells You About Prediction Markets
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 t
37: Real Estate Tokenization Explained with Brandon Frans
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 Bran
36: Memecoins: Fact vs. Fiction
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 p
35: Making Sense of Crypto Finance Terms
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 witho
34: A New Way to Access Crypto: Digital Asset Treasuries with Asheesh Birla
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 infrastru
33: Crypto Policy Explained: What You Need to Know with Zunera Mazhar
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
32: Decoding the 5 Most Common Crypto Assets
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 a
31: The Surprising Way Ranchers Are Using Blockchain
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
30: What the FBI Wants You to Know About Crypto Safety
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 conve
29: Who Uses Crypto, Really? with Stu Alderoty
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 ne
28: How Crypto Really Works Behind Every Transaction
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, givi
27: The Latest In Crypto: Breaking Down Recent Headlines
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 McKen
26: Inside the NCA: How Crypto, Explained Was Built with Ant Lillingston | VP of Marketing, NCA
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, Explain
25: The 5 Biggest Cryptocurrencies Explained
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 c
24: The Next Wave of Crypto Participation with PayPal + Karin | SXSW Panel
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 mainst
23: Reacting to Crypto Hot Takes with Ali Tager | Crypto Confidence Coach
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 misconcep
22: 5 Easy Ways to Start with Crypto with Stu Alderoty | President, National Cryptocurrency Association
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 h
21: Crypto Taxes Made Simple with a Former IRS Agent
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 t
20: Stablecoins in the Headlines: What the Latest News Actually Means
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 re
19: Crypto ETFs Explained for Beginners
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
18: Stablecoins and the Rise of Digital Dollars
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 p
17: When One Partner Is Crypto Curious and One Is Not
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 lo
16: Building on Blockchain Without Being a Tech Bro with Dom & Phil Kwok
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, Explaine
15: How Crypto Donations Actually Work
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 E
14: Memecoins Explained
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 mov
13: NFTs Explained
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 u
12: Smart Contracts Explained
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
11: 8 Simple Steps to Keep Your Crypto Secure
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
10: How to Get Started in Crypto with Karin
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
9: How Crypto Changes the Way Money Moves with PayPal
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
8: Decoding Crypto Jargon with the NCA Team
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
7: 5 Crypto Scams and How to Easily Avoid Them
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 befor
6: Making Crypto Make Sense with Natalie Rix
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 unp
5: What Actually Gives Crypto Its Value
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
4: Crypto Wallets Explained
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 fundamenta
3: Stu Alderoty: Crypto Myths Debunked in Plain English
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
2: 7 Things You Need to Know About Blockchain (Explaining It In Plain English)
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
1: What Is Crypto, Really?
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
Welcome to Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association
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 bet
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