Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...