Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

National Cryptocurrency Association
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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. Each week we'll break it down, keep it simple, and help you become crypto confident.

  1. 6D AGO

    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, 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 (00:53) What "Building on Chain" Actually Means (02:19) Blockchain vs Traditional Software Development (03:01) Origin Story: How Phil and Dom Got Into Crypto (8:30) Real World Crypto Use Cases: Payments, Stablecoins, Access (13:03) Smart Contracts Explained in Plain English (18:52) Common Myths and Misconceptions About Blockchain (23:51) The EasyA Origin Story (29:43) Real People, Real Projects Built Through EasyA (31:28) Why Mobile First Learning Changes Everything (36:40) Where Beginners Get Stuck and How to Push Through (41:42) The Aha Moment: Utility Over Hype (53:45) How to Learn More Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org X: @natcryptoassoc 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. X: https://x.com/kwok_phil  X : https://x.com/dom_kwok    Learn more about EasyA: Website: https://www.easya.io X: https://x.com/easya_app Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.

    56 min

  2. FEB 4

    15: Crypto Donations Explained: How Giving Really Works

    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: (00:40) Introduction: Why Crypto Donations Feel Confusing     (01:50) What Crypto Is at a Basic Level (04:15) Crypto vs Traditional Payment Tools (07:40) Ownership, Access, and Financial Sovereignty (12:35) Common Myths and Misconceptions About Crypto   (19:39) How Crypto Donations Work Step by Step  (22:15) Tax Benefits and Why Donors Choose Crypto (24:50) Trends in Crypto Philanthropy (27:16) Why Nonprofits Are Embracing Crypto (36:16) The Giving Block Origin Story (41:08) Recap and Key Takeaways (41:50) Closing Thoughts and How to Learn More Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org X: @natcryptoassoc Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/   Learn more about Emily Fascilla: X: https://x.com/TGBEmily  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.

    42 min

  3. JAN 28

    14: Memecoins Explained: Hype, Risk, and How to Try Them Safely

    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): Website: https://nca.org X: @natcryptoassoc 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.

    22 min

  4. JAN 21

    13: NFTs Explained: 7 Questions You Need Answered

    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): Website: https://nca.org X: @natcryptoassoc 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.

    19 min

  5. JAN 14

    12: Crypto Smart Contracts Explained: 4 Essentials You Need to Know

    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): Website: https://nca.org X: @natcryptoassoc 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.

    19 min

  6. JAN 7

    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 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): Website: https://nca.org X: @natcryptoassoc Instagram: @natcryptoassoc TikTok: @natcryptoassoc LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/

    11 min

  7. 12/31/2025

    10: Getting Started in Crypto and Gaining Financial Freedom 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 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:  (02:34) Financial dependency and lack of asset control (04:06) Learning crypto trading and DeFi (05:18) Achieving financial sovereignty (11:21) Asset custody in legal disputes (13:26) Blockchain transparency and key security (16:13) Choosing compliant crypto platforms (17:25) Audits and proof of reserves (20:58) KYC and fraud prevention (24:02) Funding, fees, and spreads (27:22) Hot/cold and custodial/non-custodial wallets (32:27) Cross-border transfers and donations (35:56) Financial inclusion via DeFi   Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org X: @natcryptoassoc 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.

    40 min

  8. 12/24/2025

    9: May Zabaneh from PayPal: How Crypto Changes Value Movement

    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:  (01:10) How Global Payments Still Break Today (04:02) Why Crypto Solves Speed and Cost Problems (07:18) Growing Up With Currency Instability (11:45) Sending Money Instantly Across Borders (16:30) Why Value Matters More Than Technology (22:05) Stablecoins and Economic Stability (28:40) Crypto Gifting and Everyday Use (34:15) How Merchants Benefit From Crypto Payments (41:50) What Mainstream Adoption Really Looks Like   Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org X: @natcryptoassoc 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.

    33 min
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About

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. Each week we'll break it down, keep it simple, and help you become crypto confident.

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