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. 2D AGO

    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 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: (01:18) Crypto Moving from Niche Technology to Mainstream Use (03:52) Financial Autonomy and Real Life Use Cases (07:27) Crypto as an Asset Class vs Stablecoins for Payments (13:46) Why Businesses Care About Faster and Cheaper Money Movement (16:52) The Biggest Barrier: People Do Not Understand Crypto (19:28) Real World Use Cases: Payments, Remittances, and Access (27:07) Crypto as the Future Infrastructure of Money Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org X: @natcryptoassoc 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.

    30 min

  2. APR 1

    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 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: (00:40) What People Really Think About Crypto: Confusion, Skepticism, and Curiosity   (02:53) Why Crypto Feels Complicated and How to Make It Simple (05:10) Security and Control: Wallets, Seed Phrases, and Getting Started Safely (07:47) Scams vs Technology: How to Stay Safe in Crypto (10:50) Real-World Use Cases and How Confidence Builds Over Time   Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org X: @natcryptoassoc 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.

    14 min

  3. MAR 25

    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 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: (00:40) Why Exploring Crypto Does Not Have to Be Complicated (01:51) What a Crypto ETF Is and How It Works (04:00) Why Crypto ETFs Can Be an Easy Entry Point (10:00) What Stablecoins Are and Why They Matter (11:00) Stablecoins for Payments and 24/7 Digital Money (18:52) Buying a Small Amount of Crypto on Major Platforms (20:24) Why You Do Not Need to Buy a Full Coin (28:58) Receiving Crypto Through Wallet Addresses (33:31) How to Set Up a Wallet and Send a Test Transaction (36:23) Using Crypto for Payments, Shopping, and Everyday Transactions (42:17) Optionality: Using Crypto as Both a Tool and a Learning Step   Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org X: @natcryptoassoc 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.

    45 min

  4. MAR 18

    21: Crypto Taxes Made Simple with Trish Turner, Crypto Tax Girl | Former IRS

    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 helps individuals and businesses navigate complex digital asset tax situations with clarity, strategy, and practical guidance. What We Discuss: (00:54) Why Stablecoins Are Suddenly Everywhere in the News (02:25) The Washington Debate Over Stablecoin Rewards and the Clarity Act (04:50) Polygon's $250M Bet on Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure (07:30) Why Stablecoins Do Not Automatically Make Global Payments Cheaper (09:50) YouTube Creator Payouts Using PayPal's PYUSD Stablecoin (11:51) Visa Expands Into Stablecoin Infrastructure for Banks and Businesses (13:43) Key Takeaways From This Week's Stablecoin Headlines 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 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.

    44 min

  5. MAR 11

    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 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: (00:41) Intro, Why Stablecoins Are Suddenly Everywhere in the News (01:36) The Washington Debate Over Stablecoin Rewards and the Clarity Act (04:50) Polygon's $250M Bet on Stablecoin Payment Infrastructure (07:28) Why Stablecoins Do Not Automatically Make Global Payments Cheaper (09:51) YouTube Creator Payouts Using PayPal's PYUSD Stablecoin (11:52) Visa Expands Into Stablecoin Infrastructure for Banks and Businesses (13:43) Key Takeaways From This Week's Stablecoin Headlines  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.

    15 min

  6. MAR 4

    19: Crypto ETFs, Explained: Bridging Wall Street and Crypto

    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: (0:40) Introduction and Six Key Questions about ETFs (1:40) What an ETF Is and How it Compares to Crypto ETFs (1:56) The Grocery Cart Analogy for ETFs (2:37) Types of Traditional ETFs (3:08) Types of Crypto ETFs: Spot, Futures, and Blockchain Equity (4:32) How ETFs Differ from Mutual Funds and Individual Assets (5:36) Advantages of ETFs: Real-Time Trading, Diversification, Lower Costs, and Tax Efficiency (7:02) Comparison of Crypto ETFs and Crypto Treasury Companies (9:26) Reasons for Using Crypto ETFs: Familiarity and Institutional Participation (10:35) Benefits of Crypto ETFs: Easy Access, Oversight, Tax Advantage, and Lower Learning Curve (11:31) Trade-Offs of Crypto ETFs: Price Differences, Annual Fees, and Limited Utility (12:30) Key Questions to Ask Before Buying Crypto ETFs (13:40) Step-by-Step Guide to Buying an ETF in a Brokerage Account (14:30) Final Advice on Research and Risk   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.

    15 min

  7. FEB 25

    18: Stablecoins 101: The Digital Dollars Quietly Reshaping the Financial System

    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: (00:00) Why Stablecoins Are Getting So Much Attention (04:12) What a Stablecoin Actually Is in Plain English (08:45) How Stablecoins Stay Pegged to the US Dollar (14:30) The Difference Between Fiat Backed and Algorithmic Stablecoins (19:22) What the GENIUS Act Means for Regulation (24:10) Cross Border Payments and Inflation Use Cases (30:05) What On Chain Money and Programmable Payments Really Mean (36:48) De Pegging Risk and What Could Go Wrong (42:15) How to Do Smart Due Diligence Before Buying (48:30) Why Stablecoins Can Be an Entry Point Into Crypto   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 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.

    47 min

  8. FEB 18

    17: Crypto Curious vs Crypto Skeptical: How Couples Find Common Ground

    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: (0:47) Why crypto talks feel tense with partners (1:01) Meet Jennifer and Jason and their starting gap (2:18) What pulled Jason into crypto in the first place (4:24) The moment he shifted from skeptical to supportive (5:22) Different tokens in plain English and what they are for (6:52) Paying with crypto and merchants like Whole Foods and Home Depot (9:36) Institutional adoption and ETFs as a familiarity bridge (10:19) Jen's first reaction and what built her confidence (12:39) Risk tolerance, emergency funds, and keeping fundamentals first (17:37) How their first real couple conversations unfolded (29:56) A practical framework for starting the conversation with less pressure (40:34) Closing takeaway: build a shared thesis, revisit it, move at your pace 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.

    44 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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