Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

National Cryptocurrency Association
  • 5.0 (13)
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  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 3D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. FEB 11

    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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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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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