Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

3d ago

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, a leading educator at the National Cryptocurrency Association, to unpack the crypto vocabulary every beginner hears but rarely gets explained clearly. We cover what crypto actually is, how DeFi works in everyday terms, the difference between coins and tokens, why stablecoins stay steady, what makes meme coins unpredictable, and how private keys, seed phrases, gas fees, and DYOR fit into safe navigation of the digital economy. We also explore how relatable analogies, simple definitions, and real examples help beginners learn faster and start using crypto with clarity and confidence. What's Discussed: (00:56) What Crypto Actually Means in Plain English (03:24) The Difference Between Crypto and DeFi (05:35) Coins vs Tokens and Why It Matters (08:11) Private Keys Explained Simply and How to Protect Them (10:39) Seed Phrases and Why They Act as Your Backup (16:04) Stablecoins, Meme Coins, and Real Utility (25:00) What DYOR Really Means for Beginners (30:29) Gas Fees and Why Some Networks Cost More (34:20) How Learning the Vocabulary Builds True Crypto Confidence 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.

Dec 10

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 before asking for money, why pump and dumps rely on hype, how fake giveaways spread through deepfakes, what impersonation scams look like, and how phishing links attempt to steal sensitive information. We also explore how quick checks like verifying URLs, slowing down when something feels urgent, and avoiding surprise messages can help you stay secure every time you go online. The National Cryptocurrency Association provides education and real-world guidance to help everyday people understand crypto safely and confidently, empowering listeners to use digital money with clarity and control. What's Discussed: (1:12) Why Scammers Target New Crypto Users (4:55) Relationship Scams and Emotional Manipulation (8:27) Pump and Dumps: How Hype Turns Into Losses (10:58) Fake Giveaways and Deepfakes Explained (13:45) Impersonation Scams That Look Legit (16:22) Phishing Tactics and How They Steal Info (18:40) The Simple Habits That Keep You Safe 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.

Dec 3

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 unpack the biggest myths that keep people from feeling comfortable with crypto. We break down why scandals like FTX were driven by old fashioned fraud rather than blockchain, how crypto supports faster global payments, and why small steps like rewards or fifty dollar buys help beginners learn without pressure. We also explain how clear language, simple analogies, and real world examples make crypto feel accessible to anyone. We also explore how curiosity, small habits, and beginner friendly tools can shift crypto from something intimidating to something practical in daily life. Natalie Rix is the communications leader at Gemini, known for turning complex ideas into plain language and helping everyday people feel informed, included, and confident as they explore digital money. Tune in to Crypto, Explained by NCA, Episode 6, to discover how simple conversations can clear the confusion and help you understand crypto with confidence. What's Discussed: (00:06) Why crypto myths spread and how they confuse beginners (03:42) The difference between crypto scams and actual blockchain technology (06:15) How global payments and remittances work on crypto rails (08:03) Why crypto can help protect value in high inflation environments (09:27) How to start small with rewards or fifty dollar buys (11:14) Why jargon blocks adoption and how simple language fixes it (13:02) How to think about ownership on chain vs traditional banking (15:48) Everyday examples of crypto showing up in real life 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 Natalie: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliearix X: https://x.com/Natalie_Rix

Nov 26

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 it's already being used for payments, DeFi, and NFTs in everyday life. Tune in to Crypto, Explained by the NCA, Episode 5 , to discover how curiosity can turn into confidence in the world of digital money. What's Discussed: 2:48 – What Actually Gives Crypto Its Value 4:58 – Why You Don't Need a Whole Coin to Start 5:46 – How Crypto Makes Payments Faster and Easier 7:52 – Why It's Not Too Late to Get Started 13:31 – What DeFi Really Means and Why It Matters 17:40 – Real-Life Story: How a Creator Pays His Team in 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/

Nov 19

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 fundamentals of crypto wallets, explain how they work in plain English, and show how real people are using them to build financial independence. Tune in to Crypto, Explained by the NCA, Episode 4, to learn how wallets are transforming the way people store, protect, and use their money in the digital world. What's Discussed: 1:22 – Why Crypto Wallets Aren't as Complicated as They Seem 10:30 – Who's Really Using Crypto (The Surprising Stats) 15:35 – How Crypto Wallets Actually Work 17:42 – Choosing the Right Type of Wallet 22:50 – Keys, Addresses, and Recovery Phrases Explained Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org/learn Instagram: @natcryptoassoc YouTube: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.

Nov 12

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 it has no real value to the idea that it's too late to get started, we're taking a closer look at what's fact and what's fiction. Ali is joined by Stu Alderoty, President of the National Cryptocurrency Association and Chief Legal Officer at Ripple. Stu brings years of experience at the intersection of law, finance, and innovation, offering a clear perspective on what crypto is and how it actually works. 🎧 Tune in to Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association for Episode 3 to uncover the truth behind the biggest crypto myths and learn how this technology is already transforming money, trust, and everyday life. What we discuss: 16:02 – Why Crypto Is Here to Stay 22:03 – Too Late? Why the Best Time Is Now 33:33 – The One Key That Unlocks Everything 38:56 – Blockchain: The Tech That Can't Be Broken 47:40 – The Top Crypto Myths Crushed Find more from Stuart Alderoty: Website: https://ripple.com/company/leadership/stuart-alderoty/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stuartalderoty X (Twitter): @s_alderoty Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org X: https://twitter.com/@natcryptoassoc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/@natcryptoassoc TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@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.

Nov 5

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, but I couldn't explain it even if my life depended on it.' And honestly? We get it. The word itself sounds complicated, the headlines make it feel intimidating, and the crypto hype doesn't exactly make it easier to trust. But, as crypto is becoming more mainstream, it's time that someone clearly explains what it is. So in today's episode, we're stripping it all down. No jargon, no tech headaches, just 7 simple things you need to know about blockchain. By the end of this,hopefully you'll be able to explain it in plain English for yourself. We promise: you'll walk away from this episode with a clear, no-BS understanding of what this is all is and why it matters. What's Discussed: 03:45 – The Biggest Myth About Blockchain, Debunked 07:10 – Blockchain Explained: The Giant Digital Notebook 12:25 – What "Decentralized" Really Means (In Plain English) 17:40 – The Google Doc Analogy That Makes Blockchain Click 22:55 – Every Transaction Is a Lego Brick That Locks in Forever 28:30 – How Blockchain Balances Privacy and Transparency 33:45 – Real-World Blockchain: How Crypto Is Modernizing Ranching Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org/ Twitter: https://x.com/natcryptoassoc?lang=en Instagram: @natcryptoassoc YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC7_uritgUHlXQyVC3HKqJOQ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natcryptoassoc/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/natcryptoassoc/?viewAsMember=true Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.

Nov 5

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 grandma, what gives crypto its value, how it cuts out middlemen to make transactions faster and cheaper, and hear real stories of people using it for freedom, security, and opportunity. Whether you're curious, skeptical, or starting from zero, this episode will finally make crypto make sense with this Crypto 101 crash course — no jargon, charts, or hype. What's Discussed: 03:10 – From Wall Street to Blockchain: A Big Shift 08:25 – Quickfire Myths, Mistakes, and Must-Knows 12:10 – Explaining Crypto So Even Your Grandma Gets It 18:45 – What Actually Gives Crypto Its Value 25:30 – 5 Surprising Ways People Use Crypto Every Day 33:15 – "Trustless" Sounds Bad… Until You Hear This 39:40 – The Future of Money Is Already Here Find more from Stuart Alderoty: Website: https://ripple.com/company/leadership/stuart-alderoty/ LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/stuartalderoty X (Twitter): @s_alderoty Learn more about the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA): Website: https://nca.org/learn Instagram: @natcryptoassoc YouTube: National Cryptocurrency Association Disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, or tax advice.