Libsyn Directory

11: 8 Simple Steps to Keep Your Crypto Secure

Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

Release Date: 01/07/2026

28: Behind Every Transaction: How Crypto Really Works

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, giving you the vocabulary to follow along in any conversation. We start with gas fees, the small cost of asking a global network of computers to process and verify your transaction, and why those fees go...

27: The Latest In Crypto: Breaking Down Recent Headlines

Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

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 McKenzie documentary, PayPal expanding its PYUSD stablecoin globally, banks like Wells Fargo exploring digital dollars, and how companies like Mastercard are integrating blockchain into everyday payment...

26: Inside the NCA: How Crypto, Explained Was Built with Ant Lillingston | VP of Marketing, NCA

Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

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, Explained came to life. We break down how crypto inherited a culture of complexity and exclusion, why that created a gap for everyday people, and how the NCA is working to make crypto more accessible through...

25: The 5 Biggest Cryptocurrencies Explained

Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

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 cover how they differ in purpose, from storing value to enabling payments, powering applications, and supporting scalable networks. We also highlight a few additional cryptocurrencies to give you a...

24: The Next Wave of Crypto Participation with PayPal + Karin | SXSW Panel

Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

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...

23: Reacting to Crypto Hot Takes with Ali Tager | Crypto Confidence Coach

Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

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,...

22: 5 Easy Ways to Start with Crypto with Stu Alderoty | President, National Cryptocurrency Association

Crypto, Explained by the 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...

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

Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

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,...

20: Stablecoins in the Headlines: What the Latest News Actually Means

Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

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...

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

Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

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...

More Episodes

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