Crypto, Explained by the National Cryptocurrency Association

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.  

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.  

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.

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

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/