The narrative around cryptocurrency is often bogged down by complexity, hype, and fear of scams. In this episode, host Lauren Weymouth cuts through the noise with Ali Tager, Head of Communications for the National Cryptocurrency Association (NCA), to reveal who is really using crypto in America and why.

The NCA is on a mission to bridge the knowledge gap, focusing not on lobbying or existing industry players, but on helping everyday Americans understand and use digital assets with confidence.

In this conversation, you will learn:

• 🧠 The Truth About Crypto Users: Learn surprising stats that debunk the "crypto bro" myth, including why more holders are over 55 than under 25.
• 🛡️ Promoting Safe Adoption: Ali shares the NCA's advice on how to spot scams, the importance of "Do Your Own Research (DYOR)," and the role of strong consumer protections.
• 🏘️ Real-World Utility: Discover how crypto is being used today—from single mothers gaining financial independence to cattle ranchers tracking goods on the blockchain.
• ⚖️ The Role of Regulation: Understand how the NCA works to educate policymakers and why clear "rules of the road" are essential for innovators and consumers alike.

Tune in to hear how the NCA is spearheading a movement toward mainstream adoption by ensuring that when it comes to digital assets, even the "crypto-curious" and "crypto-clueless" have a resource they can trust.

What are the parallels between the early internet boom and today's blockchain revolution? How will the tokenization of every asset—from money and commodities to real estate and private equity—fundamentally reshape global capital markets?

In this episode, host Lauren Weymouth sits down with Mathew Le Merle, a titan of tech investment and the Co-Founder and CEO of Fifth Era and Blockchain Coinvestors. With a portfolio of over 1,500 startups, including more than 80 unicorns like Ripple, Kraken, and OpenSea, Mathew offers a masterclass on the past, present, and future of digital assets.

Drawing on 30 years of experience in Silicon Valley, Mathew explains why blockchain is not a separate phenomenon but the crucial next phase in the "digitalization of everything." He breaks down complex topics into clear, actionable insights, discussing:

• The Inevitable Shift: Why the digitalization of finance is the next logical step after the digitalization of communications and content.
• The Power of Tokenization: How creating a digital proof of ownership for real-world assets will unlock unprecedented liquidity and efficiency.
• The Future of VC: How venture capital models are evolving to adapt to a tokenized landscape.
• The Innovator's Dilemma: Why traditional financial institutions struggle to adapt and how they can strategically engage with disruptive technology.
• Navigating the Noise: Mathew’s advice for investors, entrepreneurs, and students on identifying long-term value and avoiding the pitfalls of hype and speculation.

Tune in for an essential conversation for anyone looking to understand the foundational economic and technological shifts being driven by blockchain and Web3.

The U.S. just passed a monumental piece of legislation for stablecoins: The Genius Act. To break it down, host Lauren Weymouth sits with legal expert, Professor Michele Neitz of the University of San Francisco's Center for Law, Tech, and Social Good.

Is this the first domino to fall in regulating the entire digital asset space, from DeFi to NFTs?

Together, they dissect what this new law means for consumer trust, financial inclusion, and the future of crypto innovation. They explore how the U.S. now stacks up against international regulations and Professor Neitz shares inspiring stories of how blockchain is being used for social good and why educating our legal system on new technology is more crucial than ever.

Tune in to understand the new rules of the road for stablecoins!