What the funge is up with crypto? On this episode, Neil deGrasse Tyson and comic co-host Marcia Belsky talk about the science behind cryptocurrency, NFTs, bitcoin, and the blockchain with electrical engineer Dr. Sandra Johnson. What the heck is blockchain? We dive into the technological foundation of all these crypto-crazes and how the blockchain really works. What is bitcoin? What is a ledger? How do you mine bitcoin? Is it like mining gold? What’s going on??? What’s going on with NFTs? What does it mean for something to be fungible? We explore how blockchain may change the way humans interact in the future and if there are any applications beyond cryptocurrency and NFTs. Can someone hack into the blockchain? Is it possible for all the bitcoin to get mined? Could blockchain be the basis of an intergalactic currency? We think back to when paper money took the place of gold and precious metals. How can someone invest in crypto ethically? Find out about the environmental impacts of crypto and what sort of energy it takes to generate. What does it mean for cryptocurrency to cost anything? All that, plus, how do we prepare for a crypto future? Thanks to our Patrons Thomas Cochran, Tony Wilson, Rachel Farrell, Casey Bailey, AIDAN BARNETT, Sahil Gupta, and Jennifer for supporting us this week. NOTE: StarTalk+ Patrons can watch or listen to this entire episode commercial-free. Get the NEW Cosmic Queries book (5/5 ⭐s on Amazon!): https://amzn.to/3dYIEQF Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/startalkradio FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE to StarTalk: Twitter: http://twitter.com/startalkradio Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StarTalk Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/startalk About StarTalk: Science meets pop culture on StarTalk! Astrophysicist & Hayden Planetarium director Neil deGrasse Tyson, his comic co-hosts, guest celebrities & scientists discuss astronomy, physics, and everything else about life in the universe. Keep Looking Up! #StarTalk #NeildeGrasseTyson 0:00 - Introduction 2:15 - Dr. Sandra Johnson's Time in Africa 3:47 - Dr. Johnson's Cryptocurrency Background 4:36 - What is the Blockchain? 10:21 - What is Bitcoin Mining? 15:21 - Everyone's Cryptocurrency Credentials 17:33 - What is an NFT? 21:03 - How the Blockchain will impact our lives? 29:24 - Neil Creates a Cliffhanger 30:26 - Social Media Plugs 31:00 - Marcia Belsky explains her viral song '100 Tampons' 33:11 - Could blockchain be the basis for an intergalactic currency? 33:56 - What incentives remain to audit the blockchain once all Bitcoins have been mined? 35:04 - Are cryptocurrencies a viable replacement for fiat currencies? 37:26 - How can we invest in crypto ethically? 40:24 - How may we prepare for a crypto future? 45:13 - Why lock an economy into our computing power at this moment? 47:06 - Would you take your paycheck in crypto? 49:27 - What is a stable coin? 51:22 - Closing Notes