Off the Blockchain with Dr. Sandra Johnson

About This Episode

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 to 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.