This week we've got a short episode because Fred needs to know how cryptocurrencies work to make his huge investments pay off.

Matt and Fred have a chat about what cryptocurrency is, why people like it and how it's used. This episode is very accessible, and is meant to provide a bit more context for people who are confused by all the crypto-talk recently. Neither of us are experts on the topic, but hopefully our discussion help clarify some of the buzzwords you've heard thrown around.

Some further reading

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kubGCSj5y3k - a general overview from Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBC-nXj3Ng4 - this video looks at some of the more esoteric coding behind how bitcoin works, but it was a relaxing and fascinating watch.

Bhatt, P, What’s new in computers. Reson 19, 549–569 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12045-014-0058-2 - a more academic source introducing cryptocurrency for those interested in some reading.