Ok, so you've either recently discovered Bitcoin, or have been quietly down the rabbit hole for years. Maybe it was through a podcast, a book like The Bitcoin Standard, or a viral tweet that sparked your curiosity. The deeper you go, the more it makes sense.
Suddenly, something clicks.
You see the flaws in fiat currency - the endless money printing, inflation eroding any chance of savings, and increasingly centralised control by banks and governments. Bitcoin isn’t just digital gold; it’s a tool for sovereignty and personal choice, a hedge against a system increasingly rigged against us.
You’re excited. Energised. Ready to shout it from the rooftops.
Then reality hits.
You try sharing this revelation with friends and family.
“Hey, have you heard about Bitcoin yet? It’s going to change the world!”
The responses? Eye rolls. Polite nods. Or even outright dismissal.
“Isn’t that just for criminals?”
“My cousin's best friend's former roommate got scammed by Bitcoin. Don't touch it.”
“It's a Ponzi scheme.”
Some might even label you as crazy, obsessed, or part of a cult. Family dinners can turn awkward when you explain why you’re stacking sats instead of booking that holiday.
This isolation isn’t unique to Bitcoin - it happens with any paradigm-shifting idea. But Bitcoin seems to amplify it because it challenges people's deeply ingrained beliefs about money, authority, and trust. You’re not just talking about your new hobby - you’re questioning the foundations of society. You’re challenging their beliefs. This can be confronting and can oftentimes be misinterpreted as an attack.
The thing is, most people are comfortable with the status quo because, well… it's comfortable- apathy is easy. But as a Bitcoiner, you feel like Neo after taking the red pill in The Matrix - awake to a reality others can’t see, or don’t want to. You want to save everyone you love but no one wants to listen.
And that disconnect can be draining.
Social media helps - X (Twitter) is full of Bitcoiners, with voices like Preston Pysh or Lyn Alden continuing to deliver amazing macro perspectives. But online interactions can often lack depth. Memes and toxic debates don’t replace face-to-face connection.
Without a local network, the journey becomes lonelier than it needs to be.
The Value of Like-Minded Connections
This is where Bitcoin meetups shine.
'Finding your tribe' locally isn’t just about talking shop - it’s about forging bonds that go far beyond price charts and protocols.
When you meet other Bitcoiners in person, you quickly discover shared values:
Self-sovereignty
Privacy
Sound money
Freedom of choice
Resistance to censorship
These aren’t buzzwords. They reflect a broader ethical compass. Bitcoiners often overlap with interests in libertarianism, health and wellness, and self-sufficiency. Conversations might start with price talk, but quickly pivot to regenerative agriculture, decentralised education, or AI. There’s no need to justify proof-of-work or explain why fiat is broken. Everyone already gets it.
Local connections matter far more than online ones for Bitcoiners. Of course having a strong online community is important, but nothing beats the feeling of real-world support.
Bitcoin also draws an incredibly diverse crowd - engineers, artists, retirees, and everyone in-between. This mix can often spark new ideas, fresh perspectives, and innovation.
My First Meetup: Not What I Expected
I still remember my first Bitcoin meetup vividly.
It was November 2020 - the inaugural Bitcoin Bush Bash in Murrurundi, a small rural town in New South Wales, Australia. Bitcoin was ripping. During the drive, the price touched $21,000 AUD.
I was excited… and to be honest, a little nervous.
As a relative newbie, I imagined a room full of introverted, tinfoil-hat-wearing weirdos, all spouting every conspiracy theory under the sun. That being said, maybe that’s how I seem to everyone else back home…🤔
Either way, I couldn’t have been more wrong.
Instead, what I found was a diverse cross-section of society. Personalities ranged from outgoing extroverts leading group hikes to quiet philosophers deep in conversation.
And the wildest part? It felt like we all instantly clicked.
After the first day, strangers felt like old friends. No awkward small talk - just deep, meaningful conversations about freedom, self-custody, and the future of money. We laughed, swapped personal stories, and debated big ideas without ego or judgement.
That weekend changed everything for me. I realised Bitcoin isn’t just an asset - it’s a connector. It attracts people who see the world differently, and when you put them together, something special happens. I left Murrurundi with new knowledge, lasting friendships, and a sense of belonging I didn’t know I was missing.
If you’re hesitant about your first meetup, trust me: step outside your comfort zone. You might find your ‘people'.
Work out what you want:
Decide on the vibe: Casual or structured? Beers and banter, or talks and workshops?
My local meetup is ultra laid-back - a long table at my local orange-pilled brewery talking lightning, macro, and life. Others prefer guest speakers or hands-on sessions. Start small. There’s no rulebook.
Pick the Right Venue
Neutral, welcoming spots work best; pubs, cafes, parks.
Bitcoin-friendly businesses are a bonus. Keep it accessible - free entry, no dress code, relaxed atmosphere. Use BTCMap.org to find what's around you.
Spread the Word. Post on:
X (Twitter),
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram: Free, searchable, easy to share,
Meeting.com: Paid ($20/month), great reach in cities and metro areas,
Club Orange (formerly Orange Pill App): Paid (around $10/month), Bitcoin-native, map-based
Telegram and Signal groups,
The more channels you use to put the word out there the greater reach you will have. You can elect to pay for ‘sponsored’ events/posts on Facebook and Instagram to really get the word out there but it’s not necessary.
Encourage attendees to bring a friend. Word of mouth is powerful.
Host, But Don’t Dominate
Welcome newcomers. Spark conversation with icebreakers like “How’d you find out about this?”, “What was your Orange Pill moment?”.
If structured, have an agenda - but let discussions flow naturally.
Follow Up
Share photos (with permission of course!), create and follow up in a dedicated Signal/Telegram group, and lock in the next date. Consistency turns one-off events into real communities.
Just a few people at your first meetup is a win. Momentum builds over time.
Join the Revolution, One Meetup at a Time
Bitcoin meetups are more than an event - they’re sanity lifelines in a fiat-dominated world.
If you’re feeling isolated, seek out (or start) a meetup. Your tribe is out there.
From first meetups to larger conferences to casual brewery hangs, these gatherings help to remind us of something important: We’re not crazy. We’re early.
And we’re in it together.
Brendan McDonald is a well-known figure in the Australian Bitcoin community, best recognised as one half of the 2-Bit Idiots podcast. He is passionate about spreading Bitcoin knowledge and serves as a go-to resource for Bitcoiners up and down the Mid North Coast.
Brendan works closely with families to document inheritance plans, rehearse recoveries, and translate complex custody concepts into approachable, plain-language playbooks.
Bitcoin & Wellness Retreats: Brendan works with clients referred by Pete Evans through immersive Bitcoin & Wellness retreats at Evolve Sanctuary in Northern NSW. These weekend experiences combine Bitcoin education with regenerative wellness practices.