In this episode, you'll learn why meeting fellow Bitcoin enthusiasts in person can deepen your understanding of the technology and strengthen your commitment to it. You’ll also learn the importance of creating local meetups to foster community connections, how attending Bitcoin conferences and meetups can be less intimidating than you think, why Canada has a strong Bitcoin culture despite its size, and how beginners can get started with Bitcoin.

Cory Timmons is an economist, Bitcoiner and the host of the Ottawa Bitcoin meetup group.

Timestamps:

[03:36] How Cory got into Bitcoin  

[04:25] Discovering Bitcoin during the pandemic  

[05:31] The importance of truth in Bitcoin  

[06:08] Realizing Bitcoin is more than digital gold  

[06:52] Why Bitcoin meetups matter  

[07:30] The impact of attending meetups in Montreal  

[08:24] How the Ottawa meetup started  

[09:10] Why in-person Bitcoin conversations are crucial  

[09:38] First impressions of Bitcoin conferences  

[10:20] How conferences differ from meetups  

[10:55] Understanding the social aspect of Bitcoin  

[11:38] How Bitcoin changes everyday life  

[12:12] The role of Bitcoin meetups in education  

[12:49] The value of asking questions at meetups   

[14:22] Organizing meetups to grow the Bitcoin community  

[15:22] Why Canada has a strong Bitcoin community  

[15:59] Cultural factors driving Bitcoin adoption in Canada  

[16:56] Impact of the 2020 lockdowns on Bitcoin awareness  

[17:40] The rise of Canadian Bitcoiners  

[18:33] How meetups build trust among newcomers  

[19:12] Making Bitcoin accessible for beginners  

[19:47] Different types of Bitcoin meetups  

[20:28] Hosting themed meetups for deeper connections  

[21:06] Organizing BitDevs meetups for developers  

[21:49] How to attract newcomers to meetups  

[22:44] Balancing beginner and advanced meetups  

[23:20] Tips for hosting successful meetups  

[24:00] Why meetups are the entry point for Bitcoin  

[24:38] How Bitcoin meetups have grown  

[25:19] Cory's favourite Bitcoin podcasts  

[26:05] Podcast apps that reward listeners in Bitcoin  

[26:39] Using the Fountain app to earn Bitcoin  

[27:20] Bitcoin podcasts for beginners  

[28:10] Podcasts for beginners vs. experienced Bitcoiners  

[28:48] How listening to podcasts accelerates learning  

[29:36] Challenges of starting with advanced podcasts  

[30:12] Overcoming the learning curve in Bitcoin  

[31:03] How podcasts help with Bitcoin adoption  

[31:42] The role of podcasts in building the Bitcoin community  

[32:28] Tips for finding good Bitcoin podcasts  

[33:15] Cory's recommended podcasts to check out  

[34:01] Cory's recommended guests to listen to  

[34:43] Why different perspectives are valuable  

[36:02] How Bitcoin changes your mindset  

[36:54] How Bitcoin impacts your approach to money  

[37:30] Why connecting with others is essential  

[38:14] How Bitcoin fosters community  

[38:45] Building connections through local meetups  

[39:28] Planning the next Bitcoin meetup in Ottawa  

To learn more about Cory (aka Boomer) check out this Bitcoin Magazine Article or find him at The Broken Ruler on X.

Resources Mentioned:

The Price of Tomorrow by Jeff Booth | Book or Audiobook

The Bitcoin Standard by Saifedean Ammous | Book or Audiobook

The Bitcoin Standard Podcast with Saifedean Ammous | Website

The Canadian Bitcoiners Podcast with Joey and Len | Website

Tales From The Crypt (TFTC) with Marty Bent | Website

We Study Billionaires - The Investor's Podcast with Preston Pysh | Website

Rock Paper Bitcoin by ₿usiness Cat and Fundamentals | Spotify or Apple

Citadel Dispatch with Matt Odell | Website

Fountain Podcasts | Website

Find More From Scott:

Scott Dedels | X

Block Rewards | Instagram

Block Rewards | YouTube

Block Rewards | TikTok

Block Rewards | Website

Block Rewards | LinkedIn