Natalie Brunell's story is one of resilience, discovery, and profound transformation. From her early years shaped by her family's escape from communist Poland to becoming a prominent Bitcoin educator and podcast host, her journey offers powerful insights into both personal perseverance and the potential of transformative technology.
Early Life and Formative Experiences
Natalie Brunell was born in Poland during a time of communist rule. Her family faced significant hardships, including waiting in long lines for basic necessities like food, often finding nothing left by the time they reached the front. Seeking freedom and opportunity, her parents made the courageous decision to immigrate to the United States when Natalie was just five years old.
Settling outside Chicago, her family used media and news to learn English and integrate into their new home. This exposure ignited Natalie's passion for journalism—a field she saw as noble for its ability to explore diverse backgrounds and document history as it unfolds.
However, during her college years, the 2008 financial crisis struck, devastating her family financially. They lost everything and were forced to file for bankruptcy. Witnessing her hardworking parents suffer such a loss, while large banks received government bailouts, left Natalie with a deep sense of injustice and a burning question: How could a system fail those who played by the rules?
Discovering Bitcoin and a New Purpose
For nearly a decade, Natalie worked as a journalist, reporting on issues affecting everyday Americans. She observed rising living costs, growing public corruption, increased crime, and deepening social divisions. It was in 2017 that she first encountered Bitcoin—a discovery that would redefine her career and outlook.
Initially skeptical, she viewed Bitcoin as a speculative gamble rather than a serious financial innovation. That changed when a mentor urged her to read Saifedean Ammous' book, The Bitcoin Standard. The book served as a catalyst, helping her understand that the root of many societal issues wasn't just politics but a broken monetary system.
Bitcoin, she realized, wasn't merely an asset; it was technology designed to separate money from state power, offering a fairer, more transparent financial foundation. This awakening inspired her to dive deeper, leading to countless hours of study, attendance at Bitcoin conferences, and meaningful conversations with leaders in the space.
Coin Stories: Educating Through Conversation
In 2021, Natalie launched her podcast, Coin Stories, driven by a desire to share the human stories behind Bitcoin adoption. She reached out to thinkers, authors, and developers she admired, exploring their backgrounds and their convictions about Bitcoin’s potential.
Some of her most notable interviews include discussions with Michael Saylor, whose philosophical insights into Bitcoin’s mission she deeply values; Lyn Alden, an brilliant investment strategist; and Jeff Booth, whose explanations of inflation and deflation she finds incredibly thoughtful.
Through these conversations, Natalie helps demystify complex topics, making them accessible to a broad audience. Her background in journalism enables her to ask probing questions and distill intricate ideas into relatable insights.
Bitcoin as a Solution for Economic Dignity
A recurring theme in Natalie’s work is the idea that Bitcoin restores economic dignity—especially for younger generations. She notes that many millennials and Gen Z individuals feel disillusioned by a system where hard work no longer guarantees financial stability or homeownership.
Bitcoin, in her view, represents a way out of this "rat race." It offers a decentralized, scarce, and secure store of value that empowers individuals to save for the long term rather than struggle to keep up with rising costs and currency devaluation.
Bitcoin is a movement of saving for your future, holding on to the value of the money that you work hard for.
She emphasizes that Bitcoin encourages long-term thinking in a world dominated by short-term gains and instant gratification. By adopting a savings mindset, individuals can reclaim control over their financial futures.
Women in Bitcoin: Encouraging Inclusion
As a woman in a predominantly male-dominated industry, Natalie is passionate about increasing gender diversity in the Bitcoin space. She notes that while she hasn’t personally faced significant setbacks, the lack of representation is evident at events and conferences.
To address this, she hosts "Women of Bitcoin" networking events, aiming to create a welcoming environment for women to learn, connect, and participate. She believes women, who often serve as financial decision-makers in their families, stand to benefit significantly from understanding and using Bitcoin as a savings technology.
Her goal is to make Bitcoin education approachable and inclusive, ensuring that everyone—regardless of gender or background—can participate in this financial revolution.
Is Now a Good Time to Invest in Bitcoin?
Natalie believes that market downturns—often called "bear markets"—present unique opportunities for building and investing. When prices are lower, newcomers can enter at a lower cost basis, making it an ideal time to start learning and accumulating.
She stresses that education should always precede investment. Understanding why Bitcoin is different from other assets—its fixed supply, decentralization, and security model—is essential for making informed decisions.
For those looking to deepen their understanding, explore comprehensive beginner guides that break down the fundamentals of Bitcoin and its role in the modern economy.
Beyond Bitcoin: Natalie's Personal Interests
Outside of her professional work, Natalie enjoys cooking Polish and Italian cuisine, reflecting her cultural heritage and time spent living in Italy. She also values spending time outdoors, reading (aiming for one book per week), and hopes to adopt a dog in the near future.
These hobbies provide balance, reminding her of the importance of disconnecting from digital devices and engaging with the real world.
A Message of Hope and Empowerment
Natalie’s journey from financial despair to advocacy underscores a central message: Bitcoin is more than an investment—it’s a tool for reclaiming hope and economic agency. She encourages everyone, especially young people, to educate themselves, challenge the status quo, and participate in building a fairer financial system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Natalie Brunell?
Natalie Brunell is a Bitcoin educator, journalist, and host of the Coin Stories podcast. She focuses on explaining Bitcoin’s potential to address economic inequality and empower individuals.
What is Coin Stories podcast about?
Coin Stories features interviews with Bitcoin thought leaders, exploring their backgrounds, beliefs, and insights into how Bitcoin can solve pressing economic issues.
Why does Natalie Brunell advocate for Bitcoin?
Having experienced the 2008 financial crisis personally, Natalie sees Bitcoin as a solution to systemic monetary issues. She believes it offers a decentralized, transparent alternative to traditional finance.
How can women get involved in Bitcoin?
Natalie encourages women to attend events, join networking groups, and prioritize education. She hosts "Women of Bitcoin" meetups to foster community and inclusion.
Is Bitcoin a good investment for beginners?
Natalie recommends starting with education rather than speculation. Understanding Bitcoin’s fundamentals helps individuals make informed decisions based on long-term potential rather short-term price changes.
Where can I learn more about Bitcoin?
For those beginning their journey, access detailed educational resources that cover Bitcoin basics, investment strategies, and technical foundations.