Bellingham Podcast

Eating out in Bellingham and Whatcom County is getting pricey — so AJ and Chris are bringing the fun home. This month, your pacific northwest podcasting aficionados make the case for analog: gather some people you know (or some friendly strangers), throw some chicken nuggets in the oven, and play a game. No screens. No $120 dinner tabs. Just meeples, dice, and a little friendly competition or co-op’ing.AJ and Chris share their favorite game stores across the region, swap game recommendations for every type of player — cooperative, competitive, family-friendly, and card-shark — and close with Quality Assurance picks including a shout-out to a pair of local Bellingham authors and a generative music app that just might help you survive eight hours of studying if you are studying for finals.♟️Where to Find Your Games* Meeple’s Manor (Lynden) — Your local game shop up north* Cosmic Games (Bellingham) — Great local Pokémon league and loads of games of all kinds (and the materials around them) * AEGIS Games (Downtow

Happy New Year, dear listeners! AJ and Chris are back for the first episode of 2026, kicking off the year not with resolutions, but with something far more honest: use it or lose it.From digital overwhelm and doomscrolling, to the resurgence of analog life, retro tech, journaling, and intentional living, this episode is a wide-ranging, reflective conversation about what’s worth carrying forward…and what might be better left behind.

In this episode, AJ and Chris dig into a playful but insightful exploration: What would happen if an outsider spent a weekend in Bellingham guided solely by web searches or AI?Fresh off a Portland conference with heavy AI themes, AJ tests what “SmackGPT” thinks a weekend in Bellingham should look like across five traveler personas: the Local Explorer, Family Adventurer, Mindful Explorer, Camper, and Lux High Roller (exact output posted below).The gents review, refine, and sometimes hilariously correct the AI-generated recommendations, offering their hyper-local expertise on food, lodging, hikes, coffee shops, costs, and hidden gems. Along the way, Amtrak stories, camping advice, critiques of $10 gas estimates, and an update on the infamous “mics on sticks” recording setup.It’s a mix of travel guide, tech commentary, and classic Bellingham banter all better than any bot.

After more than a year off-air, AJ Barse and Chris Powell dust off the mics, on sticks (more on that next episode) and return to the Bellingham Podcast from their favorite city by the Salish Sea for a catch-up that’s part reflection, part revival.AJ and Chris share what pulled them away from the mic; from AJ’s medical detours and higher-ed budget storms to Chris’s growing fatigue with all things digital, as always they open up and ultimately brought them back. They trade updates on analog tech experiments, air-gapped AIs (snarkly brought to by the fictitious SmackGPT), and the joys of going offline. The conversation also highlights what’s new around Bellingham: * El Sueñito Brewing (tamales & trivia) * Event page: Noches de Trivia* Frelard Tamales* Training Grounds (gym) —Training Grounds* Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro (closure) — Announcement: Boundary Bay closing at end of 2025* Hey Dumplin’ (dumplings) — Hey Dumplin* Cosmic Games (game store) — Cosmic Games* Waypoint Park (waterfront park) — Info

In this episode of the Bellingham Podcast, AJ Barse and Chris Powell dive into October with a discussion on the increasing role of AI, the revival of analog, and reflections on masculinity. AJ shares his experiments with Google’s Notebook LM and expresses concerns over AI’s growing influence, especially in voice replication. The duo then shifts to their love for analog, highlighted by AJ’s visit to Roldorf & Co., a Vancouver-based watchmaker, and a documentary on the Polaroid revival. Chris also reflects on societal views of masculinity, inspired by a Vice TV documentary, and they explore the appeal of authenticity in an AI-driven world.AI and Digital IdentityAJ shares his recent tests with Google’s Notebook LM, emphasizing AI’s potential to influence media through synthetic voice replication.https://wp.wwu.edu/ajbarse/2024/10/02/what-if-your-notes-could-think-for-you/ AI Amplifies False Memories  https://www.perplexity.ai/page/ai-amplifies-false-memories-Oi2YlbzuSyqDnm4m.RoxHwChris and AJ discuss their c

In this episode of the Bellingham Podcast, AJ Barse and Chris Powell catch up after a summer hiatus. They discuss recent personal experiences, including family vacations and changes in their professional lives. AJ shares his summer adventures, including time spent on San Juan Island and managing life as a working parent. Chris recounts his solo trip to Friday Harbor and his enjoyment of tech-free moments. They also delve into topics like their evolving relationship with personal technology, privacy-focused mobile devices, and the balance between digital and analog experiences. Towards the end, they reflect on the nostalgia of collecting and playing games, particularly focusing on AJ’s experience re-entering the world of Pokémon with his son.Topics Discussed:Summer Recap* AJ’s vacation to San Juan Island and family adventures* Chris’s solo trip to Friday Harbor and tech-free relaxationLife Updates* AJ’s experience balancing work and family life during August* AJ’s wife landing a job right after graduation* Chr

On this enlightening episode of the Bellingham Podcast, Chris shares his transformative experience from a recent Silence Retreat in Mission, BC. Meanwhile, AJ delves into his deep connections with silence and presence, cultivated through his adventures climbing mountains and diving in the serene waters of the Puget Sound and Salish Sea. Join us as we explore the profound impacts of quietude and mindfulness in our fast-paced lives. EinsemdIcelandic word for solitude or alone.https://m.dict.cc/icelandic-english/einsemd.htmlWestminster Abbey Benedictine Monks in Mission, B.C. -https://westminsterabbey.ca/Diving the kelp at Rosario, Anacortes WA. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bellinghampodcast.substack.com

On this special catch-up episode of the Bellingham Podcast, AJ and Chris are back from their travels with exciting updates! Chris's daughter and AJ's wife both celebrated graduations, and the hosts have some invaluable travel observations and tips to share. Recorded at Casa de Chris, they dive into their Father's Day weekend experiences and offer essential advice for navigating Washington state ferries during peak season. Plus, this is just part one—stay tuned as they set the stage for the return of the beloved "Word Of Note" series in the next episode!Thanks for reading The Bellingham Podcast ! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support our work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bellinghampodcast.substack.com

Welcome back to the Bellingham Podcast! We're driving the DeLorean right back into the nostalgia-fueled fun with the second part of our Word of Note of Nostalgia. AJ and Chris pick back up from their first part of their DeLorean adventure, ready to continue exploring the curious realm of nostalgia and its ties to marketing, technology, and personal memories.In this episode, join us for another nostalgic trip down memory lane as we reflect on our past experiences and delve deeper into the trends shaping marketing for our generations (Gen X for Chris, Gen Y for AJ). From timeless retro gadgets to the ongoing wave of film reboots, we'll continue unraveling how nostalgia influences our perceptions and choices; and how we reflect on it as fathers.If you are tuning in from the past on your VR head set, or tune in to your virtual transistor radio, and let's continue our journey into the timeless allure of nostalgia on this engaging second part of our episode. Show notesWebster “ Nostalgia” : a wistful or excessivel

Welcome back to another episode of the Bellingham Podcast! We were late in this episode as AJ and Chris had to fire up the DeLorean on the ol’ Word of Note series to delve into the realm of nostalgia, exploring its intricate ties to marketing, technology, and personal memories. Join us as we take a nostalgic trip down memory lane, reflecting on our own past experiences, and the trends we have started to see in marketing to our generations (Gen X for Chris, Gen Y for AJ). From retro gadgets to the reboots of films, we'll uncover how nostalgia shapes our perceptions and influences our choices in a rapidly evolving world. So grab your headphones, tune in on your transistor radio, and join us in this two part episode on the timeless allure of nostalgia.Show notesWebster “ Nostalgia” : a wistful or excessively sentimental yearning for return to or of some past period or irrecoverable conditionalso : something that evokes nostalgia: the state of being homesick : HOMESICKNESS Nostalgia augments comfort and securit

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bellinghampodcast.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bellinghampodcast.substack.com

No matter the weather, at least the mics stay warmBellingham Winter Storm 2024- https://www.kiro7.com/news/local/bellingham-residents-brace-storm-several-inches-snow-forecasted/G64T5EJFVRHV3NH4R7P5KFMRYQ/ Washington blizzard 1950 - https://www.seattlepi.com/local/weather/article/Tacoma-snow-storm-1950-video-archive-history-13533250.php * https://www.historylink.org/File/8079Health and WellnessChris- Whole30 | https://whole30.com/Whatcom County Mental Health- https://www.whatcomcounty.us/3294/Mental-HealthSAD- Seasonal Affected Disorder https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/seasonal-affective-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20364651 SAD and Seattle - https://www.seattletimes.com/life/wellness/seattle-rainy-season-brings-on-seasonal-affective-disorder-heres-the-deal-with-sad/ DGR- Distinguished Gentilmea’s Ride Supporting a Friend or Family Member with Mental Health Problems - https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/how-to-talk/friends-and-family-members This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss

Thank you all so much again for another year of supporting the podcast! After a few weeks of sickness, Chris’ sweet baritone voice is back in action just in time to punch out on 2023. From Chris and AJ of your Bellingham Podcast, we hope you have a happy holiday season, a fun and safe new year, and stay warm here in the City by the Salish Sea. Local Updates:Bellingham old Terminal Building fire* Cascadia Daily | https://www.cascadiadaily.com/news/2023/dec/18/community-rallies-around-those-impacted-by-terminal-building-fire/* City of Bellingahm | https://cob.org/news/2023/update-on-fairhaven-terminal-building-fire-2 * KING 5 news | https://www.king5.com/article/news/local/bellingham/historic-bellingham-building-damaged-unstable-overnight-fire/281-bcd2be6d-b1f9-48aa-9d7a-47a77a4a67daGone Diving, our last remaining dive shop to be sold/ to close in 2024 https://myemail.constantcontact.com/Exciting-News.html?soid=1101457878512&aid=YLnw95jf7cIChris: A Charlie Brown Canvas Christmas AJ: Analog Explorer (Season

Happy Thanksgiving (USA), everyone! AJ’s dive to the HCMS Annapolis Chris’ Retirement Tech* Proton Mail | https://proton.me/mail* Signal Messenger | https://signal.org/download/Quality Assurance Chris- COF& https://colcofy.com/AJ - Amendment 21 (Hotel Leo) - https://www.thehotelleo.com/dining Thank you for reading The Bellingham Podcast . This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bellinghampodcast.substack.com

We were offline and off-air for September due to scheduling. Sch-edu-ling, the latin phrase for “life got busy between working, dading, and living.” But Chris and AJ are back for October, or as AJ predicted Doc-tober. Adobe MAX 2023 session hosted by AJ VS203Made Under Pressure Podcast (coming soon)Guest hosted by the Analog Explorer | AJ to present Travelogue | October 19Details here Belling-home human interest mention * Bellingham’s CTK travel group stuck in middle eas* KOMO * KIRO* KING Quality Assurance Solitude * Reclaiming Conversation | Sherry TurkleSilence* In Pursuit of Silence Chris Hadfield* The Apollo Murders * NEW| The Defector This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bellinghampodcast.substack.com

Lightning strike fire | BellinghamTravel Dispatches:

On this July episode, pardon the clanks and extra noise filtering in the episode - we had a guest construction worker fire up a tractor as we started recording from….New “Scramble Nature Park” at Barkley VillageDiving in and around BellinghamCleaning up Lake WhatcomCleaning up Lake SamishPuget Sound Sea LifeQuality Assurance & New Gear* Bose - Quiet Comfort * SoundCore - Q45 Space* Wacaco - Picopresso* “Unreasonable Hospitality” - Book This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bellinghampodcast.substack.com

In this May-June episode, as summer begins to ramp up in the PNW, are you thinking of visiting  Bellingham? Tune in to AJ and Chris' rundown of how to make your way up to the city by the Salish Sea and what to wrap up in your trip. Welcome to WhatcomTraveling to Bellingham* BLI - Mostly non-stop flights to Las Vegas, Denver, Seattle, Phoenix, Los Angeles and the San Juan Islands. * Amtrak (King Station to Fairhaven)* Seattle Lightrail construction expanding north, south, east. * Airporter - Bellair Shuttles * Flixbus - Economical tickets from Bellingham to Seattle, eco-friendly, too!From Bellingham* Mount Baker Wilderness* Semi-ah-moo - A casual northwest seaside resort* Seaside BBQ & Live Music summer schedule* Theater on the Terrace - free family-friendly performances from Shakespeare NW - Saturday June 10 only* Vancouver/Surrey/ Lower Mainland* SquamishUniquely Whatcom* Taylor Shellfish Farms - Chuckanut * Larrabee State Park* Chuckanut Drive* Whatcom Falls/ Lake Whatcom * Mountain Bike mecca - Whatcom

Chris and AJ are back from travel and have more coming up. Be sure to check the show notes, or consider becoming a free subscriber, on Substack for link and photos. Observations traveling post-pandemic:* An economy ticket is just that … don’t expect to keep your overhead bag* “Juice- Jacking”- Powerstations and security concerns- bring your own plug* Real ID* “On May 7, 2025, U.S. travelers must be REAL ID compliant to board domestic flights and access certain federal facilities.”* Wa DOT* “Will DOL still offer standard driver's licenses and ID cards?Yes, we'll continue to offer standard driver licenses and ID cards that can be used by Washington residents to drive, or serve as identification. They don't indicate a person's residency, or legal status. However, beginning May 7, 2025, they will no longer be accepted as valid forms for ID for boarding domestic flights.”How do we travel?AJ* Gear * Cottopaxi Alpa 42* Tenba Tools Wrap* Retroid Pocket* SoundCore Q20+* AirTags* Manta Sleep Mask* iHome multiport USB-C