Bellingham Podcast

Ep. 240 "GPT takes on Bellingham, and we correct it?"

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. 🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from AJ and Chris 🤖 “SmackGPT vs Locals” As mentioned- the output from AI (ChatGPT after a bit of conversation with the bot) Five Ways to Spend a Weekend in Bellingham (with Estimated Costs) With Estimated Costs for 2025 Below are five distinct ways to experience Bellingham — from hidden-gem explorers to luxe travelers — each with activity ideas and estimated weekend totals (Fri–Sun). 1. Local Explorer Hidden gems, coffee shops, local seafood, & Baker trails Estimated weekend cost: $400–$550 per person Friday Evening * Check into Hotel Leo or Fairhaven Inn (~$180/night) * Coffee at Makeworth or Camber * Sunset stroll at Boulevard Park * Dinner: Rock & Rye Oyster House ($45–60) Saturday * Coffee + breakfast at Camber ($15–25) * Drive SR 542 toward Mount Baker → stop at Nooksack Falls * Hike options: Horseshoe Bend, Yellow Aster Butte, Chain Lakes Loop * Lunch from Old World Deli (packed $12–15) * Espresso + pastry at Wake ’N Bakery * Dinner at Carnal or Keenan’s on the Pier ($40–60) Sunday * Tony’s Coffee + brunch at Evolve ($25) * Chuckanut Drive detour & oysters at Taylor Shellfish ($30–40) * Final coffee at Lettered Streets 2. Family Adventurers (Kids 4–11) Kid-friendly hikes, parks, treats, simple pacing Estimated weekend cost: $600–$850 for a family of four Friday Evening * Stay in Fairhaven Inn or Larrabee cabins (~$200/night) * Boulevard Park playground time * Dinner: Boomer’s or Colophon ($40–50 family) * Mallard Ice Cream run ($20) Saturday * Breakfast at Evolve or Magdalena’s ($40 family) * Easy Mount Baker stops: Nooksack Falls, Horseshoe Bend (short sections) * Picnic at Silver Lake Park (snacks ~$10) * Pizza at North Fork Brewery or local family option (~$50 family) * Early evening in Fairhaven Village Green Sunday * Crêpes at Magdalena’s ($40 family) * Short hike at Stimpson Reserve or Whatcom Falls * Boulevard Park lunch and playtime ($30 family) * Edaleen Ice Cream stop on the way home 3. Mindful Explorer (No Alcohol) Tea houses, wellness walks, yoga, calm nature spots Estimated weekend cost: $350–$500 per person Friday Evening * Hotel Leo (~$160/night) * Kombucha flight at Culture Café ($10) * South Bay Trail walk * Dinner at Keenan’s or Wild Oat ($40–50) Saturday * Gentle morning yoga at 3 Oms ($25) * Coffee at Refind or Avellino ($10) * Mindful walk at Stimpson Nature Reserve (free) * Healthy lunch at Leaf & Ladle ($12–20) * Late afternoon tea at Evolve Sunday * Coffee + light lunch ($15–25) * Sehome Hill Arboretum lookout or Clayton Beach tidal walk * Reflection/journaling break before departure 4. The Camper No hotels, minimal cost, full-time outdoors Estimated weekend cost: $200–$300 per couple/person Friday * Camp at Larrabee State Park or Silver Lake ($30–40/night) * Campfire dinner or simple takeout ($10–15) * Sunset on Larrabee cliffs Saturday * Camp coffee + oatmeal ($5) * Mount Baker hiking day: Yellow Aster Butte or lakeside loops * Lunch from camp supplies or Wake ’N Bakery ($10) * Dinner over the fire (salmon/veggies ~$10–15) Sunday * Pack up camp * Quick hike at Fragrance Lake or Clayton Beach * Taylor Shellfish oyster stop or casual lunch ($25–35) 5. Luxe Explorer High-end stays, spa, private hikes, elevated local dining Estimated weekend cost: $900–$1,400 per person Friday * Stay at Chrysalis Inn & Spa (~$320+/night) * Welcome drink & balcony sunset * Dinner with local seafood tasting menu ($70–90) Saturday * Brunch at Keenan’s or in-room dining ($45+) * Private driver or curated transport to Artist Point (~$150) * Optional private mountain guide (~$75 per person) * Catered picnic at a scenic viewpoint ($60+) * Dinner at a fine-dining restaurant ($90+) Sunday * In-suite brunch ($45–60) * Spa treatment (90 min $150–200) * Scenic drive or chauffeured Chuckanut outing (~$100) ☕ Local’s Additions and Corrections * Woods Coffee (local staple) * Camber (micro-roastery) * Fenex (Bellwether ) * Avellino (downtown) * Café Adagio (Chris’ all-time favorite) * Banter & Avenue Bread for breakfast/brunch lovers (with shoutout to Ben Mann art) * Boomers math checks out ish (≈$35–40 for a family) * Better lux dining: Silver Reef Steakhouse, Anthony’s, Chuckanut Bay Oyster House * Mindful dining: Leaf & Ladle, Soy House, Whole Foods Market seating area * 3 Oms Yoga (accurate) * Flow Motion, Joy Pilates also solid * AI mistakenly mentions Wild Oat (closed) * Anthony’s Grill * Chuckanut Oyster House * Silver Reef Steakhouse 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 [https://bellinghampodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ep. 239 | Unabridged Season

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 [https://www.elsuenitobrewing.com/event-details/noches-de-trivia-bellingham-2025-07-15-19-00-1] * Frelard Tamales [https://www.frelardtamales.com/] * Training Grounds (gym) —Training Grounds [https://bellinghamtraininggrounds.com/] * Boundary Bay Brewery & Bistro (closure) — Announcement: Boundary Bay closing at end of 2025 [https://washingtonbeerblog.com/boundary-bay-brewery-closing-current-location-at-end-of-2025/] * Hey Dumplin’ (dumplings) — Hey Dumplin [https://heydumplin.com] * Cosmic Games (game store) — Cosmic Games [https://www.cosmicbham.com/] * Waypoint Park (waterfront park) — Info page: Waypoint Park – City of Bellingham [https://cob.org/services/recreation/parks-trails/parks-guide/waypoint-park] * Pen y Fan [https://www.visitwales.com/things-do/adventure-and-activities/walking/crowning-glory-4-ways-walk-pen-y-fan] - Mountain * Boundary Bay closes after 30 years [https://www.cascadiadaily.com/2025/sep/11/after-30-years-institution-boundary-bay-closing-doors-with-celebration-nostalgia/#:~:text=Boundary%20Bay%20closes%20for%20good,is%20closed%20on%20Sunday%2C%20Sept.]- Cascadia Daily News * KMRE 88.3 [https://kmre.org/] It’s a relaxed, real, and refreshingly and quasi-analog homecoming for the long-running Bellingham Podcast - complete with shout-outs to listeners old and new, the regular plug to KMRE 88.3 FM, and the reminder that even in a tech-tired world, community still connects. 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 [https://bellinghampodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ep. 238 | Doctober'ingham 2024

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 Identity AJ 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/ [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.RoxHw [https://www.perplexity.ai/page/ai-amplifies-false-memories-Oi2YlbzuSyqDnm4m.RoxHw] Chris and AJ discuss their concerns about AI-generated content, pondering the implications for personal data and podcasting. Vancouver BC AJ talks about his visit to Roldorf & Co. and recounts Jason Gallop’s journey to rebuild his watch business after a devastating fire. Roldorf Cafe Exploring Analog A discussion on The Revenge of Analog documentary, with a focus on the revival of Polaroid film and the allure of analog experiences in a digital age. Reflections on Masculinity Chris shares insights from the Vice TV documentary series, Searching for Masculinity, sparking a conversation about evolving societal views on masculinity. They examine the importance of authenticity and personal identity, especially in an age where AI and digital media can shape perceptions. Documentary Recommendations for Doctober Chris highlights the annual documentary showcase at Bellingham’s Pickford Cinema and suggests thought-provoking documentaries on themes like masculinity and analog nostalgia. Quality Assurance Picks Chris’s Pick: RI Music app, a free, ad-free option for Android users to stream music from YouTube without tracking. Mr. McMahon on Netflix Diggnation A revival of the early tech show by Kevin Rose and Alex Albrecht, celebrating internet oddities https://www.diggnation.show/ [https://www.diggnation.show/] YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@diggnation [https://www.youtube.com/@diggnation] Listener Reminders: Tune in to KMRE 88.3 FM or stream online at kmre.org to catch the Bellingham Podcast. Look out for the November episode with AJ and Chris’s holiday gift guide and travel stories. 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 [https://bellinghampodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ep. 237 | What Happened to September?

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 relaxation Life Updates * AJ’s experience balancing work and family life during August * AJ’s wife landing a job right after graduation * Chris’s insights into the evolving personal tech landscape and privacy-focused gadgets Tech Talk * AJ and Chris discuss personal tech choices like Graphene OS and privacy-focused apps * Chris’s minimalist approach to tech: ProtonMail, VPN, and offline maps * The debate on iOS vs. Android and privacy benefits of alternative operating systems Analog Meets Digital * AJ’s dive back into the Pokémon trading card game with his son * Nostalgia around collecting, comics, and trading cards * Insights on teaching the next generation about gaming, collecting, and community Looking Ahead * Upcoming plans for AJ’s 100th scuba dive milestone * Fall projects, holiday gift ideas, and the continued journey in balancing analog and digital worlds Listener Reminder: Tune in on KMRE 88.3 FM for the radio broadcast of the Bellingham Podcast, and stay connected for future episodes! 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 [https://bellinghampodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Ep. 236 | Word of Note "Einsemd"

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.html [https://m.dict.cc/icelandic-english/einsemd.html] Westminster Abbey Benedictine Monks in Mission, B.C. - [https://westminsterabbey.ca/]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 [https://bellinghampodcast.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]