『Bellingham Podcast』のカバーアート

Bellingham Podcast

Bellingham Podcast

著者： AJ Barse
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 Pacific Northwest aficionados, AJ Barse and Chris Powell are your hosts each week talking about their views and interests in technology, travel, gear and watches. Or, put another way, "PNW life and views from the city by the Salish Sea." The Bellingham Podcast is recorded in or on location in or around the City of Subdued Excitement, Bellingham Washington. This show is also available on-air on Bellingham's KMRE 102.3FM. bellinghampodcast.substack.com

bellinghampodcast.substack.comAJ Barse and Chris Powell 社会科学
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  • Ep. 240 "GPT takes on Bellingham, and we correct it?"

    Ep. 240 "GPT takes on Bellingham, and we correct it?"
    2025/11/30
    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 2025Below 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 ExplorerHidden gems, coffee shops, local seafood, & Baker trailsEstimated weekend cost: $400–$550 per personFriday 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 Streets2. Family Adventurers (Kids 4–11)Kid-friendly hikes, parks, treats, simple pacingEstimated weekend cost: $600–$850 for a family of fourFriday 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 GreenSunday* 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 home3. Mindful Explorer (No Alcohol)Tea houses, wellness walks, yoga, calm nature spotsEstimated weekend cost: $350–$500 per personFriday 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 EvolveSunday* Coffee + light lunch ($15–25)* Sehome Hill Arboretum lookout or Clayton Beach tidal walk* Reflection/journaling break before departure4. The CamperNo hotels, minimal cost, full-time outdoorsEstimated weekend cost: $200–$300 per couple/personFriday* Camp at Larrabee State Park or Silver Lake ($30–40/night)* Campfire dinner or simple takeout ($10–15)* Sunset on Larrabee cliffsSaturday* 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 ExplorerHigh-end stays, spa, private hikes, elevated local diningEstimated weekend cost: $900–$1,400 per personFriday* 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)*...
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    32 分
  • Ep. 239 | Unabridged Season

    Ep. 239 | Unabridged Season
    2025/10/24

    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 page: Waypoint Park – City of Bellingham

    * Pen y Fan - Mountain

    * Boundary Bay closes after 30 years - Cascadia Daily News

    * KMRE 88.3

    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
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    39 分
  • Ep. 238 | Doctober'ingham 2024

    Ep. 238 | Doctober'ingham 2024
    2024/10/09

    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/

    AI Amplifies False Memories 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/

    YouTube 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
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    38 分
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