Bellingham Podcast

Tis the “Season of Less?” Chris is back with his silky baritone voice. AJ & Chris are looking at letting go of various software, media content, and streaming services. Meanwhile, looking at new independent content creators. Heat up some peppermint tea and settle into your sofa. It's time once again... For the Bellingham Podcast.

Housekeeping

Thanks to everyone who have reached out to the show, we have seen your messages.

Shout-out to 40/20
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/40-and-20/id1440949708?mt=2

New look same site: bellinghampodcast.com (http://bellinghampodcast.com/)

Information diet - Chris

* Not much TV show consumption, or movies.
* YouTube - carefully-curated channels subscribed to
* Tasty, Frog Leap Studios, Marques Brownlee, and PostModern Jukebox

* Not much news consumption. Once a day AM check Google News algorithm.
* New Podcasts finds - ZigZag, The Future of Cities, Mozilla IRL

Information Diet - AJ

WildthingPod
The Ground Up Show
Watchfinder & Co
Hodinkee Radio
40and20 Podcast https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/40-and-20/id1440949708?mt=2


Home Wireless Changes for Chris

* Requiem for Apple Airport Base Station.
* Enter Google Wifi mesh netwo

Holiday Shopping - A counter-cultural mindset

* NotMinimalism but anti-hoarding.
* “The things you own, own you.” Papa Roach - Between Angels and insects (?!)
* The power of saying “no”. The notion that you gotta have X to 'be in the game'
* Matt Jacobson (https://pca.st/episode/ade50ef2-7b8e-4fa1-8966-8978f6f27ff6)
* Matt D'Avella (https://www.youtube.com/user/blackboxfilmcompany)

Cutting the streaming cord

* AJ - Pandora cancelled, Netflix to be canceled January?
* CP - Hulu, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Ebay, Paypal, and Apple Music - all under consideration of getting cancelled
* Take one day a week and say NO to the TV or mindless flipping through instagram
* “According to the university of sussex (https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/5070874/Reading-can-help-reduce-stress.html), reading a book for as little as 6 minutes is enough to lower stress levels by more than 68%”
* Listening to music reduced the levels by 61 percent, have a cup of tea of coffee lowered them by 54 per cent and taking a walk by 42 per cent.

Analog Explorer Update

* AJ- The Analog Explorer SE- Sold out! Second printing through Blurb (out by time of recording)

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

Thanksgiving station break- Chris away from the mic due to illness. AJ on the mic with some seasonal recommendations during this (US) holiday season.

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 to season 5 of The Bellingham Podcast! For episode 101 we are coming back to the topic that got us going from the start; gear

Thanks to everyone who has been contacting us with regards to sponsoring an episode. Chris and I are going through each of the emails and we will be chatting more about that soon, should anything pan out.

Travel to Vancouver: RedBar YVR

* Watches
* WatchFam - Ryan, Dan the Man, Sean, Sherlock, Phil, Greg, Brian, and many others
* The venue - Rule #3 of RedbarCrew

Gear Report

Chris

Analog

* GoRuck GR1 backpack
* Cargo Works Utility Folder
* Baron Fig Mastermind Mini dot-grid notepad
* UniBall Signo 0.38 pens
* Seiko SKX007 Modded with ToxicNatos straps
* Columbia Slim Wallet
* Keys, with Titanium PickPocket Alpha Keychain Pocket Clip

Digital

* iPad Pro 12.9 - Cargo Works sleeve
* iPhone 6s+ in a Magpul Field Case
* Aukey 20000 mAh portable charger, 3 USB ports
* WD 256GB external SSD
* WD 4TB external USB drive

AJ

* PackSafe CamSafe travel bag
* Building the SKX031
* Camera Nerd
* Rokinon 24mm F2.8
* Lensmate thumbs up
* Lumo
* Ello Camper Mug

The Analog Explorer SE: https://ajbarse.com/preorder-ae-vol1-se/

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 100th episode of the Bellingham Podcast, AJ and Chris have a very special guest- the Mayor of Bellingham, Kelli Linville.

Office of Mayor Kelli Linville - https://www.cob.org/gov/mayor

Thanks to everyone who subscribes and listens to the show!

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 our big thank you listener episode! After 98 shows, AJ and Chris are very thankful to be able to be doing what they do: having a conversation on the mic about stuff that interests them and the community in which they live. Thank you EVERYONE for listening and supporting the show. And stay tuned for Episode 100- with an interview with a very special guest.

Where we at?

Barkley Village Woods Coffee, overlooking Bellingham's movie monstrosity, 3008 Cinema Pl, Bellingham, WA 98226
*Not looking for advertisers, but open to “show supporters” : with a BhamPodcast twist.*

Chris - The face in the mirror

What's next?

* Instagram quotes with a side of mnmltek
* Newsletter to book
* Still teaching tech classes with WCC ComEd

Chri's Thanks

* to the God that I worship
* My beautiful wife
* My amazing daughter
* Woods Coffee staff
* Lettered Streets Coffee
* Camber Coffee
* Primer Coffee
* The Union Coffee
* Tony's Coffee
* Patrick Rhone
* Erica from Art Wood in Fairhaven
* Crypto Nick Hill
* Katie Thomas




AJ's Thanks

What's Next

* #NewWatchAlert- restoring a vintage Seiko (thanks Nick)

THE BIG ANNOUNCEMENT:
* The Analog Explorer volume 1 magazine gets announced; www.theanalogexplorer.com (http://www.theanalogexplorer.com/)


Thanks to:

* Wife, son, and family
* Erika (Erika's Original)
* TBWS- Mike and Kaz
* Terry (Toxic Nato)
* Nicki (Found Leather)
* Dan in (was) in Cyprus (danc21cy)
* Dan in (was) in Japan (RisingSunSailor)
* KNKX / NPR (Geoffrey Redick, producer)
* Nick (Orion Watches)
* KMRE
* #WatchFam
* BuyingOnTime
* EA8
* Roldorf
* AJ's Patreon patrons
* Becca (listener and patron)


Connect

*AJ*: patreon.com/ajbarse (http://patreon.com/ajbarse) or follow on Instagram (http://instagram.com/ajbarse) @ajbarse AND an all new www.ajbarse.com (http://www.ajbarse.com/)
*Chris*: chrispowell.co (http://www.chrispowell.co/) or @mnmltek on most social media
*Twitter Hashtags*: #bhampodcast

Listen

If you're in the Bellingham area, be sure to listen to our show on KMRE 102.3 FM (http://www.kmre.org/bellingham-podcast-media-tech/) Thursdays @ 9:00 am and Saturdays @ 1:30 pm.

Talk

Got a question about technology or anything else about life in Bellingham? Call 201-731-8324 (tel:2017318324) (TECH) and leave us a voicemail, and ask us nicely! We may include it in one of our future shows.

Subscribe

iTunes, Google Play Store, Soundcloud, Spreaker, TuneIn, or wherever else you podcast. And check out our website at bellinghampodcast.com (http://bellinghampodcast.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

Nidhamu (Discipline) AJ and Chris wrap up the common theme across the last three miniseries in this final episode in the" Words of Note series".


What the heck was that sentence Chris said? “It is important to have discipline in your life.” - in Swahili!

What is Nidhamu? (https://en.bab.la/dictionary/swahili-english/nidhamu)

From the Swahili Wikipedia (https://sw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nidhamu) - “A (https://sw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mtu) disciplined person is the person who does what needs to be done to achieve his or her goals and society (https://sw.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jamii).”

Dictionary definition - the practice of training people to obey rules or a code of behavior, using punishment to correct disobedience.

Discipline brings stability and structure into a person’s life.

*Internal discipline* involves Self-restraint. The ability for an individual to have self-restraint allows them to behave in a consistently stringent and controlled manner. It gives you the power and inner strength to overcome addictions, procrastination and laziness and to follow through whatever you do.

*External discipline* pertains to to societal norms, such as following the law.

Chris - The face in the mirror

To eliminate options, stick to a singular set of choices, makes my daily walk easier.

* Wardrobe
* AM breakfast
* One watch
* One route to work

I won't be stopping at the donut shop on my commute to work for my morning glazed old fashioned. It's not an option. I'm sad about it, but I'll continue on my way to work


AJ

Traffic: https://www.amazon.com/Traffic-Drive-What-Says-About/dp/0307277194

Connect

*AJ*: patreon.com/ajbarse (http://patreon.com/ajbarse) or follow on Instagram (http://instagram.com/ajbarse) @ajbarse AND an all new www.ajbarse.com (http://www.ajbarse.com/)
*Chris*: mnmltek.micro.blog (https://mnmltek.micro.blog/) or chrispowell.co (http://www.chrispowell.co/)
*Twitter Hashtags*: #bhampodcast

Listen

If you're in the Bellingham area, be sure to listen to our show on KMRE 102.3 FM (http://www.kmre.org/bellingham-podcast-media-tech/) Thursdays @ 9:00 am and Saturdays @ 1:30 pm.

Talk

Got a question about technology or anything else about life in Bellingham? Call 201-731-8324 (tel:2017318324) (TECH) and leave us a voicemail, and ask us nicely! We may include it in one of our future shows.

Subscribe

iTunes, Google Play Store, Soundcloud, Spreaker, TuneIn, or wherever else you podcast. And check out our website at bellinghampodcast.com (http://bellinghampodcast.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

Manan

AJ and Chris are continuing their Words of Note series with one that you might not be familiar with, but it gives you a chance to think...and reflect: An exploration of Manan

KNKX - A Walking Tour of Bellingham (http://www.knkx.org/post/walking-tour-through-downtown-bellingham)

Special thanks to Geoffrey Redick, producer of KNKX's All Things Considered

Shout-out to KNKX for hosting a “KNKX Connects to Bellingham” even last week at the Mount Baker Theater, including a live broadcast of All Things Considered. Won't be the last time we see them up here in 98226.


#GetOut

Fifth annual ArtNight (http://www.whatcomtalk.com/2018/10/15/support-local-artists-and-schools-at-springhill-suites-annual-artnight-fundraiser/) - Thursday October 25, 5:30-8:30pm. Springhill Suites lobby. Bringing the local art scene to hotel guests and the community. Free admission (it's in the hotel lobby!) with appetizers, drink specials from their Chuckanut Lobby Bar and live music.

Disclaimer Time!

What is Manan? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Manan)

Originating from Gaelic roots, Manan is "*a new beginning* **" or "*morning* **", a "*new day*" or "*opportunity*". It insinuates a positive feeling towards an opportunity, or fresh start.

From the Indian Sanskrit language, there are three steps to self-realization:

1. "shravana (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shravana_(hearing))" i.e., careful listening to the teaching of the Vedanta (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vedanta)
2. "*manana*" i.e., repeatedly and deeply reflecting on or contemplating what is learned from those teachings
3. "nididhyasana (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nididhyasana)" i.e., becoming completely absorbed in contemplation that no other thought enters the mind.



Reflection isn't just for mirrors

* Notice the negative patterns in your life
* Focus on the bigger picture
* Come to grips with worrying about things out of your control
* Face your fears
* Define happiness on your own terms
* Make decisions based on your moral compass or conscience

Reflection vs. Introspection vs. Rumination

*Reflection* is thinking about yourself, your actions, the way you behave. What the mirror sees.
*Introspection* involves an examination, or an exploration, of your mental and emotional state. Soul searching. A deeper, more personal form of reflection.
*Rumination* can be negative. Often it occurs when you're in a place of stuck, ruminate, chew on it, kick an idea or situation around.

Rumination vs. Self-examination - in other words, an introvert's typical evening

Warning: taking reflection/introspection/rumination/self-examination may amplify negative thoughts in your head.
Take a shot of mindfulness tonic during tough reflection sessions. Combat the “lizard brain” or the harmful inner narrative

Chris' optimal environment for reflection

* I-5 through Skagit County
* Cruise control set to 75 mph
* Loud hard rock music playing loudly through the car stereo
* Thoughts just pop in my head...
* When not in the bullseye of my attention, my brain's auxiliary process works itself out.

AJ's Recipe for Reflection
"The Mountain Doesn't Care" vs Motorcycle Zen

"On a motorcycle, you can't really think about more than where you are. There's a freedom that comes with that - from stress, worry, sweating the small stuff. " Laurence Fishburne
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/laurence_fishburne_871071

Kevin Rose Instagram quote mention:
https://www.instagram.com/p/BpAhCpinMRv/?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet

Connect

*AJ*: patreon.com/ajbarse (http://patreon.com/ajbarse) or follow on Instagram (http://instagram.com/ajbarse) @ajbarse AND an all new www.ajbarse.com (http://www.ajbarse.com/)
*Chris*: mnmltek.micro.blog (https://mnmltek.micro.blog/) or chrispowell.co (http://www.chrispowell.co/)
*Twitter Hashtags*: #bhampodcast

Listen

If you're in the Bellingham area, be sure to listen to our show on KMRE 102.3 FM (http://www.kmre.org/bellingham-podcast-media-tech/) Thursdays @ 9:00 am and Saturdays @ 1:30 pm.

Talk

Got a question about technology or anything else about life in Bellingham? Call 201-731-8324 (tel:2017318324) (TECH) and leave us a voicemail, and ask us nicely! We may include it in one of our future shows.

Subscribe

iTunes, Google Play Store, Soundcloud, Spreaker, TuneIn, or wherever else you podcast. And check out our website at bellinghampodcast.com (http://bellinghampodcast.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

Kaizen, or Continuous Improvement, is the second topic Chris and AJ cover in their Word of Note mini series. Not from a design standpoint, or how to make a better product; but from the perspective for how anyone can seek out change small changes for their personal good. All that and more, and your favorite PNW aficionados are four episodes away from their 100th!.



From Toyota's Blog (http://blog.toyota.co.uk/kaizen-toyota-production-system): “*Kaizen* (English: Continuous improvement): A philosophy that helps to ensure maximum quality, the elimination of waste, and improvements in efficiency, both in terms of equipment and work procedures. Kaizen improvements in standardised work help maximise productivity at every worksite. *Standardised work involves following procedures consistently and therefore employees can identify the problems promptly*.”

5 S's from the Design World

* Sort (Seiri) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5S_(methodology)#Sort_(Seiri))
* Set in order (Seiton) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5S_(methodology)#Set_in_order_(Seiton))
* Shine/Sweep (Seiso) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5S_(methodology)#Shine/Sweep_(Seiso))
* Standardize (Seiketsu) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5S_(methodology)#Standardize_(Seiketsu))
* Sustain/Self-discipline (Shitsuke) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5S_(methodology)#Sustain/Self-discipline_(Shitsuke))



Fujifilm's Frequent Firmware Updates, from PetaPixel (https://petapixel.com/2013/04/29/fujifilm-constant-improvement-and-the-philosophy-of-kaizen/): “The idea is that Fuji releases these updates so often because they strive for constant improvement in their cameras even after they’ve gotten them in your hands. Every company (well maybe not all of them… (https://petapixel.com/2013/04/24/a-brutally-honest-review-of-canons-new-rebel-t5i-the-t4i-on-placebo/)) strives to improve with each generation, but Fuji isn’t scared to improve in-between — “It was ‘right,’ now it’s ‘more right.’”

Chris' current Kaizen - Data clutter stored in the cloud

One chunk of data when time permits

* Digest, learn, and delete
* Rename and categorize for future reference

Aj's current KaizeN

Diet maintenance, plant-based
Minimalism in progress. Living with less, nut not Kondo-ing your life (tie-in with Ep. 97 - Kon-Mari/Elimination)

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

Summer has taken its last curtain call, and autumn brings that desire to be warm and cozy. Are you wanting to experience...“a mood of coziness and comfortable conviviality with feelings of wellness and contentment.” The Danish folks have a term for this: It's called Hygge. AJ and Chris talk about what makes up Hygge for them here in the PNW as part of their new mini-sieres "A Word of Note."



What is Hygge?
From Wikipedia (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hygge).

Who has talked about Hygge?

From Vice News (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pl74ybpyNLk). ”Also been called Socializing for Introverts.”
A Danish native. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7hZ-5dTUpgk) “A better and more relaxed version of yourself.”
From the Today show (https://www.today.com/health/what-hygge-little-book-hygge-explains-danish-secret-happiness-t109084), if you want a happy, vapid, feel-good look at Hygge that has no retaining substance to it.

The Little Book of Hygge (https://www.harpercollins.com/9780062658807/the-little-book-of-hygge/) available from Harper Collins.

Chris' version of Hygge

* Quiet serenity with nothing on the calendar.
* A clean organized space.
* A glass of seltzer water.
* Low light. Two candles, one of them scented with a non-gagging aroma.
* Low Volume Music, e.g. Tor Lundvall - A Dark Place (https://www.amazon.com/Dark-Place-Tor-Lundvall/dp/B0787J4K1G/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1538062121&sr=8-4&keywords=tor+lundvall) #GhostAmbient


Breaking News: You can have Pumpkin Spice ~whatever~ all year round.

AJs version of Hygge

* A vibe seen in his photog: wrapped up in Patreon Skookum updates pounding out on a typewriter
* Saturday mornings before everyone gets up.
* Journal + Coffee+ Quiet= Mental Reset
* Methodical coffee, hand grinding the beans et al.
* And yes, his watch. #pnw001
* OmmWriter https://ommwriter.com/

Where in Bellingham/Whatcom County can we find Hygge?

Chris finds Hygge at:

Hana Teriyaki
Village Books - Third Floor
Rustic Coffee in Fairhaven


AJ finds Hygge at:

“The Mountain doesn't care...” = Mental North
Looking for cafes that have this vibe for a little respite when traveling



Connect

*AJ*: patreon.com/ajbarse (http://patreon.com/ajbarse) or follow on Instagram (http://instagram.com/ajbarse) @ajbarse AND an all new www.ajbarse.com (http://www.ajbarse.com/)
*Chris*: mnmltek.micro.blog (https://mnmltek.micro.blog/) or chrispowell.co (http://www.chrispowell.co/)
*Twitter Hashtags*: #bhampodcast

Listen

If you're in the Bellingham area, be sure to listen to our show on KMRE 102.3 FM (http://www.kmre.org/bellingham-podcast-media-tech/) Thursdays @ 9:00 am and Saturdays @ 1:30 pm.

Talk

Got a question about technology or anything else about life in Bellingham? Call 201-731-8324 (tel:2017318324) (TECH) and leave us a voicemail, and ask us nicely! We may include it in one of our future shows.

Subscribe

iTunes, Google Play Store, Soundcloud, Spreaker, TuneIn, or wherever else you podcast. And check out our website at bellinghampodcast.com (http://bellinghampodcast.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

Chris and AJ will be back...and with a new mini-series that they are working on. Words!
Stay tuned and tune back in in two weeks.

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