Building Bellingham

Hosted by Leo Cohen

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Oct 2026

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About the show

What does it take to build a business in Whatcom County? Each month, host Leo Cohen sits down with the people behind your favorite Bellingham businesses to discover who they are, how they got started, what inspires them, and how they overcame the challenges they've faced along the way.

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60 recent

October 15, 2026Episode 21 hr 2 min

Kelly Evert & Paul Hanson, Village Books & Paper Dreams | Season 8, Episode 2

Meet Kelly Evert and Paul Hanson. 2/3 of the trio that own and operate Village Books and Paper Dreams. All three former employees and leadership team that eventually took on the reins of the business from the founders Dee and Chuck Robinson. In this episode, Kelly and Paul talk about their journey in the world of books, what it's like to co-own and operate between three different business owners and all the hows and whys behind choosing what books to stock. Plus, we get into the ways that Village Books and Paper Dreams has connected with the community, the neurological magic of picking up and reading a physical book, and all the reasons why it's vital for us all to never lose the art of reading for yourself. Enjoy the episode! Learn more about Village Books & Paper Dreams: 🌐 Website: https://www.villagebooks.com/ 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/village_books 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillageBooks/ - Building Bellingham is a community podcast produced by the Bellingham Real Estate Co. Our Crew: Producer & Audio Editor | Taylor Beal Video Production | Cooper Hansley Host | Leo Cohen Follow the show: 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham 🌐 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingbellingham

September 11, 2026Episode 154 min

Susie Purves, The Pickford Film Center | Season 8, Episode 1 (Season Premiere)

Meet Susie Purves. What started as a career in arts and film in the greater Seattle area eventually led Susie to the Executive Director role at the Pickford here in Bellingham. Throughout this episode, Susie shares with us how the Pickford navigates showing a balance of independent small films while also hosting the big blockbusters, a little bit of history of where the Pickford started, and what they hope to provide amongst an era of streaming outside of the theater. Plus, we get to talking about directors, movies, and all things film distribution. Enjoy the episode! Learn more about or catch a film at The Pickford: 🌐 Website: https://www.pickfordfilmcenter.org/home 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pickfordfilm/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pickfordfilm - Building Bellingham is a community podcast produced by the Bellingham Real Estate Co. Our Crew: Producer & Audio Editor | Taylor Beal Video Production | Cooper Hansley Host | Leo Cohen Follow the show: 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham 🌐 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingbellingham

April 24, 2026Episode 81 hr 6 min

Bradley Lockhart, Lariat Creative & NW Corner Goods | Season 7, Episode 8 (Season Finale)

Meet Bradley Lockhart. Whatcom County local, creator of the Bellingham Flag and the brains behind many local business' branding and logos. In this episode, Brad talks to us about his journey to digital media, animation and curating an icon of Bellingham iconography with our official city flag. We get into what it's like finding that balance between a client's vision and needs and where you as a creative toe the line with your own ideas. Plus, we get into more talk of flags with Brad's rendition for a Washington State and Seattle flag, his love for pinball machines, being part of a local punk band, and getting to work with an organization like Children of the Setting Sun. Enjoy the episode! Learn more about Brad's work and get yourself some Bellingham merch: 🌐 Lariat Creative | Website: https://lariatcreative.com/ 🌐 Lariat Creative | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lariatcreative/ 🌐 NW Corner Goods | Shop: https://www.nwcornergoods.com/ 🌐 NW Corner Goods | Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nw_corner/ - Building Bellingham is a community podcast produced by the Bellingham Real Estate Co. Our Crew: Producer & Audio Editor | Taylor Beal Video Production | Cooper Hansley Host | Leo Cohen Follow the show: 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham 🌐 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingbellingham

March 20, 2026Episode 750 min

Stephanie Morrell, Bellingham Bells Organization | Season 7, Episode 7

Meet Stephanie Morrell, President and General Manager of the Bellingham Bells. Stephanie came to Bellingham at 18 years old to attend Western, and after working for the Bellingham Herald post-graduation, she joined the Bells in 2013 as their Marketing Director. Not too long after, she moved into the General Manager role in 2016 before additionally taking on her role as President in 2024, making this year her 13th with the Bells. In this episode, Stephanie talks to us about the importance of keeping it local at Joe Martin stadium, what the economic ins and outs of running a collegiate-based team look like, as well as what the experience of hitting a moving target that is running a sports organization in an arts-focused community. Plus, we hear a little insight into how they curate an electric experience for everyone who comes to the ballpark and not just die hard sports fans, and Leo takes a swing at seeing how he can be Dinger for a game. Enjoy the episode! Learn more about the Bellingham Bells & watch a game this season: 🌐 Website: https://bellinghambells.com/ 🌐 Instagram: https://instagram.com/bhambells 🌐 Facebook: https://facebook.com/BellsBaseball - Building Bellingham is a community podcast produced by the Bellingham Real Estate Co. Our Crew: Producer & Audio Editor | Taylor Beal Video Production | Cooper Hansley Host | Leo Cohen Follow the show: 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham 🌐 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingbellingham

February 20, 2026Episode 51 hr 15 min

Jake Gobeille & Brad Sakali, Beach Cat Brewing | Season 7, Episode 6

Meet Jake Gobeille & Brad Sakali. Jake is a co-owner and co-founder of Beach Cat while Brad is master of all things Marketing. In this episode, Jake talks about what Beach Cat's journey to opening a brewery in Birch Bay, WA amidst a pandemic shutdown looked like, the hockey stick of an experience their business went through that has led to a second location in Bellingham, his hopes he has for our local beer scene and why Beach Cat is dedicated to making craft brewing more accessible to our community. We also hear from Brad on the how Beach Cat authentically connects with customers via social media, the importance of accessible community events, and how knowing your regulars makes an impact on their decision to participate in your third space. It's an hour full of laughter, life lessons and candid conversation about how Beach Cat is curating community at their breweries. Enjoy the episode! Learn more about Beach Cat Brewing: 🌐 Website: https://www.beachcatbrewing.com/ 🌐 Instagram (North Paw, Birch Bay): https://www.instagram.com/beachcatbrewing.bbay/?g=5 🌐 Instagram (South Paw, Bellingham): https://www.instagram.com/beachcatbrewing.bham/?g=5 🌐 Facebook (North Paw, Birch Bay): https://www.facebook.com/BeachCatBrewing.bbay 🌐 Facebook (South Paw, Bellingham): https://www.facebook.com/BeachCatBrewing.bham - Building Bellingham is a community podcast produced by the Bellingham Real Estate Co. Our Crew: Producer & Audio Editor | Taylor Beal Video Production | Cooper Hansley Host | Leo Cohen Follow the show: 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham 🌐 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingbellingham

January 23, 2026Episode 51 hr 2 min

Kolby LaBree - Good Time Girls, Bellinghistory Tours | Season 7, Episode 5

Meet Kolby LaBree. Tour Guide and Co-Owner of the Good Time Girls Bellinghistory Tours crew here in town. In this episode, Kolby talks about what it's like to lead a small team, how the tours come together, and the wide range of local history that the Good Time Girls cover. She talks about how truth in history is always-evolving and how much she loves the spooky cryptid tales alongside the real-life lore that exists in Bellingham. Plus, she tells with us what some of her favorite historic buildings in town are, as well as shares some of her own personal Bellinghistory. Enjoy the episode! Learn more about Good Time Girls & Kolby: 🌐 Bellinghistory With the Good Time Girls Podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0nJyNpDwfWumnBavP4YOVF?si=cc257417ea7b44e3 🌐 Website: https://bellinghistory.com/ 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodtimegirlstours/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/goodtimegirlsbellingham/ - Building Bellingham is a community podcast produced by the Bellingham Real Estate Co. Our Crew: Producer & Audio Editor | Taylor Beal Video Production | Cooper Hansley Host | Leo Cohen Follow the show: 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham 🌐 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingbellingham

December 26, 2025Episode 41 hr 3 min

Matt Shaver - Foundation Restoration | Season 7 Episode 4

Meet Matt Shaver. Founder and President of Foundation Restoration. In this episode, Matt covers everything from his experience playing college basketball to his transition to Bellingham, his journey with Foundation Restoration and how experiences with previous professions gave him insight on why he runs his company differently. He talks about the importance of integrity, being of service to others, about the importance of investing in one's community and showing up no matter what. And, we get to hear a little bit more about how he dipped into the music scene with band management, and even hear a little bit of his Mongolian Throat Singing too! Enjoy the episode! Learn more about Foundation Restoration & Matt: 🌐 Website: https://www.foundationrestoration.com/ 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/unclemattshaver/ - Building Bellingham is a community podcast produced by the Bellingham Real Estate Co. Our Crew: Producer & Audio Editor | Taylor Beal Video Production | Cooper Hansley Host | Leo Cohen Follow the show: 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham 🌐 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingbellingham

November 21, 2025Episode 348 min

Wyatt Uhrig - Yeager's Sporting Goods | Season 7 Episode 3

Meet Wyatt Uhrig. General Manager and 4th-generation member of one of Bellingham's oldest and most infamous family-run retail locations in town; Yeager's Sporting Goods. In this episode, Wyatt talks about the impact of having a team that's excited about the product they're selling, how they maintain such a wide spectrum of inventory, and how they're adapting their marketing to connect more people with their shop. Plus, we get into a little bit of the family history of the people in the Yeager Family who made the business what it was over the last 100+ years, and how Yeager's navigates a revolving door of evolution across all fronts of running an in-person retail space in 2025. Enjoy the episode! Learn more about Yeager's: 🌐 Website: https://yeagerssportinggoods.com/ 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yeagerssportinggoods/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yeagerssportinggoods - Building Bellingham is a community podcast produced by the Bellingham Real Estate Co. Our Crew: Producer & Audio Editor | Taylor Beal Video Production | Cooper Hansley Host | Leo Cohen Follow the show: 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham 🌐 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingbellingham

October 17, 2025Episode 252 min

Jenn Mason - WinkWink Boutique | Season 7 Episode 2

Meet Jenn Mason. Former DVSAS Sexual Assault Victim Advocate, current School Board member and owner and educator of Bellingham's very own not creepy sex-shop in the heart of Downtown Bellingham, WinkWink Boutique. In this episode, Leo and Jenn cover the challenges of navigating inventory in an ever changing retail world, how WinkWink is redefining the taboo nature of sex in our conversations, how to help parents navigate "the talk" with their kids, and how Jenn has remained true to her business and their mission in the face of intense adversity on a local and national level. They get into the importance of holding others in a compassionate space even if those people don't do the same for you, and of course, we find out which neighborhood in Bellingham are WinkWink's biggest fans. Enjoy the episode! Learn more about WinkWink: 🌐 Website: https://winkwinkboutique.com/ 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winkwinkboutique/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/winkwinkboutique - Building Bellingham is a community podcast produced by the Bellingham Real Estate Co. Our Crew: Producer & Audio Editor | Taylor Beal Video Production | Cooper Hansley Host | Leo Cohen Follow the show: 🌐 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/ 🌐 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/building.bellingham 🌐 TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@buildingbellingham

September 26, 2025Episode 153 min

Taylor Beal - Producer of Building Bellingham & LiveBellinghamNow | Season 7 Premiere

Meet Taylor Beal. Our podcast producer, audio editor, and nerd of all things Bellingham and community. In this behind the scenes special episode, Taylor talks about the transition our crew made in moving the producer role from Tiffany to Taylor, how the podcast happens, and the importance of the community content on our platforms and how it impacts our audience and business. Enjoy episode! - Building Bellingham is a community podcast produced by the Bellingham Real Estate Co. Our Crew: Co-Producers & Audio Editors | Tiffany Holden & Taylor Beal Video Production | Cooper Hansley Host | Leo Cohen Follow the show: https://www.instagram.com/building.bellingham/