Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 731: Dennis Cullinan from Red Bell Pipes
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Kevin Godbee - Sep 15, 2026
- 1 min read
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we begin a three-part journey through the 70-year pipe-smoking life of Dennis Cullinan of Red Bell Pipes in Lansing, Michigan. Dennis began smoking a pipe at age 15 in 1956, when he walked into a neighborhood drugstore in Benton Harbor and bought his first pipe for $1.50. A week later, he was back for a $2.95 Medico, and his lifelong fascination with pipes was underway.
In this first installment of “Storytime with Dennis,” Dennis takes us back to those early years, when pipes and tobacco were sold at neighborhood drugstores and he was largely on his own in figuring out how to smoke them. He also tells the remarkable story of finding a GBD billiard in a phone booth at the University of Michigan – an encounter that would eventually lead to his lifelong interest in estate pipes.
At the top of the show, Brian reviews the tinned version of Haunted Bookshop, following his earlier review of the bulk version of this classic blend.
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The Pipes Magazine Radio Show features interviews with pipe makers, tobacco blenders, pipe and tobacco aficionados, collectors, and more. Episodes air every Tuesday.
Our show is sponsored by SmokingPipes.com, Cornell & Diehl, Missouri Meerschaum, Savinelli Pipesand Tobaccos, Peterson Pipes and TinBids. Please give them some consideration when making your next pipe or tobacco purchase.
Written by Kevin Godbee
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A nicely presented in-depth review of tinned Haunted Bookshop.
Dennis and I, (he is five years older than me, but started smoking at almost the same age as me), obviously share a similar early pipe journey. He is a terrific storyteller, and I look forward to the coming shows featuring his further pipe adventures.
Chuck Berry’s “No Particular Place to Go” reminded me of my teen years.
With Dennis’ story and Chuck’s song, this episode stoked a warm retro flashback for me.
“The Bottom of the Bowl” segment made me happy to hear that you and your fob were reunited. Sometimes the “process” works.
Thanks for a totally entertaining show.
Dino