Pipes Magazine Radio Show Episode 734: Dennis Cullinan from Red Bell Pipes
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Kevin Godbee - Oct 6, 2026
- 1 min read
Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we continue our three-part conversation with Dennis Cullinan of Red Bell Pipes in Lansing, Michigan. In this second installment of “Story Time with Dennis,” Dennis takes us through his years as a working librarian, when pipe smoking was still part of his daily routine and a pipe rack in his office was never far away. He also recalls the pipe shops of Lansing, the brands and shapes that caught his attention, and his growing appreciation for estate pipes.
Dennis shares stories from his early visits to pipe shows, including the first Chicago Pipe Show he attended in the late 1990s, and how those events opened up a whole new world of collecting. We hear about his affection for Wilmer pipes, his adventures finding and restoring neglected estate pipes, and a few remarkable bargains—including several Dunhills discovered in thrift and junk stores.
At the top of the show, Brian continues with Part Two of his five-part series exploring the similarities and differences between Escudo, Peterson’s Deluxe Navy Rolls, and Davidoff Flake Medallions. We will get into some of the history of Escudo, and provide a review.
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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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Tonight on The Pipes Magazine Radio Show, we continue our three-part conversation with Dennis Cullinan of Red Bell Pipes in Lansing, Michigan. In this second installment of “Story Time with Dennis,” Dennis takes us through his years as a working librarian, when pipe smoking was still part of his daily routine and a pipe rack in his office was never far away. He also recalls the pipe shops of Lansing, the brands and shapes that caught his attention, and his growing appreciation for estate pipes. Dennis shares stories from his early visits to pipe shows, including the first Chicago Pipe Show he attended in the late 1990s, and how those events opened up a whole new world of collecting. We hear about his affection for Wilmer pipes, his adventures finding and restoring neglected estate pipes, and a few remarkable bargains—including several Dunhills discovered in thrift and junk stores. At the top of the show, Brian continues with Part Two of his five-part series exploring the similarities and differences between Escudo, Peterson’s Deluxe Navy Rolls, and Davidoff Flake Medallions. We will get into some of the history of Escudo, and provide a review.
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I found your review of Escudo nicely detailed and quite enlightening. I’ve never smoked it in the past, but I may try it on your recommendation.
Another point of similarity between Dennis and me is that I, too, was a Librarian. I however was an elementary school Librarian, and for quite a few years was able to smoke my pipe in the Teacher’s Lounge during meetings and lunch breaks.
Dennis’ discussion of and appreciation for Wilmer pipes was both informative and entertaining, as were his reminiscences of pipe shows in the 1990s, particularly the Chicago Shows. Good stuff.
Ray Charles singing “(Night Time is) The Right Time” was a terrific choice, another classic.
“The Bottom of the Bowl” segment: Been there, had that done to me. And, I never do any of those evaluations. It’ll just encourage them to send more emails. We’re not gonna take it!
Thanks for the always entertaining show.
Dino