Shows
Live Free and Ham PodcastGolden Tickets and Gatekeeping: Reimagining Ham Radio's Entry PathWhat if we could completely redesign the ham radio licensing system? This question sparks one of our most energetic discussions yet as we explore the gap between passing exams and becoming effective operators.Todd doesn't hold back, challenging the relevance of technical questions that rarely impact day-to-day operating. "There are questions on that test that I will never use in my ham radio career ever," he argues, expressing frustration with memorizing formulas and component diagrams that don't translate to practical skills.Paul counters with valuable perspective from his skydiving experience, suggesting that standardized testing creates...2025-07-283h 22
Live Free and Ham PodcastEvolving the Airwaves: What Ham Radio Could BecomeWhat if your ham radio could seamlessly connect to any Bluetooth device? Imagine a rig that automatically finds local repeaters as you drive across state lines, or logs that standardize into one universal format instead of multiple competing systems.In this thought-provoking episode, we tackle the technology gap in amateur radio and explore how manufacturers and the community could embrace innovation to ensure the hobby's future. From Todd's passionate case for universal Bluetooth in all radios to Paul's vision of location-aware rigs that eliminate programming headaches, we dive deep into practical improvements that would make ham radio...2025-07-212h 00
Live Free and Ham PodcastBand Pass Filters and Bureaucracy: Field Day's Identity CrisisThe lines between ham radio's traditional Field Day and the increasingly popular Parks on the Air program are blurring, prompting a thoughtful examination of what truly matters in our hobby. As operators pack their POTA bags weekly for activations, does the annual emergency preparedness exercise of Field Day still serve its intended purpose?This episode dives deep into how the ham radio landscape has evolved. POTA activators regularly set up portable stations in challenging conditions—essentially conducting "field day" operations throughout the year. Meanwhile, many clubs focus Field Day efforts on maximizing contest points rather than introducing ne...2025-07-141h 48
Live Free and Ham PodcastBack to Broadcasting: Reflections on Two Years of Live Free in HamWe're back on the air after a brief hiatus, fired up and ready to reconnect with our Live Free in Ham community as we celebrate an incredible milestone – two years of podcasting!The chemistry between hosts Eric, Todd, and Paul lights up this anniversary episode with authentic conversation that weaves through recent ham radio adventures. Paul shares his journey to Wisconsin for a park activation with YouTuber Chris KD9YSW, overcoming antenna positioning challenges and navigating interstate traffic mishaps. Todd recounts his whirlwind Florida trip where his POTA gear stayed packed due to unexpected travel complications, while Er...2025-07-071h 20
Live Free and Ham PodcastLive Stream - Live Free and Ham 500 Subscriber Live Stream!Celebrate with us as we mark 500 YouTube subscribers in this special livestream packed with giveaways, technical discussions, and the authentic ham radio camaraderie that defines Live Free and Ham.The conversation opens with Paul sharing his exhilarating journey into skydiving as he prepares for the Independence and Legends Boogie at his local drop zone. His description of the freedom found in freefall resonates deeply: "When the parachute opens, it's almost like a sudden reevaluation of all your life priorities." For a combat veteran who once struggled with fireworks triggering anxiety, Paul's excitement about attending his first fireworks...2025-07-033h 15
Live Free and Ham PodcastWe Just Hit Record and Let It Fly: A Different Kind of EpisodeWhat happens when three ham radio operators just hit record without a plan? This episode offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the authentic conversations that take place when the formalities drop and operators simply talk about what's on their minds.From the opening moments when we admit "it's been a rough week, so we just kind of press the record button and let it fly," this episode takes listeners on a meandering journey through the real lives of ham radio enthusiasts. We start with everyday frustrations – baseball coaching challenges, traffic complaints, and family obligations – before naturally flowing into...2025-06-302h 09
Live Free and Ham PodcastSkip This If You Hate Fun: A CB Radio RevivalHave you ever dismissed CB radio as just a relic of 1970s culture? This episode might change your mind completely. We welcome Walt K4OGM from Coastal Waves and Wires to challenge our preconceptions and build a bridge between two radio communities that have been divided for too long.Walt takes us on a fascinating journey through the modern world of Citizens Band radio, revealing how the 11-meter band offers legitimate DX opportunities with legal equipment. You'll discover that the FCC relaxed distance restrictions years ago, making skip contacts fully legal with the proper power limits. From...2025-06-232h 25
Live Free and Ham PodcastAirwave Doppelgängers: When Your Radio Twin Lives in Another StateWhen two ham radio podcasts collide, the airwaves crackle with twice the energy! This special episode brings together the Live Free and Ham crew with the team from Everyday Ham in a crossover that reveals surprising parallels between these two groups of passionate radio operators.What started as a casual conversation quickly evolved into a fascinating exploration of the shared experiences that connect ham radio enthusiasts across state lines. The chemistry between these six operators from New Hampshire and Michigan is immediately apparent as they discover their mirrored approaches to podcasting, community building, and radio operations.2025-06-162h 38
Live Free and Ham PodcastWhen Ham Radio Operators Jump Out of Perfectly Good AirplanesDive into the unexpected convergence of amateur radio and skydiving as co-host Paul (N1OG) shares his journey toward skydiving certification. With 23 jumps completed, Paul recounts a hair-raising experience navigating unexpected wind conditions that forced a landing between hangars, resulting in a parachute repair. His candid reflections reveal a surprising preference for the controlled canopy descent over the adrenaline rush of free-fall – drawing fascinating parallels to different operating styles in ham radio.The conversation shifts to our upcoming 24-hour Parks on the Air marathon at Greenfield State Park (September 7-8), promising food, prizes, and continuous radio operations. We...2025-06-092h 05
Live Free and Ham PodcastThe Great Ham Radio Slumber Party: 24 Hours of POTA MadnessWhat happens when three passionate ham radio operators decide to make history with the first-ever 24-hour Parks On The Air activation? The Live Free and Ham crew unveils their ambitious plans for a September 2025 event at Greenfield State Park that promises to combine radio operation, camping, community building, and possibly even fundraising for ham radio causes.Todd shares his journey of radio removal and reinstallation as he upgrades to a new hybrid Jeep Wrangler 4xe. The surprising amount of dirt accumulated around his mobile installation serves as both a cautionary tale and a reminder of the real-world...2025-06-021h 18
Live Free and Ham PodcastAsk us Anything! - Live StreamJoin the Live Free and Ham crew for their first-ever no-holds-barred Ask Me Anything session that takes unexpected turns while delivering genuine ham radio insights. From the sublime to the ridiculous, nothing is off-limits as the guys field questions from their live audience.The conversation kicks off with Paul sharing breathtaking stories from his skydiving adventures, describing the surreal moment of watching an aircraft fly away while floating in freefall at 13,400 feet. His description of the mental clarity and peace experienced during jumps offers a fascinating glimpse into why this extreme sport has become his passion. Meanwhile...2025-05-302h 36
Live Free and Ham PodcastQueens of the MountainEver wondered what happens when passionate female ham radio operators take to mountain peaks? This episode takes you on an unforgettable journey into the world of Summits on the Air (SOTA) with two extraordinary guests - Amy AG7GP and Paula K9IR, founders of the "Queens of the Mountain" event.Amy shares her transformation from a novice carrying 25 pounds of equipment up mountains to becoming a skilled SOTA operator and community builder in the Pacific Northwest. Her story of overcoming self-doubt resonates with anyone who's faced challenges in outdoor activities. Meanwhile, Paula recounts her 48-year ham...2025-05-262h 05
Live Free and Ham PodcastWings Unfurled: The Making of a Parachute JesusWhat happens when a ham radio enthusiast decides to leap from 14,000 feet? Our own Paul (N1OG "The Grouch") takes us on an extraordinary journey from New Hampshire to the skies above Illinois in pursuit of his skydiving A license.The adventure begins with Paul's meticulous planning and a cross-country road trip towing his 30-foot camper through relentless rain. Along the way, he activates POTA locations with fellow operators and makes a special stop at K9OL Carlos's QTH—the very ham whose parachute mobile operations inspired Paul's skydiving ambitions. Through Paul's vivid storytelling, we experience the ch...2025-05-191h 59
Live Free and Ham PodcastBooth Babes and Radio Waves: Our NEARFest AdventureGrab your radio gear and join us as we dive into Ham Fest season! This episode captures our fresh, unfiltered thoughts about Near Fest and the broader landscape of amateur radio gatherings in New England.After attending the spring Near Fest event, we share a candid assessment of what worked, what didn't, and what could transform these events for the future. From the cramped vendor spaces to the challenge of hearing announcements, we explore the practical realities of today's ham festivals while acknowledging their irreplaceable community value. Our special guest Mike (N3MFL) brings a thoughtful perspective...2025-05-121h 10
Live Free and Ham PodcastFrom Pockets to Packs: The Essential EDC Guide for Radio OperatorsWhat's in your pockets right now? That simple question reveals volumes about how prepared you are for life's unexpected moments. In this captivating deep-dive into Everyday Carry (EDC), we explore the practical philosophy behind the tools and gear that accompany us through daily life.Paul, our resident EDC expert, unpacks his meticulously curated pocket setup—featuring everything from spring-assisted knives and refillable lighters to compact multi-tools and emergency communication devices. We discover that effective EDC isn't about carrying items for their own sake, but rather assembling tools that serve specific purposes in your unique circumstances.Th...2025-05-051h 55
Live Free and Ham PodcastGrouch Mobile Command: Live from NearfestHave you ever wondered what really happens when ham radio operators gather at hamfests? In this special live episode, we pull back the curtain on ham radio culture as we broadcast directly from our campsite at Nearfest Spring 2025.Nestled in the "Grouch Mobile Command" (Paul's camper) with rain pattering on the tent, our full crew shares the day's adventures and hamfest finds. Mike proudly recounts scoring an ATAS 120 antenna for a steal when a seller mistakenly thought it was an older model. Paul shows off his vintage first-generation iPad purchase, while others discuss their unique discoveries among...2025-05-032h 30
Live Free and Ham PodcastHam Radio Unplugged: A Candid Chat with the Grouch and GeneralThe challenging Support Your Parks Weekend takes center stage as Paul shares his determined four-hour activation that yielded just 28 contacts amidst frustrating band conditions. With wind whipping his EZ-Up shelter and sporadic propagation, his story perfectly captures the resilience that defines our hobby. Meanwhile, Todd's experiences with repeater testing reveals promising new coverage areas, giving local operators more reliable communication options.We spotlight N2MAK's heartfelt participation in World Autism Awareness Week, where he operated special event station W2A and made 174 contacts to raise awareness. His dedication to making ham radio fun while supporting a cause...2025-04-282h 04
Live Free and Ham PodcastHam-Famous: The Ridiculous Reality of Minor CelebrityWhen a listener submitted "How your lives have changed now that you're famous content creators" as a topic, we couldn't help but laugh—while simultaneously feeling a curious mix of humility and quiet appreciation. Truth is, none of us started this journey seeking any sort of recognition, yet here we are, two years later, occasionally being approached at hamfests by folks who know our voices before they know our faces.Our conversation meanders through the surprising evolution from casual ham operators to content creators with actual followers. Paul "The Grouch" N1OG shares his reluctant journey from so...2025-04-211h 35
Patreon: Live Free and Ham PodcastPATREON: Ham-Famous - The Ridiculous Reality of Minor CelebrityWhen a listener submitted "How your lives have changed now that you're famous content creators" as a topic, we couldn't help but laugh—while simultaneously feeling a curious mix of humility and quiet appreciation. Truth is, none of us started this journey seeking any sort of recognition, yet here we are, two years later, occasionally being approached at hamfests by folks who know our voices before they know our faces. Our conversation meanders through the surprising evolution from casual ham operators to content creators with actual followers. Paul "The Grouch" N1OG shares his reluctant journey from so...2025-04-142h 03
Live Free and Ham PodcastRobert's Rules Are Destroying Your Club's Appeal To New HamsWhat happens when three opinionated ham radio operators tackle the contentious topic of club business meetings? Fireworks, that's what! In this episode, we dive deep into a debate that's been dividing ham clubs for decades: how much time and energy should be devoted to formal business proceedings versus creating engaging, interactive experiences for members?Paul brings his extensive experience running VFW meetings to argue for the critical importance of proper business procedures: "If you're not paying attention, there are people that will take advantage and personally benefit." He makes a compelling case for accountability and transparency in...2025-04-142h 09
Live Free and Ham PodcastWho Needs Robert's Rules When You Have Hillbillies with Microphones?Have you ever felt that traditional ham radio clubs were missing something crucial – the actual fun of getting on the air? You're not alone. In this episode, we're joined by the founding members of the Hillbilly Hams Amateur Radio Club, a group that decided to create their own radio community when existing clubs felt too formal and business-oriented.Shannon (K1LY), Sean (AA4AT), Amy (W4MAE), Luis (KU5GZ ), and Doug (KE4MM) share their journey of forming a club that prioritizes enjoyment, active participation, and genuine camaraderie. With their signature overalls as unofficial uni...2025-04-072h 02
Live Free and Ham PodcastGeocities Called, They Want Their Ham Radio Website BackWhy are ham radio club websites stuck in the digital dark ages, and what impact does this have on attracting new operators to the hobby? In this eye-opening episode, we evaluate real amateur radio club websites, exposing the good, the bad, and the downright embarrassing approaches clubs take to their online presence.Drawing from our extensive review of club sites across multiple states, we uncover alarming patterns - outdated information, broken links, confusing navigation, and membership processes that seem designed to discourage rather than welcome newcomers. We break down specific examples ranging from well-established organizations like the...2025-03-312h 37
Live Free and Ham PodcastFrom Registration to Activation: Your Complete POTA JourneyCurious about Parks on the Air but not sure where to start? This episode takes you through the complete POTA experience, from initial registration to successful activation and everything in between.We begin by explaining how to create your account on the POTA website and why it's worth doing even if you've never activated a park. Many operators are surprised to discover they already qualify for hunting awards from contacts they've made with activators in the past. The POTA system automatically syncs with activator logs, meaning your casual QSOs with operators in parks have been silently accumulating...2025-03-241h 50
Live Free and Ham PodcastLive Stream - Awaiting Justice: Family, Hammily we all love our brothers no matter there license classWe put ham radio gatekeeping on trial in this special "Ham Court" episode, examining whether license class should determine participation opportunities within the hobby. The mock trial centers on Randy, who earned his Extra license but felt excluded by his brother Shane until reaching this milestone.• Live Free and Ham's storefront offers whiskey drams and merchandise at livefreehamcom/shop• Introducing "Get Hammed" - pink ham-shaped call sign identifiers to leave on hams' vehicles • Todd continues his Extra class study journey with another round of "Something Extra" questions• The court debates whether merit and performance should de...2025-03-181h 34
Live Free and Ham Podcast"Your Operating Position Will Change": Expert Insights on Setting Up a Ham Radio StationEver stared at your cluttered ham radio desk wondering how to transform it into something more functional? You're not alone. This episode dives deep into the practical realities of creating an effective ham shack workspace that evolves with your operating style.Todd shares his frustrations with his current monitor setup, sparking a candid conversation about the various approaches to building an efficient operating position. We explore everything from monitor choices (Do curved ultrawide displays actually help or hinder?), computer setups (Mac vs. Windows dilemmas), and the lighting challenges that plague content creators. The team shares hard-earned wisdom...2025-03-171h 53
Live Free and Ham PodcastJohnny Five Needs Juice: Ham Radio's Battery RevolutionBatteries are the lifeblood of ham radio operations, enabling everything from portable field activations to emergency communications when the grid goes down. The Live Free in Ham hosts share their extensive experience with different battery solutions, maintenance techniques, and custom builds to help listeners make informed choices about powering their stations.• Different battery categories for various ham radio needs: portable POTA batteries, mid-size battery boxes, and large-scale RV/home systems• LiFePO4 (Lithium Iron Phosphate) batteries offering superior performance for ham radio compared to older lead-acid technologies• Custom battery box builds using rugged cases, metering systems, and mu...2025-03-102h 06