Live Free and Ham Podcast

What 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 ...

Have 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 o...

When 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 enthusiast...

Dive 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 fr...

What 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...

Join 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 awa...

Ever 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 opera...

What 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 wit...

Grab 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 a...

What'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 ...

Have 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 sco...

The 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 re...

When 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 ...

What 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 meetin...

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 ...

Why 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 - outd...

Curious 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 fr...

We 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
• Introducin...

Ever 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 po...