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Patreon: Live Free and Ham Podcast

Patreon: Live Free and Ham Podcast

by Live Free and Ham Podcast

Season 1

When Ham Radio, Real Life, and Podcast Chaos Collide

Live Free and Ham is changing things up… but don’t panic, nobody threw the radio in the dumpster. Yet. In this episode, Eric N1JUR, Paul N1OG, and Todd W1STJ sit down for a real update on the future of the show. Todd shares why he’ll be taking a bit of a pause from regular episodes while life, work, family, baseball, and everything else pile up like a badly packed go-box. The crew also talks about shifting Live Free and Ham from a weekly schedule to every other week for the summer so the show stays fun, sustainable, and actually worth listening to. Because let’s be honest: forcing content just to keep a schedule is how you end up with bad audio, dead batteries, three confused hams, and a podcast episode that becomes a hostage situation. We also dig into the latest community updates, including Winlink messages, listener voicemails, the 5-2 Simplex Challenge, POTA Academy, NEAR-Fest chaos, technician license questions, ham radio wins, and the usual amount of technology fighting back. This one is part announcement, part community check-in, part therapy session, and part reminder that ham radio is supposed to be fun. If you’ve been following Live Free and Ham for a while, this is an episode you’ll want to catch. The show is evolving, the community is still going strong, and yes… the wheels are still mostly attached. Join the conversation, leave us a voicemail, hop into the Discord, and let us know what you want to hear in future episodes. ************************************ Support the show: Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 978-233-1142 Affiliate: Live Free and Ham - 10% off all LFH Swag CODE: LFH10 Reliance Antennas - 10% off and free shipping at https://www.relianceantennas.com/ CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM Halibut Electronics - 10% discount on all purchases https://electronics.halibut.com/ of $25 or more, limited to three uses per listener. CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM YouTube Channel: Live Free and Ham - @livefreeandham Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ Swag/Shows/Updates: https://livefreeandham.com Join our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs If you would also like to learn more about the hosts: Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

Airborne Activations & Daily Grind: How Far Is Too Far in POTA?

What happens when Parks on the Air turns from a hobby… into a daily mission? In this episode of Live Free and Ham, Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), and Todd (W1STJ) sit down with special guest Keith (AC1RH) to talk about one of the most unique (and slightly insane) approaches to POTA we’ve seen yet—activating parks every single day. But that’s not all… We dive deep into aeronautical mobile operations, the real challenges of logging contacts while in motion (and sometimes feeling it 🤢), and what it actually takes to stay consistent in a hobby that’s supposed to be… you know… relaxing. This one goes beyond gear and contacts—it’s about mindset, discipline, and maybe just a little bit of obsession. 🔥 In this episode: What aeronautical mobile really looks like in practice The chaos of logging while moving (and why it’s harder than it sounds) The reality behind daily POTA activations When consistency becomes commitment… or addiction Tips, lessons learned, and a few “don’t try this while driving” moments ************************************ Support the show: Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 978-233-1142 Affiliate: Live Free and Ham - 10% off all LFH Swag CODE: LFH10 Reliance Antennas - 10% off and free shipping at https://www.relianceantennas.com/ CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM Halibut Electronics - 10% discount on all purchases https://electronics.halibut.com/ of $25 or more, limited to three uses per listener. CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM YouTube Channel: Live Free and Ham - @livefreeandham Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ Swag/Shows/Updates: https://livefreeandham.com Join our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs If you would also like to learn more about the hosts: Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

Best Apps for POTA? POTACat Might Be One

We had a plan for this episode… and then we brought Casey on. In this episode of Live Free and Ham, we sit down with the developer behind POTACat—an app that’s starting to get a lot of attention in the POTA community. If you’ve heard the name but weren’t sure what it actually does… this is the episode that breaks it down. 🐾 What is POTACat? POTACat is a tool built for the Parks on the Air community that’s designed to make hunting and activating more efficient, more informed, and honestly… a little more fun. We dig into: What POTACat actually does Who it’s built for (hunters, activators, or both) How it fits into the current POTA workflow Why it’s gaining traction so quickly in the ham radio world 🎙️ Straight From the Source Casey walks us through: The origin of the app The problems he’s trying to solve How it compares to other tools you might already be using Where it’s heading next ************************************ Support the show: Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 978-233-1142 Affiliate: Live Free and Ham - 10% off all LFH Swag CODE: LFH10 Reliance Antennas - 10% off and free shipping at https://www.relianceantennas.com/ CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM Halibut Electronics - 10% discount on all purchases https://electronics.halibut.com/ of $25 or more, limited to three uses per listener. CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM YouTube Channel: Live Free and Ham - @livefreeandham Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ Swag/Shows/Updates: https://livefreeandham.com Join our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs If you would also like to learn more about the hosts: Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

Warning: This Ham Radio Podcast Has No Direction

We had a plan… and then we started talking. In this episode of Live Free and Ham, Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), Todd (W1STJ), and Mike (N2MAK) sit down for what was supposed to be a structured show… Yeah… that didn’t happen. What you do get is a real, unfiltered ham radio roundtable—where the conversation goes from gear talk… to band discussions… to life… and somehow ends in complete chaos. Along the way, we get into: 900 MHz and why nobody talks about it enough Transverters and unlocking new parts of the hobby The reality of ham radio gear pricing (and what’s actually worth it) YouTube, content creation, and the “I’m quitting” moment 👀 The random tangents that happen when hams just start talking And honestly… that’s kind of the point. This is what ham radio sounds like when you take away the script. It’s not polished. It’s not structured. But it’s real. 💬 Jump in the comments: What’s the most off-the-rails ham conversation you’ve ever had? 📡 Join the community: 👉 Discord: https://discord.gg/zwg9mWyHmY 👍 If you enjoy real ham radio conversations (and a little chaos)… Hit like, subscribe, and stick around. ************************************ Support the show: Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 978-233-1142 Affiliate: Live Free and Ham - 10% off all LFH Swag CODE: LFH10 Reliance Antennas - 10% off and free shipping at https://www.relianceantennas.com/ CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM Halibut Electronics - 10% discount on all purchases https://electronics.halibut.com/ of $25 or more, limited to three uses per listener. CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM YouTube Channel: Live Free and Ham - @livefreeandham Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ Swag/Shows/Updates: https://livefreeandham.com Join our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs If you would also like to learn more about the hosts: Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

We Had a Plan. Then We Started Talking.

No Eric. No Todd. No safety net. In this episode of Live Free and Ham… things get a little… unstructured. The Grouch (N1OG) takes over the show while Eric is off pretending he’s in Aspen and Todd is down for the count. So naturally, we brought in Tortoise (N3FML)… and yeah… it went exactly how you’d expect. We start with: Listener voicemails (yes… including the usual suspects) Winlink messages from the community A surprisingly legit round of technician questions 146.52 / simplex activity (or lack of it 👀) …and then… We somehow end up talking about: Coffee wars ☕ Weather mood swings (Mother Nature needs help) Mobile operating struggles Ham radio in unexpected places (like… skydiving??) And whatever else popped into our heads This is one of those episodes where: 👉 There’s no script 👉 No real plan 👉 And absolutely no adult supervision But honestly… that’s kind of what makes it fun. ************************************ Support the show: Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 978-233-1142 Affiliate: Live Free and Ham - 10% off all LFH Swag CODE: LFH10 Reliance Antennas - 10% off and free shipping at https://www.relianceantennas.com/ CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM Halibut Electronics - 10% discount on all purchases https://electronics.halibut.com/ of $25 or more, limited to three uses per listener. CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM YouTube Channel: Live Free and Ham - @livefreeandham Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ Swag/Shows/Updates: https://livefreeandham.com Join our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs If you would also like to learn more about the hosts: Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

Apparently, We’re Ruining Ham Radio… By Actually Using It

This week on Live Free and Ham, we cover a little bit of everything that makes amateur radio… well… amateur radio. It starts with a spicy debate about 146.52 simplex activity and whether encouraging people to actually use the calling frequency is somehow “ruining the hobby.” Then we shift into the real heartbeat of ham radio — the community. In this episode we cover: Listener Winlink messages The reality of calling CQ on 146.52 Why so many antennas are on the road but nobody answers Message relays and traffic-style contacts Todd’s Little Something Extra technical segment Listener voicemails And somehow… a deep dive into coffee, Dunkin, and ham radio lifestyle Because if there’s one thing ham radio operators do well… It’s talking about radios… while talking about everything else. ************************************ Support the show: Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 978-233-1142 Affiliate: Live Free and Ham - 10% off all LFH Swag CODE: LFH10 Reliance Antennas - 10% off and free shipping at https://www.relianceantennas.com/ CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM Halibut Electronics - 10% discount on all purchases https://electronics.halibut.com/ of $25 or more, limited to three uses per listener. CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM YouTube Channel: Live Free and Ham - @livefreeandham Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ Swag/Shows/Updates: https://livefreeandham.com Join our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs If you would also like to learn more about the hosts: Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

220 MHz: The El Camino of Ham Radio

Are we ignoring half the ham bands? In this episode, Eric N1JUR, Todd W1STJ, Paul N1OG, and Mike N2MAK dig into the “lost bands” of amateur radio — 220 MHz (1.25m), 900 MHz (33cm), 60 meters, and other underused parts of the spectrum. Why are these bands so quiet? Is it cost? Equipment availability? Programming headaches? Or are we just stuck on 2 meters and 440? We break down: 220 MHz — the “bridge band” (aka the El Camino band) 900 MHz resurgence with surplus Motorola radios DMR & CPS software barriers Baofeng vs. buying once, crying once Why manufacturers won’t build a true “do-it-all” radio How POTA growth could change future radio design Propagation differences between 2m, 70cm, 220 & 900 If you’ve ever asked: 👉 “Is 220 worth it?” 👉 “Should I try 900 MHz?” 👉 “Why doesn’t anyone use these bands?” This one’s for you. We’ve got the spectrum… maybe it’s time we actually use it. ************************************ Support the show: Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 978-233-1142 Affiliate: Live Free and Ham - 10% off all LFH Swag CODE: LFH10 Reliance Antennas - 10% off and free shipping at https://www.relianceantennas.com/ CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM Halibut Electronics - 10% discount on all purchases https://electronics.halibut.com/ of $25 or more, limited to three uses per listener. CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM YouTube Channel: Live Free and Ham - @livefreeandham Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ Swag/Shows/Updates: https://livefreeandham.com Join our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs If you would also like to learn more about the hosts: Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

Grouch Goes to Hamcation: Radios, Rooftop Tents, Questionable Life Choices.

Hamcation wasn’t just a hamfest… it was a full-blown radio road trip. In this episode of Live Free and Ham, Grouch shares the behind-the-scenes stories from Hamcation — from hallway conversations and gear temptation to APRS pranks that may or may not have broken the internet (or at least someone’s ego). We dig into: What Hamcation is really like once the cameras stop rolling The APRS chaos that had people talking Honest talk about new radios, mobile rigs, and whether manufacturers are actually listening Service dog moments that turned heads (and changed the tone) POTA activations before and after the event And a 24-hour Maine activation plan that might require a rooftop tent… and questionable judgment Somewhere between debating Yaesu mobile rigs, joking about FX1 sales pitches, and reliving snowboarding decisions that reminded us we’re not 17 anymore… this episode captures what ham radio events are really about: Community. Stories. Gear temptation. And friends you only see once a year but feel like you talk to every week. If you’ve ever been to Hamcation, Huntsville, Dayton, or any major hamfest — you’ll recognize the vibe immediately. If you haven’t… this is your preview. ************************************ Support the show: Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 978-233-1142 Affiliate: Live Free and Ham - 10% off all LFH Swag CODE: LFH10 Reliance Antennas - 10% off and free shipping at https://www.relianceantennas.com/ CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM Halibut Electronics - 10% discount on all purchases https://electronics.halibut.com/ of $25 or more, limited to three uses per listener. CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM YouTube Channel: Live Free and Ham - @livefreeandham Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ Swag/Shows/Updates: https://livefreeandham.com Join our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs If you would also like to learn more about the hosts: Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

Joe K5YVY Started with Tornadoes… Then Ham Radio Happened

In this episode of Live Free and Ham, hosts Eric and Paul sit down with Joe Brett to talk about an origin story that doesn’t start with a ham club meeting or an exam manual. Joe’s path into ham radio started with storm chasing and tornadoes — where radios weren’t a hobby, they were a tool. What began as a way to track weather and stay informed slowly turned into curiosity, learning, and eventually… a callsign. We dig into: How storm chasing leads people to radios before ham radio ever enters the picture Why weather, emergencies, and real-world needs pull people into the hobby The moment curiosity turns into “I guess I should get licensed” Learning radio skills out of necessity instead of theory Why some of the best ham radio stories start outside the hobby This episode is a reminder that nobody wakes up wanting to memorize band plans. Most hams arrive here because radios solve a real problem — and the hobby sneaks up on them later. If you’re into weather, emergency communications, or ever wondered why radios matter when things go sideways, Joe’s story will feel very familiar. 🎙️ Live Free and Ham — where tornadoes, radios, and curiosity collide. ************************************ Support the show: Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 978-233-1142 Affiliate: Live Free and Ham - 10% off all LFH Swag CODE: LFH10 Reliance Antennas - 10% off and free shipping at https://www.relianceantennas.com/ CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM Halibut Electronics - 10% discount on all purchases https://electronics.halibut.com/ of $25 or more, limited to three uses per listener. CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM YouTube Channel: Live Free and Ham - @livefreeandham Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ Swag/Shows/Updates: https://livefreeandham.com Join our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs If you would also like to learn more about the hosts: Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

Mistakes Were Made: Ham Radio Reality with Steve KO4AFL

What really makes you better at ham radio — more gear, or more time on the air? In this episode of the Live Free and Ham Podcast, hosts Paul (N1OG) and Eric (N1JUR) are joined by Steve (KO4AFL) for a candid conversation about learning ham radio through real-world experience. Steve shares his journey in the hobby, lessons learned along the way, and why mistakes, patience, and simply getting on the air matter more than having the perfect setup. The discussion covers common challenges operators face, realistic expectations, and how confidence is built one contact at a time. This episode is a reminder that improvement in amateur radio doesn’t come from perfection — it comes from participation. 🎙️ Guest: Steve – KO4AFL 🎙️ Hosts: Paul – N1OG | Eric – N1JUR ************************************ Support the show: Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100093543540309 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/ ************* Feedback and Questions! You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 978-233-1142 Affiliate: Live Free and Ham - 10% off all LFH Swag CODE: LFH10 Reliance Antennas - 10% off and free shipping at https://www.relianceantennas.com/ CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM Halibut Electronics - 10% discount on all purchases https://electronics.halibut.com/ of $25 or more, limited to three uses per listener. CODE: LIVEFREEANDHAM YouTube Channel: Live Free and Ham - @livefreeandham Eric (N1JUR) - @N1JUR Paul (N1OG) - @NovemberOneOscarGrouch Todd (W1STJ) - @W1STJ Swag/Shows/Updates: https://livefreeandham.com Join our Discord: https://discord.com/invite/zas2cAVNPs If you would also like to learn more about the hosts: Todd (W1STJ) - https://w1stj.com Eric (N1JUR) - https://n1jur.com Paul (N1OG) - https://www.qrz.com/db/N1OG

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