Patreon: Live Free and Ham Podcast
Education & Explainer
About
We are your bi-weekly podcast covering all things ham radio in New Hampshire, New England, and beyond. This is the Patreon-only Feed.
Episodes
- When Ham Radio, Real Life, and Podcast Chaos Collide
This episode of Live Free and Ham Podcast features Eric N1JUR, Paul N1OG, and Todd W1STJ discussing upcoming changes to the show's schedule. They also cover community updates, including listener voicemails and ham radio topics. Todd W1STJ…
- Airborne Activations & Daily Grind: How Far Is Too Far in POTA?
This episode of Live Free and Ham features hosts Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), and Todd (W1STJ) with guest Keith (AC1RH) discussing extreme Parks on the Air (POTA) activations, including daily park activations and aeronautical mobile operatio…
- Best Apps for POTA? POTACat Might Be One
This episode features Casey, the developer of the POTACat app, explaining its features and benefits for the Parks on the Air community. The discussion covers the app's design, target users, and its growing popularity within amateur radio.
- Warning: This Ham Radio Podcast Has No Direction
This episode of Live Free and Ham features an unscripted discussion among hosts Eric, Paul, Todd, and Mike. The conversation, which started with a plan but devolved into chaos, covers topics such as 900 MHz frequencies, transverters, ham r…
- We Had a Plan. Then We Started Talking.
In the absence of hosts Eric and Todd, N1OG and N3FML host an unstructured episode of Live Free and Ham. Topics include listener voicemails, Winlink messages, technician questions, and discussions that veer into coffee, weather, mobile ope…
- Apparently, We’re Ruining Ham Radio… By Actually Using It
This episode of Live Free and Ham discusses the use of amateur radio, including debates about frequency activity and the importance of community. It covers listener messages, antenna usage, and the general lifestyle of ham radio operators.
- Simplex Is Only Dead If You Don’t Key Up
This episode of the Live Free and Ham Podcast details the 2 Meter FM Activity 52 Day Challenge, highlighting how it revitalized interest in 2-meter simplex communication. It covers the significance of the 146.52 MHz frequency, the psycholo…
- 220 MHz: The El Camino of Ham Radio
This episode of Live Free and Ham Podcast delves into the underutilized spectrum of amateur radio, focusing on bands like 220 MHz, 900 MHz, and 60 meters. Hosts Eric N1JUR, Todd W1STJ, Paul N1OG, and Mike N2MAK examine reasons for their qu…
- Grouch Goes to Hamcation: Radios, Rooftop Tents, Questionable Life Choices.
This episode of Live Free and Ham covers the Hamcation event, detailing the experiences of a radio road trip, including gear discussions, APRS incidents, POTA activations, and the overall community atmosphere.
- Joe K5YVY Started with Tornadoes… Then Ham Radio Happened
This episode of Live Free and Ham features Joe K5YVY, whose entry into ham radio stemmed from storm chasing and tornadoes. The podcast explores how practical needs and curiosity, rather than a formal introduction, can draw people into the…
- Mistakes Were Made: Ham Radio Reality with Steve KO4AFL
This episode features Steve (KO4AFL) joining hosts Paul (N1OG) and Eric (N1JUR) to discuss the importance of practical experience in ham radio. They share insights on learning through mistakes and participation, suggesting that real-world…
- From Ham Radio to Hot Air Balloons | Shane from Ham Radio Clubhouse
This episode features Shane from Ham Radio Clubhouse discussing the origins of his show, embracing unedited livestreams, and his involvement in aviation. The conversation also covers making the ham radio hobby accessible and engaging.
- Scanning Sucks, Elmering Doesn’t
The episode critiques mobile ham radio practices like scanning and programming, advocating for practical learning and mentorship in amateur radio. It contrasts license testing with real-world skill development and shares a story illustrati…
- The Unfiltered Chat: TSA Wins, Satellite Talk, and Ham Radio Ramblings
This live episode features hosts Eric, Todd, and Paul discussing a TSA win, satellite technology, and ham radio topics. They also tease future guest appearances and offer practical tech advice.
- Rebrand, Resign, Repeat: AI as CEO of Our Lives
This episode discusses the increasing influence of AI in daily workflows, covering AI-driven rebranding, the surprising success of AI-generated resumes, and the complexities of AI-assisted coding. It humorously examines the balance between…
- REBOOT: Navigating Solar Activity in the Ham Radio World
This episode discusses the impact of solar storms on ham radio propagation, featuring insights from hosts Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), and Todd (W1STJ). It covers the solar cycle, Field Day plans, practical solutions for radio annoyances, co…
- From Scar Stories to Ham Memories: A 2025 Catch-Up We Somehow Survived
The Live Free and Ham Podcast reviews their chaotic and humorous year of 2025, reminiscing about favorite memories, past episodes, and inside jokes. They offer a behind-the-scenes look at the show's journey.
- Is FT8 a Game Now? FT8 Battle Night Brings PvP Energy to Ham Radio
Live Free and Ham explores FT8 Battle, a gamified version of FT8 that introduces competitive, scoreboard-driven challenges to ham radio contacts. The episode discusses the appeal of the "battle" format, its motivational aspects for increas…
- Winter Field Day is coming in hot… even if the bands are frozen solid
The Live Free and Ham Podcast covers Winter Field Day, featuring President Marvin (W0MTH) and board member Mike (K1WFL). They discuss operating strategies, survival, and the enjoyment of cold-weather ham radio activities.
- Shack Roasts, Hamster Ops, and Hollywood Nerd-Power
In this episode of Live Free and Ham, hosts engage in pop culture discussions, referencing "Shack Roasts," "Hamster Ops," and "Hollywood Nerd-Power." The conversation includes topics like "Dipoles" and features tangents and jokes, aiming f…
- I Told You the World Needs More 75-Ohms
The 'I Told You the World Needs More 75-Ohms' episode from Patreon: Live Free and Ham Podcast covers topics like private livestreams, Nvidia drama, and ham radio, all with a humorous and chaotic tone.
- No Winlink, No Grouch, No Problem: The Show Must Ham On
Eric (N1JUR) and Todd (W1STJ) discuss improving amateur radio operators with guest Mike W4OPS of the National Amateur Radio Alliance. Topics include technical difficulties, memorable Parks on the Air activations, and listener feedback.
- Dings, Dangles, and Don’t-Call-It a Dipole
The Patreon: Live Free and Ham Podcast episode 'Dings, Dangles, and Don’t-Call-It a Dipole' covers a day in amateur radio, discussing portable towers, weather, DIY aerials, and international contacts. The hosts also touch on build tips, pa…
- 50 to 75 Ohms and Back Again: A Sunshine State Snafu turned Signal Saver
This episode chronicles a weekend of hands-on amateur radio activities, including testing unconventional feedlines, solving a 50-to-75-ohm conversion issue, and discussing gear. It highlights real-life testing of nine feedline break points…
- I Just Shipped My Pants And Other Ham Radio Misadventures
This episode covers a range of ham radio topics, from CQ Worldwide contesting and portable radio setups to AI's role in operating and mobile RV adventures. It also touches on the community impact of Parks on the Air (POTA).
- We Paddled To An Island, Fired Up 600 Watts, And Worked The World
The Live Free and Ham Podcast details an activation of Eagle Island, including paddling two miles to reach it and setting up a 600-watt station. They discuss equipment, tidal timing, radio performance, and strategies for managing contacts…
- Bullets, BaoFengs, And Bonsai: Yes, We Went There
This episode discusses setting radio goals, improving communication loops via Discord and AllStar, and celebrating a ham radio extra license. It covers tactical POTA strategies, building a mobile station with solar power, and practical tip…
- Four flip-flops walk into a divider…
This episode recounts a whirlwind 24 hours at the NearFest ham radio festival, detailing experiences with livestreams, campsite builds, antenna discussions, MeshTastic troubleshooting, and Extra-class theory. It covers practical field advi…
- Three hams walk into Near-Fest and leave with fewer radios, more stories, and an AllStar hub to prove it
The Patreon: Live Free and Ham Podcast episode covers a trip to Near-Fest, detailing a POTA activation with favorable fall propagation on 10, 15, and other bands. It includes discussion of ham radio exam topics, practical advice on livestr…
- The Ham Radio Crusader's Guide to All-Star Link Nodes
This episode features Freddie Mack (KD5FMU), also known as the Ham Radio Crusader, discussing All-Star Link. Freddie shares insights on the technology, hardware, software setup, new ASL3 features, and network etiquette. The conversation co…
- The Mesh Dealer Takes Over Live Free and Ham
Dave KB5UTY, "The Mesh Dealer," joins the podcast to discuss Meshtastic technology, a mesh networking protocol that allows devices to create independent communication networks. The episode highlights practical applications for emergency pr…
- PLEASE COPY - Mobile Signals: Ham Radio Meets Modern Cars
The Patreon: Live Free and Ham Podcast hosts will be re-airing favorite past episodes during a break for Labor Day and a POTA weekend. They plan to return with new content after the second weekend in September.
- PLEASE COPY - 20 WPM with a Hacksaw Blade and a Nail
The Patreon: Live Free and Ham Podcast hosts will re-air favorite episodes during a break for Labor Day and an upcoming event. They plan to return with new content.
- PLEASE COPY - Overcoming Mic Fright
The hosts of Patreon: Live Free and Ham Podcast will re-air favorite episodes during a break for Labor Day and upcoming events. They will return with new content soon.
- Finding POTA Legends
This episode delves into the dedication and efficiency of elite Parks on the Air (POTA) operators, who use simple equipment to achieve thousands of contacts. The hosts also share personal anecdotes, discuss exam preparation, and preview an…
- Planning for Propagation Challenges at the 24-Hour POTA Event
The Live Free and Ham Podcast details preparations for a 24-hour Parks on the Air event at Greenfield State Park, addressing propagation concerns with multiple antenna plans and backup strategies. The event includes fundraising for the ARR…
- Wired and Fired: When Fuses Blow But Your Radio Doesn't
This episode covers the practical challenges and rewards of installing a ham radio in a vehicle, using Todd's experience with a Yaesu FT-510 in a Jeep Wrangler as a case study. It discusses antenna placement, power connections, wiring, and…
- Radio Rebels Plan Epic 24-Hour POTA Event
The Radio Rebels are planning a 24-hour Parks on the Air (POTA) event at Greenfield State Park, NH, aiming to raise $5,000 for the ARRL Teachers Institute. The event will feature multiple operating positions, livestreaming, and discussions…
- Golden Tickets and Gatekeeping: Reimagining Ham Radio's Entry Path
This episode discusses redesigning the ham radio licensing system. It explores the gap between passing exams and effective operation, questioning the relevance of certain technical questions and proposing alternative approaches like practi…
- Evolving the Airwaves: What Ham Radio Could Become
This episode discusses potential technological advancements in ham radio, including Bluetooth connectivity, automatic repeater finding, and universal logging systems. Hosts and guests explore ideas like location-aware rigs, gamification fo…
- Band Pass Filters and Bureaucracy: Field Day's Identity Crisis
This episode discusses the blurring lines between ham radio's Field Day and Parks on the Air, questioning Field Day's traditional purpose. It explores how Field Day could evolve to prioritize education and accessibility over contest points…
- Back to Broadcasting: Reflections on Two Years of Live Free in Ham
The Live Free in Ham podcast celebrates its second anniversary with hosts Eric, Todd, and Paul reflecting on their journey, recent ham radio experiences like park activations and overcoming interference, and the community they've built, sh…
- We Just Hit Record and Let It Fly: A Different Kind of Episode
Three ham radio operators record an unscripted episode, discussing everyday life, equipment, club dynamics including Field Day and generational divides, and the rewarding connections within the hobby.
- Skip This If You Hate Fun: A CB Radio Revival
This episode explores the modern revival of CB radio, featuring guest Walt K4OGM, who discusses its potential as a gateway to amateur radio. The discussion covers legal DX opportunities, equipment, operating techniques, and emergency commu…
- Airwave Doppelgängers: When Your Radio Twin Lives in Another State
This crossover episode features the Live Free and Ham Podcast team and Everyday Ham, discussing their mirrored approaches to ham radio podcasting, community building, and operations, despite geographical distance.
- When Ham Radio Operators Jump Out of Perfectly Good Airplanes
This episode explores the intersection of ham radio and skydiving, featuring co-host Paul's skydiving experiences and relating them to ham radio operating styles. It also covers an upcoming POTA marathon, a memorable activation attempt, an…
- Queens of the Mountain
This episode features Amy AG7GP and Paula K9IR, founders of the
- Wings Unfurled: The Making of Parachute Jesus
This episode follows ham radio operator Paul N1OG's pursuit of a skydiving A license, detailing his road trip, POTA activations, and training at Chicagoland Skydiving Center. It highlights the parallels between skydiving and ham radio, cul…
- Booth Babes and Radio Waves: Our NEARFest Adventure
The Live Free and Ham Podcast discusses their Near Fest adventure, evaluating the event's strengths and weaknesses while exploring potential innovations for future ham radio gatherings. They also touch upon exam progress and community conn…
- From Pockets to Packs: The Essential EDC Guide for Radio Operators
This episode delves into the philosophy and practical application of Everyday Carry (EDC), featuring expert Paul discussing essential pocket tools, advanced preparedness gear including first aid and communication devices, and the importanc…