Live Free and Ham Podcast

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We're back for our monthly Live Free and Ham hangout, and this time we've got absolutely NO IDEA where this is going! 😂 No agenda. No script. No promises we'll even stay on topic. Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), and Todd (W1STJ) are getting together for another night of ham radio, questionable decisions, random tangents, a little sarcasm, and whatever else comes up along the way. We'll probably talk about radios, antennas, POTA, new gear, stuff that's dri...

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We’re getting the band back together.

Live Free and Ham has been a little quiet lately, and some of you have probably been wondering where Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), and Todd (W1STJ) disappeared to.

The short version: life happened.

We’ve taken some time away to deal with things in our personal lives, recharge a bit, and figure out what comes next for LFH. But we’re not going...

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Ham radio and Scouting go way back — and in this episode, we’re digging into why that connection still matters.

This week on Live Free and Ham, Eric N1JUR, Paul N1OG, and Todd W1STJ are joined by Sean Grub, KE8BBC, from the Radio Scouting Committee at the Dan Beard Council, to talk about Scouts, amateur radio, Jamboree on the Air, K2BSA, youth outreach, and how getting kids on the air might be o...

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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 a...

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Is ham radio still happening on the air… or has it moved online?

Tonight on Live Free and Ham, we’re diving into one of the biggest shifts in the hobby right now—Online Communities vs RF Communities.

Discord is active. YouTube chats are packed. Facebook groups never sleep.

But spin the dial… and things can feel a little quiet.

So what’s really going on?

Are we more conne...

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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 aeron...

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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?

...

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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 chao...

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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)

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What happens when the group from Live Free and Ham join the Ragchew Crew for a live stream? You get to Live Free and Ragchew! Welcome to the first combined stream that will be the 4th Sunday night 8:30pm Central every month going forward! We look forward to more great conversation and possibly more shenanigans and we invite you to join us!

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Support the show:

Buy Us a Beer: https...

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Live Free and Ham goes international! 🇺🇸🌍

In this special episode, Eric, Todd, and Paul join the crew of the European Ham Radio Show to talk about how Live Free and Ham got started—and how it somehow turned into one of the most recognizable voices in the ham radio community.

What starts as a simple conversation quickly turns into a full-on ham radio roundtable… and yeah, it goes off the rails (in the best way possible...

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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...

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What happens when you stop waiting for activity… and just create it?

In this episode, we dig into the surprising momentum behind the 2 Meter FM Activity a 52 Day Challenge

What started as a fun idea quickly turned into a grassroots movement. Emails are still coming in. Operators are asking when the next one is. And suddenly? two meters simplex — don’t feel so quiet anymore.

We talk about:

Why 146.52 MHz (the 2m...

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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...

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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 t...

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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...

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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 mo...

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In this episode of Live Free and Ham, we’re joined by Shane from Ham Radio Clubhouse for a wide-ranging conversation about building a ham radio show, embracing livestream chaos, and learning by doing.

Shane talks about:

How Ham Radio Clubhouse got started

Why the show stays unedited and unscripted

What it’s really like running a long-term livestream podcast

His involvement in hot air ballooning and aviation proj...

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Do you actually use the scan button… or do you just pretend? 🤔

In this episode, we get brutally honest about mobile ham radio, repeater scanning, radio organization, and why most of us only listen to the same 5 channels anyway. We break down real-world mobile setups, remote heads, SD card madness, aviation monitoring, and why “more features” doesn’t always mean better.

Then things get spicy—in a good way. We talk about Elmering, mentoring new hams, lic...

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In this informal, unscripted live episode, hosts Eric, Todd, and Paul dive into spontaneous chat, celebrate small wins (including a TSA victory), and tease future guest appearances—without a strict script. The night blends light banter, sports chatter, and practical tech talk—from ham radio curiosities to basic electrical tips—alongside candid updates on potential guests and the show format. With a warm, community vibe, they invite listeners to join via chat and live links for upcomi...

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From branding experiments to a chaotic pre-show routine, this episode follows the moment you realize AI is quietly steering a lot of your workflow. We chat about rebranding attempts, channel growth quirks, and the strange confidence-boost of AI-generated resumes that actually land interviews. It’s equal parts hype and humor, with a nod to the skepticism every creator secretly harbors.

Then we nerd out on the pitfalls of AI-assisted development: parallel Python scripts, codependencies, and the tr...

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Ever wondered how solar storms can impact your ham radio contacts? Join Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), and Todd (W1STJ) as we explore the thrilling and sometimes frustrating world of ham radio propagation. We'll break down the intricacies of the solar cycle and how it influences your radio experiences, plus share exciting plans for the upcoming Field Day. Don't miss our “Doing Good” segment showcasing the inspiring activities of ham radio clubs and Todd's deep dive into...

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Join us as we reminisce about the chaos, chuckles, and chaos-chasing moments of 2025. We riff on favorite Lip-Free and Ham memories, recall past episodes, and tease the wild twists that kept us in stitches—from live chats and guest drops to “diaries” we kept joking about not doing. We wander through misremembered dates, the stubborn limits of YouTube episode ordering, and the goofy mishaps that only a long-running show can conjure. Expect candid reflections, a sprinkle of inside jokes...

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Tonight on Live Free and Ham, we’re going all-in on FT8 Battle—the gamified FT8 platform that turns everyday digital-mode contacts into a competitive, scoreboard-driven challenge. We talk what makes FT8 Battle Night so addictive, how the “battle” format motivates more QSOs, and why gamification is bringing new energy to FT8 operating and community participation. Plus, we hit quick community updates (Discord, AllStar, Shack Roast) and read a few Winlink Wednesday check-ins to keep the weekly rhythm rolling...

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In this episode of the Live Free and Ham Podcast, Eric (N1JUR), Paul (N1OG), and Todd (W1STJ) are joined by Winter Field Day President Marvin (W0MET) and board member / social media wrangler Mike (KY4LV) to talk all things Winter Field Day—from strategy and survival to why operating in the cold is way more fun than it sounds.

Subscribe, ring the bell, and join us on Discord and AllStar for more RF...

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Welcome to Live Free and Ham, where pop culture nerdery meets New England charm and a dash of chaotic good. In this episode, we ride the MMANA bus with Hollywood at the wheel, nerding out to Dipoles and plotting like caffeinated goblins. If you love goofy tangents, geography jokes that barely rhyme with reality, and conversations that bounce from “wait, what?” to “aha, I see it now,” you’re in the right orbit. Strap in, join the chat, and let’s...

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Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of nerdy niceties and chaotic chuckles. In this episode, our crew shouts “private livestream!” louder than their coffee orders, debates win links like they’re sports stats, and tangents dive headfirst into Nvidia drama, ham radio legends, and the legendary 75-ohm feeder story. It’s part tech talk, part backstage chaos, and all-firecracker-funny. Expect inside jokes, questionable chat etiquette, and a few moments where you’ll wonder if your headphones are secretly a microphone...

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In this episode of Live Free and Ham, Eric (N1JUR) and Todd (W1STJ) try to kick things off smoothly… which of course means Grouch’s PC explodes (metaphorically), the guest shows up muted, and nobody can remember the name of that gorgeous Vermont park.

They’re joined by Mike W4OPS from the National Amateur Radio Alliance to talk about “making better radio operators one member at a time” while swapping stories about confused Patreons w...

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Dust off your headphones and join our quirky crew for a rambling, real-life radio session filled with portable towers, weather woes, and the unpredictable chatter of ham enthusiasts. From dodgy aerials and improvised coax hacks to far-flung contacts spanning Canada, Ireland, England, Argentina, France, and Bermuda, this episode serves up a candid snapshot of a day spent chasing signals, swapping build tips, and debating park meetups, WinLink, and POTa ethics. If you love behind-the-scenes banter, nerdy technical twists...

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This episode follows a weekend of hands-on radio tinkering, travel, and improvisation that captures the messy, thrilling reality of DIY amateur radio. From the sunny chaos of Florida to a backyard experiment zone, we tag along as the crew tests unconventional feedlines, tackles a 50-to-75-ohm conversion puzzle, and pushes through gear debates with both humor and stubborn curiosity. Hear how nine different feedline break points performed in real-life conditions, the challenges of coordinating RV wiring, and the...

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Ten meters roared, the waterfall glowed, and somewhere in the chaos a “maritime emergency” calling spot was buried under contesters. We stepped straight into CQ Worldwide and asked a hard question: who really owns a frequency when the world shows up? From band etiquette to practical emergency options, we unpack the culture and the realities that matter when the dial is full and you still need to make smart choices. We also get our hands dirty with portable radi...

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The tide doesn’t care about your logbook—and that’s exactly why we chased it. We loaded radios, batteries, and a vertical dipole into kayaks, paddled two miles on a rising tide, and landed on a slippery sliver of grass called Eagle Island. The result? A sustained, three-hour pileup on 10 meters that reached across Europe, South America, and 20 U.S. states, with park-to-park contacts stacking like driftwood.

Our guest, Keith (AC1RH), is a relentless Parks...

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The best radio goals aren’t just wish lists—they’re roadmaps with real checkpoints, community support, and a bit of swagger. We kick off by tightening the feedback loop: Discord for day-to-day chatter, a new AllStar hub (580871) for live linking, monthly livestreams, and voicemails you’ll actually hear on the show. That community energy pays off fast. A tongue-in-cheek “news desk” breaks real news: Kim KC1VYM passed her Extra, sparking a broader conversation about study habits, HamStudy as...

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Radios bring us together; NearFest reminds us why. We packed a three-day ham festival into 24 hours—livestreams, campsite breakfasts, last-minute builds—and still found time to argue about antennas, fix MeshTastic nodes, and quiz Todd on Extra-class theory. It’s chaotic in the best way: flip-flops dividing by sixteen, Schottky vs zener symbols, and the old reliable “Eli the Iceman” to lock in AC phase memory. New hams got outfitted, veterans scored wild deals, and someone used a fox-hunt r...

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The best radio days start a little chaotic: rain on the windshield, a wire tossed higher than your plan, and a stranger asking, “What are you doing?” That moment led us into a POTA run where 10 and 15 meters opened like a faucet—France, Belgium, Spain, Germany—flowing in with the kind of clarity that makes you forget your battery just died mid-CQ. We break down why fall propagation favors 10/12/15/17, what to watch for when the D-layer calms down, and how...

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Dive into the world of All-Star Link with our special guest Freddie Mack (KD5FMU), better known as the Ham Radio Crusader. In this comprehensive conversation, Freddie shares his journey from law enforcement to becoming one of the most trusted voices in the All-Star Link community, offering invaluable insights for both newcomers and experienced operators.

Freddie unpacks the essentials of All-Star Link - a powerful technology that bridges traditional analog ham radio with internet connectivity while...

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The world of mesh networking collides with ham radio as we welcome Dave KB5UTY, affectionately known as "The Mesh Dealer," to share his journey from casual GMRS user to becoming Seed Studios' ham radio ambassador for Meshtastic technology.

Dave pulls back the curtain on a fascinating communication ecosystem that bridges traditional amateur radio with modern digital networking. As someone who "doesn't do anything half-assed," he explains how his dive into ham radio quickly expanded into...

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We’re thrilled to have finally dried out and found our way back to a harmonious "work-life balance." Yet, the excitement of the 24-Hour POTA Campout still lingers in our minds! We can’t wait to gather a wonderful group of friends to reminisce about the adventure, share heartfelt stories, and celebrate the generous contributions made to the Teachers Institute. We’ll be remembering the brave souls who faced the pouring rain with courage and enthusiasm, turning challenges into c...

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We want to share a segment where each of the three hosts picks their favorite episode from our back catalog. We'll be taking some time off for Labor Day, the 24-hour POTA weekend, and the second weekend in September. During this break, we will re-air episodes that all three of us enjoyed recording. We’ll be back soon with more exciting content!

Leave us a Review via Text Message!

Support the show

Got something to say to this podcast? Send a voicemail, and you might hear yourself on the next episode!

We want to share a segment where each of the three hosts picks their favorite episode from our back catalog. We'll be taking some time off for Labor Day, the 24-hour POTA weekend, and the second weekend in September. During this break, we will re-air episodes that all three of us enjoyed recording. We’ll be back soon with more exciting content!

Leave us a Review via Text Message!

Support the show

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