Patreon: Live Free and Ham Podcast

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 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...

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 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...

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 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...

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 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.The conversation ve...

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 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...

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 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...

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 uniforms and a lighthearted ap...

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 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...