Live Free and Ham Podcast

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...

Batteries are the lifeblood of ham radio operations, enabling everything from portable field activations to emergency communications when the grid goes down. The Live Free in Ham hosts share their extensive experience with different battery solutions, maintenance techniques, and custom builds to help listeners make informed choices about powering their stations.

• Different battery categories for various ham radio needs: p...

Repeaters are not dying; they are full of potential for vibrant conversation and community engagement. The episode delves into how ham radio operators can revitalize these communication hubs by throwing out their call signs, starting conversations, and participating in local nets. We discuss the relevance of repeaters in modern ham radio and the coexistence of digital modes with traditional analog communication. The community can k...

What if you could turn winter's chill into your best ham radio experience yet? This episode of "Live Free in Ham" promises to arm you with essential tips for operating in cold climates, with insights on maintaining your gear's functionality during winter. We explore everything from antenna care to battery management, ensuring you're prepared for the challenges of Winter Field Day and beyond. Listen as we sh...

We focus on the contributions and experiences of women involved in POTA activities, highlighting their initiatives and encouraging new participants to join. The episode explores challenges faced by women in the hobby while fostering a supportive atmosphere for beginners.

• Celebrating International Women's Day through POTA
• Sharing personal stories and experiences in POTA
• Encouragement for newcomers to join...

The latest episode dives deep into the ARRL's controversial leadership and the need for significant reform within the organization. The hosts discuss budget allocations, exorbitant salaries, and the importance of transparency, urging a shift in focus toward youth programs and modernizing technology. They challenge listeners to consider what changes could be implemented if they were in charge of the ARRL and how to promote a mo...

This episode dives into the essential role of memberships in the ham radio community, focusing on organizations like ARRL and their recent shifts in cost versus value. Personal experiences and listener feedback underscore the importance of transparency and benefits. Members have a right to ask: Are we truly getting our worth? Key points discussed include personal anecdotes, comparative insights from organizations like RSGB, and the...

Have you ever wondered how a small act can create a ripple of connection and camaraderie? Our latest episode features an exciting new initiative, "Get Your Ham On," where we transform ham radio encounters into joyful community moments by leaving "you've been hammed" messages on vehicles with ham antennas. 

For those who love gadgets and gear, tune in for insights on portable radio equipment efficie...

Experience the camaraderie and passion that fuel the Granite State Amateur Radio Association, as we share personal anecdotes and Ralph's remarkable six-decade journey in the world of radio. Discover how our nightly nets have become a community cornerstone, fostering connections and offering a platform for members to overcome microphone shyness and embrace new responsibilities. Our lively discussions underscore the importance o...