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.

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Support the show:

Buy Us a Beer: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lfhpodcast

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LiveFreeandHamPodcast

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************* Feedback and Questions!

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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

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

Guest Links:

Steve KO4AFL - https://www.youtube.com/@KO4AFL

Ham Radio Clubhouse - https://www.youtube.com/@HamRadioClubhouse

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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

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 projects

Why community matters more than polish in ham radio

We also dig into ham radio clubs, meetings, and how the hobby can stay fun, welcoming, and hands-on — instead of getting stuck in procedure and paperwork.

If you like honest conversations, real experiences, and ham radio content that feels more like hanging out than a lecture, this one’s for you.

👇 Get involved

• Join the Discord

• Leave us a voicemail

• Become a channel member

• Watch live and be part of the chaos

📻 Live Free. Ham Hard.

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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

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, license testing vs real learning, and why helping someone get on the air matters more than memorizing multiple-choice questions. There’s also a Near-Fest story that perfectly explains how mentoring should actually work.

If you’ve ever:

Hated scanning

Over-programmed your radio

Felt overwhelmed by features

Learned more by doing than studying

…this one’s for you.

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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

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 upcoming episodes, making it a relaxed yet engaging space for tech enthusiasts and casual listeners alike.

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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

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 tricky art of telling the AI “don’t break the house while you remodel the rooms.” A witty exploration of how far automation can take us—and where human judgment still rules.

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Check out Rob's Channel at : https://youtube.com/@sevenfortyone

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

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 questions from the new extra class license pool. Whether you're a seasoned operator or a newbie, this episode promises a wealth of insights and tips to elevate your skills.

Imagine juggling multiple radio frequencies while on a long drive, only to be interrupted by the relentless beeping of the Yaesu 400. Sound familiar? We discuss practical solutions to this common annoyance and touch on the intersection of ham radio with community events, like the Sparkler 5K fundraiser and youth baseball coaching. Plus, enjoy a slice of Americana as we recount our visit to a Savannah Bananas game at Fenway Park and the thrill of interacting with former Red Sox players. There’s also a sneak peek into our exciting antenna testing projects and a much-needed break from YouTube content creation.

Struggling with poor propagation on the 20-meter band after a solar storm? You're not alone. We share personal anecdotes and strategies for navigating these challenges, emphasizing the importance of patience and adaptability. Learn how different times of the day and antenna setups can optimize your communication range, and why sometimes, even with the best planning, spontaneity wins the day in Parks on the Air activations. Tune in for a practical look at balancing theory with real-world experiences, ensuring you get the most out of your ham radio journey.

Understanding Propagation Reports:

https://www.carc.cc/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/Understanding-HF-propagation-reports.pdf

VOCAP

https://www.voacap.com/hf/

Books:

Fast Track to Understanding HF Propagation: by Michael Bernett AF7KB

WSPR mode

http://www.wsprnet.org/drupal/

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, and a lot of laughs as we relive the year’s highlights with our signature banter and comic relief. If you’ve ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes—plus why a few projects vanished from the public eye—you’ll get an entertaining, human-sized peek.

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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

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.

FT8 Battle - https://ft8battle.com

Dudes Discord - https://discord.gg/sQPNA8AuAv

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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

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-fueled nonsense and genuinely helpful ham radio content.

Links:

Winter Field Day - https://winterfieldday.com/

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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