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 chaos.

Along the way, we get into:

900 MHz and why nobody talks about it enough

Transverters and unlocking new parts of the hobby

The reality of ham radio gear pricing (and what’s actually worth it)

YouTube, content creation, and the “I’m quitting” moment 👀

The random tangents that happen when hams just start talking

And honestly… that’s kind of the point.

This is what ham radio sounds like when you take away the script.

It’s not polished.

It’s not structured.

But it’s real.

💬 Jump in the comments:

What’s the most off-the-rails ham conversation you’ve ever had?

📡 Join the community:

👉 Discord: https://discord.gg/zwg9mWyHmY

👍 If you enjoy real ham radio conversations (and a little chaos)…

Hit like, subscribe, and stick around.

************************************

Support the show:

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

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

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/livefreeandham/

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

You can always leave us feedback on our voicemail line at 978-233-1142

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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

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)

Winlink messages from the community

A surprisingly legit round of technician questions

146.52 / simplex activity (or lack of it 👀)

…and then…

We somehow end up talking about:

Coffee wars ☕

Weather mood swings (Mother Nature needs help)

Mobile operating struggles

Ham radio in unexpected places (like… skydiving??)

And whatever else popped into our heads

This is one of those episodes where:

👉 There’s no script

👉 No real plan

👉 And absolutely no adult supervision

But honestly… that’s kind of what makes it fun.

************************************

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:

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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 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!

************************************

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

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).

We dive into:

The origin story of Live Free and Ham and how it grew

The rise of Parks on the Air (POTA) and why it hooks so many operators

The 146.52 / 2-meter simplex challenge and getting people back on the air

Differences between the U.S. and European ham radio scenes

Wild operating stories—from pileups to DX surprises

And then… it gets weird:

Ham radio + skydiving contacts from 12,000 feet

Portable ops in extreme conditions

Travel, DX, and chasing contacts around the world

This episode is part ham radio discussion, part origin story, and part pure chaos—with plenty of laughs along the way.

If you’ve ever wondered how Live Free and Ham came to be… or what happens when American and European hams get together…

This is the episode.

************************************

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

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 calling CQ on 146.52

Why so many antennas are on the road but nobody answers

Message relays and traffic-style contacts

Todd’s Little Something Extra technical segment

Listener voicemails

And somehow… a deep dive into coffee, Dunkin, and ham radio lifestyle

Because if there’s one thing ham radio operators do well…

It’s talking about radios… while talking about everything else.

************************************

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

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 FM calling frequency) matters

How “scarcity” and timing can ignite participation

Why calling CQ on simplex actually works

The growing buzz around 2m simplex activity

Creating events without contests, plaques, or pressure

The psychology of getting hams to actually key up

There’s something powerful about realizing that the bands aren’t dead — they’re just waiting for someone to start talking.

We also share updates on the upcoming YL POTA Party live stream, listener Winlink messages, and how this community keeps pushing radio forward in creative ways.

No big sponsors. No official sanctioning. Just operators deciding to make noise.

If you’ve ever thought, “Nobody’s on simplex anymore,” this episode might change your mind.

So here’s the challenge:

Instead of asking where everyone is…

Be the one who calls CQ.

************************************

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

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 MHz — the “bridge band” (aka the El Camino band)

900 MHz resurgence with surplus Motorola radios

DMR & CPS software barriers

Baofeng vs. buying once, crying once

Why manufacturers won’t build a true “do-it-all” radio

How POTA growth could change future radio design

Propagation differences between 2m, 70cm, 220 & 900

If you’ve ever asked:

👉 “Is 220 worth it?”

👉 “Should I try 900 MHz?”

👉 “Why doesn’t anyone use these bands?”

This one’s for you.

We’ve got the spectrum… maybe it’s time we actually use it.

************************************

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

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 talking

Honest talk about new radios, mobile rigs, and whether manufacturers are actually listening

Service dog moments that turned heads (and changed the tone)

POTA activations before and after the event

And a 24-hour Maine activation plan that might require a rooftop tent… and questionable judgment

Somewhere between debating Yaesu mobile rigs, joking about FX1 sales pitches, and reliving snowboarding decisions that reminded us we’re not 17 anymore… this episode captures what ham radio events are really about:

Community. Stories. Gear temptation. And friends you only see once a year but feel like you talk to every week.

If you’ve ever been to Hamcation, Huntsville, Dayton, or any major hamfest — you’ll recognize the vibe immediately.

If you haven’t… this is your preview.

************************************

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