QSO TODAY AMATEUR RADIO PODCAST - QSO Today Podcast

KJ4YZI

9/11/2026

Episode 541 - Eric Hofer - KJ4YZI

Eric Hofer, KJ4YZI, began his ham radio journey CB radio before discovering ham radio through a local Elmer and two-meter repeaters, where he developed a lifelong interest in radios, antennas, weak-signal work, and experimenting. Through his popular Ham Radio Concepts YouTube channel, Eric encourages new and returning amateurs to explore everything from two-meter sideband, EME moonbounce, to satellites, digital modes, used equipment, antenna projects, and kit building. Eric works in land mobile radio, microwave, repeaters, and public-safety communications, giving him a strong technical foundation for the practical experiments he shares with his audience. KJ4YZI is my QSO Today.

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K7AR

8/23/2026

Episode 540 - Al Rovner - K7AR

Al Rovner, K7AR, discovered amateur radio in high school through his electronics shop teacher, an active ham who helped him earn his first license in 1971. After college and a break from the hobby, Al returned to the air in 1980 and soon found that working DX was far more interesting than working all states. That interest grew into decades of serious DXing, eventually taking him to the upper levels of the DXCC Honor Roll and sending him on DXpeditions around the world. Along the way, Al became an experienced contester and CW operator, while also embracing newer modes including FT8. K7AR is my QSO Today.

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ki5qkx

8/3/2026

Episode 539 - John Burwell - KI5QKX

John Burwell, KI5QKX, found his way into amateur radio through 44Net, the Class A public IP address space set aside for amateur radio almost 50 years ago, now managed by ARDC. John’s interest in connecting devices over the Internet led him to this remarkable ham radio resource. In this interview, we go deep into IP addressing and networking, opening the door to new ways licensed amateurs can learn, experiment, and build Internet-connected projects. KI5QKX is my QSO Today.

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N5OLA

7/12/2026

Episode 538 - Will Everett - N5OLA

Bill and Pete at the SolderSmoke Podcast refer to my guest today as the Heathkit Guru of South Texas, a mantle that Will Everett, N5OLA, wears with pride. After returning from civilian life as a reporter and aid worker in Afghanistan in 2015, Will relicensed in 2019 and took his passion for vintage Heathkit amateur radio transceivers to a new level, restoring them to their former glory before sending them on to new owners. Operating from South Padre Island, Will enjoys CW on his Heathkit HW-101, finding quiet moments between running his coffee shops and pursuing his restoration passion. N5OLA is my QSO today.

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AD4EB

6/28/2026

Episode 537 - Jim Hall - AD4EB

Jim Hall, AD4EB, discovered radio as a young shortwave listener and builder, then turned a lifetime of engineering, CW, RTTY, and contesting into one of amateur radio’s most demanding operating specialties: mobile QSO party contesting. In this episode, Jim shares how his early Heathkit projects, teletype machines, and work with HAL Devices led him deeper into electronics and ham radio, and how he now combines two-radio contesting, station automation, careful route planning, and the steady driving support of his wife, Melody, to win state QSO parties from the road. AD4EB’s story is a fascinating look at skill, preparation, partnership, and the pure fun of chasing pileups county by county.

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W4MY

4/12/2026

Episode 536 - Marty Young - W4MY

Marty Young, W4MY, is a lifelong amateur radio operator whose 50-year journey began with a simple shortwave receiver as a child and grew into a deep passion for CW operation, homebrewing, and portable radio in the outdoors. From building his first Heathkit HW-16 as a teenager to leading roles in clubs, contesting, and Parks on the Air, Marty represents the classic self-taught ham who never stopped learning. His story reflects persistence, curiosity, and a hands-on approach to radio that has carried him from the early days of Morse code and QSL cards to modern portable operations and mentoring new operators today.

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VE3GFN

2/22/2026

Episode 535 - Michael Goldstein - VE3GFN

Michael Goldstein VE3GFN has spent more than 70 years in the hobby spanning the full arc of amateur radio’s technical evolution. Licensed in the 1950s, Mike began as a dedicated homebrewer and CW operator, later designing receivers published in Bill Orr’s, W6SAI Radio Handbook and built a professional career in electronics instrumentation at the University of Toronto. In this interview, he reflects on his mentors, Morse code, classic and modern radios, contesting at 100 watts, and the transition from vacuum tubes to today’s SDR transceivers, sharing practical insight and perspective earned over a lifetime on the air.

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WA3UVV

1/12/2026

Episode 534 - Cory Sickles - WA3UVV

Cory Sickles, WA3UVV, first licensed in 1973, explores radio from the inside out, including home-brew transmitters, vintage gear, and cutting edge digital modes that he highlights in his monthly Spectrum Monitor Magazine column, Digitally Speaking. Cory was a bleeding edge pioneer in desktop computing and applications for specialized business segments. He is a passionate club builder and mentor, helping grow one of the most active and welcoming amateur radio clubs in Western Pennsylvania, while serving the ARRL in key outreach and coordination roles. WA3UUV believes that strong clubs, digital innovation, and human connection are the future of amateur radio and is my guest in this QSO Today.

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NI0K

12/14/2025

Episode 533 - John Simmons - NI0K

John Simmons, NIØK, like many hams who were licensed in the sixties and seventies, built his CW skills passing traffic on the NTS, or the national traffic system. Developing an interest in early mechanical teletypes, John gained a practical knowledge of RTTY. As an active contester and DXer, John regularly appears in major international contests and is currently expanding his station for SO2R (single-operator, two-radio) operation, reflecting his ongoing commitment to competitive operating and technical improvement. From his QTH in rural Minnesota, NI0K, has an antenna farm, with three towers and a completely remotely controllable station. With interests spanning vintage technology, modern SDR systems, logging integration, and the future direction of the hobby, John offers a thoughtful, experience-based perspective on what it means to be an engaged amateur radio operator today. John Simmons, NIØK, is my QSO Today.

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G3ZDQ

11/23/2025

Episode 532 - Ian Flemming - G3ZDQ

Ian Flemming, G3ZDQ, grew up tuning mysterious signals on his grandfather’s radio in northwest England, a spark that led to a lifelong journey through classic gear, pioneering microprocessor work, Raynet emergency communications, digital modes, canal boat-portable QRP operation, and the restoration of iconic British radios from KW Electronics and Eddystone. His story weaves technical curiosity, professional engineering, and a deep love for radio’s evolving technologies—from Hartley transmitters and 6146 finals to modern digital modes. G3ZDQ is my QSO Today.

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WA1NLG

11/1/2025

Episode 531 - Norm Cantin - WA1NLG

Norm Cantin, WA1NLG, discovered amateur radio at age 14 through Boy Scouts and got his Technician license in 1969. That early exposure led directly to his career in navigation electronics building LORAN navigation equipment, later working on GPS development, differential GPS, and aircraft landing systems. Now retired on Cape Cod, Norm is focused on VHF weak signal work, homebrews LDMOS amplifiers, is building a second tower for 2-meter EME, is active in the Barnstable Amateur Radio Club, youth outreach, public service, STEM, Boy Scouts, and believes ham radio is still a “hobby of a thousand hobbies. WA1NLG is my QSO Today.

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W1WEF

8/29/2025

Episode 530 - Jack Schuster - W1WEF

In this episode of QSO Today, we sit down with Jack Schuster, W1WEF, whose amateur radio journey spans more than 73 years. From building his first crystal set at age 10 to contesting at the highest levels around the world, Jack shares stories of innovation, DX adventures, CW mastery, and a lifetime of dedication to the hobby. His perspective offers both history and inspiration, making this conversation a must-listen for hams of every generation.

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N0LX

8/16/2025

Episode 529 - Jake Groenhof - N0LX

Jake Groenhof, N0LX, discovered amateur radio in the 1960s thanks to his uncle’s impressive home station and his father’s interest in CB radio.. Over the years, Jake turned his curiosity into a lifetime of experiments — from pedestrian-mobile DX with just 5 watts and an endfed antenna tethered to a balloon, to building saltwater antennas in PVC pipes, to flying pico balloons that circled the Earth six times. Along the way, he’s set records, designed clever portable gear, and inspired others to push the limits of what amateur radio can do. N0LX is my QSO Today.

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K6VHF

8/3/2025

Episode 528 - Alex Nersesian - K6VHF

Alex Nersesian K6VHF is a US immigration success story. Hailing from the Republic of Georgia after the fall of the former Soviet Union, Alex credits amateur radio with finding work, career,family, and community in his new country. Now successfully living the American dream, K6VHF loves to chase DX on HF, VHF, and Microwave using FT-8, SSB, and CW and is an avid DXpeditioner. In addition, Alex makes EME, microwave, and rover contacts all of the way up to 122 GHz. K6VHF is my QSO Today.

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WA2TBQ

7/14/2025

Episode 527 - Ron Demcko - WA2TBQ

Ron Demcko, WA2TBQ, found his way into electronics—and later amateur radio—thanks to the early influence of his older brother, John, KD7JR. From a young age, Ron funded his growing passion for kit building and radio experimentation by buying and reselling surplus electronic gear, a resourceful start that helped pave the way for his formal education. Today, Ron is a recognized expert in the field of radiation-resistant passive components, essential for military and space applications. On the air, CW remains his favorite mode. We cover all of this and much more in this episode of QSO Today.

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W2ARP

6/18/2025

Episode 526 - Bob Pantazes - W2ARP

In this episode of QSO Today, Eric Guth 4Z1UG returns from a health break to interview Bob Pantages, W2ARP, whose journey into ham radio began in the 1960s at Atlantic City High School. Though licensing came later, Bob built shortwave radios and audio gear as a teen, fueling a lifelong passion for electronics. He earned a commercial broadcast license at 17 and worked in two-way radio, where he noted challenges with equipment quality. Licensed at 40, Bob now holds 296 confirmed DXCC entities, enjoys 160-meter contests, and participates in Parks on the Air. A builder and club member, he advocates FT8 privileges for Technicians to inspire broader engagement, especially among younger radio enthusiasts.

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AB4WS

5/5/2025

Episode 525 - Jack Prindle - AB4WS

Jack Prindle AB4WS, had an early interest in AM broadcast radio, evolving to scanner listening to public safety in his native Florence, Kentucky, and a stint in Citizens Band before coming to amateur radio. Jack made a career in law enforcement, landing in computer forensics. Jack likes to contribute to his ham radio community by mentoring new hams, getting on the air, and finding success in operation and giving back. AB4WS is my QSO Today.

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WA2JMG

11/16/2024

Episode 524 - Charles “Pete” Corp - WA2JMG

Charles “Pete” Corp, WA2JMG, operates simple rigs into wire antennas, using low power. His primary operating mode is ragchewing on CW for meaningful and reliable communications. At the urging of his grandfather, Pete pursued the power system management side of electrical engineering side of his four year degree as a way to satisfy the market demand for power engineers in industry, when there is a scarcity of supply. WA2JMG tells us his ham radio story, beginning in 1960, in this QSO Today.

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WA7GIL

11/9/2024

Episode 523 - Ron Taylor - WA7GIL

Ron Taylor WA7GIL, while having a love for HF CW, boat anchor restoration, and kit building, still stays current with home brew equipment using Arduino controllers, the latest ham radio software, and the NanoVNA. His beautiful ham shack and carefully appointed workbench and parts inventory allow Ron to build and fix just about anything. WA7GIL is my QSO Today.

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W4CMG

11/2/2024

Episode 522 - Cathy Goodrich - W4CMG

Cathy Goodrich, W4CMG, is an enthusiastic contester and dedicated DX chaser. Known for her meticulous scheduling, Cathy ensures she dedicates time each day to amateur radio, honing her operating techniques and CW rag chewing skills. In her retirement, Cathy continues to make an impact as a Red Cross Coordinator in Nashville, TN, applying strategic insights gained from her extensive experience as a project manager in the pharmaceutical industry. In our conversation, we delve into how amateur radio operators can engage in and contribute their expertise to Red Cross operations, as well as improving on the air operating skills. W4CMG is my QSO Today.

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K4OGO

10/26/2024

Episode 521 - Walt Hudson - K4OGO

Walt Hudson, K4OGO, has always lived by and had a love of the sea, pursuing a career in ship building, beginning in Portsmouth, Virginia. While he always had an interest in radio, including Citizens band radio, it wasn’t until just a few years ago that Walt became a ham radio operator. Since he is always near the shore, operating portable QRP SSB from the water’s edge and making DX contacts is what excites him. K4OGO loves to experiment with vertical antennas on the beach to fine tune his technical and operating skills. K4OGO is my QSO Today.

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WD8DAS_1

9/28/2024

Episode 520 - Steve Johnston - WD8DAS

Steve Johnston, WD8DAS, was my guest in Episode 14, 10 years ago this October. I urge you to go back to that episode to get Steve’s ham radio story. A lot can happen in ten years, especially in this age of ham radio and the Internet. So in this episode we catch up with Steve to find out what contributions he has made and is making since the last time we spoke. WD8DAS is my QSO Today.

K6ARK

9/21/2024

Episode 519 - Adam Kimmerly - K6ARK

Adam Kimmerly, K6ARK, discovered amateur radio almost by accident through his participation in the San Diego Mountain Rescue organization. Adam’s ham radio interests evolved from VHF to HF SOTA, or Summits on the Air, learning CW, and reaching SOTA Mountain Goat status. The need for light weight kits to carry to the most difficult to reach summits demanded new expertise in antenna design and construction with 3D printing. K6ARK tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

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N7HQ

9/14/2024

Episode 518 - Dan Quigley - N7HQ

Dan Quigley, N7HQ, is a true veteran in the world of ham radio and technology. Like many of us, Dan's passion for radio began early, with a crystal radio, and earned his license while delivering newspapers to pay for his new hobby. Dan’s professional career evolved based on the specific needs of clients and customers, creating long and successful stints through Microsoft and Amazon before joining FlexRadio as their Director of Strategic Solutions. N7HQ is a kindred spirit, perhaps to many of us, and tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

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OE1Wkl

9/7/2024

Episode 517 - Willi Kraml - OE1WKL

My guest this week is Willi Kraml, OE1WKL, creator of the Morserino CW code practice machine . Willie discovered amateur radio as a boy in Lindz, Austria, but had to wait until the legal age of 16 to get his license. With his doctorate in linguistics, Willi pursued a career in IT security with KPMG. When his local maker-space needed an Arduino project around amateur radio, the Morserino code practice system was born. OE1WKL discusses the delivery of over 10,000 Morserinos, his projects, and his contributions to amateur radio in this QSO Today.

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