For a while now, Jeff, KE9V, and I have tossed around the idea of starting a podcast with the working title “Two OFs Talk About Ham Radio.” For one reason or another—probably because it’s a lot of work—this hasn’t really gotten off the ground…..yet.
Then, a couple of weeks ago, Gary, KN4AQ, of Ham Radio Now, had a group of “hamcasters,” as he dubbed them, on his show. Sterling, N0SSC, former youth editor for the ARRL, and currently a blogger and occasional podcaster, said that he and one of his friends had a similar idea, but that it was going to be two young guys talking about ham radio.
Well, how about merging the two? I’ve proposed to both KE9V and N0SSC that we do a podcast with both old guys and young guys talking about different aspects of ham radio. We could do it in a number of different ways – two old guys and two young guys, one young guy and one old guy, and some episodes might only have old guys and some only young guys. Some episodes may include one of the “regulars” and a special guest. For example, might be me and one or both of the Salmi brothers, the fireplugs behind Faraday RF). Another might be an episode featuring N0SSC and K1ZZ, the previous ARRL CEO, if we could get him to do it.
The whole idea would be to compare how different generations view the hobby and the direction it’s going. And, since I think podcasts are way too long, the idea would be to keep this one short and sweet. I’m thinking like 15 minutes, 20 minutes max. Not only would that prevent listener fatigue, they would be easier to produce.
So, what do you all think? Do you have any thoughts about who we should recruit to be on our podcast? What kind of topics should we cover?
Lex van der Lugt says
Hi Dan,
Great idea !, I like your contributions to the ICQ podcast and the idea of young vs. old should give plenty of topics, like learning cw, operating practice, ragchew qso’s, wire antenna’s old gear vs sdr and so on.
Best ’73’s,
Lex – PA1LEX
K7FLE says
I’d hop on for the younger+new ham side (though nearly over the hill). There’s a lot of room for discussions that aren’t beginner level and don’t assume you know or have everything. For instance, how do I decide when to get an antenna tuner or analyzer? What older radios should I be looking for to do HF data?
Like the idea of a shorter podcast, as long as it isn’t half intro and outro, like the “doctor” :)
george says
sounds like a great idea.
i look forward to listening
George
WD8NHI
Rob W4ZNG says
Sure, I’ll be listening. About topics, I really liked the short subjects of the chapters in your book “21 Things to Do,” so that’s my suggestion for getting started.
Sylvia Burgos Toftness says
I enjoy podcasts, and applaud your intention to keep it short. As a former tv/radio journalist, and long-time radio host/producer and blogger, I value podcasts that bring me news, not just comments. I wish you lots of luck. I look forward to tuning in.
Sylvia Burgos Toftness says
Oh, and about topic ideas: you may want to mine the many questions and concern posted on the Face Book page for hams that are new to the hobby, https://www.facebook.com/groups/293204677817745/
Howard AE0Z says
Great idea!
Cale K4HCK says
Great concept. Would subscribe!
Steve C - KE8HXM says
Things like this make learning the technical aspects of amateur radio fun and easier to digest than diving into technical resource material without any guidance. These podcasts could address many subjects and help the neophytes like me find our way through the maze of technology and new concepts and ideas that may be well worn for the Elmers among us.
I would enjoy such podcasts and I fully support this idea.