Even some of the more established Ham radio enthusiasts might not realize there are ongoing and popular podcasts out there that focus purely on Ham radio. For those new to Ham, some of these podcasts are highly beneficial, as they are designed around introductory concepts.
Ham radio (amateur radio in general) is nothing new but podcasts haven’t been around nearly as long. Most people will jump on YouTube for a crash course in just about anything. But, what if there were persistent programs out there focused entirely on Ham radio?
Not only do they exist but many of them are quite popular. Whether you want to listen to Ham podcasts to learn something new or enjoy the camaraderie of fellow Ham enthusiasts, here are the best Ham podcasts available today.
- Linux in the Ham Shack
If you’re new to Ham radio, there’s little doubt that you’ve heard the term Linux. You might even wonder what a conglomeration of open-source operating systems has to do with Ham. The truth is, quite a lot, the least of which is their common association of amateur enthusiasts backing them.
Linux in the Ham Shack covers a wide range of amateur topics with an emphasis on Ham radio and open-source software. However, it’s not done in a boring and technical way. The program is often quite funny and discussions run the gamut of current events.
- ICQ Amateur Radio Podcast
If you prefer something a little more on the serious side, ICQ Radio covers current news, mostly as it relates to events in the Ham radio community but often going well outside of singular topics as well.
What makes this podcast great is that no matter how far from Ham radio the current news might deviate, it always comes back to discuss at least one technical feature focused on Ham, followed by more generalized discussions about the Ham radio ecosphere.
- ARRL Audio News
If you’re looking for something with a laser-like focus on amateur radio, ARRL Audio News is the best podcast for all of the week’s latest stories in the world of Ham and amateur radio topics. Rarely does the program stray outside of those boundaries.
You can listen with your preferred podcast app on either Android or iOS devices or you can tune into the ARRL Audio News Network on your repeater. Be sure to visit the website linked above to get instructions along with the frequency.
- Foundations of Amateur Radio
If you’re new to the world of Ham radio or looking to get your first license, it may seem like amateur radio is a huge, complicated world of information. Unfortunately, that’s true to a large degree. But, the good news is, that doesn’t mean it’s not beginner-friendly.
Podcasts like Foundations of Amateur Radio help newbies get a firm grip on exactly that—foundations. There is a lot to learn in the world of Ham radio and this podcast covers different aspects of the Ham Radio hobby that are focused on the beginner side of the technology.
- Ham Nation
Ham Nation is a podcast with a focus on Ham radio use in emergencies and various scenarios you may or may not encounter one day. It makes for an interesting listen if you’re learning all of the ins and outs of Ham radio, like the various ways to boost your signal.
It’s a crowded podcast with several hosts so it feels far more open, welcome, and homelike. Tips and tricks are major themes discussed periodically throughout the program as well.
- Ham Radio Crash Course
When you take your first steps into the world of Ham radio, it can be a whirlwind of information and learning. For some, it might seem overwhelming. Ham Radio Crash Course is primarily a one-man show, with a heavy focus on taking those first, baby steps.
“Crash course” are the right words indeed and if you need to know the when, where, how, and why of Ham radio, Josh has you covered.
Bottom Line
Podcasts are incredible sources of information, entertainment, and just plain fun. Ham radio is a major part of the massive podcast market and there are many more than just the six listed here.
Whether you’re a battle-hardened veteran of amateur radio or a newbie, taking your first, tentative steps in to the world of Ham radio, these podcasts offer all of the information and entertainment value you could ask for.
References
Price, S. (August 31, 2022). Yes, amateur radio is still a thing: Here’s why
Retrieved from: https://electronics360.globalspec.com/article/18575/yes-amateur-radio-is-still-a-thing-here-s-why
