QSO Today Podcast - Interviews with the leaders in amateur radio

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.

Cory Sickles, WA3UVV, first licensed in 1973, explores radio from the inside out, including homebrew 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.

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. QSO Today Website: https://www.qsotoday.com/ HOST: Eric Guth, 4Z1UG Become a listener sponsor or make a donation to QSO Today here: https://www.qsotoday.com/donate.html Join our mailing list: https://www.qsotodaycommunity.com/amember/signup/nj73Jlm7

Norm Cantin, WA1NLG, discovered amateur radio at age 14 through Boy Scouts in Massachusetts, got his Technician license in 1969 so he could get on 6 meters, and that early exposure led directly to his career in navigation electronics. Amateur radio Elmers in the Framingham Radio Club helped him get his first job at Northstar, a startup building LORAN navigation equipment, where he spent almost 30 years rising to Vice President of Engineering, later working on GPS development, differential GPS, and aircraft landing systems. After a period at Outerlink building satellite tracking systems, he spent more than a decade at Raytheon working on Patriot modernization and activities that contributed to Iron Dome. 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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

Bob Pantazes, W2ARP, discovered amateur radio in high school but only became licensed at age 40. A career in electronics shaped his hands-on approach to amateur radio. With 296 DXCC entities, Bob is active in contesting, POTA - Parks on the Air, and antenna building. He advocates FT8 access for Technicians on HF to attract younger hams and grow our numbers the hobby. W2ARP is my QSO Today.

In the QSO Today podcast episode #525, host Eric Guth interviews Jack Prindle, a former law enforcement officer and amateur radio enthusiast, who shares his unique journey from his early electronics background in Kentucky to his distinguished police career, ultimately specializing in computer forensics. Jack, who obtained his amateur radio license in 1976, reflects on his passion for radio that grew alongside his professional life, including the establishment of his podcast, the AB4WS Radio Show, which serves as a source of information for ham radio events in Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana. Throughout the discussion, Jack emphasizes the importance of community engagement in amateur radio, sharing tips for attracting new operators, and advocates for open public safety communications alongside the use of modern technology. As Eric shares insights about his recent health challenges, both host and guest highlight the healing aspects of radio and community, culminating in actionable steps for listeners and clubs to enhance their involvement in the amateur radio world.

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.

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.

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.

Walt Hudson, K4OGO, has always lived by and had a love of the sea, pursuing a career in ship building, beginning in Port Smith, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 makerspace 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.

Rudy Hardy, W5HRH, was introduced to electronics and radio at a young age by a favorite uncle. His interest in the hobby deepened through his experiences with CB radio and the influence of mentors in college. Rudy pursued a career in federal law enforcement, eventually teaching criminal justice at a community college in Houston. He's also a skilled sports photographer. In this episode, we explore Rudy's journey with Parkinson's disease, his successful treatment, and how amateur radio can benefit retirees and those facing complex health challenges. W5HRH is my QSO Today.

Susan Gayle Nordskog, LA0CY, was practically born into ham radio. She learned Morse code from her mother and grew up in Los Angeles, surrounded by her parents' ham radio friends. After college, Susan developed a deep love for the sea and a passion for crewing large vessels, even during a time when American ships rarely hired women. Undeterred, she immigrated to Norway, completed a three-year ship's officer course, and started a family. Her career took her across the world's oceans on some of the largest ships afloat. Now, LA0CY is back on the air, actively participating in the local ham radio scene on two meters and always ready for a chat on any topic with fellow operators. LA0CY is my QSO Today.

Steve Corley, N5BZM, discovered ham radio, almost by accident, by the intervention of his mother with an FCC official attempting to scare a teenager out of operating a CB radio improperly. Steve loves the range and variety of amateur radio opportunities and started a Ham Radio Auctions business to aid amateurs to find buyers and the heirs of deceased ham radio operators to properly dispose of their equipment. N5BZM stresses the importance of HF to amateur radio and tells his story in this QSO Today.

Lee Barrett, K7NM, has had a wonderful career, in broadcast radio, military projects, command and control, spacecraft, and medical device development. His early initiation into amateur radio set in motion all that came later in both professional and amateur radio life. From early in his ham radio career, Lee published papers on vertical antenna beam tilt for repeater networks, and well as his most recent "C-Match Method of Phasing HF Vertical Antennas. He was a presenter at the QSO Today Virtual Ham Expo, speaks to radio clubs all over the United States, and at the Dayton Hamvention. K7NM is my QSO today.

Justin McAllister, K5EM's early interest in ham radio in high school, set him on a professional path to electronic engineering for industry, startups, and entrepreneurship. In ham radio, Justin adopted a few favorite areas of special interest. Justin likes to operate satellites with his portable full duplex rig, operate the digital modes both actively and passively, creating new antennas designs, and getting out in nature to operate POTA and SOTA. K5EM is my QSO Today.

Jim Halfpenny, K9YNP, spent his career in the great outdoors tracking wildlife, educating and leading groups into the wilderness all around the World and in Yellowstone National Park. Ham radio has always been a parallel track of interest and education. For K9YNP, serving his community with Montana Tour bike race and mountain marathon support through the Rocky Mountains keeps his ARES team at the top of their game. K9YNP is my guest in this QSO Today.

Mike Padron, N1CC, had an early love for amateur radio that was eclipsed by aviation leading Mike to become the longest serving captain pilot at FEDEX. Returning to ham radio during the Covid 19 Pandemic, Mike rediscovered his love for CW through the Long Island CW Club and remote controlling his FlexRadio home station while traveling the World. N1CC is my guest in this QSO Today.

Will Harris, KI4POV, followed in his father's footsteps, from his junior workbench along side his dad's to become a licensed ham at age 12. While Will did not pursue and engineering career, he has become a prolific homebuilder in the tradition of Doug DeMaw, W1FB, and Wes Hayward, W7ZOI. KI4POV discussed his 5 band homebrew transceiver and the rest of his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Amateur Radio operation for Bob Wertz, NF7E is a family affair, beginning with regular round table rag chews with his brother and father. Bob likes to chase DX confirming over 340 DX entities with the latest, Bouvet Island 3YOJ his crowning achievement. His Flagstaff Arizona ham radio club special events, including Route 66 and Quartzfest provide ample opportunities to get out and meet the hams. NF7E tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Amateur Radio operation for Bob Wertz, NF7E is a family affair, beginning with regular round table rag chews with his brother and father. Bob likes to chase DX confirming over 340 DX entities with the latest, Bouvet Island 3YOJ his crowning achievement. His Flagstaff Arizona ham radio club special events, including Route 66 and Quartzfest provide ample opportunities to get out and meet the hams. NF7E tells his ham radio story in this QSO Today.

Bob Phinney, K5TEC, created a new and dynamic afterschool science and amateur radio program called New England Sci-Tech, Inc, after his private school, where Bob taught, closed his program from their lack of vision. K5TEC refocused his energies and built an amazing after school program for kids that re-enforces STEM learning and makes new and exciting amateur radio operators. Bob, K5TEC, tells this fascinating story on this QSO Today.

Stuart Watchman, ZL2TW, hails from New Zealand where he began his early career working for the New Zealand Post Office on telephone exchange equipment, then made the transition to medical school, becoming a physician. Ham radio was an early passion leading Stuart to work in technical positions to pay for medical school and later to leadership positions with the New Zealand Association of Radio Transmitter (NZART), New Zealand's "League". ZL2TW shares his amateur radio experience in this QSO Today.

Rex Moncur VK7MO, holds the world record for the longest 10GHz EME contact using a 50 watt transmitter to a 70CM satellite TV dish. Since his retirement over 20 years ago, Rex has garnered expertise, contacts, and equipment for operating VHF and above for EME, meteor, aircraft, and now lighting scatter from his modest home in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. VK7MO tells his ham radio story and his microwave exploits in this QSO Today.

Ian Kahn, NV4C, with the encouragement of his father in law joined the amateur radio ranks in his mid-thirties. He hit the ground running, operating on his local club's repeater and involving himself in the North Fulton Amateur Radio League to aid its resurgence the the introduction of new programs attracting new and old hams. NV4C discusses his ham radio journey, his operating passions, and what excites him about our hobby in this QSO Today.

Todd McKenney, KN4TPG, found his way into amateur radio through a teenager's deep dive into YouTube and discovering meteorological balloon launches leading to Bill Brown WB8ELK and Pico Ballooning. Todd's entry into ham radio may be the key to attracting young people into amateur radio by using our hobby as a tool to complement and extend the usability of their other STEM or Maker projects and hobbies. KN4TPG tells his ham radio story through his high school ballooning interest leading to graduate work at the University of Alabama, Huntsville in this QSO Today.

Louis Hammer, 4Z5OT, is a good friend here in Israel and has taken outdoor and park operations to a new level. Faced with antenna challenges and inflexible neighbors at home, operating events, like lighthouses on the air, and other portable operations has opened new opportunities for Louis to be active, gain better operating experience, and to be ready with his portable rig in a flash when necessary. 4Z5OT is my QSO Today.

Ron Hranac, N0IVN, is not only a long time ham radio operator but a 50 year pioneer in the cable television industry, author of hundreds of articles and presentations for the Society of Cable Television Engineers. We discuss the crossover of amateur radio and cable television technology, interference to amateur radio from leakage, and the potential opportunities for young people who want to enter the industry on the ground floor. N0IVN is my QSO Today.

Hiroki Kato, AH6CY, was born and raised in Hiroshima, Japan, 20 miles from the epicenter of the atomic bomb blast in August 1945 that killed approximately 100,000 Japanese. Hiroki was fascinated with radio as a youngster and was first licensed in Japan. After moving to the USA, Hiroki continued to pursue amateur radio and began to research and collect the military radios that both the Japanese used to bomb Pearl Harbor, and the radios that were on the Enola Gay, the US bomber that dropped the Hiroshima bomb. AH6CY tells his ham radio story and about these radio restorations in this QSO Today.

Chris Rutkowski, NW6V, had the best radio elmer and teacher for life in his father, a career Navy radio officer, who taught life·s lessons and the proper way to handle a CW key with methods that challenge the current conventions. Chris shares this histor

Glam Ham, Natalie, NW6S, is a lot of things including actress, comedian, writer for both film and television, painter, and now an amateur radio operator. The awareness of amateur radio came to Natalie almost naturally and has become and enjoyable sideline in her life. As Glam Ham on TikTok, she has amassed almost one-hundred thousand subscribers who are interested in what she says and demonstrates about amateur radio. NW6S is my QSO Today.

In this episode of QSO Today, we are joined by Steve Shorey, G3ZPS, who shares his captivating journey through the world of amateur radio. Starting with his early days of constructing tube transmitters from found parts, to securing electronics apprenticeships fueled by his passion for the hobby, and taking a hiatus to focus on family life, Steve's story is one of passion and dedication. Now back in the fold, he finds joy in revisiting old operating modes and refurbishing the vintage equipment that once seemed unattainable in the 1960s. Join us as G3ZPS delves into his ham radio adventures and reflects on the profound impact this hobby has had on his life, right here on QSO Today.

Irad Deutsch, 4Z1AC, began his ham radio journey at the age of twelve. With a strong foundation in software development and a keen interest in the fusion of ham radio and digital technology, Irad has emerged as a leading voice in modernizing communication methods within the amateur radio sphere through his creation of VarAC digital mode. His dedication to preserving the human connection in ham radio while embracing the advancements of the digital age makes him an influential and insightful figure in the community.

Charles Wilmott, M0OXO, operates a private, self-funded, QSL management bureau, where he sorts and distributes both physical and electronic QSL cards for distribution around the World for the best known DXpeditions including 3YOK Bouvet and Peter I Islands, as well as for IOTA, or Islands on the air. We touch on Charles' ham radio beginnings and his private career as a police officer in Sheffield, South Yorkshire , United Kingdom, made famous by its founding industries of steel and coal, and by the movie The Full Monty. M0OXO is my QSO Today.

Fred Hopengarten K1VR, and his wife Betty, were guests in my home after an afternoon of touring with me the unusual sites around Jerusalem and Gush Etzion, where I live a few years ago. Fred has a long history in amateur radio and took to the law rather than engineering as a profession specializing in communications law and antenna regulations for both commercial broadcasting and amateur radio. His book, Antenna Zoning for the Radio Amateur, is a must read for hams that need and want external antennas at their QTH. K1VR discuss antenna law, contesting, and his elaborate station in this QSO Today.

Dr. Jonathan Kramer W6JLK, transitioned into becoming an communications law attorney after a successful career in cable television engineering in addition to his amateur radio activities. Kramer W6JLK stressed that amateurs should be very active in local government as a way to advocate for antenna and tower rights, especially in areas of strong HOA controls. W6JLK and I discuss the first Motorola simulcast radio system in Kern County, California, and his use of AREDN and portable radios for integrating ham radio with public service.

Linus Balsys, LY2H, dives into the fascinating realm of field operations in his native Lithuania, QRP techniques, Morse code, digital modes, and much more. Linus talks about his exploration of the great outdoors with park activations, hillfort castles, chases awards, and delves into satellite communications. From his Renault Trafic campervan equipped with cutting-edge ham radio gear like the Icom IC-705 and the QRP-Labs QMX. Linus showcases the innovation and affordability of modern equipment. In addition, Linus shares how ham radio skills have practical applications in daily life, from repairing electronics to enhancing relationships. Hear about his efforts to rejuvenate the ham community in Lithuania, attracting young enthusiasts through contests, digital operations, and educational classes. Linus also highlights the dual thrill of ham radio: the leap in technology with Software Defined Radios (SDRs) and the invaluable role of amateur radio in emergency communications, echoing its historical significance. Tune in for a journey through the intriguing and impactful world of ham radio with Linus Balsys, L2YH. in this QSO Today.

Paul Barnes, W4YRL, now a ham for over 65 years, enjoys FT8, CW, and getting on the air with modest wire antennas. Paul has traveled to over 50 countries and enjoyed operating from abroad. He credits the hobby for a happy career in electronics focused on simulators for space, military, and nuclear power plants, and for the life long friends that he has made along the way. W4YRL is my QSO Today.

Eric Guth, 4Z1UG, was a guest at the celebration of the 200th Ham Radio Workbench Podcast. Eric joined George, KJ6VU, Vince, VE6LK, and Mark, N6MTS in a special episode of their podcast that became HRWB episode 201. This recording of that HRWB episode is added to the QSO Today "official record" for posterity.

John Rusciano, NG0Z, knew that eventually living in an HOA would meet he and his family's needs, even if it meant not having a ham radio station and outside antennas. The state of the art and ubiquitous Internet connectivity made it possible for John to build his ultimate remotely controlled amateur radio station at his vacation home, away from the city's electronic noise and the restrictions of HOA. NG0Z allows me to interrogate him about all of the aspects of building his remote station in this QSO Today.

Charles Powell, NK8O, would argue that an early interest in radio and communications aided him in making a transition from professional French Horn player to pediatric doctor rather than suffer the mid-life crisis. Charles likes just about everything that ham radio offers including POTA, CW, kit building, old rigs, and operating his own DXpeditions from exotic locations around the world. NK8O and I discuss these topics and more in this QSO Today.