Best Icom Podcasts (2026)

Jamie Williams M0SDV is a rising star in the contesting world, and in Grenada this year, he proved exactly why. Traveling solo to the Caribbean island with modest gear and big ambitions, Jamie operated as J38W in the CQ World Wide CW contest—logging over 6,200 QSOs and more than 9 million points. What began as a goal to hit 4,000 contacts turned in…

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Episode 533 John Simmons NI0K Final 57:05

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21d ago57:05

57:05

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11,000+ QSO's From CQ9A: KL9A’s Last Single Operator CQ WW CW 15:55

25d ago15:55

15:55

Chris Hurlbut KL9A is just back from Madeira, where he operated as CQ9A and delivered the contest performance of a lifetime at CQ WW CW 2025. Though he finished second to his longtime friend Dan N6MJ, Chris broke the existing world record in the Single Operator All Band High Power category, and logged a staggering 11,000+ QSOs. Still groggy from tr…

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KL9A at CQ9AKL9A Sets Up for CQWW CW at CQ9A Madeira 12:46

1M ago12:46

12:46

Chris Hurlbut KL9A is ready at CQ9A in Madeira just hours before the start of the CQ Worldwide CW Contest. Known for precision and consistency at the top levels of single-op competition, Chris arrived a bit later than other operators—but has wasted no time. Alongside Valery, he’s been adding antennas, including a second 80m and a 160m receive four-…

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Felipe NP4Z: Inside the CQ WW CW Contest Showdown 23:00

1M ago23:00

23:00

Felipe Hernandez NP4Z is a powerhouse of contesting and a central player in this year’s CQ World Wide CW showdown. He joins Kevin W1DED just hours before the contest kicks off from St. Croix, where he’s not only competing himself but orchestrating one of the biggest storylines in radio sport: the “Clash of the Titans” between Dan N6MJ, Braco E77DX,…

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CQWW CW wrap up from Kevin VK6T 18:58

1M ago18:58

18:58

CQWW CW from a VK6 perspective. High levels of solar disturbance affected some regions but once again all bands were very busy with another record breaking year.

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CQ WW Canary Countdown from EF8R: Dan N6MJ Gets Ready 20:39

1M ago20:39

20:39

Dan Craig N6MJ is on the Canary Islands, gearing up to operate EF8R in this weekend’s CQ World Wide CW contest, and we caught up just as final preparations were underway. Joined by Levi K6JO, Dan’s been troubleshooting verticals, fine-tuning antennas, and running high-stakes shakedowns ahead of a record attempt. Inside the shack: two Icom 7610s and…

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From HK1T to 5J1DX: Braco E77DX Goes Full MacGyver for CQ WW CW 20:18

1M ago20:18

20:18

Emir “Braco” Memic E77DX is in Colombia, transforming HK1T into a serious contest machine—just in time to debut his new 5J1DX callsign for CQ WW CW. With the clock ticking, Braco is taking a hands-on approach to engineering a high-performance station out of HK1T’s formidable base. It’s a full-court press: antennas fine-tuned, switching gear reworke…

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Inside the Contest Brain of KL2A: Titans—and the Rest of the CQ WW Pack 19:45

1M ago19:45

19:45

Jon Kimball KL2A is the consummate contester. From learning Morse code at age seven to chasing DX from Alaska with a Yagi at 60 feet, Jon’s ham radio journey spans more than four decades. A chance encounter with Chris KL9A during those early pileups—first as rivals, then as teammates—set the tone for a lifetime of contest camaraderie. Now based in …

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Who's Got the Edge for CQWW CW? Europe Weighs In 37:23

1M ago37:23

37:23

Just days before what looks like a record-breaking CQ World Wide CW, six world-class operators compare notes across Europe and South America. Braco E77DX is deep in the Colombian jungle at HK1T’s mountaintop station, where rain, mud, and snakes complicate the final push. His contest callsign is expected any day. Early tests show him hammering into …

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K6JO For The Win: ARRL Sweepstakes 20:25

1M ago20:25

20:25

Levi Jefferies K6JO is in the thick of the CQ WW CW showdown, he's in the Canary Islands to support Dan N6MJ’s shot at a new record. But he's arriving with serious momentum—fresh off an electrifying, unofficial first-place finish in the ARRL Sweepstakes SSB. That win, logged from Chris KL9A’s off-grid Montana station KM7W, wasn’t just about rate or…

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The Road to CQ WW CW Showdown: Contest Crew 45:46

1M ago45:46

45:46

The Contest Crew—Randy K5ZD, Chris KL9A, Bill W9KKN, and Dan N6MJ—return to Q5 with a complete debrief of ARRL Sweepstakes SSB and a forward look at CQ World Wide CW, where three of the sport’s top competitors (N6MJ, KL9A, and E77DX) are set for a record-chasing clash from the Canary Islands, Madeira, and Colombia. Sweepstakes had no shortage of te…

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Episode 532 Ian Flemming G3ZDQ Final 1:13:46

1M ago1:13:46

1:13:46

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 E…

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Call for Volunteers: Help ARDC Shape Ham Radio’s Future 18:18

2M ago18:18

18:18

Chelsea Parraga KF0FVJ and John Burwell KI5QKX are calling on the amateur radio community to step up. Representing Amateur Radio Digital Communications (ARDC), they’re actively recruiting new volunteers to help drive the next wave of innovation, education, and technical stewardship in ham radio. Whether you're a seasoned operator, an open-source de…

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Contesting from W6: Chris Tate N6WM 37:20

2M ago37:20

37:20

Chris Tate N6WM is a late-blooming force in amateur radio who discovered the hobby in his forties—and never looked back. A lifelong technologist and adventurer, Chris quickly made his mark in both contesting and DXpeditioning. He's the founder of the K6LRG hilltop contest station and station coordinator for the powerhouse N6RO Superstation, where h…

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406 QSOs in 60 Minutes: K1AR & N3GJ’s Record Run at K3LR400 Q's 12:06

2M ago12:06

12:06

John Dorr K1AR and George Gross N3GJ are fresh off a record-setting run at K3LR during the CQ Worldwide SSB contest, logging 406 QSOs in a single hour on 10 meters. This wasn’t luck or brute force—it was a masterclass in synchronized contesting, 21 years in the making. From a clean frequency above 28.500 MHz, the duo operated in seamless coordinati…

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Contest Crew Europe Recaps CQWW SSB 2025 46:02

2M ago46:02

46:02

Braco E77DX, Filipe CT1ILT, Sven DJ4MX, Chris ES7A, Mike SJ2W, and Dave 9A1UN - Contest Crew Europe - return from the CQ Worldwide SSB contest with stories that stretch from the Canary Islands to the Arctic edge of Europe. This isn’t just a recap—it’s contesting at its most competitive, collaborative, and chaotic. Braco E77DX may have rewritten the…

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CQ WW CW Showdown: 10x Winner CT1BOH Breaks it Down 1:03:48

2M ago1:03:48

1:03:48

Jose CT1BOH is back on Q5 Worldwide—and just in time for a historic showdown. The ten-time CQ World Wide CW winner, one of the most respected voices in high-stakes contesting, returns for a masterclass in operator performance, propagation edge, and psychological warfare. This isn’t just another contest preview—it’s a forensic breakdown of who might…

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Copyright for Podcast Interns EP 328 2:00

2M ago2:00

2:00

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Digital Practices and Accessibility in Museums 12:40

2M ago12:40

12:40

How can museums leverage digital practices to make their spaces more accessible and inclusive? In this episode of Museums and Chill, we talk with Emilia Sharples, member of the Museums & Audiences Team at Art Fund, about using technology to enhance accessibility, engage diverse audiences, and empower young professionals in the museum sector. We als…

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Episode 531 Norm Cantin WA1NLG 1:01:09

2M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

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 LOR…

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CQ WW SSB: From CQ9A to V47T, the Contest Crew Brings the Heat 20:24

2M ago20:24

20:24

CQ World Wide SSB strategy & station plans with the Contest Crew—Dan N6MJ, Chris KL9A, Bill W9KKN, and Randy K5ZD—who break down final preparations for the SSB Super Bowl of radiosport. Operating from the elite CQ9A station in Madeira, Chris, Dan, and Bill are diving into a high-intensity, six-radio, 24/7 multi-single effort hosted by EW6W Valery Z…

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Europe’s Contest Crew: Ready for CQ Worldwide SSB 39:13

2M ago39:13

39:13

A few days ago, we heard from Contest Crew North America. Now it’s Europe’s turn. Braco E77DX, Dave 9A1UN, Mike SJ2W, Kris ES7A, and Sven DJ4MX—collectively Contest Crew Europe, and five of the continent’s most respected operators—join Q5 with their war stories and final prep before CQ Worldwide SSB. Dave recaps the standout Istra Conference, a mag…

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Rich N6KT: The Man to Beat in CQ WW 2025l 27:16

2M ago27:16

27:16

Rich Smith N6KT is a quiet titan in the world of radiosport. With ten CQ WW SSB wins to his name, an ARRL DX Phone record that has stood since 1993, and multiple WPX titles, Rich heads into this weekend’s contest from PJ4K with a legitimate shot at another world title. He’s not just a competitor—he’s a legacy builder. His rivals know it. Braco E77D…

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Ham Radio Audio — How to Improve Your Station Sound 1:09:14

2M ago1:09:14

1:09:14

This week, we’re talking about audio in the ham shack — how to get the best sound from your station, and why it matters. Whether you’re new, newer, or returning to the hobby, this is your chance to ask questions and learn from operators who’ve been there. Join Emmy Award-winning producer Christian, K0STH, and 100 Watts and a Wire Chief Engineer — a…

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CQWW SSB 2025 9:58

2M ago9:58

9:58

Preview of the CQWW SSB contest, 48 hour duration held on 25-26th October.

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The Sheriffs Still Riding 3:09

3M ago3:09

3:09

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Life, Radio, and Recovery 1:04:52

3M ago1:04:52

1:04:52

From Steve W7UDI’s unexpected medical emergency to a chat about EndFed antennas, we catch up at the intersection of life and amateur radio. This laid-back hang is the perfect companion for your neighborhood walk or morning commute. All this and more on this edition of 100 Watts and a Wire.

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Receive antennas for the HF bands 18:38

3M ago18:38

18:38

Low noise loop antennas, with vertical polarisation for receive on the HF bands.

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How Braco E77DX and Dan N6MJ Are Rebuilding EF8R and Preparing for CQ World WideN 8:55

3M ago8:55

8:55

Dan Craig N6MJ is one of three world-class operators aiming to shatter world records in the CQ Worldwide CW contest this November. From Magic Mountain in the Canary Islands, Dan will operate as EF8R—joining a global showdown where perfect propagation, cutting-edge engineering, and elite operator skill might converge to make history. He’s teaming up…

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ES7A Hit by Lightning, WAE Fallout & CQ WW Pivot: Contest Crew EU 48:08

3M ago48:08

48:08

Braco Memic E77DX hosts this special edition of Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio, stepping in after Kevin W1DED encountered technical issues. Contest Crew Europe gathers to unpack the 2025 Worked All Europe SSB contest, recent IARU VHF, and plans for the upcoming CQ Worldwide SSB contest. Kris Kass ES7A opens with a cautionary tale: a lightning strike took o…

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How a Hamfest CW Contest Led to 100 Weekends at K3LR 35:57

3M ago35:57

35:57

George Gross N3GJ is the 10-meter backbone of K3LR, Tim Duffy’s legendary multi-multi contest station. For 30 years and 100 contest weekends, George has held the line through solar highs and brutal lows. Whether pulling callers out of static or setting the SSB hourly rate record (390 QSOs) alongside K1AR, George shows up. Every single time. His sta…

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Inside EF8R: Braco E77DX’s Race to Rebuild Magic Mountain 11:04

3M ago11:04

11:04

As the sun came up this morning over Chebeague Island in Maine, my phone lit up with a WhatsApp call from Braco Memic E77DX. It was 6 a.m.—and within the hour, I was walking with him, virtually and on camera, through the legendary EF8R “Magic Mountain” contest station on Gran Canaria. He and his wife Julia had just landed, and Braco was already siz…

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Levi K6JO Commands a Tennessee Mega-Station in WAE SSB: Contest Crew 22:51

3M ago22:51

22:51

I'm back with the Contest Crew—Dan N6MJ, Bill W9KKN, Chris KL9A—and special guest Levi Jeffries K6JO, who takes us deep into the guts of serious HF contesting, from antenna stacks in Tennessee to the fine-tuned dance of 2BSIQ phone operation. Levi recounts his recent effort in the Worked All Europe SSB contest, operating remotely from Ron WV4P’s el…

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Icom vs Flex vs Yaesu 13:17

3M ago13:17

13:17

Kevin, VK6LW with a general comparison between these 3 HF transceivers.

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Youth in Ham Radio, Bound for J62K St. Lucia: Kylee KE0WPA 13:47

3M ago13:47

13:47

Kylee Shirbroun KE0WPA is 18 years old and a bright young voice in ham radio. Raised in the shadow of a 40-foot tower in Worthington, Minnesota, she made her first satellite contact while on vacation in Canada—the very day her technician license came through. Since then, she’s earned her general class ticket, become a contesting enthusiast, and tak…

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Young and Gifted: From the Cockpit to the Contest Pileup 18:08

4M ago18:08

18:08

Violetta Latham KN2P is a 20-year-old Extra Class ham with more big station experience under her belt than many operators twice her age. A commercial pilot, flight instructor, and aircraft mechanic apprentice, Violetta's days oscillate between runways and radios. Licensed since she was nine—thanks to a sibling competition organized by her father—sh…

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How K1AR Helped Shape Modern Ham Radio Contesting 52:32

4M ago52:32

52:32

John Dorr K1AR is… one of the most quietly influential voices in radiosport. A WRTC medalist, long-time CQ Worldwide committee leader, CQ Magazine editorial alumnus, and the unmistakable voice of the Dayton Contest Dinner, John has spent more than five decades shaping competitive ham radio—on the air and off. In this interview with Kevin Thomas W1D…

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How Top Ham Radio Ops Train for CQ World Wide: Contest Crew 38:58

4M ago38:58

38:58

In this episode, Q5 hosts the Contest Crew—Chris Hurlbut KL9A, Dan Craig N6MJ, Randy Thompson K5ZD, and Bill Fehring W9KKN—four of the most methodical and high-performing minds in amateur radio contesting. In this insider roundtable, we pull back the curtain on what it actually takes to prepare for a major contest like CQ World Wide. From physical …

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Antenna Savant K2TR on Building Stations That Win 30:26

4M ago30:26

30:26

Fred Lass K2TR is a legend by reputation and by record—once dubbed “King Fred” during the founding days of YCCC, a title he wears with his usual self-effacing humor. From a modest childhood in Niagara Falls to a career in broadcast engineering, Fred built a life around RF. A licensed ham since the 1960s, he’s revered for his antenna mastery with te…

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Power Genius, Contests, and Helicopters: 4O3A’s Ham Radio Life 42:18

4M ago42:18

42:18

Ranko Boca 4O3A is a force in global contesting and amateur radio innovation. From his breathtaking hilltop QTH in Montenegro—accessible only by rugged vehicles or his personal helicopter—Ranko has redefined what it means to build a world-class station. A telecom engineer by training and a contester since the 1970s, his early days were shaped by cl…

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Inside HamSCI’s First Field Exercise at K3LR: Dr. Nathaniel Frissell W2NAF 30:56

4M ago30:56

30:56

HamSCI just completed its first-ever multi-day field exercise at the world-class K3LR contest station in West Middlesex, PA. For four days, students, professors, researchers, and volunteers came together to install components of the Personal Space Weather Station (PSWS), explore the physics behind HF communication, and experience the hospitality of…

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Episode 530 Jack Schuster W1WEF 1:05:06

4M ago1:05:06

1:05:06

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…

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Bringing Ham Radio to Malawi: Don Jones 7Q6M 27:15

4M ago27:15

27:15

In this episode of Q5 Worldwide Ham Radio, Kevin Thomas W1DED travels (virtually) to Malawi to hear the remarkable story of Don Jones 7Q6M (K6ZO). From his base at the Embangweni Mission Hospital, Don has spent years operating on HF, mentoring young operators, and helping grow a national amateur radio community in Malawi. We talk about the challeng…

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Contest Crew Returns: SO2R Secrets and CQWW Plans 29:42

4M ago29:42

29:42

I'm joined by Chris Hurlbut KL9A, Dan Craig N6MJ, Randy Thompson K5ZD, and Bill Fehring W9KKN for another episode of our popular Q5 Contest Crew series—your backstage pass to the minds and methods of ham radio’s top contesters. Randy is deep into a full station rebuild in Ohio, cranes and all, with a shiny new PGXL amp and a garage full of cables h…

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How Flyover Country Made a Contesting Giant: Pat Barkey N9RV 49:46

4M ago49:46

49:46

Pat Barkey N9RV is a Contest Hall of Famer whose radio journey began with a childhood plan to stay connected to his best friend over a summer apart. What started as a search for CB radios led him instead to a neighbor’s ham shack — and into a lifelong obsession with CW, contesting, and station building. First licensed in 1967, Barkey quickly found …

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Out and About with Stuart VE9CF: Founder of Historic Sites on the Air 24:20

5M ago24:20

24:20

Stuart Crawford VE9CF is… a Canadian ham with a military past, a marketer’s mind, and a newfound mission to tell stories through amateur radio. First licensed in the ‘90s as VE4SRC, Stuart’s callsign changed with each military posting—from Manitoba to Alberta to New Brunswick. But the hobby took a 30-year backseat as career and family took the whee…

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Episode 529 Jake Groenhof N0LX 1:05:46

5M ago1:05:46

1:05:46

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 pip…

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Making YOTA Work: Hamvention's Ham of the Year Neil Rapp WB9VPG 37:41

5M ago37:41

37:41

Neil Rapp WB9VPG is amateur radio’s original prodigy—and one of its most effective modern mentors. At age five, Neil became the youngest person ever to earn an FCC ham license, a novelty that landed him in the National Enquirer and on the cover of international ham radio magazines. But celebrity wasn’t the point. The point was code, conversation, a…