To celebrate 35 years of independent community radio, Mic Check: An Oral History of KZFR takes listeners behind the scenes of KZFR 90.1 FM’s earliest days. Through candid interviews with the volunteer programmers who helped build the station, each episode shares the stories, challenges, and memorable moments from the first 10 years of KZFR’s history. These conversations highlight the spirit of experimentation, dedication, and community that continues to shape KZFR today. You'll hear from new ...
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Golden Valley Community Broadcasters Podcasts

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Episode 5: Evan Carlos, Tim Kemper, and Tom Leonardi
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30:00In the final episode of Mic Check: An Oral History of KZFR, longtime programmers Evan Carlos, Tim Kemper, and Tom Leonardo share their memories of KZFR’s early days, from building the station out of a warehouse to shaping its unique sound and community spirit. They reflect on the friendships, challenges, and creativity that have defined decades of …
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Episode 4: Erik Mathisen – The Founding of KZFR
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30:00In this special episode of Mic Check, we sit down with Erik Mathisen, the founder of KZFR 90.1 FM, to hear the story of how a dream became a station. Interviewed by Kevin Cook and Julian Mendoza, Erik shares his lifelong love of radio, the inspiration he drew from community stations like KPFA, and the grassroots effort that led to the creation of K…
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Episode 3: Phil Elkins, Preston Powers, Steve O'Bryan, and Steve Scarborough
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29:59In this episode of Mic Check, four longtime programmers reflect on the early days of KZFR. Preston Powers (Blues Bayou) recalls reel-to-reel recording and vinyl-only shows. Steve Scarborough (It’s Just Jazz) shares how he went from listener to programmer. Phil Elkins (LA Sounds) talks about starting with a homemade demo tape. And Steve O’Bryan (Cel…
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Episode 2: Bobbi Tryon, Dan Carter, Mary Gray, and Peter Ratner
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29:59In this episode of Mic Check, we sit down with four longtime programmers who helped shape KZFR’s eclectic voice during its early years. Bobbi Tryon reflects on the station’s grassroots beginnings and the importance of community-driven radio. Dan Carter, host of O'Dark:30 and Studio 416, shares late-night memories and the spirit behind KZFR’s experi…
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Episode 01: Jan Bielfelt, Bill Deblonk, Clay LaFaro-Ellington, and Chris Nelson
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29:59In our debut episode of Mic Check, Kevin Cook chats with Jan Bielfelt (host of Ocean of Rock and Roll), Bill Deblonk (host of Playing Dead, Studio 416, and Creole Stomp), Clay LaFaro-Ellington (host of Miles Ahead, Miles Behind) and Chris Nelson (host of Peace & Social Justice). Support the showBy Golden Valley Community Broadcasters
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