Episode 53 — Mike Desmond — Milford Amateur Radio Club
We start with a few local updates, then I sit down with Mike Desmond (W8BEI) from the Milford Amateur Radio Club, the folks behind Cincinnati Hamfest, to talk ham radio, why it still matters, and why it’s one of the most reliable ways to communicate when cell service goes down.
Interview — Mike Desmond (Milford Amateur Radio Club)
Cincinnati Hamfest is listed for August 15, 2026.
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We start with a few local updates, then I sit down with Mike Desmond (W8BEI) from the Milford Amateur Radio Club, the folks behind Cincinnati Hamfest, to talk ham radio, why it still matters, and why it’s one of the most reliable ways to communicate when cell service goes down.
Interview — Mike Desmond (Milford Amateur Radio Club)
- Ham radio 101: where it came from, what it’s used for, and why call signs matter
- How contacts work (CQ, DX, nets, and why you can’t “call” a country like it’s a phone)
- Licensing tiers (Technician, General, Amateur Extra) and what it takes to get started
- Emergency comms: what ham operators can do during disasters when cell towers and lines are down
- Radio etiquette + enforcement (including “fox hunting” and how bad actors can get found)
- QSL cards, special event stations, and the collecting side of the hobby
- The community side of ham radio, plus how Cincinnati Hamfest helps fund the club and keeps the hobby growing
Cincinnati Hamfest is listed for August 15, 2026.
In the News
- Clermont County AEDs: local law enforcement agencies are set to receive new automated external defibrillators through Project Heart Restart.
- Moscow: the 2025 annual financial report is available for public inspection, plus notice of recently passed ordinances and resolutions (by appointment).
- Loveland: the police department is hiring a full-time police officer.
- Loveland utility bills: some January water meter reads may have been delayed due to extreme weather, so March billing may reflect an estimate vs. an actual read.
- Young Innovators: Superman in Ohio — Feb 26 (4:30 PM), Amelia Branch Library (ages 8–12)
- Maple Murder Mystery — Feb 27 (5:30–7:30 PM), Pattison Park Lodge (registration required, adults)
- Appalachian Music (Dulcimers) — Feb 28 (11 AM), Miami Township Branch Library (all ages)
- Raptor Rampage — Mar 1 (2–3 PM), Clingman Park (free, all ages)
- Bug Bonanza — Mar 3 (4:30 PM), Bethel Branch Library (all ages)
- Bee Hotel — Mar 3 (6–7 PM), Bethel Branch Library (registration required)
- Writer’s Group — Mar 3 (6 PM), Batavia Branch Library (adults)
- Teen Craftapalooza — Mar 3 (6:30 PM), Goshen Branch Library (ages 12–18)
- Virtual: Intro to Spring Wildflowers — Mar 4 (6–7 PM), Zoom
- SCAT Tracks & Animal Signs Hike — Mar 5 (5–6:30 PM), Clingman Park (free, preregistration required)
- Art in the Park: Bamboo Paintbrushes — Mar 7 (11 AM–12 PM), Clingman Park (ages 12+, registration required)
- King Records & Herzog Studios — Mar 7 (2–3 PM), New Richmond Branch Library
Newsletter
If the show brings you value, consider supporting us!
Donate
