Mic Check: An Oral History Of KZFR

About Mic Check: An Oral History Of KZFR

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 newsmakers, talk show hosts, and music DJs who helped forge the path of this listener-supported, volunteer-powered station. KZFR 90.1FM has been serving the Sacramento Valley, the foothills, and beyond since our first broadcast on July 6, 1990. As a non-profit community radio station, KZFR has always been a hub for free expression, cultural connection, and independent media.

Publisher

KZFR 90.1FM

Category

history · leisure · society & culture

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

2 Jul 2025

Latest episode

6 Aug 2025

Latest episodes

5 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   6 Aug 2025

   Episode 5: Evan Carlos, Tim Kemper, and Tom Leonardi

   In 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 people-powered radio in Northern California. Support the show

2. 

   23 Jul 2025

   Episode 4: Erik Mathisen – The Founding of KZFR

   In 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 KZFR. From filing for the construction permit to testing the transmitter and signing on the air for the very first time, Erik reflects on the challe...

3. 

   16 Jul 2025

   Episode 3: Phil Elkins, Preston Powers, Steve O'Bryan, and Steve Scarborough

   In 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 (Celt Radio) reflects on the grassroots effort to launch the station and build lasting community radio. Support the show

4. 

   9 Jul 2025

   Episode 2: Bobbi Tryon, Dan Carter, Mary Gray, and Peter Ratner

   Longtime programmers Bobbi Tryon, Dan Carter, Mary Gray, and Peter Ratner recall KZFR's early years, highlighting its grassroots beginnings and community-driven spirit in this interview episode.

5. 

   2 Jul 2025

   Episode 01: Jan Bielfelt, Bill Deblonk, Clay LaFaro-Ellington, and Chris Nelson

   Kevin Cook interviews Jan Bielfelt, Bill Deblonk, Clay LaFaro-Ellington, and Chris Nelson about the early days of KZFR, exploring the origins and development of the community radio station.

Who has been a guest on Mic Check: An Oral History Of KZFR

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Bobbi Tryon
• Dan Carter
• Mary Gray
• Peter Ratner
• Jan Bielfelt

Podcast Authority Score: 3 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

6

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

0

Contact Mic Check: An Oral History Of KZFR

Guest appearances

Books guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.