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Mic Check: An Oral History Of KZFR

Mic Check: An Oral History Of KZFR

By: KZFR 90.1FM
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About this listen

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.

© 2025 Mic Check: An Oral History Of KZFR Social Sciences World
Episodes
  • Episode 5: Evan Carlos, Tim Kemper, and Tom Leonardi

    Episode 5: Evan Carlos, Tim Kemper, and Tom Leonardi
    Aug 6 2025

    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.

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    30 mins
  • Episode 4: Erik Mathisen – The Founding of KZFR

    Episode 4: Erik Mathisen – The Founding of KZFR
    Jul 23 2025

    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 challenges, the community support, and the magic of building something that still thrives more than 30 years later. His memories, insights, and hopes for the future reveal the heart of what makes KZFR truly community radio.

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

    Episode 3: Phil Elkins, Preston Powers, Steve O'Bryan, and Steve Scarborough
    Jul 16 2025

    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.

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    30 mins
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