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.
Episodes
5 episodes
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 so...
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,...
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 ho...
Episode 2: Bobbi Tryon, Dan Carter, Mary Gray, and Peter Ratner
In 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 ...
Episode 01: Jan Bielfelt, Bill Deblonk, Clay LaFaro-Ellington, and Chris Nelson
In 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 Nelso...
