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

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.

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Mic Check: An Oral History Of KZFR

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

August 06, 2025 • KZFR 90.1FM

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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