February Newsletter

February 18, 2025

In this newsletter
Click on the link to go directly to the post

– Reports from the Annual Membership Meeting
– Simon is retiring, for real!
– Black Liberation Month
– Vote for your favorite shows and programmers
– Land acknowledgment
– New hire in the News Room
– Movers and shakers
– All access Rewards
– News from the news room
– Thinking Clear ly
– Hera has a heart live on KMUD
– Joe Shepp
– Underwriter Highlight: InTents
– A female-run radio station is giving rural India a voice

Reports from the Annual Membership Meeting

Words from the Management Team: “As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that Redwood Community Radio, KMUD, has deepened its commitment to being a vital communication hub for our region, spanning a vast 6,900 square miles and serving around 190,000 residents, many of whom live in rural, under served areas”
>>> read more here

Words from Chestine Anderson, President of the Board of Directors: “Our biggest change is our new Management Team. Sarah Starck took over the Interim Station Manager job while we were looking to hire a new Station Manager. We realized during her time as Interim how the job really involves 2 very different functions: that of financial management and the whole other realm of running the station. It seemed overly optimistic to expect one person to be able to do both jobs really well so we decided to split the job into those 2 parts. We now have Kara Randolph as our Station Manager and Sarah Starck as our Financial Manager. The 2 managers work closely together as a team and are doing a fantastic job of taking care of RCR business. We feel so lucky to have them.”
>>> read more here

Words from the Annual financial report by Flurina Niggli, Treasurer: “KMUD was able to not just reach the $275,000 minimum threshold of Non-Federal Financial Support (NFFS) but by far exceeded it for the year of 2024. This is only possible because of all of your continued support! A huge thank you to everyone for donating, volunteering and sending the good vibes to the station. This year, we were able to raise an estimated $435,000 which included membership donations, major donor donations, underwriting income, non CPB grants, events and in-kind professional services.”
>>> read more here

Donate to KMUD, become a member!

Simon doesn’t like to be the center of attention, so here is a photo of the entire staff, including Simon.

Simon is retiring, for real!
by The Management Team

We know we announced it before, but this time it’s for real! Simon, the longest-standing pillar of our team, has officially stepped down as Technical Director—but his passion for radio remains as strong as ever. He continues to contribute to KMUD as a programmer, through his weekly show, The EuroBureau, every Wednesday at 2:30PM. Listen to his most recent episode here.

His deep knowledge of the station has made him an invaluable mentor to staff and a steady, guiding presence that is hard to let go of. We at KMUD are immensely grateful for his decades of dedication. Simon’s history with KMUD predates our first broadcast in May 1987—he was actively involved in the planning meetings before that milestone. As part of a management team early in KMUD history, Simon served as Station Manager before transitioning to Technical Director, a role he faithfully upheld for years.

Beyond his technical expertise, Simon is an incredible friend, colleague, and community member. His legacy will always be a part of KMUD.

Black Liberation Month
by Lauren Schmitt, News Director

KMUD News acknowledges that February is Black Liberation Month, a preferred term over Black History Month to emphasize the ongoing struggle for Black freedom, justice, and self-determination rather than solely reflecting on past achievements. While Black History Month highlights historical figures and milestones, Black Liberation Month centers present-day activism, systemic change, and the continuous fight against oppression. The shift in language underscores that Black history is not just something to be remembered but a movement that is still unfolding, with liberation as the ultimate goal.

Stay tuned, as KMUD News will be highlighting community members who are making a positive impact in our region. Last week we highlighted the Eureka Chapter of the NAACP, Black Humboldt and the Mendocino Chapter of Black Lives Matter. Find these stories on your podcast app or on our website.

Vote for your favorite shows and programmers
by Dorothee, Membership Coordinator

KMUD is People Powered, and we mean it! Let’s come together to celebrate and honor everyone who makes KMUD possible. On March 1st, we’ll have our Appreciation Party, where we’ll be presenting awards to our incredible KMUD programmers, volunteers and engineers.

You can help us recognize your favorite shows by participating in this poll. Click here to take the poll – it only takes about 5 minutes!

To make your choices easier, feel free to refer to the KMUD program schedule.

Land Acknowledgment
by the Management Team

A new and important step for KMUD in 2024 was our formal land acknowledgment.
Our transmitter sites are located on the unceded territories of the Wailaki, Sinkyone, Wiyot, Whilkut, and Cahto peoples. We also recognize the rich cultural heritage of all Indigenous peoples in our listening area, and we honor their ongoing connection to this land. This acknowledgment is part of a broader commitment to deepen our relationships with the Indigenous communities of our region. It is not merely symbolic, but a call to action, recognizing that the histories, rights, and cultural contributions of Indigenous peoples must be an integral part of our collective consciousness.

We invite you to tune in to Heart of the Earth every Wednesday at 9 AM, and to Dishgamu on the second Thursday of the month at 7 PM, and KMUD News. These programs provide important updates and enrich our understanding and connection with the land and its original people.

A heartfelt thank you to the Indigenous communities who trust KMUD to share their stories and perspectives.

New hire: Sibby
by Lauren Schmitt, News Director

Welcome Sigur-Björn! Our Newest Newsroom Assistant at KMUD News!

Sigur-Björn, who also goes by Sibbi, is a native Icelander who has called the California home for over two decades. After frequent visits to Humboldt County from LA, Sigur-Björn and his wife, Kristine, decided they might as well move to the redwoods. The move was partially motivated by their passion for the area’s natural beauty, but also to save on gas.

While primarily a filmmaker, Sigur-Björn has a background in news production, both as a segment producer and a reporter. He’s written and directed several short films, documentaries and an independent feature film. He’s also written two novels about a man who discovers a parallel dimension after crawling into a clothes dryer looking for his sock.

He has listened to KMUD since his first day as a Humboldt resident, and is thrilled to be a part of the news room and the KMUD family at large.

Movers and Shakers
by Dennis Maher, Program Director

We’ve got some cool new shows headed your way. Please welcome our newest programmers and music shows to the KMUD airwaves!

Sheila has officially joined the merry band of docents fording the airwaves of Wild River Radio! You’ll find her in the morning on the 4th Sunday of each month 10:30 till 1pm sharing a mix of great singers, players and storytellers. Timeless folk, country and bluegrass, old and new.

Cece is hosting Pop Rocks on Thursday mornings from 6 till 8 playing easy going, upbeat pop and good vibrations. On alternating Sundays from 5:30 til 7pm, Chelsea will be your Dj for the eclectic Moon Boots show, spinning alt-rock, indie, hip hop, electronica, funk and what have you. The sky’s the limit. Late on Sunday nights from 11pm till 3am, DJ Kreepio will guide you through a spooky underworld of audio oddities called Kreepsville. And on Monday nights, from 10pm till midnight, throwbacks and freshies abound as Steve spins alt rock and electronica. Check them out!

All Access Rewards
by Dorothee, Membership Coordinator

Support KMUD effortlessly! Sign up for an All Access Rewards card at Ray’s or Shop Smart, select KMUD as your nonprofit of choice, and 1% of your purchases will be donated to KMUD. An easy way to give back while you shop and while you also accumulate your own reward points.

Follow KMUD News on the internet

George Z from Cool Green Shores
by Program Director, Dennis Maher

George Z has been DJ’ing his Celtic music show, From Cool Green Shores on KMUD for over 17 years, originally alternating weeks with Hot Potatoes hosted by Sue Moon, and now with Cabin Fever and Hill Clinton. George is a musician and moved to Arcata for its vibrant Irish music scene at the time, which delightfully seems to be picking back up again, especially at North of Forth Bar in Old Town Eureka every Wednesday night.

His passion about celtic music dates from his time in Philadelphia when he switched from iron flute to wooden flute when he discovered Irish music. Often connecting with Celtic music bands touring on the west coast and booking them for venues in Arcata while partnering with The Oak and Thorn show on KZYX, George remains current in the local and international Celtic folk scene.

From Cool Green Shores airs every other Monday at 8pm till 10.

KMUD Podcasts includes Thinking Clearly

by Dorothee, Membership Coordinator

“In this age of fake news, alternative facts and information overload, this podcast offers cognitive self-defense strategies and topics that will help you understand and master critical thinking in forming your claims, beliefs and opinions.”
Thinking Clearly with Julia Minton and Bob Froehlich started exclusively on KMUD and is also available as a podcast. Revolutionize your mind, every 4th Tuesday of the month at 9am on KMUD airwaves, or on your preferred podcast app. Listen to their last episode on the archives or on your podcast app.

World Radio Day

by Doro and Simon

Next Thursday is #WorldRadioDay, and we want YOU to be part of the celebration!

Create a post showing how you enjoy KMUD—whether it’s:
🚗 Tuning in while driving our beautiful backroads
🐶 Your dog grooving to Moon River Meandering or Spirit of Rock’n Roll
🌿 Learning something amazing on Dishgamu or on KMUD News

Get creative, add #WorldRadioDay and don’t forget to ask KMUD as a collaborator when you post!

Let’s fill social media with the spirit of community radio!
#KMUD #CommunityRadio #SupportLocalRadio #HumboldtCounty #WorldRadioDay2025

Follow KMUD on social media

Hera has a Heart live on KMUD
by Dorothee, Membership Coordinator

Some know her as Jessi Lea, some as teacher, some as as Hera has a Heart. One of the most creative Southern Humboldt artists is promoting her third album The Madness. To do so, she came 5 times to KMUD and offered us some great discussions and performances.
Watch her on Youtube
Listen to her whole performance on Women on Wednesday on February 22nd.

But you can also catch her talking about energy on Talking Qi (Thursday AM Talk), and talking hawthorn on Wild Craft, with Sheila on Wild River Radio and on Early Morning Anarchy.

Donate to KMUD now, support local music!

Joe Shepp has Flown Away

Kenneth “Joe” Shepp, May 16, 1950 – November 4, 2024
Co-host of KMUD’s Pilots’ Lounge and Ridin’ OnThe Mud,
as remembered by Otto Pilot Webber.

by Dennis Maher, Program Director

“Joe Shepp. I flew the people from Santa Monica up to Garberville to go to a Grateful Dead conert at French’s Camp. I was flying a Trinidad TV 20 on final behind the Cessna 310. We had a pretty good crosswind. The pilot of the twin made a perfect landing right on the numbers and turned off at the first intersection. When I landed I watched as the pilot of the twin went over to a hangar, opened the doors, and pulled his aircraft in the hangar. That was over 20 years ago. I later found out his name, it was Joe Shepp. In time I got to know Joe pretty well. We revitalized the Garberville Pilots Association. We had Airport Days. Also we had a movie night. Always right in the middle of it, pushing all the way, not letting up, was Joe. He got it organized, used the front of his hanger for a movie screen. You name it, he did it. Joe had no trouble landing off runway.”

Underwriter Spotlight: InTents
by Patricia Tinkler, Traffic and Underwriting Coordinator

Christina Cowart and Carl Shelton acquired Laytonville’s premier party and tent rental enterprise, InTents, in 2023 from Black Oak Ranch Hog Farmer Dorje Bond. With over thirty years of business wisdom and experience to impart, Dorje successfully handed off her established concern, with Carl and Christina adding new energy and ideas.

In addition to the beautiful white tents manufactured in their Laytonville shop using a recyclable architectural fabric, InTents have walls, backdrops, and lighting gathered from all over the world. Many of those were stitched and painted by Mendocino craftspeople.

Christina and Carl specialize in personalizing your party. From productions as large as the Oakland Coliseum to the most intimate of family weddings, they are artists working with a large canvas: your event!

InTents website is tentmendocino.com and they can also be reached by email at intentsnorcal@gmail.com.

A female-run radio station is giving rural India a voice
by Uday Narayanan, The Guardian

For nearly two decades, ‘General’ Narsamma and her team at Sangham Radio have honed their craft, learning every aspect of broadcasting, including fixing the radio mast and interview technique. … Read the article.

We came across this fantastic article about a radio station in India that feels remarkably similar to KMUD. We loved reading it and thought you might enjoy it too, so we had to share!