In this episode of The 1334 Podcast, we sit down with Matthew Overby, President of the Albany Amateur Radio Club, the longest-running nonprofit in Albany, Georgia, founded in 1931. We unpack what amateur (ham) radio actually is, why it still matters in a world dominated by cell phones, and how local radio operators quietly support major community events like the Snickers Marathon. Matthew also shares how repeaters work, why backup communication systems are critical during emergencies, and how organizations like Radio Relief Incorporated are stepping in to prepare Southwest Georgia for disasters when traditional infrastructure fails. This conversation is a reminder that some of the most important nonprofits aren’t flashy — they’re ready, tested, and waiting for the moment they’re needed most.
Albany Amateur Radio Club founded in 1931
One of the longest-running nonprofits in Southwest Georgia
Monthly meetings held locally (open to all experience levels)
Volunteers provide communication for:
Snickers Marathon (Boston-qualifying race)
Community events requiring reliable coordination
What amateur radio is (simple explanation)
FCC frequency allocations and how they work
Difference between:
Simplex communication
00:00 – 00:25
Introduction to the 1334 Podcast & guest Matthew Overby
00:25 – 01:55
What the Albany Amateur Radio Club is and who it serves
01:55 – 02:18
Monthly meetings & club culture
02:18 – 03:11
Volunteer work with the Snickers Marathon
03:11 – 04:13
Why radio communication matters at large events
04:13 – 05:25
What amateur radio is (simple explanation)
05:25 – 06:51
FCC frequency allocations & radio bands
06:51 – 07:39
Local vs long-distance communication
07:39 – 08:16
What repeaters are and why they matter
08:16 – 09:09
Florida repeater chains & hurricane preparedness
09:09 – 10:08
Emergency communication and supply coordination
10:08 – 11:12
How repeaters extend communication range
11:12 – 11:38
Limitations of repeaters & backup power concerns
11:38 – 12:01
Why simplex communication still matters
12:01 – 13:29
Introduction to Radio Relief Incorporated
13:29 – 14:21
Emergency deployment kits and go-boxes
14:21 – 15:09
How to get involved with the club
15:09 – 15:49
Closing remarks & thanks
Repeater-based communication
Why repeaters are critical for:
Local coverage
Emergency response
Examples of repeater chains (Florida hurricane systems)
Limitations of repeaters and importance of simplex skills
Introduction to Radio Relief Incorporated
Emergency “go-boxes” with:
Radios
Batteries
Antennas
Self-contained deployment kits
How to get involved with Albany Amateur Radio Club
Website and contact info provided