Discovering WWR
From WWR
How I Found Whole Wheat Radio...
To add your story here, click 'edit' (above), and add your text to the bottom.
beagle47
i found WWR on a web-surfing lark; i recall it being in a newsgroup somewhere, the contributor saying it was "the best independent web radio" in the world. impossible to argue now that i've become a grain. or, er, is that a stalk? anyway, i find the music and community suits my personality: eclectic, all-over-the-place, open-minded, tolerant and just bordering on a little nutty, yet never, ever institutional. --beagle47 4:04 p.m., 9 April 2006 (P.S.T.)
Toad
I discovered WWR via an entry in John Walkenbach's J-Walk Blog. I decided to check out WWR, started listening and chatting with my fellow Wheatheads, and I've been hooked ever since. --Toad 19:22, 20 March 2006 (AKST)
Sparkit
It's all J-Walk's fault. In June 2003, as a regular reader of his blog, I read an entry[1] about some webcast from Alaska. Having lived there, dreaming of returning, and interested in music altenatives, I tuned in to Whole Wheat Radio — tuned in to hear Jimbob peeing his pants because J-Walk blogged about him. Sparkit 19:36, 20 March 2006 (AKST)
Jimbob
Oddly enough, I didn't find Whole Wheat Radio. It found me. Jimbob 23:42, 20 March 2006 (AKST)
J-Walk
On March 10, 2003, I needed to find the latest prices for wheat futures for a spreadsheet I was putting together. Quite by accident, I ended up at WWR's site and I accidentally clicked the Listen button. I was appalled by the ugly, confusing, and downright convoluted site design. I was even more appalled when I heard that Jimbob guy start talking. That dude is one sick puppy. I've been listening ever since, collecting mounds of evidence for the law suit to end all law suits: J-Walk V. Kloss. --J-Walk 06:19, 21 March 2006 (AKST)
Anagram
Bisbonian showed me. We tuned in on his laptop on a dialup connection and Danny Schmidt was doing a house concert. I was immediately hooked! --Anagram 18:46, 22 March 2006 (AKST)
Kelli
I found a link to WWR on Jake Armerding’s website after seeing him in a local house concert. I think it was Halloween 2004. Kelli 06:00, 23 March 2006 (AKST)
Terrinoble
I blame Beukeboom. He was raving about it and so I felt compelled to investigate. --Terrinoble 08:55, 23 March 2006 (AKST)
DogNut
In October 2004, I ran across a news article about the Governor of Alaska nominating his daughter to fill an opening in the U.S. Senate. That caused me to remember a guy named Jim Kloss, who grew up two doors from me in Columbus, OH was currently living in Alaska. So a quick Google search for Jim Kloss and the rest is history. So, thanks to nepotism and Google for helping me find WWR. DogNut 17:17, 24 March 2006 (AKST)
Toddtyrtle
I was browsing the East Wind Community website some years back (probably when we were considering living there) and came across a WWR banner and link there. I listened a little but at that point I didn't check back regularly at all. Years later, though, when podcasts became a bit more popular, I found the podcast feed for the rants. That was it, I've been hooked ever since. --Toddtyrtle 03:08, 26 March 2006 (AKST)
Cate
I discovered WWR from a suggestion from a reviewer in Garageband, and it's been a life-changing experience. Wheat's been very good for me. --Cate 08:46, 29 March 2006 (AKST)
Redsy
My moment of Zen happened when a friend, from England linked me to WWR, because of the righteous music. The rest is still being documented by great historians;) Redsy 14:17, 29 March 2006 (AKST)
Sol
September 12, 2002. I was working at a new job - no windows, no people around, lots of computer noise. I was looking for some music to cover up the noise and fill a human interaction void. I did a search on Shoutcast for "folk." Then, the crack that is WWR took over, I was hooked, and haven't been able to leave since. -- Sol 07:25, 30 March 2006 (AKST)
confetti
I typed green in the shoutcast search. Wholewheat was playing a song with green in the title at that moment. I listened awhile and liked what I heard. I was just beginning to learn about computers and I got a good education just admiring Jim's handiwork. Also all the people in the chat were just great-- and still are. Wholewheat Radio is a great place to hang out,-- I really admire the democratic interactivity, music, and vibes.
LuAnna
I heard from a friend who also heard. . . when she was at a Small Potatoes house concert in Colorado. A short time later I was at a Small Potatoes concert (in Kansas where I live) and asked Jacquie about it. She told me it was the "very best" internet radio and about the house concert they did there. I started listening right after that and telling other people about it. One night while I was listening, JimBob was commenting about someone who had just set up a personality and was in chat. . . a guy named Shorock who heard about WWR from LuAnna who heard about it from Small Potatoes. That was all the incentive I needed to log on and start finding my way around what I immediately dubbed the "Wacky Shack" of websites. The addiction is history and seemingly understood by fellow wheatheads. - LuAnna 17:32, 2 April 2006 (AKDT)
ReWoven
It all started at the beginning of a mid-life crisis a few years back, thinking I 'may' want to move to Alaska. I googled "audio alaska", hoping I would find stories about Alaska so that I could work and listen at the same time. Dang, if WWR didn't keep coming up time and time again, so finally tuned in. The rest is history, as they say...I am a "Weet-hed" in New Mexico, my home. ReWoven 17:55, 2 April 2006 (AKDT)
Bisbonian
Nostalgia for Talkeetna led to searching the net...Whole Wheat Radio was prominently displayed by the search engine. I tried it out, but my dial-up connection made it less than fun. Several months later, when I had a better connection, I tried agian, and I was hooked! The music was the first attraction...I had only recently discovered indie music when I bought the album The M.O.B. Project, and here was a radio station devoted to playing music by some of the same artists. It wasn't long before I discovered the chat, though, and met the wheatheads...the community of regulars who are always welcoming, friendly, courteous, brave, clean, and reverent. Now, if I could get these wheatberries out of the navigation computer, I might be able to find my way back to the planet Bisbon. I hear they have wireless now....
Denali
A few years back I was considering purchasing land in Talkeetna Heights and building a cabin. I used a search engine to look for people who had done this, as I was interested in what that's like and I found Radio Free Talkeetna and a page about how Esther built her cabin. I was totally impressed! But the stream on RFT was down then, I think Jim was up the tracks at that time. I eventually did not build a cabin in Talkeetna, but eventually got curious about RFT and found that it had blossomed into WWR.
Dayglow
I found Whole Wheat Radio one October day while visiting the Eastwind Community web site (http://www.eastwind.org). I had bought a pair of their rope sandals years ago and was checking to see if they still made them. There is a link for WWR on their home page and out of curiosity I clicked on it. The music was great, and being able to rate music and request songs was even better. I was pretty hooked but then I heard my first rant and that was it. The changes over the years have been many, but the essence that hooked me on WWR hasn’t changed. Dayglow 09:51, April 6, 2006 (AKDT)
Onthebus
I was working at home for an audio software company. Jan.2005 my boss asked me to research 'podcasting.' I came across JimBob's Podcasting Tips. Photos of beer bottles strewn among audio equipment, and yogurt containers, amid some useful practical information had me intrigued. I checked out the weekly schedule and spotted the Rant in the schedule. Hmmm... hmmm...tuned in and was instantly hooked. Two days later I almost fried my cat in the dryer as I multi-tasked while listening. WWR has been a lifeline, nurturing inspiration and great distraction.
Liv Pooleside
Since about 1997 I've been exploring how to use the net to reach wider audiences as a musician. Back then it was MP3.com, which had a lot of faults. I tried some other music sites which were also disappointing. Finally I started my own place,
Steam Powered Studio, and used it to release recordings by myself and other local artists.
The whole time I was doing that, I was seeking out people who were trying to do similar things- basically, break out of the music industry mold. One day I came upon Easy Bake Coven, and the woman who writes it is/was a Wheathead I guess. I followed the link on her site and have been rooting for Jim and Esther ever since.
Rubenerd
I found WWR through a very bizzare chain of events. November 2004 I was bored out of my brains, went to a few random sites, discovered New Time Radio. Saw a newfangled thing called a 'podcast' listed there, downloaded iPodder to subscribe, went to the program's internal database of shows, found a bizzare program under 'comedy' called the Whole Wheat Radio Morning Rants. Downloaded every episode, laughed my head off, went to their site, realised their tastes in music were almost the same as mine, had a quick listen, and the rest... is history :). Rubenerd 09:38, April 23, 2006 (AKDT)
65strat
I discovered WWR after picking up a copy of The Appalachian Voice at the offices of WildSouth. There was an ad in there for internet radio station hober.com. I listened for a while; it was ok. Then I googled for internet radio and found Whole Wheat Radio and it was much more to my liking. I love the music and the community. 65strat 11:54, April 28, 2006 (AKDT)
Firewalk
Anna Stang sent me an e-mail about a week before her featured artist day on WWR. Before the week was over I was learning a Johnsmith song, and sitting in the front row of a (large) Johnsmith house concert here in Wisconsin. WWR is an incredibly valuable resource for me as a working singer.--Firewalk 08:38, April 29, 2006 (AKDT)
Cub Driver
My wife was recording an album at a studio in Anchorage when the engineer asked her to listen to another piece a lady from Talkeetna was recording. He played this beautiful yet haunting song called "Echo Bend". My wife knew she had to meet this woman. Soon she did, and because of the common interest in music they became pals. Not long after that Esther was staying at our house and she tried to set up our computers to access WWR. It took her 2-3 visits over a couple of months to finally get it working. I finally checked it out one day and I was hooked. WWR is as addicting as it is wonderful, no doubt about it.
DeBry
I found WWR like many people via 6 degrees of J-Walk. I was looking for an answer to an Excel problem on the Spreadsheet page. I discovered his blog and then I discovered WWR through a post. I don't think I solved the Excel problem but now I really don't care. Debry 15:59, May 11, 2006 (AKDT)
Larzdapunk
I am a big fan of Antje Duvekot. While surfing her website, I saw Esther's praise of Anjte's most recent album. I figured that if there is an internet radio station that likes Antje, I will likely enjoy the rest of their music. And... I do!
shayenne224
In Germany I was looking for an 12" LP of the Group Whole Wheat. So I took the name in the search Engine Google and here I am...
morris_dude
I was looking for the song "Waltzing With Bears" - Google brought me here. I was able to request it, but my request came up too quick - it was half way over before I worked out how to tune in!
Jimmy Bear Pearson
I was on the internet looking for interesting places to find music that I've never heard - and for a place to perhaps place my music... I was reading an article on Slashdot org that talked about independent music and independent musicians - and one of the posters offered a link to whole wheat radio. I'm glad I found this place! (Now, if I can just get the hang of wiki... :-))
Jim Miller
How does one create a radio station which can eventually acquire a license or a sub-license to broadcast over AM or FM? You start by webcasting. For the past two years I have listened to numerous AM and FM stations and webcast radio stations. They are terrible except for NPR. Whole Wheat is the most refreshing, competent "station" I have ever heard. Not only from the techie viewpoint, but the choice of music and pushing the sale of artists CD's. I just now found the references to the software used by Whole Wheat after posting my question. Good wishes to Jim and Esther for their pioneering efforts. RIGHT ON! Jim Miller, Belgrade, MT.
Doug Kraus
Found this link in geomanda's profile on geocaching.com. Sounds great - thanks for the great tunes!
Genoa Bay Scallywags
We found out about this webstation while listening to a Canadian Broadcasting Corporation program which was highlighting a folk festival of some sort or another (it was a while ago, sorry guys!). The radio folks were quite enthused about this "little radio station broadcasting on the web" and the level of skill and dedication exhibited, given it (WWR) was being run out of a little cabin in what they considered backwoods Alaska. Now, you have to understand that there are times when the big "professional" radio types can look down their noses at those of us who do not live in an urban setting and share the same priorities as those of city dwellers.... is this something you guys can empathize with? Long story short; we found the links, stumbled our way through setting up a proper streaming audio program and now are very happy listeners. Thanks folks from those of us here on the BC coast...
CO VEGGIE HEAD
I found WWR one day when I was looking for a job. I got bored of that and decided to look up some new recipes for WW bread and I found an article about this station. I decided to check it out and now when I turn on my computer it begins to play music for me. Thanks for the wonderful music and peaceful feelings from Colorado!
Beth Morton
After a depressing return trip home from Talkeetna (wish I could've stayed!) I found Whole Wheat Radio. Now I listen all of the time, especially when I'm missing Alaska. YOur music makes me feel like I'm right back in Talkeetna with all of the great people I met there.
- Thanks WWR!
- Beth Morton, Orange, Virginia
Sharpston
My profession keeps me up late during certain part of the year. Rural radio works sometimes and sometimes not - despite my attempts to get good antenas. Real player had two stations that interested me in the folk area. And, since I had dial up at that time - WWR was a blessing! Confusing at first, made more so cause JimBob was changing stuff at the first part of this year. WOW! I am not a geek, but I will learn, cause I like to be challenged. I wanted to contribute during the flood - and guess what! WWR said contribute to the web site first, the LAST thing they mentioned was monitary contributions! Pretty sure I will never "wiki" anywhere else but on my patio - when - in private I may do an occasional wiki dance under the moonlight
Oldoak
I very much enjoy baking bread (thanks to my wonderful daughter providing me with a bread machine). Due to the beneficial nutritional value of whole wheat products, I prefer to make whole wheat bread. I had the very good fortune of discovering WWR while doing an internet search for whole wheat bread recipes. Due to the beneficial entertainment value of whole wheat radio, I have declared whole wheat radio to be "the BEST 24/7 entertainment" on my website http://www.i-t-publishing.com
Gerganchepl
I found WWR by clicking the link on Oldoak's site. He has told me about it long time ago but. . . I hadn't a computer at home and it wasn't possible to listen to radios in the cafes where I usually used the Internet. I got my own computer at home in April this year and finally clicked to see what's this miracle WWR at the end of May. And I can say I've found my kind of place here. Thanks WWR ! from Plovdiv, Bulgaria :-)
Cindy
I found WWR while reading the Anchorage Daily News one Sunday in November of 2004, I think that's the year. I've been hooked ever since..and they've been stuck with me since then as well. Without WWR I probably would have NEVER found Harry Manx, Danny Schmidt, Cliff Eberhardt, Greg Brown and Antje Duvekot :) Cindy 21:48, September 23, 2006 (AKDT)
Firefighter_us2009
I found WWR while doing a search On Susan Butcher, The Great Musher. This is such a wonderful little site and the music is so good. I listen all the time From here in Green City Mo. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!!!!!!!
User:Used2Bjollyjim
After returning from a vacation to Alaska, including a visit to Talkeetna, I searched Alaska on Shoutcast and found WWR. I kept coming back to it, since I was hearing music that I liked, mostly by musicians I had never heard of. Eventually, I googled WWR and found the website and the rest, as they say, is history.
TJ
I was searching for info on the South Florida Folk Festival (cancelled because of hurricane damage to the venue) which led me to Rod Macdonald's site, which led me to WWR. Thank you for expanding my awareness of independent music and artists. You are much needed and much appreciated!
Motown_Defector
I saw Rita Hosking open for Ferron in Winters, CA. When I got home, I googled Ms. Hosking, and somewhere on her website she mentioned that she was to be found on WWR. Next thing you know I'm discovering new music faster than I can absorb it. I keep a 3x5 spiral notebook under my monitor at work, the better to jot down names of artists I like. Between WWR and the two local terrestrial stations, I develop a dizzying catalogue of favourite artists. People ask me what kind of music I like--I tell them "Nobody you've ever heard of." Sometimes I give 'em a listen to some of the gems I've discovered--Serena Matthews, Antje Duvekot, Ann Pence... I made a feminist laugh with "Venus Vibrance" from our own Esther, and had a nurse seriously choked up with "Prayer for America" by Catman Cohen. I can't describe JUST how glad I am to have discovered it, but I continue to spread the word.
Lunaseacrone
I was having lunch with a couple of musician friends visiting here in Fort Collins, Colorado from Austin, Texas. They both raved about WWR and they were absolutely right - I love the music! Thank you so much.
zben
My friend Dean told me about this internet radio station. I was butt-headed ho-hum, no time for this.
My friend Dean told me about this internet radio station again. I was butt-headed ho-hum again, no time for this.
My friend Dean then recorded 45 minutes of WWR, including a rant, onto a music CD for me.
Some people are a little slower than others...
sapatatanka
I blame Stefan and MEPIS. Stefan told me about Shoutcast, streamtuner and streamripper; MEPIS provided the platform, and the rest - as they say - is history.
I'm working on my second year of occasionally listening to 'net radio stations. Since my taste in music is rather unusual - I listen to almost anything from Bach to Zappa - I don't have enough time for all the good stuff out there.
Oh, did I say that I'm listening in a small town in Germany?
--Sapatatanka 03:24, May 17, 2007 (AKDT)
Mickey Richard
I heard about WWR from JohnA, a few days before he headed up to Talkeetna. Hi John!
--Mickey Richard 17:26, June 20, 2007 (AKDT)
Kimchifox
I came across WWR in early 2005 while planning my "50th Birthday Fishing Tour of Alaska." I was immediately drawn to the independent music and eclectic people I met in the Chat -- Jimbob, Esther, Redsy, chinookc, and especially Terri who always took the time to answer my questions and help me feel welcome. Kimchifox 15:12, December 5, 2007 (AKST)
aex
[Stewart]
In May 2007 I was busily working on some print layouts for a client, and my choices of broadcast radio became REALLY BORING - or so commercial-filled that I couldn't concentrate on my work. I started searching for online radio and found a few college stations that had music from independent artists, but a lot of their shows were too "rock & raunch" for me...then I stumbled upon WWR in the middle of a folk-jazz-classical-bluegrass "set", and I was overwhelmed! Now I look forward to the chat, rants and concerts as well as the great variety of music 24/7. Unfortunately, I still can't concentrate -- but I'm having MUCH MORE FUN!
Designsprite
Someone mentioned Whole Wheat Radio in the Idaho Statesman today, in the comments section of an unrelated article about a local hippie icon who is looking for a "sponsor" for his 1973 VW van. Someone asked if he'd be willing to deliver it to Talkeetna in trade for some smoked salmon, and someone else suggested parking the van in front of Whole Wheat Radio. Anyway, I knew I'd love WWR just from the name. I searched the net and much to my delight discovered it's an online station! I've been listening all day. What a great station, I LOVE what you're doing! Thanks from the outer limits of the Pacific Northwest, the lonely lovely Southwest Idaho desert! --K
Imnidjit
I was browsing the Gadget gallery for Windows Vista. Some kind person has programmed a gadget for WWR. I had no clue about WWR, but downloaded it on a whim and added it to my sidebar. What a find!
Chris
I had just finished watching the DVD set of the series Firefly and I was interested in who was the actress who played Saffron (Christina Hendricks) in a couple of episodes. While I was browsing links I found one with a contest called "Sing a Song of Saffron". After listening to the entries I really liked the winning song: "It Was Good For You, Too" by Marian Call. On her website I watched a video of her performing "Vanilla" Live at Whole Wheat Radio. From there I went to her MySpace page which pointed me to a link to where I could download her entire concert as an mp3 from the Audio Magazines page at WWR. -- I was blown away by the content at WWR and have been listening to past concerts and just started listening to the streaming radio broadcast :)
Randy Fisher
I just found about your cool CR/WR station (July 10, 2008) from Benjamin Grubb] of India. He / We are looking for resources, people and organizations to collaborate with - as we, the Community Media node of WikiEducator seek to build links and connections with CR stations around the world. One of our objectives is to freely share open educational resources - so that other CR stations have access to what others have, and can update, customize and adapt these materials to reflect their local experience, context and culture. (You / your listeners may also be interested that we offer free wiki skills training - through our Learning4Content initiative.)
millbilly
I was just getting used to the 'net a couple of years back, and was amazed to discover internet radio. I could tune in to local radio stations in far off places, and listen like a native. Exotic accents, wonderful strange music, and discussions on subjects I'd never even heard of. Thrilling stuff. While searching for internet radio stations, I stumbled across WWR and haven't looked back. Suddenly, the other stations didn't really compare, and I'd realised I'd found the best of the bunch. During my travels I've listened whenever possible, but am now home, and listen in regularly. I'm a happy bunny.
Simon
See also
- Birthdays
- Locations (listed)
- Weather
- Listener ID images
- Desktops (photos)
- When we were... (photos)
- How people discovered WWR
- All the reports about listeners
