Gutsy Geeks is a weekly radio show dedicated to explaining the benefits that the "Average Computer User" would experience by switching to Free and Open Source software. The show is designed to help introduce people to GNU/Linux and FOSS. These open technologies help listeners save money while providing a more reliable and secure computing experience. The hosts attempt to keep the show at a constant novice level accessible by anyone, while at the same time providing new information to keep the show interesting for long time listeners. The primary audience for this program are computer novices and/or former Microsoft Windows users being introduced to the Linux and Open Source world for the first time. The hosts of the show are Michael Cady, Nick Coons, and Richard "Mr. Modem" Sherman.

What is Linux or Open Source

The show usually opens with a reiteration of what Linux or Opens Source software is and how it can benefit the listener.

Mr. Modem

Richard Sherman

Mr. Modem

Richard Sherman is an author, syndicated columnist, publisher, and radio host. He is President of Get-the-Net, Inc. and the creator and publisher of the online computer and Internet help service and weekly subscription newsletter, ....

 (Richard A. Sherman) is an author and syndicated columnist who reads some of his material on the air, takes listener questions, and responds to email.

News

The segment is often a short highlighting Linux and Open Source software in the resent news.

Nerd Knows

This segment is more advanced than the rest of the show and highlights what the truly geeky can do with Linux and open source software. Always presented by Nick Coons this segment comes with a rating to inform the listener the level of difficulty prior to descent into the rapid fire how to.

Lug of the Week

Often, though not every week, the Gutsy Geeks will interview a Linux Users Group. This highlights that community and what they are doing, but also shows that no mater where you are there is a Linux Users Group near you to help you with your open source computer needs.

Compelling Interviews

Interviews with leaders and innovators from the world of Linux and Open source. Sometimes they interview obscure innovates, other times the meet with industry giants.

History

The Gutsy Geeks is the first broadcast radio show focusing on Linux

Linux

Linux is a Unix-like computer operating system assembled under the model of free and open source software development and distribution. The defining component of any Linux system is the Linux kernel, an operating system kernel first released October 5, 1991 by Linus Torvalds...

 and Open Source

Open source

The term open source describes practices in production and development that promote access to the end product's source materials. Some consider open source a philosophy, others consider it a pragmatic methodology...

 Computing. The Gutsy Geeks, and in its previous incarnation as PC Chat, has been on the air since August 2001. The show's home base is the AM

AM broadcasting

AM broadcasting is the process of radio broadcasting using amplitude modulation. AM was the first method of impressing sound on a radio signal and is still widely used today. Commercial and public AM broadcasting is carried out in the medium wave band world wide, and on long wave and short wave...

 station KFNX 1100 AM, serving the greater Phoenix, Arizona metropolitan area. The show's hosts are Michael Cady, Nick Coons, and Richard Sherman

Mr. Modem

Richard Sherman is an author, syndicated columnist, publisher, and radio host. He is President of Get-the-Net, Inc. and the creator and publisher of the online computer and Internet help service and weekly subscription newsletter, ....

.

Media coverage

• LXer from Linux News describes the Gutsy Geeks as a”...The distinctive personalities and technical expertise of hosts Michael, Nick, and Mr. Modem (The Gutsy Geeks) create a unique chemistry that has appealed to listeners for years. The hosts' humor-laden banter and occasionally irreverent perspective on the world makes this one of the fastest 60-minutes in radio. Either that, or it will bore you to tears. Sometimes it's just too close to call...”

• DesktopLinix from eWeek sums up the show with “Hosted by "the distro dorks themselves," and syndicated nationally, the "Gutsy Geeks" show aims to promote and teach Linux to newcomers while also providing tips to intermediate-level Linux users. “

How to listen

• Listen Live Saturday at 2pm on 1100 KFNX in Phoenix
• Audio Archive
• Podcast Subscription