By Lizzy Barrett
I recently had the opportunity to interview local radio host and civil-rights self-defense activist Charles Heller on the air during Liberty Watch, one of the weekly shows he hosts and produces for KVOI AM 1030 in Tucson. Our conversation covered several topics including his background, his experience in radio, and his philosophy.
Charles Heller owned an advertising specialty business for 18 years but now makes his living from selling radio. He says it’s a lot of work managing his multiple radio programs, The Swap Shop, Liberty Watch/America Armed and Free, and America’s Fabric, but keeps everything on track by trying to prepare as much as he can beforehand.
One of Mr. Heller’s favorite moments doing radio came during his Swap Shop show when a lady called in crying that her pet bird escaped. During the same show, he received a text message from another listener saying that a bird who matched the first lady’s description just flew into his garage, leading to the lady and her missing pet being reunited. I thought it was one of the most wholesome moments I heard about on radio.
Mr. Heller also does all of his own marketing for his show. He said that selling spots on his shows doesn’t seem hard, because it is like he’s selling himself.
Mr. Heller has done some other interesting things in his life. He helped restore a World War II fleet submarine, which they called a “boat,” when he was 16. He volunteered his time and work on the USS Silversides for 17 months when it was moored at the Navy Pier in Chicago.
Although he was originally from Chicago, Charles Heller moved West to Arizona many years ago. He describes himself as “a political refugee for the right to carry and bear arms.” He also calls himself a “Freedomist,” which he defines as someone who loves Freedom and America’s founding principle, but who does not identify wholly with any of the main political parties.
This philosophy no doubt influenced Mr. Heller’s later involvement with notable pro-Second Amendment organizations. Mr. Heller has been fascinated by firearms for a long time. He recalled the sound that .45 made when he first fired it on the range and how “he never lost the tune” ever since. He was the former Executive Director and current Media Coordinator of Jews for the Preservation of Firearms Ownership (JFPO), and is also one of the four founders of Arizona Citizens Defense League (AZCDL). He is most proud of his work with AZCDL because they helped pass 17 pieces of legislation expanding the Right to Keep and Bear Arms in Arizona over the past 20 years.
It was an amazing opportunity to interview Mr. Heller. He was courteous and it was a positive experience. He discusses a variety of topics that can be entertaining, educational and informative. I now have more appreciation for the hard work it takes to run an engaging radio show.
Lizzy Barrett is a Vail USD student and freelance reporter contributing to Bear Essential News for Kids® and their News for Kids segments on KVOA TV. She’s also appeared on KNST’s “Money Matters” and KVOI’s “Liberty Watch” radio shows.
