40 Watts from Nowhere

A Journey Into Pirate Radio

De: Sue Carpenter

Narrado por: Sue Carpenter

40 Watts from Nowhere is the inspirational story of one woman with a passion, a lot of guts - and a radio transmitter in her bedroom closet.

When law office receptionist Sue Carpenter first asked how she might start a legitimate radio station, everyone laughed. Getting on the air (legitimately) was a multimillion-dollar ambition. But in 1995, with the help of a few subversive techies and pirate radio gurus, Sue built her first transmitter in her hilltop San Francisco apartment and launched KPBJ, enlisting friends as DJs. A few months later, Sue landed a job in Los Angeles, took her transmitter with her, and established KBLT.

From these humble beginnings, KBLT emerged as one of LA’s best-loved radio stations, staffed with more than 100 DJs, and supported by major music labels eager to reach a different kind of audience. The station expanded its playlist from indie rock to an eclectic mix of jazz, hip-hop, electronica, and countless other styles. In the three and a half years before the FCC finally caught up with Sue, KBLT went from interviewing unknowns to hosting live performances by the Red Hot Chili Peppers - without ever leaving Sue’s apartment.

In hilariously frank prose, Sue recounts her bizarre double life during the height of California’s pirate radio boom: journalist by day, counterculture icon by night. An amazing true story, one that will instantly appeal to music fans - and free spirits - everywhere.

©2004 Sue Carpe (P)2025 Jolly Roger Productions

inspiring rebel story

Truly inspiring story and i really enjoyed the time spent with it. This is a love story for every rule-breaking dreamer. Sue's pirate radio adventure is as courageous as it is humorous, showing how passion makes the impossible happen. How she managed to work her day job alongside her pirate radio station makes her all the more lovable. It's not so much about radio, but about being who you're meant to be. A fun, renegade read that leaves you wanting to break a rule or two. The book reminds me of some of the wild old dreams i had before. feels like a long time ago.

A Rebel’s Journey into Pirate Radio

Sue Carpenter’s 40 Watts from Nowhere is an electrifying memoir that takes readers deep into the underground world of pirate radio. With raw honesty and a rebellious spirit, Carpenter recounts her journey of launching an illegal FM station from her apartment, navigating the thrills and risks of operating outside the law.

Great Memoir

This is a wild, rebellious ride through the underground world of pirate radio. Sue Carpenter’s memoir is raw, honest, and full of grit as she takes readers through the highs and risks of running an illegal FM station.

Life’s too short not to chase what lights you up.

I’ve always found it hard to chase after what I love because I thought I had to stick to a certain path. Reading about this woman’s wild journey really opened my eyes! She just went for it, even when people thought it was a joke. It’s kinda wild how she took her small idea and made it into something really cool that everyone loved. It made me think, why am I just sitting around? Life’s way too short to not go after what makes you happy.

Such an interesting story

This was a really interesting story and it goes to show how when there’s a will there’s a way. I love the grit and determination this woman had to make her dreams a reality. If you’re looking for a truly inspiring story this is it!