Seeking to cut screen time, the author swapped Spotify for a homemade FM station that sits on a kitchen counter. Using a Raspberry Pi Zero and a cheap FM transmitter, the setup streams UK podcasts and news from RSS feeds, mixes them with a personal music library, and loops the mix 24/7. The result reaches both the kitchen radio and a bedroom alarm clock.

The project runs entirely on Bash, reflecting the author's beginner Linux skills. Though AI assisted in script generation, the developer kept automation to a minimum to retain learning value. The station auto‑regenerates its playlist, inserting custom jingles and oddities, and delivers content without commercial interruption, offering a low‑cost alternative to subscription‑based streaming services.

Code and instructions are available on GitHub at https://github.com/trwmato/pi-fm-kitchen-radio, inviting others to replicate or extend the setup. By converting a single‑board computer into a continuous broadcast hub, the author demonstrates how modest hardware can replace pricey digital platforms, underscoring a trend toward DIY media consumption that keeps users in control.

The motivation stemmed from a minimalist lifestyle push and a longing for UK radio content while residing in New Zealand. Standard local stations failed to cover niche interests, prompting the DIY solution. The result is a fully automated, 24‑hour loop that delivers curated UK programming directly to the domestic environment without reliance on internet streaming.