Behind the scenes with one of KWED’s longest running programs

Let’s set a scene. It’s Friday, and you’re driving through Seguin listening to the noon news hours on AM 1580 KWED. At 12:30, the tone changes and a melody plays. A man’s voice comes across the radio.

“Good afternoon, this is Jarred Kindles,” the voice says. “You’re listening to the trading post!”

KWED’s Trading Post goes live daily, Monday through Friday, allowing listeners to call in with items to buy, sell, trade, and even give away. The radio station itself has now been around 75 years, and in that time, the world has changed drastically. KWED makes it a core tenet to attempt to keep up with the times to serve today’s Seguin community. To that end, AM 1580 can be listened to on the radio and digitally online, so no matter where you go, home is just a click away.

The voice you hear on Friday is KWED digital media producer and sports producer Jarred Kindles.

“The Trading Post is strictly local,” he said. “And I think it’s honestly fun for people to use. There’s more of an individual connection for people, and it’s less transactional. I’ve had people call in selling animals –– parikeets, cattle. They’ll also sell instruments, and we always have yard sales. We even had somebody lose their keys once, and call in for help finding them.”

Jarred, of course, is not the only voice you’ll hear while listening to the Trading Post. Linda Duncan and Cindy Aguirre-Herrera often handle it during the week.

The Trading Post, while originating in a time before the internet, continues to be a preferred method for locals to trade and barter even with online options like Facebook Marketplace, Offerup, and Craiglist readily available. KWED’s news director, Cindy Aguirre-Herrera, considers herself a huge advocate for the program.

“I’m always trying to sell the KWED Trading Post over the Marketplace or other social media sites,” she said. “While it started off fun, folks now often find themselves the victim of scams or have become disappointed when their ‘I’ll take” or “next please” comments are ignored or when they are simply passed up — only for the item to be sold to someone at the end of the line. More importantly, a phone number is always attached to each KWED Trading Post Ad. Sure folks don’t have to answer. But it’s harder to ignore someone when they can leave behind multiple calls and texts. Besides, the people who utilize the on-air service are great and return every time.”

The Trading Post is always live, and hosts must always be prepared for the unexpected. Linda Duncan says she’s had her fair share of funny calls and sales over the years.

“It is interesting when folks have unique items for sale,” she said. “I guess the most unique item that comes to mind is one that I will not mention… but I can tell you that I told the seller that the Trading Post is a family show, and I wasn’t selling that on the program. To which he replied, “Oh, I’m sorry,” and hung up. Probably, the funniest written item that I started reading on the air was a description of a car that, as I got about half way through the ad, I realized was my own vehicle and my telephone number. Someone decided to play a prank on me that day and it was hilarious.”

Having a sense of humor helps when hosting the Trading Post, and so does having a strong sense of self-control, according to Cindy.

“When Linda or Jarred can’t host the show, it’s usually me who you will find behind the mic. I’ve always had a great time. It feels like having lots of conversations with your buddies. I also like a good deal (personally), so it’s sometimes hard for me to stay focused,” she laughs.” That’s because I’m always thinking while hosting the show — hmmm, I wonder if we can get that refrigerator today? Or do I really need a pygmy goat? Could I squeeze into a pair of 7.5 size shoes? Or, yummy, fresh strawberries and avocados.”

At the end of the day, the Trading Post has become a place for the community to come together and support each other. Bartering and trading for goods is not some long-lost ideal. It’s still alive and well and is a boon for the community.

“It’s not just available to Seguin people,” Jarred added. “Anybody in our listening area can call in. That means if you’re in New Braunfels, Marion or even San Antonio, it can be used to find the stuff you’re looking for. I think this could be really beneficial to newer community members, or younger individuals looking to furnish their first apartment. We get furniture all the time for sale, and I’ve had people call in with houses for rent and sale. Literally, any kind of thing can pop up on the Trading Post. Every single day is different.”

And while every day on the Trading Post is unique, the legacy of the program lives on, providing an opportunity for locals to connect in a way that, while not exclusive to Seguin, is a cherished piece of the local community.