Born in Wilson County, Tennessee, Dennis Barrett holds two earned doctorates with majors in law, economics, and religion. He is a well known amateur and shortwave ratio enthusiast having developed and manufactured several different specialized radio antennas.

N4ECW has appeared on and sponsored several successful shortwave programs including the paranormal show, Radio Disclosure, and the amateur radio-themed program, QSO. He recently retired as an engineering and management consultant to devote his efforts to writing.