Thom Kokenge
NWPB’s “All Things Considered” host Thom Kokenge is a Washington native, born and raised in Yakima, and the youngest of seven siblings. A graduate of Central Washington University, Thom got his start in radio there, with KCAT and KXLE, fulfilling a lifelong dream of being on the air. Since he was a kid, he had always wanted to be “one of those voices on the radio,” and has turned his work into being a consistent voice over the airwaves and internet.
With nearly 30 years of experience, Thom has worked in almost every aspect of radio, from managing a station to overnight rock DJ. He has been with NWPB since 2007 when he began as the host of “Weekend Edition” before moving over to his “big red chair” on “All Things Considered.” These days his favorite part about working in radio is connecting with the people. Thom says he loves it when he feels like he is having a personal conversation with all of his listeners at once.
Thom and his wife Elise moved to Moscow, Idaho in 2007. They have two dogs, Dazey, an “extremely intelligent” Boston Terrier/miniature Schnauser mix, and Rhoadie, a lovable mutt, who is merely “regular dog smart.” An avid motorcycle enthusiast, Thom rides his sport tourer to work every day until it begins to snow, and recently Elise got a bike of her own. In his off time, Thom enjoys playing games and telling epic stories with friends as the Dungeon Master of his weekly Dungeons and Dragons session.
ATC Host/ ProDucer
My Posts
American Anthem: For Many With Disabilities, ‘Let It Go’ Is An Anthem Of Acceptance
The breakout song from Disney’s Frozen has inspired many marginalized groups — but its message of rejecting stigma holds special resonance for disabled people and their families. Continue Reading American Anthem: For Many With Disabilities, ‘Let It Go’ Is An Anthem Of Acceptance
BOOK REVIEW: You Can’t Send Your Kids To Dance Class Now, But You Can Read Them ‘Bunheads’
Renowned ballerina Misty Copeland’s new kids’ book Bunheads draws on her own childhood experiences — if your kids love dance, it’s just the thing to keep them going until classes come back. Continue Reading BOOK REVIEW: You Can’t Send Your Kids To Dance Class Now, But You Can Read Them ‘Bunheads’
WATCH: Answering Your Questions About Coronavirus
As the number of cases in the U.S. continues to rise, so too do questions about how the virus spreads and how the average person can protect themselves. Health officials are simultaneously trying to understand the virus while improving they way they identify cases and contain those that are known — and encouraging people to just practice good hygiene (and to be cautious, but not panic). Continue Reading WATCH: Answering Your Questions About Coronavirus