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

Meet The Person Leading Washington’s Hospital Coordination: A Retired Admiral Nicknamed ‘Rocky’
When the coronavirus outlook got scary and hairy in mid-March, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee recruited an outsider to join his crisis management team. He convinced a retired vice admiral to temporarily move cross-country to serve as Washington state’s COVID-19 hospital “czar.” Continue Reading Meet The Person Leading Washington’s Hospital Coordination: A Retired Admiral Nicknamed ‘Rocky’

Colleges In Washington And Across U.S. Cancel In-Person Classes In Response To Coronavirus
Many schools paused in-person classes after students or staff members tested positive for the novel coronavirus. Others say the cancellations are a precaution. Continue Reading Colleges In Washington And Across U.S. Cancel In-Person Classes In Response To Coronavirus

Air Ambulances Woo Rural Consumers With Memberships That May Leave Them Hanging
State regulators and even one medevac company have raised doubts about prepaid subscriptions and promised benefits offered by air ambulance companies. Gaps in coverage can be a problem. Continue Reading Air Ambulances Woo Rural Consumers With Memberships That May Leave Them Hanging