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

Forest Service Considers Rule Change That Prevented Logging Of Some Northwest Old-Growth Trees
The land management plans, known as the “Eastside Screens,” came about in 1995 to protect old growth trees east of the Cascades. The rules were meant to be temporary. The Forest Service wants to amend a section of the policy called the “21-inch rule,” which prohibits harvesting trees that are greater than 21-inches in diameter. Continue Reading Forest Service Considers Rule Change That Prevented Logging Of Some Northwest Old-Growth Trees

Most Washington State Parks Set To Reopen Tuesday, With Gorge And Coast Areas Waiting Longer
More than 100 Washington state parks made the cut to reopen for day use beginning Tuesday, but aficionados of Pacific Coast and Columbia River Gorge getaways will have to wait a while longer. Continue Reading Most Washington State Parks Set To Reopen Tuesday, With Gorge And Coast Areas Waiting Longer

‘You Get Paid For Doing Therapy’: Stand-Up Comedians On Anger
For centuries, people have turned to jesters for relief from the miseries of life. As it turns out, some stand-up performers turn pain and rage into their own coping and catharsis. Continue Reading ‘You Get Paid For Doing Therapy’: Stand-Up Comedians On Anger