Stephen Kallao
Triple A WXPN/Philadelphia, the member-supported public radio station of the University of Pennsylvania and producer of the NPR-distributed daily music program World Cafe, has announced that Stephen Kallao has joined the program as Contributing Host. In this role, Kallao will assist in producing the program’s radio and digital special features and conduct interviews with a wide variety of musicians.
Kallao is a Chicago native with 20+ years’ experience in hosting, programming, copywriting,and production for commercial and noncommercial radio stations, including WYMS and WLUM in Milwaukee; KUFO and KNRK in Portland, OR and 91X in San Diego. He received multiple Wisconsin Broadcasters Awards, including two for Best Radio Show, among others for Best Interview, Best Specialty Programming, and more. Recently, he was Director of Imaging, Radio Content for online music service Slacker Inc in San Diego.
“I’m so excited to welcome Stephen to the team here at World Cafe,” said host Talia Schlanger. “Not only is his passion for music infectious, but he has the experience, chops and drive to bring that passion to life on the radio. I know our listeners will love sharing in Stephen’s musical taste, and I can’t wait to do the same!”
“When I worked at Radio Milwaukee, we constantly name-checked WXPN and World Cafe as examples of ‘the right way to do things,'” said Kallao. “To be extended an invite from a group that ‘gets it’ is unbelievably humbling. I’m excited to work with an undeniable talent like Talia Schlanger, and to learn from her, Executive Producer Bruce Warren, and the entire team at WXPN. Thanks to Kevin Stapleford and Slacker Radio for giving me a near unlimited runway to build some great things. Can’t wait to get started building again at WXPN.”
