STEPHEN
KALLAO

Stephen Kallao is a Chicago native with 25-plus years’ experience in hosting, programming, copywriting, imaging and production for commercial and noncommercial radio stations. He’s been the imaging voice and director for 91X in San Diego; WYMS and WLUM in Milwaukee; KNRK in Portland, OR; and KFMA in Tucson as well as a handful of stations that don’t exist anymore. He’s also served as the voice and imaging director of almost every failed streaming music service, including AOL Radio, Samsung’s Milk Music and Slacker Radio. Kallao does not take this personally.

He’s received multiple Wisconsin Broadcasters Awards, including two for Best Radio Show, among others for Best Interview, Best Station Promo, Best Specialty Programming, and more. “They are on a shelf, somewhere” he imagines.

With a strong background in alternative, active rock, pop and non-commercial radio, Kallao lives for copy with personality, showcasing his talents with fourth-wall breaks, deadpan humor, and absurdist sensibility. Currently, he serves as the contributing host for NPR’s World Cafe, which frowns upon all of those things. Yes, he can do that voice, but only if you support your local NPR affiliate. Don’t you like tote bags?

Kallao lives in Philadelphia and is owned by two cats.