The World [Cafe] Is Kallao’s Oyster

• WXPN, the University of Pennsylvania’s member-supported public radio station and producer of the NPR-distributed program World Cafe, announced that Stephen Kallao has joined the program as Contributing Host. Kallao will now assist in producing the show’s radio and digital special features and conduct interviews with a wide variety of musicians.

Kallao arrives in Philly bearing 20-plus years of experience in hosting, programming, copywriting and production for commercial and noncomm radio stations, including WYMS (88Nine RadioMilwaukee)/Milwaukee, WLUM/Milwaukee, KUFO and KNRK/Portland, OR, KFMA/Tucson and 91X/San Diego. Most recently, Kallao 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 the show’s 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!”

Kallao commented, “When I worked at Radio Milwaukee, we constantly name-checked WXPN and World Cafe as examples of ‘the right way to do things.’ 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.”