Erin O'Toole
Host & Senior Producer, In the NoCoEmail: erin.otoole@kunc.org
As the host of KUNC’s new program and podcast In the NoCo, I work closely with our producers and reporters to bring context and diverse perspectives to the important issues of the day. Northern Colorado is such a diverse and fast-growing region, brimming with history, culture, music, education, civic engagement, and amazing outdoor recreation spots. It’s a privilege to find and share the stories and voices that reflect why NoCo is such an extraordinary place to live.
One of the things I love most about public radio is that it embodies and encourages many of the values I hold dear: integrity, civility and curiosity. I’ve been with KUNC since 2009, minus a brief break where I focused exclusively on a Denver-based podcast. I’ve served in a number of roles here: Morning Edition Host, Assistant News Director, and as host and senior producer for Colorado Edition. My work has been recognized by the Associated Press, the Colorado Broadcasters Association, PRNDI, RTNDA, and the Society for Professional Journalists.
I began my career at a country radio station in Cincinnati, Ohio, where I was a traffic reporter, newscaster, sidekick, and finally a morning show host (yes, it’s true that my name was Coyote Kim!). I later relocated to southern California where I served as Morning Edition host and reporter for KVCR in San Bernardino. I was selected as a USC/Annenberg Health Journalism fellow in 2008.
When I'm not at work, you can usually find me hiking with my two dogs, noodling around on my bass, cooking, or enjoying the sunshine and a cold brew on a patio somewhere.
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We’re talking a lot more these days about what it means to be neurodivergent. Temple Grandin is an animal science professor, author and advocate for people with autism. She recently joined In The NoCo to talk about how important neurodivergent thinkers are for industry and design.
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The rising cost of childcare is a nationwide issue and parents in Northern Colorado are feeling it. Today on In The NoCo, we explore why this essential service comes with such a high price tag.
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The ACT Human Rights Film Festival kicks off in Fort Collins next week and In The NoCo is highlighting some notable selections. Today we talk with the co-director of How We Get Free. The film examines the cash bail system in Colorado and beyond, and one activist-turned-lawmaker who’s been trying to change it.
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Mental health providers in Northern Colorado are having trouble meeting the demand to screen students for learning disabilities. Today on In The NoCo, we explore what’s intensifying this problem and what parents can do to be their kids’ best advocates.
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We’re thinking about our most precious resource today on World Water Day. Here in Colorado, at the headwaters of the Colorado River, water is often a contentious topic. We dive into our state’s water world today on In The NoCo.
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Psychologist Meg Jay’s latest book unravels the challenges facing 20-somethings. Ahead of her talk at Colorado State University next week, she joined In The NoCo to pull back the curtain on this tough decade for young people.
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Advocates are sounding the alarm about staffing shortages in Colorado prisons. In a recent survey of 400 incarcerated Coloradans, the vast majority said those shortages have had serious consequences. We learn more today on In The NoCo.
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A lot of us might be on board with the idea of a passenger train along the Front Range. And that plan could finally be moving ahead. We learn more about the project today on In The NoCo.
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At the core of the childcare crisis is a lack of workers. It’s a tough job and the pay doesn’t always reflect that, which makes it hard to find staff. Today on In The NoCo, we visit with a nonprofit provider that serves low- and middle-income families to see how it’s trying to address the shortage.
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Black Americans face widespread discrimination for their hair. Author and activist St. Clair Detrick-Jules wants to take back the narrative. She joined In The NoCo ahead of her appearance on Thursday at CU Boulder’s art museum.