KC public radio host making space to shine light on the lives of everyday people
Nikki Brooks, a South Kansas City native, is making her mark on the local media scene as the host of On Air with Nikki Brooks at KKFI Kansas City Community Radio, 90.1 FM.
With no experience in radio, Brooks entered the field through a community training program and quickly found her place behind the mic. Balancing her work in healthcare and responsibilities as a mother, she brings real-world perspective and a strong sense of purpose to every show. Her journey reflects the power of community media to open doors and highlight voices that are often overlooked.
Brooks uses her platform to feature local artists, entrepreneurs and community leaders, people who are doing meaningful work without widespread recognition.
Her focus is on creating space for honest conversation, cultural connection, and personal growth. In less than a year, she has built a loyal audience and a strong foundation for what could become a long-lasting career in media. With clear goals and a deep commitment to her community, Brooks built her radio show with a concern for authenticity, accessibility, and the drive to make a difference.
Recently, Brooks sat down with the Star’s culture and identity reporter J.M. Banks and talked about finding her passion for radio, building her confidence on-air and her next moves forward as a Kansas City radio personality.
Banks: So why don’t you begin by telling me a little bit about your early life and upbringing — and how those experiences led you into this?
Brooks: I am a Kansas City native, South Kansas City and I went to Ruskin High School. When I was a teenager in high school I got more involved with organizations and community work.
I joined an organization called Y4C, which stands for Youth for Change. It was run by Julie Jones from Hot 103 and Marva Moses from the Hickman Mills Coalition. I was in the Hickman Mills district and I think Y4C was for Raytown, Center, and Hickman Mills students.
It was an organization made up of teens mentoring other teens. We would give our peers info about safe sex, drug and alcohol prevention, how to stay safe on prom night, things like that. Since Julie was our main person, she let us do “Hot Eight at Eight” (programing on KPRS FM radio 103 Jamz) once a month. We would get on the radio and talk about whatever the topic was, give facts, share info and just talk about how to stay safe in different ways.
When I was a kid, I loved Hot 103 Jamz. I lived close by, since I went to school in the Hickman Mills school district. The station was always in my neighborhood. In high school, through Y4C, I was introduced to it—so I was involved throughout high school.
I’ve always had the personality for radio, but I didn’t think it was something I’d pursue. I was raised by older people who didn’t really see creative careers as viable. My dad maybe did, but not my mom. So I stuck with healthcare and wanting to be a doctor since I was seven. I just kept going with that. I never really thought I’d get into radio back then. At the time, I was really set on going to college to become a doctor. That was the path I was on.
Then I ended up having a kid after high school. I got pregnant my first year of college. So I went into healthcare, doing what I needed to pay bills and stay in the field, while raising a young child. I was young myself, just living life.
Then in 2023, I’m scrolling on Facebook, like I always do, and I see this sponsored ad from KKFI. It said, “Do you want to be a programmer?” I was like this is interesting.
I had never seriously thought about radio, but then I remembered my experience. So I signed up. It seemed like it was free based on the wording. I’m always down to learn new skills, and it was familiar, even if it wasn’t the lane I imagined myself in.
I started volunteering, learning everything, sitting around the other programmers, getting mentored, figuring things out. Eventually, they let me get a show. It was a full-circle moment. I never thought I’d be back on the radio after meeting her (Julie Jones) years ago. I stay consistent, purposeful.
What went into creating your radio show and preparing for it?
My show is “On Air with Nikki Brooks,” every Wednesday from 6 to 7 p.m. on KKFI.
During training, there was a rumor you could get a slot if you got your ducks in a row, your name on the list, a good pilot. So I kept thinking, “OK, I can get a show,” but I wasn’t sure what to do yet. I assumed I’d do music but I felt compelled to do a public-affairs talk show. I like talking, so I decided to be different, no music, just conversation.
I was a bit confused at first. I considered doing commentary. But got feedback: “No, don’t do commentary, nobody wants that; they want dialogue.” So I stepped back. I remembered that in 2018, I tried creating a podcast, interviews, possibly video, kind of like a podcast Oprah, but it fell through. Guests flaked, the videographer had issues, and I dropped it. Sometimes when you’re not mentally or emotionally ready, it’s easier to let things go.
But when building this show, a light bulb came on: do that same idea again, this time on radio. I almost named it “Tap into Game,” but decided to reformat it for this station and myself.
What challenges did you face during your show?
Some subtle ones, shifting from casual talk to on-air conversation. Then the technical: board work. I host, produce, book, it’s all on me. I’ve become a one-woman band. It was trial and error, figuring out how to make the job manageable, staying calm and confident on air.
When did you first begin to feel confident on-air?
Probably after the first hiccups. The first episode went OK. It was prerecorded. The following one had a technical glitch, so I had to run it again the next week. The embarrassment made me decide not to quit. I just kept going. Weeks got better, I got comfortable. No matter good or bad, I kept going.
What does community radio mean to you, and how’s it different from mainstream radio?
Community radio is the voice of the people. It’s diverse, personal, you can be yourself. It’s not about money, you control your message. Play what you love, shout out businesses, artists. I bring my business mindset, hoping to inspire people, reach deeper, not just entertain.
What kind of preparation goes into each episode?
A lot, booking, researching guests, prepping formats, editing when needed, scripting, music selection, staying in touch with guests. I’m booked through November. Tons of administrative work.
What kind of stories or issues do you highlight on your show?
Everyday people with unique, real stories, talented, inclusive people who bring others along. Not just entertainment, just human connection. I only bring people I feel aligned with.
Have you ever faced issues with censorship or pushback for the things you discuss?
Not really. The first pilot didn’t format well but I revised it, and the second worked. No FCC or station pushback, only early feedback about commentary being too dense. I shifted accordingly.
What kind of feedback do you usually get from listeners?
My mom tells me who she likes. I get messages from listeners, surprising demographics. Once, a 60-year-old man told me he listens. It’s humbling and shows the reach and authenticity resonates.
How has being a Black woman shaped your on-air voice?
The world watches Black women. I aim to be authentic, positive, an example, not a spokesperson for all, but representative. Leading, nurturing, serving my community is the core.
What advice would you give to your earlier self?
Be consistent, act like you’re already where you want to be. Treat it like a business because if you approach it like one, success becomes a habit.
What are your professional goals for the future?
I plan to stay in media, explore production opportunities. Keeping plans light, growing my personality, branching into more projects.
Are you interested in moving into commercial radio?
Thinking about it. I love KKFI, but maybe another station could be next. I need to research that. I’m a businesswoman, also passionate about community impact. Maybe I’ll be the first to make the jump. It’s possible.
I’m nearing my one-year anniversary. I hit the ground running and I can’t stop now. I would be disappointed if I did. I’m weighing it but if the right opportunity comes along, I’ll stay. Whatever I choose, I want it to be a home, not just a placeholder.
I’m still new, finding my path. I want to pick something right and give it time, like choosing a partner, it has to fit.
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This story was originally published August 19, 2025 at 10:22 AM.
