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About Nick Pagliochini

Nick Pagliochini is a broadcaster and storyteller who blends service journalism with a deep love for Southern California. Listeners first met Nick as “the traffic guy” on KFI AM 640’s Wake Up Call, The Bill Handel Morning Show, and The Gary & Shannon Show—and over on KOST 103.5 as part of the Ellen K Morning Show. That breadth of live, real‑time reporting sharpened his on‑air judgment, audience empathy, and knack for turning complex situations into clear, practical guidance.

In January 2023, Nick launched This Weekend, with Nick Pagliochini as a weekly segment on Later, with Mo’Kelly—and expanded it into a podcast and site that curate Free‑99 and low‑cost activities across the Southland. Whether it’s neighborhood festivals, museum nights, theme‑park seasons, or LGBTQIA+ community events, Nick’s curation centers accessibility and belonging.

In 2024, KFI’s newsroom earned both the Regional (Region 2) and National Edward R. Murrow Awards for He Said, She Said, They Said, an in‑depth special exploring how schools, families, faith communities, and LGBTQIA+ students navigate identity and inclusion. (Nick served as Associate Producer and helped the team bring together diverse voices from across the community.) The same awards season, KFI captured 11 Golden Mike Awards, including top categories in long‑form, continuing coverage, live coverage, and use of sound. These honors reflect the newsroom’s—and Nick’s—commitment to sensitive, compassionate, and fair storytelling that lets audiences hear every side with respect.

Earlier in his career, Nick was recognized twice with Golden Pylon Awards—regional honors presented by Southern California transportation agencies to outstanding traffic reporters—reflecting years of calm, service‑minded reporting during critical commute hours. (Documented in an OCTA communications post for 2010; a second win followed in 2012.)

Beyond radio, Nick co‑founded BrickHouse Creative, LLC in 2020 to produce podcasts, video conversations, live hosting, and immersive event content. He’s also an enthusiastic culture guide—covering everything from theater to food to theme parks—and a lifelong Halloween fan who was, fittingly, born on October 31.

Voice & values

Nick’s editorial center of gravity is simple: help people feel seen and included. He is intentional about sourcing across the political, cultural, religious, and generational spectrum; balancing lived experience with verified facts; and favoring curiosity over confrontation—especially in coverage impacting LGBTQIA+ people, students, and families. (Those principles guided his work on He Said, She Said, They Said and continue to inform every interview and rundown.)

Selected highlights & recognition

  • Edward R. Murrow Awards (2024): Excellence in Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (Large Market Radio) — National winner; Region 2 winner — for KFI’s He Said, She Said, They Said.
  • Golden Mike Awards (2024): KFI AM 640 captured 11 awards across newscast, continuing coverage, live coverage, long‑form/specialty program, use of sound, and more. insideradio.com+1
  • Golden Pylon Awards: Two‑time recipient recognizing excellence in traffic reporting (documented win in 2010; additional win in 2012).

Selected credits

On‑air (iHeartMedia):

  • Wake Up Call (KFI AM 640) — traffic & contributor.
  • The Bill Handel Morning Show (KFI AM 640) — traffic & contributor.
  • Gary & Shannon (KFI AM 640) — traffic & contributor.
  • Ellen K Morning Show (KOST 103.5) — traffic reporter & contributor.
  • Later, with Mo’Kelly (KFI AM 640) — weekly “This Weekend, with Nick Pagliochini.”

News & specials:

  • He Said, She Said, They Said (KFI AM 640) — associate producer.

Independent projects:

Quick facts

  • Pronunciation: Paul‑ee‑oh‑KEY‑nee.
  • Birthday: October 31 (yes, Halloween 🎃).
  • Roots: Born and raised in Southern California; lived for a period in Italy as a teen; graduate of Cypress High School; vocational certificate from The Academy of Radio & Television Broadcasting.
  • Entrepreneur: Co‑founder, BrickHouse Creative, LLC (2020).
  • Fun: Former seasonal scare actor (Knott’s Scary Farm, The Queen Mary).
  • “Unicorn of traffic”: A term of endearment you heard from the Ellen K team.

What Nick does now

  • Hosting & live events: Emcee, moderator, and community‑stage host (festivals, theater talkbacks, civic events).
  • Audio & video: Segment host, special‑program producer, podcast/vodcast development.
  • Branded & editorial partnerships: Visitor bureaus, venues, cultural institutions, theme‑park seasons, seasonal events (with clear disclosure and editorial guardrails).
  • Consulting: Audience development, event curation, and community outreach—especially where sensitivity, empathy, and balance are crucial.
Booking & media inquiries: [email protected]
(Press assets: see “Media Kit” and “Headshots & Logos.”) KFI AM 640

Notes on awards & credits (source verification)

  • KFI’s National and Region 2 Murrow wins for He Said, She Said, They Said are listed by RTDNA. RTDNA+1
  • KFI’s 11 Golden Mike Awards for 2024 are covered by multiple trade outlets. insideradio.com+1
  • Nick’s on‑air roles and the launch of This Weekend in Jan. 2023 are documented on his KFI profile; continued Mo’Kelly contributions are reflected in show archives. KFI AM 640+1
  • Golden Pylon recognition includes an OCTA‑authored 2010 winner list; Nick’s two‑time status is also reflected on his professional profile page. Mile by Mile+1