Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Brooks.
Hi Nikki, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
It all started with a young, teen only child who loved collaborating with others and finding ways to add value to my community through extracurricular activities and volunteer work. My first experience on the radio was 13 years ago as a guest on KPRS, where I joined members of an organization called Y4C to offer advice to local teen listeners. Even then, I found myself daydreaming about a future in media—whether as a host or maybe even a backup dancer for my favorite artist. I never imagined I’d find my way back to radio years later, this time as both the host and producer of my own show.
Before COVID, I noticed there wasn’t enough exposure and support for many of Kansas City’s creatives and entrepreneurs. In 2018, I developed the concept for a show that would feature interviews with local artists and business owners, but after hitting several roadblocks, I shelved the idea.
A few years later, while scrolling Facebook, I came across a post from KKFI 90.1 FM looking for new programmers. I signed up, committed to the training process, and eventually earned my board certification. When it came time to pitch my pilot episode, I had a simple realization: Finish what you started in 2018. That moment became the foundation for On Air With Nikki Brooks.
Since premiering in November 2024, OAWNB has received an incredible amount of support. I’ve been nominated twice for Best Radio Personality (2025 and 2026) at the Kansas City People’s Choice Awards and have had the opportunity to collaborate with organizations like The Kansas City Star, Boys & Girls Club of Greater Kansas City and Kansas City Public Schools.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
While the recognition is appreciated, most people don’t see everything that happens behind the scenes. I host and audio engineer my own show, coordinate guests, build community partnerships, and manage the day-to-day responsibilities that come with producing a weekly program—all while raising two children as a full-time single mom. Some days my kids are right there with me at the station, helping me prep for the show or hanging out in the green room while I’m live on the air.
Besides learning how to balance my passion with responsibilities like many creatives, another challenge was simply believing in the vision long enough to bring it to life. I originally came up with the idea for my show in 2018, but it never got off the ground. Years later, I had the opportunity to revisit that dream through KKFI, and that’s when On Air With Nikki Brooks was born. Looking back, I’m grateful I didn’t let an early setback become the end of the story.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a multimedia personality, radio host, producer, author, songwriter, and community advocate who uses storytelling to educate, entertain, and connect people. As the creator and host of On Air With Nikki Brooks on KKFI 90.1 FM, I specialize in spotlighting independent artists, entrepreneurs, and changemakers whose stories deserve to be heard. Beyond hosting, I also produce and audio engineer my own show, so I’m involved in every step of the creative process.
Outside of radio, I’m the author of The ABC$ of Wealth-Based Vocabulary, a children’s book designed to spark conversations about financial literacy through everyday language. I also write music, including Count The Ways, an international collaboration that brought together artists from Kansas City and Lagos, Nigeria. Songwriting gives me another outlet to tell stories and build meaningful connections across cultures.
What I’m most proud of is creating opportunities—not only for myself, but for others. Whether I’m introducing listeners to a new artist, helping a child learn the language of wealth, or giving entrepreneurs a platform to share their work, I want people to leave feeling seen, encouraged, and inspired.
I think what sets me apart is that I don’t just wear multiple hats—I make sure they all serve the same purpose. My work in media, education, music, and community engagement is connected by one mission: to keep meaningful conversations going and create platforms that empower people to grow. I’m intentional about building community, not just an audience, and I believe that’s why my work resonates with so many people.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
Something people may not know is that radio is more than a career for me—it’s part of my calling. Every interview and every conversation reminds me that I’m walking in my purpose. That same purpose inspired me to become a published author and songwriter, because I believe conversations can happen through interviews, books, and music alike. No matter the platform, my mission is to create work that encourages people to think, grow, and connect with one another. I’m currently developing new community initiatives that take the mission of On Air With Nikki Brooks beyond the airwaves. I’m excited to create more opportunities for people to connect, learn, and engage in meaningful conversations. Stay tuned!
Pricing:
- Open to donations $akanikkibrooks
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/oawnb
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkibrooksradio/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/akanikkibrooks/
- Other: https://www.lulu.com/spotlight/akanikkibrooks
