Joleen Oleson
Community DJ
Wednesday-night DJ Joleen Oleson knows Alaska quite well.
Born and (mostly) raised in Nome, Joleen’s spent time all over the state – in Metlakatla, Barrow, and Fairbanks – and has also called Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania home.
She got involved with KNOM while still in high school in Nome and, in October 1999, started co-hosting Musical Alternative with KNOM volunteer alumnus Paul Rauch. She’s been involved with the show ever since and became its main host after Paul’s departure from KNOM.
Joleen keeps active in her hometown. She works for the nonprofit Native organization Kawerak, Incorporated and also serves as president of the Arctic Native Brotherhood.
As the host of an alternative music show, Joleen, of course, ranks listening to music high in her list of hobbies: especially when it’s The Pixies, Ani DiFranco, Tegan and Sara, or Rufus Wainwright. She also enjoys reading, playing cards, and spending time with family.
You can hear Joleen on Wednesday nights on Musical Alternative: 7 to 9pm.
