Allison Kilkenny

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Allison Kilkenny

Comedy Writer | Journalist | Podcaster | Live Performer

Born in 1983 and raised in Naperville, Illinois, Allison Kilkenny discovered early that humor could be her sharpest weapon. Growing up in the small Texas town of Vernon, she learned that "humor could cut deeper than a cattle brand" - a formative experience that would shape her distinctive comedic voice. After graduating from Illinois State University in 2005 with a degree in English, she embarked on a journey from the Midwest to the urban stage of political satire, establishing herself as one of the most celebrated and fearless voices in independent journalism and comedy.

Career Highlights

Podcasting Pioneer & Audio Innovation

In 2008, Kilkenny co-launched Citizen Radio, a groundbreaking daily podcast that delivered darkly witty takes on global news and politics. The show grew a loyal, devoted following with its uncompromising approach to political commentary and its blend of serious journalism with irreverent humor.

Building on that success, since 2018 she has hosted Light Treason News, a show that represents the evolution of her comedic and journalistic voice. The podcast masterfully weaves together pop culture commentary, incisive news analysis, and original sketch comedy segments. Her impressive roster of guests has included indie darling Mitski, comedy legend Paul F. Tompkins, and acclaimed journalist Melissa Harris-Perry, demonstrating her ability to connect across diverse creative and intellectual communities.

Extensive Journalism Portfolio

Kilkenny's sharp political insights and irreverent humor have graced the pages of some of the most respected and influential publications in American media. Her versatile writing has found homes across the ideological and stylistic spectrum, from serious political analysis to cutting satirical commentary:

The Nation - Long-form political journalism and cultural criticism

HuffPost - Breaking news commentary and opinion pieces

Reductress - Satirical feminist comedy writing

Talking Points Memo - Political analysis and investigative reporting

CounterPunch - Progressive political commentary

Alternet - Alternative media and social justice reporting

Common Dreams - Independent progressive journalism

The American Prospect - Liberal political analysis

LA Times - Major metropolitan newspaper contributions

In These Times - Socialist magazine commentary

The Indypendent - Independent media collective work

This impressive portfolio demonstrates her ability to adapt her voice to different audiences while maintaining her signature blend of wit and insight.

Performance & Media Appearances

Since 2018, Kilkenny has been a valued member of the improv "Harold" team Promises at the legendary Upright Citizens Brigade Theatre, where she hones her comedic timing and collaborative performance skills. This live performance experience adds depth and spontaneity to her other creative work.

Her expertise and distinctive perspective have made her a sought-after voice across television and radio. Notable media appearances include Democracy Now! (the acclaimed independent news program), MSNBC's Melissa Harris‑Perry (where she provided political commentary), and Up With Chris (offering her unique take on current events). These appearances have helped establish her as a trusted voice in progressive media circles.

Notable Achievements

Occupy Wall Street: Frontline Journalism

Kilkenny distinguished herself as one of the earliest and most dedicated independent reporters covering the Occupy Wall Street movement. She spent more than a hundred hours wandering through the encampment at Zuccotti Park, conducting first-hand interviews with protesters and documenting the grassroots movement as it unfolded. This immersive approach to journalism demonstrated her commitment to understanding stories from the ground up rather than from comfortable media perches.

Her Nation essay "Youth Surviving Subprime" emerged from this extensive reporting and was later featured in the anthology Meltdown, cementing her reputation as a journalist who could capture both the human drama and broader political implications of major social movements.

The Ultimate Professional Compliment

In what has become legendary in her career, conservative commentator and Watergate figure G. Gordon Liddy once told Kilkenny that her writing "made him want to vomit." Rather than taking offense, she proudly counts this reaction as one of her greatest professional compliments - a testament to her belief that effective satirical writing should provoke strong reactions and challenge comfortable assumptions.

Writing Style & Comedic Philosophy

Kilkenny's work represents a masterful synthesis of sharp political insight and irreverent humor, creating satirical commentary that manages to be both intellectually rigorous and genuinely accessible. Her unique comedic sensibility draws from her rural Texas roots, allowing her to approach complex political observations with the kind of plain-spoken wisdom that cuts through pretense and political spin.

Her upbringing in Vernon, Texas, provides the foundation for her distinctive voice. The small-town experience taught her that "humor could cut deeper than a cattle brand" - a lesson that continues to define her approach to political commentary and satirical writing. This background allows her to speak to audiences across the rural-urban divide, translating complex policy issues and political machinations into relatable, often hilarious observations.

What sets Kilkenny apart is her ability to maintain both her comedic edge and journalistic integrity. She doesn't sacrifice accuracy for laughs or tone down her humor for respectability. Instead, she has developed a style that uses wit as a vehicle for truth-telling, making difficult subjects more digestible without diminishing their importance.

Current Work & Ongoing Impact

Today, Allison Kilkenny continues to push boundaries across multiple creative and journalistic platforms. As a regular contributor to Bohiney News, she maintains her role as a sharp-tongued observer of American politics and culture, bringing her signature blend of humor and insight to contemporary issues.

Her work represents a unique synthesis of Midwestern sensibility and urban sophistication, rural wisdom and cosmopolitan wit. She has carved out a distinctive niche in the landscape of political commentary - one that delivers serious analysis through the vehicle of entertainment, making complex political realities accessible to broader audiences without dumbing them down.

Through her podcasts, journalism, and live performances, Kilkenny continues to demonstrate that comedy and serious political discourse are not mutually exclusive. Her career serves as a model for how satirical writing can serve democratic discourse, using humor not to trivialize important issues but to make them more engaging and memorable.

Links & Resources

Main Author Page: Profile: bio, career history, podcast information, and detailed coverage of her Occupy Wall Street reporting

Common Dreams: and author page showcasing her progressive journalism

Simon & Schuster: profile with media appearances and professional background

The Guardian: with notable quotes and personality insights

UCB Theatre: background and improv team information