Jun 12, 2025 - Culture

The Ones List with Philly radio personality Tonya Pendleton

Isaac Avilucea

Tonya Pendleton, longtime broadcaster and journalist in Philly. Courtesy of Tonya Pendleton (AI-modified)

Tonya Pendleton's two-year reign as host of WURD Radio's "Reality Check" ended last week, but she won't be off the airwaves for long.

Why it matters: Pendleton, WHYY's "Things to Do" curator and one of Philly's enduring journalists and broadcasters, is already cooking up her next adventure.

We caught up with Pendleton in our latest edition of "The Ones List" series.

The interview was condensed for clarity:

What's one story you tell about why you got into radio? While interning in college at WILD Radio in Boston, the music director left and I took her spot at 22 years old. Radio made me happier than anything else.

Who's one person you grew up admiring in media? Charlie Rose. It was just him, the person at a table, and no fancy backdrop.

Your one can't-break rule in radio: Respect the audience. There's somebody who may have woken up that day just to hear your voice.

What's one daily ritual you can't do without? Meditation. I'm a fan of Insight Timer.

What's one podcast you can't do without? Steven Bartlett's "The Diary of a CEO."

What's one habit you wish you could break? Procrastination.

Your one favorite person in Philadelphia: Rapper Chill Moody. He put the "E" in entrepreneur.

Who's one person you interviewed who you still think about? Prince. The paramount thing to know about him: He cared about his craft.

What's one thing you're going to miss about "Reality Check" and WURD Radio? Connecting with an audience that cares about our community.

What's one big project we can expect from you next? Wielding a mic, maybe the "Tonya Pendleton Show" podcast. Yeah, look for that.

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The Ones List with Philly radio personality Tonya Pendleton

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