Alex Cohen

Alex Cohen is an American radio journalist, roller derby skater and author.

Early life

Cohen was born in New York City and moved to California at the age of two. She studied at Interlochen Arts Academy in Michigan, Brown University (B.A. in Eastern Religions, 1993) and University of California, Berkeley Graduate School of Journalism (Master of Journalism). Cohen is the daughter of Kip Cohen, a former American arts and entertainment executive, concert presenter, record company executive and God-daughter of American rock concert promoter Bill Graham. Her brother is musician Chris Cohen.

Career

Cohen began her radio career at National Public Radio in Washington, D.C. as producer and director for Weekly Edition and Weekend All Things Considered. From 2000 to 2003, Cohen worked for San Francisco's KQED first as a producer for the statewide radio program, California Report and later as the Los Angeles bureau chief for the same program. Cohen has also reported for American Public Media's financial news program Marketplace and served as host of the weekly APM program Weekend America. She was a host and reporter for NPR's daily news program, Day to Day and moved to KPCC radio in Pasadena, California. Cohen was the afternoon host and reporter for "All Things Considered" from 2009-2012 before being named co-host of the 9-11 am morning program, "Take Two."

Roller Derby

From 2003-2010, Cohen was a member of the Los Angeles Derby Dolls (skating as Axles of Evil) and TXRD Lonestar Rollergirls (as Smother Theresa). In 2009 Cohen was hired to work on the Drew Barrymore-directed roller derby film, Whip It. Cohen co-wrote an insider's guide to the roller derby called "Down and Derby", published in 2010.

Filmography

• Whip It (2009, Fox Searchlight) as skate trainer, derby consultant, and herself

Books

• Down and Derby (2010, New York, Soft Skull Press) – An insider's account of the history and culture of the roller derby