Picture an American storyteller who turned small-town tales into a national treasure—meet Tom Bodett! With his warm, folksy voice and sharp wit, Bodett captured hearts through NPR’s All Things Considered and his charming books set in the fictional Alaskan town of End of the Road. From Alaska’s rugged frontier to Vermont’s rolling hills, his stories weave humor and humanity into the everyday.
Bodett’s journey from a Michigan kid to a beloved author and radio personality is as colorful as his tales. Known for his iconic Motel 6 tagline, 'We’ll leave the light on for you,' he’s a master of finding the extraordinary in the ordinary, making him a unique voice in American literature.
The Making of Tom Bodett
Born on February 23, 1955, in Champaign, Illinois, and raised in Sturgis, Michigan, Tom Bodett grew up surrounded by cornfields and factory life. A restless soul, he dropped out of Michigan State University and hitchhiked west, landing in Homer, Alaska, in 1976. There, he built houses, fished, and soaked up the quirky spirit of small-town life. In 1984, his humorous commentaries for a local radio station caught the ear of NPR, launching his career with All Things Considered. A chance ad gig for Motel 6 in 1986 made his voice a household staple, thanks to his ad-libbed, now-iconic tagline.
Tom Bodett’s Unforgettable Stories
Bodett’s writing is like a cozy chat with a friend—funny, heartfelt, and full of homespun wisdom. His books, often set in the fictional Alaskan town of End of the Road, draw comparisons to Garrison Keillor’s Lake Wobegon tales. As Far As You Can Go Without a Passport (1986) collects his early radio essays, brimming with quirky observations about rural life. The End of the Road (1989) introduces readers to a cast of eccentric Alaskans, blending humor with poignant moments.
For younger readers, Bodett penned Williwaw! (1999), a thrilling children’s novel about two siblings facing a dangerous Alaskan storm. Norman Tuttle on the Last Frontier (2004) follows a teen navigating love, bullies, and life in the wild north. His conversational style, rooted in his radio roots, makes every story feel like a fireside yarn, rich with themes of community and resilience.
Bodett’s radio work, including shows like The End of the Road (1988–1990) and The Loose Leaf Book Company (1999–2002), showcased his knack for storytelling and author interviews. His voice acting, from Animaniacs to Motel 6 commercials, adds a playful layer to his creative legacy.
Why Tom Bodett Matters
Tom Bodett’s impact lies in his ability to make the mundane magical. His stories celebrate the quirks of small-town life, resonating with readers who crave authenticity in an increasingly digital world. Through NPR’s Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me! and his books, he’s brought Alaskan and Vermont perspectives to a national audience, proving that humor and heart transcend geography. His founding of HatchSpace, a Vermont woodworking workshop, reflects his commitment to community and craft, cementing his role as a cultural connector.
- Born: February 23, 1955, Champaign, Illinois
- Key Works: As Far As You Can Go Without a Passport, The End of the Road, Williwaw!, Norman Tuttle on the Last Frontier
- Notable Role: Motel 6 spokesman since 1986
- Current Home: Dummerston, Vermont
Ready to chuckle and reflect? Grab The End of the Road and dive into Tom Bodett’s delightful world of small-town stories!