Derek Thompson

Derek Kahn Thompson (born May 18, 1986) is a self-described "progressive" American podcaster and journalist. He is a staff writer at The Atlantic and the author of Hit Makers: How to Succeed in an Age of Distraction. Early life Derek Thompson was born in McLean, Virginia, the son of Robert Thompson and Petra Kahn, both deceased. Before graduating from high school, he appeared in several theatrical productions at the Folger Shakespeare Theater and the Shakespeare Theater. After attending the Potomac School, Thompson graduated from Northwestern University in 2008. Career