This One Time in Kankakee
This One Time in Kankakee is a storytelling podcast from the new WVLI Podcast Network, hosted by Jake LaMore. Each episode shines a light on the weird, wild, and unforgettable moments that make Kankakee County, IL what it is. These are short, punchy episodes where everyday people share true stories from their lives—funny childhood memories, creepy encounters, embarrassing slip-ups, or heartwarming experiences that stick with you forever.
Think of it as a collection of the kinds of stories you’d hear at a family gathering, on a front porch, or sitting around a campfire—but rooted right here in the Kankakee, Illinois area. Each episode is quick to listen to, but long to remember.
Whether you grew up here, just moved to town, or are simply curious about life in this corner of Illinois, This One Time in Kankakee is a way to connect through laughter, chills, and nostalgia. Real locals. Real stories. Always memorable.
Have an unbelievable local story to share? Email jake@milnermediapartners.com to submit your story for consideration.
This One Time in Kankakee
Latest Episodes
"My stalker bought me a PS4... that I gladly accepted." - Will Rasmussen
What starts as a distraction in a summer math class quickly turns into a fourteen-year story full of bizarre coincidences, quiet tracking, and high-value holiday gifts.In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host
"The County Sheriff Was Arrested." - Kankakee County Museum
In November 1961, Kankakee County witnessed an unprecedented legal showdown when sitting Sheriff Carl McNutt was arrested inside the courthouse. Facing 13 grand jury indictments—ranging from official misconduct to a vice conspiracy—McNutt's ref...
"I lost my leg while farming." - Willy VanWassenhove
What happens when a routine farm chore becomes a sudden battle for survival? In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we sit down with local farmer and volunteer firefighter Willy VanWassenhove to hear his extraordinary story of r...
"I literally ran myself over with a van." - Jake Lee
In this narrative episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we travel out to Hopkins Park, Illinois, to meet military veteran Jake Lee. On Mother’s Day weekend in 1991, a mischievous afternoon inside the family van took a near-fatal turn w...
BONUS: "Bodybuilding brought me back to life." - Kaelin Patterson
"This one time in Kankakee... bodybuilding brought me back to life."In this gripping bonus episode of This One Time in Kankakee, Kaelin Patterson shares the most harrowing chapter of his life. On August 28, 2008, at the intersec...
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