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
"The courthouse burned to the ground."
This episode of This One Time in Kankakee explores a pivotal moment in local history: the October 1872 fire that destroyed the county's first permanent courthouse. Drawing on historical research by Jack Klasey of the Kankakee County Mu...
BONUS: "I knew a Fitness Godfather."
What makes a gym more than just a place to sweat? In this special bonus episode of This One Time in Kankakee, Kaelin Patterson shares the story of Ken Castongia—known to the "Morning Crew" at Fit Body U as the Fitness Godfather....
"I was held up at gunpoint by the Pizza Bandit."
In the summer of 1997, Tom Klonowski was in his mid-twenties and just starting his journey as the owner of Pizza by Marchellonis in Bourbonnais, Illinois. It was a Friday night in August when a routine order for a pepperoni pizza ...
"I locked myself out of the radio station."
On this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake LaMore turns the microphone on himself to share a hilarious and humbling "rookie mistake" from his early days in broadcasting.Travel back to Valentine’s Day 2015. Jake...
BONUS: "I helped with the search and rescue in one of the most famous train wrecks in county history."
In this special bonus episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake LaMore sits down with Navy veteran Kaelin Patterson for a raw, verbatim account of the 1999 Bourbonnais Amtrak crash.On March 15, 1999, Amtrak’s City of N...
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