• #121: Sipping on Sobriety: AF Social Club’s Impact on Women’s Lives

    #121: Sipping on Sobriety: AF Social Club’s Impact on Women’s Lives

    Join us on Kankakee Podcast as we delve into a transformative conversation with Sarah Marion and Laura Goodale-Platt, the inspiring founders of the AF Social Club. Discover how they’re reshaping social dynamics for women, offering a vibrant alternative to the drinking culture. They discuss the importance of creating a safe space for women from diverse…

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  • BONUS EP: Exploring the World of Phlebotomy and Medical Services with Kortesha Jones

    BONUS EP: Exploring the World of Phlebotomy and Medical Services with Kortesha Jones

    Join us on this episode of Kankakee Podcast as we delve into the fascinating world of phlebotomy and medical services with Kortesha Jones, the founder of J’s Medical Services in Kankakee. Discover the journey of Kortesha, from her early beginnings in Kankakee County to becoming a certified phlebotomist and educator. In this episode, we explore…

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  • #120: From Screenplays to Nightmares: Gregory M. Thompson’s Writing Odyssey

    #120: From Screenplays to Nightmares: Gregory M. Thompson’s Writing Odyssey

    On this Kankakee Podcast episode, Kankakee County’s own Gregory Thompson joins host Jake for a captivating conversation. They dive into Gregory’s background, growing up in Kankakee County, and of course discuss his work in creative writing. Jake and Gregory dig into Gregory’s passion for storytelling, which was in part inspired by reading Stephen King’s works.…

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  • #119: Brian Prairie

    #119: Brian Prairie

    In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, Jake introduces Brian Prairie, Chief Creative Officer at Pathfinder. They explore Brian’s creative journey, from his small-town upbringing in Clifton, Illinois, to his college years at Columbia College in Chicago. Brian traces his career path, from retail and wedding videography, to corporate infomercials and starting his own business,…

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  • #118: Celia Carr

    #118: Celia Carr

    Not everyone can say the beginning of their life started with a police escort to the hospital. Celia Carr can though! It’s the classic story of a couple speeding in their car to get to the hospital to give birth to their child. The couple gets pulled over by the cops. The officer learns of…

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  • BONUS EP: Converge Conference

    BONUS EP: Converge Conference

    Focusing on community and connections, that’s what the annual Converge Conference is all about! This interactive leadership conference will happen Friday, October 13th, 2023 inside the former Love’s Bookstore building on South Schuyler Avenue in Kankakee. Dr. Jeff Williamson of Converge joins us on this bonus episode of Kankakee Podcast to give us all the details about what to…

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  • #117: Kankakee County Speedway

    #117: Kankakee County Speedway

    Jake LaMore is out and Bill Yohnka is in as your guest host for this thunderous edition of Kankakee Podcast! For several years now, Yonka has been the announcer for the races that take place every Friday night during the summertime at the Kankakee County Speedway. If you follow Bill on social media, you know just…

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  • #116: Kankakee County Museum, Kankakee State Hospital

    #116: Kankakee County Museum, Kankakee State Hospital

    One of the most famous urban legends in Kankakee’s history is that we had a choice between having the University of Illinois or the Illinois Eastern Hospital for the insane being built in our city. The legend claims the City of Kankakee chose the hospital over the university. However the question remains, is this urban…

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  • BONUS EP: KVTA Little Shop of Horrors

    BONUS EP: KVTA Little Shop of Horrors

    A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, Little Shop Of Horrors has devoured the hearts of theatre goers for over 30 years. Howard Ashman and Alan Menken (Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Beauty And The Beast, and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the…

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  • #115: Alan Webber, A.N. Webber

    #115: Alan Webber, A.N. Webber

    On today’s episode of the Kankakee Podcast we delve into the rich history and evolution of A.N. Webber, the oldest logistics company in Kankakee. Our guest, Alan Webber, takes us on a captivating journey, starting with the company’s humble beginnings in the 1930s, to today, where A.N. Webber has grown to operate a fleet of over 200…

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  • #114: Josh Humphries, Hotter Than June

    #114: Josh Humphries, Hotter Than June

    On this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, Jake sits down with Josh Humphries, a member of the alternative rock band ‘Hotter Than June.’ Josh takes us on a journey through the band’s history, from its inception in 2005, their disbandment in 2008, and finally their eventual reunion just last year. Discover how ‘Hotter Than June’…

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  • #113: Micki Abels

    #113: Micki Abels

    On this episode of the Kankakee Podcast author and life coach Micki Abels joins the show. From exploring her roots to delving into her role as a “transformational life coach,” Micki shares insights into her profound methods of guiding individuals towards life-changing transformations.  Unveiling the story behind her book, Micki recounts her journey of conflict,…

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  • #112: Mayor Paul Schore

    #112: Mayor Paul Schore

    In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, Mayor Paul Schore takes the spotlight. Sharing his background and upbringing, Mayor Schore recounts his family’s settlement in the area and offers anecdotes that illuminate the evolving landscape of Bourbonnais over the years. Mayor Schore goes on to describe his role in preserving history, citing the log cabin…

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  • #111: Barack Obama’s Support for the Kankakee Public Library

    #111: Barack Obama’s Support for the Kankakee Public Library

    On this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, Jake welcomes Mary Bass, Celia Carr, and Corin Rose to discuss the collaboration between the Kankakee Public Library and the Obama Foundation to create a TikTok. The trio, each of whom were instrumental to the creating the TikTok, unveil the creative process, logistical challenges, and the thematic focus…

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  • #110: Kankakee Museum, Bird Park

    #110: Kankakee Museum, Bird Park

    On this episode of The Kankakee Podcast, Jack Klasey and Jorie Walters of the Kankakee County Museum return to the show. They discuss the fascinating history of Bird Park, located at the center of Kankakee. Originally a stone quarry, Klasey jokes that the park is commonly misidentified as “Bird’s Park.” Jack and Jorie go on to discuss…

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