Hello, Kankakee County and beyond! Today, we’re bringing you a powerful episode full of laughter, reflection, and the threads that tie our community together. Recorded live at The Venue Lounge in downtown Kankakee, our June 2025 edition of Yarn Factory Listeners is an evening you won’t soon forget. Grab some popcorn—or maybe a Triscuit dipped in hummus—and settle in for stories of courage, loss, family, and transformation.
Weaving Stories, Building Community
As host Bill Yonka set the scene, he playfully compared Kankakee’s close-knit community to Triscuit crackers—”all these little Triscuit crackers that are woven into each other because we all have these shared experiences.” Our small size, shared memories, and interconnectedness are our strength, making live storytelling a true celebration of those ties.
Kankakee’s Queer Joy and Defiance
Terry Streetman kicked off the night, sharing his journey from Ohio to Kankakee. A powerful story of both the terror and resilience experienced at a drag brunch targeted by neo-Nazis, he reminded us how solidarity and love prevail:
“We fought back with love and the power of queer joy. Our community is stronger than everything they have to throw at us.”
After the harrowing experience, Terry found a surprisingly supportive LGBTQ+ network in Kankakee, bringing his story full circle and dedicating his performance to those who continue the fight for dignity and acceptance.
Loss, Healing, and the Power of Connection
Next, Jacob Cantrell took us deep into his personal history, confronting the heartbreak of losing his older brother to suicide at just 12 years old. Jacob’s honesty about grief and the lifelong impact of that loss struck a powerful chord:
“My brother unintentionally gave me a gift that could only be paid for with a time of suffering and loss: an appreciation for the blessing of life, and the power we all wield to affect and inspire people.”
His story is a poignant reminder to nurture our connections and to speak openly about the struggles we carry.
The Lasting Importance of Family Ties
Brooke Hildebrand brought levity, heart, and insight as she explored the special role that cousins play in her life and research—our ‘weak ties’ that, in reality, make us strong. Through playful anecdotes and moments of loss, Brooke highlighted the lifelong comfort and memory only family can provide:
“We have a very special kind of interconnectedness with our cousins. Even if we don’t see them a lot, there’s strength in those weak ties because they know the shorthand of our families.”
Her message: cherish those you’ve known “through all ages and stages,” and reach out when memories spark—because those ties run deep.
Hazing, Sibling Rivalry, and Sweet Revenge
Van Johnson’s humor and energy lit up the room with a story about the time she and her sister were “hazed” by their older brother for the privilege of playing cards. What followed was a classic tale of sibling payback—pillowcase full of encyclopedias and all.
“You ain’t gonna whoop my butt and I can’t play with no cards. It’s gotta be some kind of retaliation!”
Van’s knack for storytelling made everyday childhood memories feel larger than life—and reminded us that sometimes, payback really is a… well, you know.
From Hate Mail to Hope: Turning Negativity Into Action
Closing out the night, Taylor Ledding McMaster proved that even hate mail can spark something beautiful. After officiating her best friend’s wedding (to another woman) and writing about it in her “Tailor Made Life” column, Taylor received an anonymous note: “Taylor, the devil delights in you.” Instead of letting it bring her down, Taylor turned this negativity into a force for good by making it a sticker and raising $1,100 for The Trevor Project.
“Taking hate and turning it into love is a step towards progress.”
Taylor’s story is a testament to the resilience found in our community and our power to transform cruelty into kindness.
A Community to Celebrate
The June 2025 Yarn Factory listeners event was a testament to the strength, empathy, and humor that thrives in Kankakee County. As Bill Yonka shared,
“I love that we have an accepting group of people right here in Kankakee who are ready for this.”
From raw grief to uproarious sibling antics, from heartwarming family tributes to bold acts of joy and resistance, these stories connect us all.
Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable evening of storytelling, connection, and celebration. If you want more stories from the heart of Kankakee, subscribe to the Kankakee Podcast on your favorite platform, follow us on social media (@kankakeepodcast), and consider supporting us on Patreon. Shout out to Stephanie Vanderweid for her ongoing support—your generosity keeps our stories alive!
