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#216: Stories From August’s Yarn Factory Listeners
Join us for a recap from August’s Yarn Factory Listeners live event. Whether you joined us live at our beloved venue or are tuning in on the podcast, this night was one for the books. Full of laughter, nerves, family memories, and local pride. On this episode, host Bill Yohnka, storyteller Kent Wade, Frank Hayden,…
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#215: Beyond Belts: Duane Brumitt on Teaching Life Skills Through Martial Arts
Hello, Kankakee County and Beyond! We’re back with another engaging episode of the Kankakee Podcast, where we spotlight the remarkable people and places that make our corner of Illinois truly unique. Today, we dive into martial arts, character-building, and community impact with a guest who’s shaping lives—both young and old—right here in Kankakee County. Meet…
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#214: Jeff Cross on Refereeing, TikTok, Community, and Graveyard Caretaking
Hello, Kankakee County and friends! We’ve got a truly special story for you on this episode of the Kankakee Podcast—one that bridges the worlds of social media stardom, local service, musical camaraderie, and the underrated courage it takes to say “yes.” Our guest is none other than Jeff Cross: caretaker of Aroma Park Cemetery, Big…
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#212: Truck’A’Junk: Stories From Kankakee’s Young Entrepreneurs
On this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Drew Raisor sits down with Spencer Boudreau and Jacob Beck – the energetic duo behind Truck’A’Junk, Kankakee County’s up-and-coming junk removal service. The three dig into what it’s like to launch a new business from scratch, navigating everything from securing their first truck and trailer to landing their…
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#211: Stories From July’s Yarn Factory Listeners
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Bill Yonka welcomes a vibrant lineup of local storytellers as they share personal tales that connect, inspire, and resonate with the Kankakee community. Recorded in front of a live audience, July’s Yarn Factory Listeners event takes listeners through a heartfelt and humorous journey—from misadventures on rural roads and the…
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#210: Jake LaMore Says Farewell: Reflecting on Four Years of Kankakee Podcast
Saying Farewell: Reflections, Memories, and the Next Chapter of Kankakee Podcast Hello, Kankakee County and podcast friends near and far! Today’s episode is both bittersweet and celebratory, as we gather to mark a milestone in the story of the Kankakee Podcast. After four remarkable years at the mic, our founder and longtime host, Jake LaMore,…
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#209: Celebrating Tattoos, Pride, Inclusion, Safe Spaces in Kankakee with Bri Haug
Hello, Kankakee County and beyond! Today we’re shining a rainbow spotlight on a cornerstone of celebration and acceptance in our community—Electric Lady Lounge. In our most recent episode, host Katherine Henson and guest co-host Hannah Kurtz sit down with the tattoo wizard and activist herself, Bri Haug, to talk about building safe spaces, the spirit…
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#208: King Music: Four Decades of Impacting Kankakee’s Music Community
Hello, Kankakee County and music lovers everywhere! Today’s episode of the Kankakee Podcast hits just the right note—a story of family, dedication, and the unifying power of music. We’re celebrating the enduring legacy and community impact of one of Kankakee’s cornerstones: King Music. Join me, Jake LaMore, as I sit down with Randy King and…
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#207: Stories From June’s Yarn Factory Listeners
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…
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#206: Courtney Zimmerman, Ceramics, Color, and Community
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with local ceramic artist Courtney Zimmerman (she/her), whose eye-catching, colorful pottery has become a staple in Kankakee County—and far beyond, thanks to a growing online following. Courtney shares her artistic journey from growing up in rural Momence to discovering her true calling in ceramics at…
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#205: Kankakee River State Park: Preserving Nature and History
Hello, Kankakee County and friends! This month, we’re taking a hike through time and nature as we uncover the story behind one of our county’s most beloved treasures: Kankakee River State Park. In our latest episode of the Kankakee Podcast, I sat down with historian Jack Klasey of the Kankakee County Museum to dig deep—pun…
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BONUS: Inside the B. Harley Bradley House: A Frank Lloyd Wright Tour with Director Bob Bohlmann
Hello, architecture enthusiasts and Kankakee County neighbors! This week, we invite you inside one of our community’s true treasures—a masterpiece designed by none other than Frank Lloyd Wright. On this episode, we tag along for an exclusive, in-depth tour of the B. Harley Bradley House, led by Bob Bohlmann, the Executive Director and self-proclaimed caretaker…
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#204: Dr. Neal Woodruff on Music, Mentorship, Community, and Culture
Hello, Kankakee County and friends from near and far! In this inspiring episode of the Kankakee Podcast, our host Drew Raisor sat down with the multi-talented Dr. Neal Woodruff—Dean of the School of Music at Olivet Nazarene University (ONU), lifelong Kankakee resident, and a beloved mentor to countless music students in our area. From the…
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#203: Jamie Hawkins on Leading Grant Park and Building Community Traditions
Hello, Kankakee County and friends! Today, we’re shining a spotlight on a chapter coming to a close—and a new one just beginning—for one of our county’s most trailblazing community leaders. In our latest episode of the Kankakee Podcast, I sat down with Jamie Hawkins, Grant Park’s first female mayor, as she reflects on her impactful…
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#202: Celebrating 125 Years of the Frank Lloyd Wright Bradley House
Hello, Kankakee County and friends from afar! In this special episode of the Kankakee Podcast, we stepped inside one of our region’s greatest architectural treasures: the Frank Lloyd Wright Bradley House. As “Wright in Kankakee” celebrates its 125th anniversary this year, we took the opportunity to sit down with the passionate people behind the events,…
