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This One Time in Kankakee

Author: WVLI Podcast Network

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© 2026 WVLI Podcast Network

Description

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 [email protected] to submit your story for consideration.  

31 Episodes
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"Rider Strong from 𝘽𝙤𝙮 𝙈𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 walked into the Public Library." - Hannah Swale

"Rider Strong from 𝘽𝙤𝙮 𝙈𝙚𝙚𝙩𝙨 𝙒𝙤𝙧𝙡𝙙 walked into the Public Library." - Hannah Swale

2026-09-1514:32

In 2019, actor Rider Strong—best known for playing Shawn Hunter on the 1990s sitcom Boy Meets World—and his brother Shiloh made an unannounced trip to Kankakee, Illinois. In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake LaMore sits down with former library staff member Hannah Swale to recount the day two Hollywood filmmakers showed up in the third-floor Genealogy Room searching for local history, street maps, and Midwestern character for a potential film script. Featuring additional hi...
"Flying saucers were spotted. Or were they?" - Kankakee County Museum

"Flying saucers were spotted. Or were they?" - Kankakee County Museum

2026-08-2508:22

Did flying saucers really buzz over Kankakee in the 1950s? On this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake LaMore explores local UFO lore based on research by the late Kankakee County Museum historian Jack Klasey. From switchboard-jamming cosmic ray balloons in 1952 to unexplained lights hovering over the Illinois Central Railroad tracks—and a legendary 1967 river crash prank—discover how mid-century "saucer mania" hit home in Kankakee, Illinois. Here is the link to Jack's...
"I survived a tornado, but my house did not." - Emily LaVoie

"I survived a tornado, but my house did not." - Emily LaVoie

2026-08-1037:40

On March 10th, 2026, an EF-3 tornado tore through the Oakwoods neighborhood along the Kankakee River, altering lives in a matter of two minutes. In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake LaMore sits down with long-time local resident and business owner Emily LaVoie to hear her harrowing story of survival, loss, and recovery. After previously rebuilding her riverfront home from microburst damage, Emily found herself facing complete destruction when the March 10th storm ripped awa...
"I was run over with a tractor." - Franklin Weber (Revisited)

"I was run over with a tractor." - Franklin Weber (Revisited)

2026-07-2710:54

On July 20th, 2026, we said goodbye to Franklin Weber—my grandfather, a local Manteno native, and the voice behind the pilot episode of This One Time in Kankakee. To honor his 93-year legacy, we returned to the original raw audio from our 2025 recording session to tell a fuller, deeper version of the story that launched this podcast. In July 1936, a three-year-old Franklin was run over by a 2,500-pound 1916 Fordson tractor on his family's farm in Manteno, Illinois. In this special tribute edi...
"My stalker bought me a PS4... that I gladly accepted." - Will Rasmussen

"My stalker bought me a PS4... that I gladly accepted." - Will Rasmussen

2026-07-1420:40

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 Jake LaMore welcomes guest Will Rasmussen (host of Breakroom Sessions) to recount an unbelievable, completely true experience spanning multiple jobs, industrial freezers, emergency elevator stops, and an unexpected PlayStation 4 payout. Will breaks down every step of the saga:...
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