This One Time in Kankakee
WVLI Podcast Network
Outreach Signals
Publishing Details
Contact & Outreach
About This Podcast
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.
Podcasting 2.0 Features
Explore Statistics
Recent Episodes
"I Went to Jail for Hunting."
“This one time in Kankakee... I went to jail for hunting.”In 1959, Lou Perakis was a seventeen-year-old Greek immigrant living on the South Side of Chicago. When his older brother, John, decided to…
"I was on national news to discuss the autopsy findings of Mr. George Floyd."
In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we sit down with Dr. Kalisha Hill, the Chief Medical Officer at Saint Mary’s Hospital. While many know her as a local healthcare leader, Dr. Hill stepped…
"A city police officer staged one of the largest armed robberies in the history of the county."
On a Saturday at noon in September 1966, Kankakee experienced a crime that felt like it was ripped from a Hollywood noir film. A gunman ambushed an armored car driver in an alleyway, abducted him,…
"My band turned an Aaron Carter concert into a TMZ headline."
What really happened the night pop star Aaron Carter got into a brawl at a dive bar in Bradley, Illinois?In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, Jake LaMore sits down with local artist and…
"We counted down the 3 most listened to episodes of 2025."
We launched This One Time in Kankakee on the WVLI Podcast Network in October 2025, and the stories have been nothing short of wild. In this year-end recap, host Jake LaMore cracks open the vault to…
"I planned a flash mob on the courthouse lawn."
Jeff Cross isn’t usually a planner. But for his 30th wedding anniversary, he decided to go big. In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we hear the incredible true story of how a 1990s…
"I covered my car completely in duct tape."
It was the winter of 2001. The muffler had just fallen off, and the rust was setting in. But Nick Stalnos wasn't ready to give up on his 1993 Oldsmobile Cutlass Ciera. Instead, he grabbed his…
"My son, Mads Pomranky, was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukemia."
What began as a routine trip to the pediatrician at Riverside Hospital quickly turned into a life-altering journey for the Pomranky family. In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake…
"The Village of Bonfield Banned Rhummy."
In the dead of winter 1938, the tiny village of Bonfield, Illinois, made national news for a bizarre reason: it banned the card game Rhummy. On this episode of "This One Time in Kankakee," discover…
Preview: "The Village of Bonfield Banned Rhummy." Episode Out Nov. 3rd
A short preview of what's to come on the next episode of This One Time in Kankakee. Believe it or not, the card game rummy or rhummy was once banned in the Village of Bonfield. Listen to the full…
"Jennifer Hudson came to see our musical."
What happens when an EGOT winner and Chicago legend unexpectedly shows up to your community theater rehearsal? On this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, we hear the incredible true story from…
"I kidnapped a plaster cow from Perry Farm Park."
Every town has landmarks, but what happens when a group of bored teenagers decides to relocate one? In this episode of "This One Time in Kankakee," we bring you the legendary story of a crime that…
"A bank robber called me."
What happens when the subject of your news report calls you directly? In this episode of "This One Time in Kankakee," host Jake LaMore sits down with veteran Kankakee radio news director Rob West…
"I was run over with a tractor."
Welcome to the premiere episode of This One Time in Kankakee, the podcast that uncovers the unforgettable true stories of Kankakee County. Host Jake LaMore kicks off the series with a deeply personal…
This One Time in Kankakee: Stories That Shaped Our Community
Discover the heart and humor of Kankakee County in This One Time in Kankakee, a narrative storytelling podcast hosted by Jake LaMore, featuring unforgettable true stories from local voices. From a…
Frequently Asked Questions
This One Time in Kankakee has published 15 episodes since October 2025, covering topics in Documentary, History.
This One Time in Kankakee is currently highly active with new episodes every 2 weeks. Average episode length is 13m.
Sign up on Grep.FM to access contact details for This One Time in Kankakee, including email and social media links.
