A podcast about the people and places of Kankakee County, IL. Hosted by, Jake LaMore.
Episodes
Monday Aug 22, 2022
Monday Aug 22, 2022
Long before the days of what is present day Beckman Park in Kankakee, stood Electric Park from 1894 to the early 1920s. Jorie Walters and Jack Klasey from the Kankakee County Museum join us on this episode of Kankakee Podcast to give us the history of the once popular entertainment spot.
The museum's fall mums fundraiser is currently underway! Buy yours here: https://www.kankakeecountymuseum.com/product-page/fall-mums
or
Consider making a donation to the Kankakee County Museum here: https://www.kankakeecountymuseum.com/plans-pricing
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast
Monday Aug 15, 2022
Monday Aug 15, 2022
His name is Redenius. Doug Redenius. And he takes care of 41 authentic vehicles from the James Bond 007 films right here in Kankakee County for The Ian Fleming Foundation.
View the complete list of Bond vehicles here: http://www.ianflemingfoundation.org/welcome-new.html
Email Doug: Redenius@ianflemingfoundation.org
As a huge James Bond fan, I truly enjoyed recording this episode. Thank you so much for your time, Doug!
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast
Monday Aug 08, 2022
Monday Aug 08, 2022
St. Anne country artist, Heather Wagner, joins us on this episode of Kankakee Podcast to talk about the newest version of her song, "Gone", that was just released this past Friday.
"Gone" Featuring ATG, can be found now on all streaming platforms as well as a music video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/k8FWqiGvEik
Follow Heather Wagner on Facebook and Instagram @heatherwagnermusic.
Thanks for being on the podcast, Heather!
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast
Monday Jul 25, 2022
Monday Jul 25, 2022
Merchant Street Music Fest, the biggest music festival of the year in Kankakee County, takes place this Friday and Saturday in downtown Kankakee near the train depot. I thought it would be fun to give you an overview of the local acts that are playing the fest this year. That way when you go to the fest this weekend, you’ll know what bands or artists you won’t want to miss out on.
This episode includes interview clips and songs from Musa Man, Michael Rockert, Matt Shipley of The Strips, Matt Yeager of South Side Social Club, Hayli Martenez, The Simsons, Bluprint, and 1.21 Gigawatts.
Visit merchantstreetmusicfest.com for the full line up and details.
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month:
Monday Jul 18, 2022
Monday Jul 18, 2022
I hate to burst your bubble but The Big Dipper is not a constellation of stars. I know, shocking, right? I learned SO many things while having a conversation with both Jeri LaMont and Steve Case of Olivet Nazarene University's Strickler Planetarium. Having a planetarium located in Kankakee County is a pretty cool thing. I think it is something that we as Kankakee area residents take for granted. I know I haven't been to Strickler Planetarium since I was in first grade in 1996 or 1997. As you can imagine, a lot has changed since then.
So what do you say we all get together and plan a trip there soon? Strickler is open to the public and they also host private showings as well. Start planning your trip to the Strickler Planetarium today by visiting https://strickler.olivet.edu/.
Thank you, Jeri & Steve for being on the podcast! It was an honor to meet you both.
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support Kankakee Podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
Tuesday Jul 05, 2022
Before all the grand homes were built near present day Cobb Park in Kankakee, stood the luxurious Hotel Riverview. Even though the hotel only lasted from 1887 to 1897, it's legacy has become one of the many crown jewels in our county's history. I'm delighted to once again be joined by Jack Klasey and Jorie Walters of the Kankakee County Museum to learn the story of Emory Cobb's high society vacation destination.
On a few other notes, the French Heritage Museum is celebrating it's 10th Anniversary! Be sure to join them for their Bastille Day Celebration on Saturday, July 16th from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. The French Heritage Museum is located at 165 North Indiana Avenue in downtown Kankakee.
Learn more about the Kankakee County Museum at the links below:
https://www.kankakeecountymuseum.com/
https://www.facebook.com/kankakeecountymuseum
https://www.instagram.com/kankakeecountymuseum/
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Support the podcast for as little as $1/month: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Monday Jun 27, 2022
Most likely at some point in the last twelve years, you've heard or seen the name Mattea's Joy around town. What exactly is it though? Mattea's Joy is nonprofit organization here in Kankakee County that provides care, connection, and community for families navigating the challenges of having a hospitalized child. Founder, Jamie Freedlund, joins me on this episode of Kankakee Podcast to share the special story behind Mattea's Joy and to remind us to find "Joy in the Journey". Whether that journey is a good or bad one.
Mattea's Joy Links:
Website: https://www.matteasjoy.org/
Joy In The Journey Podcast: https://pod.link/1597802527
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/matteasjoy
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/matteasjoy/
Thank you for all you do for families in Kankakee County, Jamie!
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Please support the podcast for as little as $1/month:
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Wednesday Jun 22, 2022
Did you know the coffee that's currently brewed for the professional baseball players in the Chicago Cubs Clubhouse comes from Bourbonnais? Connect Roasters right here in Bourbonnais manufactures coffee almost on a daily basis. They have also found several ways to give back to the community as well. Connect Roasters Founder, Caleb Benoit, who was born and raised in Kankakee County, joins us on this episode of Kankakee Podcast to explain the ins and outs of the coffee business.
The Wake N' Jake Dark Roast Coffee that's currently for sale on our website was made by Connect Roasters. Grab yourself a bag today for 50% off by using the coupon code wakenjake at checkout!
Shop Here: https://kankakeepodcast.com/product/wake-n-jake-premium-dark-roast-coffee/
Learn more about Connect Roasters:
Website: https://www.connectroasters.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/connectroasters
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectroasters/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/connectroasters
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectroasters
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
P.S. Become a patron and support the podcast for as little as $1/month:
Monday Jun 13, 2022
Monday Jun 13, 2022
There are four different types of hunger. I thought there was only one. That is, until I sat down with Eating Psychology Coach, Emily LaVoie. Born and raised in Kankakee, Emily has always had a passion for helping people. While you may have met Emily through the fitness world, her main focus now is helping people improve their relationship with food. It may sound silly but after listening to this episode, I think you'll be blown away by just how much psychology there is behind eating food.
Follow Emily LaVoie:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/emilylavoiecoaching
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilylavoie_eatingpsychology/
Official website:
Thank you for your time, Emily!
Much Love,
Pledge $20/month to listen or watch the extended version of this episode:
Monday Jun 06, 2022
Monday Jun 06, 2022
Since day one of starting Kankakee Podcast, I've always had the idea of having people "Guest Host" an episode every now and then. We are finally making that happen! I'm excited to welcome Kent Wade as our very first guest host. If you remember, Kent Wade, was a guest on episode three. It's one of our most popular episodes. Now, Kent is back to take over the show for one episode to explain the importance of Juneteenth and why it's a holiday every American should celebrate. He also gives us a rundown of events happening in Kankakee County the week of Juneteenth that we can attend. Wade is joined by one his closet friends and well known member of the Kankakee community, Darnell Davis Jr. a.k.a. Keep It Smooth.
View Kankakee Juneteenth Celebration Community Council Events: https://www.facebook.com/1865JCCC
Learn more about Kent Wade: https://www.facebook.com/dalibraryguy
Learn more about Keep It Smooth: https://www.facebook.com/keepitsmooth12
Much Love,
Jake LaMore
Support the podcast and become a patron: https://patron.podbean.com/kankakeepodcast
