
Kankakee Podcast
A podcast about the people and places of Kankakee County, IL.
Episodes
322 episodes
#213: James LeRoy, Glue Man Vintage, Vintage Threads, Local Music
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Drew Raiser takes us inside Glue Man Vintage, a colorful and eclectic vintage shop in Kankakee County run by James Leroy, his former coworker an...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 213
•
34:27

Stolen Car Chase, Manteno Tensions, ‘Good Trouble’ Rally Unites Kankakee, and More
On this week’s Kankakee Podcast News, guest host Andrew McBurnie brings you the top stories for Friday, July 25th, 2025. Highlights include the impactful Bike Against Violence ride through city streets, the Kankakee City Council’s appr...
•
11:09

#212: Truck'A'Junk: Stories From Kankakee’s Young Entrepreneurs
In 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. Th...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 212
•
26:51

Mall Makeover, West Nile Warning, Microburst Damage & JUMP Funding Loss
On this week’s Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor dives into Bradley’s $6.5 million plan to redevelop Northfield Square Mall, the first confirmed case of West Nile virus in Kankakee County, and major storm damage at 315 Sports Par...
•
8:02

#211: Stories From April’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 ...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 211
•
2:04:08

Johnsonville Plant Closes, SNAP Work Rules Tighten, Hawkins Park Reopens, House Fire Displaces Four, and More
On this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor breaks down the top local stories making headlines across the region. Johnsonville shocks the community with the sudden closure of its Momence plant, displacing 274 work...
•
9:18

#210: Jake LaMore Says Farewell: Reflecting on Four Years of Kankakee Podcast
In this heartfelt and reflective episode of the Kankakee Podcast, longtime host Jake LaMore sits in the guest seat for the very first time as he bids farewell to the show he founded and helped nurture into a community staple. Joined by co-hosts...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 210
•
1:38:49

Godspell at The Grove, JoJo Awinongya Wins Again, Pritzker's New Running Mate and More...
This week on Kankakee Podcast News, we begin with a behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming production of Godspell at "The Grove", directed by Matt and Andrew McBurnie—a unique father-son collaboration bringing heart and hope to th...
•
11:00

#209: Celebrating Tattoos, Pride, Inclusion, Safe Spaces in Kankakee with Bri Haug
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Katherine Henson invites us inside the vibrant and inclusive Electric Lady Lounge to celebrate Pride Month with artist, activist, and community lead...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 209
•
56:47

Friendship Fest Turns 50, Heat Buckles Roads, Stabbing in Bradley And More
This week on Kankakee Podcast News: The Bourbonnais Friendship Festival kicks off its 50th anniversary celebration with five days of rides, music, and fireworks. IDOT warns drivers about dangerous road buckling from extreme heat. A Kan...
•
8:25

#208: King Music: Four Decades of Impacting Kankakee’s Music Community
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore sits down with Randy King and Ben King of King Music, a multi-generational, family-owned music store that has become a pillar of the Kankak...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 208
•
1:19:00

Merchant Street Fest, Pride2K, and Relay For Life Headline
In this week’s Kankakee Podcast News, Drew Raisor covers a packed week of local stories: Merchant Street MusicFest announces a star-studded lineup with Warren G and more; Pride2K fills The Majestic with Y2K vibes and community spirit; ...
•
8:18

#207: Stories From June's Yarn Factory Listeners
In this heartfelt episode of the Kankakee Podcast, we're back for a night of powerful storytelling recorded live at The Venue Lounge in Downtown Kankakee. It's the June 2025 edition of Yarn Factory Listeners, where community members gather to s...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 207
•
1:19:55

Water Warnings, Big Fundraisers & Local Impact
This week on Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor brings you updates on the ongoing water advisory affecting Aqua Illinois customers in Kankakee County, a $218,000 boost for mental health from Riverside’s Pro-Am, and community highl...
•
8:30

#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...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 206
•
1:07:12

Johnsonville Layoffs Hit Momence, School Bus Seat Belt Law Passes, 315 Fest Rocks Bradley & More
In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor breaks down the top headlines for Friday, June 5, 2025—sponsored by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center. Stories include the passage of Illinois' new school bus ...
•
9:26

#205: Kankakee River State Park: Preserving Nature and History
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore is joined by local historian Jack Klasey to take a deep dive into the fascinating history of Kankakee River State Park
•
Season 1
•
Episode 205
•
56:44

Veteran Tributes, Workplace Wellness, Assault Investigation & Youth Sports Wins
On this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, we honor 137 veterans during a moving Memorial Day ceremony at the courthouse and spotlight Riverside Healthcare’s fourth consecutive Platinum Bell Seal for workplace me...
•
11:46

BONUS: Inside the B. Harley Bradley House: A Frank Lloyd Wright Tour with Director Bob Bohlmann
In this special bonus episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore takes listeners on an exclusive tour of the B. Harley Bradley House—Kankakee’s own Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece—guided by Executive ...
•
Season 1
•
1:02:00

#204: Dr. Neal Woodruff on Music, Mentorship, Community, and Culture
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Drew Raisor sits down with Dr. Neil Woodruff, the dynamic dean of the School of Music at Olivet Nazarene University. Together, they dive...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 204
•
27:06

Electric Rates to Spike June 1, Local Teen Opens Record Store, Sugar Island Bridge Replacement Planned, and More
In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor brings the top stories from the Kankakee area, proudly sponsored by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center. Coverage includes the Aroma Park dredging proje...
•
11:33

#203: Jamie Hawkins on Leading Grant Park and Building Community Traditions
In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore welcomes back Jamie Hawkins, the first female mayor of Grant Park and the show’s milestone 100th guest. Since her last appearance, life has ch...
•
Season 1
•
Episode 203
•
48:42

Bradley Opens 315 Sports Park, Saint Mary’s Ends OB/GYN Services, Rhubarb Festival Returns and more
In this week’s episode of Kankakee Podcast News, host Drew Raisor brings you the top stories shaping our community, proudly sponsored by Stefari Coffeehouse and the Alkebulan History Center. We’re covering the opening success of Bradle...
•
11:42
