#164: Stories from August “Yarn Factory Listeners”

In this episode of the Kankakee Podcast, host Jake LaMore gathers with an eclectic mix of guests, including Bill Yohnka, Roland Johnson, Megan Brooks, Lori Krecioch, Pete Worth, Kenneth Anderson, Andrea, and Kim Scott, for the fifth installment of "Yarn Factory Listeners." Broadcasting from the cozy ambiance of Flanagan's Irish Pub in downtown Kankakee, these storytellers share personal anecdotes that are both gripping and heartfelt.

We kick off with Pete Worth, who recounts a wildly unexpected series of events that he and his wife Corey endured on their wedding night. Stranded outside their home in full wedding attire, unable to contact anyone, their night became a bizarre adventure that ended with them collapsing on Corey's brother’s couch, while their friends and family searched for them until dawn.

Then, we journey back to the volatile days of 1969-1970 through Roland Johnson's vivid memories of the student protests at Southern Illinois University in Carbondale. His tale of civil disobedience, clashes with authorities, and the long-lasting impact these events had on him reminds us that sometimes standing up for what you believe in requires more than just being present.

Next, Lori Krecioch shares two strikingly different experiences with CBD and THC that led to a night in the hospital. Her honest recounting serves as a humorous yet cautionary tale about understanding what you're consuming. Megan Brooks also delves into darker territories, reflecting on a chilling conversation with a man who confessed to having had an affair with a murder victim shortly before taking his own life.

Kim Scott, a third-generation librarian, brings a lighter tone with stories from her nearly 20 years in librarianship, highlighting the transformation of individuals and the enduring importance of libraries in communities. Meanwhile, Kenneth Anderson underscores the importance of overcoming life's challenges and the power of sharing our stories to help one another.

Ready to be inspired, moved, and entertained? Join us as we dive into these extraordinary stories of mishaps, protests, personal transformations, and more. Tune in and be a part of the Kankakee storytelling tradition!

As the night at Flanagan's Irish Pub proves, sometimes the best stories come from our own backyard!