This One Time in Kankakee

BONUS: "Bodybuilding brought me back to life."

"This one time in Kankakee... bodybuilding brought me back to life." In this gripping bonus episode of This One Time in Kankakee, Kaelin Patterson shares the most harrowing chapter of his life. On August 28, 2008, at the intersection of Theodore and Larkin in Joliet, Kaelin was struck and run over by a drunk driver. For five minutes, his heart stopped. He was clinically dead. What followed was a "resurrection" that defied every medical prognosis. From waking up as a "John Doe" with no memory of his own name to being told he would never be "normal" again, Kaelin recounts the grueling two-year journey of relearning how to walk and breathe. He details the pivotal role of physical therapist JoJo Sayson and the moment he realized that "normal" wasn't enough—he wanted to be a champion. This episode is a masterclass in resilience, forgiveness, and the "you versus you" mindset. We conclude with a special, heartfelt dedication to the memory of Missi Prosser, a beloved member of the Fit Body U family who recently passed away, as Kaelin reflects on her legacy of transformation and love. This bonus episode is solely sponsored by the 2026 Juneteenth Jamboree. Celebrate strength and freedom on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Lisieux Pastoral Center in Kankakee. Join us for The Natural Physique Showcase, a premier, drug-tested fitness event. * Spectator Admission: $10 * Athletes: $50 initial registration / $20 additional category * Location: 381 St. Joseph Ave, Kankakee, IL * Inquiries: kaelinpatterson@gmail.com [kaelinpatterson@gmail.com] Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: Revolt Boxing Club, Noodles and Company, Stacked Nutrition, Po Boys, Maxwell & Brady Schumer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Netherton’s Bodyshop, and Jensen’s Funeral Home. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2537701/fan_mail/new] Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West [https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com] every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com [https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com] The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

"We raised over half a million dollars for an inclusive playground in less than a year."

What happens when a single viral video transforms a devastating rare medical diagnosis into a half-million-dollar community miracle? In this feature-length episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake LaMore sits down with local residents Hollie and Jesse Erickson for an incredibly raw, moving, and ultimately triumphant conversation about their youngest son, Bedford. When Bedford was just a toddler, he was diagnosed with Schwartz-Jampel Syndrome (SJS), an ultra-rare genetic condition with only about 150 documented cases in medical history. Jesse and Hollie open up about the physical and emotional realities of SJS—a condition that causes a painful, perpetual "Charley horse" across Bedford's entire body, complicating everyday routines like buckling a car seat or brushing his teeth .  But instead of retreating into the isolation of a rare diagnosis, the Ericksons chose to share their journey online. A simple TikTok video of Bedford trying to navigate a local park exploded into a global phenomenon, gaining over 5 million views . What followed can only be described as a real-life It’s a Wonderful Life moment. In less than a year, a massive wave of local and global generosity poured in, raising over $500,000 to construct a state-of-the-art, fully inclusive playground at Grace Christian Academy in Kankakee.  Key Topics Covered in This Episode: * The SJS Diagnosis: An engineer’s perspective on tracking down a medical mystery and facing a "progressive and permanent" reality.  * The Reality of Special Needs Parenting: The exhausting physical demands of SJS and the emotional toll it takes on a family.  * Going Viral for Good: How a town in the UK accidentally helped launch Bedford’s video to 5 million views.  * The Kankakee Rally: A look at the local businesses, high school friends, and elementary students who stepped up to fund the playground .  * Siblings of Special Needs Kids: The intentional ways Hollie and Jesse support their oldest son, Linkoln, ensuring he thrives alongside his brother .  * A Global Connection: How a family from Illinois is now bridging the gap for isolated SJS families in Slovakia, Lebanon, and Brazil .  About the Show: This One Time in Kankakee is a narrative storytelling podcast highlighting the unique people, places, and history of Kankakee County, Illinois. Hosted by Jake LaMore and proudly produced by the WVLI Podcast Network. Subscribe & Listen: Don't miss this unforgettable testament to the power of community, empathy, and a little boy who refuses to live small. Hit subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!  Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2537701/fan_mail/new] Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West [https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com] every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com [https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com] The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

"The courthouse burned to the ground."

This episode of This One Time in Kankakee explores a pivotal moment in local history: the October 1872 fire that destroyed the county's first permanent courthouse. Drawing on historical research by Jack Klasey of the Kankakee County Museum, the narrative reconstructs the events of a windy Friday night when a landmark limestone building was nearly lost to the flames. The episode details the challenges faced by the community before the existence of an organized fire department and highlights the urgent efforts of citizens to preserve vital public records from the burning structure. Beyond the fire itself, the story examines the subsequent arson investigation and the complex negotiations with insurance companies that followed. To learn more about the specific cause of the fire, the fate of the suspects involved, and how the courthouse was eventually restored, listen to the full narrative. This installment provides an in-depth look at the resilience of Kankakee’s early residents and the preservation of the county’s legal heritage. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2537701/fan_mail/new] Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West [https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com] every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com [https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com] The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

BONUS: "I knew a Fitness Godfather."

What makes a gym more than just a place to sweat? In this special bonus episode of This One Time in Kankakee, Kaelin Patterson shares the story of Ken Castongia—known to the "Morning Crew" at Fit Body U as the Fitness Godfather. Ken was a man living with Parkinson’s, but he refused to let his diagnosis define his spirit. Kaelin, a long-time employee of Fit Body U, recounts his friendship with Ken, the witty dry humor that kept the gym floor laughing, and the surprising family connection with Brandi Jensen that brought the story full circle. From a "small world" realization to a life-saving intervention alongside Steve Wilder, this episode explores how a simple gym routine turned into seven extra years of meaningful life for a beloved local man. It is a testament to the power of showing up for one another and the unique "Godfather" energy Ken Castongia left behind. This bonus episode is solely sponsored by the 2026 Juneteenth Jamboree. Celebrate strength, freedom, and community on Saturday, June 20, 2026, at the Lisieux Pastoral Center in Kankakee. The event features The Natural Physique Showcase, a drug-tested bodybuilding competition for all ages. * Spectator Admission: $10 * Athletes: $50 initial registration / $20 additional category * Location: 381 St. Joseph Ave, Kankakee, IL * Inquiries: kaelinpatterson@gmail.com Sponsors: Noodles and Company, Stacked Nutrition, Po Boys, Maxwell & Brady Schumer, Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices, Netherton’s Bodyshop, and Jensen’s Funeral Home. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2537701/fan_mail/new] Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West [https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com] every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com [https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com] The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.

"I was held up at gunpoint by the Pizza Bandit."

In the summer of 1997, Tom Klonowski was in his mid-twenties and just starting his journey as the owner of Pizza by Marchellonis in Bourbonnais, Illinois. It was a Friday night in August when a routine order for a pepperoni pizza turned into a life-altering encounter with a man the local press dubbed "The Pizza Bandit." In this episode of This One Time in Kankakee, host Jake LaMore sits down with Tom to recount the details of the robbery and the multi-state investigation that followed. Tom shares the vivid details that remain with him nearly thirty years later—from the specific golf polo the robber wore to the high-stakes "code words" his family used to keep watch over the shop in the weeks that followed. We also discuss: * The Investigation: Tom’s experience working with Detective Kunce and the Bourbonnais Police Department during a string of local pizza shop robberies. * The Ohio Arrest: The strange-but-true story of how the suspect was finally apprehended after trying to blend in as an employee during a robbery in another state. * Resilience & Recovery: Tom’s honest reflection on the emotional aftermath of the event and the importance of seeking help after a traumatic experience. A Note on the Research: While Tom's memory of these events is clear, the official paper trail has faded over time. Jake shares his efforts to locate the original police reports and Daily Journal articles, and why those records are no longer available in the public archives. Episode Highlights: * [03:38] – Tom’s signature intro: "This one time in Kankakee..." * [06:10] – The Friday night order that changed everything. * [14:21] – The "pizza apron" ruse and the eventual arrest in Ohio. * [29:51] – Tom’s advice on processing trauma and moving forward. Subscribe & Follow: Hear the full story of the Pizza Bandit by subscribing to This One Time in Kankakee on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite podcast app. Have a story of your own? Reach out to jake@milnermediapartners.com. Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2537701/fan_mail/new] Want more from the WVLI Podcast Network? Listen to the WVLI News Update with Rob West [https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com] every weekday morning! Get the days local news from the greater Kankakee County, IL area in 10 minutes or less.  Subscribe now on your preferred podcast platform: https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com [https://wvlinewsupdate.buzzsprout.com] The Voices You Trust, Beyond The Dial.