Mokena's Front Porch Podcast

By: Israel Smith & Matt Galik
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  • Summary

  • Welcome to Mokena’s Front Porch – THE podcast for Mokena history and community!

    Nestled in the heart of Chicagoland, Mokena began as a small farming community that flourished after the Rock Island train line arrived in 1852. Today, with a population of over 20,000, its rich past continues to shape its future.


    Your hosts:

    🔹 Matt – A lifelong Mokenian, local historian, and author of two books on Mokena history. His blog, Matt’s Old Mokena, serves as the foundation for many of our episodes, bringing forgotten stories of the village back to life.

    🔹 Israel – A passionate storyteller who grew up hearing firsthand WWII accounts from his grandfathers. Since moving to Mokena in 2016, he has embraced its history, working through technical challenges as a first-time podcaster to bring this show to life. He’s a BIG fan of Mokena!


    Join us as we explore the people, places, and moments that make Mokena special. Visit MokenasFrontPorch.com for more stories, updates, and ways to connect. You can also find us on social media!


    Pull up a chair, get comfortable, and step back in time with us on Mokena’s Front Porch.
    © 2025 Mokena's Front Porch Podcast
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Political Science Politics & Government World
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Episodes
  • Assessor Joe Kral - Talking Tax Bills and Mokena Community

    Assessor Joe Kral - Talking Tax Bills and Mokena Community
    Feb 18 2025

    Send us a text

    Frankfort Township Assessor Joe Kral is running unopposed in the April 1, 2025, consolidated election. In this episode, we get to know Joe, explore the role of the Assessor, and break down the property tax process—from how your home is valued to paying your tax bill. We also discuss how this important position impacts homeowners and the steps you can take if you disagree with your property assessment.

    Learn more about the Frankfort Township Assessor’s Office at www.frankfortassessor.com. For all things Mokena Elections, including candidate interviews, election updates, and local event coverage, visit our website.

    For the past year we have been doing more video episodes of our podcast through our YouTube page and our new website! The videos can be found through our website, www.mokenasfrontporch.com and our YouTube Page https://www.youtube.com/@MokenasFrontPorch . Thanks for listening!

    Support the show

    Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com

    Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
    Check Out Our YouTube Channel For Some Great Videos

    Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
    Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.

    Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
    MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
    Show More Show Less
    50 mins
  • Deadra Stokes - Candidate For Lincolnway 210 School Board Episode

    Deadra Stokes - Candidate For Lincolnway 210 School Board Episode
    Feb 14 2025

    Send us a text

    Deadra Stokes and her husband, Paul, have three daughters and live in Frankfort. Along with being a member of the Lincolnway 210 High School Board, she is an attorney, the Chief Commissioner of The Police and Fire Board for the Village of Frankfort and more!
    Deadra doesn't have a challenger this election but she was still nice enough to sit down with me. Get to know her and what she brings to our High School District.
    Be sure to watch all of our candidate interviews and keep up to date on the upcoming election! Our website has a page dedicated to all things Mokena elections.
    Thanks for watching!

    #illinoispolitics #willcounty #localelections #2025MunicipalElections #localpodcast #MokenaElections2025 #MokenaVotes #MokenaPolitics #LocalElections #IllinoisElections #MokenaIllinois #SuburbanPolitics #Election2025 #YourVoteMatters #VoteMokena #MokenaCandidates #MeetTheCandidates #CandidateInterviews #LocalCandidates
    #ElectionInterviews #LocalHistoryPodcast #PodcastForChange #ElectionPodcast #highschoolboard #schoolboard
    #PoliticalPodcast #SuburbanPodcast #MokenaPodcast #MokenaCommunity #MokenaStrong #MokenaCitizens #CommunityVotes #GetInformedMokena #YourMokenaVoice #MokenaPride #MokenaNews #MokenaTogether #Lincolnway #lincolnway210
    #LocalCivicEngagement

    For the past year we have been doing more video episodes of our podcast through our YouTube page and our new website! The videos can be found through our website, www.mokenasfrontporch.com and our YouTube Page https://www.youtube.com/@MokenasFrontPorch . Thanks for listening!

    Support the show

    Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com

    Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
    Check Out Our YouTube Channel For Some Great Videos

    Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
    Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.

    Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
    MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Aaron Janik - Candidate for Lincolnway 210 School Board

    Aaron Janik - Candidate for Lincolnway 210 School Board
    Feb 12 2025

    Send us a text

    Aaron Janik is the current President of the Lincolnway 210 School Board. He lives in Mokena with his wife Molly and their three kids. He is running unopposed this election but still sat with me to talk about the school district and himself.
    Enjoy this conversation with my friend, Aaron Janik!
    Israel

    This is a production of Mokena's Front Porch. More on our website at www.mokenasfrontporch.com

    #illinoispolitics #willcounty #localelections #2025MunicipalElections #localpodcast #MokenaElections2025 #MokenaVotes #MokenaPolitics #LocalElections #IllinoisElections #MokenaIllinois #SuburbanPolitics #Election2025 #YourVoteMatters #VoteMokena #MokenaCandidates #MeetTheCandidates #CandidateInterviews #LocalCandidates
    #ElectionInterviews #LocalHistoryPodcast #PodcastForChange #ElectionPodcast #highschoolboard #schoolboard
    #PoliticalPodcast #SuburbanPodcast #MokenaPodcast #MokenaCommunity #MokenaStrong #MokenaCitizens #CommunityVotes #GetInformedMokena #YourMokenaVoice #MokenaPride #MokenaNews #MokenaTogether #Lincolnway #lincolnway210
    #LocalCivicEngagement

    For the past year we have been doing more video episodes of our podcast through our YouTube page and our new website! The videos can be found through our website, www.mokenasfrontporch.com and our YouTube Page https://www.youtube.com/@MokenasFrontPorch . Thanks for listening!

    Support the show

    Be sure to check out our website @ www.MokenasFrontPorch.com

    Follow Us On Facebook At Mokena's Front Porch
    Check Out Our YouTube Channel For Some Great Videos

    Find Matt's Blog here: Matt's Old Mokena
    Photo & Artwork Credit: Jennifer Medema & Leslie V. Moore Jr.

    Do you have a question, comment or maybe an idea for an episode, you can email us at:
    MokenasFrontPorch@gmail.com
    Show More Show Less
    41 mins

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