Mokena's Front Porch Podcast

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.

Podcasting since 2022 • 70 episodes

Mokena's Front Porch Podcast

Latest Episodes

Recapping The March 19th Mokena 159 School Board Meeting - The A.I. Front Porch

THIS EPISODE WAS CREATED USING A.I. SOFTWARE AND MAY INCLUDE FACTUAL ERRORS IN THE EPISODE. PLEASE BE SURE TO VERIFY QUESTIONABLE INFORMATION YOURSELF AS WELL. With the explosion of A.I. (artificial intelligence), there are new tool...

March 21, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 68 • 19:00

Kim Huelsman - Candidate For Mokena Village Trustee

Kimberly Huelsman is a teacher at Sandburg High School in Orland Park. This is her first time running for elected office and she is running with the Mokena's Future slate.

March 17, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 67 • 46:19

Dan Gilbert - Candidate for Mokena Village Trustee

Dan Gilbert teaches in Mokena 159 schools and is a Mokena Park District Commissioner. He is running with the Friends of Mokena slate, who's website is www.friendsofmokena.comGet to know Dan Gilbert and be sure to vote BY April 1st! Earl...

March 17, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 66 • 52:09

Melissa Fedora - Candidate for Mokena Village Trustee

Melissa Fedora is the Executive Director of the Mokena Chamber of Commerce and a current Village Trustee, running for her second term. She is running with the Friends of Mokena slate, who's website is www.friendsofmokena.comYou ca...

March 17, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 65 • 1:35:35

Colleen Patrick-Lenart: Candidate for Mokena Village Trustee

Colleen is a lifelong Mokenian and a sales professional. This is Colleen's first time running for elected office. She is running for the 2 year term. Get to know Colleen Patrick-Lenart and be sure to vote on April 1st! Early...

March 08, 2025 • Season 1 • Episode 64 • 32:47

See All Episodes