Jake LaMore, Converge Conference, Emerging Leaders Panel
Jake LaMore has been the host of multiple podcasts, including Bangarang Radio, Pop-Punk & Pizza, and, most recently, The Kankakee Podcast. Born and raised in Kankakee County, LaMore was interested in media since childhood, and attended the Illinois Center for Broadcasting, now called the Illinois Media School.
He started his first podcast, Bangarang Radio in 2014, and found the medium to be rewarding. However, after a few years, Jake decided to narrow his focus. Calling upon his experience as a musician, he started Pop-Punk & Pizza, a music podcast. There he was able to land interviews with members of legendary punk bands such as NOFX, Reel Big Fish, Bowling For Soup, MxPx, Motion City Soundtrack, Yellowcard, Less Than Jake, and several others.
Later, remembering his grandmother’s stories about Kankakee County, Jake launched The Kankakee Podcast. Beginning in 2021, the podcast has steadily grown and serves to document Kankakee County’s history past, present and future.
In June of 2023, Kankakee Podcast, along with Jake’s company, LaMore Media, were acquired by Pathfinder. He continues to host the podcast while serving as a Podcast Developer for Pathfinder.