<p><b>Welcome to Mokena’s Front Porch – THE podcast for Mokena history and community!</b></p><p>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.</p><p><br></p><p>Your hosts:</p><p>🔹 <b>Matt</b> – A lifelong Mokenian, local historian, and author of two books on Mokena history. His blog, <em>Matt’s Old Mokena</em>, serves as the foundation for many of our episodes, bringing forgotten stories of the village back to life.</p><p>🔹 <b>Israel</b> – 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!</p><p><br></p><p>Join us as we explore the people, places, and moments that make Mokena special. Visit
