Shows
FreepCastFreepCast, Episode 71 — James Wolner, the creator of "Meanwhile in Mankato"Hey guys, we're pretty stoked about this episode. James Wolner, the mind behind a podcast enterprise called Dakota Spotlight, joins us to discuss at length the latest season of his true crime podcast empire: "Meanwhile in Mankato." In six episodes Wolner takes a deep dive on the 1965 murder of Ray Dahms at the hands of Brian Hendrickson. But it's not just a story of a murder. It's also the story of a system that failed dramatically when it let Hendrickson go free after just a few years in prison, leaving him free to commit more crimes.
2025-11-2238 minFreepCastFreepCast, Episode 70 — Sports update with The Big DogIn this episode, Free Press Managing Editor Robb Murray sits down with Sports Editor Mitch "The Big Dog" Vosburg to talk about the latest sports action, as well as Mitch's excellent recent column about the Mankato East girls soccer team.
2025-11-0718 minFreepCastFreepCast, Episode 69 — Justin Ek and Dia De Los Muertos!In this episode we sit down with Justin Ek to talk about Saturday's Dia De Los Muertos celebration.
2025-10-2420 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 68 — Say it ain't so, Joe!In this episode, we let Joe talk about his retirement after 75 years at The Free Press. Listen, kid, ol’ Joe’s been runnin’ this newsroom since ink came in buckets! They say he’s got printer’s ink in his veins — and decaf coffee in his arteries! Guy edits copy like a surgeon with a hangover. Clean, precise, and somehow, someone still ends up in traction! Back in my day, the boss didn’t need no Google Docs — he just yelled your rewrite across the room and hoped you were fast enough to duck the typewriter ribbon! Y’know, I once saw Joe tak...
2025-10-0923 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 67 — Future State, guns on campus, a new home for youth wrestlersOn this episode Managing Editor Joe Spear and Features Editor Robb Murray discuss Minnesota State University's big news, how local colleges and universities might be thinking about the threat of gun violence, and a new facility being built for youth wrestlers.
2025-10-0518 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 66 - Plays, Bloedel(s), and BIG purple ideasIn this episode we bring in Mike Lagerquist for the vacationing Joe Spear. Mike and reporter Robb discuss the slate of theatrical productions at area colleges (and a deepish dive on Pete Bloedel, his heart attack, and his son taking the helm of Theater Physics in his absence). We also get into the cool new big thing MSU announced Wednesday.
2025-09-2620 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 65 — Free speech, legal weed, jug joyIn this episode Joe Spear and Robb Murray talk about the odd disclaimer that greeted a Joe Tougas & Associates gig, the opening of Mankato's first dispensary selling recreational cannabis, and the legendary JUG — the traveling trophy between Mankato's two public high schools — heads EAST after 20 years in the west.
2025-09-1822 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 64 — Finding sanity in Mankato after Charlie Kirk, and previewing Kato Jug gameJoe and Robb reflect on the recent political assassination of Charlie Kirk while expressing the desire for a collective cooling of political temperatures.
Plus, the pair discuss new costs at the Rapidan Dam site, a daycare expansion and more.
Finally, Joe sits down with Free Press Sports Editor Mitch Vosburg as they preview the upcoming Kato Jug game.
2025-09-1140 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 63 — The Clash at College Town, and a sports update from MitchA Free Press deep dive into police incidents at the College Town apartments in Mankato, a tragic fire that claimed the lives of two children and an update on local football were among the topics discussed on the latest episode of FreepCast.
2025-09-0531 minFreepCastFreepCast, Episode 62 — A donnybrook at College Town, cop crashes car, and it's State Fair time!In this episode, Joe Spear and Robb Murray talk about a group brawl at the College Town apartment complex. They also get into the case of a St. Peter Police Department officer who ran a stop sign and smashed into a passing motorist.
2025-08-2328 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 61 — The new sports editor, AKA The Big DogOn this episode we get to know Mitch Vosburg, the new sports editor with a great back story.
2025-08-1524 minFreepCastFreepCast, Episode 60 — Sports awards, council meeting rulesIn this episode, Joe Spear and Robb Murray discuss the Athletes of the Year awards bestowed this week on area high schoolers. They also get into the new rules governing public comment at city council meetings.
2025-07-3125 minFreepCastFreepCast, Episode 59 — Checking in with the new guyFree Press Photo Editor Casey Ek and reporter Ethan Becker take the reins on the latest episode of FreepCast. Casey checks in with Ethan, who has been at the newspaper for about a month, and talks about the latest goings on at local government meetings. Plus, Model T Fords make an appearance in town.
2025-07-2313 minFreepCastFreepCast, Episode 58 — West side story, Amboy tragedy, city council safetyOn this episode hosts Joe Spear and Robb Murray talk about the construction at West High School, the tragic suicide of an Amboy firefighter, and the Mankato City Council's concerns about safety in the wake of the Melissa Hortman assassination.
2025-07-1622 minFreepCastFreepCast episode 57 — Removing the Rapidan Dam might cost how much?Joe and Casey dive into the Mankato area news of the week, including the estimated costs of removing the Rapidan Dam, fentanyl and the local justice system, a possible data center in North Mankato and other topics.
2025-07-0919 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 56 — Let's meet *another* new guyOn this episode Joe Spear introduces the newest member of The Free Press' reporting team, Ethan Becker.
2025-06-2822 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 55 — 99 problems but a King ain't one ... or something.This week FreepCast digs into the massive showing for the No Kings event that took place in Mankato last weekend. We also discuss the horrific killings of Melissa Hortman and her husband, and the social media food reviewer Tony Cu's recent stroll through Mankato's culinary offerings.
2025-06-2017 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 54 — Riot at City Hall! (Not really, but ...)In this episode of FreepCast we discuss the city's decision to add more surveillance cameras to the city's already robust collection of cameras. Also discussed: recent crimes, softball and baseball supremacy and the passing of a Glen Wasicuna (pronounced Wah-shee'-shuh-nuh).
2025-06-1415 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 52 — Meet Owen the intern!This episode of FreepCast features another new face in the newsroom, University of Minnesota student Owen McDonnell, our summer intern.
Owen hails from Little Canada, and says he visits the Minnesota State Fair several times each year. He runs the podcast desk at the Minnesota Daily, and is eager to be thrown into the fire this summer tackling everything thrown his way.
2025-06-0521 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 52 — Meet the new kid!On this episode of FreepCast, we dispense with the usual format to introduce you to the newest, freshest face in the Free Press newsroom: Leah Call.
Leah graduated form Utah State University and was born and raised in Ketchikan, Alaska, and will bring a ton of new energy to our evolving newsroom.
2025-05-2919 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 51 — Baseball and Civil War heroesOn this episode, Joe and Robb talk baseball, and a great story in the print edition this week by Edie Schmierbach about a rural Minnesota cemetery caretaker.
2025-05-2415 minFreepCastFreepCast, Episode 50 — Finger lickin' felonies and ideas for summer funRecent court cases, an appearance by an award-winning author and ways to have fun with the family this summer were among the topics discussed on the latest episode of FreepCast.
2025-05-1526 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 49 — Drug cases, ICE, MSU program cutsOn this episode we get into: a pair of court cases that grabbed headlines this week, the continuing saga plaguing international students and progam cuts at MSU.
2025-05-1021 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 48 — Things just got A LOT more expensiveIn this episode, Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporter Robb Murray discuss the latest news coming out of the Mankato city government, including an addition $1 million in overlooked costs. Also discussed: A former Mankato East hoopster transfers to the U, and a Hairball concert announcement.
2025-04-3022 minFreepCastFreepCast, Episode 47 — Lawyers, Guns & MoneyIn this episode, Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear and writer Robb Murray break down some of the biggest stories of the week, including the arrest of a man who was supposedly/allegedly/reportedly planning/contemplating/considering a mass shooting. They also talk about a game called Senior Assassins being played by area teens, and the reMARKable story by our beloved writer Mark Fischenich about a heart attack with a happy ending.
2025-04-2518 minFreepCastFreepCast, Episode 45 — With special guest Will Coghill-BehrendsThis is a special episode of FreepCast. In light of the ICE crackdown international students — including students at MSU and SCC — we brought in Will Coghill Behrends, MSU's dean of global education, who shed much-needed light on what's going with students here and across the country.
2025-04-1136 minFreepCastFreepCast, Episode 44 — An ICE invasion, and Bob Dylan is in townOn this episode we get into the recent activity at Minnesota State University involving international students and the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency. We also discuss Bob Dylan's third visit to Mankato, which happens Friday!
2025-04-0419 minFreepCastFreepCast, Episode 43 — Good news for Good CounselThere's another proposal for what to do with the scenic, storied and unique part of Mankato known as Good Counsel, and this one so far hasn't seen the resistance we saw with the last one.
Also discussed: The lack of a town hall meeting from First District Rep. Brad Finstad.
2025-03-2724 minFreepCastFreepCast, episode 42 — Murder was the caseOn this episode of FreepCast, Joe Spear and Robb Murray discuss the murder that took place at the Madison Avenue Kwik Trip.
Also discussed: Madelia and Mankato East High School basketball.
2025-03-2022 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 41 - WWII vet, gravel pit no-go, hoopsOn this episode Joe Spear and Robb Murray discuss WWII vet Dennis Boldt's amazing life and career, the public outcry that killed (at least for now) a proposed gravel pit south of town and the remarkable run of the state-tourney-bound Mankato East boys basketball team.
2025-03-1624 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 40 — A Fuzzy Farewell, hockey update and a blizzard!On this episode, Joe and Robb discuss Justin Fasnacht and the end of his FuzzTalkRadio show, the latest hockey news, the blizzard that kinda sorta crippled The Free Press and more.
2025-03-0617 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 39 — Hockey, LGBT, fentanyl caseHockey highlights, a fentanyl-related case/appeals court ruling and concerns about the well-being of the trans community are among topics discussed on our latest episode.
2025-02-2816 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 38 — The Awesomeness of Affordable HousingIn this episode Free Press Managing editor Joe Spear and reporter Robb Murray discuss some good news on the affordable housing front, teen speeders, Restaurant Week and more.
2025-02-2020 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 37— Kato developers off the hook?On this week's episode, Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear and Photo Editor Casey Ek detail reporter Mark Fischenich's recent chronicling of a slashing of fees for developers in Mankato. Plus, a new housing development may be in store for Good Counsel hill.
2025-02-1320 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 36 — A boom, a lawsuit, a breweryOn this week's episode reporters Brian Arola and Robb Murray discuss the explosion at the Blue Earth County Road 9 bridge, the wrongful death lawsuit stemming from the tragedy at Minneopa Falls, the closure of the Mankato Brewery and successful run Minnesota State's dance team had at nationals.
2025-02-0516 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 35 — Casey and Holly from the Minnesota Newspaper Association Convention!Photo Editor Casey Ek and reporter Holly Marie Moore offer a behind-the-scenes look at the convention. The pair also reflect on the stories, images and advertising efforts that earned The Free Press dozens of awards at the convention's Better Newspaper Contest.
2025-01-3117 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 34 — Walz returns to Kato, tragedy at Mt. KatoOn this week's episode of FreepCast, Joe Spear is joined by reporter Holly Marie Moore as they talk about Gov. Walz's visit to Mankato.
2025-01-2420 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 33 — Legislators MIA, local bonding bill projects and Maverick hockeyIn this episode of FreepCast Managing Editor Joe Spear and Reporter Holly Marie Moore discuss the DFL boycott of the first day of the legislative session Monday, bonding bill projects and Maverick hockey.
2025-01-1525 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 32 — Highways, Trains and Coaching LegendsIn this episode of FreepCast Joe and Robb discuss the biggest stories of the week, including tree removal on Highway 22 between Mankato and St. Peter, a proposal for passenger train service between southern Minnesota and the Twin Cities, and the final departure of legendary coach Don Krusemark.
2025-01-0825 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 31 — Shameful shootings, dastardly deer, magnificent MavericksIn this episode of FreepCast Managing Editor Joe Spear and writer Robb Murray discuss the spate of shootings in the Mankato area, North Mankato's tough stance on deer and the continued success of Maverick hockey.
2025-01-0225 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 30— Dakota riders returnIn this episode, Managing Editor Joe Spear and photographer Casey Ek talk about the return of Dakota horse riders to Mankato's downtown as well as Ek's approach to photographing in the days leading up to the event. Spear also touches on recent murders in Mankato and other topics.
2024-12-2726 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 29 – Miss MN heading to Miss America, Dakota horse rides and funding for the homelessIn this episode of FreepCast, Managing Editor Joe Spear and Photo Editor Casey Ek discuss news surrounding funding to relieve local homelessness, the two Dakota horseback rides coming to Mankato and Miss Minnesota's bid for Miss America.
2024-12-1820 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 28 — The pets & pilsners episodeIn this episode Joe and Robb chat about Mankato's continued stray pets issue. We also talk about the sad, sad, sad news of Mankato Brewery closing, and the HUGE weekend for most of the active sports teams at MSU.
2024-12-1125 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 27 — More silo news, a Minneopa tragedy, and Maverick dominanceIn this episde we take a deeper dive on what might happen to the Ardent Mills silos. We also delve into the sad story of a young man's death at Minneopa falls, and Minnesota State University's recent athletic dominance.
2024-12-0524 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 26 — The Ardent Mills sale and siloIn this episode of FreepCast Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporter Robb Murray discuss the Ardent Mills sale and what will become of the silo mural. Also, more hockey! Both the men's and women's teams at MSU had great weekends.
2024-11-2724 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 24 — Humane society, major development, mental illnessMental health coverage, a new manufacturing expansion and the local humane society troubles are featured topics in the latest episode.
2024-11-1324 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 23 — #ELECTIONS2024In the journalism world, there's not bigger night than an presidential election. Managing Editor Joe Spear and photographer Casey Ek talk about covering the races as well as other news, including layoffs at KEYC and the story of a young boy who received a heart transplant.
2024-11-0724 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 22 — Election talk with election guru Mike StalbergerOn this episode of we take a deep dive on the elections with Blue Earth County's Mike Stalberger. Also, reporters Holly Marie Moore and Brian Arola join Managing Editor Joe Spear in a discussion about partisan groups influencing the non-partisan school board race.
2024-10-3046 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 20 — We talk SPORTS with special guest Chad Courrier.In this episode of FreepCast we've got special guest Free Press Sports Editor Chad Courrier. Chad takes us behind the scenes a bit on the annual Jug Game between Mankato East and West, and the special guest that brought heightened security to the game.
2024-10-1733 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 19 — More Dam talk, new top copIn this episode we discuss the continued love affair Mankato has with the beloved Dam Store. We also talk a bit about Mankato's new director of public safety.
2024-10-1017 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 18 — Some *Dam* good news!In this episode of FreepCast we trumpet the return of the Dam Store to the site of the former Wagon Wheel restaurant in downtown Mankato.
We also discuss the felony charges filed in the case of the dog that was shot in South Bend Township back in March, the highly anticipated decision on the hiring of the new director of public safety, and the city of Mankato making affordable housing a priority.
2024-10-0221 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 17 — Ricky Necessary, Jr., former fentanyl user, talks about drug use, recoveryThis week on FreepCast, we're doing something a little different.
Reporters Brian Arola and Robb Murray sat down with Ricky Necessary, Jr., an Ohio native who has lived in Minnesota for several years. His experience, struggles and nightmares with drug use are a cautionary tale. You won't want to skip this one, folks. This interview was part of our ongoing coverage of the fentanyl crisis and its impact on southern Minnesota.
2024-09-2649 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 16 — Bier on Belgrade CANCELED! Also, Wacipi, mental health, & too many deer!
2024-09-1919 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 15 — Music Man Dale HaefnerEach semester at Minnesota State University, there are a handful of on- and off-campus concerts by world-class musicians. The man behind it all is Dale Haefner, who is currently in his 28th year of helming the MSU Performance Series.
In this episode, Dale — who also happens to be a member of a little band called City Mouse — talks about the genesis of the series, the strategies behind getting bands to come to MSU, and the lineup for the fall semester.
2024-09-1227 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 14 — Newly retired Mankato police chief AMY VOKAL!!!From undercover drug task force agent to the top job in the Mankato Department of Public Safety, Amy Vokal has seen just about everything in a career that spanned more than 30 years. On this episode she talks about her retirement, changes in the department, navigating the evolving face of Mankato, and how the job of being a police officer has changed.
2024-09-0544 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 13 — Mankato Community Collage creator JOSH MADSON!!!In this episode Robb Murray sits down with the myth, the man, the legend — Josh Madson!
Josh is the brains and creative genius behind the now-famous Mankato Community Collage. Josh talks about the project, the unique journey that landed him in Mankato and what's next for his viral, joy-inspiring creation.
2024-08-2934 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 12 - Prison talkIn the latest episode of FreepCast Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporters Brian Arola and Robb Murray discuss the heinous crime and severe sentencing in a recent domestic and sexual assault case.
The case, which Arola covered for The Free Press, concluded with a prison sentence of 48 years — longer than any recent case with similar charges.
Also discussed in this episode were the fate of the Judson Bottom Road and the deluge of comments on political stories.
2024-08-2119 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 11 — The world is watching 'Kato, election coverageIn this episode of FreepCast, Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporters Holly Marie Moore and Robb Murray discuss the continuing saga of Mankato's favorite son, Tim Walz. Also discussed: recently published and upcoming election coverage.
2024-08-1420 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 10 — The writing was on the Walz! Plus, cameras in the courtroomOn this episode of FreepCast we talk about the only thing anyone's talking about this week: the ascension of our humble coach, teacher, National Guardsman, congressman, governor and now vice presidential candidate: the affable Tim Walz.
We also get the inside scoop from photographer Casey Ek on what it's like to photograph a dramatic court hearing.
2024-08-0823 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 9 — Walz-ing his way to VP?On this episode we talk about what everyone seems to be talking about: the possibility of Tim Walz being tapped as a vice presidential candidate.
We also talk about Bernie Sanders' upcoming visit to Mankato Friday as well as the upcoming sentencing for a vehicular manslaughter case in Mankato.
2024-08-0120 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 8-The Dam, the murder, and the photographerThe latest episode of FreepCast, featuring Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear, photographer Casey Ed and writer Robb Murray, is now available.
This episode discusses the latest news including the homicide in North Mankato, the relocation of the Dam Store to the former Wagon Wheel Restaurant site, North Mankato Fun Days and more.
2024-07-2420 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 7-Meet Calli Hadler!In the latest episode of The Free Press' podcast, "FreepCast," summer intern Callie Hadler talks about being the new kid covering the biggest story to hit the region in years.
Hadler, a journalism student from the University of Minnesota, had only been part of the newsroom for a few weeks when she was told to help cover a story that wound up on the national news: the floods and the crisis at the Rapidan Dam.
Hadler, who is from Annandale, also talks with hosts Joe Spear and Robb Murray about why she chose to get...
2024-07-1820 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 6 — The Fentanyl CrisisThe latest episode of FreepCast features Managing Editor Joe Spear and reporter Brian Arola discussing the growing crisis of fentanyl use.
Fentanyl-related deaths have grown steadily the last few years, and Arola has been the reporter called upon most to cover that story.
In this episode, Spear and Arola discuss recent cases that have involved fentanyl use or sale, as well what's being done in the community to solve the problem, including the widespread use of drug Narcan, which can, in some cases, reverse the fatal effects of an opioid overdose.
They also...
2024-07-1021 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 5 — More flood! When will it end???Free Press Managing Editor Joe Spear and writer Robb Murray discuss yet another week of covering the wettest summer in years. Also covered: What's coming up for Mankato Magazine, which is now in its 20th year.
2024-07-0221 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 4 - The DamFree Press newsroom employees Tim Krohn, Brian Arola, Casey Ek and Robb Murray talk about covering the biggest story this community has seen in a while: The potential failure of the Rapidan Dam.
2024-06-2617 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 3In this week's episode, Joe and Robb discuss some of the most interesting news of the week including racist messages left on a Mankato resident's car, the soon-to-be-open Tourtelotte Park pool and the retirement of local radio guy Mike Sullivan.
2024-06-2118 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 2 — With special guest Casey EkIn this episode of FreepCast, Joe and Robb sit down with photographer Casey Ek to discuss the strategies and challenges of getting great photos from sporting events, specifically the latest softball heroics from a handful of local girls high school teams.
2024-06-1324 minFreepCastThe NEW FreepCast, Episode 1In this new iteration of the wildly popular (OK, somewhat popular) podcast from The Free Press of Mankato, Manager Editor Joe Spear and Features Editor Robb Murray introduce the podcast's new direction, and talk about some of the bigger news of the week in Mankato and the nationally.
2024-06-0722 minFreepCastEpisode 23 — TIM TUPYTwenty years ago, Tim Tupy and his wife Tammy took a chance and started a business in Mankato called Liv Salon and Spa. A few years later, they started another: Mankato Brewery. On this episode of FreepCast, Tim talks about both businesses, the craft brewery trend, running a business during a pandemic and the perils of seeing Cougars during early morning runs.
2021-12-0356 minFreepCastEpisode 22 — Dana SikkilaDana Sikkila is the director of the 410 Project, a grassroots, volunteer-run art gallery and creative space. Her name has been in the news in southern Minnesota for about a decade, mostly about shows coming up at the 410, or updates on her Project Bike trips to bike across the state gathering artworks. But on today's FreepCast, we go a little deeper with Dana to find out what motivates her.
2021-09-3049 minFreepCastEpisode 21 — JACKSON FORDEREROn March 1, The Free Published a major reporting project anchored by the brilliant photography of Jackson Forderer. The project followed the painful and tortured life of Kris Bonander, including the death of his partner, Scott Radtke. In this episode of FreepCast, we talk about the story behind the story, and how Jackson was able to get the kind of access he needed to create such wonderful photos.
2020-04-0945 minFreepCastA FreepCast UPDATE!Like everything else, FreepCast is having to deal with this stupid virus. We'll be back when everything's hunky dory again, K?
2020-03-1800 minFreepCastEpisode 20 — NATE BOOTSOn this episode of FreepCast we sit down for an hour deep conversation and MUSIC with Nate Leboutillier, AKA Nate Boots. Nate talks about his obsession with Weezer, making music with his kids and the love he has for North Mankato. Most importantly, Nate performs three gorgeous songs. You DO NOT want to miss this one, folks. Enjoy.
2020-02-251h 02FreepCastEpisode 19 — SHANE FREDERICK (Freddy Puckato!)On this episode of FreepCast we have our first return guest. Fellow editor Shane Frederick joins us to talk hockey. We dig deep into how the current Maverick men's hockey campaign is going. We also spend some time — maybe a little too much time — on a little thought experiment I came up with. We comb over all the rosters going back 20 years and come up with who we think was the best player at each jersey number. It was FUN! I knew it would be. Follow Shane on Twitter @puckato. While you're at it, follow ME on Twitter @FreePressRobb.
2020-02-181h 50FreepCastEpisode 18 — DUSTIN WILMES AND JUSTON "TON" CLINE FROM 'The Five Count'On this episode of FreepCast we bring you Dustin Wilmes and Juston "Ton" Cline, the guys from "The Five Count" radio program on KMSU. Their show, which airs 9-11 p.m. Saturdays, features an eclectic mix of music and an impressive array of guests — so many big-name and high-profile guests that you'll wonder how they manage to book all these people on their show.
In this episode, we learn a little bit about Dusty and Ton, learn all about their process and hear some war stories about their best and worst guests.
Enjoy!
2019-12-171h 12FreepCastEpisode 17 — MEGAN HOOGLANDMegan Hoogland is the owner of Mecca Tattoo in Mankato. Her work is known around the world and she was nice enough to sit down with us at FreepCast to chat about her work, the Mecca tattoo ghost and the challenges of raising a teen.
Don't forget to rate us on iTunes! Please give us 5 STARS! We'd love it if you did!
2019-11-0859 minFreepCastEpisode 16 — ANN FEEOur guest this week on FreepCast is Ann Fee, the executive director of the Arts Center of St. Peter. Ann has had a lot of creative irons in the fire over the years. Among her most visible endeavors is her partnership with musician Joe Tougas. Their band, The Frye, is a favorite among Mankato tavern-goers, and the musical project the pair teamed up for called "Hank & Rita: A Barroom Operetta" was among the most beloved and original creations to hit southern Minnesota in years. On this episode of FreepCast, Ann talks about the music, she and Joe play a...
2019-10-251h 19FreepCastEpisode 15 — COLIN SCHARF AND LAURA SCHULTZIn a first for FreepCast, we've got live music! Colin Scharf and Laura Schultz, the husband and wife team who head up Good Night Gold Dust, perform three tunes during their time on FreepCast, including a new song Laura wrote over the summer called "Wolf." They also perform "Headlights," which happens to be the FreepCast theme music, and "Waves," which is perhaps their most beloved song. We also get into their back stories and talk hockey in this hour of fantastic entertainment.
2019-10-181h 06FreepCastEpisode 13 — PETE BLOEDELYou won't find a kinder man or more beloved educator anywhere in Mankato than Pete Bloedel. The Bethany Lutheran College theater professor has been teaching for 27 years and, in that time, has created a unique theater education experience for students. He's also created one of the most anticipated theater-going experiences each fall with his "Theater Physics," which kicks off this weekend. In this episode of FreepCast, we dive into Pete's theater background, his moonlighting as magician/juggler and his music career with his band, The Divers.
2019-09-101h 06FreepCastEpisode 12 — JUSTIN "FUZZY" FASNACHTFew people in Mankato are as connected to the local music as Justin "Fuzzy" Fasnacht. A lifelong Mankato resident, he's a proud townie who is as big a Mankato booster and cheerleader as you'll find. He's also the founder of the Internet radio station Fuzztalk Radio.
Fuzzy has had some health issues recently, and in this episode of FreepCast he gets very candid about his life, his life choices, and how difficult this summer has been for him.
It's a great conversation in which we learn Fuzzy was a straight-A student at Mankato East, he...
2019-09-0457 minFreepCastA FreepCast UPDATE!Just a quick note to let you all know we haven't abandoned you — the host's voice has just been, well, on sick leave. But now we're back and ready to start FreepCast-ing again! Next week we'll be recording two episodes. First we'll sit down with Justin "Fuzzy" Fasnacht, the godfather of the local music scene. Then later, we'll have a chat with Pete Bloedel, theater guru at Bethany Lutheran College and creator of Theater Physics, one of the most inventive hours of live entertainment in this town every year.
2019-09-0102 minFreepCastEpisode 11 — PAT RYANPay Ryan is one of those people in our community who has done it all when it comes to theater and performing. He's taught, produced, written, directed -- everything, really. And he's just a great guy and even better storyteller.
On this episode of FreepCast, Pat talks about life with Parkinson's disease, overcoming alcoholism, goofing around with the governor, writing and directing plays and being a creative force in southern Minnesota.
2019-07-2258 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 10 — ISAAC KOLSTADIt's been five years since Isaac Kolstad had the bar fight that would change his life in profound ways. After that fight — which left him in a coma, and had some doctors doubting his chances of recovery — Isaac's life became an epic struggle. He had to relearn to walk and talk, and come to terms with his future being vastly different than the one he envisioned.
Today he's upbeat, continuing with chiropractic and speech therapy, and will soon have his driver's license; one more step on the journey to normalcy. He talks about it all on FreepCast, incl...
2019-07-1747 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 8 — ERIC JONESEric Jones is the leading man on the team that brings you all the great shows at the Mankato Civic Center, the new Grand Hall, and the Vetter Stone Amphitheater. Eric and FreepCast host Robb Murray go way back, all the way back to their college days at MSU. In this episode, Eric talks about growing up in Lake Crystal, playing bass in a Mankato band that almost made it, and some crazy stories of the hundreds of bands who have performed in Mankato.
2019-04-291h 02FreepCastFreepCast Episode 7 — CARI MORIARTYIf you've lived in southern Minnesota for any length of time in the last 18 years, you've probably heard the voice of Cari Moriarty coming out of your radio. You can hear her every weekday on the Big Hot Morning Show on Hot 96.7 FM, country station 101.5 FM and KXLP Classic Rock. She's fun, engaging and not afraid to speak her mind about life, her kids, her work and anything else.
2019-04-1956 minFreepCastFreepCast -- UPDATEJust a quick note to let you know we're still here, just took a few weeks off to focus on the actual work at the newspaper and magazine. Be back real soon!
2019-04-1600 minFreepCastFreepCast Episode 6 — JOE TOUGASFew people can boast of having a buffet of skills like Joe Tougas. Raconteur, writer, musician, journalist, actor — you name it, Tougas has done it. After a career working for The Reporter (Minnesota State University's student newspaper) and The Free Press, Tougas left the world of traditional media and struck out on his own. He's led a full life and collected a million stories along the way, some of which he shares on this episode of FreepCast.
2019-04-021h 27FreepCastFreepCast Episode 5 - SHANE FREDERICKWith the Mavericks on their way to the national tournament, we sit down with esteemed hockey writer from The Free Press Media, Shane Frederick. Shane is an award-winning journalist and is covering his 19th season of Maverick hockey this year. Our conversation covers the Mavericks' dramatic win on Saturday, this year's team in general, its chances in the NCAAs, the magic of Mike Hastings and top Maverick players of all time.
2019-03-251h 08FreepCastFreepCast Episode 4 — ERIK KOSKINENErik Koskinen is one of the rising stars in country music in Minnesota. Born in Colorado and raised in Michigan, he came to Minnesota a decade ago. Today he lives on a rural St. Peter farm with author Nicole Helget, and operates a recording studio in downtown Cleveland. In this episode, Koskinen discusses his early influences, playing packed-house shows at Nye's Bar, sitting in with City Mouse and the fact that he could build a house from the ground up if he had to.
2019-03-081h 12
FreepCastFreepCast Episode 3 — Mankato artist Michael CiminoMichael Cimino is as unique as his artwork. Raised in New Ulm, the muralist loves to push boundaries with his art.
In this episode of FreepCast, we delve into his background, why he came to Minnesota State University, and why he gravitated toward mural art.
2019-03-0159 minFreepCastFreepCast-Tim Lind and Shelley PierceFew radio shows in Mankato are as unique as KMSU's Shuffle Function. This episode of FreepCast is long, but it's worth to hear about:
■ the Shuffle Function origin story
■ The Legendary Stardust Cowboy
■ They Might Be Giants
■ The Beatifics
■ Pledge Drive-a-GoGo
2019-02-281h 27FreepCastFreepCast-Billy SteinerYou know him as either the frontman for City Mouse or the city council member in North Mankato. In either case, Billy Steiner is Mankato icon.
2019-02-2837 min