FreepCast: Recent Episodes
The Free Press Media
After a long hiatus, we're back! And we've never had a more interesting guest.
Simon Isaac was born in raised in Caracas, Venezuela. I met him over a year ago. He's a student at MSU and writes for the student newspaper, where I happen to be an advisor. On this episode, Simon talks about what it's like to grow up in a dictatorship, what it's like to watch friends get killed in a governmental crackdown, how it felt to be kidnapped — twice — because of his outspoken views on oppression and government corruption. Despite all that, Simon remains hopeful his country can get beyond the turmoil and become stable again. And one day, if that happens, he hopes to be Venezuela's president.
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.
In 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.
In this episode we sit down with Justin Ek to talk about Saturday's Dia De Los Muertos celebration.
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 take a five-word lede and turn it into a three-part series. Now that’s journalism, sweetheart. They say he’s so old-school, his spellcheck’s a Webster’s from 1912. The man still thinks AP Style stands for Always Panic. Every time he says, ‘Let’s keep it tight,’ a feature writer loses their wings.
On 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.
In 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.
In 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.
Joe 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.
A 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.
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.
On this episode we get to know Mitch Vosburg, the new sports editor with a great back story.
In 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.
Free 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.
On 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.
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.
On this episode Joe Spear introduces the newest member of The Free Press' reporting team, Ethan Becker.
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.
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).
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.
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.
On 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.
Recent 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.
On 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.
In 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.
In 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.
This 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.
On 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!
There'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.
On 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.
On 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.
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.
Hockey 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.
In 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.
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.
On 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.
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.
On 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.
In 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.
In 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.
In 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.
In 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.
In 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.
In 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.
In 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.
In 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.
John Brady, former Mankato mayor and current president of the board of directors at the Blue Earth Nicollet County Humane Society, stopped by chat about what's going on at BENCHS. A great conversation with a good dude.
Mental health coverage, a new manufacturing expansion and the local humane society troubles are featured topics in the latest episode.
In 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.
On 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.
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.
In 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.
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.
This 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.
Each 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.
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.
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.
In 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.
In 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.
On 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.
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.
The 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.
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 into journalism and the challenges her generation face in a world with seemingly unending waves of negative news.
The 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 discuss an upcoming Free Press series based on the fentanyl crisis.
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.
Free 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.
In 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.
In 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.
In 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.
The skateboard scene in Mankato goes back decades, but in no time was it more interesting — or fraught — than in the late 80s when the city enacted its skateboard ordinance. We sat down with three lifelong skateboarders to get their take on that, as well as skate culture in general, run-ins with police, and more.
Twenty 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.
Dana 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.
On 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.
Like everything else, FreepCast is having to deal with this stupid virus. We'll be back when everything's hunky dory again, K?
On 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.
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.
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!
Megan 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.
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Our 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 few tunes, we get all the details of the upcoming Rocky Horror/Bat out of Hell Pageant and Sing Along, and so much more. It was a joy to have Ann in the studio.
In 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.
When Melissa Ketchum spoke to Mankato Magazine a year ago, I thought at the time that it'd be great to have her on a venue where we could go a little deeper on who she is and how she's come to this unique point in her life. Melissa is very candid about her sobriety and her mental health, and the way she's dealt with challenges on those fronts is inspiring.
Don't forget to rate us on iTunes and Spotify and leave us some comments!
You 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.
Few 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 was a band geek, and a Lancer. We also learn he's aiming to get in shape as soon as his leg heals.
Good luck, Fuzzy.
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.
Pay 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.
It'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, including how much the community's support meant to his recovery.
Taking a break to do, like, actual Free Press Media work ... and vacation ... and screw around. Check back next week!
Dinah Langsjoen was born and raised in Mankato ... but that's probably her similarities with 'Kato folks ends. Her family was part of a peaceful religious cult, her father passed away when she was 9 months old, she's a single mother struggling to maintain her artistic drive and identity and ... she just found out she has breast cancer. Dinah has been keeping people up to date on her health via her Caring Bridge page. Check it out. You'll be glad you did.
Eric 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.
If 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.
Just 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!
Few 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.
With 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.
Erik 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.
Michael 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.
Few 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
You 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.