Freepcast From The Free Press Media

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.  Don't forget to rate us on iTunes! Please give us 5 STARS! We'd love it if you did!

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.