PODCAST · news
FreepCast
by The Free Press Media
A weekly wrap-up of Mankato news.
Episodes
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FreepCast Conversations, Episode 1 — MSU student and Venezuelan Simon Isaac
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...
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FreepCast, 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…
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FreepCast, Episode 70 — Sports update with The Big Dog
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.
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FreepCast, 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.
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FreepCast 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.…
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FreepCast Episode 67 — Future State, guns on campus, a new home for youth wrestlers
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.
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FreepCast Episode 66 - Plays, Bloedel(s), and BIG purple ideas
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…
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FreepCast Episode 65 — Free speech, legal weed, jug joy
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...
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FreepCast Episode 64 — Finding sanity in Mankato after Charlie Kirk, and previewing Kato Jug game
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...
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FreepCast Episode 63 — The Clash at College Town, and a sports update from Mitch
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.
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FreepCast, 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.
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FreepCast Episode 61 — The new sports editor, AKA The Big Dog
On this episode we get to know Mitch Vosburg, the new sports editor with a great back story.
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FreepCast, Episode 60 — Sports awards, council meeting rules
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.
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FreepCast, Episode 59 — Checking in with the new guy
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...
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FreepCast, Episode 58 — West side story, Amboy tragedy, city council safety
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.
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FreepCast 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.
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FreepCast Episode 56 — Let's meet *another* new guy
On this episode Joe Spear introduces the newest member of The Free Press' reporting team, Ethan Becker.
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FreepCast 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.
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FreepCast 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).
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FreepCast 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...
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FreepCast 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.
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FreepCast Episode 51 — Baseball and Civil War heroes
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.
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FreepCast, Episode 50 — Finger lickin' felonies and ideas for summer fun
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.
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FreepCast Episode 49 — Drug cases, ICE, MSU program cuts
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.
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FreepCast Episode 48 — Things just got A LOT more expensive
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...
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FreepCast, Episode 47 — Lawyers, Guns & Money
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...
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FreepCast, Episode 45 — With special guest Will Coghill-Behrends
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.
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FreepCast, Episode 44 — An ICE invasion, and Bob Dylan is in town
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!
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FreepCast, Episode 43 — Good news for Good Counsel
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.
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FreepCast, episode 42 — Murder was the case
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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 41 - WWII vet, gravel pit no-go, hoops
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.
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The 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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 39 — Hockey, LGBT, fentanyl case
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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 38 — The Awesomeness of Affordable Housing
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.
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The 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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 36 — A boom, a lawsuit, a brewery
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.
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The 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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 34 — Walz returns to Kato, tragedy at Mt. Kato
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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 33 — Legislators MIA, local bonding bill projects and Maverick hockey
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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 32 — Highways, Trains and Coaching Legends
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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 31 — Shameful shootings, dastardly deer, magnificent Mavericks
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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 30— Dakota riders return
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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 29 – Miss MN heading to Miss America, Dakota horse rides and funding for the homeless
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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 28 — The pets & pilsners episode
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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 27 — More silo news, a Minneopa tragedy, and Maverick dominance
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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 26 — The Ardent Mills sale and silo
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.
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The NEW FreeCast, Episode 25 — John Brady and the canine kerfuffle
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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 24 — Humane society, major development, mental illness
Mental health coverage, a new manufacturing expansion and the local humane society troubles are featured topics in the latest episode.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 23 — #ELECTIONS2024
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.
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The NEW FreepCast, Episode 22 — Election talk with election guru Mike Stalberger
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.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does FreepCast have?
FreepCast currently has 98 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is FreepCast about?
A weekly wrap-up of Mankato news.
How often does FreepCast release new episodes?
FreepCast has 98 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to FreepCast?
You can listen to FreepCast on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts FreepCast?
FreepCast is created and hosted by The Free Press Media.
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