Freepcast From The Free Press Media

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.