FreepCast

FreepCast Episode 10 — ISAAC KOLSTAD

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.

We'll be back real soon!

Taking a break to do, like, actual Free Press Media work ... and vacation ... and screw around. Check back next week!

Episode 9 — DINAH LANGSJOEN

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.

FreepCast Episode 8 — ERIC JONES

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.

FreepCast Episode 7 — CARI MORIARTY

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.

FreepCast -- UPDATE

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!

FreepCast Episode 6 — JOE TOUGAS

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.

FreepCast Episode 5 - SHANE FREDERICK

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.

FreepCast Episode 4 — ERIK KOSKINEN

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.

FreepCast Episode 3 — Mankato artist Michael Cimino

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.