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!