Freepcast From The Free Press Media

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Few radio shows in Mankato are as unique as KMSU's Shuffle Function. This episode of FreepCast is long, but it's worth to hear about: ■ the Shuffle Function origin story ■ The Legendary Stardust Cowboy ■ They Might Be Giants ■ The Beatifics ■ Pledge Drive-a-GoGo

You know him as either the frontman for City Mouse or the city council member in North Mankato. In either case, Billy Steiner is Mankato icon.