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.