The Five Count

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured an exclusive interview with actor and musician Michael Damian. Michael is best known for his role as “Danny Romalotti” on the TV show The Young and the Restless. He's also known for songs like Cover of Love, Was It Nothing at All and Rock On. During the show he discussed his years as a daytime soap opera star, performing the theme song for the TV show Saved by the Bell, and his latest Christmas single Reach Out to Me This Christmas. It's available now! During the rest of the show we played leftover Christmas tunes, read a poem by Sue in Lakeville, and argued about potpourri and gluten-free cookies. We’ll be back next year! https://youtu.be/x1e_XyvFcZo?si=F16aJXZo0uiBZtaG

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with filmmaker Paul Feig. Paul is best known as the director of TV shows like Freaks and Geeks, The Office, Nurse Jackie and Arrested Development. He also directed films like Bridesmaids, Spy and Ghostbusters. His latest film The Housemaid is in theaters now!  https://youtu.be/48CtX6OgU3s?si=JNkg7-Aj5hK50di5

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count was our special “A Five Count Christmas” show for 2025! During the show we exchanged Christmas gifts, heard the story of Charlie Brown's Christmas, and received numerous updates from NORAD about the whereabouts of Santa Claus. Merry Christmas, gentle listeners!

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with actor Nathan Kress. Nathan is best known for his role as “Freddie Benson” on the TV show iCarly. He’s also appeared on TV shows like Drake & Josh, Star Wars Rebels and Pinky Malinky. His new film A Chuck E. Cheese Christmas is available now! https://youtu.be/cY1yQbIbbrY?si=SgN9r48x2tA9XRFO

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured an exclusive interview with musician Jason McMaster. Jason is best known as the founder and frontman for the band Dangerous Toys. He's also played with bands like Watchtower, Broken Teeth and Igniter. During the show he discussed the early days of Dangerous Toys, putting together Dangerous Toys' latest album Demolition, and his new band Night Terror. Night Terror's new album Return of the Witches is out now! During the rest of the show we discussed the 10-foot statue of Robocop in Detroit, mourned the retirement of pro wrestler John Cena, and paid tribute to Five Count alumnus Steve Cropper. Play it, Steve! https://youtu.be/tMWvrE5udIk?si=m82WSbzRMTOBIPJk

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we spoiled the new season of Stranger Things, Ton bought a piano from an old lady on Facebook, and we interviewed Greg Prato about his new book Alternative for the Masses: The ’90s Alt-Rock Revolution – An Oral History, Tony Russell about his new book Vintage Country: The Essential Artists and Songs, from Old-Time to Honky-Tonk, 1920–1970 and Daniel Bukszpan about his new book Iron Maiden at 50. The Five Count is well read!

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with longtime Minnesota deejay Mary Lucia. Mary is best known for her tenure with Minnesota’s 89.3 FM “The Current” from 2005-2022. She currently works for Minnesota’s “Radio K” 770 AM. Her new memoir “What Doesn’t Kill Me Makes Me Weirder and Harder to Relate To” is out now!

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we talked a lot about oatmeal, paid tribute to Five Count alumni Jellybean Johnson and Jimmy Cliff, and celebrated episode #1,111 of the show. We're number one!

Check Playlist This was a special Thanksgiving episode of The Five Count! During the show we discussed our favorite memories of the Mankato music store Ernie November, chose which sitcom characters we would pick for a five-on-five cage match, and learned turkey hunting techniques and wild turkey calls. Happy Thanksgiving!

The Five Count recently had a chance to peak with actress Lizzy Caplan. Lizzy is best known for her role as “Janis Ian” in the film Mean Girls. She also appeared in films like Hot Tub Time Machine, 127 Hours, Cloverfield, and TV shows like True Blood and Freaks & Geeks. Her latest film Now You See Me: Now You Don’t is in theaters now! https://youtu.be/uogrgIasYcA?si=TNHqQBMDsPMYmikO

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured an exclusive interview with actress Elise Freshwater-Blizzard. Elise is best known for her YouTube series Middle of Nowhere. She also created the series Only in Sheffield and Unfit for YouTube. During the show she discussed her comedic influences, her process and attention to detail when creating content for YouTube, and her recent foray into stand-up comedy. Subscribe to her channel today!During the rest of the show we argued about how handsome Dustin is, heard from a caller who loves Echoes on KMSU more than us, and explained why we only need to do our best during the first 10 minutes of the show. People usually turn it off by then, so they never hear how bad it gets in the back-half! https://youtu.be/eAtPAHO_wkA?si=c-Tpi_ftWO4zHS5l

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured an exclusive interview with WWE Superstar Ricky Saints. Ricky is WWE's NXT Champion. He's also a former NXT North American Champion, NWA World Television Champion and AEW World Tag Team Champion. During the show he discussed his transition to the WWE, working under the tutelage of wrestler Shawn Michaels and where he would like to go next in his career. See Ricky Saints on Nov. 13 when WWE NXT comes to Roy Wilkins Auditorium in St. Paul!During the rest of the show we discussed the proper way to get rid of wood ticks, received a lucrative partnership offer with Reebok, and announced The Five Count House Band's new musical team-up with Mankato's favorite musical combo MOLS. The new cassette release, featuring both bands, is available now! https://youtu.be/TaHGo82y5KE?si=6JQJJcqnrehZEykq

Check Playlist This was The Five Count's Halloween Special for 2025! During the show we played all our favorite Halloween suns, discussed what a Five Count museum would be like, and debuted a new song from The Five Count House Band called Grandma's Answering Machine. Happy Halloween! Photo by John in New Ulmhttps://youtu.be/tpR9POUhSLQ

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we paid tribute to Ace Frehley of KISS, discussed a side-business where Ton will officiate weddings on the show, and begged for money for the KMSU Pledge Drive. Thanks for your support! https://youtu.be/KsvtJ2npPiA?si=-pEPGSWHdhg909G0

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we discussed doing the dishes, got caught in a chamber of horrors, and Ton broke the news that he cut his hair off. Now he looks like Keanu Reeves! https://youtu.be/Q5z3qV5_ups?si=wzmKGy4_0-_3TFMk

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured an exclusive interview with singer and actress Lea Salonga. Lea is best known for her role as the singing voice of “Princess Jasmine” in the film Aladdin. She also provided voices for films like Mulan, My Neighbor Totoro and KPop Demon Hunters. During the show she discussed being known as a Disney princess, her memories of appearing in the film Ninja Kids as a child, and her current “Stage, Screen & Everything In Between” tour. Watch for her in your city soon!During the rest of the show we tried to decide if the death of Windows 10 means the death of The Five Count, Ton went on and on about his love for Depeche Mode and we discussed which buildings we'd like to be stuck in if we were ghosts. It's starting to get spooky around here! https://youtu.be/0QsqDQIVNMg?si=btu8FkJf8K7YjE7M

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we discussed Halloween decorations, Ton told stories about being probed by aliens, and we interviewed Twin Cities Con Founder Ben Penrod. We also gave away tickets to Twin Cities Con Nov. 7-9 at the Minneapolis Convention Center!

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with Musician Josh Hight. Josh is best known as a member of the band The Detachment Kit. He has also released music as Irons an PINES. The latest PINES release In His Wake is available now! https://youtu.be/qQ0jpEhVYRI?si=1hGvuK5nz3cI2B_y

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we talked about how cool fog machines are, discussed which tattoos we should get, and reminisced about our days at Saginaw High School. Go Trojans!

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with musician A.J. Croce. Releasing music since the early '90s, A.J. has played with people like Willie Nelson, T Bone Burnett, Leon Russell, Béla Fleck and Ry Cooder. He's also the son of Jim Croce. See A.J. on Oct. 3 with the "Croce Plays Croce: Where The Songbook Ends, The Story Begins" tour at the Pantages Theatre in Minneapolis! https://youtu.be/JhUcb35DFiw?si=e6OgM0ut2mFRmnTQ

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured an exclusive interview with musician Colin Blunstone. Colin is best known as the singer for The Zombies. He's also a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. During the show he discussed the re-release of The Zombies' Odessey and Oracle album, the new Zombies documentary Hung Up on a Dream, and his new solo album Less is More. All three are available now!During the rest of the show we discussed our favorite wallpaper, Ton continued to explain why he loves Radiohead, and we gave away tickets to see “The World of Hans Zimmer” tour. See it Sept. 27 at the Target Center in Minneapolis! https://youtu.be/JctjMqtsFsU?si=-Kfoab2mdaAUgZEV

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with musician and actress Rebecca Pidgeon. Releasing music since 1987, Rebecca has played with the likes of Billy Preston, Walter Becker and the band Ruby Blue. She's also appeared in films like State and Main, Heist and Bird Box. Her latest album Unillusion is available now! https://youtu.be/CHhRlsPLif8?si=jnP0wLFCAPa7UrAl

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we enjoyed a tall can of Liquid Death, tried to figure out why people like Radiohead, and took a trip to paradise. It was almost as good as the film Emmanuelle!

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with musician Scott McCaughey. Scott is best known as a founding member of The Baseball Project and The Minus 5. He's also played in bands like The Young Fresh Fellows and R.E.M. See Scott McCaughey with both The Baseball Project and The Minus 5 on Sept. 17 at the Fine Line in Minneapolis! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YZbearvNxRI

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we complained about the band U2, discussed the new Hellraiser video game, spoke with author Gary Graff about his new book 501 Essential Albums of the ‘80s, chatted with author Martin Popoff about his new book Guns N' Roses at 40, and talked with Lee Mendelson Film Productions' Sean Mendelson about the latest Peanuts soundtrack You're a Good Sport, Charlie Brown. Get copies of all that stuff right now!

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with musician Regina Zernay. Regina is best known as the bassist and singer for the band Detroit Diesel Power. She's also played with bands like Cowboy Mouth, Halfcocked and Cee Lo Green. Her latest solo album High Rolling is available now! https://youtu.be/NTLB18b5yUg?si=zcJsB6zOQ1MNkcy1

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured exclusive interviews with two rock legends. First we were joined by musician Mark Zonder. Mark is best known as the founder and drummer for the band Warlord. He also played in the Graham Bonnet Band and Fates Warning. During the show he discussed the legacy of Warlord, the early years of the Metal Blade Records scene, and the new Warlord album The Lost Archangel. Get your copy now!Next we were joined by Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Glenn Hughes. Glenn is best known as the former bassist and vocalist for the band Deep Purple. He also played with the likes of Black Sabbath, Gary Moore, Whitesnake, Motley Crue, and many more. During the show he discussed his friendship with Ozzy Osbourne and Tony Iommi, why he still loves touring after all these years, and his latest album Chosen. It's available now!During the rest of the show we hit the listeners with jump scares, tried to figure out what kids love The Beverly Hillbillies, and marveled at Ton's new bronzed-look. We used our farmer tan voices for the rest of the show! https://youtu.be/hs0Dutw3-Cg?si=oyHGvV7M4LWVd2C2 https://youtu.be/t-fj5sl_Rqc?si=VLIOIaPX0ESowyAA

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with actor C.J. Graham. C.J. is best known for his role as "Jason Voorhees" in the film Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives. He also appeared in the film Highway to Hell and Alice Cooper's He's Back (The Man Behind the Mask) music video. Meet C.J. at Crypticon Sept. 12-14 in Minnesota! https://youtu.be/V0sQmOr826A?si=uyCwsdvzpMWcRvYe

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured two exclusive interviews with metal frontmen! First we were joined by musician Matt “Youngy” Young. Matt is best known as the singer for the band King Parrot. King Parrot hail from Melbourne, Australia and have been making music since 2010. During the show he discussed his approach to songwriting, the band's recent tour with Pantera, and King Parrot's new album A Young Person's Guide to King Parrot. Get your copy new!Next we were joined by musician Matt Barlow. Matt is best known as the singer for the band Ashes of Ares. He also played with bands like Pyramaze and Iced Earth. During the show he discussed his time in Ashes to Ares, why it's tough for bands to tour nowadays, and Ashes of Ares' latest album New Messiah. It's available now!During the rest of the show we discussed our favorite monkey movies, planned a trip to Valleyfair, and celebrated the 20th anniversary of Green Giant! Ho, ho, ho! https://youtu.be/SJszjNAXQ98?si=gsCP_V9ytEDPAhN5 https://youtu.be/Vd4y6k9akuc?si=XCGJAvAcA3Z_dJv_

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured an exclusive interview with musician Gary Shea. Gary is best known as the founder and bassist for the band Alcatrazz. He's also a founding member of the band New England. During the show he discussed the longevity of Alcatrazz, the guitar virtuosos the band has had over the years, and the legal band he went through to retain the rights to the name Alcatrazz. A new version of the classic Alcatrazz song Island in the Sun is out now!During the rest of the show we discussed how gross banana splits are, shared our thoughts on the revival of King of the Hill, and Ton tried to choke down A&W's brand new soda Ice Cream Sundae. He almost barfed on air! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRtFSiBSIpM&pp=ygUbaXNsYW5kIGluIHRoZSBzdW4gYWxjYXRyYXp6

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with actor Zack Ward. Zack is best known for his role as "Scut Farkus" in the film A Christmas Story. He's also appeared in films like Freddy vs. Jason, Almost Famous, Transformers and Resident Evil: Apocalypse. Meet Zack Ward at Crypticon Sept. 12-14 in Minnesota! https://youtu.be/AbFP0ay5vME?si=4HC3U8zxRt_1pLkW

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured an exclusive interview with musician Kirk Windstein. Kirk is best known as the singer, guitarist and founder for the band Crowbar. He's also a founding member of the bands Kingdom of Sorrow and Down. During the show he discussed his 35 years in Crowbar, his memories of playing at Ozzfest, and the progress of recording a new album with Down. See Kirk on tour with Crowbar and Eyehategod at a venue near you!During the rest of the show we took a trip to the beach, discussed the 1992 Bikini Open, and celebrated Ton's birthday! He never lets his meat loaf! https://youtu.be/JB0Syoj5EzY?si=X2cXaB3N7EPGKpS2

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with musician Chris Stamey. Chris is best known as a founding member of the band The dB's. He's also played with musicians like Alex Chilton, Mitch Easter and Yo La Tengo. His new solo album Anything is Possible is available now!  https://youtu.be/cicXko2OZcA?si=jSB-uOXSzRo_P6cz

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we paid tribute to the numerous celebrities who died over the last few weeks, discussed the complex legacy of Hulk Hogan, and gave away tickets to Midwest All-Star Wrestling's Mankato Mayhem! See it live on Aug. 9th at the North Mankato American Legion!

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with actress Elena Wohl. Elena is best known for her role as "Sandi 'Fake Elaine' Robbins" on the TV show Seinfeld. She's also appeared on TV shows like Melrose Place, NYPD Blue and Mad About You. Her new show Middlehood is available now on Prime Video and Plex! https://youtu.be/Q1wsnLpFBsU?si=Z_ZDhe9FGXmYGHI_

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count was part one of our two-part celebration of the life of Ozzy Osbourne! During the show we shared the many the ways Ozzy impacted our lives over the years, discussed the new Superman and Predator movies, and reminisced about buying cassette tapes from local music stores when we were kids. From this day forward, we decided to create an annual "Ozzmas Celebration" every July! https://youtu.be/CSvmwGWZtSg?si=qcqHpCtAonCazFjY

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with actor Wes Brown. Wes is best known for starring in numerous films for the Hallmark Channel. He's also appeared on TV shows like True Blood, Hart of Dixie and Desperate Housewives. He's part of the new docuseries Christmas at Sea available now on the Hallmark Channel! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0vWplWd8tA&authuser=0

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we helped the listeners with their bug infestations, Ton furiously defended his love of Aerosmith, and we drank more Royal Crown Cola than anyone should ever drink. We made wind chimes out of the old 2-liter bottles!

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we discussed our favorite VHS board games, went on a Wild West adventure with Gumby, and celebrated July 12 by playing lots of Shonen Knife. Happy 712 Day! https://youtu.be/NW6jx5JDH5c?si=YClTADUIN7b16sr6

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with musician Willie Nile. Hailing from New York, Willie has been releasing albums since 1980. He's also played with artists like Bruce Springsteen, Elvis Costello and Ringo Starr. Hs new album The Great Yellow Light is available now! https://youtu.be/zicbUAsLWBU?si=AJy4hnwTBX8-H8QW

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count was broadcast from a farm! During the show we argued about corndogs made out of pancakes and sausage, discussed the career of pro wrestler Bill Goldberg, and played all our favorite songs about farm animals. Happy Independence Day!

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured an exclusive interview with musician John McEuen. John is best known as a founder and former member of the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band. He's also a member of the American Banjo Museum Hall of Fame. During the show he discussed his 50 years with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band, his longtime friendship with Steve Martin, and his latest album The Newsman. Get your copy today! During the rest of the show a listener taught us about the storied history of the Trafton Center at MSU-Mankato, Ton discussed the crush he had on his teacher Miss Fisher in 6th grade, and Dustin explained how he found his old MP3 player. The Theme from Black Belt Jones was still on it! https://youtu.be/zFfylyJVDXc?si=WvWGnE3Lat4JOz3e

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with musician Marichka. Marichka is a well-known Ukrainian-Canadian singer, folklorist and activist. She has also played with groups like Balaklava Blues and Lemon Bucket Orkestra. Her new single 4.5.0. with Daughters of Donbas is available now! https://youtu.be/Re5OjpAU10o?si=_Sq-UikfargYCEpi

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we paid tribute to Sly Stone and Brian Wilson, learned that the McDonald's “Mac Tonight” character was based on Ton, and learned all about the Burning Man festival in Le Sueur, Minn. It's at the Caribou Gun Club!

The Five Count recently had a chance to speak with musician David Starr. David is a Colorado-based blues and Americana singer/songwriter with more than 11 albums to his credit. He has also played with artists like John Oates, John McEuen and Steve Cropper. His new album Must Be Blue is available now! https://youtu.be/vCLUGm0AMlU?si=fZ-Z-ccCcjl9X0qs

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count was our 21-year anniversary celebration! During the show we discussed our various aches and pains from being old, shared our experience visiting the house we lived in together 20 years ago, and played all our favorite drinking songs. Since we're finally old enough, the show was broadcast from the bar!

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured an exclusive interview with musician Knox Chandler. Knox is best known as the former guitarist for The Psychedelic Furs. He's also played with artists like Depeche Mode, Cyndi Lauper, Siouxsie and the Banshees and R.E.M. During the show he discussed his years in the music business, his memories of working with Cyndi Lauper, and his new album/book The Sound. Get your copy now!During the rest of the show we discussed the impact the TV show Coach has had on Minnesota State University, Mankato, heard a warning from Madam Nikki about get-rich-quick schemes, and tried to decide if we should buy the house we used to live together in back in 2006. It's at 602 Park Lane in Mankato, MN if anyone is interested in going halfsies! https://youtu.be/LpSeSBoUhXo?si=7LmlniMnUU_zE6Dn

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we discussed the dangers of lossy compression, paid tribute to Rick Derringer and Kevin (the guy who ran Belle Mar Video in Le Sueur, MN) Moret, and Ed McMahon helped us decide what we want to be when we grow up. Oddly enough, we both chose public radio shock jocks!

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we accepted offers from potential interns, talked a lot about wisdom teeth, and played our favorite songs by bands of the same name. Happy Memorial Day!

Check Playlist During this episode of The Five Count we were joined by Five Count superfan Tony! Toni! Toné! We talked about guitars and motorcycles, ate some McDonald's pizza, and played all of Tony's favorite songs. It was a dream come true for us all!

Check Playlist This episode of The Five Count featured an exclusive interview with Anders “Neddo” Odden. Anders is best known as the founder and guitarist for the band Cadaver. He's also played with bands like Magenta, Celtic Frost and Ministry. During the show he discussed getting back together with the original Cadaver members, why it's hard for bands from Europe to play in the United States, and Cadaver's latest album Hymns of Misanthropy. Get your copy now!During the rest of the show we discussed our newfound success on Bandcamp, explained why we admire Shemp Howard of The Three Stooges, and played lots of Steven Seagal for your mom. Happy Mother's Day! https://youtu.be/OLltpLNKVoQ?si=xAAQElCv_ED7CLXm