🧵 Episode Description:
Celebrate 701 Day with a high-impact episode of The Steve Hallstrom Show as guest host Andrew Sletten breaks down the just-passed “Big Beautiful Bill,” a sweeping piece of legislation reshaping federal policy on education, taxation, and more. Featuring a passionate interview with national school choice advocate Corey DeAngelis, this episode dives deep into what the bill means for families, public schools, and state-level politics.
Plus:
🏛 Commentary on GOP infighting over spending
⚖ Listener calls debating fiscal responsibility
🌪️ A live insurance expert (DJ Coulter) discussing storm aftermath and how to prepare
🧠 A moving conversation with Mark Wallace from Faith Forward on faith in the workplace
All this wrapped in North Dakota pride on 701 Day, complete with free ice cream, flower bouquets, and build-your-own ND hats at Broadway Square. 🎉🍦🌾
⏱️ Highlight Moments & Timestamps:
00:00 – 03:00 | “Happy 701 Day!”
Andrew kicks off the show celebrating North Dakota’s lone area code and gives a local shout-out to 701 Day festivities in downtown Fargo.
03:00 – 22:40 | “The Big Beautiful Bill” Breakdown
Andrew walks through key provisions in the newly passed Senate bill:
-
School choice tax credits
-
Planned Parenthood defunding
-
Changes to SNAP and welfare programs
-
Expansion of 529 savings for homeschoolers
22:40 – 47:30 | 🧑🏫 Interview with Corey DeAngelis
🔥 “This is a federal school choice breakthrough!”
-
What’s in the bill for school choice advocates
-
Why Kamala Harris stayed quiet on education in 2024
-
State opt-ins and the long-term vision for education freedom
-
Federal vs. state powers in education
💥 Best quote: “All the right people are mad about it. That’s how you know it’s a win.” — Corey DeAngelis
📚 Book plug: "The Parent Revolution," endorsed by Trump himself
47:30 – 1:01:30 | ☔ Interview with DJ Coulter, Insurance Agent
DJ talks about:
-
Recent North Dakota storm damage & tornadoes
-
Why flood and sewer backup coverage is tricky
-
Claims process after total home losses
-
Tips to reduce your premium without sacrificing coverage
💡 Pro tip: “Use insurance for big stuff — self-insure the small stuff.”
1:01:30 – 1:15:00 | 🙌 Mark Wallace (Faith Forward)
Andrew welcomes Mark to preview the upcoming Faith Forward Conference (October 30–31, 2025)
Topics:
-
Bringing Christ into the marketplace
-
The power of servant leadership
-
Why “trust is the currency of life”
✍️ Speaker announcements include:
Hunter Pinke (UND Football, inspirational figure)
Karis Jorveig (Allegro Group)
Mark Deterding (Author of “Leading Jesus’ Way”)
1:15:00 – 1:19:00 | Closing thoughts: Why gender, truth, and justice matter — and how the culture is shifting in response to Christian advocacy.
Plus: A North Dakota pastor indicted for $1.6M in fraud 😬