With host Scott Hennen still “frolicking” through Norway, North Dakota District 27 Representative Greg Steeman wraps up his three-day guest hosting stint with a heavy-hitting finale. This episode serves as a masterclass in state governance, featuring a rare “trifecta” of North Dakota leadership: Governor Kelly Armstrong, Higher Education Commissioner Brent Sanford, and State Treasurer Thomas Beadle.
The conversation moves from the “unhinged” state of modern political discourse to the nuts and bolts of North Dakota’s financial future. Governor Armstrong calls in from the site of the new Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora to discuss responsible budgeting and the state’s “sovereign wealth.” Meanwhile, we dive into the future of the workforce with Brent Sanford, explore the transparency of the State Treasurer’s office with Thomas Beadle, and get a reality check on the global economy and precious metals from landmark expert David Fisher. It’s a mix of pragmatic policy, Bob Seger birthday tributes, and the truth about why North Dakota is preparing for the “retirement” of its oil boom.
🎧 Standout Moments & Timestamps
[00:03:20] – The “Concentration Camp” Question The crew reacts to a viral town hall clip featuring Pete Buttigieg. Greg and Kevin break down the “disheartening” rhetoric used to gin up fear, emphasizing that “no one cares how you live your life” as long as kids are left out of it.
[00:05:48] – The Presidential Physical Fitness Revival A surprising legislative win: Greg explains how North Dakota officially reinstated the Presidential Physical Fitness Test as part of a rural healthcare transformation initiative.
[00:09:15] – Higher Ed’s “External” Pivot Commissioner Brent Sanford discusses the changing of the guard at NDSU and why the state’s 11 institutions are shifting focus toward apprenticeships, internships, and filling the trades.
[00:14:15] – The Natural Gas “Pipe Dream” vs. Reality Representative Glenn Bosch clears up the confusion surrounding the $500 million pipeline appropriation, explaining why the state had to step in as a “customer” to ensure the Bakken’s natural gas isn’t trapped or flared.
[00:18:45] – Live from Medora: The TR Library Governor Kelly Armstrong joins the show from a cafe inside the nearly finished Teddy Roosevelt Presidential Library. He explains why this “one-of-one” facility will turn Western North Dakota into a four-season global destination.
[00:19:42] – Armstrong’s Budget Challenge The Governor lays out his “Responsible Budgeting” plan: a 3% to 10% cut for agencies to ensure the state doesn’t use one-time oil windfalls to fund ongoing expenses.
[00:24:45] – It’s Not a Rainy Day Fund State Treasurer Thomas Beadle clarifies the Legacy Fund once and for all. He explains why he prefers to call it the state’s “retirement fund” and details how $2.5 billion in earnings have already been used for roads and property tax relief.
[00:31:05] – UAE Exits OPEC: The Dollar’s Endgame? Landmark Capital’s David Fisher drops a bombshell on the historical shift in global trade as the United Arab Emirates prepares to leave OPEC, signaling a massive move toward “de-dollarization” and a rally in gold and silver.
[00:39:48] – The Legend of “Live Bullet” Kevin and Greg wrap the show with a tribute to Bob Seger’s 81st birthday, reminiscing about turntable albums and the iconic show at the Fargo Dome.