Archives: Episodes

In this candid and quirky episode of What’s On Your Mind (WOYM), Scott Hennen and Kevin Flynn take listeners on a ride through local governance, military tech, and even a little gender controversy—all with listener calls and plenty of spirited back-and-forth.

You’ll hear an engaging chat with Fargo City Auditor Steve Sprague about misunderstood budget myths and the truth behind utility fees. Plus, the team dives into shifting defense priorities, Ukrainian battlefield drone innovations, and a wild VBS story that sparked a bigger convo about culture in small-town churches.

Oh, and yes—Scott finally tells the story of how watching Scotty grow led to a career in radio. 🎧

🕒 STANDOUT MOMENTS & TIMESTAMPS:

[00:03:00] Listener Feedback Goldmine
A correction to a fishing license claim opens the door to a spirited “follow-up frenzy” from listeners.

[00:12:00] Military Musings & the Golden Dome
Scott breaks down “counter-drone” strategies and how the military is evolving with unmanned threats.

[00:24:45] Ukrainian Drone Hack – MacGyver Style
A listener call leads to a mind-blowing revelation: Ukrainians are wiring drones with tethered string control. Genius or desperate? Maybe both.

[00:38:00] Fargo's Budget Talk with Steve Sprague
Sprague dispels myths about his job title, dishes on Fargo’s utility billing system, and reveals how the city smartly reuses wastewater. Budget geeks, rejoice.

[01:10:00] Small Town, Big VBS Controversy
A caller describes a local Bible school incident where a bearded man dressed as a woman led activities for children—triggering a broader conversation about parental involvement and church standards.

[01:24:30] Hometown Pride, Question of the Day
Where are you really from? Listeners weigh in—from Fargo to Little Falls to the North Side of Minneapolis.

[01:32:00] The Epstein File Theory Exchange
A fascinating chessboard theory about Trump letting Democrats release the Epstein files to expose themselves. Buckle up, black helicopter crowd.

In this high-energy, often hilarious midweek edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, Kevin and Alex breeze through hot topics with their trademark banter. From robot umpires at the All-Star Game to a fiery interview with Senator John Kennedy on federal spending cuts (and some truly bizarre examples of waste), it’s a full-bodied brew of headlines, weather, sports, and sarcasm.

Plus, it’s World Snake Day, so naturally there’s a tangent on pythons in Florida, bird poop-powered weeds, and mulberry fruit drama. Don Kinsler joins live from the Red River Valley Garden Tour, dropping floral wisdom and tomato-growing tips. And of course, there’s weather and markets, with Brien Krank giving an upbeat look at economic health—and gold's skyrocketing moment.

🚀 Smart, fast, and just a little spicy—this is what your summer mornings were missing.

🎧 Standout Moments (Timestamps):

• [3:28] – 🎤 Senator Kennedy Unfiltered: “We’re bribing senators to vote on a bill to stop spending on porn?!”

• [10:20] – ⚾ Robot Umpires Make MLB All-Star Game Debut – The team debates whether baseball’s future includes Roombas behind home plate.

• [20:50] – ☀️ Weather Breakdown by Deano: Sunny spells, cruise nights, and whether smoke will crash the weekend.

• [29:10] – 💸 Kennedy’s "Chumptown" Rant: Bribes, foreign aid, and pork-barrel politics—classic Kennedy fire.

• [38:44] – 🌱 Kinsler’s Garden Tips: Deadheading geraniums and why your tomatoes might ghost you.

• [57:10] – 🏀 Sports Recap: All-Star basketball dunk count, Timberwolves Summer League streak, and RedHawks' doubleheader win.

• [1:04:20] – 📈 Market Check with Brien Krank: Gold soars, interest rates explained, and why the economy’s feeling strong despite the headlines.

• [1:15:27] – 🍔 Mayo Wars + Weirdville Headlines: Mayonnaise sizes in Sweden and deep thoughts on burger toppings.

• [1:28:00] – 🎣 Dumper Dan’s Fishing Plug: The most enthusiastic ad for Sheboygan salmon ever broadcast.

On this emotionally rich Tuesday edition of What's On Your Mind, Scott Hennen and Kevin Flynn reflect on the legacy of Dr. Tom Strinden — UND alum, hockey dad, servant leader, and cherished North Dakotan. They share heartfelt stories, explore the meaning of end-of-life visits, and pay tribute to a life that truly "left the woodpile higher."

Then, things heat up (literally) as the crew dives into the smoke blanketing the state. Congressman Ryan Zinke joins to talk fire mismanagement in Canada, "smoke tariffs," and the frustrating politics of forest policy. Plus, Senator Scott Meyer brings us updates from Grand Sky’s drone innovation frontier.

And yes — it's National Be a Dork Day, so buckle up for some MJ debates, whale trivia, and dorky texts from listeners. Only on WOYM.

🕒 Timestamps & Standout Moments:

• [0:00–4:41] — "F Cancer"
  A raw and powerful tribute to Dr. Tom Strinden, his faith, his family, and his courageous battle with glioblastoma.

• [5:04–6:20] — Bumper Music Backlash
  Listener mail sparks a spicy Michael Jackson morality debate. Should we separate the art from the artist?

• [7:11–11:21] — Garage Talk & The Art of Play-by-Play
  Legendary broadcaster Larry Knutson joins to talk 50 years of Moorhead Spuds play-by-play — and a hilarious garage party with Joel Heitkamp.

• [13:17–14:46] — Friday Night Lights, Moorhead Edition
  Football moves up a class. Can the Spuds hang with the big boys?

• [15:49–17:50] — Drones, War Games & Grand Sky’s Future
  A preview of Grand Sky’s military drone logistics demo: "Project Ultra."

• [20:39–21:17] — National Be a Dork Day
  Who’s the biggest dork? Scott, Kevin, or... Dean Wysocki?

• [22:53–24:58] — Prayer & Perspective: A Moment for Texas Families
  A touching Divine Mercy reflection for families grieving lost children.

• [30:13–31:44] — Can I Still Like Michael Jackson?
  The debate continues — and veers into Epstein territory.

• [34:00–38:20] — Alan Dershowitz Speaks: What’s Being Hidden About Epstein?
  Sean Spicer interviews Dershowitz on suppressed documents and false accusers.

• [49:00–51:30] — Bakken Rocks Cookfest Preview
  Reva Kautz shares what’s cooking Thursday in Alexander, ND.

• [51:31–54:56] — Zinke on Fire (Literally)
  Congressman Ryan Zinke says it’s time to manage forests like we mean it. Yes, he brought hip waders to DC.

• [1:14:20–1:20:54] — A Grand Send-Off
  Thomas Beadle remembers his uncle Tom Strinden with humor, grace, and goosebumps. A must-listen.

It’s July 15th on the Need to Know Morning Show with Kevin and Alex — and things get smoky, spicy, and downright suspicious. From wildfires and weather to wild conspiracies, this episode is packed tighter than a North Dakota thundercloud. 🐎💨🔥

🕒 Standout Moments (with Timestamps):

• 0:00 – 🎉 Birthday shoutouts + Orange Chicken Day!

• 1:16 – ☁️ Deano’s detailed weather forecast & smoke situation

• 6:13 – 📬 Kendall Qualls surprise email & political speculation

• 7:11 – 🔥 Deep dive into the Epstein list, mutual destruction theory

• 15:07 – 🇨🇦 Canadian wildfires: why aren't they accepting help?

• 22:22 – 🕊️ Tribute to Dr. Tom Strinden

• 25:22 – 🖊️ Auto-Pen Scandal Explodes: Gutfeld, Hannity, and the team break it down

• 33:03 – 🧑‍⚖️ Emily Campagno explains why oral orders & stamped sigs don’t hold up

• 41:52 – 🚜 Bridgette Readel’s ag update: leafy spurge, RF-DASH training, pesticide disposal

• 46:06 – ⚾️ Home Run Derby recap — catcher Kyle Raleigh makes history

• 48:01 – 🏀 Timberwolves summer league + NBA rookies to watch

• 54:14 – 👟 Red Wing Boots shoutout + WNBA fight buzz

• 58:00 – 🐴 “Love Horses Day” memories + Kevin’s polo past

• 1:04:03 – ☕ Moxie Java Coffee gets heartfelt praise (and sniff tests)

• 1:24:00 – 🦈 Shark tooth gifts, Florida weirdness, and one fiery Florida rant

• 1:28:00 – 👁️ Government surveillance: Jason Chaffetz & Kane get real

• 1:33:37 – 🗳️ Clinton, Epstein, and spicy listener texts

🎯 Episode Overview:
On this laid-back but informative Monday episode, Steve reflects on the joys of summer, shares a personal triumph on the golf course (spoiler: 78 at Fargo Country Club!), and unpacks a whirlwind of headlines from local standoffs to global Bitcoin spikes. Steve mixes personal storytelling, market updates, and political commentary in his signature “neighbor-next-door” style—with humor, humility, and just the right dash of Minnesota pride.

✨ Highlights & Timestamps:

⛳ 0:43 – Steve Shoots 78
Steve kicks things off with a personal milestone—shooting a 78 at the Fargo Country Club, a course that’s long been his nemesis. After a 10-mile run, no less! Humble brag? Maybe. But you’ll be smiling along with him.

“I don’t usually share stuff like this, but it just felt so darn good... I had to tell somebody.”

📈 4:50 – The 4 O’Clock Wrap: Weather, Markets & Bitcoin Mania

• Weather recap: Average July 14th high is 82°F, low 60°F

• Markets:

  • Dow: +88

  • S&P: +8

  • Nasdaq: +54

  • Bitcoin hits $120,000+ (💥 $1.3B in short positions liquidated)

• Gas prices:

  • National: $3.15

  • ND: $2.90

  • SD: $2.99

  • MN: $3.04

🚓 7:24 – Wild Police Standoff in Moorhead
A bizarre scene unfolds after a car chase and home invasion. The suspect (reportedly known from a prior bomb scare) jumps into a home with a woman and child. No weapons were found, but tension was high.

👮 9:02 – Honoring Officer Jake Wallin
Fargo PD holds a memorial for Officer Wallin, tragically killed two years ago during a traffic stop ambush. A somber moment, with moving words from Chief Zibolski.

🏛️ 11:18 – Canadian Wildfire Smoke: What Can We Do?
Sen. Kevin Cramer expresses uncertainty about U.S. options to mitigate drifting smoke from Canadian wildfires. “Maybe there’s nothing we can do,” he admits.

📱 11:59 – Minnesota’s Mental Health Warning Law
Starting summer 2026, Minnesotans will see warning pop-ups on social media platforms warning of potential mental health hazards—first law of its kind in the U.S.

🗳️ 12:59 – Gallup Poll: Immigration Views Shift
Americans are now more positive about immigration:

• Support for reducing immigration fell from 55% → 30%

• Support for increasing immigration rose from 16% → 26%

📬 13:42 – USPS Stamp Prices Up Again
First-Class Forever stamps now cost $0.78, up from $0.73. USPS says it’s part of a long-term financial recovery plan. Still, that’s a 60% hike in a decade.

🏡 14:15 – Real Estate Trends: Prices Dropping in Big Cities
Home price declines are now seen in nearly 1/3 of the top 100 U.S. markets, with renting becoming far more affordable than buying in many places.

🎤 15:11 – Lauren Daigle Packs the Fair
The Red River Valley Fair ends with a bang. Christian artist Lauren Daigle draws a sell-out crowd. Evangelist Nick Hall also spoke. “Beautiful evening, packed house,” Steve says.

💰 15:23 – Inflation Watch: Big Week Ahead
Upcoming reports this week:

• Tuesday: Consumer Price Index (CPI)

• Wednesday: Producer Price Index (PPI)

• Thursday: Retail sales

• Friday: Consumer sentiment
  Will Trump-era tariffs trigger inflation? The data might finally show it.

🏞️ 18:35 – West Fargo Park District: Balanced Budget!
A rare feat—WF Park District announces a balanced 2026 budget without raising taxes. Steve praises their fiscal responsibility but says, “We can still do better.”

🏙️ 34:20 – Minneapolis: Doubling Down on Taxing the Rich
City Council unanimously votes to explore new taxes on wealthy residents. Steve dives into the politics, the problems, and how Minneapolis could be driving people (and money) away.

🕊️ 52:00 – Remembering Dr. Tom Strinden
In a touching tribute, Steve mourns the loss of a local giant—Dr. Tom Strinden, 63, a beloved eye surgeon and pillar of the UND hockey community.

“The world needs more Tom Strindens than we have right now.”

🕵️ 1:05:00 – Epstein Files: Where Are the Answers?
Steve questions the DOJ's sudden reversal on releasing Epstein client files.
Charlie Kirk and even Dan Bongino express concern.

“This isn't about gossip. It's about justice—for the children.”

In this lively and opinion-packed Monday morning edition, Kevin and Alex reunite after a brief break to dish out sizzling takes on the week’s news, weather, politics, sports, and yes—grape beer. From wildfire smoke and child labor in cannabis farms, to Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill,” and an unexpected culinary celebration of National Cheese Day, the conversation is as smoky as the North Dakota air.

Also featuring updates on the Red River Valley Fair, Twins baseball, and a heated text thread that goes off the rails faster than a tractor in a thunderstorm.

Expect snark, sarcasm, heartfelt moments, and a whole lot of “wait, what did they just say?”

🔥 Standout Moments (Timestamps):

• [0:25] — The Band's Back Together: Kev & Alex kick off post-weekend vibes with a fair recap and Kane Brown shoutout.

• [1:49] — Smoke Show: Wildfire haze shuts down outdoor plans—“smoked in” becomes the new “snowed in.”

• [3:10] — Netflix Pick: “Waterfront” gets the Animal Kingdom seal of approval.

• [4:11] — Guests & TiVo Preview: Speaker Mike Johnson headlines a heavy-hitter political lineup.

• [5:27] — Border Breakdown: Unfiltered takes on immigration, migrant labor, and federal policy.

• [7:55] — How to Reach the Show: All the ways to contact the NTK team (including a voicemail line straight outta 1776).

• [9:02] — A Fiery Text Thread: Listener text spirals into a “90 Lies in 90 Minutes” rant.

• [14:31] — Weather Check: The most detailed small-town weather report you didn’t ask for but totally needed.

• [16:04] — Bridge Fight?! Yep—someone’s getting wild on I-94 again.

• [27:07] — The Epstein List Mystery: “Why hasn’t Trump released it yet?” sparks debate.

• [40:26] — Crop Talk with Bridgette Readel: From soybeans to flax, and where the grain's really going.

• [50:15] — Goodbye, Readers: Someone tosses their reading glasses after LASIK—cheers to Begin Strinden Vision.

• [1:02:29] — Maxwell’s Food Talk: Homemade lava cake, fresh ahi tuna, and martinis? Yes please.

• [1:17:09] — Reality Show Pitch: “Socialists Survive Socialism” — we’d watch that.

• [1:29:00] — Smoked Lobster & Cheese: The NTK kitchen goes gourmet. Sorta.

• [1:33:08] — Stephen Miller Segment: Heavy politics with a dramatic flair.

• [1:37:11] — Military Cheers & Grape Beer: Wrapping up with fizz and a salute.

Scott Hennen returns to the mic with a loaded edition of What's On Your Mind, blending tech innovation, national politics, smoky frustrations, and a healthy helping of North Dakota pride.

He kicks off reflecting on his recent solo-hosting stint, explains what really happened with co-host Kevin's mysterious "disappearance," and launches into a vibrant lineup of guest interviews and political insights.

Highlights include:

• A deep dive into North Dakota’s role as the epicenter of ag tech innovation, featuring Senator Terry Wanzek and Grand Farm visionary Greg Tehven.

• A grassroots-level explanation of how Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) are transforming local businesses like Hot Spring Spas & Pool Tables 2.

• A fiery chat with Senator Kevin Cramer about the "One Big Beautiful Bill" (OBB), wildfire frustrations with Canada, and concert reflections from the record-breaking Lauren Daigle show.

• A practical, plain-English tax breakdown from Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, who outlines how OBB provisions could affect your paycheck, farm, and local economy.

⏱️ Standout Timestamps & Segments:

0:00 – 1:43
🔧 The Disappearing Co-Host Mystery
Scott explains why Kevin went MIA—and why listeners thought he was fired!

1:43 – 4:39
🎪 From DJ U-Hauls to Drone Tech
Transitioning from old-school radio stories to today’s jam-packed agenda.

4:39 – 11:57
🛩️ Grand Sky Preview & Drone Tech Boom
Guests Greg Tehven & Senator Terry Wanzek talk agriculture, AI, and North Dakota’s tech transformation.

11:57 – 20:09
🚀 Is ND the Silicon Valley of Ag?
John Deere CTO thinks so—and Senator Wanzek breaks down the ROI of North Dakota’s ag-tech investments.

24:58 – 30:40
🎤 Lauren Daigle Concert Recap
Biggest show in Red River Valley Fair history! But why the 45-minute wait? And what's with celebrity rider requests?

30:41 – 36:12
🇨🇦 Canada’s Smoke Show & US Forest Mismanagement
Scott vents about summer smoke ruining weekends—and asks for a “smoke tariff.”

36:12 – 42:21
🧾 Inside the One Big Beautiful Bill (OBB)
Senator Kevin Cramer defends the legislation, explaining funding for ISR, Iron Dome, and the nuclear triad.

43:53 – 51:04
💰 What the OBB Really Pays For (That No One Talks About)
Details on Golden Dome, space tech, and massive defense spending coming to North Dakota.

51:04 – 56:43
🔫 Suppressor Tax Win & Second Amendment Chat
Caller Mark celebrates the $0 suppressor tax—but says we must repeal the NFA.

58:13 – 1:03:05
🛁 ESOP Spotlight: Hot Spring Spas & Pool Tables 2
Meet the newest North Dakota company going ESOP. Owners Vince & Jeremy share how employee ownership transforms business.

1:03:05 – 1:16:00
❄️ Cold Plunges, Saunas & Wellness at Work
Wellness + wealth = win-win. Plus, learn what a “wow moment” means for an ESOP employee.

1:16:00 – 1:35:12
🏛️ Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak Breaks Down OBB for Real People
Family tax credits, overtime and tips tax-free, R&D investment boosts—and why you will notice this bill in your paycheck.

🎧 Podcast Summary:
In this jam-packed Friday edition of The Steve Hallstrom Show, Steve covers everything from hazy skies to booming beef prices. Kicking things off with jokes about mistakenly calling his own show the wrong name (oops!), Steve dives into Fargo’s smoky air alert, the surprising U.S. budget surplus, and an emotional $10K grocery giveaway recap.

Special guest Julie Ellingson of the North Dakota Stockman’s Association joins to unpack what new federal policy means for ranchers—and how a parasite threat at the southern border could impact the cattle industry. Plus, wild stories of tornado debris flying over 40 miles, Minneapolis meltdown rants, and listeners weigh in: is downtown Fargo safe?

It’s fast-paced, smart, heartfelt radio that’s part news, part opinion, and all Steve. 👊

🕒 Key Moments & Timestamps:

• [0:00] – Cold Open: Air quality alert is that bad… but hey, ND’s measles outbreak is over, and the U.S. has a June surplus?!

• [1:10] – Morning Show Crossover: Steve reflects on subbing for “Need to Know” and laughs about mixing up show names on-air.

• [3:00] – Previewing the Hour: Stockman’s Association, budget wins, smoke from Canada, and wild tornado stories ahead.

• [6:56] – Market Minute: Dow, S&P, NASDAQ dip slightly, but Bitcoin hits a record high ($118k!). Gold and silver also surge 📈

• [10:23] – “Canada, Get Your Crap Together”: Steve rants about Canadian wildfire smoke wrecking summer weekends.

• [11:12] – Measles Outbreak Ends: 35 total cases; health department says the recent one won’t spark resurgence.

• [12:40] – Farewell to Melissa Sobolik: After 18 years with Great Plains Food Bank, she’s heading to Rhode Island.

• [13:45] – New Minnesota Flag Rejected: Several counties opt to keep the old one—“Looks like it’s from the Middle East,” Steve quips.

• [14:15] – Foreign-Owned U.S. Land: China owns 277K+ acres. Steve: “That’s a national security concern.”

• [16:04] – Tragic Texas Camp Flood: Despite passing all inspections, 120+ dead at girls’ camp. Gut-punch of a story.

• [16:45] – Budget Surprise!: June saw a $27B surplus due to tariffs. Steve: “CNBC hated writing this story.”

• [19:10] – Heartwarming Plug: Listener calls in to promote $5 brat fundraiser for Golden Drive Homeless Kids ❤️

• [22:53] – Grocery Giveaway Recap: West Fargo family of six (and one on the way) wins $10K in groceries!

• [26:58] – Julie Ellingson Interview Begins: Hot beef prices, death tax relief, parasite border threats, and national cattle policy wins.

• [33:30] – Screw Worm Crisis: Southern border cattle shut down again. Julie: “We must keep it out of the U.S.”

• [38:53] – Call-In Hour Begins: Listeners debate downtown Fargo safety. “It’s not dangerous, just awkward.”

• [44:34] – Record Tornado Debris: Personal mail travels 40+ miles from Enderlin tornado—goosebumps story.

• [48:36] – More Listener Downtown Takes: Steve weighs whether perception of danger downtown outpaces reality.

• [52:30] – Scott Hennen Surprise Visit: Pops in live to share thoughts on downtown crime vs West Acres comparison.

• [56:30] – Tornado Memories Flood In: Listeners call in with stories of storm debris and Rapid City floods.

• [1:01:38] – Tim from the Road Weighs In: Downtown vs suburb safety debate continues as hour winds down.

This Friday’s episode brings everything from belly laughs to tear-jerking moments. Host Scott Hennen goes off-script with a freewheeling, listener-powered first hour that includes everything from giveaways and grocery prices to deep dives into faith, politics, school choice, and even conspiracy theories around gold reserves and Fort Knox.

With guests like Nick Hall—a Grand Forks kid turned international evangelist—and listener stories that hit home, this one’s a rollercoaster of passion, politics, and popcorn-worthy radio. Stick around for the stunning story of a tearful $10,000 grocery giveaway winner... and find out why one caller says not winning made him a bigger winner.

🔥 Standout Moments + Timestamps:

00:00 – "The Coolest Radio Prize Ever"

Scott recounts his radio journey and the recent $10,000 grocery giveaway that had a mom in tears—a rare, heartfelt moment in radio.

“Short of a house giveaway… this is the coolest prize ever.”

06:30 – "Free-for-All Friday" Begins

Scott opens the phones for anything-goes conversation. One highlight: a heartfelt call from Linda about morality, faith, and abortion in church teachings.

“If they're doing their job right, it'll be easier to pick the candidate.”

13:00 – “The Church and Politics: A Powder Keg”

A gripping back-and-forth on whether churches should endorse political candidates. Heated yet respectful.

“It should be up to the church—not the IRS.”

20:00 – “Meet Steve: Grocery Giveaway Winner”

Scott interviews Steve Pollard, a father of four whose surrogate-pregnant wife almost missed the event… because her due date was the very next day.

“Never seen a radio winner cry. His wife did.”

26:30 – “Crypto, Fort Knox & Trump Promises”

A caller drops a left-field question: “Is there any gold in Fort Knox?” Which spirals into reflections on Trump’s credibility.

“Even MAGA folks are going south.”

31:00 – “One Year Later: The Trump Assassination Attempt”

Callers reflect on the Butler, PA rally, marking the one-year anniversary of the near-miss attempt on Trump’s life.

“If Trump’s not anointed, I don’t know who is.”

38:00 – “Smoke from Canada & Charlie Kirk's Growing Pains”

Wildfires are making summer miserable. Scott critiques Charlie Kirk lovingly, comparing him to Rush Limbaugh.

“You can tell he’s not 40 yet.”

46:00 – “Rush Limbaugh Stories & Secret Service Praise”

Scott and callers swap rare stories of meeting Rush and question why we haven’t learned more about the Secret Service hero who took out Trump’s would-be assassin.

“We don’t even know the shooter’s name.”

54:00 – “Nick Hall Joins – The Billy Graham of Gen Z”

A powerful segment with Nick Hall, founder of Pulse, a youth-focused global faith movement. They preview Sunday’s mega-faith/music event at the Red River Valley Fair with Lauren Daigle & Josiah Queen.

“We’re not angry—we’re joyful. Come for the music, leave with hope.”

1:12:00 – “Inside the One Big Beautiful Bill: School Choice Edition”

Scott interviews Paul Fisher (Capstone Academy) and Andrew Nyhus (American Federation for Children) to break down what the federal government is actually doing about school choice.

“Freedom is more important than money.”

🎶 Featured Guests:

• Nick Hall (Pulse Ministries): A millennial evangelist with global reach

• Paul Fisher (Capstone Classical Academy): Advocating classical education + freedom from state funds

• Andrew Nyhus (American Federation for Children): School choice champion

• Multiple callers, including: Linda, Crystal, Darren, Dan, Grant, and Brad (Rush Limbaugh fan with Maybach memories)

In this heartfelt, high-energy episode of Need-to-Know Morning Show, Steve Hallstrom (flying solo while Kevin and Alex are off) leads a lively Friday morning ride through local stories, political commentary, and deeply personal reflections. From a Sonic the Hedgehog-themed birthday party to a powerful community giveaway that left families in tears, Steve dives into the moments that matter — laughter, leadership, faith, weather, sports, and even screw worms. 🐛

Listeners call in with real stories of addiction recovery, local heroism, and nuanced views on pastors getting political. Meanwhile, Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki checks in regularly with spot-on forecasts, and Sports Director James McCarty drops in with Timberwolves, Twins, and golf updates.

It’s a 100-minute journey that’s got everything: gratitude, grit, and just the right dose of Midwestern sass.

✨ Standout Moments & Timestamps:

• 🎈 0:04 – Steve kicks off with stories from his son's Sonic the Hedgehog birthday party, complete with balloons and a hilarious electric pump mishap.

• 💸 18:45 – Tear-jerking moment as Steve recounts a $10,000 grocery giveaway to a local family with three teenage boys — “There wasn’t a dry eye in the house.”

• 🧠 28:10 – Thoughtful discussion on whether pastors should endorse political candidates from the pulpit sparks heated but respectful debate.

• 🌤️ 40:20 – Dean Wysocki gives a weekend weather update and reflects on the bond between broadcasters and listeners: “It feels like you’re talking to one person.”

• 🚔 1:02:30 – A chilling but inspiring story about a fentanyl survivor named Justin, who fled Minneapolis and is now clean, working, and thriving in Fargo.

• 🏀 1:17:00 – James McCarty brings sports talk: Wolves’ Summer League stars, Twins vs. Pirates preview, and what’s next for Tom Hoge after a tough golf outing.

• 🎂 1:35:50 – Heartwarming birthday shoutout to Steve’s wife, Tracy — a Proverbs 31 woman and “the prettiest girl in the world.”