Archives: Episodes

It’s a high-stakes Thursday as the What’s On Your Mind team balances global warfare with local innovation. Kevin Flynn and Scott Hennen dive into President Trump’s blunt address to the nation, where he declared Iran’s navy "gone" and threatened to send the regime back to the "Stone Age" if a deal isn't reached shortly.

Closer to home, the Bank of North Dakota makes history with the launch of the "Roughrider Coin," a first-of-its-kind stablecoin designed to modernize the movement of money. We also prep for a massive Easter blizzard that could dump over a foot of snow, talk "puck luck" with Sioux hockey legends ahead of the Frozen Four in Vegas, and get a crash course in the ethics of birthright citizenship and the future of the Artemis space program.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:04:25] Trump’s Ultimatum to Iran Listen to excerpts from President Trump’s address regarding Operation Epic Fury. He details the decimation of Iran’s command and control and warns that while he hasn't hit their oil yet, he’s prepared to "annihilate" their electric grid if negotiations fail.

[00:08:40] The Roughrider Coin: Banking 2.0 Don Morgan, President of the Bank of North Dakota, joins to explain the new "Roughrider Coin." Unlike volatile Bitcoin, this stablecoin is a payment mechanism tied to real assets, aiming to bypass slow, clunky 1970s-era "payment rails."

[00:15:30] The Birth Tourism Scandal A deep dive into the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship hearing. The team discusses reports of "industrial-scale" birth tourism from China and the legal debate over the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof."

[00:22:20] 252,000 Miles from Earth Scott Hennen breaks down the breathtaking reality of the Artemis II mission. If you are under 53, this is the first time in your life a human has been more than 250 miles away from Earth.

[00:30:15] The Easter "Widowmaker" Forecast Dean Wysocki warns that the upcoming second wave of the storm could dump 14 to 17 inches of snow in Lakes Country, urging holiday travelers to "get their butts out of bed" and leave Friday morning.

[00:33:45] Frozen Four: Clash of the Titans Sioux hockey legend Mitch Vig and "The Hockey Guys" preview the historic Frozen Four in Las Vegas, featuring the top four all-time winningest programs in college hockey history in the same bracket for the first time.

[00:37:45] Planting Intentions & Urea Prices Market analyst David Spickler discusses the latest USDA reports, revealing a surprising surge in corn acres despite skyrocketing fertilizer costs and the "harsh" impact of the Iran conflict on energy markets.

[00:39:15] Give a Little Blood Jennifer Braidall Campbell of Vitalant highlights the desperate need for summer blood donors, explaining the "golden ticket" of Type O-negative and how organizations can earn $10 per donor for their local nonprofits.

It is a heavy-hitting Thursday as Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor recover from a late night at the Presidential Scholarship dinner to tackle a world in motion. From the "most powerful rocket ever launched" successfully clearing the pad for the Artemis II moon mission to President Trump’s blunt prime-time address promising to bring Iran "back to the stone ages," the stakes have never been higher.

Closer to home, the team prepares for a massive "two-part" Easter storm that could dump up to 17 inches of snow in some areas, while ag expert Bridget Riedel explains the fascinating (and slightly morbid) world of livestock composting. Plus, Jennifer Braidall Campbell of Vitalant joins to discuss a critical summer blood shortage and the "golden ticket" of Type O-negative blood.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:03:00] Artemis II: To the Moon (and Mars?) The guys geek out over the Artemis II launch, noting that the rocket "jumped off the pad" unlike any before it. They discuss the sci-fi reality of building a moon-base to launch a future mission to Mars in a weightless environment.

[00:04:25] Operation Epic Fury: Trump’s Address Listen to excerpts from President Trump’s address to the nation, where he declares Iran’s navy "gone" and warns that without a deal, the U.S. will hit every electric generating plant simultaneously over the next two weeks.

[00:11:45] Birthright Battles at the Supreme Court A deep dive into the legal meltdown over Trump’s SCOTUS visit. The duo discusses "birth tourism," allegations of surrogate scandals involving Chinese elite, and Justice Alito's pointed questions about whether illegal residents can truly establish a "domicile."

[00:19:15] Dead Stock and Composting Ag expert Bridget Riedel gives a "fact of life" lesson for farmers on the proper disposal of livestock bodies, explaining how NDSU is actually teaching classes on the science of composting animal carcasses.

[00:22:20] The Easter Storm: Round 1 vs. Round 2 Dean Wysocki issues a final warning: Round one brings 2–5 inches today, but the "heart" of the storm arrives Friday night with an additional 6–8 inches, totaling nearly a foot for the FM area and more for Lakes Country.

[00:33:00] The Walleye Spawn vs. The Blizzard Outdoor expert Steve Carney explains how the impending snowstorm will drop water temperatures and likely push walleyes off their current spawn, potentially devastating a whole year class of fish.

[00:39:15] Give a Little Blood Jennifer Braidall Campbell details why summer is the hardest time for blood banks and announces a spring drive offering donors a chance to win free groceries for a year.

[00:44:25] The Perfect Easter Plan Faced with a foot of snow, Kevin reveals his foolproof holiday weekend survival guide: a "sausage party" involving a meat grinder, schnapps, and refusing to look out the window.

The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday April 2nd, 2026.  Guests include Josh Alsager and more.

Don Morgan, President and CEO of the Bank of North Dakota (BND), shared updates on the state's innovative approach to financial technology and its continued support for the agricultural sector. The conversation highlighted the launch of the "Roughrider Coin," a state-specific stablecoin designed to modernize North Dakota's payment infrastructure.

Innovating with the Roughrider Coin

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the Genius Act, which paved the way for the creation of the Roughrider Coin. Unlike volatile cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, which are often viewed as investments, Morgan described the Roughrider Coin as a mechanism of exchange tied to real assets—specifically the U.S. dollar or short-term Treasuries.

• Stability and Purpose: Morgan emphasized that the Roughrider Coin is not for sale and is not an investment. Its primary function is to provide a more stable and efficient payment infrastructure using blockchain technology.

• Modernizing Payments: He noted that current systems like ACH and wire transfers are slow and expensive. The new blockchain-based infrastructure aims to facilitate faster, more secure, and global transactions.

• Industry Collaboration: BND is working closely with 91 financial institutions across the state. This partnership ensures that traditional banks can participate in and benefit from these new technologies, rather than being sidelined by unregulated fintech companies.

Navigating Regulation and the Fintech Landscape

The interview also touched upon the Clarity Act, new legislation aimed at establishing "guardrails" for financial innovation while protecting investors. Morgan advocated for a "smartly balanced" approach to regulation that leverages the strengths of both traditional banking and the fintech industry.

"The answer is both of those, leveraging the strengths of one another rather than fighting against each other so much." — Don Morgan on the relationship between traditional banking and fintech.

Morgan acknowledged the tension between large national banks and smaller community banks regarding digital assets. He emphasized that BND’s goal is to ensure a safe, regulated environment that still encourages the entrepreneurial spirit of fintech.

Supporting North Dakota Farmers and Ranchers

Shifting to the state's vital agricultural sector, Morgan detailed the BND's efforts to assist producers facing high input costs, low commodity prices, and rising interest rates.

• Ag Disaster Programs: The bank has launched its fourth Ag Disaster program in the last 24 months, providing essential relief and refinancing options.

• Farm Financial Stability Program: This record-breaking program, in partnership with local financial institutions, offers below-market rates for debt restructuring and refinancing.

• Increasing Liquidity: By purchasing a portion of the credit packages from local banks, BND helps these institutions manage their balance sheets and maintain the liquidity needed to continue lending to their communities.

Morgan concluded by reaffirming the unique value of the Bank of North Dakota, noting that its innovative programs and stability continue to serve the state's taxpayers and attract national attention.

It’s a wild April Fool’s Day on What’s On Your Mind, as NDSU students Hayden Smith and Titus Queen from Turning Point USA stage a "hostile takeover" while Scott Hennen is away. The duo dives headfirst into the heavy hitters of the day: the Supreme Court’s historic hearing on birthright citizenship and the long-awaited launch of NASA’s Artemis II mission to the far side of the moon.

Between dissecting the "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" clause of the 14th Amendment and geeking out over 6.6-million-pound moon crawlers, the team tackles the ethical minefield of AI surveillance and the controversial "disposable bees" industry. Plus, market expert David Fisher joins to discuss "de-dollarization" and why Iran is now explicitly targeting the U.S. Treasury market.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:03:30] Conflict in Iran: The Home Stretch? The team discusses the "massive fireballs" over Isfahan and Secretary of War Pete Hegseth’s blunt stance that the U.S. will "negotiate with bombs" until Iran surrenders its missing 440kg of weapons-grade uranium.

[00:05:40] The Jack Reacher Analogy Kevin Flynn shares a viral analogy comparing Tom Cruise’s Jack Reacher to President Trump: taking out the "leader" first and leaving the "enthusiastic wingmen" (the IRGC) to realize they’ve already lost the fight.

[00:11:30] SCOTUS & The Birthright Stare-Down A deep dive into the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship case. Legal experts analyze whether the 14th Amendment applies to "birth tourism" or was strictly intended for the children of freed slaves.

[00:18:25] The Buzz About "Disposable Bees" Ag expert Bridget Riedel introduces lab-grown "Forage Bees"—robotic-assisted pollinators that work for three weeks and die, preventing them from bringing diseases like colony collapse back to the hive.

[00:22:15] The USS Hornet Legacy A caller named Mike shares his firsthand account of serving on the recovery vessel for Apollo 11 and 12, recalling the moment President Nixon stepped on board to congratulate the returning astronauts.

[00:25:35] De-Dollarization & Bond Stress David Fisher of Landmark Capital warns that the dollar-based system is "quickly unraveling" as yielding treasuries become targets for adversarial nations and yields flash a red alert for a global recession.

[00:30:15] The Wind Turbine "Scam" Hayden, a soon-to-be electrical engineer, breaks down why he believes wind turbines are an environmental "scam," citing the unrecyclable fiberglass blades and the massive carbon footprint required to build them.

[00:43:25] Artemis II: Lunar Flyby A preview of tonight’s 6:42 PM launch of Artemis II. The team explores the incredible engineering of the Orion capsule and why maintaining U.S. space preeminence is vital for the American spirit.

It’s April Fool’s Day, but the forecast is no joke. Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor navigate a Wednesday loaded with historic news, from the Supreme Court’s monumental hearing on birthright citizenship to NASA’s ambitious Artemis II mission to the far side of the moon. While the markets are soaring following hints of a resolution in Iran, the local outlook is turning white as a two-part "Easter Storm" prepares to dump up to a foot of snow on Lakes Country.

The duo also dives into the "Trump Accounts" for newborns, the ethics of "disposable bees" in agriculture with Bridget Riedel, and a bizarre controversy involving local media protests at The Forum. Plus, money man Brien Krank breaks down why you should never step to the sidelines during a market correction.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:03:30] Conflict in Iran: The Home Stretch? With President Trump set to address the nation, the guys discuss the rapid developments in the Middle East, including massive bunker-buster strikes in Isfahan and the potential extraction of 1,000 pounds of Iranian uranium.

[00:11:30] SCOTUS & The 14th Amendment A deep dive into the Supreme Court’s birthright citizenship cases. Legal analysts Greg Jarrett and Jonathan Turley weigh in on the six crucial words—"subject to the jurisdiction thereof"—and what they mean for the future of "birth tourism."

[00:18:25] The Buzz About "Disposable Bees" Ag expert Bridgette Readel introduces the concept of lab-grown "Forage Bees" designed to pollinate crops and die before they can bring pathogens back to the hive—a potential $15 billion solution for the food industry.

[00:22:15] Storm Round 1 vs. Round 2 Dean Wysocki breaks down the "two-piece" storm. Round one brings 3–5 inches Thursday, followed by a stronger second wave Friday night that could push totals to 12 inches in South Dakota and Minnesota.

[00:25:15] The "Trump Accounts" Strategy Financial advisor Brien Krank discusses the brilliance of the new $1,000 newborn investment accounts, explaining how starting a tax-free growth engine at infancy can create a new generation of millionaires.

[00:37:45] Protesting the Press Kevin and Alex react to a planned protest at The Forum in Fargo following the firing of three columnists, sparking a conversation about the business of media and the difference between a republic and a democracy.

[00:43:25] Artemis II: To the Dark Side NASA geek-out session: The team previews tonight’s launch of the Orion capsule, the first manned loop around the moon in over 50 years, featuring state-of-the-art mapping of the lunar far side.

The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday April 1st, 2026.  Guests include Leah from Alsager's and your calls and emails.

It is a packed Tuesday edition of What’s On Your Mind. Host Scott Hennen is fresh off a trip to Grand Forks for the "State of the Base" address, where he’s joined by Senator Kevin Cramer to discuss a massive win for North Dakota military history: securing a Minuteman III missile for the state's military museum. The duo also dives deep into the "Schumer Shutdown" and the frustrating legislative battle over funding ICE and Border Patrol.

Later, we meet the newly selected 16th President of NDSU, Dr. Marshall Stewart. We hear his bold vision for "learners for life" and his goal to supercharge student retention. The episode wraps with a vital "Trooper Talk" segment featuring Captain Brian Niewin of the North Dakota Highway Patrol, discussing the real-world impact of the state's primary seatbelt law and tips for de-winterizing your trailers as spring approaches.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:45] A 60-Foot Legacy Senator Kevin Cramer explains the persistence required to secure a retired Minuteman III missile for the North Dakota Military Museum before the building’s walls were finished, highlighting the state’s massive role in the U.S. nuclear triad.

[00:05:50] The Middle East & Gas Price Fatigue Cramer addresses the "war fatigue" regarding Iran, arguing that while short-term pain at the pump is real, "cutting the head off the snake" now is a necessary bargain for long-term global liberty.

[00:15:30] Introducing President Marshall Stewart Listen to the first official comments from NDSU’s 16th President. Dr. Stewart discusses his "perfect effort" philosophy and why he views students as customers who deserve an elite experience.

[00:19:30] Moving the Needle on Enrollment Dr. Stewart sets a bold target to increase NDSU’s retention rate from 70% to 90%, emphasizing internships, global mindsets, and lifelong learning credentials.

[00:21:45] Grand Forks: The Tip of the Spear Senator Scott Meyer and Mayor Brandon Bochenski discuss the "State of the Base," the new Point Defense Battle Lab, and why Grand Forks is the leading ecosystem for counter-unmanned aviation.

[00:30:15] D.C. Update with Julie Fedorchak Congresswoman Fedorchak joins from Devil’s Lake to blast House and Senate gridlock, explaining why the House rejected a Senate bill that "completely zeroed out" funding for ICE and Border Patrol.

[00:35:40] Vision Zero & Driver Behavior Captain Brian Niewin breaks down why 96% of crashes are preventable and how the drive to reach zero fatalities depends entirely on changing driver behavior, not just engineering better roads.

[00:39:10] The 80 MPH Compliance Report In a surprising update, Captain Niewin reveals that speeding citations have actually decreased since North Dakota raised the speed limit to 80 MPH, as more drivers are now complying with the posted limit.

Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor tackle a Tuesday morning packed with high-stakes military analysis and local lunacy. The duo dives deep into the latest intelligence regarding "Operation Epic Fury," exploring the high-risk US mission to extract 1,000 pounds of uranium from Iran. Military experts Jesse Watters, Gen. Jack Keane, and Jim Hansen weigh in on "discombobulator" technology, air supremacy, and the ticking clock for the Iranian regime.

Back home, the team fights off the "Easter Storm" blues as Dean Wysocki forecasts a heavy two-part snowfall for the region. Plus, Minnesota State Senator Steve Green joins the show to debunk a bizarre proposal to ban snowmobiles on state trails, and we honor Intel Analyst Brandon Johnson from the Cass County Sheriff’s Department as our latest Salute to Law Enforcement honoree.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:02:40] Extracting the Uranium Middle East Forum Chief Strategist Jim Hansen joins Jesse Watters to discuss the logistical nightmare of a 500-mile extraction mission deep inside Iranian airspace to seize 40 canisters of buried yellowcake.

[00:05:40] The "Discombobulator" Secret Weapon The guys explore the "discombobulator"—a directed-energy microwave weapon previously used in Venezuela—and how it might be deployed to neutralize Iranian guards without conventional door-kicking.

[00:11:40] Wolves Dominate the Mavs Big Game James recaps the Timberwolves' crushing 124-94 victory over Dallas, even with Anthony Edwards missing the opening tip-off due to a last-minute "call of nature."

[00:13:30] Rubio's Four Objectives Senator Marco Rubio lays out the clear-cut US goals: the total destruction of Iran's Air Force, Navy, and missile factories to ensure they never hide behind a nuclear threat again.

[00:18:25] Paraquat and Pepper Myths Ag expert Bridgette Readel reports on Syngenta ceasing Paraquat production and hilariously debunks internet garden myths about "male" vs. "female" bell peppers.

[00:22:15] The Two-Part Easter Storm Dean Wysocki breaks down the 4-to-8-inch snow forecast for the FM area, explaining how the storm will split into two waves to give road crews a fighting chance.

[00:32:45] Salute to Law Enforcement: The Intel Analyst Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner introduces Deputy Brandon Johnson, a criminal intel analyst who uses data mapping to track burglary trends and coordinate local resources.

[00:40:10] The Great Snowmobile Ban Battle Senator Steve Green joins to discuss a "Marxist" environmentalist proposal to ban ATVs and snowmobiles on state land, calling it a direct attack on Northern Minnesota's winter tourism economy.