This episode of What's On Your Mind kicks off with host Scott Hennen recounting his jarring weekend experience speaking at Pontopetan Church in downtown Fargo. The church, which has broadcast its service for 70 years, invited Hennen to speak to celebrate the anniversary. Though he intended to show respect, the visit took a sharp turn after his own 10-minute speech when the pastor's sermon began. Hennen felt intensely uncomfortable, describing the sermon as a public "ripping" of him and the Catholic Church and an attack on his conservative positions, including his criticism of the city's Community Engagement Center. The host plays audio of his own remarks, inviting listeners to critique them. He then shares snippets of the pastor's sermon, which he perceived as "Catholic bashing" and a "strawman fallacy," leading him to leave the service abruptly. Hennen was further frustrated when he found the church doors locked as he tried to re-enter for his forgotten coat, calling it a metaphor for the unwelcoming nature of the ELCA Church.
Ag Report and Fargo City Action
The discussion shifts to Hennen's "ag report" on the perilous economic situation facing farmers and ranchers, noting that low prices and high input costs are hurting row crop folks, though he notes rancher prices are up. He addresses comparisons to the 1980s farm crisis, arguing that high land values mean the current situation isn't as severe because farmers still have significant assets on their balance sheets. Hennen also expresses his belief that trade deals, such as the one with Argentina involving beef purchases, ultimately serve a "greater good" and that farmers should "Be calm, trust Trump" because he is working to increase demand and higher prices for American agriculture.
Hennen also mentions his concern over Fargo's poorly named Community Engagement Center across from the church, noting he saw two people freezing outside the closed center on a Sunday morning. He argues that government is not equipped to provide the necessary care and that the people need prayer. He reports that the Fargo City Commission is scheduled to vote that very night on moving the center's services out of the area, and he hopes for a 5-0 vote.
Documentary, Veterans Feed, and Tax Policy
Later, Hennen interviews filmmaker Corey Hepler about the docuseries My Town, which is premiering its second season. The season premiere will feature Watford City, North Dakota, highlighting the growth and positive aspects of small-town life to counteract negative stereotypes.
Hennen also features an interview about the 15th annual Veterans Feed in Bismarck-Mandan on November 13th, a full course meal for veterans and first responders.
Finally, the host speaks with Mike Pallis from Americans for Tax Reform about the "one big beautiful bill" passed by the Trump administration. Pallis highlights the bill's permanency for the 2017 tax provisions and the ability for businesses to immediately deduct the full cost of new investments (expensing provisions), which is expected to boost household wages. He also praises the new provision of no tax on tips as a way for the president to connect directly with workers. Another significant, lesser-known impact is the repeal of the 1099K tax reform that would have required reporting Venmo and PayPal transactions over $600.
Timestamps for Standout Moments
- 0:03:52 - Hennen describes feeling "ripped" by the pastor's sermon after speaking at Pontopetan Church.
- 0:13:31 - The speaker's "ag report" on the current peril facing farmers and ranchers.
- 0:28:44 - Hennen plays a segment of his own speech at the church.
- 0:42:04 - The host shares a snippet of the pastor's sermon, which Hennen calls "Catholic bashing".
- 0:48:40 - Hennen mentions returning to the church after leaving, only to find the doors locked.
- 1:05:44 - Corey Hepler discusses his documentary series My Town and its feature on Watford City.
- 1:19:35 - Mike Pallis talks about the "one big beautiful bill" and the biggest impacts of the new tax policy.
- 1:24:23 - The end of the "no tax on Venmo and PayPal payments over $600" rule is called "super cool".