Archives: Episodes

In this high-energy Friday edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, Kevin and Alex dive into a whirlwind of national security shifts and global intrigue. The hosts break down the major news regarding Kristi Noem’s reassignment to a new "Shield of the Americas" role and the nomination of former MMA fighter Senator Mark Wayne Mullen to lead the DHS.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the historical ties between British Petroleum and Iran, framing current Middle East conflicts as a "long game" of geopolitical chess. Between the heavy hits of international relations and government funding debates, the duo keeps it local with icy weather warnings, high school hockey tournament updates, and a heated lunch bet over whether the weekend will hit a record 60 degrees. Plus, a nostalgic look back at Pink Floyd's legendary stage pyrotechnics and the "science experiment" that is the Oreo cookie.

Standout Moments

[00:08:00] – The "Misty" Weather & The Lunch Bet Dean the weather professional joins the desk to discuss a winter weather advisory. The hosts set the stakes for the weekend: if Sunday hits 60 degrees, lunch is on the house.

[00:27:00] – History Lesson: Iran and the Shah The duo discusses the Iranian political landscape, touching on the historical influence of Jimmy Carter and the origins of the current regional tensions.

[00:33:00] – 5D Chess in the White House A breakdown of Donald Trump’s strategy in the Middle East, with Alex describing the administration’s "War Room" as a movie-style crime wall connected by strings and powered by AI.

[00:49:00] – The Rise of the "Kamikaze" Drones A sobering look at modern warfare technology, specifically the cost-efficiency of $20,000 "one-way" drones against million-dollar defensive missiles.

[01:21:00] – The Noem-Mullen Shakeup Reaction to the news of Kristi Noem moving to a special envoy position for the "Shield of the Americas" and the arrival of "undefeated MMA fighter" Mark Wayne Mullen at DHS.

[01:44:00] – Pink Floyd’s Flying Plane Kevin reminisces about seeing Pink Floyd live, describing the moment a plane on a wire crashed into the stage to start the show.

[01:55:00] – The Oreo Science Experiment A lighthearted investigation into the ingredients of an Oreo cookie, concluding that there isn't a "genuine ingredient" in the whole package.

[02:15:00] – Spud Hockey & State Tournaments A comprehensive wrap-up of the Moorhead Spuds’ victory and the upcoming classic matchups in the Minnesota state hockey bracket.

The Jay Thomas Show from Monday March 9th, 2026.  Guest Host Blake Hankey has guests to include Todd Glander, Greg Sherzer, Todd Simonson, John Winter, Wes Cummins, Karl Goehring and Jesse Jahner.

Steve Hallstrom delivers a high-octane Monday edition navigating a weekend of historic military action and internal political friction. Steve breaks down the precision U.S. strikes on Iran that took out Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and dozens of regime leaders, while honoring the four American heroes lost in the operation. NDSU Political Science Professor Dr. Thomas Ambrosio joins to analyze why the U.S. chose a "decapitation strike" and whether the Iranian people are truly ready for regime change. Plus, an inside look at the chaotic "attempted overthrow" of a District 28 GOP meeting with State Senator Robert Erbele, and a celebratory interview with the 2026 "Mr. Hockey" winner, Tyden Bergeson, following the Moorhead Spuds' second straight state title.

Key Moments

• Operation Midnight Hammer Analysis: Dr. Thomas Ambrosio joins Steve to discuss the successful strike on the Iranian regime. They explore the strategic implications of killing the Ayatollah and why European allies were initially slow to support the mission. Steve shares "best thing I heard all day" audio of Iranian-Americans celebrating in the streets, thanking the U.S. for a "new day dawning."

• The District 28 GOP "Hijacking": State Senator Robert Erbele provides a "tick-tock" of a wild Sunday night meeting where an organized group attempted to suspend the chair. Erbele details the procedural battle, the appearance of a "hired gun" parliamentarian from Minot, and why he believes the group does not represent the district's majority.

• Moorhead’s "Mr. Hockey" Tyden Bergeson: After winning his second straight state championship, Moorhead Spud Tyden Bergeson joins the show to discuss his decision to stay home for his senior year rather than play junior hockey. He reflects on his coach’s praise for his leadership on the bench when the team trailed 4-1 in the final.

• Veterans Weigh In on Iran: Steve opens the lines to combat veterans who argue that the strikes are "20 years too late." They praise the decisiveness of the current administration and urge the President to keep Congress out of the tactical decision-making process to avoid the "failures of the past."

• NDSU’s "Egg-cellent" Breakthrough: Steve highlights a major discovery from NDSU researchers: a simple protein found in egg whites can effectively trap and remove toxic "forever chemicals" (PFAS) from contaminated water, a potentially world-changing discovery for public health.

• Fargo’s "Clunky" City Hall: Steve critiques the Fargo City Commission's 4-1 vote to give the Human Rights Commission another 60 days to define its purpose. He praises Commissioner Michelle Turnberg as the lone voice of reason for demanding a decisive end to an "ineffective" board.

• The "Paragraph 10" Truth: Steve critiques a Wall Street Journal story about record numbers of people leaving the U.S. He reveals how the real reason—illegal immigrants leaving voluntarily to avoid permanent deportation—is often buried deep within the news cycle.

• The "Benefit" of Shoplifting?: In a "best thing I heard all day" (used loosely), Steve plays a clip from Minnesota State Rep. Dave Pinto, who suggests studying the "benefit" of retail theft for people relying on it to pay bills. Steve uses the clip to highlight the growing disconnect in Twin Cities policy-making.

The Jay Thomas Show from Friday March 6th, 2026.  Guests include Many from the 2026 Red River Valley Sportsman's Show.

The Jay Thomas Show from Friday March 6th, 2026.  Guests include Many from the 2026 Red River Valley Sportsman's Show.

Steve Hallstrom navigates a high-stakes Friday as "Operation Epic Fury" in Iran intensifies and domestic policy battles reach a fever pitch. Steve honors the six American service members lost in the conflict, including Sergeant First Class Nicole Amore of White Bear Lake, Minnesota, while questioning the White House's shift toward demanding an "unconditional surrender" from the Iranian regime. The show features a powerful interview with St. Paul Pastor Levi Secord on the need for bold gospel ministry in a "woke" state, and Steve critiques the "decision dilemma" at Fargo City Hall. Plus, a potential breakthrough for clean water from NDSU researchers and Bill O'Reilly's take on a media landscape that seems to be "rooting for Iran."

Key Moments

• Operation Epic Fury Escalates: Steve pays tribute to the six American heroes killed in the Iran conflict, including 39-year-old Nicole Amore of Minnesota. He analyzes the strategic implications of President Trump’s refusal to rule out boots on the ground and the new demand for "unconditional surrender," questioning if this mission is evolving from a surgical strike into an ongoing war.

• NDSU’s "Egg-cellent" Breakthrough: In a major win for regional science, Steve details NDSU research showing that a protein found in common egg whites can effectively trap and remove toxic "forever chemicals" (PFAS) from contaminated water—a potentially world-changing discovery for public health.

• The "Theology of Giving" on Capitol Hill: Steve shares "best thing I heard all day" audio from a House hearing where a Texas congressman challenges a Twin Cities pastor. The debate hits home: is it truly "charity" when the government extracts tax dollars under compulsion, and how do we stop the $19 billion fraud crisis plaguing Minnesota?

• Pastor Levi Secord’s Call to Action: Levi Secord, pastor of Christ Bible Church in St. Paul, joins the program to discuss why faith leaders must speak out on cultural rot. He argues that "leftism is a total religion" that demands total control, and that Christians must not be intimidated by the vitriol of their opponents.

• Fargo’s Decision Deadlock: Steve praises Commissioner Michelle Turnberg as the lone voice of reason in a 4-1 vote to extend the life of the Fargo Human Rights Commission. Steve and Turnberg discuss the "palace intrigue" at City Hall and why it shouldn't take another 60 days to define a commission's mission.

• The "Reins Act" for North Dakota: Justin Stemen of Americans for Prosperity joins the show to discuss the "Road to Opportunity" agenda. They explore the push to eliminate the state income tax and implement a "Reins Act" to stop administrative agencies from adding hidden costs to taxpayers and businesses.

• O'Reilly on Media Bias: Steve plays a clip of Bill O'Reilly on NewsNation, where O'Reilly argues that major networks are "rooting for Iran" to break President Trump. Steve reflects on why some in the media and Congress seem willing to see the country suffer if it means a political defeat for the administration.

• High-Tech Rodeo & Bull Sells: Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins from the Commodity Classic to discuss real-time analytics in the rodeo arena and the boom in the cattle business. Steve shares his own "near-death" experience riding a bull in Minot and celebrates the 12th annual Best bull sale in Watford City.

A high-velocity news day hits the heartland as host Scott Hannon breaks down a historic shift in the Trump Cabinet and the continued dismantling of threats in the Middle East. As Operation Epic Fury crosses the 100-hour mark, we are seeing a "new footing" in American strength, but the headlines are being stolen by the sudden firing of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

From the "4D chess" moves of the 47th President to a deep dive into military forensics with Major General Michael Haugen, this episode explores the cost of war, the surge of patriotism, and the "national divorce" playing out in Congressional hearings. Plus, we look at why corn is taking the driver's seat in the commodity markets and how "nanny state" ordinances in Fargo are targeting everything from nicotine to Big League Chew.

Standout Moments

[00:02:15] The History of a 47-Year War Major General (Ret.) Michael Haugen joins the show for a masterclass in military history, tracing the current conflict back to Jimmy Carter’s 1979 regime change and explaining how forensics prove Iran’s direct hand in killing American soldiers for decades.

[00:10:45] The Hector Airport "Toddy" Debate A dissertation on freedom: Should adults be allowed to take a cocktail from the airport bar to their boarding gate? The crew debates Fargo’s "nanny state" tendencies and the ridiculous proposed ban on bubble gum cigars.

[00:16:30] The Obama Redistricting Blitz The 44th President resurfaces with a coordinated media strike on "fair elections." Scott deconstructs the irony of Democrats complaining about gerrymandering while advocating for census changes that include non-citizens.

[00:21:45] Breaking News: Kristi Noem Out, Markwayne Mullin In The bombshell announcement of the day. We discuss the "straw that broke the camel's back"—a $200 million ad campaign—and why the MMA-fighting Senator from Oklahoma is the "new sheriff" the border needs.

[00:36:10] The "National Divorce" Hearing Disgusting or deserved? A breakdown of the brutal Congressional hearing where Kristi Noem was grilled on everything from special advisors to "Coast Guard blankies" before her dismissal.

[00:48:20] Corn vs. Soybeans: The Geopolitical Hedge Lighthouse Commodities' David Spickler explains why the chaos in the Strait of Hormuz is throwing the fertilizer market into a tailspin and why corn is set for a massive move higher this spring.

As Operation Epic Fury enters its 106th hour, the landscape of the Middle East—and the global energy market—is being rewritten in real-time. Today, we break down the breathtaking military progress in Iran, where ballistic missile capabilities have been decimated by 86% in just four days. We also dive into the massive fraud scandal rocking Minnesota and ask the tough question: Could it happen in North Dakota?

From the "4D Chess" being played by Secretary Doug Burgum in Venezuela to a "masterclass" on how to talk to your kids about the reality of war, this episode covers the high-stakes intersection of geopolitics, local accountability, and American strength.

Standout Moments

[00:05:45] The "Mother of All Nightmares" for Auditors North Dakota State Auditor Josh Gallion joins the studio to discuss the multi-billion dollar fraud in Minnesota. He reveals how a "citizen journalist with an iPhone" blew the lid off a scandal that state agencies had ignored for seven years.

[00:14:30] Operation Epic Fury: 103-Hour Update General Dan Cain, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs, provides a detailed briefing on the dismantling of the Iranian Navy and the transition from "standoff" munitions to precision "stand-in" strikes directly over Iranian territory.

[00:21:15] Oil, Shale, and the $8 Blip Ron Ness of the ND Petroleum Council explains why the strike on Iran didn't send gas prices to $300 a barrel. The "North Dakota code-crack" on shale has changed the rules of economic warfare, leaving America holding all the chips.

[00:39:10] "May He Rest in Pieces" Senator John Kennedy delivers his trademark wit on Hannity, discussing the death of the Ayatollah and why "political will" is the most lethal weapon in President Trump’s arsenal.

[00:46:20] First-Hand from Jerusalem Author Sal Litvig reports from the ground in Israel, describing the "synchronicity" between the U.S. and Israeli Air Forces and the surreal resilience of families playing board games in bomb shelters.

[01:02:15] Talking War to the Next Gen Dr. Carol Lieberman, "America’s Psychiatrist," offers a guide for parents on how to explain terrorism and global conflict to children without causing trauma, using the "playground bully" analogy.

The gloves are off in today's episode as Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor break down the explosive House Oversight Committee hearing featuring Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. From "Minnesota Math" regarding autism program fraud to the startling rise in social service spending, the "Need to Know" crew dissects the testimony that left the Governor looking like a "deer in the headlights."

Back on the global stage, we dive into the 21st-century combat currently unfolding in Iran. We discuss how Artificial Intelligence is compressing "kill chains" from days to hours and the terrifying reality of low-cost "kamikaze" drone swarms. Plus, we’re joined in-studio by a very special guest: Pepper the Spectacled Owl, along with the team from the 2026 Fargo Sportsman Show.

Standout Moments

[00:03:12] AI Combat: The Death of the 2012 Playbook A former Special Ops analyst explains how the Pentagon is using AI to detect targets and spit out coordinates in real-time, leaving adversaries like Iran unable to blink before their capabilities are "flattened.".

[00:10:25] The Judge’s Fact-Check Jim Jordan grills Governor Walz on why he restarted payments to "Feeding Our Future" fraudsters. The tension peaks as Jordan reads a rare public statement from a judge calling the Governor's excuses "false.".

[00:12:45] "Minnesota Math" with Nancy Mace Representative Nancy Mace delivers a viral moment, forcing Governor Walz to confront a 34,200% increase in autism program spending—from $1 million in 2017 to over $343 million in 2024..

[00:26:15] Pepper the Owl & The Raptor Project Live in-studio, John Wood from "Extreme Raptors" introduces Pepper, an endangered spectacled owl. John shares stories of his birds posing for Vogue and his 14-year friendship with Donald Trump..

[00:45:10] The CDL Scandal: Wrong Way in an 18-Wheeler A chilling report on a Minnesota-licensed illegal alien truck driver caught driving the wrong way on a Missouri highway, despite being unable to read English road signs..

The world changed four days ago, and today we’re diving deep into the fallout. From the front lines of Operation Epic Fury in Iran to the viral (and bizarre) deposition videos of Bill and Hillary Clinton, we’re covering the chaos and the comedy. Plus, Minnesota gubernatorial candidate Kendall Qualls joins the show to announce his new running mate and his plan to "rescue the state" from a culture of corruption.

We also talk "hybrid meats" (is it just meatloaf with a marketing budget?), the peculiar joy of "Marching Music Day," and why the stock market correction might actually be a buying opportunity in disguise.

Standout Moments

[00:05:12] The "Rest in Pieces" Doctrine Senator John Kennedy doesn’t mince words regarding the recent strike on the Ayatollah, offering a colorful take on "political will" and why he won't be shedding any tears.

[00:14:45] Operation Epic Fury: The 103-Hour Update A breakdown of the military briefing on the dismantling of Iranian ballistic capabilities and the transition from standoff munitions to "stand-in" precision strikes.

[00:29:10] The Clinton Deposition "Family Reunion" The crew analyzes the viral video of Bill Clinton’s deposition, where the former president appears a bit too happy looking at certain photos, much to the chagrin of his legal team and Hillary.

[00:33:45] Kendall Qualls’ Big Reveal Kendall Qualls introduces Brian, a results-oriented business outsider, as his running mate. They discuss the "trifecta" needed to roll back Minnesota’s taxes and regulations.

[00:52:15] Market Panic or Profit Taking? Financial expert Brian Crock slides in to discuss whether the current market sell-off is a war-related blip or the long-awaited correction—and why you should "zoom out" before hitting the sell button.

[01:04:20] Hybrid Meats & Kale Fillers Is your burger being "extended" for the planet or the restaurant's bottom line? A hilarious look at the new trend of blending lentils and zucchini into traditional proteins.