Archives: Episodes

Steve Hallstrom broadcasts live from Watford City, North Dakota, navigating a Tuesday morning packed with high-stakes international conflict and major domestic shifts. The show provides the latest updates on "Operation Epic Fury" in Iran, where the American death toll has reached six heroes and President Trump has warned of potential ground troop deployment. Steve also explores a massive victory for parents as the Supreme Court blocks California from hiding student gender transitions, and analyzes the "tough love" wake-up call J.D. Vance is delivering to Minnesota’s Medicaid system. Plus, an interview with North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong on national security and state-level fiscal models.

Key Moments

• Operation Epic Fury Escalates: Steve breaks down the latest from the Middle East as the U.S. military confirms six Americans killed in the strike on an Iranian Operation Center. He analyzes President Trump’s recent comments to the New York Post regarding the potential for boots on the ground and Secretary of State Rubio's briefings to Congress.

• Supreme Court Victory for Parents: In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court cleared the way for California schools to notify parents if their children identify as transgender—without requiring student approval. Steve discusses why this is a crucial win for family authority over state intervention.

• JD Vance vs. Minnesota Fraud: Steve highlights the "best thing I heard all day" as Vice President J.D. Vance and Dr. Mehmet Oz freeze $259 million in Medicaid reimbursements to Minnesota. Steve explores Vance’s argument that systemic fraud in autism and childcare programs is robbing needy children of essential services.

• Governor Kelly Armstrong on the Line: North Dakota’s Governor joins the show to discuss the state’s involvement in national defense through its two air bases. Armstrong also shares his vision for getting primary residence property taxes to zero within the next decade, citing North Dakota as a national model for fiscal durability.

• The "One Job" Legislative Session: Steve critiques the opening of the Minnesota legislative session, pointing to reports that nearly 90% of a $100 million housing program was lost to fraud. He argues that the DFL’s focus on blocking ICE is a distraction from the state's massive solvency issues.

• A-Rod is Coming to Town: The Fargo-Moorhead-West Fargo Chamber announces MLB legend Alex Rodriguez as the keynote speaker for their Voices of Vision event. Steve reflects on Rodriguez's legacy of "overcoming mistakes" and his transformation into a high-level entrepreneur.

• The "Sneaky Six" Health Alert: One in three American teens now has pre-diabetes or type 2 diabetes. Steve identifies the "Sneaky Six" snacks—from flavored yogurt to protein bars—that are driving this acquired health crisis and shares the "MAHA" plate rule for families.

• Minnesota's Paid Leave "Retirement" Plan: Steve and listeners discuss the staggering demand for Minnesota’s new Paid Family Leave law. With over 50,000 applications already filed, Steve warns that the cost of the "generous" program will inevitably lead to higher taxes and utility bills for every resident.

The Jay Thomas Show from Monday March 2nd, 2026.  Guests include your emails and calls.

A heavy-hitting Monday edition of the Steve Hallstrom Show grapples with 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, a major shift in the search for West Fargo’s Isadora Wengel, and why 81% of Americans still believe we live in the greatest country on earth.

Key Moments

• Operation Midnight Hammer Analysis: Dr. Thomas Ambrosio joins Steve to discuss the successful strike on the Iranian regime. They explore the strategic success 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.

• Veterans Weigh In: Steve opens the lines to veterans, including "Mike," a combat veteran who served from 1979 to 2001. Mike argues that the strikes are "20 years too late" and praises the decisiveness of the current administration, urging the president to keep Congress out of the tactical decision-making process.

• Isadora Wengel Legal Hurdles: Steve provides a somber update on the investigation into missing West Fargo woman Isadora Wengel. He notes the challenge prosecutors face in proving a death without a body, even as they rely on DNA evidence found on a Sawzall blade.

• 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 under current federal policy—is buried deep within the article.

• Fargo’s Public Safety Disconnect: Steve breaks down a new survey where 64% of respondents say they feel unsafe in Fargo, specifically identifying the Downtown Broadway area. He contrasts these "lived experiences" with official police statistics showing a 10% drop in violent crime.

• The "Jim Crow" Snow Removal: Steve highlights a bizarre irony in New York City, where the mayor is requiring valid ID and social security cards for citizens to help with snow removal—the very same requirements the left often labels as "voter suppression."

• Tage Thompson’s Stand: Steve celebrates U.S. Olympic hockey hero Tage Thompson, who wore a MAGA hat at the White House. Steve highlights Thompson’s graceful response to media criticism, where the Buffalo Sabres star cited his faith and the right of every American to have their own beliefs.

In a high-stakes Friday edition of What’s On Your Mind, Scott Hennen is joined by Senator Kevin Cramer for a "Talk Radio Town Hall" to unpack a momentous week in American politics. From the "epic" State of the Union to the shifting geopolitical sands in Iran and Cuba, the conversation moves fast. We also dive into our deep-dive question of the week: How and why did America become so divided? Between the political firestorms, the show takes a heartfelt turn with a special "Salute to Smiles" for veterans and a community rallying cry for a local boy in need of a miracle.

Standout Moments

[00:01] The SOTU Victory Lap Senator Cramer reflects on what he calls the "most epic" State of the Union in history, highlighting the emotional impact of the World War II veterans and the Ukrainian families in attendance. He argues that the GOP has finally moved from playing defense to a sustained "Trump effect" offense.

[04:26] The Regime Change Debate A listener from South Dakota challenges the Senator on the "supposed necessity" of regime change in Iran. Cramer differentiates between US-led coups of the past and the current yearning for freedom within the Iranian populace.

[08:11] The "Trump Homes" Initiative Crystal in Bismarck asks about a new "rent-to-own" concept for single-family homes. Senator Cramer reveals he had lunch in the West Wing just yesterday to discuss prohibiting hedge funds from buying up local real estate and driving out the "real people."

[11:15] The Big Question: Why are we so divided? The phones light up as listeners weigh in on the roots of national division. Theories range from the "rules for radicals" and mainstream media corruption to the pivotal shift in racial politics during the 2008 election.

[17:39] RFK Jr. on the "Actual" Donald Trump Scott plays a surprising clip of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. describing the "opposite of the caricature" of Trump—detailing a man who is an "encyclopedia" of detail and a master of the uses of power.

[22:21] A Standing Ovation for Border Laws In a "blind test," Scott plays a speech about aggressively securing borders and deporting criminal aliens. He reveals it wasn't Trump—it was Bill Clinton in 1995. The team discusses why the same policy is now labeled "racist" depending on who says it.

[24:23] Helping Liam: A Community Rallies Brady Robertson joins the show to share the story of his six-year-old son, Liam, who is battling a rare immune disease. In a beautiful twist, Liam’s three-year-old sister is a perfect bone marrow match.

[27:14] Radio Graffiti: Best Minute The "spray paint" comes out as listeners get one uninterrupted minute to sound off on everything from the USS Gerald Ford’s deployment to the lack of conservative ownership in major news networks.

In today’s high-energy Friday edition, Kevin and Alex dive deep into the political storm brewing in Chappaqua. With Hillary Clinton fresh off a deposition and Bill Clinton heading under oath today, the team soundtracks the morning with "liar" requests from listeners—from Queen to the Arctic Monkeys. Between the political fireworks, we get a crucial weather update on a "toupee-blowing" cold front, a warning from the Cass County Sheriff about sophisticated new scams, and a look at the sports-heavy weekend ahead.

Standout Moments

[00:11] The Temperature Tease Dino delivers the "good news, bad news" forecast. We’re hitting a pleasant 37°F this morning, but hold onto your hats—an arctic front hits at lunchtime, sending temperatures plummeting toward zero tonight.

[00:26] Chappequa depositions The team breaks down Hillary Clinton’s testimony regarding Jeffrey Epstein. Kevin and Alex discuss the "I don't recall" strategy and the mystery of how a "casual acquaintance" like Ghislaine Maxwell ended up with a prime seat at Chelsea Clinton’s wedding.

[01:05] The Pope vs. ChatGPT A strange but true report: Pope Leo is reportedly demanding that priests stop using AI to write their sermons. The hosts debate whether a "no-brainer" day should include letting a bot do your soul-searching for you.

[02:22] Sheriff Jahner’s Scam Alert Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner joins the show to warn about "Authority Scams." Scammers are now using computer-generated voices to pose as deputies, claiming family members are in jail or that you’ve missed jury duty to solicit Bitcoin payments.

[02:42] The Epstein File "Target" A deep dive into Will Cain’s analysis of why Trump’s name appears in the Epstein files. The team discusses the difference between "hearsay tips" and the documented flight logs associated with the Clintons.

[03:57] Spud Hockey & Dragon Hoops Big Game James gives the weekend sports rundown, including the MSUM Dragons' quarterfinal matchups and the upcoming state tournament seeding for the Moorhead Spuds.

[04:22] Iran’s "Fake" Space Program Senator Tom Cotton weighs in on the rising tensions in Iran, arguing that their space program is merely a front for developing intercontinental ballistic missiles.

The Jay Thomas Show from Friday February 27th, 2026.  Guests include Cass Cty. State's Attny. Kim Hegvik.

Steve Hallstrom returns to the Fargo studio after a trip to Watford City to tackle a series of urgent warnings for the region. From a potential financial "trouble" facing Fargo Public Schools to a staggering health alert concerning one in three U.S. teens, this Friday edition doesn't pull any punches. Steve also breaks down the shifting spring flood outlook for the Red River Valley and visits with key leaders about state financial health and common-sense policy agendas. Plus, a look at "sneaky snacks" hiding massive sugar loads and why A-Rod is coming to the Valley.

Key Moments

• Fargo Schools’ Budget Warning: Superintendent Dr. Corey Steiner warns that Fargo Public Schools is facing a $5 million deficit. Steiner details a plan to close the gap through attrition and administrative cuts but cautions that deeper, more "painful" cuts loom if a critical November mill levy vote fails.

• Adolescent Health Crisis: Steve dives into a CDC study revealing that nearly one in three American teenagers now has prediabetes or type 2 diabetes. He breaks down how acquired factors like ultra-processed foods and sedentary screen time are driving the trend and identifies the "Sneaky Six" foods parents should watch.

• Red River Flood Watch: The spring flood risk for the Red River Valley has been upgraded from low to moderate. Steve notes that significant late-winter snowfall and high soil moisture have officials keeping a close eye on the rising threat.

• A-Rod is Fargo Bound: MLB legend Alex Rodriguez has been announced as the keynote speaker for the Chamber’s Voices of Vision event in late May. Steve reflects on Rodriguez’s complex legacy, including his history with performance-enhancing drugs, but welcomes the entrepreneur’s story of "overcoming mistakes".

• The "Road to Opportunity": Justin Stemen of Americans for Prosperity North Dakota joins the show to unveil a 2027 policy agenda. The group is pushing for the total elimination of the state income tax, expanded property tax relief, and the implementation of a North Dakota "REINS Act" to curb government overreach.

• State Financial Watchdogs: Lisa Kruse, Commissioner of the North Dakota Department of Financial Institutions, discusses the stability of the state's community banks. Kruse highlights the rising threat of Bitcoin ATM fraud and explains why North Dakota’s conservative banking approach has prevented a failure since 1989.

• Target Joins "MAHA": In a win for clean labeling, Minneapolis-based Target announces it will stop selling cereals with synthetic dyes like Red 40 by the end of May, citing a massive shift in customer demand for healthier lifestyles.

• On the Farm: Ag Director Bridgette Readel reports from the Commodity Classic in San Antonio. She celebrates the appointment of North Dakota producer Rob Rose to the United Soybean Board and discusses the debut of a new group 14 herbicide.

Scott Hennen is back in the studio after a whirlwind week in D.C. and Arizona, and he’s diving straight into the deep end of the national conversation. From the "childish antics" of the State of the Union counter-protests to the high-stakes "War on Fraud" being waged by J.D. Vance and Dr. Oz, this episode pulls no punches. We explore the massive Medicaid funding pause hitting Minnesota, the "spiritual battle" behind America’s growing division, and the urgent deadlines facing farmers for crop insurance. Plus, a special look at the "profound" wisdom of listeners who weigh in on why the country feels more split than ever.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:03] – The "Swamp" Recap & Giraffe Man Scott reacts to the State of the Union aftermath, specifically the bizarre counter-protests featuring "frog suits" and "giraffe outfits." He questions where the "adults in the room" are within the modern Democratic Party.

[00:20] – The War on Fraud: Target Minnesota A deep dive into the announcement by J.D. Vance and Dr. Oz to withhold hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding from Minnesota. Scott explains the "fraud tourism" and blatant grift affecting Medicaid and medical device claims.

[00:34] – The Transgender Task Force Debate Scott tackles the cultural divide head-on, discussing the push for gender affirmation in schools and sports. He argues for a return to "basic truth" and natural facts, calling the current trajectory "indoctrination."

[00:51] – Why Are We So Divided? (Part 1) The phone lines explode as listeners answer the question of the day. From the death of self-control to the influence of Saul Alinsky’s "Rules for Radicals," the audience offers a masterclass in political and cultural analysis.

[01:05] – Lt. Gov. Candidate Ryan Wilson on the Grift Ryan Wilson joins the show to explain the specific abuses in Minnesota’s welfare programs. He discusses how fraudsters are reportedly paying moms to falsely claim their children have autism to trigger state payments.

[01:21] – The "Christian Nationalism" Conflict A listener call regarding CNN’s documentary on Christian Nationalism sparks a discussion about the media's role in desensitizing the public to faith and patriotism.

[01:34] – NDSU’s "Safe Zone" Pledges Scott uncovers a tip regarding North Dakota State University’s "Safe Zone" training, which reportedly urges faculty to sign an LGBTQ ally pledge, sparking a debate on taxpayer-funded indoctrination.

[01:46] – Money, Markets, and a Potential War Landmark Gold’s David Fisher joins to discuss the 80% chance of war with Iran, the rally in gold and silver, and the disappointing new GDP report.

[02:03] – Soybeans, China, and 45Z Lighthouse Commodities’ David Spickler closes the show with a grain market update. He analyzes the "bullish" news on biofuels and why China’s record-large soybean inventories make the latest trade deals a volatile gamble.

In this high-octane Thursday edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor dissect the explosive fallout from President Trump’s State of the Union address. The team pulls no punches regarding the "bulging eyes" and "straitjacket" antics of the Squad, while celebrating a historic gold medal victory for U.S. Men’s Hockey. We dive deep into the newly declared "War on Fraud" as Dr. Mehmet Oz reveals a $259 million deferment from Minnesota due to Medicaid scandals. Plus, we explore the bizarre world of "ruminant weed control," cattle rustling in the digital age with Bridgette Readel, and a weather debate that has Dean Wysocki questioning if it has ever actually snowed in July in Fargo.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[06:10] – Bernie vs. The MMA Senator The show opens with a viral Senate hearing dust-up between Bernie Sanders and Mark Wayne Mullen. The crew reacts to Mullen’s "beast mode" MMA background and his blunt assessment of Bernie’s long-term involvement in a "broken" healthcare system.

[06:35] – Jesse Watters: The "Crazy" Recap Jesse Watters breaks down the State of the Union highlights, focusing on Trump’s "straitjacket" comments regarding Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib. The team discusses the Democrats' refusal to stand for a Ukrainian murder victim and a 100-year-old Navy fighter pilot.

[06:48] – Fetterman: The New Independent? John Fetterman earns unexpected praise from the crew for being "the only reasonable Democrat" in the room. The guys discuss his decision to stand for the military and widows, questioning how long he can remain in the party before being "voted out by the haters."

[07:13] – Cattle Rustling & Robot Tractors Live from the Commodity Classic in San Antonio, Ag Director Bridgette Readel reveals that cattle rustling is "alive and well," with one ranch losing $400,000 in livestock. She also previews Fendt’s new 550-horsepower tractor that features a joystick instead of a steering wheel.

[07:25] – The 38-Degree Melt Dean Wysocki brings the "fair-weather" news: a 20-degree warmup is hitting the valley today. While an arctic front looms for the weekend, Dean predicts this might be our "last blast" of sub-zero temperatures for the season.

[08:12] – The Grumpy Hockey Fan A hilarious voicemail from a "grumpy old man" demanding the show stop talking about sports triggers a debate about American values. Kevin and Alex double down, insisting that if you can’t celebrate a U.S. gold medal, you might not have a pulse.

[08:35] – Dr. Oz’s War on Fraud CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz joins to discuss the $259 million being withheld from Minnesota. He details a "widespread scandal" involving autism care fraud and "ghost" medical equipment businesses owned by foreign nationals.

[08:42] – The Somali Daycare "Playbook" The crew explores a shocking report on how some immigrant communities are allegedly gaming the daycare system. They break down a "scam" involving neighboring homes, multiple wives, and $7,000-a-month government assistance packages.

[08:55] – The July Snow Challenge The episode ends with a cliffhanger: Alex and Kevin insist it has snowed in Fargo during July. A skeptical Dean Wysocki takes the assignment to research the archives and report back with the "icy" truth.