Archives: Episodes

Join Steve Hallstrom every weekday. as he tackles the issues that matter most to you. With razor-sharp wit and unwavering conviction, Steve will cut through the noise and provide you with honest, unfiltered commentary that speaks directly to the issues that affect our community. With interactive segments and lively call-ins, listeners will be front and center in the conversation. Steve will keep you informed, empowered, and inspired. Tune in weekdays to catch the wave of conservative thought and be part of a community that celebrates the timeless principles that make our country great.

Catch The Steve Hallstrom show Monday-Friday from 4pm until 6pm on WZFG AM 1100 The Flag.

Kickstart your Tuesday with Kevin and Alex on The Need to Know Morning Show! In this lively October 21st edition, the guys swap stories from a weekend of home repairs gone sideways (double Band-Aids, anyone?), gripe about the relentless Fargo wind, and share a good laugh over caramel apple crisp and “Back to the Future” Day.

But it’s not all small talk — they dig into headlines, from a mysterious “hunting stand” near Air Force One’s runway to Speaker Mike Johnson’s fiery comments about protests and politics. You’ll also catch sports updates (Blue Jays in the Series, local high school matchups), weather with Dino (“hang onto your hat!”), and a thoughtful farm and ag report from Bridget Riedel on corn diseases and harvest prep.

Political and Social Commentary

The episode of "What's On Your Mind" kicks off with the host questioning his producer about the strategy for dealing with protesters at the "No Kings rally" to prevent them from distracting the show. He expresses a belief that the protesters suffer from "Trump derangement syndrome" (TDS) and sincerely prays for them. The host worries about the sign "8647" displayed by an acquaintance at the rally, questioning if it's "a little bridge too far" for a peaceful protest and alluding to a dark, potentially violent meaning.

The host also addresses a combative caller, "Daryl," who criticizes President Trump's "America-first" policies, specifically a $40 billion deal with Argentina and a NATO Article 5-like guarantee for Qatar. The host defends these actions as "3-D chess" aimed at countering China and Russia. However, he is critical of the beef-related part of the Argentina deal, siding with farmers and senators like Kevin Cramer and Chuck Grassley who believe it disadvantages US agriculture.

Economic and Financial Insights

The show welcomes David Fisher, CEO of Landmark Capital, to discuss the economy. Fisher calms fears of an impending 2008-style financial crisis resulting from recent challenges in regional banks and the auto industry. He advises listeners to "relax" but anticipates a possible market correction of up to $10\%$.

Fisher reports significant gains in precious metals, noting that silver is up $80\%$ and gold is up $62\%$ year-to-date. He suggests that the rally is "just starting," citing the fact that central banks now own more gold than US Treasuries—a situation that preceded a major gold rally in the 1970s. He mentions predictions of gold reaching $5,000 to $10,000. He also reveals a "dramatic lack" of physical silver, causing a market squeeze.

North Dakota Economy and Vision

Brian Krashus, the North Dakota State Tax Commissioner, provides an update on the state's finances, noting a softening of collections due to less favorable pricing for most agricultural commodities and crude oil. Krashus rates his level of concern at a "three" on a scale of ten, but emphasizes the need to look beyond the current "bushel-barrel economy."

Krashus shares exciting data on the potential of CO2 Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), which could generate an incremental $3 billion to nearly $9 billion in revenue for North Dakota over a decade. The host speculates that this revenue, combined with the power needs of data centers and "intelligence factories," could make the dream of zero property taxes and zero income taxes a "very possible" reality for North Dakota taxpayers.

The episode also includes a mention of the search for Tammy Bellegarde, a missing woman last seen in the Trenton area.

Join Steve Hallstrom every weekday. as he tackles the issues that matter most to you. With razor-sharp wit and unwavering conviction, Steve will cut through the noise and provide you with honest, unfiltered commentary that speaks directly to the issues that affect our community. With interactive segments and lively call-ins, listeners will be front and center in the conversation. Steve will keep you informed, empowered, and inspired. Tune in weekdays to catch the wave of conservative thought and be part of a community that celebrates the timeless principles that make our country great.

Catch The Steve Hallstrom show Monday-Friday from 4pm until 6pm on WZFG AM 1100 The Flag.

Scott Hennen tackles a wide range of topics, from personal news to national politics and local North Dakota issues. He discusses his upcoming birthday trip to Dallas and the legacy of Ross Perot, including a seven-figure donation by Ross Perot Jr. to the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, ND.

Agriculture is a key focus, with Farm Family Director Bridget Riedel outlining the current economic challenges for farmers, citing high input costs, rising equipment prices (up about 20% in the last three years), and wildly volatile fertilizer costs. The host also touches on local events like a split in the Sioux-Gopher hockey series and a pie auction for District 24 Republicans.

The episode features two major interviews:

• Former Governor Chris Sununu (R-NH): Sununu joins to discuss his work as co-chair of the American Enterprise Institute (AEI) Commission on America's Rural Future, which is holding field hearings in North Dakota and Minnesota this week to address the disconnect between federal programs and rural communities. He also clarifies his relationship with President Donald Trump.
• Congresswoman Julie Fedorchuk (R-ND): North Dakota's lone House member discusses the status of the government shutdown and the need for "pragmatic Democrats" to resolve the appropriations battle. She also gives an update on North Dakota's leadership in the growing counter-UAS and AI industries, emphasizing the state's energy resources as a huge opportunity.

Plus, a segment with the Lions Club highlights their work in diabetes awareness and retinopathy screening

It’s a wild Monday morning on The Need to Know Morning Show as Kevin and Alex dive into everything from Vikings heartbreak and Alexa meltdowns to political theater and pumpkin-spice-level protest madness.

An Amazon cloud outage kicks off the chaos, sending news sites into the digital abyss, while Trump headlines the weekend with talk of shutdowns, Chicago crackdowns, and the “No Kings” protest. The hosts unpack the spectacle, from Soros-funded rallies to frog costumes and Handmaid’s Tale cosplay, with their trademark mix of humor and disbelief.

Then, it’s back to local roots—literally—with Bridget Riedel’s ag report on sugar beet struggles, GLP-1 weight-loss drugs shaking the market, and a chilly Midwest forecast ahead. Plus, a quick detour through Vikings woes, Lady Gaga rumors, and why you should probably buy your beef from a family rancher.

🔥 Highlights:

• Amazon’s massive AWS outage causes a national stir

• Trump vs. Schumer: The “No Kings” protest and D.C. cleanup

• “Forever Washington people” and political déjà vu

• Local agriculture: Sugar beet prices plummet 42%

• Fall weather outlook—bundle up, North Dakota!

Join Steve Hallstrom every weekday. as he tackles the issues that matter most to you. With razor-sharp wit and unwavering conviction, Steve will cut through the noise and provide you with honest, unfiltered commentary that speaks directly to the issues that affect our community. With interactive segments and lively call-ins, listeners will be front and center in the conversation. Steve will keep you informed, empowered, and inspired. Tune in weekdays to catch the wave of conservative thought and be part of a community that celebrates the timeless principles that make our country great.

Catch The Steve Hallstrom show Monday-Friday from 4pm until 6pm on WZFG AM 1100 The Flag.

Hosts Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor check in from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, for the Need to Know Morning Show. The show is packed with political commentary and local news. Topics include the continuing government shutdown and the Democrats' resistance to reopening it, with clips from a "radical" CNN Town Hall featuring AOC and Bernie Sanders. The hosts and their guest, Speaker Johnson, mock AOC's arguments and discuss the rise of Marxist ideology within the Democratic Party. They focus on New York City mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani, whose socialist platform promising "free stuff" like rent freezes and free buses is criticized as an impractical "wolf in sheep's clothing".

A bizarre national news story about an illegal immigrant from Montenegro who worked as a police officer in Illinois for a decade sparks a debate on border security, background checks, and the need for legal immigration paths for people seeking a better life. A caller shares a personal story of losing a good employee due to similar immigration issues.

In sports, James McCarty gives updates on the Vikings vs. Eagles game, with Carson Wentz expected to start, and highlights the Sioux vs. Gophers hockey rivalry. The show also features Bridgette Readel for an Ag Update (including a celebration of Porktober and a look at China's pork production cutbacks) , and Quincy from Cars Tree Service offers advice on preparing trees for winter. Finally, Greg Jarrett provides legal analysis on the indictment of John Bolton.

Standout Moments (Approximate Timestamps):

• 0:01: Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor describe the annoyance of scanning radio stations only to hear the same two songs on different channels
• 0:09: The unbelievable story breaks: an illegal alien from Montenegro who overstayed his visa became a police officer in Illinois and was carrying a firearm for a decade.
• 0:15: A caller shares his frustration after losing a good employee who was sent back to the Middle East due to not having the correct legal status.
• 0:22: A caller details the rule in Cancun, Mexico, that a hospital requires over $10,000 cash upfront for treatment before they'll even look at you, highlighting the need for travel insurance.
• 0:33: In a clip from the CNN Town Hall, AOC is mocked for her childlike, demanding approach to the government shutdown, with Speaker Johnson responding, "bless her heart".
• 0:45: The hosts and Speaker Johnson criticize NYC mayoral candidate Zoran Mamdani's socialist "free stuff" promises, which are critiqued as easily connecting with voters but not offering real solutions to problems like rent and inflation.
• 0:52: Bridgette Readel celebrates Porktober and details the wide-ranging non-food uses of pigs, including heart valves, burn dressings, and pharmaceuticals.
• 1:09: Quincy from Cars Tree Service advises on winterizing trees, suggesting that dormant season pruning and large tree removals are great winter projects.
• 1:18: The hosts use a funny political anecdote to summarize the core difference between liberal and conservative approaches to solving problems, relating to welfare and administrative fees.

Episode Summary:

Host Scott Hennen dives into a packed Friday edition of "What's On Your Mind," starting with the excitement of the Sioux vs. Gophers hockey series in Grand Forks , which he calls the "Super Bowl of college hockey". Scott and co-host JT discuss the dynamic of cheering for their alma mater's opponent, and Scott reveals a kind gesture from Gophers coach Bob Motzko to former UND coach Brad Barry.

They announce the winners of tickets to the games—the new Lego store in Fargo and Hot Spring Spas and Pool Tables Too (Hot Tub Vinny). This leads to the "Feel Good Friday" segment with Vince Webker (Hot Tub Vinny) , who discusses the wellness mission of his company, focused on making wellness a reality. Vince and Scott discuss the life-changing benefits and science behind hot tubs, saunas, and cold plunges. Vince also touches on sports, particularly the Vikings' upcoming game against the Eagles, predicting Carson Wentz will start at quarterback.

The conversation shifts to politics, with a full hour scheduled with Senator Kevin Cramer to discuss the government shutdown. Scott shares a theory that the shutdown is tied to the timing of the "No Kings Rally" and plays a clip of Charlie Kirk debating a student on whether the Republican Party is controlled by billionaires, with Kirk arguing the wealthiest counties and many billionaires are actually on the left. Later, Scott interviews Dean Kyle Armitage of NDSCS Career and Technical Education about the value of trade careers—like HVAC, plumbing, electrical, and culinary —and sponsorship programs with companies like Butler Machinery that help students work, get paid, and avoid loans. Finally, Senator Kevin Cramer joins the show to discuss the government shutdown , his desire to expose bureaucracy , the constitutional requirement for Congress to be paid , and answers listener questions on everything from congressional decorum to foreign aid, specifically mentioning a currency swap with Venezuela.

Standout Moments (Approximate Timestamps):

• 0:01: Scott Hennen's introduction and the excitement for the Sioux vs. Gophers rivalry, including Gopher Coach Bob Motzko's surprising, nice gesture to former UND coach Brad Barry.
• 0:08: "Feel Good Friday" with Vince Webker (Hot Tub Vinny) discussing the wellness benefits and science of hot tubs, saunas, and cold plunges.
• 0:21: Scott details the theory that the government shutdown is tied to the timing of the "No Kings Rally".
• 0:31: Interview with Dean Kyle Armitage of NDSCS Career and Technical Education about the value of trade careers and industry-college partnerships, like the one with Butler Machinery.
• 0:42: A classic clip of Charlie Kirk skillfully debating a liberal student, arguing that the majority of billionaires and wealthiest counties actually favor the political left.
• 0:54: Senator Kevin Cramer joins the show and addresses a caller who believes the government shutdown should last "not long enough".
• 1:04: Senator Cramer explains the constitutional reason why members of Congress are still paid during a government shutdown.
• 1:11: Senator Cramer addresses a listener question about the $42 billion to Venezuela, explaining it as an administration-supported currency swap to build trade relations.

Episode Summary:

In this lively solo edition of The Steve Hallstrom Show, guest host Scott Hennen takes the mic for a fast-moving mix of faith, politics, Medicare insights, and the future of artificial intelligence — all delivered with his trademark Midwestern warmth, wit, and conviction.

Scott opens with personal reflections about handwritten letters, family legacies, and a saying from his mother that anchors the show’s theme:

“Coincidences are God’s sealed orders.”

From there, he dives into timely talk about Minnesota’s new paid family leave law and what it means for small business owners, then touches on political divides in the Minnesota GOP — asking whether the conservative movement can find common ground again.

Later, he welcomes Michelle Kommer from High Road Partners to demystify the Medicare enrollment maze, offering practical advice for seniors navigating plan changes. In the final segment, Wes Cummins, CEO of Applied Digital, joins Scott to explore how North Dakota is becoming a surprising hub for AI data centers — or, as Cummins calls them, “intelligence factories.”

Scott closes with gratitude, reflection, and a reminder that faith and innovation can — and should — move hand in hand.