Archives: Episodes

The Jay Thomas Show from Friday February 20th, 2026.  Guests include Bettie (Jay's Mom), Jenny and Archie (the Maine Coon Cat) and Michelle Turnberg.

In this "working vacation" edition of What’s On Your Mind, guest host Kevin Flynn checks in live from the Valley of the Sun in Phoenix, Arizona. While the North Country grapples with a brutal "Widowmaker" winter storm and jackknifed semis, Kevin is poolside with "Hot Tub Vinny" (Vince Webker) of Hot Spring Spas and Pool Tables 2.

The episode explores the stark contrast between the booming Southwest and the "hemorrhaging" populations of California, Minnesota, and New York. Kevin shares personal stories from his road trip through Las Vegas and San Diego, noting the consistent trend of former West Coasters fleeing high taxes for the zero-tax havens of Nevada and Texas. The duo also dives deep into the science of wellness—from why a quality hot tub is a "no-brainer" for the North Dakota climate to the life-extending benefits of a daily sauna session. Plus, a look at the staggering real estate shifts in Manhattan and an upcoming push at UND to solve rural nursing shortages.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:03:00] The California Escape Kevin recounts his trip through Las Vegas and San Diego, where every person he met at a local dog park had the same story: they had "escaped" California to avoid the crushing taxes, fees, and rising crime that have transformed the state over the last 20 years.

[00:04:15] The Zillow Metric: Manhattan’s 100% Surge A shocking look at the New York real estate market. Kevin reveals that in just two weeks, the number of properties for sale in Manhattan has more than doubled, featuring a record-breaking $128 million condo as the "rich people" flee potential new tax hikes.

[00:05:50] Hot Tub Vinny on Wellness Reality Vince Webker explains that people don't buy hot tubs for backyard decor; they buy them for physical, mental, and relational wellness. He discusses the 49-year history of his company and why Hot Spring Spas remain the world leader.

[00:06:50] The "Cut-In-Half" Comparison A "no-brainer" moment for North Dakotans: Kevin describes seeing a hot tub cut in half at a home show, revealing the critical difference in insulation and fittings that allow certain brands to survive the brutal Northern winters while others freeze up.

[00:09:05] The Sauna as a "D-flammatory" Device Vince breaks down the staggering health data from Finland, noting that sitting in a sauna 4–7 times a week can reduce heart attack risk by 50% and Alzheimer’s risk by 66% by acting as a powerful anti-inflammatory tool.

[00:15:20] Solving the Nursing Shortage A preview of the segment with UND’s Dr. Dawn Denny, detailing a new program designed to "knock it out of the park" by addressing the critical rural nursing challenges facing North Dakota.

[00:15:55] Polar Plunge for the Kids A call to action for the upcoming Boys and Girls Club fundraiser in Detroit Lakes. Kevin recalls his four previous plunges into frozen lakes and encourages listeners to join the "beautiful, wild" event this Saturday.

It’s a high-stakes Thursday on the Need to Know Morning Show as the Red River Valley digs out from a massive winter storm that dumped 14 inches of snow in some areas. While Kevin Flynn broadcasts from a "cool" 60-degree morning in Arizona, Alex Taylor handles the "glare ice" reality in the studio.

The heart of today’s episode is a moving, unscripted moment from the White House where a D.C. grandmother shares her powerful story of loss and why she believes one specific politician actually listened when no one else would. The duo also dives into the "frightening" reality of social media addiction—not just for kids, but for adults too—and catches up with the son of a Hollywood legend. From Olympic curling nuances to the "heart-attack snow" update, this episode covers the grit and the heart of the North Country.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:02:30] The Social Media "Rabbit Hole" Kevin and Alex have a candid conversation about phone addiction, describing the "frightening" trend of family members texting each other while sitting in the same room and the struggle to "do your business" without a screen in hand.

[00:11:45] "Grandma Said It": A Voice for the Voiceless The hosts play a viral clip of a D.C. grandmother who lost her grandson to violence. She delivers a fiery, heartfelt defense of Donald Trump, explaining how his team interviewed her in her home when she felt ignored by the "Democrat establishment."

[00:26:15] Uncle Miltie’s Secret Son Kevin recounts a fascinating lunch with his longtime friend Bob Williams, who revealed the Hollywood bombshell that he is actually the son—not the nephew—of the legendary Milton Berle.

[00:32:00] Glare Ice and 14-Inch Totals Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki delivers a sobering weather update: while the FM area saw about 5-6 inches, Devils Lake was buried under 14 inches. He warns that I-29 is currently "glare ice" with jackknifed semis blocking the way to Grand Forks.

[00:38:50] The "Gentlemanly" Rules of Curling As the Olympics heat up, the team attempts to decode the "nuances" of curling. They discuss the unique officiating style where players are expected to call their own faults in a game described as "shuffleboard meets darts."

[00:45:10] Olympic Hockey Heroics Big Game James breaks down Team USA’s thrilling walk-off win against Sweden in men’s hockey and previews the massive Gold Medal showdown between the U.S. and Canadian women’s teams.

[00:52:00] National Lash Day Dilemmas In a lighter moment, Alex and Kevin bond over their shared inability to apply fake eyelashes, despite Alex’s professional background as a hairstylist. "I cannot glue those suckers on!"

The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday February 19th, 2026.  Guests include FPD Chief David Zibolski and your calls.

Guest host Tim Flakoll steps into the chair for a snowy Thursday edition of the Steve Hallstrom Show. As the region braces for a heavy winter storm, Tim navigates a "drinking from a fire hose" news cycle featuring the leaders shaping North Dakota’s future. From the state’s educational roadmap with Superintendent Levi Bachmeier to the launch of a major new banking center at NDSU, this episode covers the essential developments in policy, commerce, and community. Plus, a deep dive into the need for civility in our current political climate and a look at why 90% of a major Minnesota housing program was reportedly consumed by fraud.

Key Moments

• The Calm Before the Snow: Tim and meteorologist Dean Wysocki break down the impending winter storm, forecasting 2-4 inches for the Fargo area and up to a foot in parts of northern North Dakota. Tim warns listeners to "drive with vision" on the slushy and slippery roads.

• Superintendent Levi Bachmeier’s Vision: In his first 87 days on the job, North Dakota’s new Superintendent of Public Instruction Levi Bachmeier joins the show from a high school parking lot in Beach. He discusses his 165-district tour, the challenges of teacher recruitment, and why investing in K-12 is the state's most vital long-term priority.

• A New Era for NDSU Business: Dean Katherine Birkeland of the NDSU College of Business unveils the "Center for Banking and Finance." This new hub, backed by major partners like Bell Bank and Gate City Bank, aims to prepare the next generation for the evolving world of fintech and risk modeling.

• The "One Job" Crisis: Tim discusses a jaw-dropping report regarding Minnesota’s "housing stabilization" program, where a former U.S. Attorney alleges that at least 90% of the $100 million initiative was lost to fraud.

• The Civility Debate: Representative Austin Schauer joins the studio to preview a community forum on local governance and civil communication. He reflects on his time in the legislature and argues that while political battles are inevitable, respect for the office and personal integrity must remain the standard.

• Watchdogs for the State: Public Service Commissioner Jill Kringstad explains the PSC’s role as the "watchdog" for citizens, overseeing everything from rail safety and gas pipeline inspections to the reclamation of North Dakota’s active coal mines.

• Rural Health Care Infusion: Representative Schauer details the high-stakes push to spend $200 million in federal funding on rural health care by October 1st, highlighting the logistical hurdles of ordering new ambulances and renovating small-town clinics.

• Searching for Isadora: A somber update on the search for missing West Fargo woman Isadora Wengel. Tim shares details on an upcoming community search party and the "horrific" new evidence revealed in charging documents against the accused killer.

Scott Hennen broadcasts live from the "little engine that could"—beautiful Otter Tail, Minnesota. This episode bridges the gap between small-town innovation and high-stakes national policy. Scott sits down with "Borders Czar" Tom Homan for an exclusive update on the drawdown in Minneapolis, the investigation into George Soros-funded NGOs, and the legal fallout of the recent sanctuary city clashes.

The local spotlight shines on young entrepreneurs Alex and Tyler Rupp, who are revitalizing Otter Tail with a privately funded nonprofit daycare and wellness model, and "Minnesota’s Elon Musk," Kenny Nelson, who reveals his latest venture: manufacturing luxury electric vehicles right in town. Finally, financial experts David Fisher and Kurt Zellers break down the "Rubicon" of national debt and the competitive battle for business between Minnesota and North Dakota.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:03:00] The Minneapolis Drawdown Borders Czar Tom Homan provides the latest "lay of the land" in Minneapolis. He confirms the federal footprint is shrinking as local cooperation improves but notes that mobile response units and fraud investigators are staying behind until the job is done.

[00:10:45] Follow the Money: NGOs and Riots Homan reveals that the DHS and FBI are "following the money" regarding sophisticated signal enterprises and NGOs. He discusses congressional testimony suggesting millions from George Soros and other groups are being used to mobilize anti-ICE activity.

[00:20:15] Daycare Pods: A New Private Model Alex and Tyler Rupp discuss their mortgage-free, nonprofit childcare units. By bypassing government funding and relying on private donations, they’ve created an affordable "pod" system that empowers providers and supports local families.

[00:29:30] The Elon Musk of Minnesota Legendary entrepreneur Kenny Nelson (Tuffy’s Pet Food, Wiley Wallaby) discusses his new company, ULV (Ultimate Luxury Vehicle). At 84, Nelson is launching a line of $60,000 carbon-fiber electric carts manufactured in Otter Tail.

[00:36:20] Crossing the Rubicon of Debt Landmark Gold’s David Fisher explains why the U.S. has hit a terrifying milestone: interest payments on the national debt have now surpassed the national defense budget, reaching nearly $1 trillion annually.

[00:41:10] The Border between Twins Former Minnesota Speaker of the House Kurt Zellers previews the Midwest Economic Summit. He questions why it takes a year longer to build a facility on the Minnesota side of the Red River Valley compared to the North Dakota side.

[00:43:40] A Lenten Reset Scott Hennen shares a personal reflection on Ash Wednesday, announcing a 46-day "Facebook detox" to escape social media toxicity and focus on gut health and spiritual growth.

It’s a messy hump day on the Need to Know Morning Show as a massive winter storm system parks itself directly over the Red River Valley. Hosts Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor brave the "slop" to bring you a mix of survival tips for the "Widowmaker" heart-attack snow and a deep dive into some of the most bizarre headlines in the country.

While Kevin joins from his working vacation in Phoenix, the team investigates a staggering report on voter fraud in California—where residents over the age of 125 are apparently still casting ballots from PO boxes and storage units. The show also tackles the "smarmy" poetry of Eric Swalwell, the latest from the Minnesota governor's race, and a trip down memory lane with legendary tractor stories from Ag Director Bridget Riedel. Plus, financial expert Brien Krank stops by to explain why the markets are ignoring tariff fears and hitting new heights.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:06:45] AOC’s Munich Word Salad Alex and Kevin review Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's appearance at a Munich security conference, describing her performance as "embarrassing" and comparing her rhetorical style to Kamala Harris’s infamous "word salads."

[00:20:15] The 1982 "Virgin" Tractor Ag Director Bridgette Readel shares a classic farm story about a 1982 White tractor that was parked in a shed and never used again after a hired hand "wrecked its career" by raking hay with it. It recently sold for $75,000.

[00:36:50] Investigative Report: The 125-Year-Old Voter A deep dive into Nick Shirley’s investigative report on California’s voter rolls. Shirley takes to the streets of San Diego to find "residents" registered at UPS stores and storage units, including a woman allegedly born in 1900 who is still "active."

[00:43:55] The "Widowmaker" Weather Warning Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down why today's 4-7 inches of snow is particularly dangerous. With temperatures hovering at freezing, the "heavy, wet consistency" is prime for heart attacks and treacherous evening commutes.

[01:05:30] Brien Krank: Tariffs and the 50,000 Milestone Money man Brien Krank explains why the Dow is nipping at 50,000 despite "doom and gloom" tariff predictions. He reveals that for S&P 500 companies, the average tariff is only 6%, which hasn't slowed down record-breaking earnings.

[01:22:15] Gov. Walz: "I’d Rather Eat Glass" The team discusses Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s colorful refusal to fill Amy Klobuchar’s Senate seat, sparking a debate on who will actually jump into the heating-up governor’s race.

[01:48:20] The 1996 Schumer Flip-Flop A "viral" throwback clip from 1996 features a young Chuck Schumer passionately arguing for ID requirements and Social Security cards to prevent fraud—a stark contrast to his current "Jim Crow 2.0" rhetoric.

The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday February 18th, 2026.

Steve Hallstrom dives into a packed Wednesday edition as the Minnesota legislative session kicks off in St. Paul. With explosive reports alleging that fraud in some state programs has reached a staggering 90%, Steve asks if the government can finally do its "one job" and protect taxpayer dollars. The show also features a deep dive into the state of local journalism with Cecille Wehrman of the North Dakota Newspaper Association, an update on the "heinous" murder investigation in West Fargo, and a look at why 15 years have passed since Fargo last saw a foot of snow. Plus, new Gallup data reveals a surprising shift in how Americans are identifying their gender and sexuality.

Key Moments

• The 90% Fraud Bombshell: Steve plays a jaw-dropping clip from news reporter Jake Holes, who cites a former U.S. Attorney’s claim that roughly 90% of a $100 million housing stabilization program in Minnesota was consumed by fraud. Steve compares the scale of Minnesota’s estimated $20 billion fraud crisis to the federal budget, calling it a "totalizing" threat to the state’s solvency.

• The Struggle for Local News: Cecille Wehrman joins the program to discuss a year-long study on "news deserts" in North Dakota. She reveals that while newspapers are under extreme stress from rising postage and digital disruption, 80% of residents in counties without a paper are desperate for a local news source to keep them connected to their government.

• Isadora Wengel Update: Steve provides somber details on the arrest of Joshua Height. Fargo Police are now characterizing the case as a "heinous and devious" murder involving potential dismemberment, and are urging the public to help locate a specific black storage tote with a red lid.

• The "One Job" Session: As Minnesota lawmakers convene, Steve critiques the DFL leadership for focusing on limiting ICE activity rather than addressing the massive financial "theft" from the state’s citizens.

• Gallup’s Identity Shift: Steve breaks down new polling showing that while LGBTQ+ identification doubled during the previous administration, it has seen its first-ever decline in the last year. He highlights that 23% of adults aged 18–29 now identify as something other than straight.

• Voter ID Logic: Steve addresses listener questions about how photo ID prevents illegal voting, emphasizing the need for proof of citizenship at the point of registration to ensure election integrity.

• Moorhead’s ICE Debate: Following a "spirited" council debate, Moorhead Mayor Shelley Carlson has assembled a committee to review the city's response to federal immigration enforcement—a move Steve argues shouldn't even be a question in the United States.

• The Weather Record: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki settles a bet, revealing that the last time Fargo received a full foot of snow in a single storm was nearly 15 years ago, on November 22, 2010.

Coaches Corner Podcast host, Greg Burd, of Flag Family Media is joined each week by MSUM men’s basketball head coach, Jason Kemp, and MSUM women’s basketball head coach, Karla Nelson. This week the coaches discuss key players stepping up, the bonds their teams have, and more.   The Coaches Corner Podcast is brought to you by: Valley Imports/Valley Pre-Owned Camrud Foss Concrete Third Drop Coffee Brady’s Service Center