Archives: Episodes

This episode, recorded on Thursday, October 2nd, covers the ongoing government shutdown, rising political battles over gun control in Minnesota, and a host of economic and social headlines, including a controversial new initiative from the White House regarding prescription drugs.

Key Moments:

• Government Shutdown Continues: The U.S. government shutdown is likely to last at least three days, as the Senate is out of session today for Yom Kippur. Prediction markets are betting it could drag on for nearly two weeks. Treasury Secretary Scott Besson warned that the shutdown could hurt U.S. economic growth, including GDP and growth to working America. Stocks, however, closed at new record highs today, suggesting investors are not panicked.
• Minnesota Gun Ban Controversy (Top 5 at 5): Minnesota DFL Senator Rob Kupec of Moorhead is uncertain if he will support an assault weapons ban, semi-automatic rifle ban, and high-capacity magazine ban during the special legislative session next week, stating he needs to see the specific bill language. The Senate DFL holds 33 seats, needing 34 votes to pass any bill, leading to uncertainty over the outcome. Listeners, including Moorhead's Craig, expressed deep concern over being forced to surrender legally owned firearms and high-capacity magazines.
• "Trump Rx" Pharmacy Portal: President Trump has announced a deal with Pfizer to sell its drugs directly to consumers at discounted prices (averaging 50% lower) through a federal government-operated website, trumprx.gov, expected to launch in 2026. The host expresses concern that this puts the federal government in competition with the private retail pharmacy sector. (4:37)
• Mark Knudson's Legacy & Fargo Mini Marathon: James Botten, founder of Run Day Events, is reviving the Fargo Mini Marathon, last held in 2019, to keep the memory and legacy of the late Mark Knudson alive. The Fargo Mini Marathon is scheduled for October 17th and 18th. Knudson's non-profit, Shoes for Kids, will benefit from the race. (5:35)
• The "Name Caller" Charlie Kirk: An analysis of over 100 Charlie Kirk speeches and public forums showed that while he was insulted 59 times, he only used 11 insults in response, and never returned "evil for evil." He frequently thanked opponents for their courage in engaging publicly. (5:29)
• Netflix Controversy: Elon Musk has urged followers to cancel their Netflix subscriptions, stating they are promoting a "transgender woke agenda." The controversy is centered around the animated show

  Dead End Paranormal Park, which features a transgender character. (5:48)
• Minnesota Science Test Scores Decline (Top 5 at 5): Only 26% of Minnesota students met or exceeded new science standards, a sharp drop from nearly 40% proficiency in 2024. The new standards shift focus from memorization to applying scientific methods. (4:20)

• Real Estate & Mortgage Updates (Top 5 at 5): Mortgage rates have edged up, with the 30-year fixed rate at 6.34% this week, slightly higher than last week's 6.3%. Additionally, nearly one in five U.S. homes listed for sale saw a price cut in September, shifting power to buyers. The steepest markdowns (21.6%) were on homes between $350k and $500k, while luxury homes over $1 million saw the fewest reductions (13.3%).

Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor take on the pressing issue of the government shutdown and other local happenings. They break down the political blame game, discuss the financial impact on essential services and citizens, and expose what they call "word salad trickery" from politicians.

Featured Segments

• The Schumer Shutdown: The hosts share clips from Vice President JD Vance and commentator Will Cain, who both argue that the shutdown is a political power play by Senate Democrats. According to Vance, the Democrats' goal is to reinstate hundreds of billions of dollars for healthcare benefits for illegal immigrants, which were cut under President Trump's administration. Cain explains the mechanism: hospitals provide care to illegal immigrants, and the federal government, and by extension the taxpayer, pays the bill. The hosts also discuss the direct impact on Americans, noting that military members, TSA agents, and federal employees are not getting paid, and services like WIC and SNAP are being delayed or shut down.
• Local Happenings: The show covers a lot of local news, including the area's unseasonably hot weather, with temperatures expected to hit 90 degrees on Saturday before a cold front moves in, bringing a chance of the first hard freeze next week. They also discuss agriculture and outdoors, with Bridget Riedel reporting on dry conditions, recent combine fires, and business acquisitions. Steve Carney talks about the slow start to the waterfowl season due to the heat, and the turkey opener that's set to begin on Saturday.
• Political Commentary: The hosts and listeners react to the shutdown, with some speculating that President Trump sees this as an opportunity to permanently downsize the federal government and fire non-essential employees. One listener calls out the Affordable Care Act (ACA), saying it was anything but affordable and made healthcare for illegal immigrants more accessible.
• Fun Facts: The show celebrates a number of holidays, including National Scallops Day, Guardian Angels Day, and National Custodial Workers Day. They also wish happy birthday to singer Sting, who is 74 today, and Charlie Brown, who is celebrating his 75th birthday.

Standout Moments

• Hot Weather Woes: The hosts are in disbelief over the unseasonably hot weather, with a high of 90 degrees expected on Saturday, followed by a sudden temperature drop to the 60s on Sunday.
• The Cost of "Free" Healthcare: A listener texts in to point out that federally funded emergency room visits for illegal immigrants ultimately increase insurance costs for hardworking Americans.
• A Call for a Smaller Government: Listeners express their support for a smaller government, suggesting that if a federal employee is "non-essential" during a shutdown, they should be fired.
• Vance on the Shutdown: Vice President Vance explains the shutdown as a political move by Democrats to regain funding for healthcare for illegal aliens, which was cut by the Trump administration.
• Will Cain's Breakdown: Will Cain breaks down how illegal immigrants receive healthcare, explaining that their emergency room bills are passed from the hospital to the federal government and paid for by taxpayers.
• Trump's "Trolling": The hosts discuss how President Trump is using social media to troll Democrats, who are complaining about his memes.

Kevin Flynn is filling in for Scott Hennen and welcomes several guests to the show to discuss current events and community updates. The episode features interviews with Nathaniel "Nate" Douglas, executive director of the Perry Center, and Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach.

Featured Segments

• Perry Center: Nate Douglas talks about the Perry Center, a residential home that helps pregnant women through their pregnancies with a Christ-centered approach. The center is in a period of growth, expanding from nine bedrooms to 33 to meet the increasing need. The Perry Center has an upcoming fall fundraiser on October 13th at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fargo, which will feature resident testimonies and a keynote speech from Kim Elliott, a woman who raised a daughter conceived from rape. The event is free, and attendees are asked to RSVP on their website.  

• Government and Politics: Kevin speaks with Minnesota Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach about her work and the current political climate. They discuss the ongoing fraud cases in Minnesota, including the "Feeding Our Future" and daycare scandals. Fischbach notes her support for a bill that would force the release of money held in Somalia from the "Feeding Our Future" fraud. The conversation also covers the possibility of a government shutdown, with Fischbach placing the blame on Democrats for not supporting a "clean CR" (continuing resolution) and for wanting to increase spending.  

• Special Interview with Glenn Beck: The show features an audio clip from an interview with Glenn Beck, who is filling in for Charlie Kirk at a TP USA event at the University of North Dakota. Beck and Flynn share stories about their long history in radio. Beck talks about his admiration for Charlie Kirk, calling him a "gift from God" and a "savant". He also reflects on the current state of the nation and the importance of faith in the face of growing darkness.  

• Weather and Local News: The episode includes a weather report with Meteorologist Dean Wysocki, who shares that a warm air mass is causing unseasonably high temperatures in the region, with highs in the 80s. However, a pattern change is expected next week, bringing cooler weather and significant rain to some areas.  

Standout Moments

• Helping Pregnant Women: Kevin Flynn and Nate Douglas discuss the Perry Center's mission and its impact, including a powerful story about a former resident who overcame addiction and an unexpected pregnancy to get married and now teaches classes at the center.   [3:43]
• Minnesota Fraud: Congresswoman Michelle Fischbach and Kevin Flynn discuss the "constant" and "crazy" fraud happening in Minnesota, with Fischbach revealing that money from one of the fraud schemes is being held in Somalia.   [12:12]
• The Government Shutdown Debate: Fischbach gives her perspective on the government shutdown, stating that Democrats are holding the American people "hostage for their radical agenda".   [13:52]
• Glenn Beck on Charlie Kirk: Glenn Beck speaks emotionally about Charlie Kirk, praising his work and character, and sharing a touching story about Kirk giving a commencement address to a single student.   [18:48]
• Faith in the Face of Evil: Beck talks about the need for a spiritual revival and encourages listeners to "do the next right thing" to combat the darkness in the world.  

[20:47]

• Saving Minnesota: Kevin Flynn expresses concern for the state of Minnesota, describing it as "in a lot of trouble" due to rising crime, boarded-up downtown areas, and political corruption.   [24:14]

Host Steve Hallstrom is back in the Fargo studio on a windy, unseasonably warm October day, discussing day one of the federal government shutdown. He addresses the three biggest questions about the shutdown and details the controversial, yet highly praised, new standards for the Department of War set by Secretary Pete Hegseth. The show also features a powerful interview with Aaron Carre, an organizer of the "Fargo March for Peace," a look at growing violent crime, and a personal rebuttal to a listener's criticism.

It's Hump Day, and the Need to Know Morning Show is buzzing! In this packed episode, we dive deep into the political and cultural wars, starting with Pete Hegseth's explosive speech on restoring merit and lethality to the military, rebranding it as the "War Department." We also get the financial lowdown on the government shutdown's minimal market impact, an update on the local harvest, and essential fall lawn and garden advice from expert Don Kinzler, including the importance of a sharp mower blade for a lush lawn.

Key Moments:

• 02:07 - Newt Gingrich discusses the "Schumer Shutdown," arguing that the Democratic Senate and House leaders, both from liberal New York City, are completely "out of touch with America" on spending and the government closure.
• 09:51 - Pete Hegseth delivers a powerful address on eliminating "woke garbage" from the military, demanding high, gender-neutral standards, and requiring all personnel—including generals—to pass a PT test twice a year.
• 11:04 - Hegseth announces a new directive: all combat positions must return to the highest male physical standard only, stressing that if women can meet it, "excellent," but "if not, it is what it is".
• 13:50 - Hegseth explains the name change from the Department of Defense to the "War Department," asserting that the US has not won a major war since the change in 1947 and that "We fight wars to win, not to defend".
• 18:50 - Bridgette Readel warns farmers about cyber security, stating that farm data should be considered intellectual property and must be protected as tightly as a bank account.
• 24:00 - Money Man Brien Krank discusses how the stock market typically ignores a government shutdown, which actually shows a slight bias to the upside, but notes that Trump is changing the terms by threatening to fire non-essential employees instead of just furloughing them.
• 26:48 - The hosts discuss a breaking drug pricing deal in which Pfizer will lower the cost of its medications for Americans.
• 33:38 - Don Kinzler confirms that the recent warm weather has stalled the fall color change because cool evening temperatures are needed to form red and scarlet pigments.
• 37:37 - Kinzler explains that keeping your mower blade sharp is crucial for lawn health because a crisp cut creates less evaporation, helping the grass stay greener and preserve moisture.

The government is shut down, but the show is fired up, tackling everything from Washington's political theater to a high-school image scandal and a "demonic" Super Bowl halftime pick. North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley joins to discuss the criminal nature of sharing explicit and AI-generated images among teens, while Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak breaks down why Democrats are "holding the American people hostage" over government funding. Plus, a community rallying cry for a wholesome alternative to the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show.

Key Moments:

• 01:45 - The "Life Erickson" 5K Run/Walk in Moorhead on October 9th is announced, complete with Viking helmets and beer glasses from Swing Barrel Brewing.
• 08:06 - North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley joins to discuss the disturbing and illegal sharing of nude and AI-generated images among students at Davies and West Fargo schools.
• 12:56 - Dana in Williston calls in, highly disturbed by the NFL's selection of "Puerto Rican rapper" Bad Bunny for the Super Bowl halftime show, calling him "anti-everything."
• 13:51 - The host and caller discuss Taylor Swift reportedly turning down the Super Bowl halftime show because the NFL would not meet her financial demands.
• 17:34 - Drew Wrigley addresses a common pushback, clarifying that while a student who sends an explicit image of themselves is not the focus of prosecution, the distributor of that image is committing a crime.
• 20:46 - A caller connects the student image scandal to a larger "crisis" in North Dakota, mentioning a recent suicide linked to "revenge porn" and digital harassment.
• 23:44 - Mike calls in, arguing that AI itself should be prosecuted as a new entity for its role in fostering suicidal thoughts in children undergoing mental health crises.
• 26:50 - Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak explains the political dynamic behind the government shutdown, detailing how Democrats' "ridiculous demands," like unwinding Medicaid work requirements and funding free healthcare for illegal aliens, caused the stoppage.
• 31:58 - A listener suggests that football players who claim Christ as their savior should "take a knee about Bad Bunny" to protest the halftime choice.
• 34:54 - Dana in Bismarck encourages listeners to honor the legacy of Charlie Kirk by asking themselves, "would I do that to myself?" when making decisions.

Concordia Cobbers Football head coach Terry Horan and Moorhead Spuds Football head coach Kevin Feeney join host Greg Burd for the 2025 Coaches Corner Podcast! This week they discuss in-game adjustments, injured players & how tough it is for those players to miss games or a season. Plus, they talk about the offensive lines and the upcoming weeks' challenges.   Sponsors: Third Drop Coffee Brady’s Service Camrud Foss Concrete

Steve Hallstrom broadcasts live from the Minnesota Broadcasters Association Annual Meeting in Stillwater, Minnesota, covering a mix of local and national stories. The show features interviews with North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong and State Treasurer Tom Beadle about state investments and the impending federal shutdown. Key topics include Attorney General Drew Wrigley's press conference on students sharing explicit images, the Minnesota special session's potential AR ban, and Pete Hegseth's new, non-gender-specific military combat standards.

Hosts Scott and Kevin dive into a packed Tuesday show covering a variety of national and local issues. The political conversation is dominated by the looming government shutdown, with an analysis from financial expert David Fisher on the potential for massive government layoffs and a debate on whether President Trump is strategically maneuvering the conflict. Fisher also breaks down the rising power of BRICS nations and reports on a "relentless" rally in gold and silver prices.

In the second half, the focus shifts to North Dakota's energy future, featuring a discussion with Kevin Rusk of the UND College of Engineering and Mines on rare-earth mineral extraction from lignite coal and the need for automation talent in manufacturing. Lignite Energy Council CEO Jonathan Fortner joins to praise new federal changes that support the coal industry. Finally, Captain Bryan Niewin of the North Dakota Highway Patrol provides an update on the new 80 mph speed limit, enforcement policy, and troop staffing. The episode also features a segment on a Grand Forks benefit for cancer patient Garrett Wiltsie and a tribute to the late Charlie Kirk.

Standout Moments with Timestamps

• 08:00 AM: The show opens with a spotlight on the Lend a Hand Up benefit for Garrett Wiltsie, a Grand Forks man battling glioblastoma, including details on how to attend or donate.
• 08:05 AM: David Fisher of Landmark Capital discusses the looming government shutdown, stating he's "not worried" because essential services will remain open, but notes that President Trump is making the unprecedented threat of laying off 100,000 government workers.
• 08:09 AM: Fisher explains that the BRICS alliance (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) is an emerging power approaching 50% of the global GDP and actively trying to move away from the U.S. dollar.
• 08:14 AM: Fisher reports that the price of gold is up 43% and silver is up 60% year-to-date, due to global overspending, the massive devaluation of the dollar, and central banks buying gold.
• 08:18 AM: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki provides the unusual forecast: highs in the low to mid-80s all week, well above the normal low-to-mid 60s, before a "much, much cooler" change arrives next week.
• 08:24 AM: The hosts discuss President Trump's address to military leaders, calling it a "military master class" and praising new Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's edict to return all combat positions to the "highest male standard only".
• 08:34 AM: Kevin Rusk from UND's College of Engineering and Mines discusses his work in extracting rare-earth elements from North Dakota's lignite coal, a move that could decouple the U.S. supply chain from China.
• 08:52 AM: Jonathan Fortner of the Lignite Energy Council details recent federal victories for the coal industry, including the Interior Department opening 13 million acres of land for coal leasing and reducing the royalty rate from 12% to 7%.
• 09:02 AM: The hosts pay a brief tribute to Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated on September 10th, and discuss the security failures cited in an Associated Press review.
• 09:05 AM: Captain Bryan Niewin of the North Dakota Highway Patrol joins for "Trooper Talk," confirming the patrol's enforcement policy: drivers going 85 mph or faster will receive a citation on interstates.
• 09:12 AM: Captain Niewin explains the logic behind the varying speed limits (80 to 65 to 55 mph) in short distances through metro areas is based on engineering and speed studies to ensure traffic safety.

Hosts Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor tackle a range of hot topics, starting with the unseasonably warm forecast that promises highs in the 80s for the next five days, delaying the "snap" of cold weather until late next week. They dive into the looming government shutdown, arguing that the blame lies with Democrats (dubbed the "Schumer Shutdown") for demanding health care funding for illegal immigrants.

The conversation takes a sharp turn into pop culture with a segment on Bad Bunny being announced as the Super Bowl halftime headliner, criticizing the choice due to his vulgar lyrics, dress-wearing, and political stances, suggesting the NFL is facilitating its "own demise".

Crime in the Fargo-Moorhead area is a serious focus, with guest Jay Thomas reporting on a recent, brazen incident where a man destroyed a prized Corvette in broad daylight and was released from jail two days later. The show also covers the local sock drive for homeless kids with Sue Barron and an agriculture update on the importance of micronutrients in fertilizer.

Standout Moments with Timestamps

• 06:13 AM: The hosts note the unseasonably warm forecast, with the area expecting five days in the 80s before a big change on Sunday.
• 06:14 AM: The central question of the day is posed: "Should we shut it down?" in reference to the government shutdown.
• 06:40 AM: The discussion turns to the Super Bowl halftime show, criticizing the selection of Bad Bunny, a "Spanish singing dress-wearing political rapper," due to his vulgarity and perceived anti-U.S. sentiment.
• 06:50 AM: A clip of Senator John Thune airs, where he states the Republicans are united and that the Democrats are holding the government "hostage" by demanding concessions like "free health care for illegals".
• 07:15 AM: Bridgette Readel gives an agriculture update, discussing the need for micronutrients and the potential for pulse crops (chickpeas, lentils) to double in acreage by 2030.
• 07:35 AM: Sue Barron from Golden Drive Homeless Kids gives an update on the sock drive, which is running until the end of the week, and mentions the large need for food and winter gear.
• 07:54 AM: Guest Jay Thomas reports on a shocking crime incident where a homeless person was seen destroying a black Corvette in Moorhead and was later released from jail in two days because he was "too crazy" to keep there.
• 08:23 AM: A clip of J.D. Vance airs, where he calls the Democrats' initial $1.5 trillion negotiation proposal, which included "massive amounts of money... to illegal aliens for their health care," an "absurd" and "preposterous" demand.