Archives: Episodes

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

Scott Hennen takes the show on the road to Vision Ford Lincoln in Wahpeton, North Dakota, for a jam-packed Tuesday edition of What’s On Your Mind. The episode kicks off with a wild guest—Jojo the Brazilian three-banded armadillo—as Kathy Dickman from Chahinkapa Zoo discusses conservation and why Wahpeton’s zoo is a world-class hidden gem.

The conversation then turns serious as Scott welcomes historian Clay Jenkinson for a civil but spirited debate on ICE, constitutional norms, and the current political climate in Minneapolis. Scott also sits down with Robert Schuller to tell the incredible 30-year success story of Giant Snacks, a Wahpeton-born brand that now feeds Major League Baseball dugouts nationwide. Finally, Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak joins for a Talk Radio Town Hall, and financial expert Brien Krank breaks down why the markets are thriving despite—or because of—new tariff policies.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:02:10] Jojo the Armadillo Steals the Show Kathy Dickman introduces the audience to Jojo, a three-banded armadillo from Brazil. Scott attempts to feed her dried mealworms while learning why armadillos are actually swifter than they look and how they live up to 50 years in captivity.

[00:10:45] Seeking Signal in the Noise with Clay Jenkinson Historian Clay Jenkinson joins Scott for a rare long-form conversation where two friends agree to disagree. Clay presents a 7-point list of common ground on immigration and the 2024 election, while challenging Scott on the "erosion of constitutional norms."

[00:19:15] The Murder vs. Law Enforcement Debate The temperature rises as Scott and Clay spar over recent events in Minneapolis. They debate the actions of ICE agents, the use of masks by federal officers, and whether the tragic deaths in the sanctuary city were the result of "murder" or a "justified use of force."

[00:21:40] Giant Snacks: From Wahpeton to the Big Leagues Robert Schuller shares the origin story of Giant Snacks. He explains how a North Dakota guy at the Minnesota Twins gave them their first big break 20 years ago, leading to their seeds being chewed in 27 out of 30 MLB dugouts today.

[00:25:30] Town Hall with Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak Congresswoman Fedorchak addresses listener concerns regarding the SAVE Act. She debunks claims that voter ID laws disenfranchise women or people of color and explains how the "One Big Beautiful Bill" is delivering tax relief to North Dakotans.

[00:32:15] The "Widowmaker" Weather Warning Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki drops in with a critical forecast. He warns of a looming "doozy" of a storm system that could bring up to 14 inches of snow and 40mph winds to the Northern Valley, making Wednesday travel treacherous.

[00:38:50] The Tariff Truth with Brian Kronk Money man Brien Krank explains why predictions of a "tariff apocalypse" haven't materialized. He breaks down how the 6% average tariff on S&P 500 companies is actually bolstering American security and supply chains, driving the Dow toward the 50,000 mark.

In this high-energy President's Day broadcast, Scott Hennen takes the show on the road to "The Hive" in Grand Forks, North Dakota—a burgeoning tech accelerator at the heart of America’s UAS and space revolution. The episode explores how North Dakota is transforming into a national security powerhouse, featuring deep dives into counter-drone technology, quantum computing, and the state's growing "Space Valley" ecosystem.

Beyond the tech, Scott honors the holiday by reflecting on the leadership of George Washington and modern-day impacts of the presidency. The program also features a final, staggering tally from Giving Hearts Day and an inspiring "Salute to Service" highlighting how local Lions Clubs are saving the vision of North Dakota’s children. It’s an episode that bridges the gap between the founding of a nation and its high-tech future.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:05:15] Countering the Bad Actors Tom Sawyer, president of Grand Sky, breaks down the massive shift in military focus toward "Counter UAS." He explains how North Dakota is leading the charge in detecting and tracking the "bad drones" that threaten domestic infrastructure and high-profile events like the Super Bowl.

[00:09:11] What is Quantum, Anyway? Tony Belzano of Q-Station attempts to explain quantum computing to the non-technologist. The discussion covers how "extreme computing" will allow drones to prioritize 40 simultaneous threats in a nanosecond—a capability that is both exciting and terrifying.

[00:15:30] The Modern vs. Founding President Scott Hennen shares his personal reflections on President's Day, naming Donald Trump the most impactful president of his lifetime while offering a moving tribute to George Washington’s decision to "stop serving" and return to his vine and fig tree.

[00:26:25] Radios Where Verizon Won’t Go Cody Larson of Persistent Systems, a Park River native, showcases the MPU-5 radio technology. He explains how these "mobile ad hoc networks" provide life-saving communication redundancy for nuclear deterrence missions and hurricane rescue efforts.

[00:30:15] Following the Dark Money A startling segment featuring congressional testimony from Josh Hawley’s hearing reveals that over $60 million in "shadow money" from NGO networks has been funneled into coordinated protest and riot activity in Minnesota.

[00:31:45] $31 Million for Giving Hearts Pat Traynor of the Dakota Medical Foundation joins for the final Giving Hearts Day recap. He reveals that 40,000 donors generated over 70,000 donations, hitting a massive milestone of $228 million raised since the event's inception in 2008.

[00:35:10] The First Family’s Passion Governor Kelly Armstrong and First Lady Kirstie Armstrong discuss the impact of the state's recent cell phone ban in schools. They share "unsolicited positive feedback" from parents and the noticeable shift in student communication and mental health.

[00:39:20] Sight for Kids: A Nose for News Lion Julie Schwartz shares a heartwarming "Salute to Service" story about a six-month-old baby whose vision was saved by a Lions Club screening. The baby’s first act after getting glasses? Reaching out to grab her mother’s nose, which she could finally see.

It’s a Fat Tuesday edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, and the energy is high despite a "working vacay" for Kevin in the desert and a looming winter storm back in the North Country. Hosts Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor celebrate the last day of Mardi Gras with Cajun tunes while preparing for a messy transition from 50-degree sunshine to a rain-snow "glare" event.

The duo dives deep into the national debate over the SAVE Act, highlighting the eight GOP senators blocking voter ID legislation and featuring sharp commentary from Kayleigh McEnany and Senator Mike Lee. From a "Seinfeld" government shutdown to AOC’s "stammer time" performance at the Munich Security Conference, the team breaks down the biggest stories in politics, sports, and agriculture. Plus, West Fargo’s Rhonda Jorgensen stops by to talk about "Coffee with a Cop" and a robotic dog that’s joining the force.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:10:00] The Eight GOP Holdouts The hosts discuss a viral update identifying the eight Republican senators allegedly blocking the SAVE Act, leading to a passionate listener-driven call to action for secure elections.

[00:23:00] AOC’s "MC Stammer" Performance A deep dive into Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's viral struggle to answer basic foreign policy questions in Munich. The Gutfeld panel weighs in on whether her presidential aspirations are officially over.

[01:03:00] The Soybean Twine Innovation Ag Director Bridget Riedel explains cutting-edge research using soybean hulls to create digestible twine for hay bales—preventing the "plastic balls" often found in cattle’s guts.

[01:21:00] The "Seinfeld" Shutdown Dana Perino makes the case that the current government tension is a "shutdown about nothing," highlighting the irony of politicians heading to Europe while federal employees worry about their paychecks.

[01:34:00] Robotic Dogs and "Coffee with a Cop" West Fargo’s Rhonda Jorgensen reveals the latest addition to the bomb squad—a robotic dog—and invites the community to the Rust-Ad Recreation Center for demonstrations and cookies.

[01:46:00] Tyrus on the "Common Sense" ID Test Tyrus offers a hilarious and biting critique of the narrative that people of color can’t get IDs, asking the simple question: "Do you have a driver's license?"

[01:57:00] The Weather "Fence Line" Dino gives a final warning on the winter storm, explaining the sharp 50-mile cutoff that determines whether Fargo gets a nuisance dusting or a six-inch "Widowmaker" heart-attack snow.

In this "working vacation" edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, Kevin Flynn joins live from the sunny Valley of the Sun in Arizona while Alex Taylor holds down the fort in the studio. The duo kicks off the week with a blend of travel logs from Kevin’s Southwest road trip—spanning the glitz of Las Vegas to the eight-lane freeways of California—and a deep dive into the political landscape.

The episode features extensive commentary from Mark Levin regarding voter ID laws and the role of ICE, alongside a heated discussion on the influence of foreign dark money in U.S. non-profits. Ag Director Bridget Riedel stops by to talk about the "Farm Bill 2.0" and why lamb might be the next big protein trend, while health expert Mariah Prussia shares tips on "resetting" after a burnout and the science behind collagen peptides. From Spring Training previews to "Do a Grouch a Favor Day," this episode covers the transition from winter's last gasp to the first signs of spring.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:04:00] The Southwest Sabbatical Kevin describes his journey through Fountain Hills, AZ, and his "10,000 steps" trek in Las Vegas just to get a photo of the Sphere. He also recounts a hilarious first encounter with an EV rental car that he didn't realize was actually "on."

[00:17:00] The Voter ID Debate A breakdown of Mark Levin’s segment on why the majority of Americans (including 71% of Democrats) support voter ID, contrasting it with the "Jim Crow" narrative used by party leadership.

[00:24:00] Do a Grouch a Favor The hosts celebrate the quirky holiday "National Do a Grouch a Favor Day" and debate whether a favor can actually fix a grumpy person's disposition.

[00:35:00] The Las Vegas "Showgirl" Scam Kevin warns listeners about the tourist traps on Fremont Street, sharing his $20 lesson learned after taking a "free" photo with street performers in feather boas.

[01:05:00] Farm Bill 2.0 & The Rise of Lamb Bridget Riedel explains the updates to the Farm Bill focusing on rural development and makes a nutritional case for lamb, noting it has 40% more protein than beef.

[01:19:00] The Emerald Ash Borer Arrives A critical update for Fargo residents: the invasive emerald ash borer has been detected in the city, and Bridget advises on how to protect local trees.

[01:38:00] Rucking and Resetting Mariah Prussia discusses her recent 15-mile "ruck" with a 30-pound pack and explains why "putting your foot on the brake" for a vacation is biologically necessary to avoid cortisol burnout.

[01:52:00] Foreign Funding and "Machine" Politics Representative Jason Smith joins the conversation to discuss investigations into 501(c) non-profits allegedly funded by foreign billionaires to incite domestic unrest.

[02:01:00] Cactus League Kickoff A look ahead to Friday’s Spring Training openers in Arizona, featuring the Diamondbacks and Rockies, marking the official unofficial start of the spring season.

Episode Description Steve Hallstrom delivers a fast-paced Tuesday edition, tackling the most urgent local and national headlines. From the surprising details of Fargo’s mayoral race to the somber updates on a high-profile murder case, Steve connects the dots on how national policies affect the Red River Valley. The show features legal expert Jeff Braidall, who helps unravel the mystery of how a $5 million bail was set in a "heinous" murder investigation, and GOP House candidate Alex Balazs, who shares his vision for North Dakota and makes a major announcement about a rededication event at the state capitol. Plus, a look at the "California Oil Exodus" and why 145,000 missing children have already been located in the last year.

Key Moments

• Dave Pepcorn for Mayor: Steve recaps the blockbuster news that Fargo City Commissioner Dave Pepcorn is officially running for Mayor. He discusses Pepcorn’s "tough on crime" stance and his focus on restoring fiscal discipline to a city burdened by $1.3 billion in debt.

• The $5 Million Bail Question: Noted defense attorney Jeff Braidall joins the show to explain the constitutional mechanics of bail. He breaks down why Joshua Height was granted a $5 million cash option despite the gruesome nature of the charges against him, citing the Eighth Amendment and the North Dakota Constitution's presumption of bailability.

• Bison Football’s FBS Leap: Athletic Director Matt Larson returns to the program to discuss the "magician-like" work of building NDSU’s first FBS schedule. Larson clarifies that the Mountain West slate is being completely reshuffled and shares his determination to fight the NCAA’s two-year postseason ban.

• Alex Balazs for Congress: Primary candidate Alex Balazs sits down with Steve to discuss his military background and his plan to bring more experienced leadership to Washington. Balazs announces a "One Nation Under God" rededication event set for May 17 at noon at the Bismarck Capitol.

• The California Oil Exodus: Steve dives into the economic fallout of refiner Valero shuttering its California operations early. He explores how heavy regulations are driving out 535,000 industry jobs and could send gas prices to $12 a gallon by late summer.

• A Thaw in Minnesota? Following a professional phone call between the President and Governor Tim Walz, Steve analyzes Border Czar Tom Homan’s arrival in Minneapolis. Homan discusses plans to reduce federal agent presence if local officials grant better access to county jails.

• The Scale of the Search: Steve highlights Tom Homan's staggering report that federal agents have located 145,000 unaccompanied children nationwide since early 2025—enough to fill every school desk in the state of North Dakota with 20,000 left over.

• Black History Month Perspective: Steve shares a viral clip from Alicia Moore, a black conservative woman who challenges "group ownership" of minds, arguing that independent thought should be respected above party loyalty.

Would you like to hear more about Dave Pepcorn’s specific plan for special assessments or the latest enrollment trends in Minnesota’s colleges?

The Jay Thomas Show from Monday February 16th, 2026.  Guests include Russ Thomas and your calls and emails.

Steve Hallstrom kicks off a high-octane week navigating the "drinking from a fire hose" news cycle. The show dives headfirst into the fallout of the massive Jeffrey Epstein file dump, exploring what is verifiable evidence and what is simply political weaponry. Steve also breaks down a shocking policy shift from Hillary Clinton on border security, the latest in the horrific Isadora Wengel murder investigation, and the world-record-breaking sale of a rare Pokémon card. Plus, a look at the "baby bump" hitting Minnesota’s new Paid Family Leave program and why Bison women’s basketball is the biggest story in regional sports.

Key Moments

• The Epstein Enigma: Steve addresses the release of 3 million pages of Epstein files. He discusses the challenge of discerning truth from "FBI tips," noting that while figures like Barack Obama and Donald Trump appear thousands of times, the lack of corroborated travel records or witnesses makes these documents more of a "semantics game" than a legal slam dunk.

• Hillary Clinton’s "Common Sense" Moment: In a stunning "best thing I heard all weekend," Steve reacts to Hillary Clinton’s comments in Munich where she admitted that migration has gone "too far" and been "destabilizing." Steve questions where this rhetoric was during the last decade and suggests the left is only now "waking up" because their policies have become politically unprofitable.

• The Isadora Wengel Case: Steve expresses outrage over the $5 million bail set for the man accused of the "heinously gruesome" murder of West Fargo’s Isadora Wengel. He questions the legal sanity of allowing a suspected killer to potentially walk free while the search for Wengel's body continues in regional landfills.

• Operation Metro Surge Drawdown: Tom Homan announces that over 1,000 agents have already left the Twin Cities as the Trump administration winds down its ICE surge. Steve reflects on the "quiet" that has followed the storm of protests and what this means for the future of federal enforcement in Minnesota.

• The $16.4 Million Pikachu: In a bizarre pop-culture crossover, Steve and producer Addison discuss Logan Paul’s record-breaking sale of a 1998 Japanese Pikachu Illustrator card. Steve uses the "yellow electric mouse" to illustrate the raw power of supply and demand in a volatile market.

• Minnesota’s "Baby Bump": Steve examines reports that Minnesota’s new Paid Family Leave program is already nearing a funding crisis. With approvals running 26% above forecast, Steve questions if the state is equipped to handle the "baby bump" of early applications or potential fraud within the system.

• Bitcoin’s Floor: Following a crypto freefall, Steve provides a "Bitcoin 101" update. Despite the volatility, Steve remains a long-term bull, arguing that institutions like Fidelity have made the asset "too big to fail" for the next generation of investors.

• Bison Women’s Basketball Dominance: Steve celebrates the NDSU women’s basketball team, who are now 23-2 on the year after a historic win at UND. He highlights their 21-game winning streak as a premier community success story.

It’s a high-octane Friday edition of the Need to Know Morning Show. In his final day sitting in for Kevin Flynn, Jay Thomas teams up with Alex Taylor to tackle the "crooked gift that keeps on giving"—Minnesota politics. The duo dives deep into the fallout of the Feeding Our Future fraud, calling for accountability as Attorney General Keith Ellison smirks his way through congressional hearings.

The episode isn't just about political theater; it's a quintessential community conversation. Jay shares a personal "caught red-handed" story about his wife and a garage door, argues with Meteorologist Dean Wysocki over whether it's actually going to hit 50 degrees this weekend, and gets a first-look at the massive new upgrades at Hector International Airport. From "V-neck comforters" with Mike Lindell to a list of the worst Valentine's Day gifts (hint: no weight loss pills), this episode is a marathon of local grit and unfiltered commentary.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:02:40] – The "Mob" in the Committee Room Jay reacts to Keith Ellison’s smirking testimony before Senator Josh Hawley, comparing the Attorney General’s demeanor to 1960s mobsters and demanding to know where the stolen billions actually went.

[00:06:50] – The Nancy Guthrie Mystery The team discusses the "bizarre" investigation into the Savannah Guthrie family case, questioning why Pima County authorities are withholding evidence from the FBI and local jurisdiction wars.

[00:15:35] – The Garage Door Confession In a hilarious domestic moment, Jay reveals how he caught his wife Maria trying to hide a minor garage door mishap—and why OnTrack Garage Door is now on speed dial.

[00:19:12] – Mike Lindell’s "V-Neck" Masterclass MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell calls in to discuss his lead in the gubernatorial polls and gives Jay a masterclass in marketing while explaining why he can’t (yet) make a comforter with a V-neck.

[00:23:45] – Homan’s "Operation Metro Surge" Wrap-up A breakdown of Tom Homan’s appearance with Laura Ingraham, where he explains why ICE is shifting tactics in Minneapolis and why the "withdrawal" headlines are fake news.

[00:32:55] – Gavin Newsom Gets Upstaged The crew laughs at The Five’s analysis of Gavin Newsom’s wife, Jennifer, "emasculating" him by grabbing the microphone and scolding the press during a Planned Parenthood event.

[00:38:58] – New Skies at Hector International Airport Director Sean Doberstein joins the studio to unveil the new nine-gate expansion, the virtual reality "immersive room" for anxious flyers, and the highly anticipated "Salty Bison" restaurant.

[00:46:10] – White Castles and Smoking Closets A passionate plea for the return of smoking rooms in airports and Jay’s excitement over the new White Castle "burger steaming" machines appearing in terminals.

[00:52:15] – The Billboard Top 5 "Sexy" Songs Jay and Alex wrap the week by critiquing Billboard’s list of the sexiest songs, questioning how Olivia Newton-John beat out Marvin Gaye.