Archives: Episodes

Live from the Dakota Medical Foundation in Fargo, guest host Jay Thomas takes the reins for a high-energy, four-hour broadcast celebrating Giving Hearts Day 2026. With the live tote board climbing toward record-breaking heights, Jay and co-host Alex Taylor sit down with the leaders of the region's most vital nonprofits. From the life-saving housing provided by the Ronald McDonald House to the "dignity transformations" of Down Home, this episode explores the profound impact of local generosity. The morning is a blend of heartwarming community stories, a deep dive into the 85-year legacy of the Ann Carlson Center, and, of course, a few updates on the "Colorado Crusher" storm heading toward the valley.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:02:16] – A Home Away From Home Jill Christopher of the Ronald McDonald House explains how their 24 guest rooms provide free housing for over 1,000 families annually, allowing parents to focus entirely on their sick children.

[00:08:02] – Extraordinary Friend Raising

Pat Traynor, the visionary behind Giving Hearts Day, reflects on growing the event from just 40 charities in 2007 to over 650 today, raising over $15 million before 7:00 AM.

[00:12:58] – Dignity in the Living Room Janessa Philippi of Down Home shares the "miracle moments" of furnishing apartments for those emerging from homelessness, maintaining a 95% stabilization rate for the families they serve.

[00:17:15] – The Truth About "Safety Leave" The show tackles a controversial uptick in Minnesota safety leave claims, with Jay and listeners debating the mental health impacts of recent ICE activity in the region.

[00:20:51] – Adopt-a-Senior: Meals on Wheels Cassandra Emanuel reveals that Valley Senior Services provides 360,000 meals a year, relying on a fleet of volunteers to perform daily wellness checks on the 25% of North Dakotans over age 60.

[00:27:11] – The 30-Inch Prediction Meteorologist Dean Wysocki sparks a debate about a looming weather system, warning of 6 to 12 inches of "Widowmaker" heavy snow expected before the month ends.

[00:32:05] – Business Skills and Thin Mints

Girl Scouts Dakota Horizons explains how the iconic cookie drive is actually a K-12 entrepreneurship program, funding international trips to Australia and local scholarships.

[00:43:05] – The No-Poke Zone Catherine Kingsley discusses the Cullen Children’s Foundation, which has donated $8 million to the community, including the creation of "Cully’s Cottage"—a play haven for kids receiving cancer treatments.

[00:53:03] – Breaking the "ICE Withdraws" Headline The team analyzes Tom Homan’s latest press conference regarding the drawdown of federal agents in Minneapolis and what it means for local law enforcement cooperation.

In this high-energy Friday edition of What’s on Your Mind, host Scott Hennen cuts through the "liberal dribble" and media sensationalism surrounding the current state of America. The episode features a deep-dive Town Hall with Senator Kevin Cramer, covering the high stakes of the Iranian uprising and the "anti-cop" rhetoric fueling tension in Minnesota.

The conversation shifts from global security to domestic victories, highlighting the often-ignored economic successes of the Trump administration’s tax cuts. Later, Mike Lindell calls in fresh off a plane from Mar-a-Lago to discuss his 100% commitment to running for Governor of Minnesota and why the recent ICE drawdown in Minneapolis is actually a brilliant strategic move to expose political fraud. From "V-neck comforters" to the historical truth of the Confederacy, this episode is a masterclass in conservative perspective and grassroots activism.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:07] – The Iran Credibility Gap Senator Kevin Cramer discusses the moral and strategic dilemma in Iran, noting that while the U.S. has the power to take out the regime's assets, the ultimate goal is supporting the Iranian people's own desire for regime change.

[00:03:35] – Reputation of Strength Cramer reflects on President Trump’s earned reputation as a leader who takes a backseat to no one, arguing that the world is watching to see if there is a price to pay for doing wrong by America.

[00:07:49] – Fact-Checking the "Gulag" Rhetoric Scott takes aim at local columnists and "Trump derangement syndrome," debunking claims that ICE is randomly "house-to-house killing" people and throwing them into gulags.

[00:11:13] – The Government Shutdown Myth Senator Cramer clarifies that despite media sensationalism, DHS and the Coast Guard are not shutting down, as they are essential services with ample funding.

[00:15:52] – Melania: The Movie Review A "number one fan" calls in to review the Melania Trump movie, praising the First Lady’s "Jackie O class" and noting a specific transition scene involving Joe Biden and a bag of trash.

[00:22:21] – Live from Fort Bragg The show dips into live coverage of President Trump and Melania speaking to energized troops in North Carolina, celebrating the restoration of the "Fort Bragg" name.

[00:29:43] – History Lesson: Democrats and Slavery A listener provides a historical breakdown of the Confederacy, reminding the audience that the Southern Democrats were the architects of slavery and the Confederacy.

[00:32:05] – Mike Lindell: 100% All In MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell discusses his lead in the Minnesota gubernatorial polls and explains why he believes he was prepared "for such a time as this".

[00:33:45] – The Strategic Ice Drawdown Lindell argues that the drawdown of ICE in Minneapolis is a move to quiet the "protest trap" and refocus the public on investigating fraud.

Live from the 19th annual Giving Hearts Day headquarters, host Scott Hennen captures the electric energy of the region's most impactful 24-hour fundraising event. This episode is a marathon of human kindness, featuring over $22 million in real-time donations and deep-dive interviews with the visionaries behind the movement.

Beyond the record-breaking numbers, we hear the "why" behind local icons like Farm Rescue, Hope Blooms, and the Ann Carlson Center. The conversation takes a poignant turn as Scott speaks with two Persian guests regarding the current uprising in Iran, the search for freedom, and the harrowing realities facing their families back home. From local scholarship programs for kids to international human rights, this episode explores what happens when a community decides to "go all in" for the greater good.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:00:15] – The 18 Million Dollar Start Scott opens the show in a whirlwind, watching the donation counter jump $100,000 in mere seconds as the day kicks off with massive momentum.

[00:01:16] – 19 Years of Vision Pat Traynor, the "Grand Poobah" of Giving Hearts Day, reflects on the event’s humble beginnings in 2008 and how it evolved from a $500,000 day into a $30M+ phenomenon.

[00:05:20] – Flowers with a Mission Kelly Krenzel of Hope Blooms shares the beautiful logistics of repurposing wedding and funeral flowers to combat loneliness among seniors, proving that "you matter" is a message best delivered in petals.

[00:09:31] – Burying the Unclaimed A moving segment with the Fargo Memorial Honor Guard on their mission to provide proper military burials for "unclaimed" veterans who have no living family to see them off.

[00:16:15] – Voices from Iran In a sobering shift, two Persian residents share firsthand accounts of the uprising in Iran, discussing the risks their families face and the "massacre" occurring behind a digital curtain.

[00:23:30] – Military Strategy & Global Freedom General Mike Haugen joins the desk to discuss the geopolitical stakes in the Middle East and the moral case for supporting freedom fighters abroad.

[00:25:52] – Spreading Sunshine Addy and Ava explain how they are removing physical barriers for children with disabilities, including a "no-hands cupcake challenge" to spur donations.

[00:26:56] – The 85-Year Legacy The Ann Carlson Center leadership explains how they’ve bridged the gap for families of children with special needs since 1941, now serving 3,000 kids annually.

[00:33:43] – The Heart of the Farm Tim Sullivan of Farm Rescue discusses protecting the livelihoods of farm families dealing with major crises—and how the charity has become a "gold standard" brand in the Midwest.

[00:40:24] – Market Watch: The China Factor David Spickler of Lighthouse Commodities closes the hour with a breakdown of the "soybean story" and whether the latest political maneuvers with China are a win for local growers.

The Jay Thomas Show from Friday February 13th, 2026.  Guests include Dave Piepkorn and your calls and emails.

A seismic week in the news culminates in a Friday edition that hits every major headline in the region and across the nation. Steve Hallstrom breaks down the federal arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon following the St. Paul church protests and analyzes the stunning conclusion to NDSU's years-long quest as they officially join the FBS and the Mountain West Conference. Steve also explores the heartbreaking end of a 40-year tradition with the closure of Minot's Norsk Høstfest and celebrates a week of historic generosity at Giving Hearts Day 2026. Plus, a look at the "California Oil Exodus" and a must-hear gospel message from a legendary rocker on Super Bowl Sunday.

Key Moments

• Don Lemon in Federal Custody: Steve discusses the federal arrest of former CNN host Don Lemon in California, stemming from his role in the disruption of a St. Paul church service. Steve argues that while journalists have a job to do, entering a house of worship to harass families during service crosses a legal and moral line.

• Bison Football Levels Up: NDSU Athletic Director Matt Larson stops by to discuss the historic move to the FBS and the Mountain West Conference. He details the $17 million in entry fees, the jump to 85 full scholarships, and the potential for "giant-slaying" games against opponents like USC or Alabama.

• The End of Hostfest: A somber day for North Dakota culture as the Norsk Høstfest board announces the event is over after more than 40 years. Steve reflects on the festival's legacy in Minot and how rising costs and an aging demographic led to this "end of an era."

• Giving Hearts Day 2026: Steve broadcasts live from the Dakota Medical Foundation as the region surpasses $30 million in donations. DMF Executive Director Pat Traynor and Gina Pinovich join the show to discuss the "contagious" spirit of generosity and the $75,000 match available for local families in need.

• The California Refinery Flight: Steve examines the economic fallout of refiner Valero shuttering its California operations early due to staggering regulations, a move experts say could send gas prices to $12 a gallon by late summer.

• Fargo Mayor Race Explodes: Fargo City Commissioner Dave Pepcorn officially announces his run for Mayor on the program. He pledges to restore fiscal discipline to a city in $1.3 billion of debt and implements a "tough on crime" approach to revitalize downtown.

• Kid Rock’s Altar Call: In "Best Thing I Heard All Day," Steve plays the viral moment from the Super Bowl halftime show where Kid Rock delivered a message of faith and second chances through Jesus. Steve defends the singer's newfound faith against critics on the left.

• On the Farm: Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins to discuss the $5,500 price tag for bred mama cows, the rally in soybean prices, and a fascinating piece of trivia: the secret formula for WD-40 is kept in a high-security lockbox in San Diego.

The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday February 12th, 2026.  Guests include various non profits from DMF for GHD 2026.

Broadcasting live from the Dakota Medical Foundation for Giving Hearts Day 2026, Steve Hallstrom breaks the biggest local political news of the year: Fargo City Commissioner Dave Pepcorn officially announces his run for Mayor. Steve sits down with Pepcorn to discuss his vision for a conservative "Fargo First" agenda and his plan to restore the city’s balance sheet following a Moody’s debt downgrade. The show also features an in-depth interview with NDSU Athletic Director Matt Larson on the logistical "magic" of moving Bison football to the FBS. Plus, updates on the heartbreaking murder investigation in West Fargo and the end of federal "Operation Metro Surge" in Minneapolis.

Key Moments

• Dave Pepcorn for Mayor: In an exclusive announcement, City Commissioner Dave Pepcorn confirms he is running for Mayor of Fargo. He outlines his top priorities: restoring fiscal discipline to a city in $1.3 billion of debt and implementing a "tough on crime" approach to revitalize a downtown he describes as a "disaster".

• Giving Hearts Day Kickoff: Steve joins Pat Traynor and Gina Pinovich to celebrate the region's massive day of philanthropy. By 9 a.m., donations had already surpassed $16.7 million for nearly 650 charitable causes, proving once again why this is the "Most Generous Region".

• Bison Football’s FBS Roadmap: NDSU Athletic Director Matt Larson discusses the "antiquated" NCAA rules he intends to fight regarding the two-year postseason ban. He also clarifies that the Mountain West schedule is being completely reshuffled, opening the door for potential high-profile games against opponents like Alabama or USC in the future.

• The Isadora Wengel Investigation: A somber update from Fargo PD as they arrest 21-year-old Joshua Height in connection with the "heinous" murder of Isadora Wengel. Police are asking for the public's help to locate a specific black tote with a red lid as they continue the search for her body

• Operation Metro Surge Ends: White House Border Czar Tom Homan announces the withdrawal of federal agents from Minneapolis, citing "significant progress" in cooperation with local officials and the removal of major public safety threats.

• The "Save America Act" Passes the House: Steve applauds the House passage of the Save America Act, which requires proof of citizenship to register to vote. He notes the challenge ahead in the Senate and calls out the "subtle racism" of rhetoric claiming certain groups can't obtain IDs.

• The High Price of "Woke" Schools: Steve reacts to news that Fargo Public Schools is planning to eliminate 56 positions to close a $5.3 million budget gap, questioning the sustainability of current district spending.

• A Mission for Veterans: Tracy Dunham of the Brady-Oberg Legacy Foundation joins the show to discuss the staggering statistic that 22 veterans take their lives every day and how her organization uses Giving Hearts Day to fund life-saving retreats and PTSD awareness.

Host Scott Hennen returns with a heavy, fast-moving Tuesday edition that shifts from a glowing review of the new Melania movie to the grim reality of local and national tragedies. The episode centers on two disturbing disappearances: the high-profile kidnapping of Savannah Guthrie’s mother and a heartbreaking local murder investigation in Fargo that has authorities searching landfills and rural properties for human remains.

Between the true crime updates, Scott sits down for a civil but intense discussion with local activists whose "Red Hat" protest—inspired by WWII Norwegian resistance—has sparked a firestorm of debate in the Red River Valley. Plus, we meet a YouTube-famous student farmer, look at the future of real estate education at UND, and learn why the El Paso airport just went into a 10-day lockdown.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:10] Melania: The Movie Review Scott shares his impressions of the private screening of Melania. Whether you're a fan or a critic, Scott argues the film offers a powerful glimpse into the First Lady’s life and her successful career before meeting Donald Trump.

[00:10:00] The Red Hat Resistance In a standout moment of civil discourse, Scott is joined by Cheryl Rosted and Ivan Thompson. They explain why they wear red hats to protest ICE and the Trump administration, while Scott challenges their comparisons to Nazi-occupied Norway.

[00:26:45] The "Stolen Land" Debate The team reacts to student-led ICE protests at Davies High School. Scott sounds off on the "scary" reality of students getting news from social media and the controversial narrative regarding indigenous land.

[00:32:15] The Search for Isadora Wengel A somber update on the disappearance of 25-year-old Isadora Wengel. Authorities have arrested her boyfriend for murder and are now asking the public to look for a specific 27-gallon black tote with a red lid.

[00:44:10] The Franson Department of Real Estate Interim Dean Patrick O’Neill joins to discuss a historic naming at the University of North Dakota. Thanks to a legacy gift from Bob Franson, UND is launching a specialized program to train the next generation of property developers.

[00:52:15] Money, Markets, and Metals Landmark Gold’s David Fisher breaks down why gold is up 18% year-to-date and what China’s "digital yuan" surge means for the future of the U.S. dollar.

In this high-energy mid-week edition, Jay Thomas (filling in for a vacationing Kevin Flynn) and Alex Taylor navigate a bizarre news cycle that spans from local tragedies to international mysteries. The show kicks off with a "Shankapotamus" golf injury and a rant about Fargo's worst drivers, but the levity quickly shifts to the chilling developments in the Nancy Guthrie case, including a temporary 10-day shutdown of the El Paso International Airport that has experts scratching their heads.

The team also tackles the controversial "stolen land" protests at Davies High School, the crackdown on non-English driving exams in Florida, and the blatant fraud investigations rocking the Minnesota state government. Plus, agricultural expert Bridget Riedel goes "underground" to discuss tele-mining and gene-edited crops, while meteorologist Dean Wysocki warns of a massive "active" weather cycle looming for the end of February.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:30] The "Shankapotamus" Incident Jay details his golf simulator injury and why he’s officially "done" with winter chipping—leading into a fiery rant about bright lights and saucer-sized windshield clearing on Fargo’s roads.

[00:10:00] The El Paso Mystery & The Masked Man A deep dive into the Nancy Guthrie disappearance. The team discusses the sudden 10-day airspace shutdown in El Paso—later revealed to involve cartel drones—and analyzes the "Barney Fife" level of incompetence from the suspect caught on Guthrie's doorbell camera.

[00:13:50] The "Stolen Land" Debate at Davies High Jay and Alex respond to recent student-led ICE protests in South Fargo. They break down the "scary" reality of students getting their news from social media and tackle the "futile" narrative of stolen land.

[00:20:45] The Bison FBS Probation Fury Big Game James joins to discuss why NDSU fans are "livid" over the mandatory two-year postseason ban following their jump to the FBS, and why a waiver from the NCAA is highly unlikely.

[00:22:15] The Scourge of Doom Scrolling John Roberts and "Cyber Guy" Kurt Knutson discuss a landmark lawsuit against Meta and Google. Are these platforms intentionally designed to addict children like the big tobacco companies of the 90s?

[00:27:00] Trump vs. Powell: The $4 Billion Renovation A review of Donald Trump’s sit-down with Larry Kudlow, where the President blasts Fed Chairman Jerome Powell for massive spending overruns on a small building complex.

[00:28:30] The $19 Billion Minnesota Fraud Storm The team analyzes the escalating fraud investigations in Minnesota, the 400+ whistleblowers coming forward, and why federal prosecutors seem to be "bailing" on the state’s corruption cases.

[00:31:00] "Read the Sign": English-Only Exams Florida Governor Ron DeSantis moves to eliminate translators for driving tests. Jay and Alex debate why being able to read a "One Way" sign is a matter of basic road safety, not racism.

The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday February 11th, 2026.  Guests include Jason Hicks of United Patriotic Bodies.