Archives: Episodes

This episode of "What's On Your Mind?" covers a wide range of topics, from personal reflections to financial advice and societal commentary. The host, Scott, is on the road in Minneapolis for meetings before heading to the Leadertown Conference in Jamestown and NDSU in Fargo. He shares his observations about traveling, a heartwarming encounter with a family at the airport, and the importance of having children. He also discusses the dedication of NDSU's new music building, a political event involving Donald Trump and the King of England, and the state of modern journalism.

Later in the show, the team talks about the University of Mary's new tuition-free academies for nursing, accounting, and elementary education, and their goal of addressing the regional workforce needs. Listeners weigh in on the cost of raising children and Charlie Kirk's advice to get married and have kids as a primary life mission.

The later half of the episode features an in-depth conversation with North Dakota State Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus, who clarifies the financial impact of the Trump tax cuts on the state. The show concludes with a lively discussion with financial expert Brien Krank, who provides an optimistic outlook on the current bull market, the potential of AI, and the importance of financial planning, particularly for young families.

Timestamps:

• [00:00 - 04:30] On the Road: The host shares his travel plans, discusses the NDSU music building dedication, and reflects on a political figure's assassination attempt.
• [04:30 - 08:45] The Family First Philosophy: The host recounts a touching story about a family at an airport, sparking a discussion about the challenges and rewards of raising children.
• [08:45 - 13:15] University of Mary's New Academies: An interview with Rachel Brash from the University of Mary highlights the school's new tuition-free programs and scholarships aimed at building the regional workforce.
• [13:15 - 17:00] The Trump Tax Cuts: North Dakota State Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus provides context on a news story, explaining how tax cuts benefit taxpayers despite a potential reduction in state revenue.
• [17:00 - 22:45] The Booming Bull Market: Financial expert Brien Krank discusses the current market rally, the potential of AI, and why he believes we are in one of the biggest bull markets of a generation.
• [22:45 - 29:30] Financial Planning for Families: Brien Krank emphasizes the importance of early financial planning for young couples and families, tying it back to the show's earlier discussion about having children.

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 what happens in tight games at the end on the sideline, about special teams, defense and how the offenses are doing with back up/first year QB’s running the show.   Sponsors: Third Drop Coffee Brady’s Service Camrud Foss Concrete

Steve tackles a variety of topics, from fantastic September weather to national news stories and the potential for political and spiritual revival. He engages with listeners on the intersection of faith and politics and provides his "Top 5 at 5" news wrap.

Key Moments:

• A "Drop-Dead Gorgeous" Day: Hallstrom revels in the beautiful September weather, noting it feels more like July with temperatures around 80 degrees and a blue sky.
• A Conversation on Revival: Hallstrom interviews Pastor Andy Veith about the meaning of revival, especially in the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination. They discuss how a revival is an "awakening in the believer" and that the current conditions seem right for one.
• Neutral Approval for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz: Michelle Tafoya joins the show to discuss a recent KSTP-TV poll showing that Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has a net-zero approval rating, with 47% approving and 47% disapproving.
• The "Top 5 at 5" News Wrap: Hallstrom runs through five top stories, including the conviction of a man for attempting to assassinate President Trump, the reassessment of the Ukraine-Russia situation by President Trump, and the six-month jail sentence for a former Minnesota lawmaker convicted of burglary.
• Tylenol and Autism Concerns: Hallstrom discusses an NPR story that references a Harvard study suggesting a possible link between a mother's Tylenol use during pregnancy and a child later being diagnosed with autism. He compares the handling of this story to the hydroxychloroquine debate during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In this episode of "What's On Your Mind," host Scott Hennen broadcasts live from Arizona and is joined by Kevin Flynn back in the studio. They begin by discussing Kevin's recent bout of vertigo and Hennen’s reflections on the Charlie Kirk Memorial, which he attended in Arizona. Hennen describes the memorial as a powerful and emotional experience that was unlike anything he had ever seen, and he discusses his belief that the event's theme of faith and forgiveness should be a lasting legacy.

The hosts take calls and read texts from listeners who share their thoughts on the memorial, Trump's speech at the event, and the importance of faith. The conversation also moves to other topics, including a new claim about Tylenol use during pregnancy and a link to autism, Trump's speech at the U.N. on climate change, and the economic pressures on American families. Hennen also talks with a guest realtor in Arizona about the "You Can't Shovel Sunshine" campaign, and a caller named Cindy shares her perspective on why young families are having fewer children due to rising costs of living.

Standout Moments:

• Kevin's Vertigo (0:29): Kevin talks about his experience with a specific type of vertigo, which he says he got from "little calcium things floating around in [his] ear."
• Tylenol and Autism (1:58): The hosts and callers discuss the claim that Tylenol taken during pregnancy could be linked to autism, a subject brought up by President Trump.
• The Memorial in Arizona (2:40): Hennen describes the emotional memorial for Charlie Kirk at the Turning Point USA Headquarters, and the discussion continues throughout the show with listener calls and texts.
• The "You Can't Shovel Sunshine" Campaign (27:10): Hennen interviews a realtor in Arizona about the benefits of buying property there, and they discuss the affordability of homes in different areas of the state.
• Economic Pressures on Families (29:20): A caller named Cindy explains her viewpoint that the rising cost of living, from rent to diapers, is the primary reason young families are having fewer children today.

This episode of the Need to Know Morning Show features hosts Alex Taylor and Kevin Flynn as they cover a range of topics, from personal anecdotes to political and social commentary. The show opens with a discussion about the unusually warm and sunny forecast for the week in North Dakota, followed by Kevin's personal story of dealing with a bout of vertigo after a trip to the Twin Cities for a Vikings game.

The hosts delve into media and politics, discussing Jimmy Kimmel's return to ABC affiliates and the ongoing debate about free speech. Kevin shares a story about confronting protesters in Detroit Lakes, trying to understand their arguments about censorship and media mergers. The show also includes segments on local sports, from high school girls' golf to the Vikings' recent win, as well as an interview with Bridgette from Syngenta about the agricultural industry's latest developments and challenges. Other topics include the West Fargo Police Department's Pink Patch Project and a community sock drive.

Standout Moments:

• Vertigo and Bloody Marys (2:06): Kevin recounts his weekend trip to Minneapolis for a Vikings game, where he experienced a sudden case of vertigo and discusses the high cost of a Bloody Mary at U.S. Bank Stadium.
• A Beautiful Forecast (5:36): The hosts and meteorologist Dean Wysocki discuss the week's weather, predicting sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s and 80s for the next seven days, a rare occurrence for late September.
• Protester Encounters (12:38): Kevin tells the story of his attempts to engage protesters in Detroit Lakes in a rational conversation about censorship and free speech, and their refusal to engage with his questions.
• The Pink Patch Project (19:20): Rhonda Jorgensen from the West Fargo Police Department calls in to discuss their Pink Patch apparel and challenge coin fundraiser for the Sanford Breast Center.
• The Problem with Asian Lady Beetles (21:32): In a segment on agriculture, Bridgette explains why Asian lady beetles are suddenly becoming a nuisance in the area, moving from soybean fields to houses as the crops are harvested.

Host Steve Hallstrom covers a wide range of topics on this September 22, 2025, episode. The show begins with a tribute to the late Charlie Kirk, touching on the memorial service and the continuation of the American Comeback Tour in Minneapolis. The conversation then shifts to local news, including a dispute between South Fargo homeowners and the city over development plans near I-29 and 64th Avenue South.

Hallstrom also discusses other major headlines:

• Charlie Kirk's Legacy and Family: Erica Kirk has taken over as the new head of Turning Point USA, with speakers like Michael Knowles and Glenn Beck stepping in for the tour.
• Jimmy Kimmel's Return: ABC reinstated Jimmy Kimmel's show after his suspension following comments about Charlie Kirk's assassination.
• Health and Wellness News: President Trump and RFK Jr. announced a link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and an increased risk of autism, a claim facing pushback from medical experts and pharmaceutical companies.
• Political Tensions: The episode features a segment on the escalating dispute between North Dakota and South Dakota officials over a carbon pipeline and eminent domain.
• Market Updates and Other News: Hallstrom provides a look at the day's market performance, including record highs for the Dow, S&P 500, and NASDAQ, as well as the price of gold, silver, and Bitcoin. He also shares updates on the Minnesota Vikings and the WeFest 2026 lineup.

In this episode of the "Need to Know Morning Show," hosts Jay Thomas and Alex reflect on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA. They share highlights from his memorial service, including a powerful tribute from his widow, Erica Kirk. The hosts also touch on a variety of other topics, from the Vikings' football victory to a surprising announcement about autism and a discussion on work-life balance.

Episode Highlights

• A Widow's Forgiveness: Erica Kirk delivers a moving tribute to her husband, revealing that he had a faint smile on his lips when she viewed his body. She spoke of her faith and how she forgave the assassin, which led to a standing ovation from the crowd. (8:30)
• The Vikings Dominate: Big Game James and the hosts break down the Vikings' shocking 48-10 victory over the Bengals. They discuss how the win was a confidence booster for the team as they head overseas for their next two games. (12:00)
• A Bear-y Funny Story: The hosts lighten the mood by sharing a hilarious news story from Alaska about two black bears that got locked in a parked SUV and honked the horn until police arrived. (18:00)
• Work-Life Balance: The hosts discuss the importance of setting boundaries at work and taking time for oneself to avoid burnout. They share personal stories about prioritizing family and finding a healthy reset. (26:00)
• Autism and Tylenol: The hosts discuss a breaking news story about a major press conference from President Donald Trump on autism. They note that the announcement is expected to suggest a link between autism and acetaminophen, commonly known as Tylenol. (3:45)

In this episode, Scott reflects on his experience at the memorial service for Charlie Kirk in Arizona, describing it as a profound and overwhelming event. He shares a personal anecdote about a "social media fast" he took and talks about the difficulty of unplugging in the modern world. Scott and his guests discuss the impact of Kirk's assassination, highlighting the emotional eulogy given by his widow, Erica Kirk, and the forgiveness she extended to the assassin. The show also features a discussion with guest Bill O'Reilly about his book, Confronting Evil, and the importance of confronting evil at both an individual and societal level. Other topics include the future of the youth movement Charlie Kirk started, the challenges of modern agriculture, and the importance of individual health.

Episode Highlights

• Remembering Charlie Kirk: Scott and his guest, Jay, share their experiences attending Charlie Kirk's memorial service in Arizona, noting the massive turnout and the spiritual nature of the event. They discuss the impact of his work on young people and his ability to connect with a broad audience.  

• The Power of Forgiveness: The hosts and callers discuss the emotional eulogy delivered by Kirk's widow, Erica Kirk, who publicly forgave her husband's assassin. This moment is described as a powerful testament to her faith and a shocking act of grace.  

• A "Social Media Fast": Scott discusses how he took a break from social media, describing it as a "scourge" for much of the time. He notes the positive feeling of being unplugged and contrasts the vitriolic nature of social media with the grace and love he witnessed at the memorial.  

• The Future of the Movement: The show explores what's next for the movement Charlie Kirk built. There's a question of whether the momentum will last and whether others can carry the torch while maintaining the same focus on faith and love that defined Charlie.  

• Confronting Evil with Bill O'Reilly: Guest Bill O'Reilly discusses his book, Confronting Evil, and the uncanny timing of its release with Charlie Kirk's assassination and other global events. He talks about the need for people to take a stand against evil in their own communities.  

• Focus on Personal Health: The conversation pivots to personal wellness, as Scott talks about the importance of eating right, exercising, and reading to improve one's health, inspired by a book called Good Energy and a visit to the Mayo Clinic.

Guest host Kim Koppelman steps in for Steve Hallstrom to unpack the shocking assassination of Charlie Kirk and what it reveals about America’s political and cultural divides. Joined by policy fellow and former law enforcement officer David Zimmer, the conversation ranges from the roots of political violence to the corrosive effects of social media, the decline of civility, and the urgent need for cultural renewal. Later in the episode, local author Bethany Barnett shares the story behind her new book About Face and offers a message of healing and hope.

A thought-provoking episode that confronts hard realities but points toward rebuilding respect, dialogue, and community.

• [00:01:45] Kim opens with reflections on the Charlie Kirk assassination and America’s culture of violence

• [00:15:20] Guest David Zimmer on how political violence differs from traditional crime

• [00:28:10] The impact of social media on civility and discourse

• [00:45:35] Polling on tolerance for political violence — what the numbers really show

• [01:02:00] Stories of bipartisan cooperation and bridge-building from Kim’s legislative career

• [01:14:30] Firebombing of American Experiment offices and threats to free speech

• [01:24:50] Voices from the community: a young woman’s moving appeal for compassion and healing

• [01:32:00] Author Bethany Barnett introduces About Face and the theme “Peace Within the Battle”

• [01:40:15] Reflections on trauma, faith, and finding meaning after military service