Archives: Episodes

Steve Hallstrom kicks off a massive week in the news cycle with a deep dive into the long-awaited dump of the Jeffrey Epstein files. From the shocking "tip line" allegations to the media’s handling of the 3-million-page release, Steve explores what is fact, what is political weaponry, and why we may never truly know the full story. The show also covers the federal arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon following a church protest in St. Paul, the shock announcement that a North Dakota icon is calling it quits, and a breakdown of the "Bitcoin 101" everyone needs to hear after a volatile week in crypto.

Key Moments

• The Epstein Data Dump: Steve weighs in on the massive Friday release of the Epstein files. He discusses the overwhelming nature of the 3-million-page dump, the high volume of mentions for figures like Barack Obama, and the challenge of proving decades-old allegations when much of the data comes from uncorroborated FBI "tips."

• Don Lemon Arrested: In a major development, federal agents arrested former CNN host Don Lemon in California. Steve discusses the federal charges stemming from Lemon's involvement in the disruption of a St. Paul church service, arguing that the protection of houses of worship is a vital constitutional freedom that must be enforced.

• The End of Norsk Høstfest: Steve reflects on the sad news that Minot’s Norsk Høstfest is shutting down after more than 40 years. He explores how rising costs and a declining attendance from an aging population led the board to call it quits on North America’s largest Scandinavian festival.

• Bitcoin 101: After Bitcoin dropped nearly 15% last week, Steve breaks down the "market cap" of the crypto world. He compares Bitcoin's $2.1 trillion value to gold and silver and explains why institutions like Fidelity getting into the space makes it "too big to fail," despite its inherent volatility.

• Minnesota’s Governor Race Thaws: While Lisa Demuth ramps up her campaign with a town hall in Moorhead, Steve notes a reported "professional thaw" between President Trump and Governor Tim Walz following a phone call regarding the recent shootings in Minneapolis.

• The Case of Alex Pretty: Steve analyzes new bystander video and reporting from NewsNation regarding Alex Pretty. He contrasts the media's "gentle nurse" narrative with evidence of Pretty's prior physical altercations with federal agents, stressing the need for "happy warriors" to stick to facts over emotion.

• On the Farm: Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins the show to discuss new agricultural opportunities in Venezuela, the potential impact of the recent "deep freeze" on the Mexican screwworm population, and why North Dakota is falling behind South Dakota in large-scale livestock operations.

• Best Thing I Heard All Day: Steve plays a clip of Florida Governor Ron DeSantis doubling down on his plan to eliminate property taxes. Steve applauds the "why can't it be done?" attitude and compares Florida's fiscal discipline to the spending surges seen in places like Broward County and Fargo.

It’s a jam-packed TGIF edition of the Need to Know Morning Show. Alex and Kev dive into the "Minnesota Contagion" as Tom Homan attempts to strike a deal with Minneapolis leadership, while national analysts explore potential international influences behind recent civil unrest.

We shift gears to highlight local excellence with Trooper Darren Malafa, our latest Luther Family Ford Salute to Law Enforcement honoree, and get a head start on spring with the team from Sweet Shots. Plus, Dean Wysocki gives us the "Lamby" February forecast—warning of a snowy weekend before a much-needed midweek thaw.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:03:00] The China Connection Alex and Kev discuss Peter Schweitzer’s analysis of international influences on domestic protests, exploring the "Red-Green Alliance" and the role of radical organizations in the Minneapolis ICE protests.

[00:10:44] Riot Incorporated Jesse Watters breaks down the "professionalization" of activism in Minneapolis, alleging that logistics and financial benefactors are turning the streets into a testing ground for domestic revolution.

[00:17:35] Woke Business Pitfalls The hosts react to reports of Fargo-Moorhead businesses closing in protest, debating the long-term impact of taking political stands on a business’s bottom line.

[00:27:00] Letting Cops be Cops Former FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino joins Sean Hannity to criticize the rhetoric of Minnesota leadership and argue for a return to "real cop stuff" to restore public safety.

[00:33:00] A Legacy of Service: Trooper Darren Malafa We meet our latest honoree, Darren Malafa, a third-generation law enforcement officer. He shares stories of growing up in a "Trooper family" and offers advice for young people entering the force.

[00:41:40] Winter Golfing in North Dakota? Nick and Lucas from Sweet Shots stop by to explain how they keep the bays warm in -8 degree weather and discuss their upcoming eight-week Acoustic Fest competition.

[00:46:30] Dean’s "Warm" 30-Degree Promise Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down the weekend clipper system, promising 1-2 inches of snow before a "heat wave" of 30-degree temperatures arrives next Thursday.

Broadcasting live from the O’Leary Ventures boardroom at The Hive in Grand Forks, Scott Hennen hosts a wide-ranging Town Hall. U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer joins the program from Washington D.C. to pull back the curtain on the "negotiation fest" surrounding the government shutdown and why Democrats may have trapped themselves by targeting DHS funding.

The dialogue shifts to a fiery but civil debate with North Dakota State Senator Tim Mathern regarding federal overreach and the "Minnesota Contagion." Later, we explore the cutting edge of history and technology with an update on the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library’s realistic AI hologram and a sit-down with military vet turned tech entrepreneur JC Van Leer on the future of "one-way" drone defense.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:02:03] The DHS "Horrible Box" Senator Kevin Cramer explains why Democrats' decision to target ICE and DHS funding in the appropriations battle is a "special kind of stupid," as a shutdown would primarily impact Democratic priorities like FEMA and TSA.

[00:15:34] The 10th Amendment Debate State Senator Tim Mathern argues that federal ICE actions in Minnesota constitute a violation of states' rights, comparing the federal overreach to the central governments of China and Russia.

[00:19:33] "Macro vs. Micro" Ethics A tense exchange occurs as Senator Mathern suggests individuals have a "right to resist arrest," while Scott and Kevin challenge the morality of interfering with law enforcement.

[00:23:40] The Don Lemon Arrest The crew reacts to the breaking news of Don Lemon’s arrest at a Minneapolis church for allegedly violating the FACE Act, debating the media's role in local unrest.

[00:26:34] Talking Back to TR Matt Briney reveals that the new Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library will feature a realistic, AI-driven hologram of TR that can hold personal conversations with visitors at his cabinet table.

[00:28:44] Radio Graffiti: "The Wet Sponge" A caller roasts political dodging, stating that expecting a straight answer from a politician is "like squeezing a wet sponge and wondering why you're not getting orange juice."

[00:30:44] HCMC’s Financial Crisis A live look at the 100 job cuts at Hennepin County Medical Center, leading to a debate on whether state-level fraud has drained resources for essential public healthcare.

[00:39:00] Drone Warfare in Grand Forks Entrepreneur JC Van Leer shares his transition from flying Blackhawks to developing NDA-compliant, "one-way" drones designed to keep the U.S. ahead of China in Group 1 and Group 2 technology.

The Jay Thomas Show from Friday January 30th, 2026.

As the region closes out the "death march" of January, Steve Hallstrom delivers a high-octane Friday edition covering major arrests and the end of a North Dakota era. The show dives into the federal arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon following a church protest in St. Paul, the shock announcement that Minot’s iconic Norsk Høstfest is calling it quits, and President Trump’s selection for the new Federal Reserve Chair. Steve also addresses the "manufactured outrage" in Minneapolis, the surge in silver prices, and why 1 million Americans have already signed up for the new "Trump Accounts."

Key Moments

• Don Lemon in Custody: Steve discusses the federal arrest of Don Lemon in California, tied to his involvement in the disruption of a St. Paul church service. Steve argues that while journalists have a job to do, entering a place of worship with an "angry mob" to harass parishioners crosses a legal and moral line.

• The End of Hostfest: A sad day for North Dakota culture as the board of Minot’s Norsk Høstfest—the largest Scandinavian festival in North America—announces the event is over due to rising costs and declining attendance.

• Masterful Messaging from Tom Homan: Steve plays clips from Border Czar Tom Homan’s Twin Cities press conference. Homan details a potential plan to reduce federal agents in the area if local officials grant ICE better access to county jails, arguing it’s safer for agents and the community.

• The New Fed Chair: Steve breaks down President Trump’s nomination of Kevin Warsh to succeed Jerome Powell. Despite initial market jitters, Steve notes that Warsh brings significant credibility to Wall Street and will likely prioritize lowering rates without spiking inflation.

• School Lunch Legislative Fallout: Following the North Dakota Senate’s rejection of universal free meals, Steve discusses why the issue is almost certainly headed for a constitutional ballot measure in November—and why he believes the $70 million price tag is "lazy politics."

• Economic Resilience: Steve welcomes Ike Walker, GM of Valley News Live, to discuss the media’s role in covering the "Trump economy." They explore why public sentiment is finally catching up to positive GDP and labor numbers despite a "hostile" legacy media environment.

• "I Was Brainwashed": In the "Best Thing I Heard All Day," Steve shares the story of Lucy Biggers, a former high-profile climate activist who explains how she walked away from the "movement" after realizing the narrative was based on unprovable theories and "groupthink."

• On the Farm: Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins to discuss new opportunities for U.S. rice and cattle in Venezuela, the threat of the New World screwworm, and the return of whole milk to school cafeterias.

Host Scott Hennen delivers a heavy-hitting episode exploring the deep spiritual and political rifts in America. From the "martyrdom" of Charlie Kirk to the escalating "Minneapolis Meltdown," this episode navigates the line between good and evil in modern society. Scott is joined by Drew Thomas Allen to discuss the radicalization of the American left, while psychiatrist Dr. Carol Lieberman provides a forensic look at the "Trump Derangement Syndrome" fueling civil unrest.

The program also features a "Moorhead vs. Minneapolis" analysis, a look at the transformational "Trump Accounts" with Kevin O'Leary, and a raw conversation with legal immigrant advocate Fawzia Addy regarding a recent wave of hate-filled rhetoric.

Standout Moments

[00:02:15] The Martyrdom of Charlie Kirk Author Drew Thomas Allen joins to discuss his book For Christ and Country. He draws a chilling parallel between the reactions to 9/11 and the assassination of Charlie Kirk, arguing that we are witnessing an "American Al Qaeda" fueled by a climate of dehumanization and hatred.

[00:13:45] Mr. Wonderful and the "Trump Accounts" Kevin O'Leary discusses a transformational new policy: seeding every child at birth with $1,000 invested in the S&P 500. He argues these "Trump Accounts" will foster financial literacy and create a bipartisan path to individual independence from government reliance.

[00:18:30] Psychoanalyzing the Protester Dr. Carol Lieberman, "America’s Psychiatrist," breaks down the "perfect storm" that leads upstanding citizens to become radicalized activists. She discusses the regression of society into "temper tantrums" and the loss of traditional moral anchors like the Ten Commandments.

[00:25:20] The Scrubbed Truth: Alex Preddy’s Real Story Andrew in Fargo and Scott discuss the "Orwellian" media narrative surrounding Alex Preddy. They reveal new details about a previous altercation with federal agents a week before his death and critique the "MSNBC photoshopping" used to manipulate public empathy.

[00:30:15] Mayor Jacob Frey’s Washington "Invasion" Speech Scott reacts live to Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey’s speech at the U.S. Conference of Mayors. Scott slams the mayor as a "fraud and a clown" for claiming Minneapolis is being "invaded" by a private army while ignoring the 60,000 active warrants in the state.

[00:37:45] A Letter from a "Doctor": Hate vs. Heritage Fawzia Addy, founder of the Immigrant Development Center, shares a disturbing, anonymous hate letter she received. Scott and Fawzia dismantle the "DEI hire" narrative and highlight the importance of not conflating legal, vetted refugees with criminal elements.

[00:41:10] Markets & Metals: The Dollar Slide Lighthouse Commodities’ David Fisher and David Spickler provide a market update. They discuss the U.S. dollar sinking to a four-year low and how this "flight to safety" is creating unheard-of rallies in gold and silver, while providing a much-needed boost to grain prices.

In this high-octane Thursday edition, host Kevin Flynn flies solo with Big Game James as the political "crazy train" in Minnesota continues to hurtle off the tracks. The episode centers on a scathing critique of local and national leadership, from the Moorhead City Council's "Ice Watch" training to the suspicious "vinegar attack" on Ilhan Omar. Kevin breaks down the "puzzle" of radicalized social media friends and the "total theater" of modern protests.

While co-host Alex Taylor is away for a family funeral and Dino remains under the weather, the show dives deep into the "devil’s lie" surrounding Ilhan Omar’s finances, Tom Homan’s powerful "Daddy’s Home" press conference in Minneapolis, and the latest in ag-tech and Super Bowl predictions.

Standout Moments

[00:10:45] Reconciling with "Social Media Friends" On National Puzzle Day, Kevin reflects on the "puzzle" of how lifelong acquaintances can succumb to radicalized narratives. He puts a former colleague "on blast" for calling federal agents "Gestapo" and issues a challenge to those defending interference with law enforcement.

[00:15:20] The $5 Million Ghost Winery A deep dive into Benny Johnson’s investigation of Ilhan Omar’s "Est Crew LLC." Kevin and James discuss the "dark and criminal" valuation jump from $15,000 to $5 million for a winery that appears to be an empty parking lot with a disconnected phone line.

[00:26:40] Homan at the Podium: No More Retribution The team listens in as "Border Czar" Tom Homan takes the podium in Minneapolis. Homan details his meetings with Governor Walz and AG Ellison, announcing that local jails will now notify ICE of release dates—a move he claims will lead to a drawdown of federal agents on the streets.

[00:32:15] Trump in Iowa: Winning the Midterms Highlights from Will Cain’s sit-down with President Trump. The president discusses the "psychological factor" of midterms, his $12 billion check to farmers, and his belief that the "Minnesota situation" is easily resolvable with the right leadership.

[00:41:05] Craigslist Protesters for Hire? Kevin reacts to a Fargo Craigslist ad offering $25 an hour for "petitioners" to gather signatures for school meals. The team debates the authenticity of "organic" groundswells when people are being paid under the table to push political agendas.

[00:54:10] Moorhead vs. The Constitution Kevin plays audio from the Moorhead City Council meeting. He delivers a blistering rebuke to Mayor Shelley Carlson and Councilwoman Lisa Borgen regarding their "Ice Watch" training at Trinity Lutheran, calling the effort a "coordinated plan to impede law enforcement."

[01:16:30] Fluffy Cows and Brisket Disease Ag expert Bridget Riedel joins from the road to talk about the $24,000 "fluffy" Highlander heifers and how students are using AI to study "Brisket Disease" and pulmonary hypertension in cattle.

The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday January 29th, 2026.  Guest Host Jason Berg fills in on a variety of topics.

In a news-heavy Wednesday edition, Steve Hallstrom breaks down a potential turning point in the Minneapolis crisis. As White House Border Czar Tom Homan arrives on the scene, a "professional" phone call between President Trump and Governor Tim Walz suggests a new path toward cooperation and a reduction in federal agents. Steve also dives into the stunning rise of silver prices, the official launch of Amy Klobuchar’s gubernatorial campaign, and a must-hear story of a former climate activist who explains why she finally walked away from the "movement." Plus, an inside look at the new "Trump Accounts" designed to build long-term wealth for American children.

Key Moments

• The Homan Effect: Steve analyzes Tom Homan’s first press conference in the Twin Cities. Homan offers a masterful "thread the needle" approach, proposing a drawdown of federal agents in exchange for local cooperation in jails. Steve highlights Homan’s plea to end the violent rhetoric and his firm stance that "justice is coming" for those coordinating resistance.

• Klobuchar Makes it Official: Senator Amy Klobuchar officially enters the race for Minnesota Governor. Steve previews the upcoming primary and offers a candid take on why Klobuchar’s "even-keeled" tone masks a deeply liberal agenda.

• The Confession of Lucy Biggers: In "Best Thing I Heard All Day," Steve shares the viral story of a former high-profile climate activist. Lucy Biggers breaks down how her "indoctrination" shattered after witnessing the contradictions of the COVID-19 era and studying the actual complexities of warming cycles and CO2.

• Trump Accounts Unveiled: Steve details the seven key points of the newly introduced tax-advantaged custodial investment accounts. While liking the spirit of encouraging youth investment, Steve expresses major concerns regarding the impact on the national debt.

• The Truth About Alex Pretty: Steve discusses new bystander video showing Alex Pretty vandalizing an ICE vehicle a week before his death. He argues this contradicts the "peace-loving nurse" narrative and underscores the danger of repeatedly engaging law enforcement in high-stress skirmishes.

• Deep State Target List: Former Green Beret and intelligence officer Ivan Raiklin joins the show to preview his upcoming Fargo appearance. Raiklin offers a blunt assessment of why he believes current institutions are failing to uncover the truth about the 2020 election and January 6th.

• Fargo Dome’s Financial Dip: Steve reports on the Fargo Dome’s $675,000 loss last year due to a slow concert schedule, noting the timing is less than ideal as the venue campaigns to host the new city convention center.

• Media Accountability: Ike Walker, GM of Valley News Live, joins Steve for a deep dive into news coverage. They discuss the "CBS experiment" with Tony Dokoupil and the vital importance of local journalism sticking to facts rather than "shiny object" events.

In this explosive midweek edition, hosts Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor peel back the curtain on the escalating political theater in Minneapolis. The episode centers on Rep. Ilhan Omar, from a suspicious "spraying" incident at a town hall to Benny Johnson’s investigation into a California winery that allegedly exists only on paper. The team also dives into President Trump’s recent Iowa sit-down with Will Cain, where he addresses the "private army" narrative and his recent phone call with Governor Tim Walz.

While the political "crazy train" rolls on, Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki offers a glimmer of hope for a warm-up, the sports desk previews a historic Super Bowl rematch, and the crew celebrates National Kazoo Day with a side of Cinnamon Apple Walnut pancakes.

Standout Moments

[00:02:40] The "Vinegar Attack" Mystery Kevin and Alex break down the viral footage of Ilhan Omar being sprayed with a substance during a town hall. They question the authenticity of the "tackle" and the congresswoman's refusal to seek immediate medical attention, labeling the incident "Somali Jussie Smollett theater."

[00:11:45] The $5 Million Ghost Winery A deep dive into Benny Johnson’s investigation of "Est Crew LLC." The hosts discuss how Omar’s financial disclosures showed a winery valuation jump from $15,000 to $5 million in a single year, despite the physical location being an empty parking lot with a disconnected phone line.

[00:26:40] Gold vs. The Dollar: Brien Krank’s Analysis Collins and Krank’s Brien Krank explains why gold hitting $5,000 an ounce is less about the metal rising and more about the dollar making new lows. He offers a "bloodbath" warning for those still holding grandma’s silver.

[00:32:15] Trump on the Midterm "Psychological Factor" In a sit-down with Will Cain, President Trump discusses the historical difficulty of a sitting president winning midterms. He credits the continuation of Charlie Kirk’s legacy at TPUSA and Scott Pressler’s "ballot chasing" army as the keys to changing that trend in 2026.

[00:41:05] Craigslist Protesters for Hire? A listener tips the show off to a Fargo Craigslist ad offering $25 an hour for "petitioners." The team debates whether these paid roles are fueling the "organic" groundswell for free school meals and anti-ICE protests.

[00:46:15] The Homan Reset: "Daddy's Home" Trump explains his decision to replace Commander Greg Bovino with Tom Homan in Minneapolis. He insists it isn't a pullback but a tactical shift to "de-escalate" while still removing the "11,888 murderers" he claims were let in under the previous administration.

[01:00:15] 700,000 Without Power A sobering check on the national grid: over 700,000 people in the South remain without power following a massive ice storm. The hosts use the crisis to highlight the vulnerability of shifting away from baseload power like coal.