Archives: Episodes

Hosts Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor dive into a heavy Monday broadcast as the standoff between federal ICE agents and Minnesota state leadership reaches a fever pitch. Following a tragic weekend shooting of a local ICU nurse, the show explores the "battle of wills" in Minneapolis. Kevin delivers a fiery critique of what he calls "libtard nonsense"—the narrative that ICE is a "Nazi private army" hunting citizens—while Alex breaks down the discovery of secret Signal chat groups allegedly used by politicians to coordinate resistance.

Beyond the political powder keg, the team celebrates a Hairball concert weekend, previews a "rematch Super Bowl" between Seattle and New England, and gets a health and identity "reprogramming" lesson from Mariah Prussia.

Standout Moments

[00:12:00] The "Nazi Private Army" Rhetoric Kevin Flynn erupts over social media posts and media narratives claiming ICE officers are "Rounding up people of color like Nazis." Flynn argues that this rhetoric is a dangerous distraction from the multi-billion dollar fraud investigations currently plaguing the Walz and Frey administrations.

[00:15:30] Signal-Gate: Encrypted Insurrection? Alex Taylor breaks down reporting on secret Signal chat groups involving Minnesota's Lieutenant Governor and former staffers. The team discusses allegations that these groups provide real-time instructions to "vigilantes" to swarm federal agents, document license plates, and block law enforcement vehicles.

[00:19:45] The "Tough Guy Tim" Phone Call Breaking news: President Trump reveals a phone call from Governor Tim Walz requesting to "work together." The hosts debate if this is a sincere pivot or if Walz is folding under pressure from the Minnesota business community after weeks of "Gestapo" rhetoric.

[00:29:50] 60,000 Cases: Sam Olson’s Caseload An interview with 20-year Minnesota ICE veteran Sam Olson reveals the staggering scale of the operation: 60,000 active removal orders in the state alone, with 5,000 specifically targeting violent criminals and sexual predators.

[00:33:55] TSA’s New Real ID Fee A heads-up for travelers: Starting February 1st, those without a Real ID will face a $45 "confirmed identity fee" every time they fly, a process the hosts describe as "time-consuming but necessary."

[00:35:10] Unlocking the Warrior Potential Mariah Prussia joins the show to discuss her new "Soul Identity" journal. She explains her theory of balance across the four elements (Fire, Earth, Water, Air) and why she chose to write the entire book without the help of AI to remain "authentic."

[00:45:10] Law Enforcement Protecting Law Enforcement Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons discusses the deployment of 3,000 federal officers to Minneapolis. He highlights a grim new reality: the need to send law enforcement teams just to protect other law enforcement officers from violent agitators while they execute lawful warrants.

Host Scott Hennen opens a heavy Monday broadcast grappling with the "Ground Zero" of American civil unrest: Minneapolis. Following a tragic weekend involving a fatal altercation between federal agents and a local ICU nurse, the show explores the "battle of wills" between the Trump administration’s ICE operations and Minnesota’s political leadership.

The episode features a rare, long-form conversation with former North Dakota Governor Ed Schaefer on finding a strategic "off-ramp" to the violence, a political autopsy of "Signal Gate" with John Hinderacker, and a technical law enforcement breakdown of the Saturday shooting with retired Minneapolis Police Lieutenant Bob Kroll. From secret encrypted chat groups to the breakdown of moral character in public discourse, Scott and his guests ask the one question no one seems able to answer: How does this end?

Standout Moments

[00:07:30] The MSNBC vs. Fox News Filter Former Governor Ed Schaefer discusses the "source of truth" crisis. He describes how the same tragic incident is framed as "Nazi thugs shooting a nurse" on one network and "justified force against a domestic terrorist" on another, leaving citizens with no credible source of facts.

[00:13:15] A Proposal for Peace: The 50% Solution Governor Schaefer offers a potential way out: pulling half of the federal ICE agents out of Minnesota for six weeks in exchange for full cooperation from local sheriffs and the Minneapolis PD to target a specific list of the "worst of the worst" offenders.

[00:19:45] The "Tough Guy Tim" Pivot Scott breaks news of a phone call between Governor Tim Walz and President Trump. After weeks of "get the hell out" rhetoric, Walz reportedly requested to work together, signaling a potential "white flag" as the state faces intense pressure from the business community and looming fraud investigations.

[00:31:05] Signal Gate: The Encrypted Insurgency John Hinderacker from the Center of the American Experiment breaks down the discovery of secret Signal chat groups. He alleges that high-ranking Minnesota officials, including the Lieutenant Governor, are part of a coordinated effort to track federal agents' license plates and swarm arrest scenes.

[00:35:10] The Midterm Calculation A deep dive into the political cost of the Minneapolis conflict. Hinderacker argues that while Trump isn't on the ballot in 2026, he is "always on the Democrats' ballot," and the current chaos is being used as a turnout tool to fire up the radical left base.

[00:40:15] Forensic Analysis of the Nicollet Avenue Shooting Retired Lieutenant Bob Kroll provides a step-by-step law enforcement perspective on the shooting of Alex Pretty. He explains how Pretty was violating city ordinances by blocking traffic before interfering with a lawful arrest, and why "furtive moves" in a high-noise environment lead to split-second lethal decisions.

[00:42:10] The Concealed Carry Violation Lieutenant Kroll highlights a critical detail: the deceased was reportedly carrying high-capacity magazines without his permit on his person, violating the core training of concealed carry holders to stay away from protests and identify themselves immediately to law enforcement.

The Jay Thomas Show from Monday January 26th, 2026.  Guests include Governor Kelly Armstrong and your calls and emails.

Steve Hallstrom returns to the Fargo studio with an urgent plea for resilience as tensions boil over in Minneapolis. Following the fatal shooting of Alex Pretty by federal agents, Steve explores why "backing off" is not an option for law enforcement and addresses the stunning departure of Chris Maddell from the Minnesota GOP governor’s race. The episode features an exclusive interview with U.S. Senate candidate Michelle Tafoya, who tackles the tough questions on her "pro-choice" stance and her vision for Minnesota’s future. Plus, Steve breaks down the latest on North Dakota’s universal school lunch debate and debuts a new segment: "Truth or Trash."

Key Moments

• Holding the Line in Minneapolis: Steve implores listeners to support federal agents finishing their mission in Minnesota despite increasing political pressure. He argues that while the cleanup is "messy," showing weakness now will only embolden those who wish to disrupt law and order.

• Michelle Tafoya on the Record: Republican Senate hopeful Michelle Tafoya joins the show to discuss her official campaign launch. She clarifies her stance on the life issue, citing her personal journey with adoption, and outlines her plan to tackle the "crisis of leadership" and systemic fraud overseen by Governor Tim Walz.

• The GOP Stunner: Chris Maddell drops out of the Minnesota governor’s race, citing an inability to support "stated retribution" against citizens. Steve evaluates the fallout and notes that President Trump is dispatching Tom Homan to the Twin Cities to oversee the escalating situation.

• Truth or Trash: Steve uses Jack Nicholson and Oscar the Grouch soundbites to evaluate the week's biggest claims, including Amy Klobuchar’s "hedging" on her Senate seat while running for Governor and the reality of the U.S. "reprivatizing" the economy.

• The Fargo Dome Vision: Dave Supas, President of the Fargo Dome Authority, stops by to reveal a $200 million plan for the new convention center. The vision includes a connected hotel, an indoor tailgating space for NDSU games, and a new "entertainment district" modeled after Dinkytown.

• School Lunch Legislative Update: Steve critiques the North Dakota House for passing a universal free food bill while shooting down a targeted measure that would have limited benefits to families making $100,000 or less.

• Best Thing I Heard All Day: Steve highlights a viral clip regarding the arrest of an illegal immigrant in Georgia for a brutal home invasion and rape, contrasting the lack of media coverage for victims with the hysteria over ICE enforcement.

• On the Farm: Ag Director Bridget Riedel discusses the rising dairy demand in Africa, the impact of falling tractor purchases, and the chilling threat of the New World screwworm.

In this fast-paced Friday edition, host Scott Hennen dons his warmest wool gear to tackle a high-stakes "Talk Radio Town Hall" with Senator Kevin Cramer. The conversation spans from the strategic necessity of a "Golden Dome" missile defense system involving Greenland and North Dakota to the economic "roller coaster" currently hitting the Bakken oil patch.

Later, Minnesota House Speaker and gubernatorial candidate Lisa Demuth joins the show to discuss the escalating ICE standoff in the Twin Cities and the "distraction tactics" of the Walz administration. The episode wraps with a spirited debate over North Dakota’s new black license plates and a moving reflection on the March for Life in Washington, D.C.

Standout Moments

[00:02:15] The Golden Dome & The Greenland Connection Senator Kevin Cramer explains the strategic necessity of the "Golden Dome"—a $175 billion missile defense initiative. He breaks down why looking at a globe instead of a map reveals Greenland and North Dakota as the ultimate front lines for Arctic security against Russia and China.

[00:10:45] Rigs Down in the Bakken A sobering update on domestic energy: For the first time in 30 years, Continental Resources has shut down all drilling rigs in North Dakota. Cramer and Hennen debate the tension between President Trump’s push for low gas prices and the economic survival of the North Dakota oil patch.

[00:15:45] Is Amy Klobuchar Unbeatable? Lisa Demuth weighs in on the rumors of Senator Amy Klobuchar entering the Minnesota Governor’s race. Demuth dismisses the "gold standard" narrative, labeling any Democrat run as a "Tim Walz third term" and citing GOP gains in deep-blue districts as proof that the winds are shifting.

[00:21:30] Exploding Trees and Bomb Cyclones Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki debunks the viral "exploding trees" phenomenon. While the science of freezing sap is real, he warns that the actual danger is the -50°F wind chills and a major ice storm looming for the Southern Plains.

[00:24:10] The Great Black License Plate Debate Scott tackles a local "pet peeve": the sudden proliferation of black-and-white license plates in North Dakota and Minnesota. Listeners flood the inbox with reasons ranging from "matching the car" to making it easier for traffic cameras to read.

[00:30:45] Heated Exchange: "Dylan from Detroit Lakes" A confrontational caller challenges Scott on Trump’s rhetoric and economic promises. The segment devolves into a viral-ready debate over inflation, Davos, and the fundamental differences between Democratic and Republican market policies.

[00:39:15] J.D. Vance at the March for Life The show closes with highlights from Vice President J.D. Vance’s address to the March for Life, where he frames the pro-life movement as a battle for the "inheritance of civilization" and a rejection of the idea that children are mere inconveniences.

In this high-energy Friday edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, Kevin Flynn and the team navigate a brutal "Arctic blast" gripping the region with wind chills hitting -50°F. While the weather is life-threatening, the political discourse is just as heated. The show dives into the escalating tension between the federal government and Minnesota officials over ICE enforcement, Gavin Newsom’s controversial appearance at Davos, and a deep dive into local sports and the upcoming Super Bowl matchups.

Between the weather warnings and political satire, the "boys' day" show manages to balance heavy topics with a touch of rock and roll history and a legendary story about a member of Cheap Trick and a hotel hallway.

Standout Moments

[00:11:00] The Deep Freeze Survival Guide Dino from the Skywatch Weather Center breaks down the "dangerously cold" conditions. With frostbite possible in under 10 minutes, the team discusses the "life-threatening" nature of the current snap compared to the "Armageddon" southerners face during a light dusting of snow.

[00:33:00] Motorcycles on Ice: A San Antonio Flashback Kevin recounts a wild story from his days in Texas, where he rode a Honda CB900 through a sleet storm to reach the radio station, much to the disbelief of his local coworkers who had never seen a Minnesotan’s "Tuesday" mentality in action.

[01:28:00] The Minneapolis ICE Stand-Off The conversation turns to JD Vance’s recent visit to the Twin Cities. The hosts analyze the "disgraceful" lack of cooperation between local authorities and federal agents, discussing the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act as tensions boil over in the streets.

[02:04:00] Davos Drama: Newsom vs. Trump A breakdown of the clash between Governor Gavin Newsom and President Trump in Switzerland. The hosts critique Newsom’s "campaign speech" to Europeans and the strange "knee pad" props brought to the world stage, contrasting it with Trump’s negotiations regarding Greenland.

[03:00:00] The Ilhan Omar Wealth Investigation The team discusses the House Oversight Committee’s investigation into Rep. Ilhan Omar’s reported $30 million net worth increase, sparking a broader conversation about private sector experience and political "grifting."

[04:45:00] Rick Nielsen’s "Bloodhound" Moment In honor of Robin Zander’s 73rd birthday, Kevin shares a classic "rock star" story involving Rick Nielsen sniffing out a specific "green substance" behind hotel doors at 2:00 AM in San Antonio.

Back in the Fargo studio after a trip to the Bakken, Steve Hallstrom tackles a whirlwind Friday news cycle. The big story of the day comes from Bismarck, where the North Dakota Senate narrowy voted down a controversial universal free school meal bill, setting the stage for a high-stakes ballot measure. Steve also dives into the "self-deportation" trend as Kristi Noem ramps up exit incentives, and explores the political landscape in Minnesota as Senator Amy Klobuchar prepares a run for Governor. Plus, a first-ever game of "Truth or Trash" and a look at why thousands of Minnesota businesses are shutting their doors today in protest.

Key Moments

• The School Lunch Stalemate: Steve discusses the breaking news that the North Dakota Senate killed a bill for universal free school meals by just two votes. He joins Scott Hennen to debate why Republicans are pushing back against "socialist madness" and the role of out-of-state money in the upcoming ballot initiative.

• Self-Deportation Incentives: Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem increases the voluntary deportation incentive to $2,600. Steve notes that 2.2 million illegal immigrants have already self-deported since early 2025 as federal enforcement intensifies.

• Minnesota’s Choice: With Michelle Tafoya officially entering the U.S. Senate race, Steve weighs her "common sense" appeal against the "tough-talking" Royce White. Meanwhile, Amy Klobuchar files paperwork to run for Minnesota Governor, a move the GOP calls "hedging and waffling."

• Economic "Truth or Trash": Steve debuts a new segment, using Jack Nicholson and Oscar the Grouch soundbites to evaluate whether recent headlines—from surging 4.4% GDP growth to "reprivatizing" the economy—are fact or fiction.

• NDSU’s Next Chapter: Former State Representative Rick Berg is appointed interim president of North Dakota State University following David Cook’s departure for Iowa State.

• State Revenue Realities: Joe Morissette, Director of the ND Office of Management and Budget, discusses the state’s 9.5% growth in "net position" and the continued "rock star" performance of the Legacy Fund, even as oil rig activity slows.

• Best Thing I Heard All Day: Steve highlights Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s "Davos smackdown" of California Governor Gavin Newsom, where Bessent torched Newsom’s economic record and association with Alex Soros.

• On the Farm: Ag Director Bridgette Readel joins to talk about the dangers of the New World screwworm, the return of whole milk to schools, and why tractor purchases have plummeted 43% year-over-year.

In this high-stakes Thursday edition, host Kevin Flynn and the team navigate a brutal "steady falling" temperature day in the Valley, with wind chills plummeting toward -55°F. While the team sends thoughts and prayers to co-host Alex Taylor, who was called away for a family medical emergency, the "boys' day" show dives into the global stage at Davos.

The episode features sharp critiques of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s "smug" appearance in Switzerland, the official unveiling of the U.S. "Board of Peace," and a local deep dive into the 34th Annual Red River Valley Boat Show. Plus, the team explores the "dangerous" reality of exposing multi-billion dollar fraud with exclusive insights into independent journalist Nick Shirley’s latest findings.

Standout Moments

[00:10:45] The "Sparkle Beach Ken" Critique Kevin highlights Treasury Secretary Scott Besant’s scathing assessment of Gavin Newsom at the World Economic Forum. Besant slams Newsom for "hobnobbing with global elites" in Davos while California faces massive budget deficits and a homelessness crisis.

[00:26:40] The United Nations vs. The Board of Peace A breakdown of President Trump’s latest international move: the Board of Peace. Kevin analyzes why the administration believes bringing actual world leaders together for quarterly transparency is a "next-level" entity that could make UN ambassadors irrelevant.

[00:30:15] Driving into -70°F: Wind Chill Math Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki answers a listener’s curious question: what is the wind chill for a person strapped to the top of a car going 70 mph in -25°F weather? The answer is a bone-chilling -72.5°F.

[00:34:50] Exploding Trees: Clickbait or Reality? The team debunks the viral "exploding tree" memes circulating on social media. Dean explains the science of freezing sap expanding and "popping" bark, reassuring listeners that while it sounds like a gunshot, the forest isn't actually self-destructing.

[00:54:10] The High Cost of Surfing Barry Sinenko joins the show to preview the Fargo Dome Boat Show. The crew "drools" over new surf boats that feature onboard computers to shape waves, noting that modern luxury lake life now comes with a $200,000 price tag.

[01:12:30] Socks, Jammies, and Suffering: The New Ice Fishing Great Outdoors expert Steve Carney shares his first experience in a luxury "Ice Castle" fish house. While he enjoyed jigging in his socks from a recliner, he explains why he’s still "old school" and prefers the suffering of a portable tub.

[01:23:45] Nick Shirley: The Dangers of Exposing Fraud An exclusive look at Nick Shirley’s testimony on the Hill. Shirley discusses the $24 billion missing in California homelessness funds and the personal toll—including death threats and 24/7 security—of uncovering government kickbacks.

In this provocative Thursday edition, host Scott Hennen challenges listeners with a simple question: "Are you smarter than a Democrat?" The episode centers on President Trump’s high-stakes deal-making in Greenland and Venezuela, framed as a essential strategy to "checkmate" the growing influence of China and Russia. Scott breaks down why he believes opposition to these moves isn't just a political disagreement, but a strategic win for America's enemies.

Beyond global geopolitics, the show dives into the "chaos" in Minneapolis as Vice President J.D. Vance arrives to support ICE agents facing local resistance. We also explore the future of American healthcare with Dr. Mike Jorgensen and get a preview of the "economic boom" predicted for 2026 with Grover Norquist.

Standout Moments

[00:01:10] The Greenland Checkmate Scott argues that the U.S. must exert itself as a superpower in Greenland to prevent Russia and China from filling the void. He posits that opposing Trump’s strategic military positioning is equivalent to "rooting for China."

[00:07:33] Health Care Blind Spots Dr. Mike Jorgensen of Red River Chiropractic joins the show to discuss why primary care docs often miss the "root drivers" of illness. They discuss the "wellness lab" dashboard and how personalized nutrition and lifestyle changes are the real keys to the "Make America Healthy Again" movement.

[00:14:24] The "Mothership" of Affordability Grover Norquist from Americans for Tax Reform breaks down the new 2026 tax policies. He argues that lower taxes on capital are the only way to increase productivity and take-home pay, contrasting the "boom" of Republican tax cuts with Democratic "Bolshevik" policies.

[00:22:28] Michelle Tafoya Shakes Up the Senate Former sports journalist Michelle Tafoya joins the show to discuss her run for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota. She discusses her journey from the sidelines to the political arena, her "pro-choice Republican" stance, and her goal to end the "turnstile" of law and order in her home state.

[00:30:45] Trump’s Own Words on "The Big Piece of Ice" A featured clip of President Trump from Davos, where he recounts the history of Greenland, the failures of Denmark's defense in WWII, and why modern missile technology makes the territory a "core national security interest."

[00:34:40] J.D. Vance in Minneapolis Live coverage of Vice President J.D. Vance’s visit to Minnesota. Vance slams local officials for "standing down" while federal officers are doxed and assaulted, detailing a harrowing story of off-duty ICE agents being trapped in a local restaurant.

[00:37:15] The E15 Setback in Agriculture David Spickler of Lighthouse Commodities reports on the "disappointing" removal of year-round E15 ethanol blends from the latest budget bill, explaining how this "technicality" hurts demand for North Dakota corn farmers.

The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday January 22nd, 2026.  Guests include Brian Schinn and your calls and emails.