Archives: Episodes

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.

rsthand look at the shifting economic tides in North Dakota’s oil country. As major players like Continental Resources halt drilling operations, Steve sits down with state leaders to discuss what slowing revenues mean for the state's record-breaking equity position and the "rock star" Legacy Fund. The episode also dives into a heated legislative battle over universal school meals, a massive planned business strike in Minnesota, and the upcoming Republican primary showdown between Michelle Tafoya and Royce White.

Key Moments

• Bakken Slowdown: Steve reports from a quiet Watford City, noting a visible decrease in activity following Harold Hamm’s decision to shut down drilling rigs due to disappearing profit margins.

• North Dakota’s "Net Position": Joe Morissette, Director of the Office of Management and Budget, breaks down the state’s 2025 financial report, revealing a 9.5% growth in "net position"—essentially the citizens' equity in their state government.

• The Legacy Fund "Rock Star": Discussion highlights the staggering growth of the Legacy Fund, which rose from approximately $10.8 billion to over $13 billion in a single fiscal year, driven by investment returns and oil tax allocations.

• The School Lunch Debate: Steve critiques proposals for universal free breakfast and lunch in North Dakota, arguing that taxpayer money shouldn't be used to feed children from wealthy families when a "humane society" already covers those in need.

• A Middle-Ground Meal Plan: State Representative Ty Dressler introduces a competing bill that would raise the free-meal eligibility limit to 300% of the federal poverty line (approx. $100,000 income) rather than making it universal for all.

• Addressing the Doctor Shortage: Dr. Bob Mayo of NDSU’s Challey Institute warns that North Dakota faces a deficit of up to 500 doctors by 2040 and suggests the state must fund more rural residency slots to keep medical graduates from moving away.

• Minnesota Business Strike: Steve previews a planned shutdown by thousands of Minnesota business owners protesting ICE activity, noting that for some struggling owners, the symbolic closure could mean a permanent loss of their business.

• Senate Choice—Tafoya vs. White: Steve weighs the strengths and weaknesses of GOP Senate hopefuls Michelle Tafoya and Royce White, specifically addressing how Tafoya's pro-choice stance may play with state delegates.

• Best Thing I Heard All Day: Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent "chooses violence" in Davos, delivering a blistering critique of California Governor Gavin Newsom’s economic record and his association with Alex Soros.

It is a frigid Wednesday on the Need to Know Morning Show as Alex Taylor and Kevin Flynn navigate a polar vortex that’s bringing dangerously cold air to the region. The duo tackles the shocking "new low" in the Twin Cities, where rioters disrupted a church service, and discusses the potential federal charges facing those involved under the FACE Act.

The episode features a high-energy interview with Pat Stone of the rock-theater band Hairball as they prepare to bring "hellfire" to Fargo’s Shields Arena this weekend. On the political front, the team analyzes the global stage at Davos, Trump’s bold play for Greenland, and the "suicidal empathy" driving current unrest in Minneapolis. Plus, ag expert Bridget Riedel breaks down the new USDA food pyramid and the growing need for precision agriculture technicians.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:25] The Polar Vortex Hits Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki warns of a "dangerously cold" stretch where wind chills in the Northern Valley could plunge to 60 below zero. The team discusses the "freeze-your-arse-off" conditions and the importance of vehicle survival kits.

[00:07:55] Church Storming & Don Lemon’s "Stunt" A deep dive into the disruption of a St. Paul church service by anti-ICE protesters. Kevin shares his unfiltered reaction to "demons" harassing families, while legal analysts discuss potential federal trespass and civil rights charges.

[00:13:55] The New Food Pyramid & "Awkward" Advice Bridget Riedel explores the 2025-2030 USDA guidelines, emphasizing common sense nutrition—while questioning the government’s suggestion for mothers to breastfeed for two years or beyond.

[00:20:50] Tariffs and the "Sauna Diploma" Money man Brian Cronk analyzes the market’s 800-point drop following new European tariffs and discusses the "Posturing on the Stage" at the World Economic Forum in Davos.

[00:24:15] Hairball: 20 Acts in Two Hours Pat Stone from Hairball joins the show to discuss the physical toll of arena-rock theater, from three-hour daily gym sessions to the "explosive" experience of rotating through 12 different legendary rock personas in a single night.

[00:32:15] The Strategic Need for Greenland A breakdown of why Greenland’s rare earth minerals and its location are vital for the "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative, and why Trump views the acquisition as a "win-win" for global stability.

[00:41:00] Frozen Commutes & NDSU Bravery Dean and the hosts discuss the "slick travel" expected for the evening commute and place bets on seeing students running across campus in hoodies and Uggs despite 45-below wind chills.

On the one-year anniversary of the 47th President’s inauguration, Scott Hennen broadcasts live from The Hive in Grand Forks, reflecting on a year of rapid policy shifts and historic accomplishments. From the immediate stabilization of the southern border to a record-breaking $18 trillion in new domestic investment commitments, the hour serves as a deep-dive into the current state of the "Trump Train" and the legislative battles brewing back home in North Dakota.

The episode features high-stakes conversations with U.S. House Whip Tom Emmer on the "Minnesota Madness" and the push for regular order in Congress, as well as Grand Forks Mayor Brandon Bochensky on the city’s booming defense tech economy. Plus, Scott tackles the controversial debate over universal free school lunches in the North Dakota special session, questioning the $70 million price tag for a program that may bypass those truly in need.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:20] One Year of Accomplishments Scott and "Uncle Kev" reflect on the inauguration anniversary, highlighting the shutdown of child trafficking at the border and the "common sense" shift in domestic policy that has triggered a "pro-criminal" stance from the administration's loudest critics.

[00:08:15] The School Lunch Perplexity A heated debate on the North Dakota special session’s plan to implement free school lunches. Scott questions why the state would spend $70 million for universal access when a previous $6 million allocation for the needy wasn't even fully utilized.

[00:10:45] Grand Forks: The Silicon Valley of Drones Mayor Brandon Bochensky joins the show to discuss "The Hive" and Grand Sky, revealing that average salaries in the local defense sector have hit $120,000 as the city becomes a global hub for hypersonic missile testing and UAS technology.

[00:15:45] Tom Emmer on the "Minnesota Fraudsters" U.S. House Whip Tom Emmer pulls no punches regarding the $9 billion in estimated fraud in Minnesota. He outlines how the "Winter of Love" rhetoric from local leaders is actively endangering federal agents and preventing the removal of high-level criminals.

[00:26:15] Trump’s Surprise Press Briefing Live audio and reaction as President Trump takes the White House podium to school the media on slashing the trade deficit by 77%, adding $9 trillion to retirement accounts, and removing 270,000 federal bureaucrats in a single year.

[00:30:45] Fenworks: Gaming for the Future Entrepreneur Caleb DeShok explains how his company is turning eSports and drone racing into the "backbone" of STEM education in rural schools, training the next generation of counter-UAS operators.

[00:35:50] The Silver Shortage & Stage 6 Currency David Fisher of Landmark Capital warns of a systemic shortage in the silver market and argues that the U.S. dollar has reached "Stage 6" of a currency reserve cycle, where global confidence begins to waver.

[00:41:00] AI vs. The Word A final caller tackles the "doom and gloom" of the World Economic Forum in Davos, questioning whether AI will eventually attempt to take over human language and religion.

The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday January 21st, 2026.  Guests include your calls and emails.

A massive news cycle brings major developments to the Red River Valley and beyond. Steve Hallstrom breaks down the blockbuster news of Michelle Tafoya’s run for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota and the potential for a "return to normalcy" in the state. We also head to the North Dakota State Capitol for a live broadcast of Governor Kelly Armstrong’s State of the State address, focusing on a bold new plan for rural healthcare transformation. From the "virtue signaling" signs at local coffee shops to the latest updates on the Greenland standoff, Steve covers the friction between common sense and political chaos.

Key Moments

• Michelle Tafoya Enters the Ring: Steve confirms that former NFL sideline reporter Michelle Tafoya has filed paperwork to run for the U.S. Senate in Minnesota. In an exclusive interview, Tafoya discusses her desire to tackle the "crisis of leadership" and restore public safety and academic excellence to the state.

• North Dakota State of the State: Governor Kelly Armstrong delivers a concise address to a special session of the legislature, outlining a $199 million federal investment in the Rural Health Transformation Program. He highlights that 75% of North Dakota’s rural counties face primary care shortages and pledges to prioritize wellness over building new infrastructure.

• Greenland Standoff Cools: After a tense period of "tough talk," President Trump clarifies from Davos that the U.S. will not use military force to acquire Greenland. Steve notes that the stock market immediately bounced back following the announcement that a hostile takeover was off the table.

• Atomic Coffee Virtue Signaling: A downtown Fargo coffee shop makes headlines after posting signs in English and Spanish banning ICE agents from the premises. Steve questions the business logic of banning law enforcement and labels the move a "Nazi Germany" comparison gone too far.

• Targeting the "Idiot" Protesters: Steve and Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem discuss the fallout from the disruption of a St. Paul church service. Noem promises imminent arrests for those who violated the FACE Act by intimidating parishioners and interrupting the worship service.

• 401k for a Home Down Payment: Steve explores a new Trump administration proposal that would allow Americans to use 401k funds for home down payments without the standard 10% early withdrawal penalty.

• The "Fraud" Strike: Steve exposes a social media push by the Twin Cities Democratic Socialists encouraging employees to lie to their bosses and take "mental health days" to participate in anti-ICE strikes.

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 how to handle a zone and the challenges of the weekend games.  Plus expectations and what challenges the upcoming games have for the Dragons this weekend.   The Coaches Corner Podcast is brought to you by: Valley Imports/Valley Pre-Owned Camrud Foss Concrete Third Drop Coffee Brady’s Service Center

It’s a high-voltage Tuesday on the Need to Know Morning Show as Alex Taylor and Kevin Flynn mark one year since the inauguration of President Trump. The celebratory milestone is set against a backdrop of escalating chaos in Minneapolis and St. Paul, where "anti-Christian" rioters recently stormed a church service—an act now under aggressive federal investigation.

The duo welcomes Pat Stone from the legendary rock-theater act Hairball to discuss bringing "hellfire" to Shields Arena this weekend, even as Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki warns of life-threatening "60 below" wind chills. From exposing massive fraud in the "Mall of Somalia" to the legal fallout for Jacob Frey and Tim Walz, this episode tackles the hard truth behind Minnesota's "Winter of Love." Plus, a recap of Indiana’s historic national championship win and a pro-tip on "strip freshening" from ag expert Bridget Riedel.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:21] The 60 Below Warning Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki delivers a sobering forecast, warning that wind chills in the Northern Valley could hit 60 degrees below zero by Friday. "It’s a survival mission," the team warns.

[00:07:35] The Church Storming & Don Lemon A deep dive into the "new low" reached in St. Paul where protesters disrupted a church service. Kevin Flynn shares his raw reaction to the "soy boy losers" and "demons" harassing families in a house of God.

[00:15:30] The "Mall of Somalia" Expose Reacting to listener texts about Somalian gangs overrunning the Mall of America and the "voter voucher" system that allows one person to vouch for eight others in Minnesota.

[00:23:15] Hairball: Rock Theater Evolution Pat Stone joins the show to discuss the physical toll of 20-character costume changes and how the band has evolved from a mockery of 80s hair bands into a world-class arena act.

[00:29:35] Todd Blanche on the FACE Act Deputy AG Todd Blanche explains why the DOJ is investigating church storming under the FACE Act, which protects places of worship from intimidation and force.

[00:35:45] Strip Till vs. Strip Freshening Bridget Riedel breaks down the technical differences in spring tillage practices and why "seed-to-soil contact" is the key to a uniform harvest.

[00:43:00] The Indiana Hoosiers' Perfect Season Big Game James recaps Indiana's 27-21 victory over Miami, making them only the fourth team in college football history to finish 16-0.

It is a historic milestone on What’s On Your Mind as Scott Hennen and "Uncle Kev" mark the one-year anniversary of Donald Trump’s second inauguration. The duo reflects on a year that "felt like ten" due to the breakneck speed of executive orders, foreign policy shifts, and the "Big Beautiful Bill." They are joined by a powerful lineup of guests, including North Dakota Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak, who breaks down the four pillars of the administration's success, and Fawzia Addy, Executive Director of the Immigrant Development Center, who provides a rare, honest perspective from the Somali community on immigration enforcement and the "bad apples" tarnishing their reputation.

The episode also features live coverage of President Trump schooling the White House press corps during a surprise appearance at the briefing room podium. From the collapse of drug overdose deaths to the "Green Scam" and the strategy behind negotiating for Greenland, this hour covers the highlights of a year that redefined the American political landscape.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:21] The Border "Sheriff" Effect Kevin Flynn discusses how the simple declaration of a "new sheriff in town" led to over 600,000 self-deportations and immediate control of the southern border without the need for new legislation.

[00:05:15] The "Five-Alarm Fire" Extinguished Scott recaps the drastic drop in drug overdose deaths following the aggressive military targeting of drug runner boats and the closure of the border.

[00:15:45] Fawzia Addy: "Nothing to Fear" A meaningful dialogue with the leader of the Immigrant Development Center. Addy denounces the fraudsters in Minnesota, defends law-abiding Somali-Americans, and explains why she blames the government for letting corruption reach $19 billion.

[00:24:45] Breaking News: Trump Takes the Pod Live audio of President Trump entering the White House briefing room to present a massive binder of accomplishments, including $9 trillion added to retirement accounts and 1.2 million Americans lifted off food stamps.

[00:28:15] The $1,300 Pill is Now $87 The President details his "Most Favored Nations" drug pricing agreements, explaining how the U.S. has stopped subsidizing the rest of the world to bring local pharmacy costs down by as much as 600%.

[00:34:30] Julie Fedorchuk’s Top Four Congresswoman Fedorchuk joins from D.C. to list the administration’s biggest wins: Border, Energy, Taxes, and Spending. She details the historic tax decrease that eliminated Social Security taxes for 88% of North Dakota seniors.

[00:39:15] The March for Life Generation Julie shares her experience flying with North Dakota students to Washington D.C., highlighting the "energy and passion" of the next generation in the fight for the unalienable right to life.