Archives: Episodes

The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday January 20th, 2026.  Guests include Senator Kevin Cramer and Dr Mike Jorgenson.

Exactly one year since Donald Trump’s second inauguration, Steve Hallstrom reflects on the shifting tides in Washington and across the globe. The show dives deep into the escalating tensions over Greenland, exploring why this Arctic territory has become a "strategic centerpiece" for U.S. national security. Steve is joined by international relations expert Michael Letts to discuss the history of U.S. interest in the island and the potential for a modern-day takeover. Plus, we take your calls on the greatest accomplishments of the administration's first year back in office—from border security to economic shifts—and discuss the recent shutdown of drilling rigs in the Bakken.

Key Moments

• Inauguration Anniversary: Steve looks back on the "feeling of relief" from January 20, 2025, and evaluates whether the administration has successfully returned "adult presence" to the room after moving away from climate and gender identity focused policies.

• The Battle for Greenland: Steve breaks down the president’s threat of sweeping tariffs on European allies to pressure a sale of Greenland. He questions the ethics of potential military intervention while highlighting the island's vast reserves of lithium and uranium.

• Expert Insight on Arctic Security: Michael Letts joins the program to explain why Greenland is the "first line of defense" against Russian and Chinese influence, noting that interest in the territory dates back to the Truman administration.

• Bakken Rig Shutdown: Continental Resources founder Harold Hamm announces the company is pulling its drilling rigs out of North Dakota’s Bakken formation due to disappearing profit margins—a move that could cost the state hundreds of millions in economic activity.

• Minneapolis "Common Sense": In a rare moment of praise, Steve credits Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey for urging protesters to remain peaceful to avoid an invocation of the Insurrection Act, though Steve disputes Frey's claim that past protests have been entirely non-violent.

• Best Thing I Heard All Day: Steve plays the rousing reaction to President Trump and his family at the National Championship game in Miami, arguing that the cheers prove the president remains overwhelmingly popular despite "legacy media" narratives.

• Solving Tech Headaches: SolveCXO founder Chris Buckingham highlights the "hidden costs" of bad tech decisions, such as overlapping software licenses and lost productivity, and how business owners can turn their vision into action.

It is a brutal Monday in the frozen tundra as Alex Taylor and Kevin Flynn break down a weekend of "Minnesota Madness" and life-threatening wind chills. The episode centers on the explosive tension between the Trump administration and sanctuary jurisdictions like Minneapolis and Chicago. Special emphasis is placed on Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem’s recent media appearances, where she defends the arrest of thousands of criminal illegal aliens and spars with reporters over the "70% criminal" statistic.

The duo also tackles a shocking new escalation in political protests: the disruption of a St. Paul church service. Beyond the politics, the show covers the cold-weather survival mission facing North Dakota, the high stakes of current agricultural bailouts, and an innovative new approach to teaching kids nutrition through soil and soul.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:02:40] Kristi Noem vs. Margaret Brennan A breakdown of the fiery exchange on Face the Nation. Noem holds her ground on the fact that 70% of those detained by ICE have criminal charges or convictions, despite attempts by the media to downplay the numbers.

[00:06:55] Arctic Air and Sunday Sun Dogs Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki warns of dangerously cold air arriving earlier than expected. With wind chills hitting 35 below zero and a "survival mission" forecast for Friday, the team discusses the impact on local infrastructure.

[00:13:55] Invasion of the Sanctuary A report on the "sickening" incident where protesters, accompanied by former CNN host Don Lemon, disrupted a Baptist church service in St. Paul to confront a pastor in the middle of a sermon.

[00:15:21] The Jenny-O Factor The hosts discuss the potential fallout as ICE operations move toward major processing plants in cities like Wilmar and Pelican Rapids, questioning the scale of undocumented labor in Minnesota’s corporate agricultural sector.

[00:20:10] The Model for Chicago Kristi Noem discusses the expansion of ICE operations into Chicago, using the recent Los Angeles deployments—where 5,000 arrests were made—as a blueprint for restoring order.

[00:27:15] Cultivate to Grow Mariah Prusia joins the show to discuss her nonprofit, Define the Fight. She explains her pilot program at Northern Cass School, which uses hands-on soil work and organic gardening to combat the crisis of childhood obesity and tech addiction.

[00:30:15] Transportation Fraud Bombshell The duo reacts to investigator Nick Shirley’s latest footage exposing "Safari Transportation" and other shell companies allegedly billing the state millions for fake trips to daycare centers.

[00:36:20] Protecting the Protectors Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons explains why arrest teams have had to double in size—from 5 agents to 15—simply to protect officers from violent mobs while they apprehend high-level targets.

Host Scott Hennen and "Uncle Kev" return with an explosive Monday update on the escalating "Minnesota Madness." The episode leads with a major scoop regarding potential back-channel communications between Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey and the President as the city searches for an "off-ramp" from the ongoing civil unrest. Tensions reached a new high over the weekend as protesters—followed by former CNN host Don Lemon—invaded a St. Paul church service, leading to a federal civil rights probe.

The duo breaks down staggering new statistics from DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who reveals that 10,000 criminal illegal aliens have now been arrested in Minnesota, including a surge of 3,000 in just the last six weeks. From the "fentanyl bomb" to the massive "voter voucher" schemes, this episode pulls no punches. Later, North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Pat Traynor discusses innovative rural healthcare grants, and we hear a heartwarming look at Sanford Health's Child Life program.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:00:15] Scoop: Mayor Frey’s Off-Ramp? Scott shares exclusive details from a Minneapolis business icon regarding a requested call between Jacob Frey and President Trump to turn down the heat in the Twin Cities.

[00:04:45] The 10,000 Arrest Receipt Breaking down Kristi Noem’s latest report: 10,000 arrests in Minnesota since operations began. Scott reads the "receipts" on specific heinous crimes involving child predators and murderers now off the streets.

[00:07:45] The Fentanyl Collapse A local emergency room physician reports a miraculous drop in fentanyl overdoses—from 12 a day down to nearly zero—crediting recent border and interdiction policies.

[00:13:30] Invasion of the Sanctuary Bill Glahn from the Center of the American Experiment recaps the shocking footage of protesters disrupting a Baptist church service in St. Paul while searching for an ICE agent who wasn't even present.

[00:20:45] Pro-Deportation Polls Scott reveals a new Rasmussen poll showing that 79% of all voters—including 69% of Democrats—support the deportation of illegal immigrants who commit crimes.

[00:26:15] Jason Lewis: "Thelma and Louise on Steroids" Former Congressman Jason Lewis joins the show to discuss the "political suicide" of Minnesota Democrats and why the business community is in a "full-fledged panic."

[00:29:45] The $700 Million Luggage Discovery A discussion on reports that TSA flagged $700 million in cash leaving the Minneapolis airport in the luggage of Somali couriers over the last two years.

[00:36:30] Virtual Reality in the Hospital Melissa Schmaltz, a Child Life Specialist at Sanford Health, explains how virtual reality goggles and "MRI simulations" are helping local children navigate scary medical procedures without sedation.

The Jay Thomas Show from Monday January 19th, 2026.

The Jay Thomas Show from Monday January 19th, 2026.  Guests include your calls and emails.

On a frigid Monday, Steve Hallstrom breaks down a weekend of high-intensity news, starting with the shocking disruption of Sunday church services in St. Paul by activists protesting local ICE leadership. Steve also kicks off a detailed exploration of the proposed Fargo Convention Center sites, featuring an interview with Mike Allmendinger on the potential for a downtown revival. From the assassination of Charlie Kirk to the "Martyrdom" of conservative values, this episode tackles the deepening cultural and political divides in America.

Key Moments

• Storming the Sanctuary: Steve discusses the "desecration" of a St. Paul church where protesters interrupted a service to target a pastor who also serves as an acting field office director for ICE. Steve questions the morality of bringing political "holy wars" into houses of worship.

• Downtown Convention Vision: Mike Allmendinger, President of Kilbourn Group, joins the show to discuss the proposal to repurpose the Fargo Civic Center into a modern convention hub. He addresses concerns about parking, infrastructure, and how the project could help solve downtown's challenges.

• The Martyrdom of Charlie Kirk: Author Drew Thomas Allen joins the program to discuss his new book, exploring how the assassination of Charlie Kirk reflects an increasing intolerance toward faith and truth in public discourse.

• ICE Agents Speak Out: In "Best Thing I Heard All Weekend," Steve plays a clip of an ICE agent in Monticello exposing the irony of protesters honking and impeding an investigation into a child sex offender.

• Targeting Target: Steve critiques a group of local faith leaders in Moorhead who delivered a letter to Target management demanding the store refuse entry to ICE officers without a judicial warrant.

• National Guard Confusion: A caller alerts Steve to reports that Governor Tim Walz may be equipping the Minnesota National Guard with high-visibility vests to distinguish them from federal agents during potential deployments.

It’s a "Suck Factor 9.5" kind of Friday as Alex and Kev navigate a brutal winter weather advisory and the even more volatile political climate gripping the region. This episode of the Need to Know Morning Show tackles the explosive unrest in Minneapolis, where ICE agents face coordinated ambushes and "ice traps" on the streets. The duo dives into the staggering net worth of Ilhan Omar, new allegations of multi-million dollar Somali crime syndicates in the Twin Cities, and whether President Trump will finally pull the trigger on the Insurrection Act of 1807.

Between heated discussions on "left-wing hack" reporters and the "Minneapolis Healing Circle," the show features an interview with Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner on his re-election bid and the "chilling" reality of fentanyl trafficking extending from the southern border into North Dakota.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:21] Near Blizzard Conditions Alex and Kev break down the "nasty" winter weather advisory, reporting near-zero visibility on Highway 10 and I-29, where semis are already being forced off the road by 50mph gusts.

[06:21] The Ilhan Omar Money Mystery The hosts react to Will Kane’s investigation into Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, questioning how her husband’s net worth reportedly jumped from $51,000 to over $30 million in a single year.

[12:39] Tom Homan: "Justice is Coming" A deep dive into Tom Homan’s latest briefing on the Minneapolis unrest. Homan confirms he is meeting with Trump to discuss the Insurrection Act and vows to expose the "well-financed" groups organizing attacks on ICE agents.

[20:53] The "Healing Circle" and Therapy Goats In a moment of levity, Kev mocks the Minneapolis City Attorney’s office for inviting staff to a "healing circle" with therapy goats to cope with the tension of the deportation operations.

[28:00] Jonathan Turley on Federal Authority Constitutional expert Jonathan Turley weighs in on whether Trump has the right to bypass the Posse Comitatus Act to enforce federal law in a "state of insurrection".

[36:03] The Somali Crime Syndicate A local attorney’s letter details the "RICO-level" crime syndicates allegedly operating human trafficking and fentanyl rings that stretch from the Twin Cities directly into Fargo.

[43:00] Sheriff Jesse Johner’s To-Do List Cass County Sheriff Jesse Johner joins the studio to discuss his third-term campaign, the success of the new jail pod, and the desperate need for follow-up mental health services to stop the "revolving door" of crime.

In this "Feel Good Friday" edition of What’s On Your Mind, host Scott Hennen navigates a jam-packed hour featuring breaking news from the White House, intense weather updates, and a deep dive into the shifting landscape of the American energy sector. The episode kicks off with Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki tracking a "clipper train" bringing brutal sub-zero temperatures to the region before pivoting to a live address from President Trump on the rollout of the "Great Health Care Plan."

The conversation turns local as North Dakota Petroleum Council President Ron Ness discusses why rigs are pulling out of the Bakken and what $59 oil means for the state's tax revenue. Later, the show balances heavy political discourse regarding the "whistle guide" controversy in Minneapolis schools with a moving "Feel Good Friday" segment featuring a family battling childhood cancer and the mission of "The Preacher in the Patch." The hour concludes with a Talk Radio Town Hall featuring Senator Kevin Cramer, who weighs in on the strategic necessity of Greenland and the potential invocation of the Insurrection Act.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:15] The Clipper Train Hits Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki warns of high wind warnings and a "clipper train" that will bring wind chills as low as 30 below zero, disrupting travel across the I-94 corridor through the weekend.

[08:00] Rig Counts & Revenue Reality Ron Ness reveals that for the first time in 30 years, Continental Resources will not have an active rig in North Dakota, explaining the "harvest mode" mentality of the current oil market.

[14:40] Breaking News: The Great Health Care Plan President Trump addresses the media before departing for Mar-a-Lago, detailing a plan to pay health care subsidies directly to patients rather than insurance companies and vowing to match the world's lowest prescription drug prices.

[20:50] The Minneapolis Whistle Controversy Scott discusses reports of Minneapolis schools allegedly distributing "whistle guides" to students to alert the community and form crowds if ICE agents are spotted nearby.

[28:40] The Insurrection Act Debate Senator Kevin Cramer discusses the "drip, drip, drip" of lawlessness in Minnesota and whether federal intervention is necessary to restore order in the Twin Cities.

[34:10] Geopolitics: Greenland & Iran Senator Cramer breaks down why Greenland is a "strategic necessity" for national security and shares his stance on targeted military action versus cyber-warfare in Iran.

[43:00] The Preacher in the Patch A heartwarming check-in with Ron Abbott, who has spent 38 years ministering to jail inmates and oil field workers, offering a message of hope amidst economic uncertainty.

In a packed Friday edition, Steve Hallstrom navigates the icy conditions gripping the region while diving into the heavy-hitting news of the day. From federal arrests in Minneapolis to a heated debate over the impact of ICE in rural Minnesota, this episode explores the friction between local leadership and federal law enforcement. Steve also breaks down a major shift in the healthcare landscape, the latest news on falling overdose deaths, and checks the pulse of the local ag community as farmers face a "wash" in the corn markets. Plus, a look at the push for free school lunches in North Dakota and a spirited conversation with State Representative Jeff Backer.

Key Moments

• Near-Blizzard Conditions: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki joins the show to warn travelers about 50 mph winds and deteriorating visibility, specifically noting closures on Highway 75 and travel advisories across the 94 corridor.

• The "Great Healthcare Plan": Steve discusses President Trump’s newly unveiled healthcare pitch, which aims to bypass insurance companies and send federal subsidies directly to individuals to cover their costs.

• ICE and the Rural Divide: Steve addresses comments from State Senator Rob Kupec regarding "fear" in rural communities due to ICE activity. Steve challenges the narrative, citing a 99.997% success rate in recent arrests and arguing for law and order over emotional policy.

• Minnesota Impeachment Talk: State Representative Jeff Backer joins the program to discuss the drafting of articles of impeachment against Governor Tim Walz, citing a lack of accountability and poor stewardship of state resources.

• The Great Lunch Debate: Steve opens the phone lines to discuss a potential North Dakota ballot initiative for universal free school meals, questioning whether a $70 million program is the best use of taxpayer money when families in need are already covered.

• Ag Market Shakeup: Ag Director Bridget Riedel stops by to digest the latest WASDE report, explaining why a surprise surplus in corn bushels is creating a "wash" for farmers despite upcoming bridge payments.

• Best Thing I Heard All Day: Steve highlights Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd for his blunt take on the difference between "undocumented" and "illegal" following a series of arrests in Florida.