Archives: Episodes

It is a heavy-hitting Wednesday on the Need to Know Morning Show as hosts Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor dive into a week that feels more like spring than January. However, the political forecast is much stormier. The episode focuses on a massive federal pivot as CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz puts Governor Tim Walz on notice with a total audit of Minnesota's Medicaid bills. Dr. Oz reveals that Minnesota's alleged grift, while totaling billions, might just be the "JV team" compared to the "varsity" level of institutionalized fraud currently being uncovered in California.

The conversation explores the human cost of these scandals, highlighting local legit businesses like autism centers that are facing bankruptcy due to state-level mismanagement and the siphoning of funds by fraudulent actors. From the "not-her-brother" husband of Ilhan Omar to the "jig is up" moment for sanctuary state policies, Kevin and Alex break down how independent journalists and a new administration are beginning to "claw back" taxpayer money. On the lighter side, the "Weather Wizard" Dean Wysocki previews a bizarrely warm 36-degree day, and the crew celebrates a dominant Timberwolves victory.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:06:09] – January or April? Kevin and Alex marvel at the unseasonal weather, with temperatures hitting the mid-30s. Dean Wysocki confirms we are in "bonus territory" with overnight lows that are warmer than typical daytime highs.

[00:11:43] – Dr. Oz’s Warning Letter A breakdown of the exclusive interview where CMS Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announces he has sent a letter to Governor Walz alerting him to a full-scale federal audit of 14 problematic state programs.

[00:11:58] – The Total Audit The shocking confirmation that every single Medicaid bill in Minnesota will be audited as the federal government prepares to claw back funds following an "insufficient" corrective action plan submitted by the state on New Year’s Eve.

[00:12:17] – JV vs. Varsity Fraud Dr. Oz compares the "web of corruption" in Minnesota to California, noting that while Minnesota is losing billions, California has already been caught in a $1.3 billion elective healthcare scheme for illegal immigrants.

[00:12:35] – The Donor Kickback Theory A caller named Diane sparks a deep dive into the "political patronage" of social services, debating whether fraudulent funds are being recycled back into the Democratic party through campaign donations.

[00:13:03] – The Independent Journalist Surge Kevin highlights the work of "smartphone journalists" like Nick Shirley and Nick Sorter, who are uncovering fraud in hotels and daycares that traditional media outlets have allegedly ignored for years.

[00:13:51] – Wolves Dominance & Defensive Masterclass Sports Director James McCarty recaps the Timberwolves’ 122-94 blowout of the Miami Heat, fueled by a 26-point performance from Anthony Edwards and a 30-point scoring advantage after the first quarter.

The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday January 7th, 2026.  Guests include Josh Boschee, Leah Alsager and your calls and emails.

In a packed morning edition of the show, Steve Hallstrom dives into the rapidly shifting political landscape of the Red River Valley and beyond. The race for Fargo Mayor is officially heating up as new candidates enter the arena to replace the outgoing Tim Mahoney. Steve is joined in-studio by Fargo Deputy Mayor Denise Kolpak for a candid and sometimes tense conversation about her vision for the city, her defense of recent city spending increases, and her unwavering support for the city’s controversial needle exchange program.

The show also turns its attention across the river to Minnesota, where a new "bombshell" audit has uncovered systemic mismanagement and alleged document fabrication within the Department of Human Services. Steve breaks down the latest reports of millions in taxpayer dollars being funneled to questionable grantees and the massive federal immigration enforcement operation currently unfolding in Minneapolis.

From the latest market trends and gas prices to a deep dive into new federal dietary guidelines that are "flipping the food pyramid," this episode covers the stories that impact your wallet, your health, and your community.

Key Moments

• Fargo Mayor Race Explodes: Analysis of State Lawmaker Josh Beauchesne joining the race and a look at the growing field of rumored candidates.

• Denise Kolpak In-Studio: The Deputy Mayor defends her record on the City Commission, explains her plan for "zero-based budgeting," and addresses criticisms regarding the 10% increase in city spending.

• The Needle Exchange Clash: A sharp back-and-forth regarding the ethics and efficacy of Fargo's harm reduction programs and the use of opioid settlement funds.

• Minnesota Fraud Cycle: A breakdown of the shocking KARE 11 report exposing DHS managers who allegedly backdated documents to cover up improper grant payments.

• Highway Safety Trends: Captain Brian Niewand of the North Dakota Highway Patrol discusses how the primary seatbelt law is contributing to a historic drop in fatal crashes across the state.

• A Shift in Nutrition Policy: Steve reacts to the new 2025-2030 Dietary Guidelines announced by RFK Jr., highlighting the return of whole milk and the war on ultra-processed foods.

• The "Climate Jihad" vs. Alaska: A humorous look at how national media outlets are struggling to square record-breaking snowfall in Juneau with global warming narratives.

Coaches Corner Podcast host, Greg Burd, of Flag Family Media is joined each week by former MSUM men’s basketball head coach, Jason Kemp, and MSUM women’s basketball head coach, Karla Nelson. This week the coaches discuss the new season and players, team leadership along with play style, and more.       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 blockbuster Monday on the Need to Know Morning Show as hosts Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor break down a weekend that reshaped both global geopolitics and local Minnesota leadership. The episode centers on the stunning precision of "Operation Absolute Resolve," a 15-minute Delta Force extraction that brought Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro to American soil to face narco-terrorism charges.

Back home, the political landscape is shifting just as rapidly. The duo discusses breaking rumors of Governor Tim Walz's impending resignation from the 2026 race amid a widening daycare fraud scandal, potentially paving the way for Senator Amy Klobuchar. From the "Vegas Giveaway" kickoff to a deep dive into the "Don-Roe Doctrine" with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, this episode captures a nation where the "adults are back in charge" and the "adult daycares" are finally under the microscope.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:02:40] – The "Man-Picture" Restoration Kevin and Alex discuss President Trump’s recent executive actions, including his move to restore the official federal portraits of high-ranking officials to their pre-transition appearances, signaling a sharp departure from the previous administration's policies.

[00:10:45] – 15 Minutes to Justice: The Caracas Raid A moment-by-moment breakdown of the military operation to capture Nicolas Maduro. Kevin describes how 150 aircraft neutralized Venezuelan air defenses while Delta Force apprehended Maduro and his wife in their pajamas—all in under 15 minutes.

[00:13:20] – "Operation Absolute Resolve" Details Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Chairman Dan "Raising Cane" provide a briefing on the mission's precision, confirming that not a single American service member or piece of equipment was lost during the extraction from a heavily fortified military base.

[00:19:15] – The Whole Milk Comeback Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins to discuss the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act, explaining how the return of whole milk to schools aims to reverse a decade-long 77% decline in student milk consumption.

[00:27:15] – Marco Rubio vs. The Media Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s fiery Meet the Press appearance is picked apart. Rubio "schools" Margaret Brennan on why the U.S. doesn't need Venezuela’s oil but won't allow adversaries to control the Western Hemisphere.

[00:35:45] – The McRib & "Parts as Parts" In a lighter moment, the hosts react to a lawsuit against McDonald’s for "false advertising" regarding the McRib, leading to a hilarious debate about what actually constitutes "pork" in fast food.

[00:43:50] – "Land of 10,000 Somali Schemes" White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt calls into the news cycle to address the massive fraud in Minnesota, confirming that 2,000 DHS agents have been surged into the state to investigate criminal liability within the Walz administration.

In this packed Tuesday edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, host Kevin Flynn and a returning Alex Taylor break down a historic 2026 news cycle. The episode focuses on two massive headlines: the daring military capture of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro and the shock decision by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz not to seek a third term. Kevin and Alex dive into the "wackadoodle" politics of the Walz family, the emergence of independent journalists like Nick Shirley in exposing multi-billion dollar fraud, and the "Don-Roe Doctrine" now taking shape under the current administration.

The conversation shifts from global military precision to local intrigue, featuring a viral Craigslist ad reportedly seeking "child actors" to help fraudulent daycares look legitimate. Plus, the crew recaps an instant-classic FCS National Championship game in Nashville, celebrates "National Cuddle Up Day," and previews a record-breaking warm January forecast that has the "Weather Wizard" Dean Wysocki baffled.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:11:30] – Operation Absolute Resolve: 15 Minutes to Justice A deep dive into the audacious military strike in Caracas. Kevin recounts how 150 aircraft and Delta Force commandos apprehended Nicholas Maduro in his pajamas, ending his reign as a fugitive in less than 15 minutes without a single American casualty.

[00:13:45] – The "Bus Driver" Dictator & 4D Chess The hosts discuss Maduro's meeting with Chinese officials just hours before his arrest and how the flawed Chinese air defense systems failed to protect him, signaling a "checkmate" for foreign influence in the Western Hemisphere.

[00:17:45] – Tim Walz Bows Out Amid Fraud Kevin and Alex react to "Tampon Tim" Walz’s announcement that he won't seek re-election. They discuss rumors of a "cabal" power transfer involving Senator Amy Klobuchar and the looming criminal liability for state fraud schemes.

[00:23:15] – "Child Actors for Hire": The Craigslist Scandal A look at a bizarre Craigslist discovery: Minneapolis daycares allegedly offering $1,500 a day for child actors to populate empty buildings during federal inspections following the massive Somali daycare fraud exposure.

[00:35:45] – The McRib Lawsuit & Weird News A lighter look at "Weirdtown," including McDonald’s facing a lawsuit over the McRib’s lack of "real pork" and James Bond movies heading to a major streaming platform.

[00:43:20] – Carolyn Leavitt on "10,000 Somali Schemes" White House Press Secretary Carolyn Leavitt joins the media cycle to call out Governor Walz's incompetence and confirms nearly 2,000 DHS agents are surging into Minnesota to investigate criminal fraud.

[00:47:15] – The 37-Degree January Miracle Dean Wysocki provides a startling weather update, predicting temperatures near 40 degrees for January 7th—well above the normal teens for this time of year.

On the five-year anniversary of January 6th, host Scott Hennen returns to the PetroServe USA studios to ask a fundamental question: "How is Donald Trump still standing?" From enduring multiple impeachments to a record-breaking landslide re-election in 2024, the episode explores the theories behind Trump’s political resilience—ranging from "dumb opponents" to divine intervention.

The news cycle is dominated by the shock resignation of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, whom Hennen labels a "political gadfly" whose legacy is sinking under a $10 billion fraud scandal. Guest Bill Glantz from the Center of the American Experiment provides an under-the-hood look at the years of investigations into Minnesota’s daycare and Medicaid grift, while North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley joins to sound the alarm on a 43% increase in violent crime and the "topsy-turvy world" of early prisoner releases. From the takedown of Maduro in Venezuela to the "warm collectivism" of New York’s new leadership, this episode captures a nation at a breathtaking turning point.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:03:30] – The Resignation Speech: Tim Walz Wreathed in Excuses Scott dissects Governor Walz’s official announcement that he will not seek a historic third term. Walz blames "Republicans playing hide-and-seek" and "conspiracy theorist YouTubers" for exposing the massive fraud under his watch.

[00:10:45] – The Don-Roe Doctrine in Action A deep dive into the military-led apprehension of Nicolas Maduro. Scott explains how Trump’s move isn't just about drugs—it’s a "checkmate" against Chinese and Russian influence in the Western Hemisphere.

[00:19:20] – The $10 Billion Tally: Investigating Minnesota’s Grift Bill Glantz explains the mechanics of over-billing in daycare centers, where paper logs and lack of oversight allowed fraudsters to drain billions from federal nutrition and Medicaid programs.

[00:32:15] – Defining Violence: North Dakota’s 43% Spike Attorney General Drew Wrigley breaks down disturbing stats showing that violent crimes against persons have jumped significantly since 2014, and argues for "Truth in Sentencing" to end the revolving door of repeat offenders.

[00:46:15] – The Vouching Loophole: Voting Integrity in Question A startling look at a Fox News report revealing that in Minnesota, a single registered voter can "vouch" for up to eight others on election day without an ID—a policy that critics argue invites mass fraud.

[00:54:30] – Collectivism vs. Individualism Scott reacts to the rhetoric of New York Mayor Zoran Mamdani, contrasting the "deadly history" of warm collectivism with the entrepreneurial "entrepreneurial spark" of American individualism.

[01:05:45] – Historic Military Recruitment Records In a rare piece of positive news, Scott highlights how the U.S. military has moved from a "recruiting crisis" to record-breaking numbers following the dismantling of "woke" military policies.

It’s a historic Monday on What’s On Your Mind as host Scott Hennen returns from holiday break to a news cycle firing on all cylinders. The episode centers on two earth-shattering headlines: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz’s shock announcement that he will not seek a third term, and the breathtaking military-led apprehension of Venezuelan narco-terrorist Nicolas Maduro. Scott and guest host Kevin Flynn dissect Walz's "excuse fest" exit speech, contrasting his rhetoric with the billion-dollar fraud scandals and economic decline currently plaguing Minnesota.

The conversation then shifts to the world stage, where Hennen introduces the "Don-Roe Doctrine"—a 2026 twist on the Monroe Doctrine—explaining how Donald Trump’s decisive action in Venezuela has sent a "checkmate" message to China, Russia, and Iran. From the "warm collectivism" of New York’s new socialist leadership to a world-record bottle rocket launch in Mandan, this episode captures a nation experiencing a massive political and cultural awakening.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:01:45] – Breaking News: Tim Walz Bows Out Scott reacts in real-time to Governor Tim Walz's announcement that he will not seek re-election, calling it a recognition of his "political fortune circling the drain" amid massive state fraud investigations.

[00:08:30] – The "Don-Roe" Doctrine A deep dive into the Monroe Doctrine of 1823 and how the recent takedown of Nicolas Maduro signals a return to American policing of the Western Hemisphere, effectively choking out Chinese and Russian influence.

[00:15:20] – The Oil Chess Match Scott explains why the Venezuela operation isn't just an "oil grab" but a strategic move to lower global energy prices and bring Russia to its knees by devaluing its primary war-funding resource.

[00:23:45] – A Guinness World Record in Mandan Garrison Risner of Pegasus Illuminations joins the show to recap the epic New Year’s Eve event where North Dakotans launched 2.8 million Roman candles to raise money for the Wounded Warrior Project.

[00:33:15] – Intelligence Factories: South Dakota’s AI Future State Senator Casey Crabtree discusses new legislation to align South Dakota with the "America First" AI agenda, aiming to beat China in the race for technological and energy dominance.

[00:40:45] – The "Too Cute by Half" Klobuchar Conspiracy Scott breaks down reports that Walz reached out to Senator Amy Klobuchar to potentially run for Governor, which would allow Walz to be appointed to her vacated Senate seat in a "Biden-style" playbook.

[00:41:40] – Pete Hegseth & Military Accountability A look at the Department of War’s move to censure Senator Mark Kelly and the "Seditious Six," including a determination that could downgrade Kelly’s retired Navy rank and pay.

The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday January 6th, 2026.  Guests include Chris Kman and your calls and emails.

In the second news day of 2026, host Steve Hallstrom navigates a shifting political and economic landscape. From the "boomtown" projections of a 5% GDP growth to the tactical maneuvers in the Minnesota Governor’s race, this episode breaks down why optimism is the best strategy for the "happy warriors." Hallstrom analyzes the new direction of CBS News, the precision of recent U.S. military operations, and the decision-making—or lack thereof—within the Fargo City Commission. Whether discussing federal vaccine schedule overhauls or the spiritual weight of passing judgment, Steve applies the conservative playbook and common sense to the stories that matter most.

Key Moments

• The 5% GDP Nirvana: Steve breaks down a "shock and awe" economic prediction from Larry Kudlow and Louis Navalier. They discuss what a 5% GDP growth would mean for the average worker’s paycheck, corporate spending, and the "picks and shovels" of the AI investment cycle.

• Klobuchar vs. The Five Points: With Tim Walz out of the race, Steve explores Minnesota State Senator Julia Coleman’s strategy for beating Amy Klobuchar. The plan focuses on five key Democrat vulnerabilities: the spent $18 billion surplus, $10 billion in tax hikes, school funding strains, and blocked fraud investigations.

• CBS News’ New Face: The show reviews the first six minutes of Tony DeCople’s debut on the CBS Evening News. Steve notes a shift in tone regarding the capture of Nicolás Maduro, highlighting a move away from "elite-driven" narratives toward more objective reporting.

• Fargo’s Action Plan Ultimatum: A critique of the Fargo City Commission’s 3-2 vote to give three embattled committees—Native American, Arts and Culture, and Human Rights—two more months to justify their existence instead of making a final cut.

• Oil Tensions and the Bakken: Ron Ness, CEO of the North Dakota Petroleum Foundation, joins to discuss the Venezuelan toppling. He explains why North Dakota still produces more oil than Venezuela and why domestic operators are "tapping the brakes" on exploration due to supply dictating market prices.

• A Lesson from Romans 2: Steve shares a personal "smack in the head" from his morning reading, reflecting on the dangers of self-righteous judgment and the importance of walking humbly while still calling out "garbage works" in leadership.

• The Precision Contrast: A listener’s viral comparison highlights the "incredible precision and professionalism" of the Maduro capture and Iran strikes versus the "absolute goat circus" of the Afghanistan withdrawal.