Archives: Episodes

uest host Andrew Sletten sits in for Steve Hallstrom on this post-Christmas edition of The Steve Hallstrom Show, unpacking major local and national stories that may have flown under the radar during the holidays. From U.S. military action overseas to declining crime statistics in Fargo—and a deeper debate over whether those numbers tell the whole story—the show quickly turns into a candid examination of downtown safety, economic incentives, and the long-term consequences of government-driven development.

In the second half, former Fargo City Commissioner Tony Gehrig joins the program for an in-depth conversation on tax incentives, housing affordability, and why Fargo’s downtown may be experiencing the painful correction of a long-building bubble.

⏱️ Key Moments & Highlights

00:00 – Holiday Open & Guest Host Introduction
Andrew Sletton fills in for Steve Hallstrom, reflecting on the post-Christmas slowdown and setting the tone for an open-line, community-focused show.

05:30 – Christmas Day Military Action in Nigeria
Discussion of President Trump’s Christmas Day authorization of strikes against ISIS camps in Nigeria, framed around global Christian persecution and foreign policy signaling.

13:40 – Fargo Crime Report Breakdown
Andrew reviews a newly released Fargo Police Department report showing:

• 10% drop in serious crime

• 44% drop in shootings

• 29% decline in burglaries

18:50 – “Perception vs. Reality” in Public Safety
A critical look at whether year-to-year crime reductions tell the full story, raising the question: How does today compare to Fargo 10 years ago?

24:30 – Long-Term Crime Trends Revealed
Reference to North Dakota Attorney General data showing a 42% increase in Fargo’s crime rate from 2014–2024, complicating the city’s optimistic messaging.

34:00 – Downtown Fargo & Business Closures
Andrew details a wave of downtown restaurant and retail closures, including well-known establishments, and connects them to safety concerns, rent increases, and changing foot traffic.

38:45 – Listener Call-In: “We Won’t Go Downtown at Night”
A Fargo resident shares firsthand experiences delivering food downtown, explaining why safety concerns have changed personal behavior over the last decade.

44:34 – Tony Gehrig Joins the Show
Former Fargo City Commissioner Tony Gehrig enters the conversation to discuss tax incentives, school board resistance, and the changing political appetite for subsidies.

48:30 – Who Really Pays for Incentives?
Tony explains why school districts shoulder the largest financial burden of tax incentives—and why new state limits on property tax increases are forcing hard “no” votes.

55:00 – The Downtown Housing Bubble Explained
A deep dive into how decades of incentives inflated downtown land values, drove rents higher, and created development that only works with continued public subsidy.

1:05:30 – “Affordable Housing” vs. Reality
Tony challenges the use of affordability buzzwords, arguing that many incentive-backed projects labeled “workforce housing” remain financially out of reach for average residents.

1:15:00 – Incentives, Supply & Demand, and the Inevitable Correction
A clear explanation of how artificial demand distorted the market—and why Fargo may now be facing a necessary (but painful) market correction downtown.

Get into the holiday spirit with "Uncle Kev" on this Christmas Eve edition of the Need to Know Morning Show. Amidst the classic sounds of A Charlie Brown Christmas and Bing Crosby, Kevin navigates the latest news for those traveling "over the river and through the woods." This episode balances festive cheer—including a real-time NORAD Santa update—with sharp political commentary on Minnesota's massive fraud case, the "authenticity" of 2028 hopefuls, and a deep dive into the world of professional blackjack strategy. Plus, hear the heartwarming story of how a local charity broke records by collecting over 46,000 pairs of socks for kids in need.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

• [00:01:45] The Christmas Commute Kevin checks the "misery map" for holiday travelers, reporting surprisingly smooth skies at JFK and Minneapolis, with perfect driving weather across the Northern Plains.

• [00:11:00] Minnesota’s "Ugly Sweater" Fraud Legal expert Jonathan Turley joins the program to discuss the "industrial-scale fraud" rocking Minnesota, calling for a "clawback provision" to hold state regulators accountable for $9 billion in missing federal funds.

• [00:15:30] Linus Lights, Please A nostalgic look at the true meaning of the season, featuring a tribute to the timeless message of the Peanuts Christmas special.

• [00:20:45] General Order: Santa is Airborne Kevin relays an official update from a NORAD Colonel on Fox & Friends, confirming Santa’s state-of-the-art sled has cleared the international dateline near New Zealand.

• [00:26:30] The Queen of the Golden Drive Sue Barron joins the show to celebrate a record-breaking year for the Golden Drive Homeless Kids, announcing a final count of 46,215 pairs of new socks delivered to local shelters.

• [00:32:00] The "Triple Up" Strategy Kevin shares a personal story about his father’s mathematical obsession with blackjack and reveals a high-stakes "win three in a row and walk" strategy for your next casino trip.

• [00:34:30] Political Theater & "Glow Ups" A critique of 2028 presidential hopefuls like Gavin Newsom and J.B. Pritzker. Kellyanne Conway weighs in on why "authenticity" beats a "political beard" every time.

In this special holiday episode of the Steve Hallstrom Show, guest host Michelle Kommer is joined by a powerhouse panel of local leaders: Alissa Adams (COO of West Acres Mall), Shanna Zarbock (retired healthcare professional), and Lisa Helbling (retired CFO).

The conversation begins with the frantic energy of December 23rd, exploring the history of gift-giving and how to find meaningful, last-minute treasures at local shops. However, the dialogue quickly shifts from the "what" of giving to the "how" of living. The guests dive deep into the emotional and practical transition into retirement—or what Shanna calls "micro-retirement". Whether you are decades away from your last day of work or just months out, this episode offers a roadmap for finding purpose, maintaining social connections, and "front-loading" your bucket list while you have the health and energy to enjoy it.

Key Moments

• The History and Heart of Gift Giving Michelle Kommer and Alissa Adams discuss how the tradition of holiday giving evolved from ancient roots and the gifts of the wise men. They share tips on why a handwritten note or a shared experience—like a spa day or a cooking package—often outweighs a simple gift card.

• The "Micro-Retirement" Movement Shanna Zarbock introduces the trending concept of micro-retirement: taking a planned, extended career break during your working life for personal fulfillment or caregiving. She shares her personal journey of retiring at 52 to be a "stay-at-home grandma" while still leaving the door open for future opportunities.

• The Top 5 Retirement Essentials The panel builds a live guide for life transitions, emphasizing that you must know yourself and find something meaningful to bridge the gap from work. Key advice includes planning finances with diligence, maintaining social interaction to avoid isolation, and giving yourself grace during the process.

• Don’t Wait for the "Perfect" Time Inspired by the book Die With Zero, the guests discuss the importance of not putting off experiences for a future that isn't guaranteed. Lisa Helbling suggests "front-loading" travel in retirement because navigating the world can become significantly more difficult as you age.

• Finding Purpose in the Second Act From serving on boards of directors to joining a Bible study or taking up quilting, the guests reveal how they replaced professional accomplishments with activities that keep their minds active. Lisa emphasizes that being a lifelong learner prevents one from becoming a "dinosaur" in retirement.

• A "Good News" Interlude In a heartwarming segment, Michelle Kommer shares a story of Atlanta firefighters who rappelled down a children’s cancer hospital in superhero costumes to surprise the patients. This serves as a reminder that even in busy seasons, purpose often comes from service and connection.

In this pre-Christmas edition of What’s On Your Mind, the hosts lean into the holiday spirit while conducting a comprehensive year-end review of the political and social landscape in North Dakota. The episode features high-level discussions on property tax reform with Senate Majority Leader David Hogue and a deep dive into the region's recidivism and public safety challenges with Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner. Fargo City Commission member Michelle Turnberg also joins the program to discuss the ongoing battles over homeless policy and "harm reduction" strategies. Between these heavy-hitting interviews, the show acts as a community jukebox, filling the airwaves with listener-requested Christmas classics ranging from Bing Crosby to Luciano Pavarotti.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[08:00] The "Naughty and Nice" List The show opens with a lighthearted but pointed reflection on the year's winners and losers, with the hosts jokingly placing Minnesota Governor Tim Walz at the top of their "naughty" list.

[08:15] Michelle Turnberg: The "Fearless Warrior" Fargo City Commission member Michelle Turnberg reviews a year of uphill battles, specifically targeting the city’s "harm reduction" programs. She reveals that the city handed out 5,700 crack pipes without commission approval—a policy she vows to end if a conservative majority is reached in June.

[08:35] The $1,600 Property Tax Win Senate Majority Leader David Hogue breaks down the impact of the 2025 legislative session, highlighting the $1,600 property tax reduction for primary residents and the implementation of a 3% spending cap on political subdivisions to ensure the relief is sustainable.

[08:42] Economic "Golden Age" The hosts discuss blistering economic data showing the U.S. economy grew at a 4.3% annual pace in the third quarter, exceeding the expectations of 60 out of 61 Bloomberg economists.

[09:12] Dean Wysocki’s "Bad Santa" Attire A visual highlight of the morning: Meteorologist Dean Wysocki arrives in a "strategic" holiday outfit featuring antlers with mistletoe and a hairy-chest Santa shirt, earning him a spot on the hosts' "naughty" list.

[09:21] The Recidivism Crisis Cass County Sheriff Jesse Jahner sounds the alarm on "frequent flyers" in the criminal justice system. He shares examples of violent repeat offenders who serve less than three years of five-year sentences due to a lack of capacity at the state penitentiary, leading to immediate re-victimization of the community.

[09:35] A Path to Healing, Not Paraphernalia The conversation shifts to the root causes of crime, with Sheriff Jahner identifying addiction and mental health as the two primary drivers. He notes a current four-to-six-week wait to get court-ordered individuals into the state hospital.

In this December 23rd edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, hosts Alex Taylor and Kevin Flynn prepare for the holiday break with a mix of festive cheer and sharp-edged commentary. The episode covers everything from favorable Christmas travel weather and the "artificial vs. real tree" debate to the latest political firestorms.

The hosts dive into Donald Trump's "Godfather-style" messaging toward world leaders, the controversy surrounding offshore wind farms as a national security risk, and a "Festivus" airing of grievances regarding government neglect. With guest appearances from agricultural expert Bridget Riedel and a breakdown of corporate headlines, the show balances the warmth of the season with the cold realities of current events.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:06] The Holiday Travel "Green Light" Alex and Kevin celebrate a rare "golden" travel day, noting that flights are largely on time and regional roads remain clear for the Christmas rush.

[04:41] Trump’s "Tony Soprano" Diplomacy Kevin reacts to Donald Trump’s recent press conference regarding Nicholas Maduro, comparing Trump’s tough-guy rhetoric to a Michael Corleone monologue and discussing his history of dealing with organized crime in New York.

[06:35] The Toilet Brush Origin Story A quirky holiday history lesson reveals that artificial Christmas trees were originally inspired by the manufacturing process of toilet brushes.

[14:38] Farming with Fungus Agricultural expert Bridget Riedel discusses a novel natural biocontrol method using "rust fungus" to eradicate Canada thistle in Midwestern fields.

[18:14] Midnight Mass vs. Christmas Morning In a quick-fire round of "This or That," the hosts debate the merits of late-night candlelight services versus the attentiveness of Christmas morning worship.

[23:71] The Kennedy Center Airing of Grievances A listener's email sparks a "Festivus" discussion about why politicians have allowed the Kennedy Center to fall into disrepair while funding other "half-baked" ideas.

[29:14] Offshore Wind & National Security The show features a segment with Doug Burgum, who warns that massive offshore wind turbines could interfere with radar and provide cover for drone swarms in modern warfare.

[30:56] The Great Whiskey Glut A final headline look at why Jim Beam is halting production at its main Kentucky plant due to a flooded market and slowing sales.

In this holiday-edition episode, guest host Tim Flakoll sits down with key North Dakota leaders and analysts to discuss the major legislative and economic shifts shaping the region. From the intricacies of property tax reform and the future of the state’s higher education funding to the high-stakes technological evolution of the oil industry, this episode provides a deep dive into the forces driving North Dakota’s prosperity. Plus, a look at the "A-List" of the biggest stories from 2025 and a provocative conversation on structural changes proposed for Fargo's city government.

Key Moments

• The Property Tax Revolution

  • Representative Mike Nathie explains the "linchpin" of the state's landmark property tax relief program is the 3% cap on political subdivision budget growth.

  • He notes that the program adds an additional $1,100 on top of existing relief, totaling up to $1,600 for primary residences.

  • Homeowners are reminded they must take 90 seconds to sign up every year because the state cannot track residency changes automatically.

• Higher Education & Online Learning

  • Representative Nathie discusses the work of a new higher education funding committee evaluating enrollment trends and revenue.

  • A major point of debate is whether out-of-state students taking online courses should be treated the same as "butts in seats," especially if they do not remain in the North Dakota workforce.

  • Online courses currently generate approximately $31 million for the state’s 11 institutions.

• Bakken 2.0: Cracking the Code

  • North Dakota Petroleum Council President Ron Ness explains that the industry currently leaves 85 out of every 100 barrels of oil in the ground.

  • "Bakken 2.0" focuses on using new technology to extract an additional 10% to 15% of that oil, which could add 40 years of productivity to the state.

  • Ness emphasizes that over half of North Dakota's revenue is derived from the oil industry, funding everything from schools to property tax buy-downs.

• A Ward System for Fargo?

  • Former City Commissioner Tony Gehrig discusses a petition to move Fargo to a ward or council system where each part of town has its own representative.

  • Gehrig argues that Fargo is the largest city in the country still using an "at-large" style of government and that different neighborhoods have vastly different needs.

  • The proposed system would create six wards of roughly 22,000 people each.

• Fargo’s Debt & Spending Audit

  • Tony Gehrig highlights that the city of Fargo is currently over $1 billion in debt.

  • He criticizes "wasteful" spending on non-core responsibilities like parking ramps, convention centers, and art funds.

  • Gehrig advocates for a "back to basics" approach focusing on police, fire, snow removal, and infrastructure.

• 2025 Year in Review

  • Reporter Austin Erickson presents the "A-List" of top stories, including the June 21st storms that tragically killed four people in North Dakota.

  • Other major stories include the Fargo camping ban on public property and the relocation of the downtown engagement center.

  • In Minnesota, the list covers the tragic Annunciation Church shooting and high-profile fraud cases involving taxpayer funds.

• Holiday Travel Deals

  • Cindy Tyo from Travel Travel shares a featured deal for a five-night all-inclusive trip from Fargo to Puerto Vallarta for $1,373 per person.

In this action-packed Monday edition of What’s On Your Mind, hosts Kevin Flynn and Scott Hennen break down the seismic shifts in North Dakota and Minnesota politics. North Dakota Governor Kelly Armstrong joins the show to recap his first year in office, diving into the success of the $1,600 Primary Residence Credit (PRC) and the groundbreaking law that successfully removed cell phones from classrooms to "improve the social structure" of schools.

The episode then takes a hard turn across the river into Minnesota, where "Uncle" Mike Lindell discusses his 100% "all-in" run for governor. Lindell sounds off on the staggering $18 billion fraud scandal rocking the state, the weaponization of "Operation Arctic Frost" against his company, and the recent admission from Fulton County, Georgia, regarding 300,000+ illegally certified votes from 2020. From the "circular firing squad" at America Fest to the future of J.D. Vance in 2028, this episode is a deep dive into accountability, election integrity, and the "industrial-scale" grift currently making international headlines.

Standout Moments

[00:03] The Epstein Files & Tim Walz The hosts discuss the "ugly Christmas sweater" that is Tim Walz’s administration, reacting to the drop of the Epstein files and Walz’s attempt to pivot to gun control amidst massive state fraud reports.

[00:04] Fargo’s $15 Million Drone Debate Caller Krista sounds the alarm on a Fargo City Commission proposal for law enforcement drones, questioning "big brother-ism" and the staggering price tag for new surveillance tech.

[00:06] Ag Industry Bankruptcy Alert Ag Director Bridget Riedel warns producers about the Chapter 11 filing of grain buyer Hanson Mueller and the limitations of North Dakota’s indemnity fund for elevators.

[00:13] The AI Job Disruption A listener debate on whether Artificial Intelligence is a "Debbie Downer" for employment or a pivot point for American innovation, with Scott Hennon arguing it’s a tool we must lead in.

[00:15] Gov. Armstrong on School Cell Phones Governor Kelly Armstrong explains why banning cell phones in schools was his "1A" priority, forcing students to make eye contact and improving behavioral health without costing a penny.

[00:19] The Georgia Election Bombshell Lindell highlights a recent Georgia State Election Board hearing where it was admitted that over 300,000 early votes in 2020 were illegally certified but still counted.

[00:22] Operation Arctic Frost Mike Lindell pulls back the curtain on a federal operation he claims weaponized the DOJ, FBI, and IRS to debank MyPillow and spy on nine U.S. Senators.

[00:27] The Path to 2026 Lindell predicts that 2026 will see a nationwide shift to paper ballots and hand counting, citing Dallas County, Texas, as the new "gold standard" for secure elections.

[00:30] "Mogadishu" and the Minnesota Fraud A breakdown of the $18 billion Medicaid and welfare fraud in Minnesota, which Lindell describes as "the tip of the spear" of national corruption.

With regular host Scott Hennen sidelined by a "D.C. bug," Kevin Flynn and Jay Thomas step into the cockpit for a high-octane Friday edition of What’s On Your Mind. The show serves as a blunt-force trauma reality check on the state of Minnesota, diving deep into reports of a staggering $10 billion to $18 billion "industrial-scale" fraud scandal involving Medicaid and Somali clan networks. Bill Glahn from the Center of the American Experiment joins the fray to break down how the "fraud father" administration in St. Paul allegedly looked the other way while taxpayer dollars fueled overseas investments and local grifts.

The conversation isn’t all corruption and chaos, however. The hosts explore the mind-blowing future of "clean energy" with an 8-year Navy nuclear submarine veteran who explains why minivan-sized fusion reactors are about to change the world. From the hilarious absurdity of "pirate-affirming healthcare" to the local "Fill the Boot" drive for homeless kids, this episode balances righteous indignation with small-town heart and a heavy dose of Brian Setzer holiday swing.

Standout Moments

[00:02] The Vehicle Value Scam Jay Thomas vents about the "fraud fathers" in Minnesota over-valuing his $3,500 rust-bucket truck at $35,000 on tax statements to juice state coffers.

[00:06] Saving Lives with Mango Nicotine Jay shares a hilarious "life-saving" story about how F5 Project founder Adam Martin rescued him from a nicotine fit during a grueling Minneapolis airport layover with a well-timed mango pouch.

[00:13] Hakeem’s Titanic Tantrum The hosts tear into Hakeem Jeffries’ viral rant against renaming the Kennedy Center after Donald Trump, mocking his "the ship be sinking" Ebonics and lack of legislative accomplishments.

[00:15] The Somali Clan Connection Bill Glahn explains the complex "clan system" imported from East Africa that reportedly specializes in specific types of Medicaid fraud, leading to a massive federal "strike force" investigation in Minnesota.

[00:18] Nuclear Power in a Semi-Truck Trevor, a former Navy nuke, explains why the future of energy isn't wind or solar, but small modular reactors that produce zero waste and can be hauled on the back of a 53-foot trailer.

[00:23] The Anthony Joshua vs. Jake Paul Verdict The guys preview the big Netflix fight, praying that Joshua—a "beast" of a heavyweight—finally puts an end to the "Jake Paul theater show."

[00:30] Pirate-Affirming Healthcare A biting satire on gender-affirming care for children: If a 10-year-old thinks he’s Jack Sparrow, do we "believing him" mean cutting off his leg for a peg and digging out an eye for a patch?

[00:38] Alligator Alcatraz A caller suggests that if Governor Walz resigns under the weight of the fraud scandal, he shouldn't be allowed to flee to China, but should instead be sent to a prison where the only menu item is peanut butter sandwiches.

It’s officially Christmas week on the Need to Know Morning Show, and the vibe is purely festive—with a side of political humor. Hosts Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor celebrate a "stellar" weather forecast that promises a rare 38-degree Christmas Day, perfect for holiday travel across the plains.

The episode features a heavy dose of holiday nostalgia, from the 1958 debut of "The Chipmunk Song" to a breakdown of the best Christmas movies. The highlight of the morning is a deep dive into Jesse Watters’ hilarious speech from Turning Point USA’s America Fest, where he dishes on "sticky fingers" on Air Force One, salt-covered popcorn with President Trump, and being the victim of a COVID-19 prank at Camp David. Plus, Ag Director Bridgette Readel talks coffee harvests and carbon markets, while Mariah Prussia offers survival tips for holiday family stress and New Year’s resolutions.

Standout Moments

[00:06] The 60-Minute Sun Gain Meteorologist Dean Wysocki delivers the best gift of the season: the revelation that we gain nearly an hour of sunlight between now and the end of January.

[00:11] Waters World: The Early Days Jesse Watters recounts his humble beginnings in the Fox News basement making minimum wage and the terrifying interview with Bill O’Reilly that almost ended his career before it started.

[00:13] Air Force One "Sticky Fingers" Watters admits to stuffing his pockets with presidential M&Ms and logo-emblazoned souvenirs while hitching a ride with President Trump.

[00:14] The Lance Bass Punchline A laugh-out-loud story about President Trump playing NSYNC at rallies and his genuine shock upon learning a certain member of the band was gay.

[00:18] Coffee Drinkers Rejoice Ag Director Bridgette Readel reports that Brazil is expecting its third-largest coffee harvest in history, ensuring your morning caffeine fix remains safe for 2026.

[00:29] The Camp David Prank A hilarious retelling of how Pete Hegseth tricked Jesse Watters into thinking he tested positive for COVID-19 at Camp David, leaving him stranded in the Maryland woods.

[00:30] Popcorn with a "Stable Genius" Watters describes watching a movie with the President, who poured a "steady stream of salt" onto his popcorn in a diet fit for a genius.

[00:37] The "One Crayon" Legacy A look at the 12 Days of Christmas giveaways, featuring a $225 Eddie Bauer and Carhartt prize pack from Coach’s Choice.

Hosts Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor wrap up the week with a "TGIF vibe" as they navigate a roller-coaster North Dakota winter. The conversation shifts from local road hazards—including a semi-trailer unattached diagonally across 12th Avenue—to a high-stakes breakdown of the American economy. With new data showing inflation dropping to 2.7%, the team analyzes commerce secretary Howard Ludnick’s optimistic forecast for 2026, while taking sharp jabs at Hakeem Jeffries’ "Titanic" metaphors for the Republican party.

The heart of the episode features an emotional interview with Sue Barrett of Golden Drive Homeless Kids. She shares the incredible "One Crayon" origin story and details the "Fill the Boot" event at the West Fargo Rural Fire Department. From the gridiron heroics of Sam Darnold to the controversial "gender-affirming care" debate in the squad, this episode balances hard-hitting political analysis with the true spirit of holiday giving.

Standout Moments

[00:07] Roller Coaster Winter Kevin and Alex discuss the "sailing effect" of the North Dakota wind and a forecast that jumps from 12°F to nearly 40°F in a single week.

[00:10] The White House Trolls The hosts react to the news of President Trump installing plaques in the White House mocking former presidents Barack Obama and Joe Biden, referring to the latter as "Sleepy Joe".

[00:11] The Inflation Drop A deep dive into Howard Ludnick’s report that inflation has fallen to 2.7%, fueling optimism for a "golden age" of investment and job growth in 2026.

[00:13] Hyperbole vs. Fact The team breaks down Trump’s claim of slashing drug prices by "600 percent," explaining the mathematical perspective of price drops versus percentage increases.

[00:20] Soy-Based Christmas Ag Director Bridgette Readel joins the show to share unique holiday gift ideas made from soybeans, including soy-rubber Sketchers, crayons, and even chainsaw bar oil.

[00:23] The "French Earthquake" Stadium Kevin describes the "insane" atmosphere in Seattle after Sam Darnold’s game-winning two-point conversion against the Rams.

[00:36] The $9 Billion Grift A sobering look at reports of massive fraud in Minnesota programs, with discussions on complicity and the lack of accountability for officials in charge.

[00:37] Stay Golden: The One Crayon Story Sue Barrett recounts how saving coloring crayons from her waitress apron 14 years ago blossomed into a community-wide mission to support homeless children.