Archives: Episodes

In this high-stakes Friday edition of the Steve Hallstrom Show, we dive into the shifting political winds of 2026 and beyond. From Alex Blas throwing his hat back into the ring for North Dakota’s lone congressional seat to the growing speculation surrounding JD Vance’s path to 2028, the battle lines are being drawn. Steve breaks down the "Trump Inflation Index"—a grassroots idea for measuring the real cost of living—and takes a hard look at whether any Republican can actually unseat Tim Walz in Minnesota. Plus, we celebrate a victory for federal justice in Milwaukee and discuss the "fraud tourism" investigation currently rocking the Gopher State.

Key Moments

• Alex Blas Runs Again Candidate Alex Blas joins the show to discuss his 2026 bid for Congress. He reflects on his previous primary run, the need for stronger leadership in Washington, and why he believes North Dakota needs a representative with his unique overseas and federal experience to challenge incumbent Julie Fedorchuk.

• The Trump Inflation Index Inspired by a listener, Steve pitches a new idea: the "Trump Index." Instead of convoluted government CPI numbers, the President should track a "basket of goodies"—the 50 most common household items—to show Americans exactly how prices are moving at the local Walmart.

• Justice in Milwaukee Steve cheers a jury’s decision to find Milwaukee County Judge Hannah Dugan guilty of a felony for obstructing federal ICE agents. The discussion highlights the consequences for "activist judges" who attempt to circumvent law enforcement.

• Is Tim Walz Beatable? The phone lines light up as listeners debate the 2026 Minnesota gubernatorial race. While many agree Walz has been a "disaster," the consensus suggests it will take a perfectly run campaign and a candidate like Kendall Qualls or Michelle Tafoya to capture the imagination of voters and overcome election concerns.

• The 2028 GOP Horizon The Republican primary for 2028 may have effectively ended at the Turning Point USA conference. Steve discusses Erika Kirk’s powerful endorsement of JD Vance and why her voice carries more weight in the conservative movement right now than almost anyone else.

• Bison Football & The Portal Good news for NDSU fans: Steve shares reports that several key Bison players are choosing to stay in Fargo for another year rather than jumping into the transfer portal for NIL money.

It is a "Windy Edition" of the show as a winter blizzard sweeps through the region, but the news cycle is moving even faster than the gusts. Scott Hanlon and the team break down President Trump’s high-impact primetime address, where the big headline wasn't a war announcement, but a "warrior dividend" heading into the pockets of nearly 1.5 million service members.

The guys also dive into the bizarre investigative failures at Brown University following a campus shooting and sit down with Fargo Police Chief Dave Zabolsky to get the truth behind recent crime stats. Plus, we look at the future of health with Dr. Mike Jorgensen and check the "scene of the crime" in the grain markets with Lighthouse Commodities.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:10] The Warrior Dividend Scott reacts to President Trump’s surprise announcement of a $1,776 "Warrior Dividend" for every member of the military—a morale booster funded by record tariff revenue.

[00:01:37] The Brown University "Dumpster Fire" A deep dive into the "incompetence or cover-up" at Brown University. Why were security cameras turned off, and how did a suspect vanish from a room full of witnesses without a single cell phone video surfacing?

[00:04:10] Fargo Police: Manhunts and Misperceptions Fargo Police Chief Dave Zabolsky joins the show to discuss the recent high-profile manhunt, the 10% reduction in city-wide crime, and why "Beat 5" is the current hotspot for shoplifting syndicates.

[00:10:30] Blizzard Status Update Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki delivers a sobering travel report: 90 mph gusts in Southwest North Dakota and zero visibility in Grand Forks. Find out when the "deterioration" hits the FM area.

[00:13:10] Signal vs. Noise: The Trump Address A breakdown of the President's "Landslide Mandate" speech. Scott asks the audience: Are you feeling the "Coldness" critics claim, or are you seeing the "Wham, Bam" results of the last 11 months?

[00:27:50] MAHA: The 65-Point Wellness Reset Dr. Mike Jorgensen explains why the game is "rigged" against American health and how a wellness lab panel can help you "look under the hood" to fix chronic inflammation and gut damage.

[00:32:00] Markets: Scene of the Crime David Spickler of Lighthouse Commodities analyzes the recent correction in soybeans and why he believes a "buy signal" is looming just in time for the new year.

As the holiday season reaches a fever pitch, the "Need-to-Know" team navigates a Wednesday morning filled with high-stakes news, from local weather warnings to a massive federal takedown of a domestic terror cell. Hosts Alex Taylor and Kevin Flynn break down the FBI’s disruption of a New Year’s Eve bombing plot in Los Angeles and the shocking details behind the "Order of the Black Lotus."

Closer to home, the guys prep listeners for a "flash-freeze" event headed for the Valley and catch up with Ag Director Bridget Riedel to explore 125 years of farming innovation. From the "Great Reset" of the labor market to the tragic intersection of Hollywood and the addiction crisis, this episode cuts through the noise to tell you what really matters this hump day.

Episode Highlights

[06:25] The Calm Before the Storm Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki issues a critical travel warning for Thursday morning. A 37°C warm front will bring rain tonight before a cold front "rips" through at 6:00 AM, leading to flash-freezing, black ice, and 50 mph winds.

[06:35] Inside the "Black Lotus" Plot Former DOJ prosecutor Jim Trustee and federal authorities detail the arrest of far-left extremists plotting five separate New Year’s Eve bombings in LA and New Orleans. The group, using encrypted apps and desert test sites, specifically targeted commerce hubs and ICE agents.

[07:11] 125 Years of Ag Genius Bridgette Readel shares the story of Edward A. Johnston, the man who built his first engine at age 20 in 1900 and revolutionized farming with the live PTO and the first pickup truck.

[07:30] The Swarm Approach A look at the future of autonomy in farming: why some Montana producers are ditching massive machines for a "swarm" of smaller, retrofitted autonomous tractors to plant fields more efficiently.

[07:35] Market Correction or "Great Reset"? Financial expert Brian Cronk discusses the healthy rotation in the stock market. Plus, a deep dive into the disconnect in the labor market, where nearly 100,000 welding jobs remain open despite rising unemployment numbers.

[08:22] The Brentwood Tragedy A discussion on the double murder charges against Nick Reiner following the deaths of director Rob Reiner and his wife. Medical experts join the show to discuss the "vicious cycle" of addiction and the violent psychotic behavior triggered by modern substance abuse.

It’s a high-wind, high-stakes Thursday on the Steve Hallstrom Show. As a massive winter storm shutters I-29 and shakes the studio walls with 60 MPH gusts, Steve navigates a whirlwind of news—from the latest federal fraud probes in St. Paul to a surprise inflation report that has Wall Street surging. Steve is joined by Dr. Scott Bowyer, Dean of the Business School at the University of Wyoming, for a candid breakdown of the "K-shaped" economy and whether the Trump administration’s tariffs are actually to blame for your grocery bill. Plus, a deep dive into the human side of the deportation debate and a critique of the President’s latest address to the nation.

Key Moments

• The Blizzard of ’25: Steve and meteorologist Dean detail the dangerous conditions across the Red River Valley, including wind chills plunging to 40 below and widespread road closures on both the North Dakota and Minnesota sides of the border.

• Inflation Shocker: A breakdown of the new Consumer Price Index numbers showing inflation slowing to 2.7%. Steve and Dr. Scott Bowyer discuss whether this is a data anomaly from the government shutdown or a green light for the Federal Reserve to cut interest rates in January.

• Deportation Dilemma: Steve examines the local story of Jose Cadena Velasquez. The discussion sparks a flood of listener calls and texts debating whether the law should be absolute or if there is room for exceptions for contributing members of the community.

• Critiquing the President: Steve reviews President Trump’s 18-minute prime-time speech. While praising the content, Steve suggests a strategic shift: focusing more on the "kitchen table" struggles of American families and less on political "mess-fixing."

• The "Warrior Dividend": A look at the President’s plan to send $1,776 checks to 1.4 million service members. Steve offers a bold, potentially unpopular take on whether these one-time checks are a helpful "pick-me-up" or a "gimmick" that ignores the $38 trillion national debt.

• Fraud in Minnesota: Staggering news from U.S. Attorney Joe Thompson, who claims more than half of the $18 billion spent on 14 social service programs since 2018 is tied to fraud. Steve reacts to Governor Walz’s latest calls for Republicans to turn over whistleblower tips.

With only eight days until Christmas, the Need-to-Know Morning Show dives into a high-stakes news cycle featuring foiled terror plots, shifting labor markets, and the future of American policy. Alex Taylor and Kevin Flynn break down the FBI's disruption of a New Year’s Eve bombing plot in Los Angeles and what the "Great Reset" of 2026 means for the American worker.

Plus, we look at the cutting edge of North Dakota agriculture, provide a critical winter weather warning for the Red River Valley, and discuss the tragic intersection of addiction and violence in Hollywood.

Episode Highlights

[00:06:11] The LA Bombing Plot Former DOJ prosecutor Jim Trustee and Assistant U.S. Attorney Bill O’Salley detail the FBI's infiltration of the "Turtle Island Liberation Front" and the "Order of the Black Lotus," groups allegedly plotting to bomb logistics warehouses and target ICE agents on New Year's Eve.

[00:13:28] The Labor Market Disconnect Caroline Leavitt and Brian Cronk analyze a four-year high in unemployment at 4.6%. They discuss the "COVID hangover" of labor hoarding and the disconnect between employers who can't find workers and workers who can't find "experienced" wages.

[00:21:17] Innovation in the Field Ag Director Bridget Riedel traces the history of International Harvester’s Edward A. Johnston and looks at the modern "swarm approach" to farming using multiple small autonomous tractors instead of one large machine.

[00:22:12] The 2026 "Great Reset" Money talk with Brian Cronk on why the current market correction is "healthy" and how the Trump administration is eyeing a total reset of government and labor values heading into the midterm cycle.

[00:25:51] A Flash-Freeze Warning Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki issues a "hard pass" on travel for Thursday morning, predicting a rain-to-snow transition that will create black ice followed by 50 mph wind gusts and near-blizzard conditions.

[00:28:21] Tragedy in Brentwood A look into the double murder charges against Nick Reiner, son of director Rob Reiner, sparking a conversation with medical experts on drug-induced psychosis and the "vicious cycle" of high-end rehab stints.

With exactly one week until Christmas Eve, Scott Hennen and the team cut through the "noise" to find the "signal." This episode features a masterclass in current events—from a deep dive into the first year of the Trump administration’s results versus the media’s personality-driven narrative to a surprising look at property tax relief hitting North Dakota mailboxes.

We also sit down with Paul Fisher of Capstone Classical Academy to discuss the "miracle" of classical education in Fargo, and catch up with Robbie Loft for a fascinating update on the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. From AI-powered conversations with Teddy to 8,000-gallon fuel bunkers in the North Dakota countryside, today’s show covers the boulders being pushed and the legacies being built.

Episode Highlights

[00:01:30] Personality vs. Results Scott breaks down a Peggy Noonan column on whether Trump is "losing his touch," arguing that the media focuses on "mean tweets" while ignoring major shifts at the border and in global trade deals.

[00:03:45] The $800 Tax Win A look at the "bounty of oil" in action as North Dakotans receive property tax statements. Scott shares his own $800 reduction and discusses the 50,000 households whose property tax tab went to zero.

[00:05:30] The Miracle of Capstone Headmaster Paul Fisher discusses the national reputation of Capstone Classical Academy and why parents are fleeing "postmodern identity politics" for academic rigor and Christian virtue.

[00:09:00] The "Bedwetting" Crowd & Polling Psyops The guys tackle flagging poll numbers on the economy and immigration, questioning whether they reflect reality or a "deluge of propaganda" designed to fray the MAGA community.

[00:21:40] Property Tax 101 with Ryan Rauschenberger State Tax Commissioner Brian Kroshus joins the show to explain the Primary Residence Credit (PRC) and how residents can tap into up to $4,000 of relief.

[00:25:00] The "Farmhouse Bunker" A look at a unique real estate listing: a countryside retreat featuring 10,000-gallon water tanks, twin generators, and a hidden three-room bunker.

[00:29:15] The Badlands Phoenix Executive Director Robbie Loft provides an 80% completion update on the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library, opening July 4, 2026.

[00:33:10] Debating an AI Teddy Robbie explains how the new library will use AI to allow visitors to actually converse and debate with a digital version of the 26th President based on his 30+ books and thousands of letters.

Steve Hallstrom navigates a "goofy" Wednesday edition of the show, diving deep into the political and economic shifts defining the end of 2025. From local controversies regarding double-digit raises for public officials to the national firestorm surrounding Governor Tim Walz and the Department of Education, Steve pulls no punches. The episode features a comprehensive investment outlook with financial expert Brian Cronk, a fiery debate with Jay Thomas over tax abatements and tribal IDs, and a critical analysis of whether President Trump is "losing his touch" as he prepares for a rare prime-time address to the nation.

Key Moments

• The Walz Resignation Call: Steve breaks down the shocking letter from U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon formally calling for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to resign, citing a "careless lack of oversight" that has allegedly turned the state into a hub for money laundering and welfare fraud.

• 2026 Investment Outlook: Managing Partner Brian Cronk joins the show to discuss why he believes we are in the "early innings" of a massive bull market driven by AI productivity. They explore the potential for a "shot out of a cannon" start to the new year as taxpayers realize the benefits of retroactive tax cuts on overtime and tips.

• Clay County Pay Raises: A look at the controversial 14% pay raise approved for Clay County Sheriff Mark Empting. Steve and Jay Thomas clash over whether such significant public sector raises are appropriate at a time when property taxes are "pricing people out of their homes."

• The "Orchestrated" Minnesota Poll: Steve revisits his skepticism regarding a recent poll suggesting widespread support for an assault weapons ban in rural Minnesota. He exposes flaws in the methodology, including leading questions and the fact that respondents were paid to participate.

• The Trump Presidency Under Fire: A response to Peggy Noonan’s Wall Street Journal column claiming Trump is losing his touch. Steve argues that while the "sausage making" of policy is messy, the president's base remains firm, even as he faces criticism for his disciplinary style and recent rhetoric.

• Tribal ID Controversy: Jay Thomas weighs in on the story of a Native American couple refused a liquor purchase because they used a tribal ID, questioning why the transaction was being recorded on a phone and reminding listeners of the long-standing North Dakota statutes.

Host Steve Hallstrom dives into a packed Tuesday edition, blending high-stakes investigative journalism with local community spotlights and a "nerdy" deep dive into the future of investing. The show opens with a sobering look at drug-related death trends in Cass County before shifting gears to explore a whistleblower's shocking account of millions in cash allegedly flowing through the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport. Steve also puts Google’s Gemini AI to the test, uncovering a potential stock market opportunity that sounds almost too good to be true. Whether it's the latest in North Dakota real estate or a heartwarming tribute from the Denver Broncos to a local fan, this episode covers the landscape of the Midwest and beyond.

Key Moments

• The TSA Whistleblower: Liz Collin from Alpha News joins the show to discuss a staggering report of suitcases filled with millions of dollars in cash being carried through MSP Airport. Steve and Liz connect the dots between Minnesota’s fraud scandals and the potential overseas destination of these untraceable funds.

• AI vs. Wall Street: Steve plays "Gordon Gekko" for a day, walking listeners through an experiment using AI tools to research Broadcom and other tech giants. He breaks down support levels and price targets, questioning if AI is the ultimate shortcut for the modern retail investor.

• Building the Region: Lucas Paper, COO of Grow Investment Group, stops by the studio to discuss the unique "Steady Eddy" nature of the Fargo-Moorhead real estate market and why he remains bullish on local development despite national economic shifts.

• A Broncos Tribute: A touching story about Cully Durand, a young Moorhead sports fan who was recently honored at his funeral by the Denver Broncos. Steve shares the details of the team's floral tribute and their heartfelt message to their "biggest supporter."

• Poll Skepticism: Steve takes a critical look at a new poll regarding semi-automatic rifle bans in Minnesota, questioning the methodology and the timing of the release alongside Governor Tim Walz’s recent executive actions.

• Economic Shift: A breakdown of recent labor statistics showing a significant rise in private-sector jobs paired with a sharp decline in government positions—a trend Steve describes as a "step in the right direction."

The band is officially back together! Host Kevin Flynn welcomes Alex Taylor back from her high-stakes weekend in Las Vegas. Alex gives a deep-dive review of the $2.3 billion Sphere, sharing the sensory overload of the Wizard of Oz experience—from flying monkeys to the smell of apples—and the "ridiculous" price of snacks.

The lighthearted travel talk quickly shifts to a heavy news cycle as the team analyzes the "incompetence" surrounding the Brown University shooting investigation and the tragic details of the Rob Reiner family murders. They also tackle a bombshell report alleging that D.C.’s outgoing police chief "cooked the books" to lower crime stats. Meteorologist Dean Wysocki drops by with a wild weather warning: we’re jumping from a spring-like 46°F today to near-blizzard conditions by Thursday. Plus, another big winner is crowned in the 12 Days of Christmas giveaway!

Standout Moments:

• [06:03:00] Alex Reviews the Sphere: Alex describes the "fantastic" but "ridiculously expensive" experience at the Las Vegas Sphere, including the seat-rumbling tornado and the strict "no video" policy enforced by staff (and Alex herself).

• [06:06:17] Moving Day Disasters: Dean Wysocki shares a personal "moving tale" involving property damage and a mover who was deathly allergic to cats.

• [06:08:15] Rollercoaster Weather Alert: Dean warns of a massive temperature swing, predicting a mild 46°F today followed by 40-60 mph winds and blizzard conditions on Thursday morning.

• [06:40:00] Brown University Incompetence: A deep dive into why 800 security cameras at an Ivy League school failed to catch a clear shot of a mass shooter, and the "targeted" nature of the attack on a Young Republican leader.

• [07:07:00] The Rob Reiner Tragedy: The team discusses the brutal murder of legendary director Rob Reiner and his wife, allegedly at the hands of their son, and debates Donald Trump’s controversial social media response.

• [07:19:30] Ag Update with Bridgette Readel: Bridgette discusses the "green bridge" effect and how to protect the 2026 wheat crop from the Wheat Streak Mosaic Virus.

• [07:37:30] Cooking the Books in D.C.: A report on the House Oversight Committee’s findings that D.C. police commanders were allegedly pressured to artificially lower crime statistics.

• [07:56:45] The 12 Days Winner: Ross calls in to become the 12th caller, winning a $900 floor scrubber from Brenco for his three-stall shop.

In this Tuesday edition of What's On Your Mind, the discussion centers on a "wacky world" grappling with a surge of disturbing headlines. From the mysterious investigation at Brown University to the tragic aftermath of the terror attacks in Australia, the show explores how "deadly political correctness" and identity politics are preventing the West from speaking truth to power about Islamist ideology.

The episode features a deep dive into the financial markets with David Fisher, who analyzes the Federal Reserve's latest moves and predicts a "golden era" for precious metals. Gun rights expert John Lott joins to provide data-driven insights into the failure of strict gun control in Australia and the positive shift at the DOJ under the new administration. The hour wraps up with a look at local healthcare advancements in rural North Dakota and a candid conversation about Donald Trump’s controversial social media post regarding the late Rob Reiner.

Standout Moments:

• The Failure of Incompetence in Providence:

  • The crew breaks down the "clown show" investigation at Brown University, questioning why authorities are refusing to release what the shooter shouted before unleashing terror.

• Money, Markets, and Fed Predictions:

  • David Fisher, CEO of Landmark Capital, discusses the Fed's quarter-point rate cut and predicts that the next Fed chairman—likely a "Kevin"—will drive rates even lower in 2026.

• The "Quantitative Swear Word":

  • Fisher explains how his prediction of the Fed buying government debt came true in just 24 hours, though they are calling it "reserve management purchases" instead of quantitative easing.

• John Lott on the Australian Gun Confiscation:

  • Dr. John Lott provides a historical reality check on Australia's 1996 gun confiscation, arguing that the policy was counterproductive and statistically misrepresented.

• DOJ Shakeup for the Second Amendment:

  • News of a new section within the Civil Rights Division of the DOJ aimed at protecting Second Amendment rights, which Lott argues is essential for protecting minorities and the poor.

• Street-Smart Survival Tips:

  • A range safety expert calls in with practical advice on "situational awareness," including the benefits of pepper gel over spray and a clever self-defense trick using car keys.

• Healthcare Expansion in rural North Dakota:

  • Fred Fridley of Sanford Health details how North Dakota is bucking the national trend by adding 36 new hospital beds and expanding preventative services like endoscopy.

• Trump vs. Meathead:

  • A candid reaction to Donald Trump’s "harsh and inappropriate" post about Rob Reiner, balancing the president's "brawler" nature against the vicious attacks he has endured for years.