Archives: Episodes

In today’s episode of the Need to Know Morning Show, hosts Alex Taylor and Kevin Flynn dive into a jam-packed Tuesday. The team discusses the latest high-stakes negotiations with Iran, where President Trump has issued a Friday deadline while military assets move into theater. We also explore the surprising success of ICE agents assisting at TSA checkpoints to slash wait times, and the rising trend of Gen Z ditching traditional college for high-paying trade jobs. Plus, we get a preview of Stacey Manning’s upcoming visit to discuss her book on raising conservative children in "woke" hubs like Seattle.

Standout Moments & Timestamps

[00:00:11] – The "Creeping Crud" & West Fargo School Closures Alex and Kevin open the show discussing the mystery illness sweeping through the area, noting that Freedom Elementary in West Fargo recently had to shut down due to a massive spike in student absences.

[00:01:35] – Parenting in the "Epicenter of Wokeness" A preview of the conversation with author Stacey Manning. The hosts discuss her book, How to Raise a Conservative in a Woke City, and the "la-la land" policies she deals with living in Seattle.

[00:02:40] – The $140k Welder: Gen Z and the Trades The crew discusses Mike Rowe’s recent insights into the shifting job market. They debate the value of specialized degrees versus the trades, highlighting that welders are now out-earning many white-collar professionals without the burden of student debt.

[00:03:30] – ICE to the Rescue at TSA? A look at the controversial but effective move to have ICE agents assist at major airports. Despite online criticism, travelers report wait times dropping from five hours to under 40 minutes at Hartsfield-Jackson.

[00:05:45] – The "Dude" Abides: National Cocktail Day In a lighter segment, the hosts celebrate National Cocktail Day by sharing their personal favorites, ranging from a "Zipparita" in the Arizona sun to a "White Russian" in honor of The Big Lebowski.

[00:07:40] – Deadline Friday: The Iran Negotiations A deep dive into the geopolitical tension as Trump postpones strikes against Iranian energy targets. The team analyzes the movement of the USS Tripoli and the 82nd Airborne as the administration seeks a "no nuclear" deal.

[00:10:50] – The End of the "World’s Sugar Daddy" Era Alex breaks down Trump’s strategy regarding the Strait of Hormuz, arguing that the U.S. is moving away from being the global protector of oil routes unless allies start "stepping up" to help.

[00:17:15] – Pickleball & Pizza: The New Local Hangout The hosts wrap up with a look at "Courts and Pints," a massive new indoor pickleball and restaurant complex in South Moorhead, featuring 15 state-of-the-art courts and a full Italian pizza oven.

The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday March 24th, 2026.  Guests include your calls and emails.

Navigating the 'Woke' City: Stacy Manning on Raising Conservative Children in Seattle

FARGO, ND – In an era where cultural battlegrounds are increasingly found in the classroom and on television screens, author Stacy Manning is offering a roadmap for parents who feel like they are swimming against a relentless progressive tide.

In a recent interview, Manning discussed her latest book, Raising a Conservative in a Woke City, co-authored with Katie Faust. The book serves as both a tactical guide and a "love letter" to conservative parents navigating the unique challenges of raising traditional families in deeply liberal urban centers like Seattle.

The Accidental Advocates

Manning’s journey into the national spotlight wasn't exactly planned. It began during the pandemic, a time she describes as "downright dystopian" in Washington state. While many families struggled with the radical shifts in social policy and education, Manning noticed something surprising: her own children were thriving.

"Our little tribe was well-equipped," Manning shared. "They saw through the lies, they kept their own counsel, and they weren't afraid."

This observation led to a realization between Manning and Faust—who previously collaborated on the global children’s rights book Them Before Us—that they had successfully raised conservative thinkers in the heart of one of America’s most progressive cities.

Getting to the Kids First

One of the core tenets of Manning’s philosophy is the necessity of "getting to our kids first." She warns that the modern culture, from popular preschool programming like Blue’s Clues to school curricula, is actively working to reshape a child’s understanding of reality, particularly regarding gender and identity.

"The culture is not going to pull any punches, and neither can you," Manning stated. She emphasized that even if preschoolers aren't ready for complex debates on gender dysphoria, they must be reinforced with the foundational belief that "God made men and women, and they are beautiful the way they are."

A Personal Battle for Reality

For Manning, these issues aren't just theoretical; they are personal. She recounted a jarring experience where she was "kicked out" of her long-time yoga studio after expressing discomfort with a biological male using the women’s showers.

"The moment I said, 'That is a man,' after feeling utterly violated... there’s the door," Manning recalled. "It’s the most misogynistic aspect of the whole thing. The women are the ones who kicked me out; they’re the ones who tattled on me."

Manning argues that this "undermining of reality" is a fundamental threat to Western civilization, suggesting that the current movement has evolved from a quest for civil rights into a "dangerous movement that is destroying lives right and left."

A Message of Hope

Despite the intensity of the "spiritual battle" she describes, Manning remains optimistic. She points to a "long-game" victory rooted in demographics and intentional parenting.

"At the end of the day, we are out-breeding them," she noted with a touch of wit. "If we can hang on and teach our children properly, I think that we will be victorious in the end."

Manning encourages parents not to despair but to embrace the "luxury" of fighting an intellectual battle rather than a violent one. Her goal is to equip parents to raise children who are not just survivors of their environment, but principled leaders within it.

Event Information

Stacy Manning will be appearing at the Capstone Classical Academy on Saturday, March 28.

• Meet & Greet: 6:00 PM

• Main Presentation: 7:00 PM

Steve Hallstrom delivers a high-octane Tuesday edition, breaking down a massive 1,100-point surge in the Dow as the market reacts to a strategic five-day pause in the Iran conflict. Steve dives into a viral proposal from Minnesota State Rep. Walter Hudson about the return of "family compounds" and multi-generational housing as a defense against a "modern wilderness" of high costs. The show also explores a strange case of felony voter fraud in Hubbard County, a tragic collision at LaGuardia Airport, and a "Common Sense 101" lesson from Michigan State's Tom Izzo. Plus, evidence mounting against Minnesota leadership and why the "pessimists" in the financial media are usually the ones you should ignore.

Key Moments

• The Return of the Clan: Steve discusses a thought-provoking thread by Rep. Walter Hudson and Matt Walsh. As housing, insurance, and taxes make independent living nearly impossible for the next generation, they argue for a shift toward "clans" and family compounds where families circle the wagons to ensure their children’s success.

• The "Rip Your Face Off" Rally: Financial advisor Brian Kronk and trader Thomas Evans join the money conversation. Steve explores the data-driven "15-day bottom" theory, explaining why geopolitical events tend to bottom out three weeks into a conflict, setting the stage for a massive rally based on the expectation of peace.

• Voter Fraud in Hubbard County: Steve analyzes the felony guilty plea of an election judge in Nevis, Minnesota, who allowed 11 unregistered people to vote. While the Secretary of State calls it "unprecedented," Steve questions if this is being used as a convenient "red county" example to distract from larger issues.

• Tragedy at LaGuardia: Steve reports on the effective shutdown of one of the world's busiest airports following a fatal runway collision between an Air Canada Express plane and a rescue vehicle that resulted in the deaths of two pilots.

• The "America Has Gotten Soft" Doctrine: Steve plays a clip from legendary basketball coach Tom Izzo, who reminds the country that "playing real good to earn your spot" is the American way—even if some believe the country has lost its edge.

• Evidence Against the "Trifecta": Steve previews comments from Congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who claims to have evidence involving Tim Walz and Keith Ellison that the "Freedom Caucus" in Minnesota is prepared to use.

• ICE at the Airports: With 47% of TSA agents calling in sick at some major hubs due to the government shutdown, Steve breaks down the deployment of ICE agents to 13 national airports to act as a "force multiplier" at security checkpoints.

• Gopher Hockey’s New Hire: Steve gives a less-than-thrilled reaction to the hiring of Bob Larson as the new head coach for Minnesota Gopher hockey, questioning the timing given Larson’s recent track record at St. Cloud State.

It’s a fiery Monday on What’s On Your Mind as Scott Hennen navigates a landscape of defunded agencies and high-stakes brinkmanship. With TSA and Homeland Security facing day 38 of a funding freeze, President Trump has authorized a "brilliant but controversial" move: deploying ICE agents to U.S. airports to keep travel moving. Scott is joined by the "next generation" of conservative leadership—Hayden Smith and Titus Queen from Turning Point USA NDSU—who challenge him on whether his strategy for the SAVE Act is "weak sauce" or a necessary dose of reality.

The conversation goes deep into the mechanics of the Senate filibuster, the "face-saving" measures being offered to Democrats, and the visceral rhetoric coming from leaders like Hakeem Jeffries. Later, ag-policy heavyweight Colin Peterson joins to discuss why the current "bailout cycle" is failing American farmers, and former top ICE official Scott Machowski fires back at the "disgusting" claim that ICE agents are "untrained killers."

Standout Moments

• [3538] The Airport Surge: Scott breaks down the decision to deploy ICE to airports as a countermeasure to the Democrats' refusal to fund TSA.

• [3560] The "Rhino" Intervention: Titus and Hayden from Turning Point USA NDSU put Scott on the hot seat, debating whether the GOP should "die on the hill" of the SAVE Act or pivot to a 50-state strategy.

• [3616] Rule XIX and the Filibuster: A deep dive into the obscure Senate rules that could theoretically force a "standing filibuster" and how the GOP might wear down the "zealots" on the left.

• [3891] The Death of Robert Mueller: The team reacts to the passing of the former FBI Director and President Trump’s blunt "I’m glad he’s dead" post on Truth Social.

• [4012] The State Sponsor of Terror: A heated discussion on Iran, surging gas prices, and why "American resolve" is more important than temporary pain at the pump.

• [4057] Green Iron vs. Red Iron: A lighthearted debate on the "Apple-like" isolation of John Deere equipment versus Case IH and the culture of precision agriculture.

• [4354] Peterson’s Prescription: Former Ag Chair Colin Peterson warns that the farming industry is stuck in a "vicious cycle" of government checks that only drive up land rents and input costs.

• [4549] War Crimes or War Games?: A caller named Tim challenges the studio on Secretary Hegseth’s comments about sinking Iranian warships, leading to a sharp rebuttal about the duty to protect U.S. soldiers.

• [4614] The "Stormtrooper" Rhetoric: Former ICE leader Scott Machowski responds to Hakeem Jeffries’ claim that ICE agents will "brutalize and kill" travelers, calling the rhetoric "outrageous and insensitive."

It’s a high-stakes Friday Town Hall as Scott Hennen and Senator Kevin Cramer tackle a world in transition. The episode bridges the gap between ancient theological conflicts in the Middle East and the futuristic frontiers of blockchain technology. Senator Cramer provides an insider’s update on the "excursion" into Iran, the strategic bottleneck at the Strait of Hormuz, and why the U.S. no longer relies on Middle Eastern oil.

Later, the "Crypto Queen" herself, Senator Cynthia Lummis, joins the studio to break down the Clarity Act. She demystifies digital assets for the "fifth grader" in all of us, explaining why Bitcoin is a commodity, how "tokenizing" your home title could prevent fraud, and why she is fighting to protect your digital wallet from government surveillance. From the brutal realities of the Iranian regime to the "green scam" of ESG, this episode is a masterclass in modern defense and digital liberty.

Standout Moments

• [2492] The Dog Days of DC: Scott introduces his sheepadoodle office dog, Finny, leading to a lighthearted moment with Senator Cramer about his own "needy" dog, Barnabas.

• [2536] The 90/10 Rule in Iran: Senator Cramer explains that while 90% of Iran’s military capability was wiped out in days, the final 10%—and their ballistic missile sophistication—remains a dangerous challenge.

• [2579] European TDS: Cramer discusses why some U.S. allies are reluctant to help in the Strait of Hormuz, citing "Trump Derangement Syndrome" as a barrier to global security cooperation.

• [2696] Crypto 101: Senator Cynthia Lummis defines the digital economy, explaining the difference between "stablecoins" (digital debit cards) and assets like Bitcoin and Ethereum.

• [2768] Lessons from the Truckers: Senator Lummis cites the Canadian trucker crisis as a warning of why Americans need digital assets to protect themselves from "de-banking" and government surveillance.

• [2832] The "Old Fuddy-Duddy" Protest: A listener named Fred from Wing calls in to vent about the North Dakota Republican Convention's refusal to take his cash or check, sparking a debate on "pay-to-vote" exclusivity.

• [2896] The PROVE Act Victory: Senator Cramer celebrates a legislative win against the "woke left" in Europe, mandating a report on carbon intensity to fight back against international carbon taxes.

• [3411] General Panero on Imminent Threats: Retired Major General Arnold Panero dismisses critics of the Iran conflict, reminding the audience of the 240 Marines killed in Beirut and the horrors of October 7th.

• [3474] The $10,000 Dotted Line: A trip down memory lane reveals how the Fargo Air Show started 35 years ago with a personal check to the Air Force.

Monday hits like a "ton of bricks" as Alex Taylor and Kevin Flynn return from a basketball-saturated weekend to confront the chaos unfolding at America’s travel hubs. With over 400 TSA agents quitting and more calling out due to the government shutdown, the Biden-Trump transition of power (and the resulting funding stalemate) has reached a breaking point. Today, ICE agents officially "surge" into 14 major airports to alleviate three-hour lines, sparking a firestorm of political rhetoric.

The duo breaks down the deranged claims from Hakeem Jeffries—who suggests ICE is there to "kill" travelers—and contrasts mainstream media's "building the plane while flying it" narrative with common-sense security solutions. Plus, Bridgette Readel kicks off National Ag Week, Mariah Prussia talks divine comebacks and leadership with John Maxwell, and the guys bid a legendary, joke-filled farewell to the one and only Chuck Norris.

Standout Moments

• [13:06] The 6 AM Talker: Peter Doocy reports on the "absolute havoc" at TSA checkpoints as President Trump deploys ICE agents as a "force multiplier" to manage security lines.

• [14:22] Gestapo or Guidance?: Kevin and Alex react to Hakeem Jeffries’ viral claim that ICE agents are "Trump’s stormtroopers" sent to airports to potentially "brutalize or kill" the American public.

• [16:18] Global Threats: A deep dive into the Iranian military's new threats against American tourist destinations and what it means for a currently unfunded Department of Homeland Security.

• [17:45] National Ag Week: Bridgette Readel previews "National Ag Day" and the upcoming WDAY Radio Farm Show, addressing the "loving interrogation" of local livestock producers and the "doom and gloom" of current markets.

• [21:35] The Maxwell Method: Health and Wellness expert Mariah Prussia shares her Dallas encounter with leadership legend John Maxwell, discussing "failing forward" and her new Soul Identity Journal.

• [22:13] The Chuck Norris Tribute: In honor of the legend’s passing, the crew shares a lightning-round of classic "Chuck Norris Facts" that nearly causes Alex’s eyes to roll out of her head.

• [23:51] Journalism on CNN: A breakdown of Dana Bash putting Hakeem Jeffries on the spot regarding whether Democrats are using TSA paychecks as political leverage.

Kick off the first official day of spring with Alex Taylor and Kevin Flynn as they navigate a high-energy Friday broadcast. From the roaring Gatling guns of the A-10 Warthog to the rumble of the 49th Annual FM Crusaders Bike Show, this episode is packed with horsepower and hard-hitting commentary.

The guys dive deep into the "Save America Act" with Senator John Kennedy, dissect the "grift" of government spending in blue states, and break down a strategic "break the glass" plan for global oil independence. Plus, a March Madness update that'll have Bison fans and bracket-busters talking, and a legendary round of Chuck Norris facts to send you into the weekend with a smile.

Standout Moments

• [06:11] The "Tank Buster" Deep Dive: A fascinating breakdown of the A-10 Warthog, a jet so powerful its own gun can kick the aircraft off course.

• [09:58] The Oil Chessboard: A look at the administration's strategic plan to "unsanction" oil and utilize Iranian barrels to keep domestic prices down.

• [13:30] The Blue State "Boondoggle": The team reacts to reports of an $114 million "butterfly bridge" in California and New York’s $81,000-per-homeless-person spending.

• [24:14] Pro Day at the Dome: Big Game James reports from NDSU Pro Day, where 28 NFL teams showed up to scout local talent.

• [27:14] Senator John Kennedy Speaks: The Senator joins the show to discuss the SAVE Act and his "common sense" plan for voter ID requirements.

• [31:54] Alien Abductions & Chuck Norris: Celebrating "National Alien Abduction Day" with a side of classic Chuck Norris roundhouse kick humor.

• [41:11] 49 Years of Leather and Chrome: The FM Crusaders stop by to preview their massive weekend bike show benefiting CCRI Camp Hero.

FARGO, ND — Former House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson issued a stark warning: the current trajectory of U.S. farm policy is unsustainable, serving more as a "band-aid" than a long-term solution for the American producer.

Joined by members of the Turning Point USA NDSU chapter, Peterson—now a key figure behind the Midwest Council on Agriculture and the newly established NDSU Ag Policy Research Center—argued that the era of repeated "ad hoc" government bailouts is undermining the very industry it intends to save.

A System of "Band-Aids"

Peterson pointed to the recent $12 billion Farmer Bridge Assistance Program as the latest symptom of a broken system. While acknowledging that such payments are often a necessity during market disruptions, he warned they have created a cycle of dependency.

"Anybody who says that what we're doing with farm policy is working, they're kidding themselves," Peterson said. "Every year we're having to send money to farmers... it's based on what the situation was 30 years ago".

While the Midwest remains relatively stable—with local bankers reporting that 70-80% of farms were profitable last year—other sectors are in "significant trouble". Growers of cotton, rice, and peanuts in the South are facing dire economic conditions, fueling the push for more government intervention.

The "Conduit" Effect: Why Subsidies Aren't Reaching Farmers

One of the most provocative points raised during the discussion was how federal aid is inadvertently driving up the cost of doing business. Peterson argued that instead of bolstering a farmer's bottom line, government checks often act as a conduit that flows directly into:

• Land Prices and Rent: Increased federal support keeps land values and rental rates artificially high.

• Input Costs: Suppliers often adjust pricing in anticipation of federal payouts.

• Consolidation: Critics and analysts note that these programs disproportionately benefit "mega farms," making it harder for small operations to compete for land.

Titus, a student whose family farms near Roseau, MN, highlighted the volatility of these costs, noting that fertilizer prices jumped 16% in a single day recently.

The Brazilian Threat

The conversation took a global turn as Peterson highlighted the "huge problem" posed by Brazil. Unlike the U.S., Brazilian farmers are successfully:

• Double-Cropping: Producing high-yield soybeans followed immediately by cotton or corn.

• Lowering Costs: Brazil’s land prices remain significantly lower than in the U.S. Midwest, while their yields—particularly in cotton—now rival or exceed American production.

"We have a lot of problems facing us beyond the weather," Peterson noted, suggesting that without a more competitive and modernized policy, the U.S. risks falling further behind its South American rivals.

A Generational Debate: Why Only Ag?

The discussion grew sharp when NDSU students questioned the "special carve-out" for the agricultural industry. Hayden and Aiden, representing the younger "city boy" and rural perspectives, asked why farmers receive federal bailouts while other businesses, like roofing or small-town retail, are left to the whims of the free market.

Peterson’s response was rooted in the unique risks of the profession: "Farming is unlike any other business because you don't control the price of your product, and you don't control the amount of output" due to weather and global trade wars. However, he admitted that if the public perceives the system as a permanent welfare program, they will eventually "turn against us".

The Prescription: A Market-Oriented Safety Net

What is the solution? Peterson's vision for a "Farm Bill 2.0" involves:

1. Eliminating Ad Hoc Bailouts: Moving away from unpredictable, politically-charged emergency packages.

2. Market-Driven Coverage: Developing a system where farmers pay for enough insurance/coverage to satisfy their lenders and manage their own risk.

3. Regional Policy Analysis: Using the NDSU Policy Center to provide data-driven solutions tailored to the Midwest, rather than one-size-fits-all national policies.

"I am not for the government running agriculture," Peterson concluded. "But I am for the government recognizing how much risk farmers are taking. We have to step in, but we have to do it in a way that makes sense for the long term".

Steve Hallstrom navigates a high-velocity Monday as the region balances March Madness celebrations with sobering economic realities. After a weekend of "better than expected" weather and historic high school sports finishes, Steve dives into a bold proposal for "family compounds" from a Minnesota lawmaker and the rising financial hurdle for the next generation. The show also explores a major shakeup at the border and in the skies, as ICE agents are deployed to major airports like LaGuardia to clear security gridlock. Plus, a look at the "nitrogen trap" forcing farmers into soybeans, the fight for the new Minnesota flag, and a primer for the Bison men’s matchup against Michigan State.

Key Moments

• The Family Compound Vision: Steve discusses a thought-provoking proposal from Minnesota State Rep. Walter Hudson. In an age of high costs and shifting values, Hudson suggests a return to "clans" or multi-generational housing to help adult children succeed in a modern wilderness where independence has become financially impossible for many.

• ICE Meets TSA: Amidst a partial government shutdown and mass TSA call-outs, Steve breaks down President Trump’s directive to deploy ICE agents to security checkpoints. Steve discusses the logistics of this move and the high-stakes offer from Elon Musk to personally fund TSA salaries to keep the country moving.

• The "Nitrogen Trap" and Grocery Bills: Steve explores the "irreversible consequence" of the war in Iran on local kitchen tables. He details how soaring fertilizer costs—up 35% in a month—are forcing farmers to pivot from corn to soybeans, a shift that could drive up meat and dairy prices for the next 18 months.

• Fargo’s Leadership in Transition: As Fargo Public Schools faces a budget crisis, Steve praises Superintendent Dr. Corey Steiner for offering to freeze his own salary. Meanwhile, Steve provides the latest on the NDSU presidential search as the university narrows its list to three national finalists.

• The Flag Rebellion Continues: While East Grand Forks votes to stick with the new "Somalia-style" flag, other cities like Zumbrota are joining the push to fly the original 1957 Minnesota flag. Steve explores the growing divide between state regulations and local identity.

• A New Textbook on Class: Steve highlights the Central McLean boys basketball team, who showed remarkable sportsmanship after winning the state championship. Instead of storming the court, the undefeated team prioritized shaking hands with their opponents, writing a new textbook on "winning with class."

• The Welfare Usage Debate: Steve breaks down a new study from the Center for Immigration Studies regarding welfare usage in non-citizen households. He addresses the statistical divide and the "common sense" need for a merit-based immigration system as the national debt surpasses $39 trillion.

• Bison Basketball vs. Michigan State: As the tournament kicks off, Steve delivers his prediction for the Bison men against the Spartans. While the Bison are 16.5-point underdogs, Steve argues that their three-point shooting and turnover discipline will help them cover the spread.