Archives: Episodes

Join Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor for a "Happy Thursday" edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, covering everything from unseasonably warm November weather to political drama, sports, and a very peculiar black chicken.

The hosts are excited about the warm forecast, which prompts discussion of last-minute chores before the cold hits. They dive into the latest political battles, including the continuing resolution, the endless cycle of the Epstein story, and shocking new reports of massive fraud in the SNAP program. Outdoors expert Steve Carney calls in live from a duck blind, sharing updates on the tough waterfowl season. Plus, hear about an exotic black chicken breed that is all the talk in the farm and ranch world.

Standout Moments

• 06:00 AM CST - Foo Fighters Headed to Fargo! Uncle Kev shares his excitement about the 90s band playing at the Fargodome next September.

• 06:03 AM CST - November Heat Wave Forecast: Details on the "gorgeous" forecast with temps hitting $55^\circ$F today and $63^\circ$F tomorrow, before cooling down.

• 06:17 AM CST - The Epstein "Distraction": Discussion on the release of redacted Epstein emails and how the hosts view it as a distraction from important issues like the cost of living.

• 06:23 AM CST - $12 Billion SNAP Fraud: Shocking numbers on the fraud found in the SNAP program following the government shutdown.

• 06:33 AM CST - Ronaldo's Retirement & Soccer's Status: A look at Cristiano Ronaldo's impending retirement and debate over whether soccer will ever truly "catch on" in the US.

• 06:47 AM CST - Ayam Cemani: The All-Black Chicken: Bridgette Readel shares information about the exotic black chicken breed, its high cost, and why it's so rare in North America.

• 07:25 AM CST - Homebuyer Median Age Debate: The hosts react with skepticism to a report claiming the median age of a US homebuyer is 61.

• 08:11 AM CST - Live From the Duck Blind: Outdoors expert Steve Carney calls in with an update on the frustrating waterfowl season, blaming the poor hunting on changes in habitat and food supply.

• 08:29 AM CST - Winning Tickets & Wrap-Up: A lucky listener wins a four-pack of tickets to see Kilmeade and Fela, and the hosts wrap up to make way for an early interview with Doug Burgum.

Today's guest is Founder of USA Energy Workers - Scott Angelle

Join Steve Hallstrom every weekday. as he tackles the issues that matter most to you. With razor-sharp wit and unwavering conviction, Steve will cut through the noise and provide you with honest, unfiltered commentary that speaks directly to the issues that affect our community. With interactive segments and lively call-ins, listeners will be front and center in the conversation. Steve will keep you informed, empowered, and inspired. Tune in weekdays to catch the wave of conservative thought and be part of a community that celebrates the timeless principles that make our country great.

Catch The Steve Hallstrom show Monday-Friday from 4pm until 6pm on WZFG AM 1100 The Flag.

This Veterans Day edition of What's On Your Mind focuses on honoring America's veterans and tackling pressing local and national issues. Host Scott Hannon pushes for ways to better celebrate Veterans Day, moving beyond simply closing schools. The program also features an alarming discussion about the "harm reduction" policies in Fargo aimed at the homeless population, and an interview with Senator John Hoeven on the end of the government shutdown and the battle over spending. Financial expert David Fisher also provides an update on the rising markets, the 50-year mortgage idea, and the growing global challenge posed by BRICS nations.

Standout Moments

• Better Ways to Honor Veterans: The host suggests opening schools on Veterans Day so students can host a veteran speaker, visit a veterans home , or otherwise use public education to honor those who served. Listeners call and text in to share appreciation and service stories, including a powerful one from General Mike Haugen about seeing the Northern Lights while flying exercises with the Happy Hooligans.
• "Harm Reduction" Madness and the "Boofing Kit": Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg joins to slam the city's "harm reduction" policy for the homeless population, calling it "cruel" and woke. She expresses outrage over taxpayer money being used to provide tools for drug abuse, including a horrifying item described as a "boofing kit" for the transrectal transmission of drugs.
• Government Shutdown Ends: The $1.5 Trillion Fight: Senator John Hoeven discusses the end of the 40-day government shutdown , stating the core reason for the delay was Democrats demanding $1.5 trillion in more spending. He credits the passage of appropriations bills and the hard-line stance of Republicans for forcing the Democrats to crack.
• Obamacare Driving Up Costs: Senator Hoeven breaks down the core problem with the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), explaining that its costs are going up so fast that Democrats introduced "enhanced advanced premium tax credits" (direct payments to insurance companies) to mask the rising medical inflation.
• The 50-Year Mortgage Math: David Fisher provides a sobering breakdown of a potential 50-year mortgage on an average $415,000 home. While it saves $236 monthly compared to a 30-year loan, the total interest paid doubles from $384,000 to $753,000.
• BRICS Challenge to the US Dollar: Fisher outlines the growing global force of BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa). They've doubled their membership, and 185 countries now use the BRICS payment system to conduct transactions outside the US dollar, prioritizing local currency to reduce dollar reliance.
• Northern Lights Tonight: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki forecasts clear skies and a "very good chance" of seeing the Northern Lights tonight, typically between 9 p.m. and 1 a.m..
• Charlie Kirk School Naming Controversy: The host expresses frustration that the Fargo School Board is likely to reject Charlie Kirk Elementary as a school name, despite it receiving the second-highest number of public submissions, because some members consider it "divisive".

This episode of What's On Your Mind broadcasts live from the Lignite Energy Council's annual meeting in Bismarck, North Dakota, focusing heavily on the state's energy industry, the threat and opportunity of AI, and the national debate over the Senate filibuster. Host Scott Hannon speaks with energy experts about clean coal, carbon capture technology, and the battle against over-regulation. The show also features an in-depth conversation with Dr. Terry Pilling, Dean of Engineering at the University of Mary, about critical thinking, AI, and the demand for skilled engineers.

🎙️ Standout Moments

• The Fight for Coal and Energy Independence: The host opens with the story of Great River Energy selling its efficient North Dakota coal plant to Rainbow Energy for just $1 because the Minnesota-based co-op was "woke," highlighting the regulatory attacks on affordable, reliable energy. China, in contrast, is building coal plants weekly. [0:00:54 - 0:02:29].
• The Filibuster Debate: The show repeatedly takes calls and texts on the filibuster, with host Scott Hannon wrestling with the idea of eliminating the 60-vote rule. While Republicans like Stephen Miller push for its end to advance the GOP agenda, Hannon fears Democrats would use it to pack the Supreme Court and add new blue states like D.C. and Puerto Rico. [0:03:36 - 0:05:07] and [0:08:58 - 0:09:44].
• CO2 as a Commodity: The Bakken 2.0: Mike Holmes and Jonathan Fortner of the Lignite Energy Council explain that capturing industrial CO2 is key to a "Bakken 2.0". The CO2 is used in Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) to extract an estimated three to seven additional billion barrels of oil , generating billions in state revenue and keeping electricity costs low and the air clean. [0:16:03 - 0:17:11] and [0:24:20 - 0:26:08].
• Rare Earth Minerals Opportunity: Jonathan Fortner discusses how North Dakota's lignite coal contains rare earth elements like germanium and gallium. Mining these minerals—currently 95% controlled by China —is a national security imperative and a massive opportunity to disrupt China's dominance. [0:21:49 - 0:23:09].
• AI and Critical Thinking in Engineering: Dr. Terry Pilling, Dean of the Hamm School of Engineering at the University of Mary, discusses the future of the workforce amid AI. He stresses that while AI provides instant knowledge, the future will demand critical thinking and creativity, as AI is a "stochastic parrot" that only collates existing data. The school offers a unique course, "Engineering in Ancient Rome," which culminates in a two-week trip to Rome. [0:29:08 - 0:31:13] and [0:33:02 - 0:33:55].
• Free Engineering Tuition & Job Placement: Dr. Pilling mentions that the Hamm School of Engineering offers four years of free tuition scholarships for incoming students and boasts a 100% employment rate, with almost all students securing their career before their final year. [0:32:32 - 0:32:55] and [0:34:03 - 0:34:40].

This episode of the Need to Know Morning Show covers the spectacular Northern Lights show that wowed the hosts and listeners, a surprisingly warm mid-November forecast, local farming technology, and continued reaction to the recent government shutdown. Hosts Kevin and Alex discuss the political motives behind the shutdown, critique Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and tackle the emerging concept of a 50-year mortgage.

🎙️ Standout Moments

• Spectacular Northern Lights: Kevin and Alex share their awe over the Northern Lights, which were visible overhead and as far south as Kansas City. Meteorologist Dino explains that the G4 to G5 geomagnetic storm, a "sun fart," causes the stunning colors [0:04:46 - 0:06:54] and [0:19:07 - 0:20:00].
• Forecast: Sunny and Warm: Dino confirms the beautiful weather ahead, with lots of sunshine and temperatures reaching the low 50s today, mid-50s tomorrow, and a high of 63°F on Friday—likely the last 60s of the season [0:01:40 - 0:01:54] and [0:08:58 - 0:09:12] and [0:20:01 - 0:20:25].
• Biden Accused of Profiting: A clip is played featuring President Joe Biden accusing Donald Trump of profiting from his time in the White House, which the hosts call "absolutely priceless" hypocrisy [0:02:54 - 0:03:37].
• Critique of Pete Buttigieg and FAA Upgrades: The hosts and Fox News analyst Sean Duffy criticize Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg ("Pothole Pete") and discuss the need for more money and upgrades to the FAA's outdated equipment, some dating back to the '50s and '60s [0:09:59 - 0:11:05].
• Farming Technology and Pest Control: Bridgette Readel, the show's Ag regular, discusses the financial questions farmers should ask before investing in new autonomous equipment and mentions the development of a new sprayable RNA insecticide to kill Colorado potato beetles [0:15:15 - 0:16:30].
• Debate on 50-Year Mortgages: The hosts and financial expert Brien Krank debate the pros and cons of the emerging 50-year mortgage, considering it a potential "foot in the door" for young buyers but worrying it could increase bank ownership [0:22:15 - 0:24:02] and [0:26:38 - 0:27:18].
• Markets and Quality Game: Brien Krank notes the overall strength of the markets and the US dollar but advises listeners to "don't be complacent," emphasizing a shift toward a "quality game" of owning high-quality companies [0:25:40 - 0:26:01].

This special Veterans Day episode of the Need to Know Morning Show brings you a mix of patriotic reflections, local weather, sports updates, and deep dives into the week's biggest political news: the end of the government shutdown.

The hosts discuss what Veterans Day means and share gratitude for those who served, while also running down local deals for veterans. The conversation quickly shifts to the end of the government shutdown, with clips from Fox News analysts and correspondents discussing the political fallout, particularly the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies debate and the chaos at airports. Plus, learn about a local recycling initiative and this week's surprisingly mild November forecast!

Standout Moments

• Happy Veterans Day & Veteran Deals: The hosts play a patriotic song and celebrate Veterans Day, quickly transitioning to a rundown of free meals and discounts available for veterans and active-duty military at local spots [0:00:00 - 0:02:18].
• Government Shutdown Ends: Discussion on the temporary end of the government shutdown, noting that while the Senate voted yes, it will take days to reopen fully, with the House aiming to vote late Wednesday [0:04:47 - 0:06:01].
• Analysis of the Shutdown's Failure: Brit Hume, Ben Domenech, Harold Ford Jr., and Leslie Marshall weigh in on the shutdown, debating whether it was a "fool's errand" for Democrats and the central issue of ACA subsidies [0:09:47 - 0:12:12].
• Weather Forecast: Northern Lights & 60°F: The show's meteorologist, Dino, provides a fantastic forecast, with highs near 50°F and a chance of 60°F on Friday, and clear skies tonight offering a great opportunity to see the Northern Lights [0:04:02 - 0:04:46] and [0:20:53 - 0:21:40].
• Chaos at Airports: A report highlights the massive flight cancellations and delays due to air traffic controller staff shortages caused by the 41-day government shutdown [0:27:07 - 0:28:13].
• Recycling Month Promotion: Mary Aldrich from Minn Kota Recycles talks about "America Recycles Day" and their "Cans for Cartons" promotion to collect aluminum cans for the Fargo public schools, with a one-cent match on all cans [0:31:54 - 0:33:04].
• Kennedy on Shutdown Pay: Senator John Kennedy is featured, arguing that senators should not be paid during a government shutdown as a matter of "shared sacrifice" and "leadership" [0:34:55 - 0:35:19].

Join Steve Hallstrom every weekday. as he tackles the issues that matter most to you. With razor-sharp wit and unwavering conviction, Steve will cut through the noise and provide you with honest, unfiltered commentary that speaks directly to the issues that affect our community. With interactive segments and lively call-ins, listeners will be front and center in the conversation. Steve will keep you informed, empowered, and inspired. Tune in weekdays to catch the wave of conservative thought and be part of a community that celebrates the timeless principles that make our country great.

Catch The Steve Hallstrom show Monday-Friday from 4pm until 6pm on WZFG AM 1100 The Flag.

Concordia Cobbers Football head coach Terry Horan and Moorhead Spuds Football head coach Kevin Feeney join host Greg Burd for the 2025 Coaches Corner Podcast! This week they discuss the Spuds heading to U.S. Bank Stadium for the state semifinals, the challenges of preparing for Carleton for Concordia, and more.   Sponsors: Third Drop Coffee Brady’s Service Camrud Foss Concrete

Join Steve Hallstrom every weekday. as he tackles the issues that matter most to you. With razor-sharp wit and unwavering conviction, Steve will cut through the noise and provide you with honest, unfiltered commentary that speaks directly to the issues that affect our community. With interactive segments and lively call-ins, listeners will be front and center in the conversation. Steve will keep you informed, empowered, and inspired. Tune in weekdays to catch the wave of conservative thought and be part of a community that celebrates the timeless principles that make our country great.

Catch The Steve Hallstrom show Monday-Friday from 4pm until 6pm on WZFG AM 1100 The Flag.

In this Monday edition, the hosts choose "joy" as the word of the day despite the ongoing political and global turmoil. The show heavily focuses on the latest developments in Washington, D.C., with the impending end of the government shutdown and the underlying fight over healthcare, particularly the costs and fraud associated with Obamacare. Guests include Flag Family Ag Director Bridget Riedel with updates on the struggling farm economy and Sanford Health's Dr. Todd Schaefer discussing veteran care. The hosts also take listener calls and comments on local politics, the filibuster, and honoring veterans.

Standout Moments: