Archives: Episodes

The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday March 11th, 2026.  Guests include Heather Mitchell (Diamond in the Ruff), Alita and Adam (CCRI), Natalie (NP Consulting), Lindsey Brueler (Great Plains Children's Museum) and Diedre Heilman.

A seismic day in the Red River Valley as news breaks during the broadcast that Fargo Police Chief Dave Zabolsky is officially retiring after four decades in law enforcement. Steve Hallstrom navigates the breaking details of the Chief’s departure and its implications for city leadership. The show also takes a hard look at the escalating conflict in Iran, with a heavy-hearted tribute to the seven American service members now lost in the war. Plus, a deep dive into the "intimidation and fear" allegedly used by the Walz administration to cover up $19 billion in fraud, a potential world-changing scientific breakthrough at NDSU, and an interview with GOP veteran John Trandom on whether political conventions even matter anymore.

Key Moments

• Breaking News: Chief Zabolsky Retires: Steve breaks the news of Fargo Police Chief Dave Zabolsky’s retirement. Amidst rumors and a scheduled press conference at City Hall, Steve reflects on Zabolsky’s tenure, which began during the civil unrest of 2020, and addresses recent criticisms regarding the Chief's visibility during city emergencies.

• The High Cost of War: Steve honors the seven Americans killed in "Operation Epic Fury," including Sergeant First Class Nicole Amor of White Bear Lake, Minnesota. He discusses the White House’s confirmation that Iran held over 1,000 pounds of enriched uranium—enough for 11 nuclear bombs—underscoring the gravity of the military mission.

• Minnesota’s $19 Billion Fraud Standoff: Steve highlights explosive testimony from Capitol Hill where Governor Tim Walz and AG Keith Ellison were grilled under oath. He explores allegations of a "retaliation campaign" against whistleblowers and J.D. Vance’s decisive move to freeze Medicaid payments to the state as collateral.

• NDSU’s Clean Water Breakthrough: In a major win for regional science, Steve details NDSU research showing that a simple protein found in common egg whites can effectively trap and remove toxic "forever chemicals" (PFAS) from contaminated water, offering a revolutionary low-cost filtration method.

• Is the State Convention Irrelevant?: GOP operative John Trandom joins the show to discuss why North Dakota’s top Republican incumbents are skipping the state convention in Minot. They explore the growing rift between the "establishment" and "grassroots" wings of the party and the $10 million cost of inter-party fighting.

• The SNAP Work Requirement Ripple: Steve breaks down the "story of the day" from Pennsylvania, where nearly 60,000 people lost food stamp benefits in six months following the implementation of 20-hour work or volunteer requirements. Steve debates the "notice gap" versus the reality of individual responsibility.

• Fargo’s Human Rights Deadlock: Steve critiques the Fargo City Commission’s 4-1 decision to extend the Human Rights Commission for another 60 days. He praises Michelle Turnberg’s lone "no" vote, arguing that a board unable to define its mission during a budget deficit has "self-selected" itself out of existence.

• Moorhead’s "Mr. Hockey" Ty Bergeson: 2026 Mr. Hockey Ty Bergeson joins the program to discuss his decision to stay in Moorhead for his senior year and the Spuds' second straight state championship. Ty reflects on his coach’s praise for his leadership on the bench during their 4-1 deficit comeback.

Coaches Corner Podcast host, Greg Burd, of Flag Family Media is joined each week by MSUM men’s basketball head coach, Jason Kemp, and MSUM women’s basketball head coach, Karla Nelson. This week the coaches discussed offseason recruiting, preparing for next season, and more.   The Coaches Corner Podcast is brought to you by: Valley Imports/Valley Pre-Owned Camrud Foss Concrete Third Drop Coffee Brady’s Service Center

Scott Hennen kicks off a fiery Tuesday edition of What’s On Your Mind with a deep dive into the escalating conflict in Iran and the "raw hate" displayed by the Democratic leadership toward the U.S. military and law enforcement. The hosts examine the fallout of the DHS shutdown, where TSA agents are working without pay because, as Scott argues, "Democrats hate ICE more than they care about national security."

The conversation takes a hard look at domestic threats following the Gracie Mansion bomb plot, featuring a debate on the "suicidal empathy" of the West and a powerful segment from Greg Gutfeld on "America-phobia." On the lighter side, the duo explores a groundbreaking motion sickness program at UND and meets three incredible veterans vying for a life-changing "Salute to Smiles" makeover. The show concludes with a "museum-worthy" example of Trump Derangement Syndrome: an unhinged, profanity-laced rant from James Carville.

Standout Moments

[00:05:40] – The Gas Price "Lemmings" Scott debunks the regime media's panic over oil prices, noting that crude has already dropped back to $85. He challenges the "genius opinion writers" who blame the Iran conflict for gas prices that remain nearly $2 cheaper than the Biden-era high.

[00:23:45] – Lloyd’s Military Fact-Check Lloyd, a listener on the road, calls in with a masterclass in modern warfare, pointing out that the U.S. is currently achieving massive strategic wins—including destroying 56% of China-bound oil and the Russian drone supply chain—using only 10% of its military assets.

[00:44:40] – Conquering Motion Sickness at UND Jennifer Watney from the University of North Dakota School of Aerospace Sciences explains her internationally recognized three-day simulator course that helps everyone from student pilots to grandparents overcome debilitating motion sickness.

[00:52:10] – Gutfeld: Suicidal Empathy The team reacts to a viral Greg Gutfeld segment discussing the lack of assimilation in the West and why the media seems to cover for terrorists under the guise of "tolerance."

[01:08:40] – The Hakeem Jeffries "Polling Site" Slip Scott analyzes Hakeem Jeffries' podcast comments, where the Democratic leader specifically demanded that ICE be barred from monitoring polling sites, raising major red flags about non-citizen voting.

[01:21:20] – Salute to Smiles: Three Heroes Meet the finalists for the Dakota Implant makeover: Travis Perdue, a 23-year veteran who survived a "widow maker" heart attack; a Marine father of 13; and Justin Wallace, a Master Sergeant who flies global drone missions.

[01:35:10] – Firefighters Wanted Fargo Fire Division Chief Craig Nelson stops by to discuss the department's annual hiring push, detailing the 18-week paid academy and the "superheated" cardio requirements for the job.

[01:53:50] – James Carville’s Unhinged Rant In a segment Scott calls "Trump Derangement Syndrome Tuesday," the hosts play an epic, profanity-scrubbed clip of James Carville praying for "the righteous rain" of TDS and admitting his hatred for Trump has blinded him.

In this action-packed Tuesday edition of the Need to Know Morning Show, Kevin and Alex break down a chilling thwarted terrorism plot at New York’s Gracie Mansion involving ISIS-inspired improvised explosives. The hosts examine how automated license plate readers and heroic NYPD instincts prevented a "Boston Marathon 2.0" disaster.

The conversation shifts to the chaos unfolding at American airports, where a partial DHS shutdown—targeted by Democrats due to their opposition to ICE—has resulted in five-hour security lines and TSA agents working without pay. From the "paid protest networks" funded by Shanghai-based moguls to the skyrocketing price of oil amid the Iran conflict, the team connects the dots on national security and global strategy. Plus, a celebratory look at Boston founder Tom Scholz's 79th birthday, a dive into the "Ag Mafia," and a hilarious confrontation between a Texas congressman and a CEO over the definitions of "Ze" and "Zir" pronouns.

Standout Moments

[00:02:40] – The Short-Term Oil Shock The team analyzes soundbites from Brett Hume and President Trump, explaining why high gas prices are a "short-term fact of life" driven by insurer uncertainty in the Strait of Hormuz rather than a true global shortage.

[00:19:15] – The NYPD’s "Miracle" Save A deep dive into the Gracie Mansion plot where two suspects from Pennsylvania attempted to detonate highly unstable TATP explosives. The hosts discuss the margin of victory provided by police officers "running toward the sound of the guns."

[00:32:50] – The "Ag Mafia" and Wood Ash Bridget Riedel joins the show with tips on using fireplace ash as a soil amendment before revealing she’s heading off to an agronomy meeting with the "Ag Mafia."

[00:43:20] – Who is Neville Royce Singham? Will Cain breaks down the "Paid Protest Network," alleging that many anti-ICE and pro-Palestinian demonstrations are funded by Singham, a mogul residing in Shanghai with ties to the Chinese Communist Party.

[01:07:40] – TSA’s Five-Hour Warning A look at the "inflection point" at Houston Hobby and Atlanta airports, where TSA lines are stretching outside the doors because Democrats are refusing to fund DHS over ICE policy disagreements.

[01:18:50] – Hakeem Jeffries’ "Polling Site" Slip The hosts dissect a clip of Hakeem Jeffries demanding ICE be barred from "sensitive locations," specifically highlighting his emphasis on polling sites as a potential motive for allowing non-citizen voting.

[01:21:10] – The Pronoun Quiz In a humorous wrap-up, Kevin and Alex play a clip of Texas Congressman Brandon Gill grilling a CEO on the specific health benefits of using pronouns like "Ze" and "Xe," which the CEO admits he cannot define.

The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday March 10th, 2026.  Guest Host Blake Hankey has guests to include Jeff Bredahl, Mike Schmidt, Dane Jackson, Tony Grindberg, Ed Schaffer, Brady Woodard, Brooklyn Woodard and Kenley Fisher.

A high-velocity Wednesday edition of the Steve Hallstrom Show finds Steve broadcasting from Watford City, deep in the heart of cattle country. The episode kicks off with a breakdown of Vice President J.D. Vance’s immediate impact as the new "fraud czar," including his decisive move to suspend millions in Medicaid payments to Minnesota. Steve also dives into a landmark North Dakota court ruling involving Greenpeace and Energy Transfer, a significant discovery at NDSU that could change the future of clean water, and an exclusive interview with Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg on the "decision dilemma" at City Hall. Plus, a look at why North Dakota’s top Republican incumbents are skipping the state convention.

Key Moments

• JD Vance’s Fraud Crackdown: Steve analyzes the shockwaves sent through St. Paul as Vice President J.D. Vance and Dr. Mehmet Oz freeze $259 million in Medicaid reimbursements to Minnesota. Steve explores Vance’s argument that systemic fraud in after-school and autism programs has allowed "sham businesses" to get rich while denying services to needy children.

• Greenpeace’s $345 Million Bill: A decade after the DAPL protests, a North Dakota judge orders Greenpeace to pay Energy Transfer $345 million for defamation and trespassing. With Greenpeace reportedly holding only $1.4 million in cash, Steve discusses how this judgment could effectively shutter the environmental organization.

• NDSU’s "Egg White" Discovery: Steve highlights a potential breakthrough in environmental science: NDSU researchers have discovered that a protein in common egg whites (ovalbumin) can effectively trap and remove toxic "forever chemicals" (PFAS) from contaminated water, offering a cheaper, greener alternative to traditional filtration.

• Michelle Turnberg on Fargo’s Future: Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg joins the show to discuss her lone "no" vote against extending the Human Rights Commission. Turnberg critiques the commission’s inability to define its mission and warns that "funny things happen during election season" regarding city spending and volunteer boards.

• The Republican Convention Exodus: Steve explores a "sea change" in North Dakota politics as top incumbents—including Governor Armstrong and Congresswoman Fedorchuk—announce they will skip the state GOP convention in Minot to take their message directly to the primary voters.

• Moorhead Hockey’s State Run: Steve celebrates the Moorhead Spuds’ 4-1 victory, propelling them into the state semifinals. He reflects on the "tournament season" energy in the region and the Spuds' quest for back-to-back state titles.

• Minnesota’s Freedom Caucus: A new block of conservative lawmakers has officially launched the Minnesota Freedom Caucus. Steve details their mission to end massive omnibus bills and put a stop to "reckless spending" and government program fraud.

• FBI Accountability: Steve discusses the recent firing of ten FBI staffers who worked on the Jack Smith investigation into President Trump, noting the administration's stance that this is a necessary step for accountability regarding subpoenaed phone records.

In this intense and wide-ranging Monday edition of What’s On Your Mind, Scott Hennen and Kevin Flynn tackle a weekend dominated by shifting oil prices and the ongoing conflict with Iran. Scott breaks down his latest column, honoring the North Dakota and Minnesota service members killed by Iranian-backed weapons over the last four decades, arguing that the U.S. is finally finishing a 47-year-old war.

The tone shifts from the geopolitical to the celebratory as Moorhead Spuds head hockey coach John Ammerman joins the show to discuss his team's legendary double-overtime comeback to secure back-to-back state titles. Later, wellness entrepreneur Vince Wepker stops by for a lighthearted "Imus-style" hour of banter on Vikings free agency, the best movies of all time, and the "Superman" feeling of a daily sauna routine. Plus, Mike Lindell joins the program to announce a massive 75-city "marketing-style" rally tour in his bid for the Minnesota Governor's seat.

Standout Moments

[00:05:40] – The Gas Price Debate Scott fires back at local columnists criticizing Trump for a recent spike in gas prices. He highlights that despite the 10-day conflict with Iran, national averages remain significantly lower than the Biden-era peaks of $5.02.

[00:16:10] – Hyperbaric Medicine & The Chinese ER Paul Watts from Swanson Hyperbarics joins the show to explain why the U.S. is behind Russia and China in using oxygen therapy to treat inflammation and concussions, noting that "you can't patent oxygen."

[00:21:40] – The Moorhead Miracle Spuds Coach John Ammerman recaps the emotional state championship win, revealing that many "bandwagoners" actually turned off the TV when the team was down 4-1 before their historic rally.

[00:30:15] – Mike Lindell’s 75-Rally Tour Candidate Mike Lindell announces a nonstop campaign schedule across Minnesota, aiming to engage the 250,000 "Trump voters" who stayed home in 2022. He frames the election as a battle of "biblical proportions."

[00:34:00] – The Gracie Mansion Bomb Plot Analysis of the thwarted ISIS-inspired terror attack in New York City. Scott critiques the media’s relative silence on the perpetrator’s motives and the "heightened threat environment" currently facing the U.S.

[00:37:30] – A Father-Son Hockey Moment The hosts discuss a viral interview with Warroad Warrior Ryan Chagabay hugging his father on the bench, highlighting the massive sacrifices made by hockey parents to reach the state stage.

[00:38:40] – "Iran’s Murderous Regime Has Met Its Match" In a somber closing segment, Scott reads the names of fallen service members from Valley City, sabin, sabotage, Sabin,Sabine and Bismarck, reminding listeners that the "reign of terror" did not begin ten days ago, but in 1979.

In this jam-packed Friday edition of What’s On Your Mind, Scott Hennen and Kevin Flynn are joined by North Dakota Senator Kevin Cramer for a deep dive into the nation’s most pressing issues. From the shifting economic landscape and the "moment" of AI-driven productivity to the geopolitical "chess match" involving Iran’s nuclear capabilities, the trio explores what a return to American energy dominance looks like.

The conversation turns local as Fargo School Board member Allie Ohlenberger joins the studio to discuss the fight for transparency in public education, the repeal of controversial gender policies, and the "palpable change" in teacher morale under new leadership. Plus, the hosts tackle a "conspiracy theory" caller who claims the war in Iran is fake, a heartwarming community effort to support unpaid TSA workers at Hector Airport, and an elegant pivot to culture with a preview of the FM Opera’s Three Tenors Tribute.

Standout Moments

[00:02:10] – The AI Employment Shift Senator Cramer analyzes the loss of 92,000 jobs in February, suggesting we are in a transitional "bridge" where AI is supercharging productivity even as traditional roles shift.

[00:05:40] – Saving Social Security In a rare moment of political candor, Cramer discusses "honest" fixes for Social Security, including raising the age for younger workers and lifting the income tax cap.

[00:08:40] – The Exit of Kristi Noem The Senator reacts to Kristi Noem’s departure from DHS, defending her border record while acknowledging the "bad judgment" of a $220 million ad campaign that didn't please the President.

[00:11:30] – The "Modern-Day Haman" A caller draws a biblical parallel between the current conflict in Iran and the story of Haman, leading Cramer to discuss the necessity of an "unconditional surrender" from the current regime.

[00:16:10] – Cleaning Up Fargo Schools School Board member Allie Ohlenberger details her successful motion to repeal "woke" guiding principles and explains how the district moved on from a "dictator" superintendent to a humble, North Dakota-grown leader.

[00:23:10] – Legalized Propaganda? A listener raises concerns about the 2014 NDAA and the Smith-Mundt Modernization Act, sparking a debate on how government-sanctioned messaging has eroded journalistic integrity.

[00:29:40] – The "Fake War" Confrontation A regular listener calls in with a fiery conspiracy theory, calling the war in Iran a "Hollywood fake" designed to pump oil prices, leading to a heated exchange over Trump’s energy policies.

[00:40:10] – Gas Cards for TSA The Fargo Gateway Lions Club announces a grassroots effort to buy PetroServe gas cards for TSA agents currently working without pay due to the federal budget stalemate.

The Need to Know Morning Show kicks off a high-stakes Monday as Kevin Flynn and Alex Taylor break down a weekend of record-breaking warmth and world-shifting headlines. The duo dissects the "crazed" energy of Senator Lindsey Graham regarding the escalating conflict in Iran and the sudden naming of Mojtaba Khamenei as the country’s new Supreme Leader.

Back on the home front, it’s a celebration of Minnesota sports as the Moorhead Spuds pull off an epic double-overtime comeback to secure their second straight state hockey title. Plus, the hosts take a field trip to Moorhead’s new 15-court pickleball "Mecca," Quartz and Pints, and wellness expert Mariah Prussia joins the desk to discuss the "Soul Identity" and why we should all be playing in the dirt a little more.

Standout Moments

[00:05:40] – The "Mama's Always Right" Weather Bet Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki officially concedes a lunch bet to Alex. Despite Dean’s professional skepticism, the area hit a record 60.1 degrees on Sunday, proving that sometimes the "mama" instinct beats the radar.

[00:07:55] – Breaking News: Iran’s New "Lightweight" Leader The team reviews reports of Mojtaba Khamenei being named the successor to his assassinated father. They discuss President Trump’s blunt assessment of the 56-year-old as a "lightweight" and the reports that the new leader was wounded in recent Israeli strikes.

[01:06:50] – Lindsey Graham: "Religious Nazis" and "Free Cuba" In a series of animated clips from Sunday Morning Futures, Senator Lindsey Graham argues that taking down the Iranian regime is the "best money ever spent" and shockingly signals that the "liberation of Cuba" is next on the agenda.

[01:17:50] – The Spuds’ Epic Double-OT Comeback A play-by-play recap of the Moorhead Spuds' miraculous recovery from a 3-0 deficit against Minnetonka. From Zach Zimmerman’s last-second equalizer to Evan Wanner’s walk-off goal, the hosts celebrate the Section 8 dominance.

[01:25:35] – Pickleball, Tap Walls, and Brick Ovens John Norberg, owner of Quartz and Pints, joins the show to discuss transforming an old Family Fair into a massive indoor pickleball hub featuring self-service tap walls and a pizza oven imported from Italy.

[01:32:15] – The "Soul Identity" and the Five Second Rule Mariah Prussia discusses her new "Soul Identity Journal" and launches into a passionate defense of natural immunity, arguing that modern life is too sanitized and that children actually need to "eat a little dirt" to build antibodies.

[01:49:00] – SEAL Talk: Seizing the Stockpile Former Navy SEAL Jack Carr weighs in on the tactical reality of "boots on the ground," explaining why special operations would likely aim to destroy rather than seize nuclear facilities to avoid the "mission creep" seen in previous decades.