🎧 Listen & Subscribe
Find The Jay Thomas Show on Apple Podcasts and Spotify for bold talk, local insight, and Jay's unfiltered takes on Fargo's biggest headlines.
🧵 Episode Summary
Jay Thomas dives headfirst into a whirlwind of topics shaking up Fargo: escalating street violence, a fractured city leadership, controversial policing decisions, and, yes—plenty of thunder in the skies and the studio.
The episode kicks off with a hot tub ad and a lightning-fast update on broken phone lines in the studio, but quickly transitions to hard-hitting coverage of two major shootings in downtown Fargo. With emotions running high, Jay and his guests critique the city's response, particularly from Police Chief Dave Zabolski and Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney.
What follows is a blistering, passionate community reckoning, filled with listener emails, phone texts, and commentary questioning Fargo's leadership during crisis. Jay calls for change, transparency, and local leadership that knows the streets.
Also on the docket:
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WeFest weather warnings ⛈️
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A serious nostalgia trip about 70s McDonald's Happy Meals 🍔
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A legendary burger cook-off 🍔🏆
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And one of the best dad jokes in podcast history 🦎
🕓 Standout Moments with Timestamps
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[2:10] – Breaking news: downtown shootings and press conference fallout.
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[5:13] – Interview recap with Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney on the city’s shaky handling.
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[10:31] – Jay questions why police phones failed during crisis.
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[17:10] – Public safety fears: Who's in charge when chaos erupts?
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[19:15] – Jay proposes replacing the police chief—“It’s time.”
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[26:12] – Wysocki’s weather forecast for WeFest: hot, humid, and stormy.
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[33:25] – Full replay of Scott Hennen’s interview with Mayor Mahoney: frank, raw, revealing.
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[45:00] – Press conference strategy breakdown—Who should lead? Who’s to blame?
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[47:45] – News Director Ken Duffy joins live for a detailed post-press conference report.
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[52:00] – Heated debate: mayor vs. police chief vs. the people.
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[1:00:05] – Calls to clean house at city hall and police department grow louder.
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[1:27:16] – Phones still down—Jay goes full old-school radio with email and text-only commentary.
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[1:43:17] – Surprise nostalgia bomb: McDonald’s adult Happy Meals & Hamburgler flashbacks.
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[1:59:38] – Dad Joke of the Day: “Why don’t lizards go on dates? Reptile dysfunction.” 💥🦎
👥 Guests & Contributors
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Dean Wysocki – WDAY Chief Meteorologist
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Ken Duffy – WDAY News Director
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Dr. Tim Mahoney – Mayor of Fargo (via Scott Hennen interview)
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Scott Hennen – Host of “What’s On Your Mind” radio show
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Commissioner Dave Piepcorn – Fargo City Commissioner
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Michelle Turnberg – Fargo City Commissioner (referenced)
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Ciandre Douglas – Arrested suspect in multiple shootings
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Tyreek Patrick Jones – At-large suspect in downtown shootings
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Clay County Sheriff Mark Emting – Burger contest winner 🏆
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Chris Larson – Producer & text-line setup wizard
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Jessica Schindeldecker – Former PIO, Fargo PD (mentioned)
📬 Audience Reactions
🔥 "Fargo leadership is broken."
🔥 "Our public safety protocols are failing."
🔥 "Bring back transparency—and real street leadership!"
Listener emails and texts flooded the show with personal stories, frustration, and even a few burger recipe requests. Jay’s inbox—and tone—are anything but calm.
✨ Takeaway Quote
“You’ve got to be honest with the public. If bullets are flying downtown Fargo, don’t tell us everything’s fine. That’s not leadership.” — Jay Thomas
📱 Stay Connected
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Email: studio@wdayradionow.com