Archives: Episodes

Abby sits down with community leaders from Dakota Medical Foundation, Mark Knutson’s Shoes for Kids Legacy Fund, and Scheels to explore the heart behind Giving Hearts Day.

You’ll hear how a grassroots idea launched in 2008 has grown into a regional day of impact supporting more than 600 nonprofits across North Dakota and Northwest Minnesota. From creative business partnerships and treadmill challenges to discreetly putting shoes on the feet of kids who need them most, this conversation highlights the many ways individuals, businesses, and nonprofits collaborate to do real good.

Whether you’re new to Giving Hearts Day or a longtime supporter, this episode will leave you inspired by stories of generosity, legacy, and the belief that when a community shows up together, the impact lasts far beyond a single day.

The Jay Thomas Show from Monday February 2nd, 2026.  Guests include Tony Gehrig and your calls and emails.

In this action-packed Thursday edition of Bonnie & Friends, Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman celebrate a "bonus 24 hours" after Jace realizes he didn't actually miss his dad’s 75th birthday. As the Red River Valley prepares for the coldest day of the week, the duo delivers critical updates on a high-stakes legal battle over North Dakota term limits and the official detection of the emerald ash borer in Fargo. The sports world is equally busy, with the Super Bowl 60 matchup officially set between the Seahawks and the Patriots, and a historic home-winning streak snapped on the college hardwood. Later, the team welcomes Steph Ressler from Churches United to discuss the organization's incredible recovery and their $1 million goal for the upcoming Giving Hearts Day.

Key Moments

• The Birthday Panic: Jace recounts a stressful morning where he thought he’d missed his father’s 75th birthday, only to realize it was Thursday, not Friday—granting him a much-needed "extra day" in a long week.

• Super Bowl 60 Set: The NFL playoffs conclude with the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots securing their spots in Santa Clara, setting up a legendary rematch a decade after their infamous goal-line battle.

• Fargo’s Ash Tree Alert: NDSU Extension horticulturist Don Kinsler confirms the arrival of the emerald ash borer in Fargo, advising residents to watch for woodpecker activity as the first sign of an infested tree.

• Churches United’s Mission of Hope: Steph Ressler shares how the community helped the shelter dig out of a $1 million deficit, highlighting their new "Silver Lining" apartments for seniors—the fastest-growing homeless population.

• Groundhog Day Anticipation: With Groundhog Day falling on Monday, the team debates whether Punxsutawney Phil will see his shadow, while Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki promises a "February thaw" regardless of the rodent's prediction.

• TSA's Unusual Finds: The hosts review the most bizarre security discoveries of the year, from replica bombs in Boise to travelers attempting to smuggle ten turtles in their pants.

• Agriculture Insights: Ag Director Bridgette Readel discusses "short stature corn" hybrids that increase stability and carbon storage, and warns backyard flock owners about the dangers of using frozen eggs.

• The Soup Judging Circuit: Bonnie and the Coffee Club crew recap a successful soup contest at the Moorhead American Legion, raving about a "Marry Me Chicken" entry and Steve Barron’s winning traditional Nefla soup.

The Coffee Club from Monday February 2nd, 2026.  Guests include Patrick Plowman from Discount Tire.

This morning, the Hockey Guys studio is a "full house" as the legends gather to talk puck, pedigree, and the home stretch of the college hockey season. With "Crazy Eddie" back from probation and a special appearance by "Spudnik" Steve Christian, the crew dives into a masterclass of hockey history centered on the legendary Warroad-Hibbing connection. From the 1956 silver in Cortina to the strategic masterstrokes of the 1980 "Miracle on Ice," this episode is a treasure trove for anyone who bleeds green and white.

The episode features a powerhouse interview with USA Hockey Hall of Famer and CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia. The conversation bridges the gap between the "old school" days of Grand Rapids titles and the modern "wild west" of NIL deals and the transfer portal. Whether they're debating the merits of the Kardashian sisters versus the Christian brothers or breaking down the influx of Canadian Major Junior players into the NCAA, the Hockey Guys deliver the definitive word on the state of the game.

Key Moments

• The Christian Family Legacy Steve Christian and Eddie Christian swap incredible stories about their fathers—Gordon "Guinea" and Bill Christian—who paved the way for American hockey. A highlight includes the backstory of how Gordon convinced Herb Brooks to move David Christian to defense for the 1980 Olympic team, a move that arguably secured the gold.

• Commissioner Lucia on the "New Path" CCHA Commissioner Don Lucia joins the show to discuss the recent NCAA rule change allowing Canadian Major Junior (CHL) players to join college ranks. Lucia predicts this will create unprecedented depth in college hockey, making it a primary development route for 19- and 20-year-olds eyeing the NHL.

• NIL and the Transfer Portal The guys tackle the "dead horse" of NIL money. Lucia offers a candid take on the system, expressing a desire to see transfers limited to one move per player to prevent teams from being picked apart, using Bemidji’s loss of Eric Polkamp to Denver as a prime example.

• Intermission with "Ham’s Beer" Between scores, the crew investigates the "Christian genetics" behind the family’s signature missing front teeth, leading to a hilarious debate about whether the show should have booked the Kardashians instead of the Warroad legends.

• Big Ten & NCHC Shakeups A breakdown of the previous night’s scores: Minnesota’s 4-1 upset over number eight Wisconsin, Denver’s narrow victory over Duluth, and Michigan’s dominance over Ohio State. The guys discuss how the "top 16" are beginning to level off as the postseason looms.

• The Memorial Cup vs. NCAA Proposal The show wraps up with a bold proposal for a crossover championship series between the NCAA winner and the Memorial Cup champion, envisioning a multi-game series that would sell out every major rink across the U.S. and Canada.

• A "Great Clips" Controversy Producer Addison Logee takes some heat for his new haircut, leading to a discussion on hair donation, "small bowl" techniques, and Addison’s status as a "million bucks Canadian."

The Jay Thomas Show from Friday January 30th, 2026.

What does it really take to make a downtown welcoming for families, kids, and caregivers alike? In this special episode of Rocky’s Downtown Hour, guest host Taylor Syvertson steps in to explore how Downtown Fargo is becoming a place where families can truly learn, grow, play, and belong.

Taylor sits down with community leaders from the YMCA of the Northern Sky, Folkways, the Fargo Public Library, and United Way of Cass-Clay, each sharing how their organizations help create meaningful, accessible experiences for families year-round—even in the heart of winter.

From swim lessons that save lives and camps that build confidence, to vibrant community markets, cozy library storytimes, and magical downtown moments seen through a child’s eyes, this episode is a heartfelt celebration of community as a co-parent. The conversation also highlights Giving Hearts Day, reminding listeners how generosity fuels access, opportunity, and belonging for kids and families across the region.

Whether you’re a parent, a caregiver, or simply someone who loves this community, this episode is a warm reminder that a family-friendly downtown doesn’t just happen—it’s built together, one experience at a time.

In this Friday edition of Bonnie & Friends, Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman guide listeners through the final hours of a brutal Arctic cold snap. While the morning begins at a bone-chilling 12 below zero, Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki offers a light at the end of the tunnel: a "February thaw" with temperatures potentially reaching the 30s next week. The team recaps a massive comeback win for the Minnesota Wild and a statement victory for the Timberwolves against Oklahoma City. Between stories of 72-hour tree-hugging marathons and bizarre TSA finds, the duo highlights the community spirit of "Freezin' for a Reason" and checks in with NDSU horticulturist Don Kinsler regarding the arrival of the emerald ash borer in Fargo.

Key Moments

• The Great Warm-Up: Dean Wysocki predicts that after a "goose egg" high on Friday, the region will see a dramatic swing into the 20s and 30s, though he warns that the LRC cycle suggests a stormier February is right around the corner.

• Wild Shootout & Wolves Upswing: Jace celebrates the Minnesota Wild's 17th win in 18 games against Chicago and the Timberwolves' impressive 123-111 victory over the defending champ Thunder, led by Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.

• Emerald Ash Borer Alert: Don Kinsler confirms that the invasive emerald ash borer has officially been detected in Fargo, advising residents to look for woodpecker activity as a key sign of infestation.

• Freezin' for a Reason: The Moorhead American Legion kicks off its fifth annual fundraiser for homeless veterans, featuring a "Puzzle, Pizza, and Beer" contest and live music from the Front Fenders.

• Bizarre Airport Discoveries: The team reviews TSA’s most unusual finds of the year, including a traveler in Boise who tried to fly with a replica C4 explosive made of PVC pipes and wooden blocks.

• Record-Breaking Hug: Bonnie shares the story of a 22-year-old woman in Kenya who set a world record by hugging a tree for 72 consecutive hours to raise environmental awareness.

• Shopping in the "New Normal": Listeners weigh in on how high prices have changed their habits, from ditching brand-name sodas to shopping at Aldi and the "Asian American Market" to save on meat and produce.

• Friday Food Fight: The debate over "take and bake" versus delivery pizza gets heated, with Bonnie revealing her controversial preference for frozen pizza over both.

The Coffee Club from Friday January 30th, 2026.  Guests include Darla and Cora from Fargo Area Fastpitch, Curtis Johnson, Shane Bertrand and Wes Anderson.

The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday January 29th, 2026.  Guest Host Jason Berg fills in on a variety of topics.