Archives: Episodes

🔥 Episode Summary 

On today’s episode of Weather & Ag In Focus, host Dean Wysocki and guest host Bill Hjel dive deep into the skies — literally — with John Dean, CEO of Windborne Systems. They explore how high-tech, globe-circling weather balloons could transform everything from hurricane forecasting to ag planning in the Red River Valley. Plus, a fun grocery giveaway, sugar beet stories, and a sneak peek into the future of meteorology powered by AI.

Whether you're a farmer watching the sky or a weather nerd chasing storms, this episode blends tech, ag, and atmosphere into one fascinating forecast!

✨ Catchy Highlights & Key Moments

💧 [0:00] — "You Brought the Rain!"
Dean and Bill open with a look at the much-needed rainfall in the valley and how the current storm fits into the LRC (Lezak Recurring Cycle). Spoiler: it's not just a million-dollar rain anymore — it's billion.

🌩️ [2:00] — What’s Coming Weather-Wise
Dean breaks down the forecast: rain, sun, and weekend heat with mid-90s temps. Expect a soggy pattern until early July.

🚀 [10:05] — Meet Windborne: Balloons That Don’t Pop
John Dean joins the show to share how his company’s smart weather balloons stay aloft for weeks, collecting atmospheric data from around the world — especially over oceans where data is scarce.

🎈 [13:40] — Have They Been Shot Down?
Nope — but Windborne takes international airspace seriously. John explains why these lightweight, satellite-connected balloons fly under the radar (literally and legally).

🤖 [24:57] — AI vs. Old School Forecasting
Dean and John debate human meteorology vs. AI models. Windborne’s AI system, WeatherMesh, is topping accuracy charts — but Dean reminds us to never trust just one model (weather is still an art and a science!).

📌 Episode Summary (Apple/Spotify Style):

In this meaty episode of The Jay Thomas Show, Jay and Ronnie serve up hot opinions, sizzling steakhouse stories, and a fiery debate over West Fargo's controversial short-term rental ordinance. From grill-master secrets and foodie bucket lists to navigating a tornado warning live on air — it’s the ultimate Midwest mix of local politics, weather drama, and ribeye rants.

Listeners get an earful on:

• Why saunas might beat flu shots

• The Airbnb debate rocking West Fargo

• Jay’s all-time favorite steak bites

• Food challenges from around the region

• Live severe weather updates with Dean Wysocki

• And the craziest burger ever: The Stellanator

It’s news, views, and BBQs — all in a day’s work on the Jay Thomas Show.

⏱️ Standout Timestamps:

• [0:00] — Sauna > flu shot? Jay and Vinny kick things off with some Hot Spring Spas love.

• [1:04] — Hot tubs, heart health, and longevity: Jay’s health rant with real sauna stats.

• [5:28] — The Red Wing Shoes shout-out & best orthotics in town.

• [7:17] — Short-term rental showdown: Airbnb restrictions ignite debate in West Fargo.

• [10:01] — Grand Forks classic “Italian Moon” is closing. Local icon alert! 🚨

• [14:42] — Jay’s steakhouse confessions: where to find the best bites and the biggest disappointments.

• [23:55] — The Stellanator Burger: 6 patties, 12 bacon strips, peanut butter, and a death wish.

• [30:54] — “Steak Bites vs. the Economy”: local inflation, food value & Jay’s meat-buying philosophy.

• [43:46] — Tornado Warning LIVE: Dean Wysocki’s weather coverage hits full force.

• [50:24] — Back to the Airbnb battle: Calls from owners, residents, and Commissioner Rory Jorgensen.

• [1:08:17] — Why this ordinance may be unconstitutional — big warnings from Airbnb staff.

• [1:28:19] — The “fake cop” shooter story: Real mask, real horror, real fast coverage.

• [1:31:41] — 🛒 Great Grocery Giveaway: Listener beats the record with a 12-second call-in!

✨ Episode Summary:

In this raw and real episode of Define the Fight, we meet Cassie Kozelski — an alpha female, fierce advocate, and founder of Beth’s Place, a recovery center rooted in compassion, structure, and second chances. Cassie opens up about the deeply personal journey that inspired her mission: losing her mother to alcoholism and channeling that pain into purpose.

Together, the host and Cassie explore what addiction really looks like from the inside out — not just for those struggling, but for families, friends, and communities. You’ll hear about the trauma behind addiction, the science of substance use, and the healing power of being seen — not just treated.

This one’s for the fighters, the caretakers, the ones who show up strong but hurt silently, and the folks who know it’s time to break the cycle.

🔥 Episode Highlights & Timestamps:

• (0:00) Welcome & introduction to the concept: Everyone has a fight.

• (1:15) “People can look successful while dying inside.” 💔 Cassie reflects on hiding her own trauma.

• (2:15) Cassie shares her mom's story — battling addiction after gastric bypass, and her tragic passing at 52.

• (4:45) “Hyper-focus isn’t healing.” How overachievement can be a trauma response.

• (5:59) What actually works in addiction treatment? Cassie gets real about residential vs. outpatient care.

• (8:01) Why structure after treatment is essential to prevent relapse.

• (10:15) Inside Beth’s Place: a sensory-safe, welcoming environment where healing begins.

• (13:05) Meth vs. Alcohol: Cassie breaks down the neurological and behavioral differences in addiction types.

• (16:50) “Detachment from self” — the common root Cassie sees in most addictions.

• (18:35) The modern war: addiction, disassociation, and disconnection in a digital age.

• (22:56) Healing in action: helping clients rebuild lives, credit scores, and self-worth.

• (24:37) Cassie’s personal growth through loss, motherhood, and entrepreneurship.

• (26:17) The weight of the “alpha” — when strong people carry too much for too long.

• (30:23) The ask we all need to make: "How can I help you?" 💬

• (33:00) Building a healing-driven team that walks the talk.

• (35:07) Stop waiting. “Marriage won't make you whole — healing will.”

• (37:23) Final message: “Slow down. Connect with yourself. We only get one life.”

Episode Description (for Apple/Spotify):
In this jam-packed and refreshingly real episode, Ronnie and Bonnie take you on a ride from breaking news and chilling headlines to feel-good community events and quirky food debates. They unpack the tragic Minnesota shooting that shook the weekend, with updates on the suspect and implications for state and federal charges (0:00). Then they shift gears with comforting chats about new Italian eats in West Fargo, the surprising truth behind taco personalities, and why quicksand isn't as terrifying as Gilligan's Island made it seem. Stick around for delightful myth-busting (from Twinkies to twisters), a warm welcome to small biz Ziti’s (1:06:00), and food talk that ranges from cannoli dreams to guacamole disagreements. A must-listen if you're craving a mix of serious, silly, and sausage-stuffed realness.

🎧 Standout Moments with Timestamps:

• 0:00 – 8:31 — Breaking News: Shocking shooting of Minnesota lawmakers, suspect caught, and a discussion on public safety and law enforcement alerts.

• 13:25 – 16:59 — Deep Dive: "What's one question you wish more people would ask you?" An insightful conversation about personal connection, heritage, and storytelling.

• 20:28 – 27:47 — Movie Myth busting: Do Twinkies survive the apocalypse? Can quicksand really kill you? Is 10% of your brain all you use? Spoiler: Hollywood lied.

• 36:43 – 41:27 — The Great Taco Debate: What your Mexican food choice says about your personality—tacos, burritos, tamales, and more.

• 1:06:00 – 1:29:00 — Small Business Spotlight: Meet the founders of Ziti’s, a new Italian eatery in West Fargo! They dish on lasagna, tiramisu cheesecake, and secret family stories baked into the walls.

• 1:30:00 – end — Animal Myths and Weather Shenanigans: From daddy longlegs to dove love, plus a thunderstorm forecast and funny pet stories.

🎯 Vibe:
Laid-back, informative, local-centric with a Midwestern twist. Great for fans of morning radio banter, true crime headlines, foodie finds, and community goodness.

📝 Podcast Summary (for Apple/Spotify):

In this powerful and deeply informed episode of Heroes of the Heartland, Master Sergeant Eric Marts takes listeners straight to the frontlines—both literal and political—of today's global conflicts. With signature grit and patriotism, Eric unpacks Israel’s stunning covert strike on Iran, exposing the intelligence feats behind it, the regional shockwaves it caused, and what it means for U.S. forces and American security.

From Mossad luring top Iranian leaders into a fatal meeting, to Iran’s retaliatory drone failures, to comparisons with Ukraine’s deep strikes into Russia—Eric lays it all out with clarity and conviction. He also brings it home, warning of vulnerabilities at U.S. military bases and the risks of Chinese infiltration and domestic complacency.

A can't-miss episode for anyone who cares about national defense, foreign affairs, and what it means to stay vigilant in a volatile world.

🇺🇸 “Freedom doesn’t come free—and neither does safety.”

⏱️ Standout Moments with Timestamps:

• (0:00) – Patriotic opening & mission of Heroes of the Heartland

• (1:15) – The global spotlight: Tensions flaring between Israel and Iran

• (2:23) – Israel’s surprise strike: What was hit and how

• (8:05) – 🇮🇱 Mossad’s masterstroke: Luring Iran’s nuclear elite into a trap

• (11:21) – Secret drone factories inside Iran? Smuggled tech revealed

• (18:08) – Why Iran’s nuclear program is unlike any other: fanaticism vs deterrence

• (20:47) – 🌍 Global ripple effects: How China and Russia may be next in line

• (27:40) – Ukraine’s covert strikes on Russia mirror Israel’s boldness

• (31:20) – Domestic vulnerability: Chinese “rentals” near U.S. airbases

• (42:53) – 🧨 180,000 rounds of ammo intercepted—what it says about cartel coordination inside America

• (46:54) – Final call to action: “We must secure our nation.”

🔗 Listen now on WDAYradioNow.com or wherever you get your podcasts!

The traditional image of American ranching is evolving, with women like Haley Robison and Sheridan Visser leading the charge. Their stories reveal how determination, innovation, and community support are transforming agricultural businesses across the heartland.

Haley's journey from helping on her family's ranch to establishing Dry Creek Red Angus showcases the methodical path to building a respected cattle operation. Beginning with just three heifers in high school, she's now producing thirty-plus registered bulls annually through careful genetic selection and advanced reproductive technologies. Her focus on creating efficient, moderate-framed females that thrive in North Dakota's challenging environment demonstrates the scientific precision modern ranchers bring to their breeding programs.

Meanwhile, these entrepreneurial ranchers identified an opportunity to transform a byproduct of their beef production into something valuable. Holy Cow Tallow began as a solution for sensitive skin issues but quickly grew into a thriving business with retail locations across multiple states. Their whipped tallow lotion and natural sunscreen harness the healing properties of beef suet, rich in vitamins A, D, E, and K that naturally complement the human skin barrier.

What truly distinguishes these women is their ability to balance multiple enterprises while raising young families. With children as young as six already actively participating in ranch work, they're nurturing the sixth generation on land established in 1907. Their husbands are equal partners in these endeavors, with Max even running his own custom leather business shipping nationwide.

This model of diversification, embracing both traditional practices and innovative product development, offers a blueprint for sustainable rural businesses. By integrating cattle production, value-added products, and committed community networks, these women demonstrate how modern agriculture can thrive through female leadership and entrepreneurship.

Ready to experience the healing benefits of beef tallow products made by real ranchers? Visit Holy Cow Tallow on Facebook or Instagram @HolyCowND to discover their all-natural skincare line.

Follow at www.americalandauctioneer.com and on Instagram & Facebook

Contact the team at Pifer's

The Jay Thomas Show from Friday June 13th, 2025.  Guests include Tim Flakoll, ND Rep. Mike Nathe, Jesse Jahner, Jake Joraanstad, Adam Volz and  ND Rep. Scott Wagner

Today's guest is Dr. Patti Senn from the Soul Solutions Recovery Center!

Be sure to like and follow us on our Weather And Ag In Focus Facebook page.

You can watch WAG on Acres TV and YouTube.

You can listen to our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are streamed.

📝 Episode Summary

Bonnie & Friends bring you a Father’s Day weekend special packed with laughs, local headlines, unpredictable weather, and one very important question: "We're going on a road trip… what are you bringing?" 😄

From flash flood warnings in Minnesota to softball-throwing protesters and an 89-year-old blind vet catching crappies in 40-mph winds, this show has it all.

Plus: it's Friday the 13th, and the crew digs into why this day freaks people out — hotels with no 13th floors, spooky movie trivia, and a whole lot of laughs. 👻🎬

🧨 Episode Highlights

🎧 00:00 – Welcome & Weather

• Bonnie kicks off the show with a chilly forecast — cloudy, breezy, and a high of only 63°F. Light drizzle in the FM area; torrential downpours south of Minnesota with flash flood warnings.

• Dean Wysocki (Chief Meteorologist) drops in multiple times with updates. “Crappy, crappy, crappy today,” he says, summing it up perfectly.

🚨 08:10 – Local News Buzz

• A former NDSU football player sentenced to federal prison for drug trafficking.

• Fargo won’t be getting a water park, following a messy developer fallout.

• A hit-and-run in Dilworth has police searching for a maroon minivan.

• Italian Moon, a beloved Grand Forks pizzeria, to close after 60 years 😢.

🚓 14:50 – National Crime & Drama

• Mass shooting suspect arrested in Minnesota.

• 900 lbs of meth seized from a Burnsville storage locker in a bust tied to a Minneapolis restaurant raid.

• A protester arrested for throwing a softball at officers. Not a softball story… but a story with a softball.

🎣 45:00 – Outdoor Vibes

• Steve Carney joins to talk Father’s Day weekend fishing and a special veteran’s trip with 89-year-old Merlin from Dilworth.

• Despite wind and rain, they caught beautiful crappies. “Smile said it all,” Bonnie notes.

⚾ 58:30 – Sports Recap (with Jace Denman)

• Twins got demolished again (16-3 loss).

• FM Redhawks snagged a 9–6 win vs KC Monarchs.

• U.S. Open: Tom Hoge off to a rocky start, sitting 79th.

• NHL Stanley Cup: Edmonton Oilers staged a stunning comeback win to tie the series 2-2.

• NBA Finals: Indiana Pacers lead the series 2–1 over OKC. Game 4 tonight!

🧃 01:14:00 – Friday Fun: Road Trip Essentials 🚗

• Today’s question of the morning: “We’re going on a road trip — what are you bringing?”

• Listener answers ranged from Snackleboxes and Red Licorice to Cheetos, deer sticks, and “companionship.”

• Bonnie shares the ultimate truth: “If it’s more than 2 hours, I’m packing snacks. Even if it’s to my mom’s house.”

🧟 01:50:00 – Friday the 13th Fun (and Fear)

• They dive into fear of the number 13, spooky coincidences, and movie trivia.

• Bonnie drops the shocking fact that many airports and buildings skip Gate/Floor 13.

• Mel Brooks' “Spaceballs 2” teased! Coming in 2027.

🎤 02:05:00 – Flag Day Celebration Preview 🇺🇸

• Huge WDAY Flag Day event: Free lunch for veterans, law enforcement, and first responders from 11AM–1PM.

• Deb Sagvold to sing the National Anthem. Color Guard salute. Free hats and giveaways galore.

🎉 02:15:00 – Great Grocery Giveaway!

• Listener Cody Warlinger of Fargo wins a shot at $10,000 in groceries!

• Reminder: Sign up at WDAYRadioNow.com to qualify.

It’s a Father’s Day fiesta on Rocky’s Downtown Hour! In this special Friday the 13th edition, host Rocky Schneider dives into a jam-packed episode celebrating dads, burgers, and big downtown happenings. First up: Aaron Hill from the Fargo Park Board joins to preview the much-anticipated reopening of Island Park Pool, complete with lazy rivers, high dives, and the adrenaline-pumping “fly time” slide. Next, Sergeant Jacob Maahs from the Fargo Police Department swings by to hype up the upcoming Community Picnic—blue donuts, bouncy houses, and yes, a dunk tank. Finally, Victor Heitkamp of the Business Improvement District shares what really keeps downtown Fargo looking fresh, from secret cleanups to 100,000 pounds of trash removed a year (yep, really).

All that plus vintage markets, burger battles, and a stained glass walleye? You betcha. Tune in to this heartfelt, high-energy tour through everything that makes downtown Fargo—and its dads—so special.