Archives: Episodes

📝 Episode Summary:
Broadcasting live with a heatwave across the Midwest and smoke in the skies, Weather and Ag in Focus takes you on a whirlwind tour of drought damage, popcorn farming in North Dakota, and what fertilizer and pollinators have in common.

Special guest Justin Halverson joins to talk about his rare and fascinating venture: growing popcorn in Sheldon, ND! Plus, Bridgette previews her big Baltic Field Day appearance, and Dean offers weather insights and fun Midwest trivia — including why people in Wishak, ND pronounce it Vishak (yes, really).

⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps:

[00:01:00] – ☀️ Storms & Derecho Damage
Dean recaps last night’s 90+ mph winds in Iowa & Minnesota. Corn is down, grain bins destroyed, and a South Dakota dairy had to relocate 15,000 cows overnight.

“How do you tell cows to just hold on a sec?!”

[00:15:45] – 🔧 Popcorn Farming in ND? Meet Justin Halverson
Justin shares how he started raising popcorn on 6 acres — and why it nearly filled a semi. He talks crop yields, planting adjustments, and how popcorn differs from field corn.

“We’re hand cleaning popcorn pans right now… still figuring out the food safety side.”

[00:35:00] – 🍿 Taste Test & Market Dreams
Justin hopes to sell locally in stores and online, but jokes about needing time to build a packaging setup between all his other farm duties.

“Right now, it’s just local, homegrown, hand-packed popcorn.”

[00:53:10] – 🌽 Popcorn vs Field Corn: What’s Different?

• Shorter stalks

• Needs less moisture

• Can’t be dried the same way

“If it’s too wet, it won’t pop right.”

[01:06:30] – 🌾 North Dakota Crops Update
Justin shares that his corn and canola are looking solid despite local storm damage. Beans? Too early to call.

“We had 3 inches of rain and standing water. Drainage matters more than ever.”

[01:14:00] – 🏛️ Corn Growers & D.C. Lobbying
Justin discusses his past service on the North Dakota Corn Growers Board and the importance of speaking directly to lawmakers.

“More and more, our elected officials have no ag background. That’s why we have to go.”

[01:23:00] – 🌫️ Weather Outlook & Smoke Forecast
Expect upper 70s through Friday, with smoke thickening midweek and southerly winds blowing it in. Isolated storms possible this weekend.

[01:35:00] – 💻 Cybersecurity for Farmers
Guest Chris Sherman (live from Hefty Field Day) discusses protecting agribusinesses from digital threats — yes, farmers need cybersecurity too.

[01:43:00] – 🐝 Pollinator Myths Busted
Bridgette explains that dandelions aren’t ideal for bees, despite popular belief. Instead, plant milkweed, mint, or roses for better pollination support.

[01:49:00] – 🚢 Barges on the Mississippi
Bridgette has a “never-seen-before” moment witnessing barge movement on the Mississippi — and gives a primer on U.S. fertilizer logistics.

“Potash from Canada takes 21–29 days to reach Minnesota!”

📍 Podcast Summary (Apple/Spotify Style):

On this fiery episode of The Jay Thomas Show, Jay dives into the heated debate surrounding the parole of convicted ax murderer David Brom, who brutally killed his family in 1988 and is now being released under Minnesota’s controversial new juvenile parole law. Senator Jordan Rasmussen (R–Fergus Falls) joins the show to sound the alarm on what he calls a “get out of jail free” bill that quietly passed during the 2023 legislative session.

But it’s not all crime and punishment — Jay and Dean Wysocki debate the new 80 MPH interstate speed limit in North Dakota, and listeners call in with their funniest (and most frustrating) speeding ticket stories, including one involving an '83 Chevette accused of hitting 83 MPH!

Then it’s culture war time: Jay slams the backlash against actress Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad campaign (“Great Jeans”), calling out the absurdity of people labeling it as “Nazi propaganda.”

🔥 It's a high-octane mix of politics, policing, pop culture, and a bit of good old-fashioned North Dakota radio grit.

👥 Featured Guest(s):

• Senator Jordan Rasmussen — Republican, Fergus Falls, MN

  Discusses the 2023 juvenile parole law and his opposition to the early release of David Brom.

⏱️ Standout Timestamps:

• 0:00 – 6:00 | Hot Tub Vinny makes a steamy case for year-round hydrotherapy.

• 6:00 – 8:30 | Brom’s crime resurfaces as parole news breaks; Jay previews his outrage.

• 13:00 – 17:00 | Listener stories: fighting speeding tickets with moms turned defense attorneys.

• 24:00 – 27:30 | Becky from West Fargo plans a baby shower; weather forecast with Dino.

• 30:00 – 45:00 | David Brom’s release dissected; Senator Rasmussen joins with fiery criticism.

• 51:00 – 59:00 | Callers demand tougher penalties and the return of the death penalty.

• 1:00:00 – 1:20:00 | In-depth discussion of parole board decisions and legislative failure.

• 1:24:00 – 1:30:00 | “Do sexy jeans ads equal Nazism?” Jay tackles woke outrage over Sydney Sweeney.

• 1:42:00 – 1:52:00 | Speed limits, tinted windows, and how ND fines are still the cheapest in the U.S.

• 1:59:00 – 2:00:00 | Namath wore pantyhose? Posters, old-school ads, and a nostalgic wrap-up.

🎧 Episode Summary (Apple/Spotify-Style)

It's a jam-packed Tuesday edition of The Coffee Club Show with Janae and Ronnie, featuring heartfelt community stories, laugh-out-loud games, and insightful guest interviews.

We kick things off with a hilarious convo about tequila (or lack thereof), dive into important news like smoke alerts and cashless venues, and reflect on inventions that might’ve done more harm than good. The episode features local nonprofit heroes from HIA (formerly Hospice of the Red River Valley), and snooze-worthy insights from Sean Hotchkiss of Snooze Mattress Company. Oh, and yes—we play Scattergories with Dean Wysocki (chaos ensues).

From heartfelt to hilarious, it’s your one-stop community chat packed with laughs, local news, and meaningful moments.

⏱️ Timestamps – Standout Moments

• 00:01:00 – Tequila Tuesday jokes & gas-station-grade tequila horror stories

• 00:05:30 – Guest: Tracy from HIA shares what "Hearts In Action" is all about

• 00:14:40 – Listener love for Scattergories: it's game day!

• 00:25:20 – Odd meats that are now illegal in the U.S. 🍖

• 00:32:00 – The big shift: Alerus Center goes cashless 💳

• 00:43:15 – Local bar fire devastates a small town – rebuilding hopes

• 00:47:50 – Hector Airport’s $47M parking ramp opens + skybridge plans

• 00:51:15 – MN air quality alert – smoke doesn’t respect borders

• 00:59:00 – Community chatter: What you gotta do before summer ends 🌞

• 01:12:10 – New laws in effect Aug 1 – speed limit updates, cell phone bans

• 01:19:15 – Scattergories with Dean Wysocki gets absolutely chaotic 😂

• 01:40:00 – Guest: Sean from Snooze Mattress – sleep tech, massage chairs & CPAPs 🛏️

• 01:57:30 – Inventions that actually made life worse (hint: fast food, social media)

• 02:03:00 – Guest: HIA returns to discuss rural care, new facility, heirlooms store

• 02:32:00 – Did You Know trivia time: Wire hanger conspiracy, candy habits & thunder phobia

• 02:47:10 – What you don’t legally have to say when pulled over by police 🚔

👥 Guest List

• 🎙️ Tracy & Brenda – HIA (Hearts in Action)

  • Talking rural care, hospice support, and their heirlooms thrift store

• 🛏️ Sean Hotchkiss – Snooze Mattress Company

  • Sleep wellness, massage chairs, and hilarious CPAP tales

• 🌦️ Dean Wysocki – WDAY Meteorologist

  • Participates in Scattergories & offers up-to-the-minute forecasts

📍 Mentions & Local Highlights

• HIA’s new facility in South Fargo

• JJ’s Hog Roast & Olee’s Ride – community fundraisers

• Snooze Mattress: Veteran-owned, tech-forward comfort

• Scattergories mayhem: “Paint by numbers” vs “Poodle-oo”

• LED lights, plastic, and fast food – enemy of society?

• Where is all the wire hanger supply going? 🧐

📝 Episode Description:
It’s a scorcher in the Midwest, and Jason Berg is live at Midtown Tavern for another high-octane episode of Track Talk. From roasting in the July heat to roasting himself for forgetting his laptop, Jason brings you a candid, colorful ride through the world of dirt track racing.

This week’s spotlight shines on rising GenX Late Model driver Alex Tschakert, who shares his dirt roots, racing journey, and why his throwback-style car is a nod to family tradition. Jason also unpacks his wild race weekend filled with miscommunications, crashes, near fires (!), and a top-3 finish he’s proud of — even if it almost cooked him.

⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps:

[00:00] – 🍕 Live from Midtown Tavern
Jason sets the scene with cheese specials, Busch Light buckets, and old-school racing memories.

[06:45] – 🌪️ NASCAR, Tornadoes & Dirt Tracks
Recaps of the NASCAR Brickyard race, plus local racers dodging tornados at tracks like Watertown and Rice Lake.

[13:20] – 🏁 Alex Tschakert Interview Begins
GenX Late Model driver Alex Tschakert shares how he grew up at the track, raced karts with the Hendricksons, and transitioned through Sport Mods and Midwest Modifieds.

[22:55] – 🔧 Why GenX Late Models?
Alex explains why the GenX class fit his driving style and how family influence played a big part in his decision.

[32:40] – 🛠️ Team Behind the Driver
Alex gives shoutouts to his dad, friends, brother, and sponsors like Giant Sunflower Seeds and Skaliki Auto Repair.

[41:15] – 💬 Jason’s Race Weekend Madness
Seatbelt mishaps, trailer issues, near-misses on track, and...a puddle of spilled alcohol? Jason’s recap of a wild weekend is raw, hilarious, and relatable.

[59:30] – 🥉 First Podium in the 305 Sprint
Despite chaos, Jason pulls off a P2 heat win and a third-place feature finish — his first podium in the 305 Sprint division.

[1:14:10] – 🧼 Post-Race Reality Check
Jason reminds racers to keep cool, even in frustration:

“We’re not professional drivers, but kids are watching.”

[1:21:50] – 📅 Weekend Race Preview & Shoutouts
From Cheyenne to Greenbush, Jason previews upcoming races and highlights friends like Jory Berg, who won the Golden Hammer in Doyon.

[1:37:40] – 🎙️ Could Jason Be an Announcer?
After trying his hand at race announcing in Lisbon, Jason has newfound appreciation for regional legends like Rod Miller and Corey Litton — and wonders if this might be a new chapter.

🎙️ Episode Description:
It’s a hot and hazy Monday on Weather and Ag in Focus — and today, Dean and Bridgette hit the road to broadcast from the Kerr Auction Service retirement sale in Mount Sterling, IL. With high humidity (aka “corn sweat”) and severe weather looming in the Upper Midwest, the show tackles droughts, derechos, and dinner plans, while also spotlighting smart ag tech, summer interns, and fascinating trivia about John Deere tractors.

If you love weather nerdiness, crop talk, or old-school radio games, this episode has it all — plus two impressive students from MyAgData and a surprise garden tractor trivia winner!

⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps:

[00:00] – 🌽 Corn Sweat & Storm Tracks
Bridget sweats through Illinois humidity while Dean breaks down a potential derecho event headed for southern Minnesota and South Dakota.

“You could wring your shirt out — and that’s before noon.”

[09:15] – 🛠️ Kerr Auction Preview
Milwaukee & DeWalt tools, consignment sales, and used combines up for grabs.

[14:30] – ⚠️ Derecho Danger Explained
Dean explains how the LRC (Lezak Recurring Cycle) suggests this week’s pattern could repeat July/Aug-style severe weather.

“The ingredients are there — widespread wind damage is possible.”

[22:00] – 🥩 Trump’s Beef Deal with Australia
Listener asks about Trump’s claim on exporting U.S. beef to Australia. Bridgette explains the cultural and supply chain hurdles that’ll delay impact.

“They prefer grass-fed, we’re corn-fed. It’ll take some tastebud training.”

[30:00] – 👩‍💻 Meet the Interns: Leah & Carson from MyAgData
Two standout students share their experiences working on crop acreage reporting tech, including data wrangling, FSA submissions, and learning on the fly.

[51:45] – 🧠 Advice for Future Ag Leaders
Leah and Carson offer career tips, internship insights, and why even non-farm kids can succeed in ag tech.

[1:03:30] – 🚜 John Deere Trivia Time!
Listeners call in to guess the first year John Deere released the Model 110 garden tractor. Winner nails it: 1963.

“Congrats, Dave! Come get your National Weather Service-certified rain gauge!”

[1:17:00] – 🧠 John Deere Deep Dive
Dean shares fun tractor history:

• First turbocharged JD: 4520 (1969)

• First factory cab: 1949

• First with rubber tracks: 8000 series (1997)

[1:26:00] – 🧑‍🌾 Labor Shortage in Rural America
Bridgette breaks down why processing plants and farms are struggling to hire — and why automation isn’t always the answer.

📢 Episode Summary (Apple/Spotify Style):

Welcome to The Jay Thomas Show, where North Dakota meets raw opinion, wild headlines, and listener rants worth a Pulitzer (or maybe a Powerball ticket). In this laugh-out-loud, rant-packed episode, Jay tackles everything from flying projectiles at concerts to flying accusations over panhandlers’ cardboard signs.

🚨 Highlights include wild weather updates, rumors of Hollywood Burgers coming to Fargo, North Dakota's new 3% tax cap, outrageous concert moments (yes, someone threw a hammer at a Motley Crüe show), and a lively debate on cell phone bans in schools. Also: Vinny drops in to defend the honor of saunas, and “Big Game” James checks in live from Minnesota Vikings training camp.

Whether it's tornadoes in South Dakota or questionable guitar playing in West Fargo, this episode is a ride.

🕒 Timestamps & Standout Moments:

• 0:00 – 1:44 | Vinny on Saunas vs. Flu Shots
  Vinny from Hot Spring Spas joins Jay to argue that sitting in a sauna beats a flu shot any day. (And lowers stroke risk by 72%—who knew?!)

• 2:22 – 3:21 | Tornadoes Tear Through South Dakota
  Jay recaps scary storm footage and wonders: “Was that a derecho?”

• 5:38 – 8:48 | Burger Wars: Fargo’s Getting Hollywood Burgers?
  Jay investigates a rumor that Fargo’s fast food game is about to level up.

• 13:28 – 17:02 | Luke Bryan Gets Beaned with a Ball
  Chaos at the North Dakota State Fair! A fan clocks Luke Bryan with what may or may not have been a Nerf ball.

• 17:03 – 22:06 | Jay’s No-Fly Zone: Why Fans Keep Throwing Stuff on Stage
  Stories flood in about fans throwing hammers, shoes, and even bras. Remember: concerts ≠ dodgeball.

• 26:48 – 28:11 | Panhandler Sign of the Week: “Lost Sugar Mama Ice”
  Jay highlights creative panhandling signs from around Fargo and West Fargo.

• 33:54 – 37:06 | “Schultz Sucks” Banner & the Beer Can Incident
  A legendary baseball fan protest in North Dakota involving skywriting and a busted eyebrow.

• 41:08 – 47:02 | Kids & Panhandlers: How Far Is Too Far?
  Callers weigh in on panhandlers using kids for sympathy votes. One says, “It’s child abuse in the heat.”

• 52:46 – 53:56 | Panhandling & Fake Vets
  One caller busts a phony Vietnam vet with a cardboard sign: “Stolen valor is real.”

• 58:53 – 1:03:36 | Where Are All the Workers?
  Jay dives into why Gen Z won’t take retail, trades, or sales jobs — even at $70K+ a year.

• 1:08:21 – 1:14:39 | North Dakota’s Cell Phone Ban in Schools
  The new law banning student cell phone use from bell to bell sparks heated debate from parents and listeners alike.

• 1:19:32 – 1:26:14 | Big Game James Reports from Vikings Training Camp
  JJ McCarthy shows promise. Justin Jefferson looks sharp. Vikings camp gets real with full pads and deep dives on the O-line.

🎧 Featured Guests (Full Names & Roles):

• Vinny – Sauna & wellness expert from Hot Spring Spas & Pool Tables Too

• Big Game James McCarty – WDAY Sports Reporter, live from Minnesota Vikings Training Camp

• Dino – Jay’s longtime weather & banter sidekick

• Ronnie Lee – Co-host and snack-loving instigator

• John, Matt, Jim, Larry, Doreen, Danny, Melanie – Colorful callers (with hot takes on panhandlers, parenting, and pan-fried tuna)

🎯 Perfect For Fans Of:

Talk radio, local North Dakota news, unapologetic opinions, unpredictable callers, football, wild weather, and the occasional rant about overpriced gas or Nerf-ball-armed concertgoers.

📲 Listen Now on:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | iHeart | WDAYRadioNow.com

📝 Episode Description (Apple/Spotify style)

Kick off your week with Janae and Ronnie as they recap a weekend full of laughs, music, dunk tanks, ribs, and some seriously questionable life choices (spoiler alert: someone ate a poisonous snake). From McClusky Days hometown fame to viral pranks gone wrong, this episode serves up stories that are equal parts ridiculous and relatable.

They dive into the highs of Summer Blast at the Moorhead American Legion, the best BBQ in town (Misfits — we're lookin’ at you), and a bizarre viral arrest at Chuck E. Cheese. Plus: a heartfelt warning about scams, some marriage debate hilarity, and a ridiculous list of “things you should never buy generic” — cue underwear talk and scrub daddy confusion.

Then stick around for an exclusive Vikings training camp report with Big Game James and finish with a segment on pets that bond deeply (and one sad story about a bunny named Thumper 😢).

⏱️ Standout Moments & Timestamps

• 0:02:30 — Janae’s McClusky Days Parade Plans (and her dream of a “Home of Janae” sign)

• 0:06:40 — The “Lost Phone” Prank on Her Husband That Backfired

• 0:11:20 — Recapping Summer Blast at the Moorhead American Legion — BBQ, Toby Keith tribute, dunk tanks & more

• 0:25:15 — The viral arrest of Chuck E. Cheese… in costume. In front of kids. Oof.

• 0:29:00 — The “Publisher’s Clearing House” scam warning — what to watch out for

• 0:32:45 — Breaking news: Seven Brew Coffee opens in Moorhead!

• 0:36:30 — Pronunciation wars: “Croissant” — how do you say it?

• 0:41:00 — Snake-swallowing for $2.42?! (Yep. You read that right.)

• 0:48:10 — Question of the Day: How do YOU prep for a new work week?

• 0:55:00 — Things you should never buy generic — from toilet paper to cheese slices

• 1:10:00 — Pets that bond deeply with their owners… and a tragic tale of Janae’s pet bunny, Thumper 😔

• 1:19:45 — Viral TikTok math fail: a cashier gives back $160 change from a $100 bill

• 1:26:00 — Vikings Training Camp Update with Big Game James 🎯

👥 Guest Appearances

• Big Game James McCarty
  Live from Vikings training camp in Eagan, MN — James brings the latest updates on Justin Jefferson’s injury, QB McCarthy’s camp performance, and Josh Metellus’ big contract extension.

🔗 Listen to the Full Episode & Explore More

🎧 Listen now on wdayradionow.com

Or head to WDAY Radio for more local content and upcoming episodes!

Heroes of the Heartland from Sunday July 27th, 2025 NEWS UPDATES.

When a small town decides to dream big, extraordinary things happen. The Dakota Territory Car Club's annual car show and auction in Bowman, North Dakota proves that community spirit combined with passion can create something magical that brings people together from hundreds of miles away.

What makes this event remarkable isn't just the 300+ meticulously maintained classics lining Main Street (though they're certainly impressive). It's the deliberate commitment to keeping everything accessible to everyone. Unlike most events of this caliber, everything here is completely free—from the professional concerts featuring tribute bands like 60s Mania and the East Coast's premier Bon Jovi tribute act, to the axe throwing station, bouncy houses, and kids' activities. The only things you'll pay for are food from the diverse vendors and any beverages you might want.

Behind this generosity stands a car club with 46 years of history and a dedication to service that extends far beyond vehicles. Throughout the year, these same members organize benefits for neighbors facing medical challenges, help neighboring towns with their events, and volunteer wherever needed. As Ryan Shear explained, "We're not just your average car club. We try to be more community oriented." This spirit attracts sponsors from across the tri-state area and as far away as Chicago, all eager to support an event that brings such joy to so many.

The Paul Mossberger Memorial Best of Show Award exemplifies this community-centered approach—honoring a beloved local resident known for always being the first to help others, with his brothers selecting each year's winning vehicle. The winning car then becomes immortalized on the following year's event t-shirts, keeping Paul's memory alive in a uniquely meaningful way.

Whether you're a car enthusiast, a family looking for affordable entertainment, or someone who simply believes in the power of community, mark your calendar for next year's event. Where else can you experience world-class cars, free concerts, and the warmth of genuine small-town hospitality all in one unforgettable day?

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

Contact the team at Pifer's

📝 Episode Description:

Jay Thomas is back and boiling over with blazing heat, broken transmissions, and Fargo politics hotter than a Nebraska asphalt parking lot. Broadcasting from the Thor Building Studio, this Weekending Friday edition of the Jay Thomas Show delivers everything from road trip horror stories to a political firestorm at Fargo City Hall.

🚨 Standout moment? Fargo City Commissioner Michelle Turnberg joins live in-studio (starting at 47:28) to spill the tea on explosive clashes with Mayor Mahoney and Police Chief Dave Zabolsky, alleged misinformation campaigns, internal city strife, and the real morale inside the Fargo PD.

🚙 Also on deck: Jay recounts a hilariously disastrous road trip to Omaha involving a shady hotel, a blown transmission, and an unexpected limo rescue. Meanwhile, Fargo faces a $6.8 million budget hole, and the city may be making cuts in all the wrong places (Hot tip: Don't touch Public Works!).

🔥 Whether you're into small-town politics, public safety drama, or watching bureaucracy meet broadcast fury, this episode is your front-row seat to Fargo’s hottest headlines.

🧭 Timestamps for Standout Moments:

• 1:41 – Jay opens the show from the studio, commenting on the weather and a pool day vibe

• 2:37 – Teaser for Michelle Turnberg’s appearance and city budget drama

• 6:29 – Jay's insane road trip begins — hotel horror, hookers, and heroin

• 15:02 – Transmission failure strikes again

• 19:00 – Enter Randy, the wild Nebraska lawyer with steakhouse dreams

• 28:12 – Fireflies in Iowa & bizarre cigarette laws

• 32:08 – Michelle Turnberg set to join live at 3:05 PM

• 47:28 – 🚨 Michelle Turnberg joins live in studio

• 49:59 – 1:01:35 – Full segment on her police chief drama, mayoral misstatements, and city department breakdowns

• 1:52:00 – Fargo’s $6.8 million budget shortfall and spending accountability

• 2:01:50 – Jay rants about property tax assessments and poor timing

• 2:05:00 – Wrap-up with Michelle on public transparency and what's next

👥 Guests:

• Michelle Turnberg – Fargo City Commissioner; dives into deep political controversy, transparency issues, and PD morale

• "Hot Tub Vinny" – From Hot Springs Spas, joins at the top to talk about wellness and his spa business

• Curtis, Charlie, Andy, Larry, Rob, Todd, Muff (retired Fargo PD) – Engaged callers weighing in on law enforcement, leadership, and Fargo’s political climate

🔥 Why You Should Listen:

• If you live in Fargo — this is must-listen local radio

• If you love small-town politics with big drama

• If you’re curious how civic leaders are handling power, accountability, and budget cuts

• If you just enjoy a good "my road trip went to hell" story

Want more episodes like this?
👉 Listen on Apple Podcasts | Spotify | WDAYRadioNow.com