Archives: Episodes

Tonight Big Game James McCarty and Jace Denman discuss the Minnesota Twins in LA battling the Dodgers and two-way phenom Shohei Ohtani. Plus, the WNBA tried to make a statement at last weekend's All-Star Game.

📍 Podcast Description:
In this special guest-hosted episode of The Jay Thomas Show on WDAY Radio (AM 970 & FM 93.1), Kim Koppelman steps in for Jay and delivers a fast-paced, insight-rich broadcast. From deep dives into congressional budget battles with U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer to local legislative insights with policy experts and watchdog officials, this episode covers ground from the halls of Congress to the streets of Fargo.

Listeners will hear about government transparency, tax policy, cryptocurrency legislation, a near B-52 mid-air mishap, and a heartfelt milestone from Fix It Forward Auto Ministry. Whether you're a policy buff or just love a good civic discussion, this episode delivers thoughtful dialogue, real-world stories, and a dash of political humor.

🎧 Timestamps for Standout Moments:

• (0:00) – Hot tubs, home runs, and host warm-up

• (4:08) – U.S. Senator Kevin Cramer joins: civics, appropriations, and the “Big Beautiful Bill”

• (26:20) – Stablecoins, cryptocurrency guardrails & the Genius Act

• (42:25) – The B-52 near miss over Minot: What really happened in ND airspace?

• (46:52) – Jennifer Benson (Exec. Dir., American Experiment ND): Education, liberty & legislative insights

• (53:43) – Heitkamp vs. Koppelman? A caller stirs up a political mystery

• (1:01:07) – Bipartisan billmaking, home equity theft, and legislative friendships

• (1:10:30) – Economist John Phelan on ND’s economic highs & recent slowdowns

• (1:13:54) – ND State Auditor Josh Gallion: How government is (really) audited

• (1:45:14) – Unclaimed money in ND: How to check if the state owes YOU

• (1:51:25) – Fix It Forward Auto Ministry hits 600 donated vehicles—community in action!

👥 Featured Guests:

1. Senator Kevin Cramer – U.S. Senator from North Dakota

2. Kim Koppelman – Former Speaker of the ND House (guest host)

3. Jennifer Benson – Executive Director, American Experiment North Dakota

4. John Phelan – Economist, Center of the American Experiment

5. Josh Gallion – North Dakota State Auditor

6. Matthew Carlson – Founder, Fix It Forward Auto Ministry

7. Ronnie Lee – Producer & co-host

📨 Contact & Follow-up Resources:

• Check if you have unclaimed money: https://unclaimedproperty.nd.gov

• Fix It Forward Ministry & Auto Repair: fixitforwardautocare.com

• American Experiment North Dakota: americanexperimentnd.org

In this episode of Weather & Ag in Focus, Bridget dives into this week’s wild weather, from pop-up showers and intense humidity to damaging hail and storm warnings sweeping across the Upper Midwest. 🌩️

🦠 Ag Watch: She breaks down Tar Spot—a corn disease creeping into nearby states—and shares tips to prevent blossom end rot in your tomatoes (spoiler: it’s a calcium issue, not a disease!).

🚜 On the Auction Block: Guest Brad Olstad from Steffes Group joins to talk farm equipment trends—when to buy, how “pedigree” boosts auction prices, and why now might be the best time in years to snag a combine.

🌽 From the Field: Farmer and advocate Greg Amundson shares details about his upcoming “Root Connections” event (August 7th in Gilby, ND), which invites the public to experience real farm life, understand what farmers actually do, and bridge the gap between ag producers and consumers—with a side of popcorn and cheese curds.

🥤 Plus: What would happen if Coke ditched corn syrup for cane sugar? Bridget and Greg unpack the practicality (and politics) behind Trump’s recent call for a switch.

It’s a lively, informative ride through weather, ag, and the people who live it every day.

In this special 10th episode, Tyler is joined by Moorhead Mayor Shelly Carlson, Derek LaPointe (CEO of Downtown Moorhead Inc.), and Stacia Seitzma (Executive Director of the Moorhead Business Association) for a powerhouse discussion about the transformation unfolding across the city. From billion-dollar aviation fuel investments to the reimagining of the downtown mall into a vibrant, mixed-use neighborhood — this episode is packed with energy, insight, and optimism.

They dive into:

• Moorhead’s five-year vision for revitalization and sustainability 🌱

• An $8 billion wave of investment including DG Fuels and the proposed White Earth casino 🎰

• Housing solutions, strategic construction (like the long-awaited underpass), and tax incentives making growth possible 🏗️

• Why partnerships between city, business, and community are turning Moorhead into Minnesota’s hidden gem 💎

Plus, Stacia drops news on an exciting new networking series for nonprofits launching this fall. If you want a front-row seat to one of the Midwest’s most ambitious civic transformations — this episode is a must-listen.

In this electrifying episode of Track Talk, we’re live from Midtown Tavern with the smell of pizza in the air and racing on the big screens! Hosts break down the Buffalo River Speedway action and catch up with rising star Cade Skitlin, a 15-year-old fourth-generation driver who just clinched his first Gen Late Model feature win. He chats about how a neighbor sparked his racing journey, the thrill of navigating lap traffic, and the emotional win that had his dad (and maybe all of us) beaming with pride.

Then it’s dirt-slinging greatness with the legendary Thomas “T-Mez” Meseraull, fresh off a 305 Race Saver Sprint Car victory. He talks cars, concussions, crashing GoPros, and chasing dreams from California to Knoxville. Plus, he shares behind-the-scenes stories about building a wrecked car in six hours and how YouTube is keeping sprint car racing alive and growing.

Rounding out the night is a chat with Hollywood Wilkie, coming off a powerful run at Houston Speedway. Wilkie dives into car control, breaking down the differences between legend cars and sprints, and why he’s finally finding his rhythm in the dirt.

🍕 Plus: shoutouts to pit crews, sponsors, a killer double crust sausage pizza from Dwayne’s House, and a whole lotta heart.

📝 Episode Summary (Apple/Spotify Style):

Wake up and sip along with Janae and Ronnie on The Coffee Club, your favorite morning show blend of local chatter, sass, and hilarity. From Fargo's controversial water tower spending to fair food favorites (spoiler: cheese curds win again), this episode pours out laughs, listener calls, and surprisingly helpful coffee ground hacks. Also: Are squirrels secretly planning a coup in Minot? And what’s with the city utility hikes? It’s real talk, small-town charm, and quirky debates all served hot.

Standout Topics:

• 💧 Fargo’s $100K water tower painting debacle

• 🌭 Fair food showdown: fry bread tacos vs. mini doughnuts

• 🐿️ Minot’s squirrel infestation (they’re not cute anymore!)

• ☕ Life hacks using used coffee grounds (for real!)

• 🧾 Spending habits that drain your wallet

• ✈️ CPAP machines, checked bags, and sneaky airline fees

• 🎤 Celebrity gossip and weird news—from Miller Lite beer giveaways to digital driver’s licenses

⏱️ Timestamps for Standout Moments:

• [3:24] – Water Tower Woes: $100K down the drain?

• [10:09] – Fair Food Face-Off: Fry bread tacos, deep-fried Twinkies & corn dogs

• [15:08] – Pork Chop on a Stick Appreciation Segment

• [56:35] – Budget Blunders: Daily spending habits you don’t realize are ruining you

• [1:06:40] – The Great CPAP Travel Debate (with caller tip!)

• [1:33:00] – Things That Used to Be Free (and now cost a fortune)

• [1:45:00] – Coffee Grounds: Miracle material or overhyped mess?

• [1:53:00] – Ground squirrel uprising in Minot (no, really)

• [2:10:00] – Weird news: Elton John, Dollar Tree price hikes & wig parties

• [2:45:00] – Things That Make You Look Older (and why moisturizer matters)

• [3:04:00] – Pup of the Week reminder + Barkin Biscuits love

• [3:10:00] – Summer Blast ticket giveaway + lineup highlights

🎧 Guest Callers:

• Tom – Local insight on the Fargo water tower replacement

• Mark – CPAP flying tips & coffee ground odor-control tricks

• Various listeners – Weigh in on fair food faves and mini donut obsession

🦴 Featured Local Businesses:

• Barkin Biscuits – Pet pampering and “Pup of the Week” sponsor

• Summer Blast Festival – Community event with music tributes & more

• Valley Meat Supply – Shoutout for stuffed pork chops!

In this lively and laugh-filled episode, Bridgette hosts a roundtable of seasoned ag professionals who dive into the current crop conditions across the Midwest—with plenty of detours into farming folklore, Midwest weather antics, and underground butter trades. 🌽🌦️🧈

🔥 Highlights:

• The Great Tassel Wrap Mystery: A planting window + heat dome = messed up pollination in the I-states. Yep, it's a thing.

• Butter Smuggling & Sweet Corn Side Hustles: One guest admits to shady butter runs to Southern Minnesota. Another's planning a sweet corn coup at a family rebellion.

• Crop Check-In: Wheat is so-so, canola’s average, corn’s catching up, and soybean iron chlorosis is throwing shade (literally).

• Fertilizer Fails & CSI Agronomy: From sulfur mix-ups to potassium ghost towns—how nutrient deficiencies are affecting yield, and how tissue testing is the new crime scene investigation.

• Fungicide Forecast: Tar spot and white mold are knocking. Agronomists say: spray now, regret never.

• Throwback Time: The gals flip through Dakota Farmer magazines from the 1970s and laugh at how little has changed. Rural development, tariffs, and even sourdough recipes? Still hot topics.

🎧 Summary:
In this thought-provoking and action-packed episode of The Jay Thomas Show, guest host Kim Koppelman brings listeners on a wide-ranging journey that spans political intrigue, conservative policy think tanks, stories of redemption, and even a few hearty laughs about Fargo’s weather and saunas.

We kick off with a quick plug for Hot Spring Spas (yes, they’re really into saunas!) and slide straight into political analysis with John Hinderaker, President of the Center of the American Experiment. From the legislative mess in Minnesota involving Senator Nicole Mitchell to reflections on North Dakota's policy landscape, Hinderaker offers sharp insights into state and national conservatism.

In the second half, the tone shifts to something deeply human and moving. Bethany Barnett, author of "Face: Finding Peace Within the Battle," shares the gripping story of three former Irish soldiers—once entangled with outlaw motorcycle gangs—who found hope and healing through faith. Joined by community leader Gary Opp, the discussion explores PTSD, spiritual recovery, and the founding of a new local ministry aimed at helping others navigate life’s toughest battles.

Closing out the episode, North Dakota State Climatologist Daryl Richeson hops on the mic for a fascinating—and hilarious—tour through North Dakota’s wild weather, climate change myths, and the infamous "Dewey rain gauge." It’s the kind of Midwest meteorology banter that only Fargo radio can pull off.

🕒 Timestamps for Standout Moments:

• [1:50] – Kim Koppelman introduces himself as today’s guest host.

• [4:39] – John Hinderaker joins to discuss Center of the American Experiment.

• [13:55] – The bizarre burglary arrest of Minnesota Senator Nicole Mitchell.

• [26:48] – Rise of socialism in Minneapolis politics.

• [34:38] – North Dakota's slow path toward conservative reforms.

• [46:02] – Bethany Barnett shares the origins of her book and ministry.

• [51:03] – Redemption story of John Corcoran, a former Irish soldier and outlaw biker.

• [1:05:52] – Gary Opp explains how the book inspired local events.

• [1:17:46] – How faith and spiritual conversations happen in unexpected places.

• [1:46:21] – State climatologist Daryl Ritcheson drops climate wisdom (and jokes).

• [2:01:32] – “Old Faithful is more like... occasionally reliable.”

👥 Guests Featured:

• Kim Koppelman – Guest host, former ND legislator

• John Hinderaker – President, Center of the American Experiment

• Bethany Barnett – Author, Face: Finding Peace Within the Battle

• Gary Opp – Community leader & ministry supporter

• Daryl Richeson – North Dakota State Climatologist

✨ Why You Should Listen:
This episode seamlessly mixes political insight, heartfelt storytelling, and classic Midwest charm. Whether you’re here for the policy breakdown, the inspirational tales of transformation, or just a few weather jokes, this show delivers a full buffet of brain food and soul snacks.

🎙️ Podcast Title:
“Love Scams, Jet Scares & 80s Colognes: Your Monday Wake-Up Shot!”

📝 Episode Description (Apple/Spotify-style):

It’s a lively Monday on The Coffee Club Show! Janae and Ronnie dive headfirst into everything from dangerously nostalgic perfumes (hello, Electric Youth and Drakkar Noir) to a dangerously close call between a Delta flight and a B-52 bomber in Minot. 💥✈️

You’ll also hear about:

• 🚗 Parking disasters at the State Fair (plus a Jelly Roll sighting!)

• 🍔 The top 10 most unhealthy fast food joints (RIP Chick-fil-A’s reputation)

• 💰 The rising cost of things that used to be free (air, anyone?)

• 💻 AI voice scams that sound just like your daughter

• 🧂 A local Small Business Spotlight featuring Axe & Ember Seasonings and their bold, veteran-made finishing salts

Add in a hilarious deep-dive into colognes and perfumes today's generation has never heard of—and yes, “Windsong” made the cut—plus some Coldplay-themed drama involving that viral HR scandal… and you’ve got an episode you’ll be quoting all week. 😉

⏰ Standout Timestamps:

• 00:03 – Show opens with weekend weather, rain talk & classic banter

• 07:22 – Things that were free in the '80s but cost a fortune now

• 14:35 – Near-collision between a Delta flight and B-52 in Minot

• 24:40 – Listener calls: 80s/90s perfumes and colognes throwback!

• 40:22 – The Jelly Roll concert, State Fair parking madness

• 46:10 – Romance scams & North Dakota's surprising stat

• 53:00 – Question of the Day: Forgotten colognes and perfumes

• 1:20:30 – The AI Coldplay scandal: Affair caught at a concert?!

• 1:26:00 – Small Business Spotlight: Axe & Ember Seasonings 🔥

• 1:48:15 – The 10 most unhealthy fast-food joints

• 2:10:45 – Things taught in school that are scientifically wrong

• 2:20:00 – AI voice scam tricks a mom into thinking it’s her daughter

• 2:26:00 – Woman drives off with entire gas pump (!?)

• 2:38:10 – “Did You Know?” segment: Fun, weird, and wild facts

• 2:54:40 – Closing thoughts & preview of Define the Fight

👥 Guest List:

• Kyle Turner & Josh Krejci (Axe & Ember Seasonings) – Small Business Spotlight

• Various listener call-ins with classic fragrance throwbacks and hilarious memories

📍 Location: Fargo-Moorhead & Lakes Country

🗓️ Air Date: Monday, July 21, 2025

🎧 Listen on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you stream your favorite local radio podcasts

Navigating the complex world of taxes isn't just for accountants—it's essential knowledge for every landowner, farmer, and small business operator wanting to protect their hard-earned assets. In this illuminating conversation, host Steve Link welcomes tax expert Kent Busick from Busick Associates, who breaks down the recently passed "Big Beautiful Bill" and what it means for your bottom line.

Kent brings a unique perspective to tax planning, having grown up on a North Dakota grain farm before obtaining his master's in business taxation from the Carlson School of Management. This blend of practical agricultural knowledge and technical expertise allows him to translate complex tax provisions into strategies that real farmers and landowners can implement immediately.

The discussion reveals several game-changing opportunities hiding in the tax code. The restoration of 100% bonus depreciation, the increase in Qualified Business Income exclusion from 20% to 23%, and the often-overlooked Section 180 soil study deductions all represent substantial tax savings. As Kent explains, "If you're making a million dollars in your operation... that's a $30,000 deduction for you that just comes off of your adjusted gross income."

Perhaps most valuable is Kent's insight into permanent versus temporary tax deductions. While depreciation on equipment must eventually be recaptured, Section 180 deductions for soil nutrients create permanent tax benefits that never need to be recaptured when passing land to the next generation. Combined with the $15 million estate tax exclusion ($30 million for married couples) and unchanged stepped-up basis rules, farmers now have unprecedented tools for transitioning operations without crippling tax consequences.

Whether you're contemplating land improvements, equipment purchases, or retirement planning through Cash Balance Pension Plans, this episode delivers actionable wisdom that could save you thousands in taxes while building generational wealth. Listen now to discover how the right tax strategy can transform your financial future.

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