Archives: Episodes

Rocky’s Downtown Hour Episode 005: Pedals, Potatoes & Party Vibes: Biking and Lefse in Downtown Fargo

rocky's downtown hour

This week on Rocky's Downtown Hour, we celebrate National Bike to Work Day with longtime downtown bike advocate and Great Northern Bicycle Company owner Tom Smith. Rocky and Tom dive into how downtown Fargo has evolved since 1987, the rise of e-bikes, and why biking is the ultimate freedom machine. Then, we roll into all things lefse with Lindsay Lee and Mikaela from Unglued’s Craftatorium, previewing their Norwegian Constitution Day lefse-making class (yes, there will be butter and lingonberry jam!). Plus, Rocky shares community updates, volunteer vibes, and summer sneak peeks at Broadway Square. It's 40 minutes of local joy, from trash pick-up heroes to edible glitter beers. 💥🚲🥔

 

Jay Thomas Show: “Tornadoes, Taxes and Licorice Lust” (5-15-25)

The Jay Thomas Show - Weekday Afternoons 2-5pm on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY.

The latest Jay Thomas Show delivers a high-energy, storm-chasing, black-licorice-eating, public policy rollercoaster with a North Dakota flair. From spontaneous weather updates to fiery city commission debates, Jay and crew keep it real, raw, and ridiculously entertaining.

⏱️ Top Moments (with timestamps)

0:00 – Hot Tub Vinny & the Opening Riff
A classic Jay Thomas intro, complete with local sponsor shout-outs and the usual blend of humor, weather, and real talk. Bonus: the phrase “Vinny Hot Tubs” might live rent-free in your head.

7:45 – Mowing Mayhem & Neighborhood Lawn Drama
Jay and Dean Wysocki debate lawn mowing etiquette in heatwaves. Turns out, even the grass is political in North Dakota.

12:50 – Weather Watch: Tornado Tracker Edition 🌪️
Jay and Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki deliver real-time updates on storm systems threatening Benson and Fergus Falls. The show takes a serious turn as confirmed tornado damage reports roll in.

32:00 – Licorice Showdown: Ice Cream That Divides a Nation 🍦
Black licorice ice cream sparks one of the most passionate debates in recent show history. Listeners call in, Jay is obsessed, and Dean's taste buds are shocked.
🍨 Hot Take: "It's disgusting." — Ronnie
🍨 Hotter Take: "It’s bomb." — Dean

1:01:45 – Jail Talk & Political Fallout
Caller confusion sparks clarification from Grand Forks Sheriff Andy Schneider about illegal immigration and jail overcrowding. Jay follows up with sharp commentary on local leadership miscommunications.

1:15:30 – Fargo Firestorm: Tax Promises vs. Pay Raises 🔥
Commissioner Michelle Turnberg joins to drop bombshells:

  • Firefighters paid campaign costs themselves 💸

  • Voters were misled about how the public safety tax revenue would be used

  • Only 8% of funds go to actual firefighter raises?!
    The frustration is palpable.

1:44:20 – Horace Dust Bowl 2025
A listener from Horace describes living in a dust storm due to rerouted diversion traffic. Jay says what we’re all thinking: "Just treat the damn road!"

1:53:00 – Final Hour: From Dust to D.C. to Dairy
The crew loops back to dusty roads, swirling political tensions, black licorice candy nostalgia, and the looming question of whether Trump could or should pardon Derek Chauvin. Plus: updates from the Chahinkapa Zoo in Wahpeton. 🐯

 

Professional Launch Episode 006: Travis Wilson

professional launch

Graduation is just the beginning — now it’s time to launch! 🚀 In this energizing episode of Professional Launch, host Ricor sits down with KLJ Engineering's Senior Talent Acquisition Consultant Travis Wilson to dish out real-world advice for new grads navigating the job market.

Whether you're staring at a blank resume, ghosted by recruiters, or wondering if LinkedIn is worth the hype (spoiler: it is), this conversation is packed with practical tips and career-building gems. Travis shares how to build meaningful connections, tailor your applications to stand out, and even impress recruiters when you don’t have internship experience.

💡 You’ll learn:

  • How to avoid the biggest job search mistakes new grads make

  • The right way to use LinkedIn to open doors

  • What recruiters really look for in entry-level candidates

  • The underrated power of thank-you notes and transparency

  • Why soft skills, mentorship, and mindset are your ultimate superpowers

🎓 Whether you're about to walk the stage or just starting your career journey, this episode will help you launch with purpose and confidence.

👉 Connect. Grow. Launch. It all starts here.

 

The Coffee Club: “Hairbands, High-Protein and Happiness” (5-15-25)

The Coffee Club on AM 970 and FM 93.1 WDAY

It's a throwback Thursday full of laughs, local updates, and headbanging nostalgia! Janae and Ronnie kick off with some light-hearted banter about cold offices and protein snacks before diving into a whirlwind of topics — from hairband album rankings to Fargo’s pool grand reopening. Special guests drop in, including Mark Johnson (for a round of “Name That Tune”) and Christine from Reese & Riley’s, who brings high-protein treats and talks cholesterol-lowering olive oils.

This jam-packed episode includes live call-ins, trivia giveaways, small-town car part pranks, and more ‘80s rock references than a denim jacket with patches. 🎸👩‍🎤

If you like small-town charm with big energy and a killer soundtrack, you’re gonna want to hit play. Don’t forget to bring your spoon-balancing skills — fun fact, Janae’s got some.

📌 Highlighted Moments & Timestamps:

  • [00:02:10] - “Thursday vibes & layering weather disasters”

  • [00:06:40] - Christine's candy & high-protein snack chat 🍫

  • [00:10:12] - Mark Johnson joins! “Name That Tune” begins 🎶

  • [00:14:00] - Lazy River & $18M Island Park pool renovation 🏖️

  • [00:23:30] - The "carburetor belt" prank on Mom 🚗🔧

  • [00:34:45] - A passionate ode to Costco & Target rumors 🛒

  • [00:42:10] - Question of the Day: “Fun fact about you” + spoon-balancing reveals 🥄

  • [00:50:20] - 🎵 Beach Boys, Cake by the Ocean, Jessie's Girl — trivia madness!

  • [01:02:30] - Christine from Reese & Riley’s on yogurt, oils & fighting cholesterol 💪

  • [01:15:55] - 💀 20 Greatest Hairband Albums of All Time breakdown (feat. Poison, Def Leppard, Cinderella & more!)

  • [01:30:10] - “Hairband Fridays” pitch + texting trends we need to retire 📱