Archives: Episodes

The Jay Thomas Show from Monday May 12th, 2025.  Guests include Governor Kelly Armstrong and Pastor Devlin Brooks.

Today's guest is the Executive Director of Bonanzaville USA, Beth Jansen!

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Join Bonnie Amistadi and guests every weekday from 5 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. on AM 970 WDAY for local news, weather, and conversation done right.

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The Coffee Club from Monday May 12th, 2025.  Guests include your calls and emails.

The agricultural equipment market is experiencing a remarkable recovery in 2025, defying early predictions and showcasing surprising strength across multiple categories. This episode of America's Land Auctioneer dives deep into these market dynamics with Chris Bair, Regional Manager at Pifer's Worthington-Sioux falls office, who shares firsthand insights from recent highly successful auctions.

Bair reveals how their March auction became "the strongest sale in almost five years," setting the stage for a robust spring season. The conversation explores the fascinating phenomenon of pre-COVID equipment commanding premium prices, with examples like a 2012 John Deere 4830 sprayer recently fetching $171,000—breaking a three-year price ceiling. Meanwhile, newer equipment faces accelerated depreciation of $1,000-1,500 per hour, creating a market environment where quality used machinery has become increasingly attractive to buyers calculating operational costs.

The heart of the discussion focuses on auction methodologies and how Pifer's has evolved to maximize returns for sellers while maintaining their commitment to the live auction experience. Despite technological advances, over 50% of auction value still comes from on-site buyers, and research indicates roughly 16% of American farms lack internet access altogether. This reality has shaped Pifer's hybrid approach—combining the energy and momentum of live auctions with sophisticated online bidding platforms that together engage up to 1,400 bidders per event.

Particularly fascinating is the company's strategic pivot from timed online-only auctions to "live online" formats that allow equipment to remain at owners' locations while still benefiting from live auctioneer engagement and multiple bidding platforms. As Bair eloquently states, "Technology should never replace the auctioneer. Technology should always complement the auctioneer."

The episode concludes with previews of upcoming auctions, including the May 13th Summer Equipment Auction in Worthington featuring construction equipment, vehicles, and recreational items, along with several farm retirement auctions throughout the Upper Midwest. Whether you're looking to buy or sell agricultural equipment, this episode provides valuable market intelligence and strategic insights that could significantly impact your next auction experience.

In this jam-packed episode of The Jay Thomas Show (hosted today by Tim Flakkol), listeners are taken on a wide-ranging ride through some of the most fascinating developments in North Dakota and beyond. The show kicks off with a deep-dive interview featuring Nick Phillips of Applied Digital, discussing the jaw-dropping $5 billion AI and blockchain facility being built in Ellendale, North Dakota—one of the largest of its kind in the U.S. He explains how cold weather, low power costs, and regional infrastructure are helping position North Dakota as a future tech powerhouse.

Then it’s onto local controversy as Mike Rachow highlights the brewing debate over the potential closure of the Broadway Station, a vital gathering place for North Fargo seniors. He raises concerns about North-South equity in Fargo’s development priorities.

Weather guru Dean provides a forecast update just in time for Mother's Day planting, followed by beloved horticulturist Don Kinzler, who answers a flurry of listener questions about raised gardens, pesky rabbits, and the curious case of red-white-blue AI-generated hostas. Listeners also get gardening hacks (hello, hand warmers for plants!), and pro tips on soil mixes and tree care.

Closing out the episode is a touching, music-filled conversation with rising singer-songwriter Ella Rudd, a 17-year-old high school grad reflecting on her musical journey, creative process, and performing with family. Bonus: she debuts a brand-new original live on air.

Whether you're into tech, tomatoes, or tunes—this episode hits every note.

This week on Rocky’s Downtown Hour, host Rocky Schneider serves up a hearty helping of community spirit, summer plans, and Fargo pride. He kicks off with the sizzling forecast and even hotter events happening downtown—from outdoor movies to free concerts at Broadway Square. Rocky spotlights Fargo’s recent accolade as a "Secret Sauce Community" and shares exciting national coverage in the Chicago Tribune, putting our city in the cultural limelight.

Special guest Senator Josh Boschee joins to break down key wins from the legislative session, including new investments in affordable housing and a $500,000 matching grant for the iconic Fargo Theatre's centennial campaign. Then, Sydney from Jade Presents jumps in with the scoop on live shows, a taco + motorcycle mashup event, and why Up District Festival Field is your new favorite outdoor venue.

If you're a fan of live music, local flavor, and urban energy—with just a dash of legislative insight—you'll love this vibrant stroll through what's next for Downtown Fargo.

In this rich, relaxed, and heartfelt episode of The Coffee Club, Janae and Mark fill in for Ronnie (off on a romantic Duluth "smooch-cation" with Michelle) and bring the full spectrum—from spiritual reflection to smart home safety to salsa cravings. From a deep dive into the first American Pope and what it means for Catholicism, to the realities of health care in America with Dr. Mike of Red River Wellness, and a touching spotlight on the Band of Brothers nonprofit, this Friday episode mixes wisdom with wit and some serious throwback tunes.

🎧 Standout Moments & Timestamps:

• 0:28 – The Duluth Dispatch: Ronnie's weekend trip and chair envy kick off the episode with giggles.

• 2:20 – Who’s Holding Down the Fort? Janae, Mark, and Macey hold the station together.

• 3:00 – 📿 Pope Talk: The announcement of the first American-born Pope and its cultural implications.

• 7:36 – Confession Confessionals: A hilarious and honest discussion on small-town confession culture.

• 18:00 – 🩺 Health Wake-Up Call: Dr. Mike drops eye-opening stats on obesity and America's “sickness care” system.

• 25:00 – Wellness vs. Wealth: Dr. Mike outlines the upside-down nature of healthcare incentives.

• 34:00 – 🎶 Flashback Friday: One-hit wonders from the '80s like "Turning Japanese" and "Hey Mickey" get everyone nostalgic.

• 47:00 – 🛁 Style-Safe Showers: Gina from Style Safe joins to talk about beautiful, accessible bathroom remodels (with heartwarming client stories).

• 59:00 – 🎖️ Band of Brothers Spotlight: Jared shares how this veteran-run nonprofit provides healing through outdoor adventures.

• 1:18:00 – 💐 Mother’s Day Giveaway: A lucky winner gets flowers, concert tickets, a deep clean, and more!

• 1:24:00 – 🎸 Gopher Hunting & Guitar Swagger: Apparently, 90% of attractive women love a man with a guitar...and everyone has gopher stories.

• 1:36:00 – ☕ Tipping Tips: A lively chat on tipping etiquette, automation, and smiley faces on checks.

• 1:38:00 – 🎯 Sweet Shots Fun: Why you don’t need to be a golfer to love hitting targets and making memories.

Tonight Big Game James McCarty and Jace Denman look into the current NBA Conference Semifinals playoffs series. Plus, what needs to happen for the Wolves to be successful against the Warriors tonight in Game 2?

Guest host Tim Flakoll steps into Jay’s shoes with a jam-packed episode featuring everything from weather updates and legislative breakdowns to the emotional side of college transitions—and even a lively game of “Famous Cates.” Special guests include NDSU First Lady Dr. Kate Cook, North Dakota Representatives Scott Wagner and Brandy Pyle, and poultry expert Dr. Abby Schuft. This one has range—charming, informative, and unexpectedly heartwarming.

👥 Guests:

• Dr. Kate Cook (NDSU First Lady)

• Rep. Scott Wagner (North Dakota)

• Rep. Brandy Pyle (North Dakota)

• Dr. Abby Schuft (University of Minnesota Extension)

• Christine Vangsness (Dabbert Custom Homes)

• Tasha Haug (Homeward Animal Shelter)

⏱️ Standout Moments (Timestamps):

• [2:51] – Weather banter and a reminder: Don’t forget Mother's Day!

• [13:08] – Dr. Kate Cook on parenting college kids and embracing mistakes.

• [24:00] – Being a female role model at a university—vulnerability and authenticity.

• [29:07] – Kate’s emotional “place of peace” story at the NDSU Equine Center.

• [36:28] – Hilarious and nostalgic “Famous Cates” game with Dr. Cook.

• [42:00] – Rep. Wagner & Pyle dive into North Dakota’s big property tax overhaul.

• [1:52:01] – Dr. Schuft explains why kissing chickens is a bad idea (seriously).

• [1:58:49] – Microchipping myths busted with Tasha from Homeward Animal Shelter.