Archives: Episodes

What does it take to bring a $40 million convention center to life? In this special episode, host Tyler sits down with a powerhouse trio — Charley Johnson (Visit Fargo-Moorhead), Shannon Full (FM Chamber), and Kent Kolstad (LiveWire) — for an eye-opening conversation about the past, present, and future of Fargo's most ambitious civic project. From failed votes to visionary RFPs, economic ripple effects to the importance of breakout rooms (yes, really!), this episode unpacks everything you didn’t know you needed to know about convention centers.

Plus: learn how this could reshape the region’s economy, community, and national visibility.

📝 Episode Summary:
This week on Track Talk, host Jason Berg brings the energy from a bustling Midtown Tavern for another night of beer, pizza, and dirt track gold. Jason sits down with two fan-favorite guests: Chris Iverson, who went from casual sponsor to full-blown race crew member, and Jason Ulm, a veteran racer turned tech inspector with decades of stories from behind the wheel and under the hood.

Together, they explore how racing hooks you deep, what it’s like wrenching until 2 a.m., why you never underestimate the power of torsion bars, and the importance of just bringing the car back in one piece. Later, Lindsey Hanson and crew chief Jaren Wibsted join to share what it means to finally take a long-awaited win at Jamestown Speedway — and what keeps them chasing the checkered.

💥 Key Highlights:

• (00:58): Meet Chris Iverson – from bleachers to crew chief, thanks to one casual invite.

• (04:00): “The hook was set” – Chris on the exact moment he got addicted to racing.

• (08:54): Learning sprint car setup from scratch: shocks, wings, and everything in between.

• (14:45): Jason Ulm reflects on his racing origins, tech inspector duties, and first-time winners.

• (24:08): “We fix it. You wreck it.” – The realities (and jokes) of race night prep.

• (29:15): Favorite tracks from Fargo to Houston – and a wish for a Red River Sprint Series at Jamestown.

• (44:41): Lindsey Hanson’s racing journey from $400 junkers to IMCA mods to late models.

• (49:25): That emotional first win at Jamestown — “a long time coming.”

• (57:06): Can Buffalo River bring back IMCA Mods full-time? Track conditions and feedback from a driver’s POV.

☀️ Episode Vibe:
A delightfully summery mix of news, weather, laughter, listener stories, and friendly banter. The show rings in the last day of June with community happenings, heatwave survival tips, Fourth of July plans, and a whole lot of nostalgia.

🔥 Key Highlights & Timecodes:

(0:00 – 1:45) – Morning Wake-Up
Bonnie and Jace ease into Monday with coffee in hand, chatting about the Red River Valley Fair, rising temps, and fireworks season in West Fargo (spoiler: Bonnie’s not thrilled).

(1:46 – 4:12) – Local Headlines Blitz

• Fire in a West Fargo apartment complex displaces a resident.

• Red Cross steps in.

• Tornadoes confirmed in central ND and MN.

• South Dakota's Attorney General Marty Jackley hints at a Congressional run.

(4:13 – 8:14) – Sports & Weather Roundup

• Minnesota Twins shut out by the Tigers.

• RedHawks win late with a ninth-inning rally.

• Minnesota Lynx crush Connecticut in a 102–63 win.

• Bonnie predicts heat, storms, and a possibly wet 4th of July.

(8:14 – 14:00) – Pet Chaos & Heatwave Humor
Bonnie and Jace swap stories about their pets melting in the heat and behaving oddly—especially the cat who drinks water while practically upside down.

(14:00 – 30:00) – Listener Spotlight: Vacation Memories
Callers and emails flood in with cherished family road trip stories:

• Boy Scout camps, dusty pop-up campers, and cherry bombs on the beach.

• One listener’s dad nearly severed a finger trying to beat a rainstorm while packing up camp.

• Nostalgic talk of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, and the Girl Scout camp era.

(30:00 – 1:00:00) – Fair Talk & Loud Concerts
Jace’s take on the Red River Valley Fair lineup (spoiler: he’s not into Kane Brown). Bonnie remembers fireworks shaking her windows and concerts heard from eight miles away.

(1:00:00 – 1:30:00) – Banana Ball & Cosmic Baseball
Yes, “cosmic baseball” is real—played under blacklights with glowing jerseys and reversed base running. Jace and James discuss the viral appeal of weird baseball variations.

(1:30:00 – 2:00:00) – Groceries, Ghosts & Gas Cards
Giveaways galore! A winery in Texas has a “tipsy ghost” named Stephanie. (She’s had plenty of zin.) Plus, listeners call in for a shot at winning a year’s worth of groceries.

(2:00:00 – 2:30:00) – The Great Bonnie Bond Banter
Jace speculates on the next James Bond (Tom Holland? Jacob Elordi?), and the hosts roast bad villain voices. Bonus: Jorts might make a comeback for WeFest.

(2:30:00 – 3:00:00) – WDAY's Farm Forecast & Flatland Flashback
Bridget Riedl dives into tornado damage assessments and cloudy land titles. Flatland Music Flashback recalls The Jacksons ditching Motown and Springsteen pulling Courtney Cox on stage in '84.

📝 Episode Summary (Apple/Spotify Style):

On today’s action-packed episode of The Jay Thomas Show, Jay and Ronnie kick off with Hot Spring Spas and saunas talk — because nothing says “flu prevention” like a daily sweat session.

Then it’s off to the races: From local weather drama and Fargo fireworks laws to an in-depth, passionate listener debate about which modern bands deserve “rock legend” status. Can Foo Fighters, Metallica, or Tool stand the test of time like the Rolling Stones or Led Zeppelin? Jay's inbox explodes with suggestions.

Later, things get serious with a gritty and honest discussion on homelessness, crime, and panhandling around Fargo. Commissioner Michelle Turnberg joins the show to talk about the city's looming 2026 budget cuts, why the DECK Lounge might not be the best use of taxpayer money, and what really counts as a “core city service.”

It’s a mix of classic Jay Thomas — thoughtful, provocative, entertaining, and full of personality (and callers). Oh, and did we mention fireworks?

📍 Standout Moments & Timestamps:

• 0:00 – Sauna talk with Hot Spring Spas (health benefits, flu shots vs. daily sweats)

• 3:39 – Local controversy: West Fargo bridge, fireworks legality, and “guy named Dave”

• 5:03 – The growing homelessness and crime issue in Fargo

• 6:07 – It’s Hot Tub Time Machine time! (a beloved Jay & Ronnie segment)

• 8:04 – Rant: “Living Wage Fees” at restaurants

• 10:06 – Who’s the last great rock band still touring? A call-in avalanche begins

• 18:05 – Metallica, Tool, Foo Fighters — listener debates heat up

• 30:10 – Fargo police chase: homeless suspect, drugs, and felony warrants

• 44:55 – ZZ Top and supergroup nostalgia

• 45:51 – Commissioner Michelle Turnberg joins: budget cuts, homelessness, fireworks laws

• 1:06:12 – Jay and Ronnie share old-school fireworks memories (bottle rockets, snakes, parachute men)

• 1:45:14 – Deep dive into Fargo’s 2026 budget with Commissioner Turnberg

• 1:57:02 – The real deal on property tax incentives and transit inefficiencies

👥 Guests Featured:

• Michelle Turnberg – Fargo City Commissioner

• Listeners & Callers – Passionate participants sounding off on everything from Tool’s drummer to homelessness and city fireworks

🎯 Takeaways:

• Fargo is facing tough budget decisions with a focus on preserving core services (fire, police, water, roads).

• The city's homelessness and panhandling issues are intensifying and triggering strong community reactions.

• The eternal question remains: Who are today's real rock legends?

🔥 One-Liner Hook:
“From Metallica to municipal budgets — Jay Thomas delivers fireworks in every sense of the word.”

📝 Podcast Description (Apple/Spotify Style):
On this stormy edition of Weather & Ag in Focus, Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki and Ag Director Bridget Riedel are joined by Chris Sherman—our resident cybersecurity superhero—to break down everything from derecho damage to the invisible threats of cyber attacks on agriculture. With July 4th looming and the forecast heating up, the trio tackles weather updates, agribusiness security tips, and some seriously eye-opening tales of farm fraud.

🌾 From hail-battered wheat fields to hackers targeting irrigation systems, this episode blends weather wisdom, ag updates, and digital defense like no other. Plus, a big grocery giveaway, a nod to agritourism, and tips to keep your farm—and your identity—safe this summer.

💡 Key Moments & Highlights:

• 0:02 – Hot Start to Summer: Dean and Bridget kick off with 90-degree temps in Medora and forecast the week's heat and storms.

• 1:53 – Fourth of July Forecast: Expect hot, humid weather—and potentially severe storms—heading into the holiday weekend.

• 2:18 – Hail & Harvest Damage: Bridget shares hail damage updates from the “Here We Grow” wheat field.

• 3:00 – Aging Farmers & Estate Planning: ND Estate Services steps in to smooth transitions as the average farmer age hits 58.

• 7:24 – Is “Normal” Weather Even Real Anymore? A chat on shifting baselines and climate patterns in North Dakota.

• 8:00 – Cybersecurity Spotlight: Enter Chris Sherman of Tech Support Farm with tips on cyber threats following storm chaos.

• 10:02 – Derecho Dean & Cyber Storms: The aftermath of the storm reveals big vulnerabilities in power and comms.

• 13:00 – Spoofing, Phishing & Red Flags: Recognizing fake emails and stopping social engineering attacks in ag.

• 20:00 – Cyber Warfare & Food Security: National concerns rise as cartels and countries eye ag infrastructure.

• 26:00 – Only 5% of Farms Have a Cyber Plan: Chris reveals a shocking stat and urges all farms to take action.

• 30:00 – Great Grocery Giveaway: Dana Jackson of Fargo—are you listening?! Your 9 minutes to claim $10K in groceries starts now.

• 34:46 – Tangled Titles & Agritourism: Bridget dives into land inheritance challenges and how to protect yourself legally.

• 38:27 – Can Young Farmers Afford to Start? A look at the financial hurdles holding back the next generation.

📌 Episode Summary:
This holiday week episode of The Coffee Club with Janae and Ronnie is packed with small-town charm, local flavor, and big laughs. From hilarious home renovation tales to hot wings, rodeo recaps, and favorite teenage party spots, this show delivers on fun, nostalgia, and community heart. Janae and Ronnie celebrate the 4th of July spirit while chatting with guests, recapping the Heroes Compass Wing Cook-Off, discussing summer projects, and highlighting meaningful local efforts like Big Brothers Big Sisters and UC Hope thrift store.

👥 Guests in This Episode:

• Erica & Alyssa from UC Hope DGF – Celebrating 5 years of thrift store magic supporting local students.

• Sue Baron (mentioned for upcoming episode) – Golden Drive Homeless Kids birthday box program.

• Shoutout to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Fargo & the Village Family Service Center.

• Deb Sagvold & the McLeod Stampede team – For organizing a stellar rodeo event!

⏰ Timestamps – Standout Moments:

• 0:00 – Kickoff: Birthday month vs. 4th of July month? Let's celebrate both!

• 6:30 – Janae’s hilarious DIY home project saga (feat. shiplap, swearing & rebates).

• 13:50 – Recap of the Heroes Compass Wing Cook-Off 🍗
  ➤ $6,000 raised, 350 attendees, 11 wing flavors—and some spicy judging chaos!

• 23:00 – Rodeo roundup & why it might be the most patriotic sport ever 🇺🇸

• 35:10 – Question of the Day: “What was the name of your hometown party spot?”
  ➤ From “The Pit” to “Bear Canyon” and “Flaming Arrow,” listener memories pour in.

• 1:00:00 – Fireworks Laws & Safety: Where (and when) can you legally light ‘em up?

• 1:10:00 – UC Hope thrift store spotlight ✨
  ➤ Back-to-school backpacks, boutique launch, and a sweet 5-year anniversary.

• 1:37:00 – Tease for Golden Drive Homeless Kids and the birthday box initiative 🎂

🎧 Vibe:
Funny, friendly, and full of local flavor. Perfect for your commute or a backyard BBQ.

🎯 Episode Tags:
#CoffeeClubWDAY #SmallTownLife #4thOfJuly #WingsAndRodeos #UCHope #FireworksSafety #LocalRadio #NorthDakotaLife #PodcastRecap #FunAndCommunity

The hidden world of agricultural land management takes center stage as Morgan Ulmer, a seasoned land manager with Pifer's, pulls back the curtain on what happens after the seeds go into the ground. Racing from field to field across the entire Red River Valley, Morgan reveals how professional land managers become the eyes and ears for property owners who may live hundreds or thousands of miles from their agricultural investments.

Morgan walks us through the meticulous process of field inspection—checking everything from water issues and weed pressure to crop health and projected yields. These detailed assessments, complete with extensive photography and documentation, ultimately form the backbone of comprehensive reports that keep landowners connected to their investments. "We have boots on the ground," Morgan explains, highlighting how land managers provide crucial peace of mind for distant property owners including trusts, family inheritances split between siblings, and investment groups.

The conversation takes a sobering turn as Morgan describes the aftermath of recent catastrophic straight-line winds that devastated farms across portions of North Dakota. Machine sheds destroyed, grain bins toppled, and power poles snapped "like matchsticks" serve as stark reminders of agriculture's vulnerability to nature's fury. Yet through it all, Morgan notes the remarkable resilience of the farming community: "They're resilient people... they don't miss a beat" when it comes to cleanup and recovery efforts.

The episode offers fascinating glimpses into the technological evolution of land management, from smartphone apps that estimate corn yields by photographing cobs to the game-changing deployment of drones for aerial inspection of difficult terrain. We also hear how land managers contribute valuable regional data to industry organizations like the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers, helping establish crucial benchmarks for rental rates and agricultural trends across the region.

Whether you're a landowner seeking better oversight of your agricultural investments, a farmer curious about professional management services, or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes work that supports modern agriculture, this episode delivers valuable insights into the vital role land managers play in protecting and optimizing one of our most precious resources.

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

Contact the team at Pifer's

Tonight Big Game James McCarty and Jace Denman look into the Minnesota Wild's possible roster moves heading into this weekend's draft. Should they re-sign Marco Rossi? Plus, the NHL Regular Season is expanding to 84 games?

It’s officially summer in Fargo, and Rocky Schneider is back with a jam-packed Downtown Hour! ☀️ From 10,000+ pool visits to streetlight facelifts, we explore how downtown Fargo is staying fresh. Dive into the buzz around Somali Heritage Day and 701 Day, then stick around for a deep and heartwarming conversation with TEDxFargo organizers and speakers. Discover why TEDxFargo is more than a stage—it’s a catalyst for connection, inspiration, and community healing. Plus, we unearth a 50-year-old time capsule with the Fargo Public Library and dream about what we’d leave behind. A feel-good episode filled with local love, big ideas, and a whole lot of heart. ❤️🎤

🎙️ Episode Summary (Apple/Spotify Style):

This laugh-out-loud episode of The Jay Thomas Show is as North Dakota as free brats in a grocery store parking lot! Jay and the gang dive into the misadventures of Fargo’s 1975 time capsule unveiling (spoiler: no Shakey’s Pizza delivery bag), the chaos of neighborhood murals getting city council heat, and the power of prank calls from the days before caller ID.

Guests from Hot Springs Spas and Alsager Meats serve up more than just wellness tips and sizzling bacon-wrapped pork chops — they’re at the heart of the community events like the Great Grocery Giveaway, complete with free food, kids in cowboy hats, and even a meat-stealing dog.

Add to that a thunderous weather forecast, a local tribute to military veterans, and Jay's Oprah-style ticket giveaway spree, and you’ve got a one-of-a-kind community podcast filled with heart, humor, and homegrown fun.

🎉 Standout Moments & Timestamps:

⏱️ [0:00] - Vinny from Hot Springs Spas joins
The hot tub king talks wellness, longevity, and why Fargo loves soaking in style.

⏱️ [15:30] - Time capsule unearthing from 1975
Jay hilariously laments the lack of Shakey’s Pizza and Wham-O Frisbees in Fargo’s centennial stash.

⏱️ [43:10] - Giveaway extravaganza begins
It’s Jay-prah! Concert tickets, wine coolers, brats — Jay gives it ALL away.

⏱️ [1:15:00] - A $5,000 donation to the Honor Flight
Heartfelt moment as a listener honors a family of veterans with a check and tribute.

⏱️ [1:45:00] - Wild weather forecast with Dean Wysocki
Straight-line winds and possible hail? Jay preps the patio furniture like a storm-hardened Midwesterner.

⏱️ [2:20:00] - Old-school prank calls & party line nostalgia
The team swaps stories about rotary phones, neighbor eavesdropping, and “Is your refrigerator running?”

⏱️ [2:45:00] - Live from Sauger Meats - Great Grocery Giveaway stop
Free brats, kids named Oli, and 20% off New York strips — this is what community radio dreams are made of.

⏱️ [3:10:00] - City mural debate heats up
Jay defends a mural celebrating the blind community — even if it breaks a few ordinance rules.

👥 Guests Featured:

• Vinny ("Hot Tub Vinny") – Owner, Hot Springs Spas & Pool Tables Too

• Josh & Liz Alsager – Owners, Alsager Meats

• Dean Wysocki – WDAY Chief Meteorologist

• Brad Rivers – WDAY Remote Correspondent

• Sophie Thompson – Marketing Director, Red River Valley Fair

• Oli Alsager – Adorable meat-loving 6th-gen rancher-in-training

• Numerous Callers – From pranksters to veterans’ family members and enthusiastic fairgoers

🎁 Contests & Giveaways:

• 14-bottle Insignia stainless steel wine cooler

• Tickets to:

  • Jelly Roll (ND State Fair)

  • Limp Bizkit (ND State Fair)

  • Monster Truck Show

  • Demolition Derby (Red River Valley Fair)

  • Sawyer Brown / Hairball

• Great Grocery Giveaway registration (chance to win $10K in groceries)

🔥 Vibes & Tone:

• Community-oriented

• Genuinely funny

• Nostalgic & Local-leaning

• Heartfelt moments mixed with hometown hilarity