Archives: Episodes

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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In this sunny and heartfelt episode of The Coffee Club, Janae and Ronnie brighten up your Thursday with stories of sunshine after the rain, Memorial Day tributes, vanilla pudding dreams, and a soul-stirring live performance from special guest and military musician Elijah O’Sullivan.

The crew discusses local events, flood warnings, and the bittersweet updates on summer camping closures in Ashtabula. Elijah opens up about balancing military life and fatherhood while prepping a new album, and delivers a powerful live rendition of “If You’re Reading This” that left the studio in tears.

You'll also hear about the songs that almost never made it big (spoiler: “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Baby One More Time” were almost trashed!), plus some lighthearted debates on stick shifts, lawnmower mishaps, and why there's still a shampoo bottle with instructions.

☕ A perfect blend of local charm, patriotism, humor, and good vibes.  Guests include Elijah O' Sullivan and Christine Conrad.

⏱️ Standout Moments:

• [00:02:00] – Flood warnings and sunshine optimism

• [00:09:30] – Memorial Day helicopter arrival and outdoor music lineup

• [00:16:50] – Local camping cuts at Ashtabula explained

• [00:23:00] – Discussion: Bull ring lawsuit, waiver madness, and cowboy poker

• [00:35:30] – Call-in: Veterans honor flight raffle wrap-up

• [00:45:20] – Listener plans for Memorial Day weekend

• [01:01:00] – Elijah O’Sullivan live in studio 🎤

• [01:06:20] – 💥 LIVE performance: "If You’re Reading This" – chills and tears

• [01:14:30] – Elijah talks upcoming gigs, recording, and baby #3

• [01:29:00] – Memorial Day reflections and honoring the fallen

In this insightful and inspiring episode of Professional Launch, host Ricot Aladdin sits down with Dr. Colleen Fitzgerald, Vice President of Research and Creative Activity at North Dakota State University (NDSU). From her accidental start in linguistics to leading cutting-edge research initiatives, Dr. Fitzgerald shares her vibrant career journey and the values that guide her leadership.

She dives into the power of resilience, the role of failure in personal growth, and the transformative impact of mentorship and undergraduate research. Whether you’re a new grad navigating the job market or a student exploring career paths, this episode is packed with honest wisdom and actionable advice.

Expect empowering stories, practical tips for standing out, and a compelling case for the value of listening, curiosity, and doing your homework. Plus, learn how language connects deeply to identity and community in her powerful reflections on revitalizing Native American languages.

Tonight Big Game James McCarty and Jace Denman are joined by MSUM Dragon Men's Basketball Assistant Coach, Jack Thompson. They discussed Jack's new role on the coaching staff, how he's helped retool the roster this offseason, and more.

The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday May 21st, 2025.  Guests include Don Kinzler, Barb Jensen, Sue Barron and Leah Alsager.

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.

Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts!

Today's guest is NDSU Livestock Extension Specialist Lisa Pederson!

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You can watch WAG on Acres TV and YouTube.

You can listen to our podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever podcasts are streamed.

Welcome back to The Coffee Club, your midweek brew of banter, heart, and headlines. In this episode, we bounce between belly laughs and serious conversations—from Lilo & Stitch fandom to the real-life heroes helping abused children in our community. Get ready for the strange, the sweet, and the sobering in one jam-packed show!

📍 Episode Highlights with Timestamps:

🎬 Pop Culture & Movie Mania
(0:08 – 1:15)
Hosts chat about Memorial Day weekend releases like Lilo & Stitch and The Final Reckoning. Expect nostalgia, ticket scalping, and a little Twilight shade.

👮‍♂️ Spotlight: Child Advocacy & Community Protection
(1:20 – 32:13)
A deep and vital conversation with Cass County Sheriff Jesse Johner and Sergeant Johner about the Red River Children’s Advocacy Center (RRCAC).
Key topics:

• Why child victims are interviewed at RRCAC (15:04)

• The importance of trauma-informed, single interviews (17:44)

• How community members can help (27:48)

• Donation needs at RRCAC (24:10)

Standout Moment (15:52): “We can’t always interview children ourselves—it takes specialized training. That’s why the RRCAC is essential.”

📜 Quirky American Customs Non-Americans Can’t Get Over
(52:00 – 1:02:29)
From tipping to sweet potato casserole with marshmallows, the team hilariously dissects the most “baffling” things about U.S. culture.

Highlight (54:19): “Sweet potatoes with marshmallows aren’t strange—they’re delicious!”

📵 Weird Things Parents Should Stop Paying For After 18
(1:02:29 – 1:08:34)
A debate for the ages: Should parents foot the bill for gas, Netflix, or rent after their kids turn 18? The Coffee Club says: “They’ll always be my babies.”

🌙 Tips for Better Sleep
(1:21:07 – 1:27:32)
Trouble falling asleep? You’re not alone. The hosts share their hilarious and heartfelt nighttime rituals, including the 4-7-8 breathing trick, coconut-scented dreams, and why reels might be ruining your REM cycle.

🎧 Final Thoughts:
This episode perfectly blends heartwarming community service with playful banter. Whether you’re laughing about testicle festivals or learning how to spot child abuse, it’s a well-rounded listen with something for everyone.

Tonight Big Game James McCarty and Jace Denman discuss the Minnesota Twins' 13 game winning streak coming to an end, their crucial series this week against Cleveland and Kansas City, and the tough AL Central battles in the standings. Plus, they look into the Wolves - Knicks trades and how they're benefitting both franchises as they enter their respective Conference Finals Series.

In this punchy, free-wheeling episode of The Jay Thomas Show, Jay dives headfirst into everything from torrential North Dakota rainfall to eyebrow-raising Minnesota legislation — all while sprinkling in food cravings, fried chicken nostalgia, and hot tub rants. The episode crescendos into a deep (and occasionally hilarious) discussion about Minnesota's controversial new law restricting the sale of brass keys due to trace lead content. It's classic Jay: real talk, local flavor, and a little bit of sass.

📌 Standout Moments + Timestamps:

0:00 – 1:38
🛁 Hot Tub Rant
Jay kicks things off with a passionate ode to Hot Spring Spas and how his hot tub changed his life (and possibly his blood pressure).

1:39 – 6:30
☔ Rain, Rain, and More Rain
Weather banter takes center stage as Jay laments flooding and suspended Twins games.

6:31 – 10:45
🍔 Big Macs & Regret
Jay and Ronnie spiral into a greasy black hole of fast food confessions and preservative horror stories.

15:26 – 20:01
🍕 Pizza Patrol vs. Dwayne’s Debate
A food-fueled frenzy about Fargo-Moorhead’s favorite pizza haunts. Warning: may cause cravings.

25:52 – 36:09
🔑 Minnesota Key Law Controversy Begins
Jay uncorks a fiery reaction to Minnesota’s new ban on keys with trace lead. Is it overreach or overdue?

43:22 – 49:17
🚫 Key Bootlegging & Locksmith Woes
More outrage and absurdity as Jay imagines a future of illegal key trade over state lines. Lockpocalypse now?

58:01 – 1:03:24
🔐 Lock Shop Owner Calls In
Larry from the local lock shop joins to explain the disastrous impact of the law on his business.

1:34:08 – 1:46:41
🧍 Posture Month with Dr. Mike
Jay chats with chiropractor Dr. Mike about posture, pain, and why you shouldn’t rely on a compression shirt to fix your spine.