Archives: Episodes

☕ Episode Summary:

On this smoke-hazy Thursday morning edition of The Coffee Club, Bonnie and Ronnie serve up a delicious blend of laughter, local events, quirky debates, and heartfelt community updates. From a lotion-labeling debacle to donut-eating throw downs, this episode delivers the perfect mix of nonsense and news, with a side of cucumber salad memories.

They’re joined by guest Mark Johnson from Sweet Shots, who previews the evening's live music and reflects on Fargo's vibrant local scene. Plus, West Fargo’s Community Engagement Officer Rhonda Jorgensen stops by to chat about Night to Unite, the beloved annual community event bringing neighbors and first responders together with food, games, K9 demos, and... yes, even a home run derby.

Tune in for standout stories, surprise pranks, and some very suspicious bath & body product confusion that has the whole studio cracking up.

⏱️ Timestamps for Standout Moments:

• [00:00] - Smoky skies, sweet shots & Thursday vibes

• [03:00] - Miracle Treat Day at Dairy Queen 🍦 (supporting Sanford Children’s Hospital)

• [05:45] - Adults-only swim night at Island Park (but not that kind of adult)

• [12:20] - Boiler Room in downtown Fargo closing 😢

• [18:30] - The Great Lotion Mix-Up: Bonnie’s bath & body product chaos 💅

• [29:00] - Cucumber salad, Costco trips & household hilarity

• [40:00] - Mark Johnson joins to talk Sweet Shots, live music & game machines 🎸

• [1:03:00] - Live in-studio "Name That Tune" game: 90s rock and country favorites 🎶

• [1:21:30] - Officer Rhonda previews Night to Unite: donuts, fire trucks & community connections 🚓

• [1:35:00] - Sue from Golden Drive calls in to rally community support for homeless youth 💛

• [1:50:00] - Did You Know? Facts from strange history to name-guessing psychology 🤔

👥 Guests This Episode:

• Mark Johnson – Sweet Shots Fargo

• Rhonda Jorgensen – West Fargo Police Community Engagement Officer

• Sue Baron – Founder, Golden Drive Homeless Kids

📍 Featured Community Events:

• Night to Unite – Tuesday, August 5, 5–7:30pm at South Elmwood Park

• Golden Drive Homeless Kids Fundraiser – Cash Wise BBQ, July 31–Aug 1

• Veterans Honor Flight Golf Tournament – August 15 in Balmoral

🎧 Call to Action:

Don't forget to moisturize responsibly and check your labels — but most importantly, bring your neighbors together for Night to Unite. Subscribe, share the show with a friend, and if you're ever in a lotion-laced identity crisis, tune in to the Coffee Club — we’ve got you.

Tonight Big Game James McCarty and Jace Denman continue their quarterback conversation surrounding the Minnesota Vikings. Plus, some local student-athletes in Fargo and Moorhead have been named to the East-West Shrine Bowl  Top 1,000 Watch List.

🎧 Episode Description:

On this wild ride of The Jay Thomas Show (broadcast on AM 970 & FM 93.1 WDAY), Jay dives headfirst into the great American Eagle jeans controversy—featuring memes, satire, and all the sass that comes with internet virality. He and Ronnie tackle everything from bizarre tsunami fears in landlocked North Dakota (yes, seriously) to local gardening advice, wild weather, asteroid predictions, and the ongoing debate about speed limits and law enforcement tactics.

Horticulturist Don Kinzler returns for Garden Radio, bringing his expertise on tomatoes, squirrels, poisonous plants, and whether or not slime mold is just dog vomit in disguise (spoiler: it is).

Plus, Jay calls out Fargo PD, praises West Fargo's pit maneuvers, and reminds everyone that nothing good happens after midnight—except great radio.

🕒 Standout Moments & Timestamps:

• [0:00] – Opening ad: Pool tables, saunas & wellness—brought to you by Hot Spring Spas

• [1:34] – Jay kicks off with a roasting of American Eagle jeans, influencers, and internet satire

• [4:44] – Kamala Harris rumors & political commentary

• [9:34] – Tragic story: Virginia city councilman set on fire

• [11:39] – Earthquake and tsunami panic in... Fargo?!

• [18:29] – Fargo citizens literally call the weather service about tsunami warnings

• [25:56] – Meme wars: Ronnie gets Photoshopped into American Eagle ads

• [27:18] – 🎙️ Garden Radio with Don Kinzler begins

• [30:01] – Emotional highlight: Don discusses a memorial garden created in honor of a lost child

• [34:07] – Flamethrower vs. creeping Charlie: Lawn care tales get spicy

• [44:51] – Red baneberries, horseradish harvesting, and poisonous plant alerts

• [56:39] – Rusty shoes? Jay's lawn turns orange and the mystery is solved

• [59:43] – Lawn debates, gardening myths, and deadheading flowers

• [1:30:00] – Jay breaks down Fargo PD losing a suspect—and West Fargo PD’s pit maneuver win

• [1:48:00] – Minnesota’s new DUI law: 20-year lookback, ignition interlock changes

• [1:50:09] – EPA rollback: Jay rants about shower heads, climate policies, and gas stove drama

• [1:55:30] – Slamming green regulation and celebrating what Jay calls “everyday wins”

• [1:58:42] – Celsius recall: accidentally vodka-infused energy drinks?!

• [1:59:00] – Naked guy at the Minnesota Capitol & other local oddities

👥 Guest List:

• Ronnie Lee – Jay's co-host and comedic sparring partner

• Don Kinzler – Horticulturist, North Dakota State University Extension, expert on all things green

• Dean Wysocki – Meteorologist providing weather updates

• Listeners & Callers:

  • Matt, Russ, Bruce, Jerry, Tom, Todd, Chris, Patrick, Pete, and many more shared questions and hot takes on everything from tomato blight to law enforcement policies

📢 Want to hear more episodes like this?

Subscribe to The Jay Thomas Show on your favorite podcast platform or catch the live show weekdays on WDAY.

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Talk of the Town, Jon Adams sits down with Carly Mock — founder of The Dream Project, community leader, and walking embodiment of faith, grit, and grace. From life-threatening illness to launching a mission-driven movement, Carly shares how hitting rock bottom on Christmas Day became the turning point that reshaped her life, marriage, faith, and purpose.

You'll hear how a corporate burnout turned into a divine wake-up call, what it means to really “be there” for your person, and how leaders today must shift from performance-driven to people-centered. This is more than a conversation — it's a spiritual boost, a leadership masterclass, and a moving love story rolled into one.

If you’re ready to be challenged, encouraged, and reminded that even pain can have purpose, this is your episode. Grab your tissues and your notebook — Carly delivers.

Standout Moments & Timestamps:

• [0:00] “I’m fed up with people defending people who shouldn’t be defended…”
  Jon sets the tone with raw emotion and calls for decency and accountability.

• [2:18] Carly joins the show – “The poster woman for perseverance, faith, and love.”
  A beautiful introduction to Carly Mock and the origin of her Dream Project.

• [5:19] “Under the roof is the most important spot.”
  Carly opens up about working 80-hour weeks, neglecting family, and the powerful shift that followed.

• [8:54] Christmas in the hospital: the moment everything changed.
  Carly shares her rock bottom — ulcerative colitis, hospitalization, and a desperate Christmas Day prayer.

• [13:40] From believer to follower — “I’ll do anything.”
  Carly describes the moment she shifted from surviving to serving.

• [17:50] “I love to remember my rock bottom.”
  Why Carly intentionally revisits her darkest moments — and how it keeps her grounded.

• [23:06] Life as a solopreneur: faith, fear, and fulfillment.
  The highs and lows of launching The Dream Project as a purpose-driven business.

• [25:11] What is a Chief Dream Officer?!
  Carly explains the concept and mission of helping people rediscover dreams buried under routine.

• [27:06] The “Rhythm of Life” framework.
  A powerful method to keep physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual health in harmony.

• [30:33] “They will not work hard for you if you don’t care.”
  Mic-drop moment about modern leadership and the need for relational coaching in college athletics.

• [34:35] “Would the people you lead say you’re like Jesus?”
  A bold challenge for community and workplace leaders to live with integrity.

On this episode, Tyler dives headfirst into the tech tornado with Joe Sandin (OnSharp) and Kelly Mortensen (Digital Plains). They break down the good, the bad, and the jaw-droppingly real future of artificial intelligence—from AI as your new office sidekick to the lurking cybersecurity threats small businesses are ignoring at their peril.

You’ll hear the chilling truth behind the phrase “Your Business Will Get Hacked”, get practical tips on safeguarding data, and learn why using ChatGPT isn’t cheating—it’s strategic. Plus, they spill insights on the upcoming Midwest Tech Summit and what every business leader needs to know before AI eats their lunch. Think of it as your must-hear tech wake-up call—with a side of optimism and strategy.

Tonight Big Game James McCarty recap their trip to Minnesota Vikings Training Camp 2025. Plus, James has conversations with DL Levi Drake Rodriguez and RB Ty Chandler.

📝 Episode Description:
Start your day with Fargo’s favorite morning team! Bonnie & Friends bring the latest on traffic troubles, heatwave headlines, Dairy Queen disputes, and the joys of neighborly kindness. From Bonnie’s trivia questions to Jace’s breakfast opinions (no avocado toast here!), this episode blends small-town charm with big laughs.

The duo chats about why people can't drive roundabouts, the problem with downtown’s new parking meters, and gives a heartfelt shoutout to listener heroes helping neighbors in need. Oh, and don’t miss the heated debate over Blizzard flavors — Cookie Dough vs. Brownie Batter gets spicy.

⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps:

[00:00] – ☕ Morning Vibes & Headlines
Bonnie and Jace kick off with weather updates, road construction rants, and a reminder to slow down in roundabouts (please, people).

[12:15] – 🚗 Parking Meter Madness
A listener texts in about Fargo’s new downtown parking meters. Bonnie shares her take: “It’s too complicated — it’s not New York!”

[18:30] – 🧊 Dairy Queen Blizzard Battle
Listeners call and text in to rank the best Blizzard flavors. Cookie Dough, Brownie Batter, and Oreo fight for the crown.

[27:40] – 🎉 Random Acts of Kindness Shoutouts
Listeners share stories of good deeds — like one man mowing his elderly neighbor’s lawn during a heatwave. Bonnie calls it “a Midwest superhero moment.”

[39:00] – 🧠 Trivia Time: North Dakota Edition
Today’s quiz: “Which ND town shares its name with a U.S. president?”
Spoiler alert: It’s not Lincoln.

[46:00] – 🛑 What’s the Deal with Roundabouts?
Bonnie asks: “Why do some drivers stop in the middle of the circle?”
Cue: listener calls, confused drivers, and plenty of side-eye.

[57:10] – 💬 Caller Corner: Local Events & Laughs
Community happenings, listener birthday shoutouts, and someone confesses to never having tried Taco Bell. Jace: “You haven’t lived!”

📝 Episode Summary:
Broadcasting live with a heatwave across the Midwest and smoke in the skies, Weather and Ag in Focus takes you on a whirlwind tour of drought damage, popcorn farming in North Dakota, and what fertilizer and pollinators have in common.

Special guest Justin Halverson joins to talk about his rare and fascinating venture: growing popcorn in Sheldon, ND! Plus, Bridgette previews her big Baltic Field Day appearance, and Dean offers weather insights and fun Midwest trivia — including why people in Wishak, ND pronounce it Vishak (yes, really).

⏱️ Key Moments & Timestamps:

[00:01:00] – ☀️ Storms & Derecho Damage
Dean recaps last night’s 90+ mph winds in Iowa & Minnesota. Corn is down, grain bins destroyed, and a South Dakota dairy had to relocate 15,000 cows overnight.

“How do you tell cows to just hold on a sec?!”

[00:15:45] – 🔧 Popcorn Farming in ND? Meet Justin Halverson
Justin shares how he started raising popcorn on 6 acres — and why it nearly filled a semi. He talks crop yields, planting adjustments, and how popcorn differs from field corn.

“We’re hand cleaning popcorn pans right now… still figuring out the food safety side.”

[00:35:00] – 🍿 Taste Test & Market Dreams
Justin hopes to sell locally in stores and online, but jokes about needing time to build a packaging setup between all his other farm duties.

“Right now, it’s just local, homegrown, hand-packed popcorn.”

[00:53:10] – 🌽 Popcorn vs Field Corn: What’s Different?

• Shorter stalks

• Needs less moisture

• Can’t be dried the same way

“If it’s too wet, it won’t pop right.”

[01:06:30] – 🌾 North Dakota Crops Update
Justin shares that his corn and canola are looking solid despite local storm damage. Beans? Too early to call.

“We had 3 inches of rain and standing water. Drainage matters more than ever.”

[01:14:00] – 🏛️ Corn Growers & D.C. Lobbying
Justin discusses his past service on the North Dakota Corn Growers Board and the importance of speaking directly to lawmakers.

“More and more, our elected officials have no ag background. That’s why we have to go.”

[01:23:00] – 🌫️ Weather Outlook & Smoke Forecast
Expect upper 70s through Friday, with smoke thickening midweek and southerly winds blowing it in. Isolated storms possible this weekend.

[01:35:00] – 💻 Cybersecurity for Farmers
Guest Chris Sherman (live from Hefty Field Day) discusses protecting agribusinesses from digital threats — yes, farmers need cybersecurity too.

[01:43:00] – 🐝 Pollinator Myths Busted
Bridgette explains that dandelions aren’t ideal for bees, despite popular belief. Instead, plant milkweed, mint, or roses for better pollination support.

[01:49:00] – 🚢 Barges on the Mississippi
Bridgette has a “never-seen-before” moment witnessing barge movement on the Mississippi — and gives a primer on U.S. fertilizer logistics.

“Potash from Canada takes 21–29 days to reach Minnesota!”

📍 Podcast Summary (Apple/Spotify Style):

On this fiery episode of The Jay Thomas Show, Jay dives into the heated debate surrounding the parole of convicted ax murderer David Brom, who brutally killed his family in 1988 and is now being released under Minnesota’s controversial new juvenile parole law. Senator Jordan Rasmussen (R–Fergus Falls) joins the show to sound the alarm on what he calls a “get out of jail free” bill that quietly passed during the 2023 legislative session.

But it’s not all crime and punishment — Jay and Dean Wysocki debate the new 80 MPH interstate speed limit in North Dakota, and listeners call in with their funniest (and most frustrating) speeding ticket stories, including one involving an '83 Chevette accused of hitting 83 MPH!

Then it’s culture war time: Jay slams the backlash against actress Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle ad campaign (“Great Jeans”), calling out the absurdity of people labeling it as “Nazi propaganda.”

🔥 It's a high-octane mix of politics, policing, pop culture, and a bit of good old-fashioned North Dakota radio grit.

👥 Featured Guest(s):

• Senator Jordan Rasmussen — Republican, Fergus Falls, MN

  Discusses the 2023 juvenile parole law and his opposition to the early release of David Brom.

⏱️ Standout Timestamps:

• 0:00 – 6:00 | Hot Tub Vinny makes a steamy case for year-round hydrotherapy.

• 6:00 – 8:30 | Brom’s crime resurfaces as parole news breaks; Jay previews his outrage.

• 13:00 – 17:00 | Listener stories: fighting speeding tickets with moms turned defense attorneys.

• 24:00 – 27:30 | Becky from West Fargo plans a baby shower; weather forecast with Dino.

• 30:00 – 45:00 | David Brom’s release dissected; Senator Rasmussen joins with fiery criticism.

• 51:00 – 59:00 | Callers demand tougher penalties and the return of the death penalty.

• 1:00:00 – 1:20:00 | In-depth discussion of parole board decisions and legislative failure.

• 1:24:00 – 1:30:00 | “Do sexy jeans ads equal Nazism?” Jay tackles woke outrage over Sydney Sweeney.

• 1:42:00 – 1:52:00 | Speed limits, tinted windows, and how ND fines are still the cheapest in the U.S.

• 1:59:00 – 2:00:00 | Namath wore pantyhose? Posters, old-school ads, and a nostalgic wrap-up.

🎧 Episode Summary (Apple/Spotify-Style)

It's a jam-packed Tuesday edition of The Coffee Club Show with Janae and Ronnie, featuring heartfelt community stories, laugh-out-loud games, and insightful guest interviews.

We kick things off with a hilarious convo about tequila (or lack thereof), dive into important news like smoke alerts and cashless venues, and reflect on inventions that might’ve done more harm than good. The episode features local nonprofit heroes from HIA (formerly Hospice of the Red River Valley), and snooze-worthy insights from Sean Hotchkiss of Snooze Mattress Company. Oh, and yes—we play Scattergories with Dean Wysocki (chaos ensues).

From heartfelt to hilarious, it’s your one-stop community chat packed with laughs, local news, and meaningful moments.

⏱️ Timestamps – Standout Moments

• 00:01:00 – Tequila Tuesday jokes & gas-station-grade tequila horror stories

• 00:05:30 – Guest: Tracy from HIA shares what "Hearts In Action" is all about

• 00:14:40 – Listener love for Scattergories: it's game day!

• 00:25:20 – Odd meats that are now illegal in the U.S. 🍖

• 00:32:00 – The big shift: Alerus Center goes cashless 💳

• 00:43:15 – Local bar fire devastates a small town – rebuilding hopes

• 00:47:50 – Hector Airport’s $47M parking ramp opens + skybridge plans

• 00:51:15 – MN air quality alert – smoke doesn’t respect borders

• 00:59:00 – Community chatter: What you gotta do before summer ends 🌞

• 01:12:10 – New laws in effect Aug 1 – speed limit updates, cell phone bans

• 01:19:15 – Scattergories with Dean Wysocki gets absolutely chaotic 😂

• 01:40:00 – Guest: Sean from Snooze Mattress – sleep tech, massage chairs & CPAPs 🛏️

• 01:57:30 – Inventions that actually made life worse (hint: fast food, social media)

• 02:03:00 – Guest: HIA returns to discuss rural care, new facility, heirlooms store

• 02:32:00 – Did You Know trivia time: Wire hanger conspiracy, candy habits & thunder phobia

• 02:47:10 – What you don’t legally have to say when pulled over by police 🚔

👥 Guest List

• 🎙️ Tracy & Brenda – HIA (Hearts in Action)

  • Talking rural care, hospice support, and their heirlooms thrift store

• 🛏️ Sean Hotchkiss – Snooze Mattress Company

  • Sleep wellness, massage chairs, and hilarious CPAP tales

• 🌦️ Dean Wysocki – WDAY Meteorologist

  • Participates in Scattergories & offers up-to-the-minute forecasts

📍 Mentions & Local Highlights

• HIA’s new facility in South Fargo

• JJ’s Hog Roast & Olee’s Ride – community fundraisers

• Snooze Mattress: Veteran-owned, tech-forward comfort

• Scattergories mayhem: “Paint by numbers” vs “Poodle-oo”

• LED lights, plastic, and fast food – enemy of society?

• Where is all the wire hanger supply going? 🧐