Archives: Episodes

Host: Master Sergeant Eric Martz

Station: AM 970 & FM 93.1 WDAY Radio | WDAYRadioNow.com

🪖 Episode Summary:

In this powerful episode of Heroes of the Heartland, Master Sergeant Eric Martz breaks down the evolving military situation between Israel and Iran, delving into precision airstrikes, Iran’s ballistic missile strategy, and America’s defensive military posture. Martz offers candid, battlefield-savvy insights on modern warfare, global threats, and the technological might of U.S. and Israeli forces—including the jaw-dropping 30,000-pound "Massive Ordnance Penetrator" bomb.

But it’s not all geopolitics—Martz also highlights the Heroes New Hope Foundation’s fishing retreat for veterans and previews the Fargo VA Summer Vets Fest. He closes with a heartfelt reminder to protect your identity and financial data, especially for those who served.

🎧 Timestamps & Standout Moments:

• 0:25 – Opening mission: Honoring veterans with real talk and real news.

• 1:16 – 5:09 – Israel vs Iran: A masterclass in military contrast (precision strikes vs. missile lobs).

• 10:10 – 13:26 – U.S. fleet movements explained: Why the Nimitz is heading to the Gulf.

• 20:08 – Explainer: The 30,000-pound Massive Ordnance Penetrator (GBU-57A/B MOP) 🧨

• 27:31 – 30:49 – Nuclear fears & presidential response: Why the President left the G7 early.

• 31:51 – 34:24 – Debunking media hype around the Army’s 250th Anniversary celebration.

• 36:15 – 40:22 – Fishing with purpose: Heroes New Hope Foundation's tournament for vets 🎣

• 41:09 – 44:11 – Upcoming Event: Fargo VA Summer Vets Fest – June 25th, 4–7 PM 🇺🇸

• 44:12 – End – Identity theft warning + how veterans can protect their benefits and future.

🎤 Guest Appearances:

While no live guest interviews aired, Scott from Heroes New Hope Foundation was mentioned as a key figure coordinating the veteran fishing retreat. His work supporting disabled and recovering veterans through outdoor experiences was highlighted throughout the segment.

📌 Takeaways & Highlights:

• Israel’s surgical military tactics vs Iran’s indiscriminate strategy.

• U.S. strategic assets moving defensively—not aggressively.

• A rare, radio-friendly breakdown of military ordinance and delivery systems.

• Moving tribute to the 250-year legacy of the U.S. Army.

• Community events like the VA Fest and New Hope Foundation prove the Heartland never forgets its heroes.

🎣 Next Episode Tease:

Martz promises "a few fish stories" on next week’s episode after his fishing trip with the Heroes New Hope Foundation. Expect laughs, line tangles, and maybe even a trophy bass.

🎧 Episode Summary:
On this week’s wild and warm edition of The Coffee Club, hosts Janay and Ronnie celebrate National Sheriff's Week with a double dose of law enforcement fun. They’re joined by not one, but two area sheriffs—Cass County’s Jesse Jahner and Clay County’s Mark Empting—who go head-to-head in a raucous round of Scattergories. Think quick wit, questionable answers, and lots of laughs.

Also featured:

• 🧠 The psychology of lavender

• 🐊 Support crocodiles (yes, really!)

• 🚧 Local traffic construction updates

• 🧃 The most stolen item at Target might surprise you...

• 🏠 Kyle Olson stops in to preview this year’s Longest Open House, a 66-hour Alzheimer’s awareness event full of music, food, games, and even wrestling

From laughter to local love, this episode is a feel-good rollercoaster with small-town vibes and community heart.

👥 Guests:

• Sheriff Jesse Jahner – Cass County

• Sheriff Mark Empting – Clay County

• Kyle Olson – Keller Williams Inspire Realty / Longest Open House founder

⏱️ Timestamps for Standout Moments:

• 00:00 – Intro & Sheriff Showdown Preview

• 05:20 – Crazy jail package story & crime updates

• 14:40 – Support crocodiles & emotional support gators

• 25:10 – Local construction news (Harwood bridge closure!)

• 30:00 – Cancer patient lodging groundbreaking by Sanford Health

• 36:50 – New BMX Park idea in Fargo 🚴

• 41:20 – Question of the Day: “What’s your favorite room in your house?”

• 55:00 – Scattergories Showdown: Sheriffs vs. Ronnie vs. Reality

• 1:20:00 – Kyle Olson previews The Longest Open House

• 1:30:00 – Most stolen items at Target & a hilarious thrift store idea

• 1:34:00 – Outro & Great Grocery Giveaway details

Tonight Big Game James McCarty and Jace Denman recap James' trip to the Men's College World Series in Omaha. Per usual, James had a few mishaps on his trip!

📍 Show Overview:
In this lively episode of Bonnie and Friends on WDAY Radio, Bonnie and Jace bring a classic North Dakota morning to life with a dynamic blend of breaking news, weather updates, sports chatter, and quirky humor. With guest appearances from “Big Game James,” meteorologist Dean Wysocki, and listener call-ins, it's a jam-packed two-hour broadcast that rides the waves of serious headlines and breezy banter.

⏱️ Highlighted Moments & Timestamps:

• 🌩️ [0:00–2:45] Major Weather & Crime Headlines

  • Recap of storms across MN, including large hail in Brainerd Lakes and confirmed tornadoes.

  • Breaking: Accused murderer facing federal charges in connection with the killing of a MN lawmaker’s husband.

• 🚨 [2:45–4:40] Crime Watch

  • Valley City DUI/fleeing arrest of a 19-year-old.

  • Child pornography charges in LaMoure County.

  • Fire destroys Maple Lake home — no injuries reported.

• 📺 [4:40–10:09] Sports Center Comes to Fargo & Local Sports Recap

  • ESPN's SportsCenter is visiting Fargo on August 11 — NDSU football to be featured!

  • Volleyball all-star game coverage: Shanley grad Caitlin Ullman shines with 14 kills.

  • NBA & Stanley Cup Finals updates: Thunder vs. Pacers; Panthers vs. Oilers.

• 🧠 [10:09–15:00+] Offbeat & Humorous Banter

  • Listener call-ins about “what makes you nervous” (dentist, bills, open carry).

  • Bonnie and Jace swap childhood dental trauma stories and joke about emotional support alligators.

• 🍓 [2:46–3:00:00+] Lifestyle & Community Vibes

  • Strawberry season in full swing — how to pick the perfect berry!

  • Talk of summer heat, foggy windows, and grilling tips.

  • Listener Paulie gets nostalgic about ‘The Bionic Woman’ and awkward gun sightings in KFC.

• 🎧 [~7:00 AM Segment] Flatland Music Flashback Preview

  • Tomorrow’s musical throwback features Jefferson Airplane, Fleetwood Mac, and more.

🎯 Episode Summary 

The weather’s heating up, and so is the conversation on today’s episode of Weather and Ag in Focus! Guest host Bill Hale returns for a stormy round two. Joining them is Brian Feuder from the Red River Retention Authority, with fascinating insights on flood control, the science of retention dams, and the surprising origins of the Red River's northward flow.

From glacial lakes to grocery giveaways, it’s a wild ride of weather, water management, and witty banter. Plus, a dramatic race against time to qualify for $10,000 in groceries adds an unexpected twist!

🕒 Key Moments & Timestamps

• 0:00 – Welcome and Weather Tease

  Dean opens the show, jokes about Bridget playing hooky, and previews upcoming severe weather chances.

• 1:14 – Storm Watch: What’s Ahead This Week?

  Forecast breakdown: storms Wednesday–Friday night with possible damaging winds and hail. Weekend highs hit the 90s.

• 2:46 – Summer Pattern Outlook

  The long-range forecast suggests a hot, dry start to July. LRC cycle explanation provided (41-day repeat patterns).

• 5:06 – Special Guest Intro: Brian Feuder

  Brian joins to explain the work of the Red River Retention Authority and its impact across ND & MN.

• 6:42 – The Red River: Why It Flows North

  Discover how glacial Lake Agassiz shaped the basin—and how the soil here is only 9,600 years old!

• 10:06 – Flood Mitigation & The 1997 Comparison

  Brian breaks down the progress made since the catastrophic 1997 flood and how retention projects help.

• 14:35 – Trauma Centers & Flood Risk

  Why keeping Fargo’s Level 1 trauma center open during floods is vital—and how the Maple River Dam helped in 2009.

• 17:10 – 2025 Projects & Dam Statistics

  Brian shares dam data: 59 total in the basin, 242,000 acre-feet of storage created. $75M needed for repairs.

• 21:07 – Caller Mike Asks About Souris River

  A listener questions Canadian damming and downstream flood issues—prompting a broader discussion on cross-border water management.

• 23:10 – Water Policy & Possible Legislation

  Dean and Brian explore the idea of reorganizing water resource districts by watershed, not counties.

• 26:05 – Dam Aging & Safety Concerns

  Many structures exceed their intended lifespan. One has already breached—urgent rehab needed.

• 28:39 – Where to Reach Brian

  📧 rrra@ideaone.net | ☎️ (701) 356-6644

• 33:12 – The “Beer Question” 🍻

  Can you buy beer with the grocery prize? Producer Addison speculates… and management might have to step in. 😂

📅 Air Date: June 17, 2025
📍 Broadcast On: AM 970 & FM 93.1 WDAY Radio
🕒 Duration: Approx. 2 hours 2 minutes

🎧 Episode Summary:
In this charged and spirited edition of The Jay Thomas Show, Jay dives headfirst into geopolitics, giveaways, and good health. From the looming specter of an Israel-Iran conflict to military hardware chatter, the crew doesn't hold back. But it's not all heavy—Jay and friends lighten things up with a passionate breakdown of Barry Manilow’s “Mandy” (was it really about a dog?), stress-reducing advice from Dr. Mike of Red River Wellness, and big laughs from Grease Monkey’s Great Grocery Giveaway, live on location.

Buckle up for banter, bold opinions, and the fastest qualifier call-in on record—8.1 seconds!

👥 Guests Featured:

• Vinny from Hot Spring Spas – Promoting the year-round joy and health benefits of hot tubs

• Big Game James – Live from Grease Monkey, Fargo (with cookies!)

• Dr. Mike – Red River Wellness, talks gut health, stress, and fiber (a surprisingly fun convo!)

• Brett Yeager – Grease Monkey co-owner on family-run service

• Caller Ross & Jeff – Thoughtful input on U.S. involvement in Middle East conflicts

⏱️ Standout Moments & Timestamps:

• 0:00 – 2:00 | Hot Spring Spas ad read + tub talk with Vinny

• 2:00 – 15:00 | Breaking down rising U.S.-Iran-Israel tensions & military posturing

• 29:00 – 31:00 | Grocery Giveaway heats up at Grease Monkey: Big Game James reports live

• 44:00 – 53:00 | “Mandy” lyrics deep dive—was it really about a dog?

• 1:00:00 – 1:03:00 | Jay speculates U.S. airspace control over Iran: fighter jet talk

• 1:08:00 – 1:11:00 | Record broken: Mike Clark calls in under 8.1 seconds

• 1:13:00 – 1:25:00 | West Fargo short-term rentals: city commission controversy

• 1:35:00 – 1:55:00 | Dr. Mike gets into leaky gut, stress hormones, and “poop schedules”

• 1:55:00 – 2:00:00 | Kombucha, probiotics, and preparing for Wednesday’s Big Surprise

🥩 Bonus Flavor:

• Shoutout to Dumper Dan’s Charter Fishing in Sheboygan

• Petrol Serve USA snack specials (Zingers vs. Ding Dongs debate gets real)

• Jay declares fiber the MVP of digestive health

🏆 Quote of the Day:

“If Iran gets a nuke, they’ll use it. Not maybe. Not someday. They will.” – Jay Thomas

💥 Final Verdict:
Equal parts political punditry, hometown humor, health talk, and small-town shoutouts. It’s local radio with global concerns and a side of Ding Dongs.

In this episode, we dive into the powerhouse potential of small businesses with three of Fargo-Moorhead’s most passionate community champions. Tyler taps into a fascinating U.S. Chamber of Commerce report before welcoming a dream trio of guests: Jack Yakowicz, Director of Operations at AdShark; Sarah West, founder of Light Consulting and 2025 Small Business of the Year winner; and Abby Styf, Director of Member Engagement at The Chamber.

From Chamber Choice awards to soda shacks, and from dirty sodas to dirty data (well, not really—but Jack does talk metrics), this episode is jam-packed with practical wisdom and heartfelt stories. Learn how small businesses power nearly half of America’s economy, how Jack’s life was changed by a Chamber event (spoiler: it includes his wife), and how Sarah is saving clients millions with faith-driven finance.

You'll also hear Abby’s take on building connections, why networking isn’t a dirty word, and how to actually get involved in the local business ecosystem without feeling overwhelmed. Whether you're a business owner, future entrepreneur, or someone who just really loves a good Chamber mingle, this episode is for you.

📌 Episode Summary:

In this heartfelt and hilariously nostalgic episode, Janae and Ronnie return from weekend adventures and dive into the joys of a simpler America—from dandelion salads to the days of handwritten letters. They celebrate Nonprofit Tuesday with special guest Kim Reiger of Kamp KASE, shining a light on a magical summer camp for kids battling cancer. The duo also revisit hilariously forgotten TV flops, the comfort foods of the Great Depression, and ponder life choices we may not brag about at reunions.

From pork chops to porch parties, this episode will warm your heart, tickle your memory, and make you very hungry.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Guests:

• 🎗️ Kim Reiger – Kamp KasE representative, nonprofit spotlight

• 📞 Call-in listener with a surprisingly passionate pitch for peanut butter, pickles & summer sausage sandwiches

🕰️ Standout Moments by Timestamp:

• [0:40] 🚗 Car show reflections and custom veteran designs

• [3:15] 🏊 Island Park Pool ribbon cutting & Fargo summer events

• [4:43] 🚓 Police training and local news updates

• [7:36] ⚓️ Nimitz Carrier & San Diego travel dreams

• [9:35] 🛍️ Question of the Day: Favorite places to shop (spoiler: Ronnie loves Boot Barn)

• [14:47] 🚀 San Diego’s space museum & the Midway aircraft carrier tour plans

• [18:08] 📺 Forgotten TV Shows We Don’t Remember (but definitely should)

• [28:18] 🇺🇸 Simple Joys of American Life That Don’t Exist Anymore (like friendly neighbors and handwritten letters)

• [34:38] 🥩 Dad’s 16-hour smoked brisket masterpiece

• [45:50] 🐶 Pup of the Week contest reminder

• [56:14] 🧀 Healthy foods that fill without adding pounds (cottage cheese pancakes, anyone?)

• [57:15] 🎗️ Camp Casey spotlight with Kim Rieger (emotional & inspiring!)

• [1:10:00] 🛒 Great Grocery Giveaway qualifiers announced

• [1:32:44] 🥣 Depression-era Meals – Yes, including ketchup soup, sugar sandwiches & bulldog gravy 😳

• [1:37:00] 🎤 Outro & daily positivity

📝 Featured Segments:

• Nonprofit of the Week: Camp Casey (camp for kids with cancer)

• Trivia & Quirky Stats: Lavender lotion makes people trust you?!

• Food Talk: Depression meals, cottage cheese desserts, and brisket bragging rights

• TV Nostalgia: Remember Cop Rock, The Cape, or Manimal? Neither did they!

• Heartfelt Real Talk: Regrets, values, and learning to let go (and grill better brisket)

🎧 Listen if you enjoy:

• Morning talk radio vibes with local flavor

• Feel-good nonprofit stories

• Comfort food and cultural nostalgia

• A dose of Midwestern warmth and humor

• Trivia, giveaways, and spontaneous hilarity

🎧 Episode Summary:

Welcome to another high-octane episode of Track Talk Live, recorded at Midtown Tavern where the mac and cheese is hot, the Bush Lights are cold, and the racetrack stories are even wilder. Host Jason dives into thrilling recaps from Buffalo River Speedway, chats with rising IMCA Hobby Stock stars Caleb Gardner and Ashley Taves, and shares laughs, race drama, and transmission hacks (hint: bungee cords are involved).

But this episode isn't just about checkered flags—it's about community impact. Jason and guests highlight the Paint the Track Pink campaign, now in its fifth year, benefiting women in the region battling breast cancer. Lend A Hand Up joins the conversation, explaining how donations are boosted 20% to directly support local families.

From tire-dodging near misses to mod dreams and robot waiters, this episode is a full lap of racing life, community spirit, and heartfelt giving.

🏁 Key Moments & Timestamps:

⏰ 0:00 – Midtown Vibes & Mac and Cheese Talk
The crew sets the tone from a lively Midtown Tavern, with food specials and Monday night energy.

⏰ 2:30 – Buffalo River Speedway Replay Fumble (HDMI drama!)
Behind-the-scenes scramble to replay Sunday's races. Spoiler: They pulled it off!

⏰ 3:40 – Paint the Track Pink Preview
Fundraiser shirts, community support, and a history of 5 years helping local women in need.

⏰ 6:00 – Racing Highlights: Crashes, Spins & Tire Dodging
Jason shares his wild weekend on the track—he nearly got taken out by a flying tire!

⏰ 9:00 – Guest Spotlight: Caleb Gardner & Ashley Taves
How Ashley’s steering issues and Caleb’s bungee cord fix saved their Sunday night race.

⏰ 13:50 – Track Talk: Strategy, Setup & Sticky Tracks
From car performance to rain delay effects, the racers nerd out on grip and cornering.

⏰ 20:00 – Caleb in the Points Race
He's leading—but keeping cool. “Don’t worry about points, just have fun,” says Dad.

⏰ 26:00 – College Countdown: Ashley’s Future Plans
Leaving for school soon, but still squeezing in races—and maybe loaning her car again.

⏰ 33:00 – Community Spotlight: Lend a Hand Up
Nonprofit reps and breast cancer warriors share powerful, emotional stories about how race fans can help.

⏰ 45:30 – Feature Winner Interview: Jake Haugeberg
Jake talks tactics, sprint car setup, brotherly competition, and why farming still comes first.

⏰ 51:45 – Racing Aspirations & Late Model Dreams
Jake reveals he’d love to step up to late models—and explains how he got into racing through go-karts.

⏰ 59:00 – Wrap-Up & Trackside Thank Yous
Shoutouts to sponsors, family, and the racing community. Plus, a reminder to snag those pink shirts!

📝 Episode Description 

This morning on Bonnie & Friends from WDAY Radio, Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman ride the Monday morning airwaves with thunder, laughs, and plenty of local flavor. From a high-stakes manhunt in Minnesota to the oddest things people dare to put on their food, this episode is packed with stories you didn’t know you needed. Plus: the Great Grocery Giveaway rolls on, J.J. Spaun gets his first major golf win, and why Bonnie thinks watermelon needs salt (Jace respectfully disagrees).

🌩️ Thunderstorms. 🏀 NBA Finals. 🧂 Salt on grits. It’s all here.

⏱️ Highlighted Moments

• [00:01:00] Morning Weather Check-In: Dean Wysocki warns of strong storms and hail. Listeners report real-time weather in Fargo and beyond.

• [00:12:00] Breaking News: Suspect in shooting of Minnesota lawmakers captured after largest manhunt in state history.

• [00:17:30] The Strangest Food Combos Listeners Love:

  • Peanut butter on hot dogs 🌭🥜

  • Sugar in grits 🍚

  • Ketchup in mashed potatoes 🥔🍅

  • Sunflower seeds on a Dairy Queen Blizzard 🌻❄️

• [00:32:00] Sports Rundown with Jace:

  • RedHawks fall 8–3 to Lake County Dockhounds ⚾

  • Twins swept by Astros after blowing 9th-inning lead 😖

  • Minnesota Lynx dominate LA Sparks; now 10–1 🏀

• [00:49:00] NBA Finals Talk: Thunder vs. Pacers heats up, Shea Gilgeous-Alexander drops 35 points in Game 4.

• [01:02:00] Question of the Morning: What’s the strangest thing you've seen people put on food? Listeners call in with hot takes and wild snack confessions.

• [01:24:00] Flatland Music Flashback 🎶

  • Spotlight on Pink Floyd, David Bowie, and “Grease” soundtrack history.

• [01:38:00] Three-Degree Guarantee: Weather bets and local pride collide. Will Dean’s forecast hit the mark?

• [02:12:00] Dr. Chad Zimmerman Joins In: How to treat pain before it becomes chronic + why icing > ibuprofen after an injury.

• [02:30:00] Wrapping Up With Ronnie: Game nights, childhood card games, and a new Italian restaurant opening in West Fargo.