Jay Thomas has been the afternoon host on 970 WDAY AM / 93.1 FM in Fargo, ND for over a decade. In that time, The Jay Thomas Show has become the number one afternoon talk show in Fargo-Moorhead. Jay has also picked up North Dakota Teddy Awards for Talk Sh
In this raw, rapid-fire episode of The Jay Thomas Show, Jay tackles everything from health hacks and wildfires to political shakeups in Fargo. Kicking off with a surprisingly steamy defense of saunas (they might just beat flu shots?!), Jay and Vinny chat wellness before pivoting into a smoky situation—literally. With smoke from Canadian wildfires choking the Midwest, Jay questions government inaction, climate narratives, and the real dangers to public health. There's a touch of satire, some heated debate over Fargo's commission system, a candid interview with former commissioner Tony Gehrig, and an unexpectedly inspiring story about a teen graduating against all odds.
OverviewIn this freewheeling and fast-paced episode of The Jay Thomas Show, Jay and his co-hosts serve up a lively stew of state politics, school cell phone bans, cannabis legalization, gun laws, and some good ol' Fargo flair. Governor Kelly Armstrong joins for an extended chat, answering pointed listener questions and giving updates on legislative drama, property tax reform, and school policies. The show also dives into the real-world impact of marijuana legalization across the Red River in Minnesota, complete with listener stories, spirited debate, and hilarious off-the-cuff moments.
On this spirited episode of the Jay Thomas Show, Jay dives into the uproar surrounding local graduation ceremonies—complete with maracas, banging lids, and full-on chaos in the aisles. Listeners weigh in, and things get real. Later, Fargo Mayor Dr. Tim Mahoney joins the show to unpack the city's newly approved public safety tax plan—what it covers, where the money's going, and why some residents feel blindsided. Of course, Jay and the crew also meander down memory lane with tales of high school trouble, mooning buses, and the fine art of detention survival. It's candid, chaotic, and classically Jay.
On this jam-packed episode of The Jay Thomas Show, the band gets back together for a fiery return — and they're not holding back. From shocking property valuation practices in West Fargo to scenic summer roadtrip memories and some lighthearted domestic bar décor negotiations, Jay and the crew serve up laughs, outrage, and sharp insight.
This week on The Jay Thomas Show, we cruise into Memorial Day weekend with horsepower, hometown heroes, and a whole lot of hot takes! From Red River Valley Speedway thrills to heartfelt tributes, Guest Host Jason Berg brings stories that swerve between serious and side-splitting. We talk tornado tales, the wienermobile in Alaska (yep, you read that right), and a sneak peek at a brand-new $11M Colfax event center. Plus, Nancy Kelly drops in with news on her brother's legacy project at the Cooper House and shares the latest from Labor Masters. Top it off with racing updates, local shout outs, Memorial Day reflections, and a cracked-screen sprint car moment that'll have you shaking your head.
The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday May 21st, 2025. Guests include Don Kinzler, Barb Jensen, Sue Barron and Leah Alsager.
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.
On this candid and fiery episode of The Jay Thomas Show, Jay kicks off with hot tub talk and sauna health hacks—but things quickly heat up in a different way. The gang dives deep into the bombshell news of former President Joe Biden's advanced prostate cancer diagnosis, triggering a powerful wave of listener calls, real-life cancer survival stories, and frustrations over medical transparency. It's raw, it's real, and it's one of the most heartfelt episodes to date. Plus: Jay's weekend pizza regret, black licorice ice cream drama, escaping from prison Shawshank-style, Fargo's crime center controversy, and a listener offers free pickled fish. Yep, it's a Jay Thomas classic.
The Jay Thomas Show from Friday May 16th, 2025. Guests include Caryn Olson and more.
The latest Jay Thomas Show delivers a high-energy, storm-chasing, black-licorice-eating, public policy rollercoaster with a North Dakota flair. From spontaneous weather updates to fiery city commission debates, Jay and crew keep it real, raw, and ridiculously entertaining. ⏱️ Top Moments (with timestamps) 0:00 – Hot Tub Vinny & the Opening RiffA classic Jay Thomas intro, complete with local sponsor shout-outs and the usual blend of humor, weather, and real talk. Bonus: the phrase “Vinny Hot Tubs” might live rent-free in your head. 7:45 – Mowing Mayhem & Neighborhood Lawn DramaJay and Dean Wysocki debate lawn mowing etiquette in heatwaves. Turns out, even the grass is political in North Dakota. 12:50 – Weather Watch: Tornado Tracker Edition
On this lively edition of The Jay Thomas Show, Jay kicks things off with laughs and lifestyle tips before diving into the serious and sizzling issues affecting listeners across the upper Midwest. From a deep discussion on the explosive wildfires in northern Minnesota to passionate debates about taxes, Trump, and tree care, Jay, Don Kinzler, and callers bring heat, humor, and horticulture. Plus Dan Parker of Northern News and Dustin Garylow. It's local radio gold with weather forecasts, gardening hacks, community fire updates, and opinions as bold as a North Dakota spring storm. Oh, and brace yourself for an unexpected black licorice ice cream debate near the end. ⏱️ Standout Moments with Timestamps: 0:58 – Vinny's questionable biking outfit sparks laughs and Facebook photo threats. 3:46 – Dean's golf plans get weather-bombed. Jay delivers a full Fargo-area forecast with storm warnings. 7:10 – Hot gardening tips with Don Kinzler begin—including frost warnings and lawn-saving advice. 9:47 – First deep dive into the Camphouse Fire devastation in Minnesota – 15,000 acres and rising. 13:12 – Suspected campfire origins, 140+ structures lost – a chilling investigation update. 29:43 – Prepping for frost: Tomato tips, cardboard hacks, and a masterclass on not trusting 35°F. 38:30 – Growing peaches in North Dakota? You betcha. Karen shares her “contender” success story. 43:51 – Latest updates on Jenkins Creek Fire and Munger Shaw Fire – over 35,000 acres burning. 47:12 – A history lesson on forest mismanagement, spruce budworm, and logging policy blowback. 55:00 – Heated convo on North Dakota's property taxes, plus Curtis drops a political curveball. 1:16:00 – Jay and Curtis spar (respectfully) over Trump, taxes, and the 2024 presidential race. 1:28:00 – Live update from Parker at Northern News on evacuation zones and wind-fed fire threats. 1:54:00 – How oil taxes could offset property taxes – and whether the billionaires are paying their dues. 1:56:00 – Black licorice ice cream?! Listener Terry calls in with a cult-favorite dessert recommendation.
The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday May 13th, 2025. Guests include Senator Kevin Cramer, Michelle Turnberg and your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Monday May 12th, 2025. Guests include Governor Kelly Armstrong and Pastor Devlin Brooks.
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.
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.
The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday May 7th, 2025. Guests include Don Kinzler, FPD Chief David Zibolski and Leah Alsager. Plus your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday May 6th, 2025. Guests include Dr. Mike and your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Monday May 5th, 2025. Guests include Dustin Garylow and your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Friday May 2nd, 2025. Guests include Dan Hammer and your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday May 1st, 2025. Guests include Governor Kelly Armstrong and Kathy Diekman plus your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday April 30th, 2025. Guests include Michelle Powers and Keith Stengard plus your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday April 29th, 2025. Guests include Senator Kevin Cramer and more.
The Jay Thomas Show from Monday April 28th, 2025. Guests include Mike Ruud of the ND Retailers and ND Petroleum Council and your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from April 25th, 2025. Guests include Caryn Olson and more.
The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday April 24th, 2025. Guests include Marcy Harig, Brian Holmes and Eric Klindt.
The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday April 23rd, 2025. Guests include your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday April 22nd, 2025. Guests include Nikki Lamb and Matt Carlsen plus your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Monday April 21st, 2025. Guests include Drew Wrigley, Caryn Olson, Mary Aldrich and your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday April 17th, 2025. Guests include your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday April 16th, 2025. Guests include Don Kinzler and Capt Brian Niewind of the NDHP. Plus Leah Alsager and your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday April 15th, 2025. Guests include Michelle Turnberg and Dr. Mike from Red River Wellness as well as your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Monday April 14th, 2025. Guests include Gov. Kelly Armstrong and Cass County Engineer Kyle Litchy. Plus your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Friday April 11th, 2025. Guests include Casey Sanders-Berglund, West Fargo Director of Economic Development, Erick Roder, Owner of Rode-America, Darrell Vasvick, Executive Director – A Place for Hope/Moorhead & Ryan Goellner, Board Chair – A place for Hope/Moorhead, Dayna Del Val - Speaker & Writer, Sarah & Arlin Fischer – Garden of Healing / Crosses for Cameron and your emails and phone calls.
The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday April 10th, 2025. Guests include Ben Koppleman and Tony Gehrig. Plus your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday April 9th, 2025. Guests include Brandon Bochenski, Rick Becker and Leah Alsager.
The Jay Thomas Show from Tuesday April 8th, 2025. Guests include Tony Gehrig and your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Monday April 7th, 2025. Guests include your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Friday April 4th, 2025. Guests include Senator John Hoeven, Kriss Burns, Jason Boutwell, Jim Kapitan, Patrick, Willow and Preston Kirby.
The Jay Thomas Show from Thursday April 3rd, 2025. Guests include Gary Lezac, Bridgette Readel, Dean Wysocki and your calls and emails.
The Jay Thomas Show from Wednesday April 2nd, 2025. Guests include your calls and emails.