Bonnie & Friends

Join Bonnie Amistadi and Jace Denman for a lively Tuesday morning on WDAY Radio as they navigate a dense fog advisory and a surprisingly slippery FM Metro. The duo catches up on a whirlwind of local and national news, ranging from the grand reopening of a long-missed local Taco John’s to the chaotic, highlight-reel finish of the FCS National Championship game in Nashville. Between discussing the skyrocketing costs of daily life and the "Urban Dictionary" antics of Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki, the crew offers a perfect blend of essential information and morning humor to kickstart your day. Key Moments Fargo’s Mayor Race & Public Safety: The team discusses Deputy Mayor Denise Colpack’s official announcement to run for mayor, highlighting her focus on public safety, fiscal responsibility, and community transparency. The "Whack" Heard ‘Round the World: Bonnie and Jace take a trip down memory lane to 1994, recalling the infamous attack on figure skater Nancy Kerrigan and the surrounding drama of the Tonya Harding scandal. Chaos in Nashville: A deep dive into the FCS Championship game where Montana State secured a thrilling 35-34 overtime victory over Illinois State, fueled by a series of high-stakes blocked kicks. The Return of Potato Olés: The hosts marvel at the massive lines for the reopening of Taco John’s in Fargo, debating whether any fast food is truly worth a multi-year wait. Ridiculously Expensive: A relatable listener segment on inflation, covering everything from $100 concert sweatshirts and skyrocketing vehicle repair bills to the disappearance of the 99-cent pound of grapes. Recalls and Close Calls: A scary local story serves as a PSA for vehicle owners after a Fargo resident’s SUV caught fire in his garage due to an unnoticed electrical recall. AI Fails and Future Fears: From a police software glitch that transformed an officer into a cartoon frog to a stark warning from tech pioneers about granting legal rights to sentient AI, the team explores the "slippery slope" of modern technology.

The holidays are officially in the rearview mirror as the Bonnie & Friends crew returns to the studio to kick off 2026. While the team settles back into their morning rhythm, the weather isn't making it easy—a dense fog advisory and icy roads are causing travel headaches across the region. Between local news updates and a heavy dose of weekend sports highlights, the team dives into the nostalgia of "old school" memories, from discontinued cereals to the lost art of good manners. Plus, the show launches its "Valentine’s Day in Vegas" giveaway, though the first qualifier proves elusive. Key Moments The Post-Holiday Shuffle: The crew welcomes everyone back to work, including Jay Thomas, while Bonnie prepares for her "second" holiday—Serbian Christmas—complete with a traditional round loaf of bread and a hidden lucky coin. A "Mild" January Morning: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down a dense fog advisory affecting Cass and Clay counties. Despite some "thaw" temperatures near freezing, the team warns of slick, ice-covered roads in northwestern Minnesota and eastern North Dakota. The Mystery of "67": The team discusses the latest "banished words" of the year, focusing on the Gen Z obsession with the number "67." While the slang is nonsensical to the hosts, they reflect on how every generation has its own "hip" lingo that leaves the previous one scratching their heads. Mickey Rourke’s GoFundMe: A surprising Hollywood update sparks a debate on financial management after news breaks that a friend of Mickey Rourke started a fundraiser to help the former movie star cover thousands in unpaid rent. Sports Rundown: It was a massive weekend for Minnesota sports. The crew recaps the Vikings’ season-ending victory over the Packers, Justin Jefferson’s historic 1,000-yard milestone, and a dominant 141-point performance by the Timberwolves. The "Old School" Deep Dive: Listeners chime in on what they miss most from the past. Conversations range from the high-protein "Concentrate" cereal of the 1960s to the iridescent beauty of carnival glass and the simple joy of a handwritten postcard. Starlink and Science: The team wraps up with a look at the future, discussing Elon Musk’s Starlink providing internet to Venezuela and a new laundry-folding robot debuted at the Consumer Electronics Show.

Welcome to a special "Finally Friday" edition of Bonnie and Friends! Hosts Jace Denman and "Big Game" James McCarty ring in the second day of 2026 with a packed show covering everything from a historic New Year’s fireworks record in Mandan to the shifting landscape of college football. As the holiday season winds down, the guys reflect on the year that was and look ahead to a busy January filled with high school hoops, ice fishing, and a significant warm-up in the weather forecast. Whether you're interested in why gas prices are hitting five-year lows or how many Roman candles it takes to break a world record, this episode has you covered. Key Moments A Blast for the Record Books: The crew discusses Mandan, North Dakota’s incredible feat of launching approximately 2.5 million Roman candles in a single minute to set a new Guinness World Record while raising money for the Wounded Warrior Project. The College Football Shakeup: James breaks down a wild quarterfinal round where top-seeded Indiana dominated Alabama and six-seeded Ole Miss stunned Georgia with a 20-point fourth quarter to advance to the semifinals. Ice Conditions and Angler Advice: Outdoor expert Steve Carney joins the show to discuss how recent snow cover has improved fishing conditions by reducing light penetration and noise, making the fish less spooky. The Road Ahead: Ag Director Bridget Riedel reports on a high-powered rifle vandalizing a tractor in South Dakota and shares research from Iowa State University regarding a flexible, soybean-based asphalt for roads. Local Sports & Pick Six: The hosts highlight local high school hockey, including a Moorhead Spuds victory over Creighton-Durham Hall, and James previews the NFL "Border Battle" between the Vikings and the Packers for his weekly Pick Six. New Year Traditions: The show explores regional New Year’s food traditions, such as "Hoppin' John" (black-eyed peas) and greens from the South, versus Midwestern staples like cranberry cake.

It is the final broadcast of 2025, and the Bonnie and Friends crew is ringing in the new year with a blend of local news, holiday festivities, and a look at the "nuisance" weather moving through the region. As temperatures drop and light snow covers the roads, Bonnie and the team discuss their personal New Year’s plans—ranging from steak and crab leg dinners to catching the Fargo Force game. The show also dives into unique American "drop" traditions, a heartwarming story of a stowaway kitten from South Dakota, and a massive world-record attempt involving millions of Roman candles in Mandan. Amidst the celebration, the team reflects on the year gone by and looks forward to a fresh start in 2026. Key Moments The New Year’s Eve "Clipper": Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki and the crew track a series of fast-moving weather systems bringing light snow and falling temperatures to North Dakota and Minnesota, advising listeners to stay off the cruise control on slick holiday roads. A World Record in Mandan: The team highlights an ambitious "pyro-musical" tribute in Mandan, ND, where organizers plan to fire 2.5 million Roman candles to break a Guinness World Record and raise money for veterans' charities. Fargo Public Safety & Human Rights: The broadcast covers a tense press conference regarding the city leadership's support of the Somali community, as well as the Fargo Fire Department’s celebration of the newly passed public safety sales tax. Fruit Drops and Moon Pies: In a look at quirky national traditions, the hosts discuss how different cities ring in the new year, from a 600-pound Moon Pie drop in Alabama to a digital drone peach in Atlanta and a giant glittery pickle in North Carolina. The 400-Mile Kitten: A heartwarming segment follows a tiny orange tabby kitten that hitched a ride in a semi-truck cab from South Dakota all the way to the Twin Cities, where it was eventually rescued and put up for adoption. Road to the Playoffs: "Big Game" James McCarty provides a massive sports update, covering a busy night of high school hoops and looking ahead to the early tip-off for the Timberwolves and the start of the college football bowl season. A New "Decaf" Member: The Coffee Club’s Ronnie joins the show to share the happy news that Janaye has officially become a grandmother to a healthy baby boy, adding a special celebration to the final day…

The holiday haze is still lingering, but the cold reality of winter is setting in. In this episode of Bonnie and Friends, the crew navigates a "nuisance" snow shower and a newly coined weather phenomenon—the "freezing drist." Between managing "schizophrenic" temperature swings and getting diet resolutions back on track, Bonnie and Jace dive into a mix of local crime updates, high school basketball dominance, and the strange history of technology prices. Episode Highlights The "Freezing Drist" Dilemma: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down the light wintry mix greasing up I-94 and introduces a brand-new term for the drizzling mist hitting the metro. He warns of a "deep freeze" returning just in time for New Year’s Eve, with wind chills plunging to 25 below zero. National Bacon Day vs. The New Year Diet: Bonnie laments starting her health kick on the same day the calendar celebrates National Bacon Day. Jace shares his struggle to break a year-long "nap habit" as they both attempt to rope their exercise routines back in after a derailed Thanksgiving and Christmas. Hoops and Pucks: A massive night for local sports as the Moorhead Spuds sweep Fargo North in both boys' and girls' basketball. Plus, the Timberwolves explode for an 81-point second half to stun the Bulls, and the Wild dominate the Golden Knights in a 5-2 victory. The $1,200 Microwave: The team takes a trip down memory lane to discuss the first color TV sets sold on this day in 1953 for a staggering $1,200. Bonnie recalls taking out her first-ever credit card at Sears just to afford a $189 microwave 40 years ago. Safety First on the Ice: With reports of three vehicles falling through the ice on Pelican Lake and snowmobiles crashing on Lake Vermilion, the crew stresses a healthy respect for the region's unpredictable early-season ice thickness. Agriculture Alert: Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins the show to discuss a soil-borne fungus called Red Crown Rot threatening soybean yields and the growing concern over herbicide-resistant waterhemp in Minnesota fields. Brain Gains with Mahjong: Experts suggest playing the tile-matching game Mahjong can significantly boost brain health and cognitive function, leading Jace to defend his love for Candy Crush and digital Solitaire as valid brain engagement.

In this post-holiday edition of Bonnie and Friends, the crew braves the cold to break down a chaotic weekend in the Red River Valley. As the region digs out from a severe blizzard that upended Christmas travel, Bonnie and Jace navigate the messy realities of "schizophrenic" winter weather, missing holiday fences, and the long road to residential snow removal. From high-stakes local news to bizarre national headlines, this episode is a deep dive into the stories shaping the final days of 2025. Episode Highlights The Blizzard Report: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki explains how a hybrid "clipper" system turned a few inches of snow into a full-blown blizzard. The team provides critical road updates for I-29 and I-94, advising listeners to stick to emergency routes while side streets remain plugged. The Great Lobster Heist: A bizarre investigation is underway after a shipment of lobster worth $400,000 destined for Costcos in Minnesota and Illinois was hijacked. The crew discusses the rise in organized cargo theft and the unlikely prospect of "discount seafood" popping up on street corners. A Heartfelt Tribute: The show honors the legacy of former North Dakota Governor Alan Olson, who passed away at 87, remembering his tenure as a period of dignity and steady leadership for the state. The "Schizophrenic" Forecast: Dean returns with a "Three Degree Guarantee" that highlights the wild temperature swings ahead—ranging from five below zero to a predicted high of 32 degrees within 24 hours. The North Star Rail Line Ends: In a surprising regional update, it is announced that the North Star commuter rail in Minnesota will cease operations in January due to low ridership and high taxpayer costs. Holiday Hangover and Returns: As "return season" officially begins, Jace and Bonnie talk about the retail shift toward restocking fees and the sheer volume of packages heading back to Amazon hubs. The Donut Dilemma: A lighthearted look at a man in Massachusetts who is suing a local Dunkin’ Donuts facility because he claims the overwhelming smell of fresh donuts is "distracting and heavy."

The morning crew hunkers down as a severe blizzard warning takes hold of the Red River Valley. With wind gusts hitting 70 miles an hour and temperatures plummeting, Bonnie and the team provide essential updates on school closures, treacherous travel conditions, and the rapidly deteriorating forecast. Beyond the storm, the show covers a major development in the state's fraud investigations, a bizarre $16 million cocaine discovery on an Indiana semi-trailer, and a check-in on the regional sports scene. Plus, a hospital-bound listener calls in with a localized health warning, and NDSU Ag Director Bridget Riedel shares high-tech "I milked a cow" experiences from the fair. Key Moments Blizzard 2025 Hits: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down the "collapsing" weather system, warning of whiteout conditions and wind chills dropping to 30 below. Education Secretary vs. Governor Walz: National news hits home as U.S. Education Secretary Linda McMahon calls for the resignation of Minnesota Governor Tim Walz over alleged lack of oversight regarding widespread fraud. The $16 Million Inspection: A cautionary tale for truckers as a driver in Indiana discovers ten boxes of cocaine hidden in his trailer after noticing a tampered seal during a routine pre-trip inspection. The "I Milked a Cow" Experience: Ag Director Bridget Riedel discusses the viral fundraiser at the Iowa State Fair where visitors pay to learn the ropes of dairy farming with cows named Cinnamon, Sugar, and Spice. A Warning from Sanford Castle: A listener named Carl calls from his hospital bed to share his struggle with rotavirus and urges Fargo residents to boil their water. High-Tech Herding: A look at the future of ranching with GPS-enabled virtual collars that allow producers to monitor cattle health and move herds using directional sound cues. Sports Wrap-Up: A tough night for the Timberwolves without Anthony Edwards, Joe Ryan’s commitment to Team USA for the World Baseball Classic, and a season-ending injury for Vikings defender Josh Metellus.

Bonnie and Jace are back at the WDAY studios, and while the morning starts with a deceptive calm and melting snow, there is a "dumpster fire" of a weather day on the horizon. From looming blizzard warnings to the best holiday treats across the Midwest, this episode of Bonnie and Friends covers everything from community safety to the ultimate Christmas playlist. Episode Highlights The Calm Before the Storm: Chief Meteorologist Dean Wysocki breaks down a massive clipper system moving in from Canada. While today offers a high of 37 degrees, tonight brings rain that will flash-freeze into a "skating rink" before turning into a high-wind snow event. The message is clear: if you don't have to travel tomorrow, stay home. Clay County Pay Raises: The team discusses the latest news regarding the Clay County Commissioners' approval of significant pay increases for the Sheriff and County Attorneys, including a 10% raise for Sheriff Mark Emting—the first he’s requested in eight years. The Great Grinch Debate: In honor of the Question of the Morning, Bonnie and Jace dive deep into their favorite Christmas songs and movies. The discussion sparks a trip down memory lane regarding the three versions of "The Grinch," Jim Carrey’s over-the-top acting, and why "Silent Night" remains the most recorded holiday song in history. Targeting Gun Violence: Governor Tim Walz has signed a new executive order to lower gun violence. We look at the formation of a statewide safety council designed to tackle mass violence and domestic terrorism through a collaborative approach involving law enforcement and mental health experts. The Ultimate Holiday Menu: Jace and Bonnie explore a state-by-state list of popular holiday dishes. While Minnesotans apparently love their Christmas wreaths (the cookie kind, not the decor), North Dakotans are holding strong with lefse, though the team is skeptical of some "Google Trends" claiming Nevada’s favorite dish is beef stew. Meat Raffles and Mystery Bags: Crash calls in to promote the final meat raffle of the year at the Wild Rice Bar and Grill, benefiting the Veterans Honor Flight. He reveals the "Mystery Meat" bags provided by Meats by John & Wayne and the massive 11-pound slabs of bacon up for grabs. Innovation on the Farm: WDAY Ag Director Bridgette Readel joins the show from Sioux Falls to talk about the history of tractor innovation, from the first "auto mower" in 1900 to the high-tech swarm of autonomous drones…

Bonnie is officially back in the big chair after a holiday break, but Mother Nature didn't roll out the red carpet. The crew dives into a wild week of weather, local legal drama, and a major move for the Minnesota Twins that has fans talking. From the bizarre discovery of a doctor in a Dollar Tree freezer to the mysterious "Green Bridge" in agriculture, this episode covers the quirky, the serious, and the snowy. Episode Highlights The Return of Bonnie: Bonnie returns from her break—fully baked and wrapped for Christmas—just in time to face a Wind Advisory and a looming "Stay Home Thursday" blizzard warning from Dean. Twins Talk: The Minnesota Twins sign veteran slugger Josh Bell to a $7 million deal. While his bat is a welcome addition, the team’s defense remains a concern for local sports enthusiasts. Legal Showdown: A major lawsuit is brewing as Southern Valley Fire and Rescue sues the City of Fargo and Cass County over illegal annexation and tax revenue disputes. The "Green Bridge" Mystery: Ag Director Bridgette Readel explains the "Green Bridge"—a cycle of wheat disease—and discusses how massive modern combines are putting historical bridges to the test. The Dictionary's New "Slop": The crew debates Merriam-Webster's 2025 Word of the Year—"slop"—which now refers to low-quality AI content and digital junk rather than just pig feed. Holiday Nostalgia: A deep dive into favorite Christmas smells and flavors, featuring a heated debate over soft vs. hard peppermint sticks and the "disappointment" of finding raisins in caramel rolls. Winter Garden Prep: Horticulture educator Jill Patry previews the Winter Garden College and offers a "no-pressure" demo on making freezer jam.

The Monday morning circus is in full swing as Jace and "Big Game" James McCarty step in for a vacationing Dean. It’s a bittersweet morning for Vikings fans; despite a thrilling 34-26 victory over the Dallas Cowboys led by a three-touchdown performance from J.J. McCarthy, the team has officially been eliminated from playoff contention. The guys debate the classic "Viking fan dilemma"—celebrating a win while watching your draft stock slip away. Beyond the gridiron, the hockey world is buzzing after a blockbuster trade brought superstar defenseman Quinn Hughes to the Minnesota Wild. James breaks down Hughes’ explosive debut, where he scored a goal and logged over 26 minutes of ice action, sparking hope that the Wild might finally be a true Stanley Cup contender. The episode also takes a nostalgic turn as the hosts and callers share their favorite Christmas memories, ranging from 24-hour movie marathons to the smell of fresh-baked homemade bread. We also celebrate some massive milestones, including Dick Van Dyke turning 100 and Frank Sinatra posthumously topping the charts. Episode Highlights Purple Heartbreak: A deep dive into the Vikings’ win over Dallas and what J.J. McCarthy’s standout performance means for the future, even as the postseason dream ends. The Quinn Hughes Era: Reaction to the Wild’s massive trade for the former Canucks captain and a recap of their dominant 6-2 win over the Bruins. The "Serial Offender" Raccoon: A hilarious look at a Virginia raccoon that has broken into a liquor store multiple times—and now has its own merchandise line. A Hollywood Tragedy: Remembering prolific director Rob Reiner following breaking news of his passing in Los Angeles. Cattle & Cookies: Ag Director Bridget Riedel joins the show to explain the hidden costs of raising cattle and why butter is making a massive comeback in American kitchens. Century of Change: Celebrating Dick Van Dyke’s 100th birthday by reflecting on the inventions of the last century—from rotary phones to the "greatest thing since sliced bread". Timberwolves Resilience: How the "pack" took down the Kings despite losing Rudy Gobert mid-game due to undisclosed personal reasons.