Best Robport Podcasts (2025)

1
647: 'We are not collecting what we charge' (Audio) 1:01:38

Play Pause

4d ago1:01:38

1:01:38

On previous episodes of Plain Talk, North Dakota Insurance Commisisoner Jon Godfread and Chris Jones, the former head of the state Department of Health and Human Services who is just wrapping up a stint as an adviser in President Donald Trump's administration, argued that health care pricing is opaque. They said that lack of transparency contribute…

1
647: 'We are not collecting what we charge' (Video) 1:01:39

4d ago1:01:39

1:01:39

On previous episodes of Plain Talk, North Dakota Insurance Commisisoner Jon Godfread and Chris Jones, the former head of the state Department of Health and Human Services who is just wrapping up a stint as an adviser in President Donald Trump's administration, argued that health care pricing is opaque. They said that lack of transparency contribute…

1
646: 'These are North Dakota residents living next to you' (Video) 55:03

6d ago55:03

55:03

"Banking has been on payment rails that are old and traditional," Don Morgan said on this episode of Plain Talk. "They were built in 1970. They're antiquated." Morgan is the president of the Bank of North Dakota, which recently announced a new blockchain currency called the Roughrider Coin — a "stablecoin," in the parlance of the industry. He came …

1
646: 'These are North Dakota residents living next to you' (Audio) 55:03

6d ago55:03

55:03

"Banking has been on payment rails that are old and traditional," Don Morgan said on this episode of Plain Talk. "They were built in 1970. They're antiquated." Morgan is the president of the Bank of North Dakota, which recently announced a new blockchain currency called the Roughrider Coin — a "stablecoin," in the parlance of the industry. He came …

1
645: 'We're getting precipitously close to having a significant issue with access to healthcare' (Video) 57:54

11d ago57:54

57:54

"We've just made it so complex that the average consumer will never understand it." That's what Chris Jones said on this episode of Plain Talk, referring to the way Americans access and pay for health care. Jones is the former head of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, having served in that role under Gov. Doug Burgum, and he…

1
645: 'We're getting precipitously close to having a significant issue with access to healthcare' (Audio) 57:54

11d ago57:54

57:54

"We've just made it so complex that the average consumer will never understand it." That's what Chris Jones said on this episode of Plain Talk, referring to the way Americans access and pay for health care. Jones is the former head of the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services, having served in that role under Gov. Doug Burgum, and he…

1
644: 'I think he needs to follow the courts' (Video) 58:06

13d ago58:06

58:06

President Donald Trump's deployment of the military domestically over the objections of local leaders has become a flashpoint in our national debate. The Trump has justified these deployments by citing lawlessness in places like Portland and Chicago, but at least one federal judge has found these claims to be "untethered in reality." North Dakota R…

1
644: 'I think he needs to follow the courts' (Audio) 58:05

14d ago58:05

58:05

President Donald Trump's deployment of the military domestically over the objections of local leaders has become a flashpoint in our national debate. The Trump has justified these deployments by citing lawlessness in places like Portland and Chicago, but at least one federal judge has found these claims to be "untethered in reality." North Dakota R…

1
643: 'I am deeply frustrated that a judge's decision could undo the will of the voters' (Video) 1:02:30

18d ago1:02:30

1:02:30

After a federal judge imposed a new district map on the State of North Dakota, former Sen. Judy Estenson lost her seat in the state legislature. That's unfair, she argued in a recent letter to the editor of the Minot Daily News, and on this episode of Plain Talk. "I am deeply frustrated that a judge's decision could undo the will of the voters who …

1
643: 'I am deeply frustrated that a judge's decision could undo the will of the voters' (Audio) 1:02:30

18d ago1:02:30

1:02:30

After a federal judge imposed a new district map on the State of North Dakota, former Sen. Judy Estenson lost her seat in the state legislature. That's unfair, she argued in a recent letter to the editor of the Minot Daily News, and on this episode of Plain Talk. "I am deeply frustrated that a judge's decision could undo the will of the voters who …

1
642: 'Republicans should not be in favor of tax increases' (Video) 57:22

20d ago57:22

57:22

Steve Forbes, the editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, the host of the "What's Ahead" podcast, and a two-time U.S. Presidential candidate is speaking at North Dakota State University later this month as part of the Challey Institute's Menard Family Distinguished Speaker Series. He dropped by Plain Talk ahead of that speech to talk about some of the eco…

1
642: 'Republicans should not be in favor of tax increases' (Audio) 57:22

20d ago57:22

57:22

Steve Forbes, the editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, the host of the "What's Ahead" podcast, and a two-time U.S. Presidential candidate is speaking at North Dakota State University later this month as part of the Challey Institute's Menard Family Distinguished Speaker Series. He dropped by Plain Talk ahead of that speech to talk about some of the eco…

1
641: ‘You can't drink Diet Coke without the fizz’ (Video) 52:23

25d ago52:23

52:23

With Rob out for his daughter’s wedding, Chad Oban hosts alongside longtime ad man and GOP strategist Pat Finken for a discussion on the state’s transformation from a competitive two-party era to a durable GOP majority, what that’s meant for business, and the way national fights over climate and immigration filter down to North Dakota. Then Justin …

1
641: ‘You can't drink Diet Coke without the fizz’ (Audio) 52:22

25d ago52:22

52:22

With Rob out for his daughter’s wedding, Chad Oban hosts alongside longtime ad man and GOP strategist Pat Finken for a discussion on the state’s transformation from a competitive two-party era to a durable GOP majority, what that’s meant for business, and the way national fights over climate and immigration filter down to North Dakota. Then Justin …

1
640: ‘Whoever's in power is going to censor the opposing viewpoint’ (Video) 1:05:59

27d ago1:05:59

1:05:59

Guest host Chad Oban and guest co-host Pat Finken sit down with Governor Kelly Armstrong for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, policy, and free speech. Governor Armstrong explains why the cure for bad speech is always more speech, why government crackdowns are dangerous no matter who’s in charge, and how the real fight over information today…

1
640: ‘Whoever's in power is going to censor the opposing viewpoint’ (Audio) 1:05:59

27d ago1:05:59

1:05:59

Guest host Chad Oban and co-host Pat Finken sit down with Governor Kelly Armstrong for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, policy, and free speech. Governor Armstrong explains why the cure for bad speech is always more speech, why government crackdowns are dangerous no matter who’s in charge, and how the real fight over information today doesn…

1
639: A 'clown show' and a 'disaster' (Video) 1:00:10

1M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Dustin McNally was chosen by Republicans in District 42 to replace former state Rep. Emily O'Brien, who resigned her seat to take a position in Gov. Kelly Armstrong's administration. But despite emerging from that process the winner, he called it a "clown show" and a "bad faith effort all around" on this episode of Plain Talk, describe it as someth…

1
639: A 'clown show' and a 'disaster' 1:00:10

1M ago1:00:10

1:00:10

Dustin McNally was chosen by Republicans in District 42 to replace former state Rep. Emily O'Brien, who resigned her seat to take a position in Gov. Kelly Armstrong's administration. But despite emerging from that process the winner, he called it a "clown show" and a "bad faith effort all around" on this episode of Plain Talk, describe it as someth…

1
638: 'We have to be concerned about people not even liking or wanting to read' 58:42

1M ago58:42

58:42

It's no secret that the rise of the internet and social media has upended the news business. We've been talking about it for decades. But the industry isn't dying, as many like to say, so much as changing. People still want their news. They just want it in different ways, and the news industry is rising to meet that challenge. That's what Cecile We…

1
638: 'We have to be concerned about people not even liking or wanting to read' (Audio) 58:42

1M ago58:42

58:42

It's no secret that the rise of the internet and social media has upended the news business. We've been talking about it for decades. But the industry isn't dying, as many like to say, so much as changing. People still want their news. They just want it in different ways, and the news industry is rising to meet that challenge. That's what Cecile We…

1
637: 'Do they know there's ways to influence a president beyond kissing his ass all the time?' (Video) 59:44

1M ago59:44

59:44

In late June, terrible storms destroyed millions of dollars worth of property, and took lives in parts of the state around Enderlin, Spiritwood, and beyond. In late July, Gov. Kelly Armstrong issued a disaster declaration, asking President Donald Trump administration to release aid to the state. Weeks and weeks went by, until North Dakota's Federal…

1
637: 'Do they know there's ways to influence a president beyond kissing his ass all the time?' (Audio) 59:44

1M ago59:44

59:44

In late June, terrible storms destroyed millions of dollars worth of property, and took lives in parts of the state around Enderlin, Spiritwood, and beyond. In late July, Gov. Kelly Armstrong issued a disaster declaration, asking President Donald Trump administration to release aid to the state. Weeks and weeks went by, until North Dakota's Federal…

1
636: 'Constant distractive state' (Video) 57:40

1M ago57:40

57:40

When Pat Traynor, Gov. Kelly Armstrong's interim Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services, said that excessive use of cell phones and other digital devices is "probably the biggest public health threat that we have," I wrote that he was wrong, and accused him of stoking a moral panic. Traynor came on today's episode of the Plain …

1
636: 'Constant distractive state' (Audio) 57:39

1M ago57:39

57:39

When Pat Traynor, Gov. Kelly Armstrong's interim Commissioner of the Department of Health and Human Services, said that excessive use of cell phones and other digital devices is "probably the biggest public health threat that we have," I wrote that he was wrong, and accused him of stoking a moral panic. Traynor came on today's episode of the Plain …

1
635: 'Definitely calmed down since the pandemic' (Video) 1:04:23

2M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

A new North Dakota law which went into effect on August 1 states that "every regular meeting of a governing body of a city, county, township, school district, district park district, water resource district must include an opportunity for an individual to provide public comment." Over the last five years or so, school board meetings have become a f…

1
635: 'Definitely calmed down since the pandemic' (Audio) 1:04:23

2M ago1:04:23

1:04:23

A new North Dakota law which went into effect on August 1 states that "every regular meeting of a governing body of a city, county, township, school district, district park district, water resource district must include an opportunity for an individual to provide public comment." Over the last five years or so, school board meetings have become a f…

1
634: Applied Digital CEO talks about Harwood, AI, jobs, and nondisclosure agreements (Video) 53:19

2M ago53:19

53:19

"It's by far the most important race we've been in in the world." That's what Applied Digital CEO Wes Cummins told us on this episode of Plain Talk. "In my opinion, there's two countries that are racing forward to advance AI, to reach super intelligence, to reach AGI [artificial general intelligence], and it's the United States and it's China." Cum…

1
634: Applied Digital CEO talks about Harwood, AI, jobs, and nondisclosure agreements (Audio) 53:19

2M ago53:19

53:19

"It's by far the most important race we've been in in the world." That's what Applied Digital CEO Wes Cummins told us on this episode of Plain Talk. "In my opinion, there's two countries that are racing forward to advance AI, to reach super intelligence, to reach AGI [artificial general intelligence], and it's the United States and it's China." Cum…

1
633: 'Why not? We have it.' (Video) 53:39

2M ago53:39

53:39

This is the video version of Episode 633 of the Plain Talk podcast. North Dakota has become a destination for investment in building out America's artificial intelligence infrastructure. Specifically, the massive, power-hungry data centers that enable the sort of cloud computing necessary to make AI work. Public Service Commissioner Sheri Haugen-Ho…

1
633: 'Why not? We have it.' 53:39

2M ago53:39

53:39

North Dakota has become a destination for investment in building out America's artificial intelligence infrastructure. Specifically, the massive, power-hungry data centers that enable the sort of cloud computing necessary to make AI work. Public Service Commissioner Sheri Haugen-Hoffart, who serves on the triumvirate that oversees things like utili…

1
632: 'A little bit closer to perfect' (Video) 56:59

2M ago56:59

56:59

This full video interview with Erin Oban from North Dakotans for Public Schools is from Episode 632 of the Plain Talk Podcast.

1
632: 'A little bit closer to perfect' 57:12

2M ago57:12

57:12

North Dakota's public schools are not perfect, but they are very, very good. Sadly, often thanks to national narratives that have little to do with what's happening in our school districts, that's not always the popular perception the public has. People are left with the impression that kids are being indoctrinated, or in extreme cases even groomed…

1
631: Back-to-school tax, Trump's Fedorchak endorsement, and cheerleader culture wars 51:02

2M ago51:02

51:02

Should the voters take their case for covering school lunches for all students to the ballot box with an initiated measure? We discussed the issue on this episode of Plain Talk, and co-host Chad Oban made the case for some populism on this issue. "The legislature has had ample opportunity to pass something that over 70% of North Dakotans support," …

1
ND Insurance Commissioner John Godfread from Episode 630 (Video Interview) 34:54

2M ago34:54

34:54

This is the full video version of our August 20, 2025, interview with North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread. The interview is from Episode 630.

1
630: One Big Beautiful Bill Act could lead to 'death spiral' in health insurance 55:06

2M ago55:06

55:06

North Dakota Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread says North Dakota -- and America, really, since our state is hardly an independent nation -- is on an unsustainable trajectory when it comes to the cost of insurance and health care. On this Plain Talk, Godfread, who is also the current president of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners…

1
F5 Project Founder Adam Martin from Episode 629 (Video Interview) 29:56

2M ago29:56

29:56

This exclusive interview with F5 Project founder Adam Martin is from Plain Talk episode 629.

1
629: 'I think it should be wiped across the board' 1:06:23

2M ago1:06:23

1:06:23

A new law that just took effect here in North Dakota seals court records in concluded cases that don't result in a conviction. That would mean instances where the defendant was acquitted, or when the charges were dismissed, or any other outcome that's not a guilty plea or verdict. The argument in favor of the law is that it's not fair to the defend…

1
628: 'I pay people the courtesy of candor' 53:51

2M ago53:51

53:51

"There are currently three ethics complaints against my office," Attorney General Drew Wrigley said on this episode of Plain Talk. It's a startling admission, but Wrigley says the complaints are spurious, and that the state Ethics Commission, which he has been outspokenly critical of, is hording complaints like those, instead of clearing them, for …

1
627: Jeans, property taxes, scandal, and baseball 46:49

2M ago46:49

46:49

I spent a little time on this episode of Plain Talk bemoaning the horrendous performance of my beloved New York Yankees. Poor roster construction and poor fundamental play are difficult things to watch. Co-host Chad Oban ate it up, as you might imagine, but baseball isn't all we discussed. We touched on the baffling controversy over Sydney Sweeney'…

1
626: 'Zip, none.' 56:49

3M ago56:49

56:49

Today on Plain Talk, we had the pleasure of speaking with US Senator John Hoeven, and began our conversation with a pretty historic event: the rerouting of the Red River for the Fargo-Moorhead Flood Control Project. Senator Hoeven, who has been working on this project since he was governor, highlighted how it will "permanently change part of the ro…

1
Bob & Dan | The $740,000 Question (Episode 3) 1:01:34

3M ago1:01:34

1:01:34

NOTE: The $740,000 question is a podcast from Plain Talk producer Matt Fern. In the conclusion of this three-part series, filmmaker Matt Fern investigates the two men at the center of North Dakota’s film grant controversy: longtime legislator Rep. Bob Martinson and Canticle Productions founder Dan Bielinski. As an ethics complaint regarding the fil…

1
625: Voters need to be responsible for who they're voting for 50:46

3M ago50:46

50:46

On this episode of Plain Talk, my co-host Chad Oban and I talk about the crazy Minot mayoral race, evidence of extremism in the North Dakota Young Republicans, and the controversy over bonuses paid to Commerce Department employees. The Minot race, in some ways, is an important bellwether for North Dakota politics, taking place as it is in one of th…

1
624: 'We need more human-to-human, face-to-face interaction' 51:39

3M ago51:39

51:39

Minot-area Democrat Trygve Hammer has run for the U.S. House of Representatives in the last two election cycles. More recently, he's organizing a town hall event in Minot — which he's branded the People's Town Hall — as a clapback to Rep. Julie Fedorchak holding only digital town halls. He was on this episode of Plain Talk to promote that event, bu…

1
No Comment | The $740,000 Question (Episode 2) 29:55

3M ago29:55

29:55

NOTE: The $740,000 question is a podcast from Plain Talk producer Matt Fern. After sending a letter to Governor Doug Burgum and receiving no response, a coalition of 27 filmmakers from across North Dakota hold a press conference outside the Attorney General’s office to demand transparency and accountability in how one filmmaker received $740,000 fr…

1
623: Democratic lawmaker says now is a good time for local governments to "off ramp" property tax give aways 54:05

3M ago54:05

54:05

Even as some local governments claim that a new, 3% cap on property tax increases will cause chaos in their budgets, Sen. Josh Boschee, a Democrat from Fargo, says he and his colleagues felt it was important to implement. He says lawmakers see it as a way of putting the responsiblity for property taxes back on local governments. "In the last decade…

1
622: 'The greasy pole of politics in the Republican party' 53:09

3M ago53:09

53:09

Is Doug Burgum, who is currently serving as Secretary of the Interior under President Donald Trump, a happy man right now? I posed that question in a recent column occassioned by Burgum's visit to infamous island prison Alcatraz at Trump's behest to assess it for use as a detention facility. Burgum has to know that this is a fantastically stupid id…

1
621: 'We knew this was coming' 1:02:17

3M ago1:02:17

1:02:17

This episode of Plain Talk is a little unusual, because the guest we interviewed for the show is actually our own producer, Matt Fern. Matt, in addition to producing Plain Talk, is also a filmmaker by trade. A couple of years ago he organized a dozens of his colleagues from around the state to object to hundreds of thousands of dollars in film gran…

1
Department of Incompetence | The $740,000 Question (Episode 1) 26:19

3M ago26:19

26:19

The $740,000 question is a podcast from Plain Talk producer Matt Fern. Making movies in North Dakota is hard. Unless you’re one company with powerful connections. In the premiere episode of The $740,000 Question, filmmaker Matt Fern unpacks how a single production company, Canticle Productions, received $700,000 in taxpayer-funded film grants from …

1
620: 'This panel has represented George Floyd protesters and they have represented January 6 defendants' 58:16

3M ago58:16

58:16

Public defenders working in the federal system representing indigent defendants aren't getting paid. The federal government ran out of money, as my colleague April Baumgarten reported recently. That's a big problem. Every American accused of a crime has a right to counsel, and while you might think that public defenders are just for poor people, th…

1
619: 'Conservation sometimes becomes the dog that everybody can get behind kicking' 1:07:57

3M ago1:07:57

1:07:57

One proposal in the recently passed "big, beautiful bill" that didn't make it to the finish line was an amendment from Utah Sen. Mike Lee, which would have jump-started a sell-off of federally owned lands. On this episode of Plain Talk, John Bradley, executive director of the North Dakota Wildlife Federation, talked about that victory, and also dis…