Plain Talk
Plain Talk is a podcast hosted by Rob Port and Chad Oban focusing on political news and current events in North Dakota. Port is a columnist for the Forum News Service published in papers including the Fargo Forum, Grand Forks Herald, Jamestown Sun, and the Dickinson Press. Oban is a long-time political consultant.
Latest episodes
Jan 6, 2020 • 40min
Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 01-06-20
Jay and Rob discuss the new North Dakota court records system, which has published some personal data such as Rob's social security number, but also information like murder scene photos which some may not know are public record.
Jan 6, 2020 • 26min
Ep. 123: Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken
As the debate over refugee resettlement in Burleigh County continues, City of Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken weighs in.
Nov 11, 2019 • 30min
Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 11-11-19
Rob and Jay talk about the school lunch debt issue.
Nov 4, 2019 • 23min
Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 11/04/19
Rob and Jay discuss Rob's column about North Dakota cops violating the 4th amendment. A caller describes his experience being pulled over and searched.
Oct 17, 2019 • 26min
Ep. 122: The politician who actually lowered insurance rates
North Dakotans who get their insurance through the individual market place will enjoy premiums next year which are, on average, about 20 percent lower. That's thanks in no small part to Insurance Commissioner Jon Godfread. He talks about his campaign for re-election, and what he'd like to accomplish next in his office. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.
Oct 15, 2019 • 19min
Ep. 121: Auditor says things "cordial" with Governor Burgum
North Dakota Auditor Josh Gallion announced his re-election plans and says things are "cordial" with his fellow Republican, Governor Doug Burgum, despite the latter snubbing the former's campaign announcement. This episode is brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.
Oct 14, 2019 • 39min
Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 10-14-19 Do We Need Cops In Schools?
Rob and Jay discuss a recent ACLU report suggesting we need fewer cops in schools and more counselors.
Oct 14, 2019 • 24min
Ep. 120: North Dakota ACLU Talks Cash Bail, Cops In School
Dane DeKrey of the North Dakota ACLU talks about his group's desire to see cash bail ended in the state. He also talks about the group's recent report on the use of cops in schools. This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.
Oct 8, 2019 • 25min
Ep. 119: Prosperity has left us feeling empty
Americans at living at historically high levels of prosperity, but we also see increasing rates of problems with things like anxiety. Why? Clay Routledge, a professor of psychology and behavioral science researcher from North Dakota State University, discusses ahead of an October 14 presentation he'll be making at the Cato Institute. Details: https://www.cato.org/events/search-for-meaning-in-age-of-abundance This episode brought to you by Americans for Prosperity of North Dakota.
Oct 7, 2019 • 24min
Bonus Audio: Jay Thomas Show 10-07-19
Rob and Jay talk about Trump's polling in North Dakota, the upcoming Yankees/Twins game, and why Americans are so sad amid so much prosperity.
