From Fargo to the Future: North Dakota’s Moment in the Spotlight (10-29-25)

In this dynamic episode of What’s On Your Mind, host Scott Hennen welcomes a powerhouse lineup — from Fargo’s Mayor Tim Mahoney to investor Paul Polanjan of O’Leary Ventures and media personality Brian Kilmeade — for a jam-packed conversation on politics, opportunity, and the soul of North Dakota. Mayor Mahoney shares the city’s big shift toward recovery-based community services and pushes back on claims about reduced police response. Meanwhile, business leaders and investors spotlight North Dakota as a “hidden gem” of American innovation — poised to lead the next wave in tech, energy, and defense. From the “Politics on a Plate” lunch series to a $15 million green pig-iron plant in Minot, and from Turning Point USA events to the economic vision of Kevin O’Leary, this episode captures a state on the rise — and the personalities shaping its future. Standout Moments & Timestamps: 00:03 – Scott opens with the day’s agenda: civic engagement, city updates, and a packed guest list. 07:10 – Carter Eisinger of Cass County Republicans explains how grassroots endorsements shape local elections. 14:45 – The “Politics on a Plate” tradition: where brisket meets political dialogue. 20:20 – Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney details plans for the new Resource and Recovery Center — a compassionate, treatment-focused alternative to downtown engagement programs. 26:30 – Mahoney refutes rumors about police cuts and reassures listeners about the city’s fiscal health. 33:00 – Investor Paul Polanjan joins to discuss why O’Leary Ventures sees North Dakota as “the tip of the spear” for U.S. innovation. 38:00 – Inside the $15M “green pig-iron” project in Minot — reshaping American steel and national security. 45:15 – Brian Kilmeade and Scott riff on leadership, Trump’s second term, and America’s shifting political landscape. 53:40 – Closing thoughts: optimism, opportunity, and why “speed kills” in business and politics alike.In this dynamic episode of What’s On Your Mind, host Scott Hennen welcomes a powerhouse lineup — from Fargo’s Mayor Tim Mahoney to investor Paul Polanjan of O’Leary Ventures and media personality Brian Kilmeade — for a jam-packed conversation on politics, opportunity, and the soul of North Dakota. Mayor Mahoney shares the city’s big shift toward recovery-based community services and pushes back on claims about reduced police response. Meanwhile, business leaders and investors spotlight North Dakota as a “hidden gem” of American innovation — poised to lead the next wave in tech, energy, and defense. From the “Politics on a Plate” lunch series to a $15 million green pig-iron plant in Minot, and from Turning Point USA events to the economic vision of Kevin O’Leary, this episode captures a state on the rise — and the personalities shaping its future. Standout Moments & Timestamps: 00:03 – Scott opens with the day’s agenda: civic engagement, city updates, and a packed guest list. 07:10 – Carter Eisinger of Cass County Republicans explains how grassroots endorsements shape local elections. 14:45 – The “Politics on a Plate” tradition: where brisket meets political dialogue. 20:20 – Fargo Mayor Tim Mahoney details plans for the new Resource and Recovery Center — a compassionate, treatment-focused alternative to downtown engagement programs. 26:30 – Mahoney refutes rumors about police cuts and reassures listeners about the city’s fiscal health. 33:00 – Investor Paul Polanjan joins to discuss why O’Leary Ventures sees North Dakota as “the tip of the spear” for U.S. innovation. 38:00 – Inside the $15M “green pig-iron” project in Minot — reshaping American steel and national security. 45:15 – Brian Kilmeade and Scott riff on leadership, Trump’s second term, and America’s shifting political landscape. 53:40 – Closing thoughts: optimism, opportunity, and why “speed kills” in business and politics alike.