The Fargo Five with Conrad Fargo

Conrad Fargo sits down with Holger Loor, owner of Ultra Cleaning Services, for a conversation that goes far beyond mops, crews, and commercial accounts. Holger shares what it took to leave Ecuador, adapt to life in Fargo, learn English, survive the weather, and build a company while raising a family and leading a multilingual team. What starts as a story about cleaning quickly opens into something deeper: immigration, resilience, military structure, cultural translation, and the discipline required to create something of your own.Holger talks about his upbringing in Ecuador, where military service carried prestige and identity, and how that warrior mindset followed him to the United States. He explains his path through the North Dakota Army National Guard, law enforcement, and corrections, and how military attention to detail eventually became the foundation for his business. Ultra Cleaning Services now handles residential, commercial, move-in, move-out, post-construction, and even lake country properties near Detroit Lakes and Pelican Rapids, all while Holger manages a growing crew and still gets his own hands dirty.The episode also explores the human side of leadership. Holger describes his Sunday team meetings, the culture he has built between Spanish and English speakers, and why he sees cleaning not as janitorial work, but as transforming spaces and protecting families. Along the way, he shares funny and revealing stories about learning English, misunderstanding American idioms, and trying to find his footing in a new country.

In this episode of The Fargo Five, Conrad Fargo sits down with Tara Kohn, a Fargo-based holistic health coach and foot reflexologist, to explore how mindset, gratitude, and nutrition can radically alter a person’s life trajectory. From a 26-year career in massage therapy to building a self-employed coaching business, Tara shares how her lifelong experience with chronic pain shaped her perspective on healing and human potential.The conversation dives into the power of gratitude as a habit, not just a feeling, and how rewiring your brain to see the good can change your reality. Tara breaks down reflexology as more than a “foot massage,” describing it as an organized system that maps the entire body through pressure points in the feet, hands, and ears. Conrad challenges the ideas with his usual skepticism, creating a dynamic discussion on alternative health versus traditional medicine.Tara also shares her personal diagnosis with a rare spinal cord condition and how it led her deeper into nutrition, gut health, and anti-inflammatory living. She explains her transition into health coaching and her partnership with Purium, focusing on whole-food-based supplementation and detox programs designed to restore gut health and energy levels.Along the way, they touch on the realities of entrepreneurship in Fargo, networking through groups like BNI and the emerging Power Team FM, and the growing local health and wellness scene, including voices like Penny Static. This episode blends personal story, business insight, and philosophical debate into a grounded look at what it means to take ownership of your health in a modern world.

Aaron Dorval joins The Fargo Five to unpack a career that spans from a 17-year-old call center agent in Dickinson, North Dakota to a global business analyst consulting for companies around the world through Humana. What starts as a conversation about honesty and transparency quickly turns into a deep exploration of how systems thinking, curiosity, and problem-solving can reshape entire organizations. Aaron shares how he optimized airline ticketing workflows using early automation tricks, got written up for “not working” because he was too efficient, and ultimately turned that into a 25-year career building processes, leading analytics teams, and consulting across Fortune-level operations.The discussion moves through his unconventional path with no formal college education, instead relying on certifications like Six Sigma, Lean, and Agile, along with relentless self-teaching. From working in corporate travel for companies like Oracle and McDonald’s to inventing patented workflow systems at UnitedHealthcare, Aaron breaks down how identifying problems first, rather than applying pre-defined skills, became the core driver of his success.The episode also explores Fargo connections, including his music career with bands like Chaos And Question and Save Me CJ, and collaborations with local figures like Danny Vyechow (Cow). Aaron reflects on touring, recording, and playing alongside acts like Buckcherry and Smash Mouth, while also promoting upcoming shows at Unhinged in West Fargo and appearances at the Red River Valley Fair alongside Stone Temple Pilots, Candlebox, and Pop Evil.At its core, this episode is about mindset; how curiosity, systems thinking, and a willingness to explore the unknown can create opportunities that don’t follow a traditional path, all while balancing creativity through music and a global consulting career.

Arthur Weidner, owner of Crude Spirits, joins The Fargo Five to unpack a journey that blends old-world tradition with modern engineering precision. From a 100-year-old family recipe born in the smokehouses of western North Dakota to a multi-state liquor brand, Arthur shares how North Dakota Sweet Crude and Sweet Crude Orange came to life and what makes them fundamentally different from typical liqueurs. The conversation explores the philosophical divide between work and toil, rooted in Arthur’s Lutheran upbringing and influenced by thinkers like Martin Luther and Solomon, before shifting into the realities of building a business in one of the most regulated industries in the country. Arthur walks through the science of distillation, flavor extraction, and the challenge of scaling something as deceptively simple as caramelized sugar into a repeatable commercial process. His background in mechanical engineering from North Dakota State University, combined with experience at companies like Boeing, GE, Cargill, and Otter Tail Corporation, ultimately led him back to entrepreneurship. Along the way, stories of hunting trips, homemade batches shared with farmers, and grassroots demand turning into real opportunity paint a clear picture of how Crude Spirits grew from kitchen experiment to regional product. This episode also touches on military service with the Air National Guard, flying, resilience after setbacks, and the mindset required to build something from scratch. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to bring a product to market, control distribution, and carve out space in a crowded field, this conversation delivers both insight and inspiration.

In this episode of The Fargo Five, Conrad sits down with Dr. Erika Wiger, owner of Turning Point Chiropractic in Fargo, North Dakota, to explore the deeper meaning of family, belonging, and what it really takes to build a life and business aligned with your values. After spending over a decade in California, Erika made the deliberate decision to return home to the Fargo-Moorhead area, trading sunshine for something far more meaningful; proximity to family, community, and a sense of rootedness.Dr. Wiger shares her journey from Fargo South to NDSU, through chiropractic school in the Bay Area, and into nearly a decade of practice before launching her own solo clinic. Along the way, she opens up about the cultural differences between California and the Midwest, the challenge of building connections in a high-density but low-relational environment, and the emotional realization that ultimately brought her back home.The conversation dives into her specialty in prenatal, perinatal, and pediatric chiropractic care, her work with NDSU Bison athletics, and what it’s really like to run a one-woman practice handling everything from patient care to marketing and operations. Conrad and Erika also unpack the concept of “family” as a value, exploring whether it’s about blood, proximity, shared patterns, or something deeper like legacy and belonging.

Ashley Bates, founder of Blame Bates, joins Conrad Fargo for one of the most personal and revealing episodes of The Fargo Five. Based in Fargo, North Dakota, Blame Bates is a 501c3 nonprofit helping adults 18+ navigate mental health challenges, substance use, homelessness, and reentry after incarceration. Through care coordination and peer support, Ashley and her team meet clients weekly, break down barriers like lack of ID, housing, or transportation, and guide individuals step-by-step toward stability and independence.Ashley shares her journey from nearly eight years as a Cass County Sheriff’s deputy to launching Blame Bates after burnout, red tape, and a calling she couldn’t ignore. She discusses Community Connect, North Dakota’s statewide program connecting providers to individuals in need, and how her organization works alongside it to deliver real, boots-on-the-ground support. The conversation explores the hidden realities of homelessness, the cycle of documentation barriers, and why simple things like an $8 ID can determine whether someone ever gets back on their feet.The episode goes deeper into Ashley’s personal story growing up in Pennsylvania, losing her father young, and how those experiences shaped her philosophy that trust is earned through action, not words. She opens up about family struggles with mental health and addiction, her boundaries, and how she balances compassion with accountability in her work. Conrad challenges her perspective, creating a powerful dialogue about whether people are broken or fixable, and what it really means to help.From hiring her first team members to preparing clients for housing, to hosting the Blame Bates Paint the Night Gala at the Hilton Garden Inn, Ashley is building something that is both structured and deeply human. This episode captures the tension between cynicism and hope, and what it looks like to choose trust anyway.

Conrad Fargo sits down with Zach Petty, founder and CEO of Legato Networks, a startup platform built to connect local musicians for jam sessions, collaborations, bands, and creative partnerships. The conversation explores how modern social media has become overwhelming, addictive, and fragmented, and how Legato Networks is attempting to strip the experience back to something simple and useful: helping artists meet and create together.Zach explains how the idea for Legato Networks began over a decade ago when he moved from Phoenix, Arizona to Fargo and struggled to find other musicians interested in serious collaboration. After years of travel, time spent in Seattle’s arts scene, and conversations with musicians across different communities, the idea eventually turned into a startup project that has been in development for more than two years.Unlike traditional social media platforms that rely on feeds, likes, and algorithm-driven engagement, Legato Networks is designed with a minimalist philosophy. The goal is to remove distractions and focus on meaningful connections. Musicians can search for collaborators, find jam sessions, connect with venues, and build creative partnerships without getting trapped in an endless scroll.Zach shares the realities of building a startup without funding, recruiting a remote team of designers and developers, pitching to angel investors, and balancing entrepreneurial ambition with everyday work life. The conversation also dives into Fargo’s surprisingly strong arts community, the challenges facing musicians trying to enter local scenes, and how the platform hopes to create opportunities for underdog artists looking for their first collaborations or performances.The episode also touches on Zach’s personal journey from Phoenix to Fargo, his time living in Seattle during the turbulent COVID era, and how those experiences shaped his approach to technology, community, and creativity.Long term, Legato Networks hopes to expand beyond musicians into a broader ecosystem connecting artists, venues, and audiences. The vision also includes supporting music education by funding instruments for underserved schools as the platform grows.If you are interested in Fargo’s music scene, local startups, or the future of creative networking, this conversation offers a fascinating look at how one entrepreneur is trying to build a better way for artists to connect.

Kristen Hanson, owner of Crowning Touch Cleaning, breaks down what it actually looks like to build a “real” cleaning company that grows beyond one person with a mop and bucket. She explains how the business started through word of mouth, how demand grew into a waiting list, and why the leap to hiring changes everything. Kristen walks through how they find and vet team members, including using Indeed, the college-focused Handshake job board, networking referrals, multiple interview rounds, and background checks; all with the goal of sending only trustworthy people into clients’ homes.Kristen also shares how the company is structured as a true family operation. She and her husband own the business together; he brings an engineering-style brain to the spreadsheets, taxes, and systems. The company is still run out of their home for practical reasons, including climate concerns for products and the cost-benefit reality of renting space. Employees pick up supplies before the first job of the week, return them after the last, and the weekend rhythm includes washing rags and resetting the system for the next round.A big thread in this conversation is service, both paid and unpaid. Kristen explains why she prefers “giving first,” and she highlights volunteer work done alongside her staff, including Feed My Starving Children and serving meals at the Ronald McDonald House. One standout partnership is with the Roger Maris Cancer Center at Sanford, where Crowning Touch Cleaning provides two free cleanings per month for cancer patients. She also talks about volunteering at Serenity Assisted Living in Dilworth, a connection that originally came through family ties and relationships built in the community.The episode also dives into operational choices that reveal a higher-level approach, like using clients’ own vacuums for residential cleanings to reduce cross-home transfer of pet dander and allergens, and keeping most cleanings during daytime hours instead of living in the “after-hours office cleaning” grind. Kristen shares what her day-to-day looks like now, including shifting fully into management, using the YMCA as both a wellness anchor and a mobile office, and staying active in the Fargo business community through networking groups like Tea Time and StartupBREW.By the end, Kristen lays out the forward vision: goals, growth, deeper community impact, and a likely move into the Lakes Area as demand keeps pulling the company outward. The episode closes with her song pick, “A Million Dreams” from The Greatest Showman, tied to her belief in setting goals, keeping a “hundred dreams” list, and stacking collective momentum into something bigger than any one person.

Conrad Fargo sits down with Sue Baron, founder of Golden Drive, a volunteer-run nonprofit supporting homeless children in the Fargo–Moorhead metro. Sue breaks down Golden Drive’s model in plain language: no salaries, no big building, no holding product “just because,” and no complicated gatekeeping. Donations come in and go right back out through schools, shelters, and resource rooms, helping kids with essentials that are easy to overlook until you need them immediately, hygiene items, socks, underwear, sweats, snack bags, and non-perishables.Sue shares how the entire mission started in the most unglamorous way possible: saving restaurant crayons that were headed for the trash. That one habit turned into boots-on-the-ground outreach, business-to-business asking, “Do you want to help our homeless kids?” and eventually into a decade-plus community engine. She talks through partnerships and supporters like Culver’s, Gateway Chevrolet, YouthWorks, the West Fargo Rural Fire Department, the West Fargo Police Department, and the UPS location on 13th Avenue in Fargo, plus a long list of local businesses, schools, churches, students, and volunteers who keep showing up.The conversation gets real about scale and momentum: Giving Hearts Day, filling resource rooms year-round, events like “Fill the Fire Boot” with Jay Thomas, and the sock drive that has reached 46,215 pairs. Sue’s message is simple and stubborn: start with what you have, connect people to helping, and “stay golden.”

Conrad Fargo sits down with Shelle Hagen, owner of Elite Massage Academy, to unpack how one local massage business became three interconnected ventures: Elite Therapeutic Massage (with offices in Fargo and Moorhead), Elite Massage Academy (a massage therapy school), and a continuing education operation that has her traveling the United States teaching therapists and spa teams. The conversation starts with Shelle’s philosophy of pursuing ideas even without early supporters, then quickly turns into the real-world mechanics of building a business that runs while the owner is on the road, and why teams, systems, and delegation are non-negotiable.Shelle breaks down the licensed-profession landscape on the ND/MN border, explaining North Dakota’s state regulation versus Minnesota’s city-by-city approach, and why she actually values regulation as a pathway to safety, education, and broader modalities for clients. From there, Conrad digs into her day-to-day reality: juggling a long-running practice, building a school, and spending weeks each month traveling to teach continuing education, sometimes inside high-end spa environments where premium services can run hundreds of dollars.The core story is innovation in the most literal sense: Shelle describes the pain points of traditional hot stone massage, including the infamous “pulled pork roaster” water-heating setup, awkward river rocks, timing windows, cleanup, sanitation logistics, and the sheer labor involved in resetting for the next client. That frustration leads to Core Stones, an ergonomic soapstone tool system that can be used hot or cold and functions as an extension of the therapist’s hand. Shelle recounts discovering the product in a Massage Warehouse magazine, connecting with the original owner (Dale Grust in New Paltz, New York), flying out to see the operation, and ultimately purchasing the company so it would not disappear when the founder retired.From there, the “Innovate” theme gets even sharper: Shelle explains how the old water-based heating method was still an unsolved problem, so she prototyped a no-water, open-heat system that is safer, temperature-controlled, and designed for real workflows. She tells the story of ordering and hacking together equipment, reaching out to “Evan Dash” and the Dash pancake griddle as an early prototype, then taking the leap to call 1-800-Invention to connect with engineers and move toward a patent-backed product. The payoff is operational: her cleanup/turnover time drops from roughly 40–50 minutes to about 3 minutes, and spas can see measurable revenue increases by adding the modality as a signature service.Conrad also pulls the thread back to origins. Shelle shares her path through Concordia College (exercise science and Spanish), her early cleaning business in 1998, her decision to enter massage therapy, and why she started her massage business halfway through training in Moorhead before licensing in North Dakota and moving into Fargo. She explains how retraining hires sparked the idea for Elite Massage Academy, designed to bridge common gaps she saw in graduates, and even mentions using a synthetic cadaver tool for anatomy education. She also highlights a North Dakota Career Builders funding option that can cover much of the cost of training for those who commit to working in North Dakota afterward.

Heather Aal runs Aal Yours Consignment, a consignment boutique and curiosity shop tucked into the Hawthorne Historic District in South Fargo at 615 9th Avenue South, about a block and a half south of Island Park. The space has its own local lore, originally an Island Park grocery store, and now a rotating, highly curated mix of antique and vintage furniture and home decor, with new items hitting the floor daily and the layout changing constantly. Heather breaks down how consignment works in real terms: items get 90 days on the floor with markdowns every 30 days, and sellers split net proceeds after costs like credit card fees, auction fees, and marketing. Contrary to what many assume, most of her sales still come from walk-in traffic, with additional reach through Etsy as an international seller, selective use of eBay for truly auction-worthy items, and estatesales.org for online auctions when items aren’t reclaimed after the 90-day window.Heather’s path into this world runs through Chicago consignment work, furniture refinishing, and high-end estate sales in Dallas, followed by years in the nonprofit sector, including work connected to the Better Business Bureau in Fargo and later the Essentia Health Foundation. After COVID-era disruption, she built the shop deliberately, leaning on local small business support like SCORE, SBA resources, and the Fargo Executive Club. A standout early “universe has spoken” moment involved a rare desk tied to Henry Ford and a Smithsonian reproduction story that helped cement the vision. The conversation also touches on why older items feel different, the way “joy” transfers from one owner to the next, and Heather’s next creative pivot after hand surgery ended refinishing, including experimenting with a crucible to melt down broken jewelry and obsolete metal pieces.

Conrad sits down with Matt Larson, the Executive Director of Farm in the Dell of the Red River Valley, a nonprofit with a simple mission: transforming disabilities into abilities. Matt explains how the farm and garden operation employs adults with disabilities, creating community, vocation, purpose, and a paycheck, while also growing produce that serves the Fargo-Moorhead area. The work is seasonal, ramping up in early May and wrapping in mid-October, and Matt shares how the team is experimenting with winter opportunities to keep people connected and employed, including baking and serving events, with more ideas in development for February.Matt describes the range of disabilities they support, primarily intellectual disabilities with some physical considerations, and how job coaches sometimes accompany employees depending on individual needs. Conrad and Matt also unpack the ecosystem of partner organizations that help adults find employment, including CCRI, Vocational Training Center (VTC), Heartland Industries, CLS, and the Carlson Center, plus how parents can connect directly with the farm.Beyond the farm, the conversation explores what it means to be an executive director at a small nonprofit, the realities of running operations with a lean staff, and Matt’s path from 23 years of teaching at Park Christian School in Moorhead to leading Farm in the Dell. The discussion also goes deep into Matt’s faith journey, the difference between works and grace, and how worldview shapes leadership, resilience, and service. Matt closes with ways to support the mission through Giving Hearts Day, volunteering on the farm, and signing up for their CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) produce subscription.

Veronica Malachowski joins Conrad Fargo to unpack the philosophy behind True Image Tallow Skincare; a Fargo-area skincare brand built around locally sourced bison tallow and a “keep it simple” ingredient mindset. Veronica walks through what tallow actually is, why leaf fat (kidney suet) matters for skincare, and how she dry-renders bison suet at low temperature to avoid water-related spoilage and keep scent minimal. She compares the recent “tallow comeback” in both food and skincare, explains why bison differs from beef, and describes her small-batch process from receiving frozen suet in large chunks, to meticulous trimming, slow rendering, straining, vacuum sealing, and freezing stock for future production.The conversation also digs into her background as a dental hygienist (graduated 2000) and how studying fluoride originally kicked off a long, crunchy, question-everything path toward cleaner inputs, gardening, canning, and local food preservation. Veronica shares how she connected with community through Hildebrandt Farm (a fourth-generation, regenerative local farm with a West Fargo brick-and-mortar seasonal market), and how that network helped her build momentum as she moved from family-and-friends testing to full-time business ownership.You’ll hear specifics on where her products are carried, including Modish Boutique in West Fargo (off Veterans), Herbs and Spices on Robert Street in downtown Fargo, Hildebrandt Farm, Petals and Stems in Carrington, and wellness centers in “Mina.” Veronica also describes going storefront-to-storefront to wholesale her line, balancing production time with the hustle of partnerships and social media. She outlines her seven-product lineup, including seasonal blends (spring, summer, autumn, winter) with botanical profiles aimed at specific skin goals, plus tattoo aftercare, baby cream, and an unscented option kept to just bison tallow with organic extra virgin olive oil or organic jojoba oil. The episode wraps with a practical discussion of sensitivities like lanolin allergies, an honest take on Vaseline, and her outro music pick: “Glorious” by Mïm.

Rusty Galloway breaks down how a Class 4 laser-cleaning rig turns nasty jobs into clean, finished projects. Rusty describes their portable 300-watt Class 4 pulse laser setup (suitcase-sized unit, long hose, handheld head, and an air compressor) and how it strips away grease, carbon buildup, dirt, grime, rust, paint, and varnish without chemical baths and with minimal cleanup. They also get real about safety, what “Class 4” means, and why the work happens up close in careful passes rather than flashy sci-fi beams across the room.The conversation gets practical with use cases around the Fargo-Moorhead metro: commercial kitchen deep-cleans inspired by Rusty’s years in kitchen management at Sanford Medical Center, helping local food trucks that are too busy to scrub equipment, and the oddly satisfying results of removing paint and varnish from doors and furniture. Rusty keeps coming back to the same theme: customers rarely want “just stripping,” they want the project done. That mindset pushes him toward furniture repair and refinishing so LRG can become a true one-stop shop instead of handing you a half-finished problem.Rusty and Conrad also talk hustle as learning what you do not know so clients do not have to, plus the autonomy of building something outside the corporate machine. Rusty shares how his long working relationship with Carrie turned into a leap into business ownership, helped by trust built through shared recovery. The episode closes with a Johnny Cash sendoff, “I’ve Been Everywhere,” and Rusty’s invite to reach out to LRG Laser Cleaning by connecting with Carrie through lrglasercleaning.com (and by searching “LRG Laser Cleaning” online).

Conrad Fargo sits down with Jon Tatro owner of Clean and Pristine Solutions LLC, a local residential cleaning company focused on recurring weekly, bi-weekly, monthly, and quarterly home cleanings. Jon explains why he prefers the more personal, relationship-based nature of residential work, while also taking on daytime office cleaning when it fits and occasional move-out style jobs through the Fargo Housing Authority. The conversation traces how Jon’s attention to detail was sharpened during his prior career at Fabricators Unlimited, where he performed final inspection on stone countertops, and how an entrepreneur class connected to F5 helped turn his ambition into a real business.Jon opens up about addiction, incarceration, and what it means to be in recovery, including how gratitude, accountability, and ongoing self-work helped him rebuild. He discusses how the same intense focus that can fuel addiction can, in recovery, become fuel for building something positive for the community, which is why he supports the mission of F5. The episode also touches the local networking scene, including Tea Time Tuesday at the Daily Dose, Far More Networking, and the referral connection through Tiffany Savageo of Savvy Cleaning and the Savvy Food Truck. Jon shares practical operations too, from supplies at Costco and Menards to using Mrs. Meyer’s products, plus the systems behind the scenes, including scheduling software built for cleaning companies, checklists, weekly team meetings, QuickBooks, and a smoother client intake process. Music pick of the week is “The Search” by NF, tying the theme of struggle, momentum, and forward motion together.

Danny begins with a simple line from his former personal trainer — life never gets easier, you just get better at dealing with it — and shows how that mindset carried him from bodybuilding diets and long days at Valley Landscaping into launching his own company from nothing but determination, word of mouth, and a garage full of refurbished equipment. He explains how he and his brother scavenged mowers and snowblowers during Fargo’s citywide cleanup, learned small engine repair out of necessity, and slowly gained attention for reliable work at a time when they still had no advertising, no budget and no shop space.The tipping point came when Personal Touch Property Management and local real estate investors began calling them back for larger tenant maintenance and repair work, opening the door to bigger projects like decks, patios, siding, fences, an insulated shed build, and eventually an out-of-town apartment remodel in Baiji through Christensen Companies. Danny walks Conrad through the reality of taking that leap: signing a shop lease he was personally liable for, surviving a difficult split with his brother, keeping the business alive with 70-hour workweeks and riding out the seasonality that freezes gutters, halts landscaping, and suddenly turns all attention toward snow removal.Hiring becomes a major theme as Danny describes cracking the workforce challenge by recruiting directly from NDSU’s construction management program and bringing on employees like Tyler, Derek and Jesse, whose mechanical expertise even sparked plans for a 16-and-older automotive shop. Networking threads through the conversation as Danny credits cousin Lee Roggenkamp’s groups for sharpening his public speaking and helping him meet his social media assistant Alicia. Conrad adds insights from his work as a Realtor with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Premier Properties and as a small business consultant, comparing the worker-short contracting world with worker-dense fields like real estate. Together they examine the scrappiness of Fargo’s “north of normal” business culture — where surviving, growing and staying booked comes down to relationships, referrals, resilience and never believing you’ve already got enough work in the pipeline.

Sheridan Averson, owner of Green Prairie Counseling, joins the show to unpack what unconditional positive regard really looks like in practice and why a therapist’s job often begins by simply accepting everything a client brings into the room. Sheridan discusses the fine line between encouragement, acceptance, and manipulation, and how intention determines whether guidance becomes helpful or harmful. She shares how her plant-rich office environment—20 to 30 live plants, plus the option for anxious clients to prune or interact with them—acts as a grounding tool and an accessible doorway into horticulture-based therapy benefits. Sheridan also explains her training in CPT, cognitive processing therapy for trauma, and how ABC frameworks help clients identify antecedents, stuck points, and emotional consequences.We dive into her background at The Village, her transition into private practice inside Downtown Health & Wellness in Moorhead, and her surprise win as InForum’s Best of the Best in Counseling only months after launching Green Prairie Counseling. Sheridan walks through the realities of documentation, insurance credentialing, billing support from her contractor Ron in Florida, and the surprising amount of autonomy therapists have behind a closed door. She contrasts counseling, psychology, and social work, reflecting on licensing, supervision requirements, and the challenges of finding internship placements during COVID.Beyond counseling, Sheridan talks gaming: Skyrim, Oblivion, Baldur’s Gate, Diablo, Dark Souls, and the role video games play in her downtime with her husband. We explore evolutionary psychology, relationship dynamics, social connection, and the universal human need to feel seen. She closes by sharing her personal story, the teachers who shaped her, the meaning behind her wedding song “Bloom” by The Paper Kites, and what life looks like as a new parent balancing a growing practice with a 20-month-old at home.

In this episode, Conrad Fargo sits down with Mark Bjornstad, President and Co-Founder of Drekker Brewing Company, the powerhouse behind Brewhalla, Fargo’s iconic “food and entertainment wonderland.” Mark reflects on his transition from a career in anesthesia to building one of Minnesota’s most successful breweries — a brand now distributing to 34 states and across Europe, Asia, and Scandinavia.They discuss how Drekker’s mission to “create experiences and destroy expectations” led to Brewhalla, a massive community hub housing 12 independent businesses and a boutique hotel where every room is themed after a Drekker beer label. Mark shares the brewery’s early garage days in Moorhead, the courage to launch with no investors, and how focusing on “why” rather than “what” built an authentic culture where employees and customers alike feel ownership.From craft beer to community creation, Mark’s story is a testament to the philosophy that “hard work puts you where good luck can find you.” Discover how this world-ranked brewery has redefined what it means to be “North of Normal” right here in Fargo.

When military precision meets heartfelt empathy, transformation follows. On this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Brittany Schank, owner of Solace Counseling in Fargo and a 19-year veteran of the Air National Guard. Brittany shares her journey from catching shoplifters at Sears to creating a 12-therapist mental health practice behind the old Chuck E. Cheese on 13th Avenue. She describes growing up in poverty and chaos, finding structure through military service, and discovering her calling to help others heal emotionally through therapy. Her path led from criminal justice to social work and ultimately to launching Solace Counseling with nothing but grit, a $300 office, and a vision for work-life balance. Now with locations in Fargo and Bismarck, her team provides counseling for kids, families, couples, and veterans alike. Brittany and Conrad explore how ethics, law, and human compassion intersect in therapy—like when a therapist must report potential harm versus protecting client privacy—and how faith and resilience shape leadership. From balancing four children to supervising a team of clinicians, Brittany’s story embodies the North-Dakota spirit of service, discipline, and heart. Her song choice, “Another in the Fire” by Hillsong United, captures that faithful message: we are never alone in the struggle.

Nikki joins The Fargo Five from her rural life in Barney, North Dakota, where she and her family manage about 30 head of cattle (and two ducks), while her husband works full-time as a diesel mechanic. Nikki explains that she practices Reiki with animals only and conducts roughly 95% of her sessions remotely—usually by phone—with clients spanning Florida, Oklahoma, the East Coast, Minnesota, North Dakota, and South Dakota. She connects using a pet’s photo and name, then “tunes in,” often feeling the animal’s discomfort in her own body to help pinpoint issues the human might miss. Consent matters: she introduces herself to the animal and asks permission before working; on rare occasions, they decline and she reschedules. We talk skepticism, too—how she overcomes it by describing how an animal “greets” her, even at a distance, which commonly earns instant recognition from owners. Nikki traces her origin story to a bout of serious illness that sparked a personal spiritual journey; as a former registered veterinary professional, she already loved animal care but found a new path after guidance from friend Brittany Herlichka (Lidwood, ND). Word-of-mouth—especially through her family’s equine network near the Twin Cities and her parents’ connections in Oklahoma—built her early client base, and today she still meets people at holistic vendor shows like the seasonal SOS event in Fargo (held at the Ramada on 13th). We also wander through the regional texture of life: trips to Fargo for Costco, remote ranch chores that double as couple time, and the realities of raising kids without leaning on screens. Along the way, shout-outs surface to The Fargo Five connector Jesse Fe, local markets like Pride of North Dakota, and fellow vendor-scene makers such as Hansen Vanilla. We contrast Nikki’s quiet phone-based workflow with today’s Zoom-heavy habits, touch empathy (and how to set boundaries), and even detour into philosophy (Wittgenstein’s “If a lion could speak…”), the Coen Brothers’ “Fargo,” and end-credits music from Apashe and Vladimir Cauchemar. If you’ve ever wondered whether your dog is telling you to take better care of yourself so you can take better care of them—Nikki says they probably are—and she’s built a practice to translate that message into action.

On this episode, Collin Andrew Koslofsky traces the arc from inheriting his late mother’s mountain of canvases and paint to launching “Entropy in Bloom,” a one-night solo art gala and bazaar at the 4 and 4 above Side Street Grill & Pub in downtown Fargo (Fourth Street & Fourth Avenue), across from the Civic Center and the nearby harm reduction center. Collin sold his third-ever painting — an Audrey Hepburn — to chef and downtown regular Rich Will, a validation that pushed him from doodles to big canvases, commissions, and shows (including pieces that once hung at Toasted Frog). The downtown scene — Blarney Stone, Rooters karaoke, the Aquarium upstairs — formed the early orbit, but so did burnout and a bottle of Jameson. Sobriety flipped the switch: clean lines replaced “violent” paint flinging, the reading list shifted to esoteric texts like The Kybalion and Hermes Trismegistus, and a personal pantheist worldview emerged where belief, knowledge, and action collide. In the studio we get candid about panic attacks on live radio, the difference between belief and knowing, why organized religion muddies motives, and how thoughts ripple into outcomes. Collin's new work leans into transformation, mortality, nature, and fear: bones and skulls everywhere, paired with written essays at each piece that unpack the philosophy behind them. Expect roughly 35 large canvases, dozens of drawings, merch (including shirts), and charged “moon water” meant for intention-setting. It’s free to attend (suggested donation), family-friendly with a few mature motifs that reward reading the attached essays. The hook? A genuine DIY exhibit-party in the heart of downtown, one night only on October 30, where a local artist who once spiraled in the scene now invites the city to read, look, and think — and maybe go home with a piece of a worldview. Find Collin on Facebook as “Collin Andrew Koslofsky”. Host Conrad Fargo closes with Donovan’s “Season of the Witch,” a fitting soundtrack for an evening about spirit, vibration, and facing fear.

Jon Hanson joined the Air Force in 1991, served more than 23 years under the core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do, and retired in 2015. After Kansas City and a short civilian contracting detour, a COVID-era baking binge—and a hard family rule against imitation vanilla—sent his overactive brain into “afterburner.” He began sourcing beans from the vanilla belt (20–25% above and below the equator), learning how terroir shifts flavor across cultivars like Madagascar (creamy-smooth), Tahitensis (light, floral, fruity), Indonesian (darker, sweeter), Mexican (deep, rich), and Ugandan (chocolatey notes). He now blends and bottles as Hansen’s Vanilla Company (hansenvanilla.com), warning shoppers to avoid UV-exposed clear plastic bottles and “pure” labels padded with synthetics or sugars—good extract should be just water, alcohol, and vanilla bean extractives. Hanson explains FDA alcohol thresholds and why he sometimes uses potato-based ethanol for gluten-sensitive buyers, plus how he partners with Proof Distillery for scaled projects and ages select extracts in oak for six months to pull natural vanillins and oaky depth. Beyond bottles, he infuses local honey from Three Bears Honey (Fargo), Darlat Dash Apiary (Valley City), and Morlock Honey (Casselton) into cinnamon-vanilla, Mexican-mocha, hot honey tiers, pumpkin spice, and apple-cinnamon seasonal jars. You’ll find him selling direct at hansenvanilla.com and on Walmart.com, with placements at Luna Market and First Avenue Market downtown, tastes at the Red River Market and the West Acres mall Thursdays, and road dates with Pride of Dakota (including Carmen’s Kitchen Table in Bismarck). He dreams of a Fargo storefront and a vanilla-forward ice cream truck, and he already collaborates locally with Noble Smokehouse on barbecue-friendly flavor. Along the way we talk vendor-show culture, batch timing (one to two months per tank), shelf life (years, though flavor slowly fades), why community beats algorithms (his Amazon stint ended over “pure” labeling games), and how two past guests—Ebony and Mr. Zotnik—nudged him onto the mic. We close with Jon’s pick, Phil Wickham’s “This Is Our God,” a nod to the faith that has fueled his new mission.

In this episode of The Fargo Five, Dr. Jessie Lindemann (Willow Health) joins Conrad Fargo for a wide-ranging, candid conversation that begins with a cold-open on psychosomatic illness—how the brain interprets reality, why “the perception is real” even when tests aren’t conclusive, and how clinicians navigate that philosophical gray zone. Jessie traces her own path: chemistry degrees (including a master’s in organic chemistry), biotech work in Madison, and then a life-pivot after being diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma—ultimately leading to medical school at UND, residency in Wisconsin, and seven years in corporate medicine here in Fargo. She describes the incentives and friction inside big systems (appointment bottlenecks, prior auths, short visits), and why she founded Willow Health to restore continuity and responsiveness: same small team answering the phone, a HIPAA-secure texting app for quick issues (“I’m at the pharmacy and my refill isn’t here”), and longer visits by design. We dig into the nuts and bolts of independence—cost-sharing her first year, now moving to a visible North Broadway clinic, and plugging into the Heartland Healthcare Network so patients can still use insurance. She details the current payer mix she accepts: Original Medicare, Minnesota and North Dakota Medicaid, Blue Cross of ND and MN, and Sanford Health Plan (not the employee plan), plus ACA marketplace plans; she also offers straightforward cash pricing ($200 new, $150 follow-ups) when deductibles make insurance more expensive. Jessie explains referrals and orders across independent and corporate facilities, why primary care continuity matters (someone should know what you look like when you’re well), and how a typical corporate panel can swell to ~2,000 patients—versus the more sustainable, relationship-driven panel she’s building now. We also cover survivorship care for people post-chemo (e.g., drug-specific heart monitoring), the realities of starting a clinic (EMR, credentialing, liability coverage), and even a bit of epistemology (Wittgenstein gets a nod) on what it means to be “sick.” The hour closes on music: Jessie’s pick is Fugazi’s “Waiting Room,” a wry anthem for anyone who’s ever stared down an appointment backlog—shout-out to KRF95.9 for keeping the good stuff in rotation—and a reminder that better care starts with more time, clearer incentives, and a doctor who actually calls you back.

In this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Daniel Wolfe, the author behind The Red Ball and the upcoming Sophia’s Monster. Wolfe shares how his life shifted from teaching elementary school in the U.S., to volunteering in the Peace Corps in Kyrgyzstan, where he met his wife, started a family, and eventually transitioned to full-time online tutoring through platforms like Preply. Daniel recounts teaching English in Central Asia, learning Russian and Kyrgyz, and adjusting to life abroad before moving back to the States with his wife and kids. The conversation dives into how the pandemic pushed him from in-person teaching to remote tutoring, and ultimately into writing and self-publishing children’s books. Wolfe explains the challenges of offset printing, working with his sister on illustrations, and distributing his book locally through stores like Ferguson Books, Sweet Dreams Confection, Vintage Point, Art & Learn, and Words to Live By in Moorhead. He also shares how community figures like Ebony from First Avenue Market helped him get his work into more hands. This is more than just the story of a children’s book author; it’s about commitment, networking, and building a new life in Fargo.

A Moorhead chiropractor turns rebuild pressure into a once-in-a-generation wellness expansion for the entire downtown neighborhood.In this Fargo Five conversation, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Matt Lau—’03 Moorhead Spud, chiropractor, and now builder of a full-spectrum wellness ecosystem—to unpack how one forced move sparked a 12,000-square-foot vision on Center Avenue. Matt explains the rebrand to Downtown Health and Wellness and the simultaneous launch of multiple complementary ventures: The Forge (a 24/7 public membership fitness center), The Oasis (a spa concept), Downtown Aesthetics (injectables and laser treatments), and the Fuel House (house-made shakes, teas, and coffee). He also previews plans to bring physical therapy and describes why a multidisciplinary, one-stop model helps people avoid surgery and overreliance on medication by treating issues from multiple angles. Matt credits his longtime partner Dr. Matt Gilbertson, a deep bench of support staff (Courtney, Liz, Kaye, Lisa, Carrie), and builder-level collaborators like Josh Sowl (SBDC) with turning a stressful relocation from the Moorhead Center Mall into a bigger opportunity. He traces the origin story from childhood sports injuries to shadowing his mentor in the old mall clinic and explains why chiropractic’s relationship-driven care kept pulling him back. We cover the practical bottlenecks of hands-on healthcare and why pairing chiropractic with massage therapy extends results, then follow the leap from “we probably need 1,000 square feet for PT” to taking all 12,000 square feet of the commercial level—aligning with apartments above and creating tenant-friendly access to fitness. Matt speaks candidly about navigating a recent divorce, co-parenting three kids (Wyatt 11, Sophia 7, Maverick 5), and how therapy helped him convert anxiety into gratitude, a mindset that now guides his leadership. He still treats patients roughly 30–32 clinic hours a week while delegating gym and spa buildout logistics to trusted lieutenants. We talk future staffing scale (training sessions already pack the conference room), community ties, and why word-of-mouth outperformed formal networking groups for him—even as he remains open to wellness-collaborative circles. You’ll also hear the practical details prospective clients want: Downtown Health and Wellness is near Shields on Center; walk-ins and new patients are welcome; Matt has cared for everyone from 3 days to 103 years old; and the clinic phone number is 218-236-5151. We close with three words Matt would send back to his 18-year-old self—integrity and gratitude—and the song selection “Father’s Son” by Stephen Wilson Jr., a tribute to the legacy of his dad. If you’re curious how a local practitioner can become a neighborhood builder, or you’re a founder staring down a scary scale decision, this episode maps the mindset and the moves that turn disruption into durable community value.

Al Jastram returns to The Fargo Five out of character to share the real story behind FMSanta.com and a lifetime spent entertaining. He started in the mid-1980s, teaching himself to juggle to keep his kids busy while his wife ran daycare at home. That do-it-yourself spark led to balloon animals, a homemade clown suit, and early birthday-party requests that arrived purely by word of mouth. In parallel, Al carried a commission-only sales career in the heyday of stereos and turntables at Team Electronics in West Acres Mall, where specs like wow and flutter still ruled the sales floor. The episode dives into how those years in sales honed his storytelling and people skills that later powered live shows.Al recalls teaming up with his close friend Jim Hegel through Valley Con, where they stabilized the event by turning hospitality into a friendly competition among fan groups. The two traded skills—magic for balloons—and built a two-man act that headlined street fairs and traveled the region. They sharpened their craft at the Priscilla Mooseberger clown school under veterans like boss clown Glenn Little, then toured as comedy magicians once heat exhaustion pushed Al out of heavy makeup and wigs. Throughout, Al kept discovering that what people wanted most was not a quick line of balloon animals but real entertainment that filled a corner with smiles and groans at impeccably timed dad jokes.Santa arrived almost by accident at a hospital “feast day” when Al was the new guy and drew the short straw for the suit. He negotiated to keep that suit long-term, started fielding seasonal invites, and eventually embraced a real beard to elevate the illusion. A tender moment with his granddaughter sealed the path: he told her Santa cannot be everywhere, so he helps. From that day, he protected the wonder for kids while growing FMSanta.com into a familiar fixture at daycares, preschools, photographer studios, and large public events. Al and Mrs. Claus have appeared at Pride of Dakota for North Dakota Agriculture in Fargo, Grand Forks, Minot, and Bismarck, Black Friday festivities in Detroit Lakes, and more. He favors events over mall stints because they let him perform continuously rather than sit idle for hours, and he sets aside late December for preschool and daycare story sessions where his natural gift for narrative keeps little ones rapt.The conversation also charts the practical side: direct-mail outreach to parks and fairs, word-of-mouth referrals, seasonal calendars that open to photographers in July and the public in August, and a measured approach to advance bookings. Al talks openly about friendship, craft, and building props with Jim, including a collapsible circus wagon that packed into a van. He reflects on retiring from day jobs while staying busy as Santa, trading long hours in stores for focused sets that deliver more joy per minute. The episode ends on legacy. Al plans to keep going as long as he is physically and emotionally able, because the payoff remains the same as it was in the living room—wide eyes, belly laughs, and the bright hush that falls when a story lands just right. If you spot Santa Al at your YMCA, at a holiday market, or under a photography studio’s lights, you are meeting a performer who has spent decades turning simple tools into unforgettable moments. That is the craft. That is the job. That is the joy.

Conrad Fargo reconnects with Michaela Schell, whose unique name has sparked many conversations over the years. Michaela shares her background in entrepreneurship, event planning, and direct sales before taking on her role at Dakota Business Lending. She explains what it means to be a nonprofit lender, how her organization provides gap financing, and why their mission is focused on supporting small business owners in North Dakota, Minnesota, South Dakota, and Montana. Unlike traditional banks, Dakota Business Lending partners with local institutions to fill gaps when businesses have strong potential but lack collateral or meet unconventional needs. Their primary lending program works through the Small Business Administration, with loans serviced in-house so entrepreneurs have a local partner throughout the life of their loan.Michaela describes the importance of outreach, ensuring small businesses know about available resources, and highlights the value of having a strong board guiding a nonprofit lender’s mission. She explains how the lending process depends on underwriting that goes beyond flashy business plans and focuses on realistic financials, projections, and the ability of a business to succeed. The discussion touches on issues like working capital, debt consolidation, collateral requirements, and why new startups sometimes need education before they are loan-ready. Michaela also emphasizes how Dakota Business Lending provides advising after the loan, ensuring entrepreneurs have ongoing support to manage cash flow and build strong habits.The conversation dives into her leadership of the Entrepreneur District, a program at Dakota Business Lending that provides free office space and community for solopreneurs. Every year, around eight entrepreneurs are chosen to join a cohort of residents who collaborate, share expertise, and support one another. With desks located together in the Fargo office, they benefit from networking, shared problem-solving, and professional space to meet clients. Michaela highlights the importance of fostering an abundance mindset versus a scarcity mindset, showing how collaboration allows entrepreneurs to lift each other up rather than competing from a place of fear. This mindset, she explains, attracts positive people and clients who value generosity and community.Michaela also shares her personal story of creating the Limitless Conference for solopreneurs in 2020, an event derailed by the pandemic after more than a year of planning. Despite setbacks, that effort connected her with Dakota Business Lending, where her entrepreneurial background and passion for supporting small businesses made her the perfect fit to lead new initiatives. She describes how LinkedIn and timing led her to join the organization, expand their small loan program, and shape strategy to help startups and small operators who might otherwise struggle to secure funding.Throughout the episode, Conrad and Michaela reflect on networking, community, and the power of in-person human connections in an age dominated by screens and AI. They discuss the challenges solopreneurs face when navigating cash flow, the lessons learned from failures, and the opportunities that come from collaboration. Michaela’s husband, a mechanical engineer, provides grounding support as she pursues her vision of helping entrepreneurs thrive.

In this episode of The Fargo Five, we sit down with Dr. Thomas Ambrosio, professor of political science and international politics at NDSU, to explore the complexities of academia, the Cold War, authoritarianism, and how history continues to rhyme in today’s world.he discussion quickly establishes a relaxed and candid tone as Conrad recounts their mutual ties to Wayne and Cheryl, community figures known for their gatherings, role-playing games, and conversations about politics. Tom recalls his own early days in New Jersey where his family was politically aware, deeply cynical, and shaped by the Cold War environment. He graduated high school in 1989, just as the Berlin Wall fell and the Soviet bloc collapsed, marking a seismic shift in world history and cementing his lifelong focus on international politics.The episode dives into how the fall of the Berlin Wall and eventual collapse of the Soviet Union shocked the world, including intelligence agencies like the CIA, and how these events illustrate both the unpredictability and the human-driven nature of politics. Tom explains that political science is not about predicting one specific revolution or war, but about asking why revolutions and wars happen in general, drawing patterns from history to understand the present. He compares the discipline to economics in its attempt to make sense of complex dynamic systems where countless moving parts make predictions difficult, but analysis rewarding.Conrad pushes further into Tom’s perspective as a professor at NDSU. Tom outlines the “three legs” of academic life: teaching, research, and service. Teaching brings the satisfaction of helping students realize they can understand complex international issues. Research ranges from publishing on authoritarianism and Russia to more unusual explorations such as the political and historical themes represented in board games. Service, on the other hand, often boils down to meetings—many of which Tom considers the least enjoyable part of the job. He explains the peer review process, the grind of publishing, and the tension created by academic journals profiting off unpaid scholarly labor. Despite this, Tom embraces his freedom as a tenured professor to pursue research that fascinates him, whether it is authoritarian diffusion, Russian geopolitics, or board game studies.The conversation also touches on the structure of academia, contrasting research-focused institutions like NDSU with teaching-focused colleges such as Concordia. Tom and Conrad discuss the pressures of “publish or perish,” the differences between adjunct and tenured faculty, and the troubling rise of administrative overhead in higher education. Tom candidly reflects on how many academics lack self-awareness of their own ideological biases, describing the academy as far-left while emphasizing his own cynical Gen X sensibility as a safeguard against dogma. He discusses the challenges of maintaining balance between advocacy and teaching, and the importance of acknowledging both complexity and uncertainty in political science.From reflections on the Reagan Revolution and the Cold War of the 1980s to his views on the inevitability of societal collapse, Tom’s insights weave together history, cynicism, and scholarship. He explains why international politics feels like home to him, why he sees patterns stretching back to Muscovy’s revolt against the Golden Horde, and how board games can act as models of reality. By the end of the episode, listeners hear not only Tom’s academic journey—from studying ethnic conflicts in the 1990s to writing a book on authoritarianism—but also his broader worldview that politics is ultimately a story shaped by human unpredictability.

In this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Erika Kappes, owner of Lake Life Coffee and sales coordinator at UC Hope Thrift Store, for a detailed look at how she turned an idea into a fully licensed mobile coffee business in Minnesota’s lake country. Erika shares how the concept began over a year ago after noticing the limited coffee options at her parents’ lake area, deciding to convert her father’s old construction trailer into a custom-built coffee trailer with the help of her husband. From navigating county health inspections and plumbing requirements to installing stainless steel counters, a three-compartment sink, and a dedicated handwashing station, Erika reveals the behind-the-scenes process of meeting Minnesota’s strict mobile food unit regulations.Listeners hear how Erika initially tested the waters with a coffee cart—limited to 10 events per year—while her trailer was still under construction, setting up at local spots like the Roadhouse parking lot, U Motors near Pelican Zorbas, and McLaughlin’s Landing. She describes her rotation of weekend lakeside locations, weekday events in Glendon, and special appearances at venues like Shields Arena’s Shop the Lot. Erika also talks about her creative drink offerings, including the crowd favorite “Red Bull Frog,” an energy drink creation flavored with syrups, alongside iced coffees, cold brews, and espresso-based drinks.The conversation shifts to Erika’s role with UC Hope, a nonprofit serving the Dilworth–Glyndon–Felton community. She explains how she began as a volunteer, eventually taking on the role of coordinating sales from large post-holiday retail donations. Using platforms like Facebook Marketplace, eBay, and even live sales on the Whatnot app, she’s helped turn donated goods into funding for UC Hope’s programs. She also details UC Hope’s thrift store in Glendon, known for its low prices and wide variety of clothing, home goods, and furniture, as well as the organization’s low overhead thanks to a donated building and volunteer staff.Throughout the interview, Erika discusses balancing her part-time position at Gate City Bank with running Lake Life Coffee and managing her nonprofit commitments, all while raising a blended family of six children. Conrad and Erika explore the similarities between banking and coffee service—especially in customer interaction—and the differences that make her new venture so fulfilling. They talk about the challenges of scheduling, the joys of lakeside business days, and the practical realities of scaling down a traditional job to grow a passion project.

In this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Karen Stephanie Miranda Torrez—yes, that’s one person—to explore the dynamic intersections of culture, language, and ambition in the life of a rising Latinx leader in the FM metro. Karen, a senior at Concordia College, is co-chair of Professional UNIDOS FM and vice president of the Entrepreneurship Club. Born in Costa Rica and raised with a strong entrepreneurial spirit, Karen shares her story of growing up in a resource-scarce but opportunity-rich environment, where she threw herself into every extracurricular possible—arts, politics, and education—and eventually earned her way into the prestigious United World Colleges program, landing her at a German boarding school before finding her way to Fargo.The conversation kicks off with a breakdown of Karen’s four-part name, common in Latin America, and what it means to carry both paternal and maternal legacies through surnames. Conrad and Karen share laughs over name confusions, cultural misinterpretations, and multilingual brain mashups—including Conrad’s failed attempts to learn Spanish that kept flipping into Japanese mid-sentence. They explore language-learning struggles, from literal translations of idioms like “once in a blue moon” to “once a pope dies,” and how language can both connect and separate communities.Karen explains how Professional UNIDOS FM, an initiative of CASA, serves as a networking space for Latino professionals in Fargo-Moorhead, emphasizing bilingual inclusivity and cultural representation. She describes their meetings as spontaneous code-switching marathons filled with warmth and mutual support—where English learners and Spanish learners help each other grow, and the room naturally shifts between languages.Karen and Conrad dive into entrepreneurship, discussing what it means to be a doer, a builder, and someone who doesn’t settle for the roles they’ve been handed. Karen shares insights from her family’s background in business and how her father’s mindset of “if it doesn’t work, I’ll find you something better” shaped her view of solving problems creatively. She passionately explains how entrepreneurship isn’t just about income—it’s about choosing your role in life, breaking generational cycles, and using whatever resources you have to get things done.The episode also highlights Concordia’s Entrepreneurship Club, where Karen helps inspire fellow students to think big and build real businesses, including events that connect current students with alumni entrepreneurs. She reflects on what drew her to Concordia—from the warm energy of the admissions team to the absurd joy of a corn mascot named Kernel. Fargo’s cold climate may have been a shock, but Karen found it to be a perfect fit for the tough, driven community she now proudly calls home.This conversation is full of humor, insight, and cross-cultural exchange, offering a personal lens on what it means to be a young, determined Latina navigating the worlds of business, language, and identity in a northern Midwestern town. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a fellow language lover, or just someone who appreciates stories of resilience and grit, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Penny Stadick, the passionate and endlessly credentialed owner of Herbz and Spicez in West Fargo. Penny shares the story of how her journey to heal herself from post-gastric bypass complications sparked a deep dive into holistic health, ultimately leading her to open her own bulk herb, spice, and tea shop—complete with Reiki services and a vast wall of wellness offerings.Listeners will get a vivid walkthrough of what to expect inside Penny’s store—from shelves lined with over 200 single herbs and nearly 80 spices, to specialty tea blends crafted for specific body systems and medicinal needs. She also explains how customers can bring their own jars, scoop what they need, and take home fresher, more potent botanicals than what's typically found in commercial grocery-store tea bags. Conrad, having visited the store himself, highlights unique items like menthol crystals and marshmallow root, and marvels at the blend of practical utility and visual beauty throughout the shop.Penny introduces listeners to Reiki—a non-touch energy healing modality—and talks about her work as a clinical aromatherapist, integrative nutritionist, and end-of-life doula. She reflects on her five-year apprenticeship under a master herbalist in Arizona, the success of in-store certification classes that inspired her own career, and her plan to begin teaching classes locally. Penny also shares how her early gastric bypass in 2002—which eventually led to white matter disease and other long-term complications—prompted her to reject overmedication in favor of herbal and nutritional healing methods.Throughout the conversation, Penny and Conrad touch on topics including:The power of continuing education and why Penny never stops learningHer time managing naturopathic clinics before moving to ArizonaThe difference between bulk botanical sales and pre-packaged supplementsHer roots in Jamestown and the long road that brought her back to the Fargo metroHow she uses teas, tinctures, oils, and salves to support her clients naturallyThe practical and spiritual dimensions of being an end-of-life doulaThe overlap between wellness, community, and accessible educationThis episode dives deep into Penny’s motivations, her commitment to helping others navigate their health challenges, and how she's creating the kind of resource she wishes had been available during her own lowest points. Whether you're into natural health, small business, personal transformation, or just want to hear a story of grit and growth, this is an episode worth your time. Listen in as we unpack the personal trials, practical insights, and powerful mission behind Herbz and Spicez in West Fargo.

n this delicious and engaging episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo welcomes Tim Olauson, owner of Pizza Done Right, located inside The Bowler in Fargo. Tim shares his journey from an early fascination with cooking shows like Chopped to launching his own restaurant that focuses on scratch-made, high-quality food at an affordable price. A former phlebotomist and aspiring teacher, Tim pivoted toward culinary entrepreneurship after realizing his true passion was in creating memorable food experiences.Listeners will learn how Tim's unconventional path—from drawing blood to drawing inspiration from high-end restaurants—shaped his approach to business. Tim discusses his early work at respected Fargo eateries like Mezzaluna, the Hotel Donaldson, and Dittos, and how each step along the way was part of a carefully constructed plan to someday run his own place. That day came when he saw a Facebook ad from The Bowler offering a commercial kitchen space, and he jumped at the opportunity.From launching his business during the chaos of the COVID-19 pandemic to crafting his own pizza dough and sauce in-house, Tim provides a firsthand account of the grit and creativity needed to succeed in the competitive food service world. His sauce features jalapeños, carrots, mushrooms, and red bell peppers, offering a unique flavor profile that blends heat and sweetness. His cheese blend is shredded fresh and includes mozzarella, provolone, and parmesan. Tim’s pizza philosophy is one of constant refinement, even if his employees have to keep up with ever-evolving recipes.Beyond pizza, Tim and Conrad explore the broader challenges and joys of restaurant ownership. Tim discusses his typical 16-hour workdays, the balance of single fatherhood, and how he stays connected with customers—his personal cell number is even the one listed online. The episode also covers his participation in Wingfest, where Pizza Done Right tied for third place in the highly competitive wing contest, as well as the development of unique offerings like burgers, cheese curds, and eventually catering services.The conversation shifts into business philosophy, where Tim stresses the importance of deliberate preparation, quality over quantity, and the ongoing battle to stay innovative without losing consistency. He candidly shares what it’s like to open a second location that didn’t work out, the role his brother played in the early days of the business, and his plans to expand into catering and pop-up events using the Fat Sammy’s food trailer.Tim’s story is packed with takeaways for aspiring restaurateurs, food lovers, and anyone curious about how local businesses come to life. From the emotional experience of cooking as an art form to managing staff, recipes, and customer expectations, this episode is both a behind-the-scenes look at a new Fargo institution and a reminder of what it means to follow your passion.Whether you’re a pizza snob, an aspiring chef, or someone who appreciates the guts it takes to turn a dream into a daily grind, this episode of The Fargo Five serves up insight, inspiration, and a few laughs—alongside a slice of excellent local flavor.

In this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with William Zottnick, a financial professional at Bankers Life, for a dynamic and candid conversation about what it really means to prepare for the second half of life. From their very first meeting on air, Conrad and William explore the who, what, where, how, and why behind William’s mission to cut through the noise and help people take control of their financial futures.The episode kicks off with a shoutout to their mutual connection, Lucinda at FM Title, whose fierce networking skills brought William into the studio. As William explains, his work isn’t about selling financial products over the phone or competing in the attention economy with AI robo-callers—he’s committed to the old-school model of sitting at the kitchen table, educating people in person about Medicare, long-term care, life insurance, and retirement income.William describes the core pillars of his work: helping people understand Medicare, protecting them from the financial dangers of long-term care costs, securing life insurance, and creating fixed-income retirement solutions. He explains the distinctions between Medicare and Medicaid and why having a plan before age 65 is critical. A significant part of the conversation is dedicated to the concept of annuities, how they compare to market investments, and why "safety with growth" might be an ideal strategy for people nearing retirement who can't afford to wait out another stock market crash.Throughout the conversation, Conrad pushes for clarity, challenging William to explain the complex world of financial planning in plain terms. They explore topics ranging from the great wealth transfer and its global implications to the way younger generations are failing to plan for retirement, all while being bombarded with digital noise and decision fatigue.William shares his personal journey—from growing up in Denver to moving to a 500-person town in North Dakota, then into the Army, then Amazon, and finally into his current role. He talks about the exact moment he decided to become a financial professional: a recruiter messaged him on LinkedIn, and after a serious conversation with his wife, he made the leap. The licensing process, support from Bankers Life, and his relentless drive to connect with people in Fargo and beyond have fueled his fast start in the field. In just three months, William has already developed a deep understanding of the products he offers and the people he serves, positioning himself as a trusted voice in a crowded market.Both Conrad and William reflect on the unique culture of Fargo, where people are self-employed, resilient, and rooted in genuine connection. They discuss the challenge of operating in trust-based industries where the best professionals—whether in real estate or finance—aren’t necessarily the most successful, because clients often don’t know how to choose the right expert. They bond over the reality that their work isn't about selling, but about serving: talking to people, educating them, and offering tools to avoid disaster later in life.They also touch on how Fargo acts as a sweet spot between the chaos of big cities and the limitations of small towns. As someone who was drawn to North Dakota by family and stayed for the quality of life, William shares his appreciation for Fargo’s manageable pace, low crime, and strong sense of community.By the end of the conversation, it’s clear that William is not just a guy in suspenders selling policies—he’s someone who genuinely cares about people and believes deeply in what he does. Whether you're looking to understand annuities, sort out your Medicare options, or simply figure out what financial planning even means, this episode offers both clarity and motivation.

In this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Brighid Maguire, co-owner of Spaghetti Western, to discuss what it takes to open a successful Italian restaurant in Fargo, North Dakota. Brighid recounts her life as an “army child,” born in Ireland and raised in Germany, before settling in New Hampshire and later California. After over two decades working in the Los Angeles restaurant scene, Brighid met her husband Fabizio—an Italian-born chef—and together they set out on a mission to bring authentic Italian cuisine to the heart of the Midwest.What started as an idea during a family evacuation to Wyoming became Spaghetti Western—a restaurant name born out of laughter and a love for both Italian heritage and Wild West imagery. Brighid details the whirlwind journey from forming their LLC in California to opening the doors in Fargo with just a few hired staff and a line out the door. With a menu focused on authentic ingredients like prosciutto di Parma, Parmigiano Reggiano, and handmade pasta, their commitment to quality is evident. They even source local, preservative-free North Dakota flour to make their own bread and sausage from scratch.Brighid also shares insights into the challenges of opening a restaurant without outside consultants or investors. She talks about the early days of managing a small team, the adrenaline of launch week, and the intense hands-on work both she and Fabizio continue to do every day. From tackling vendor sourcing to menu development, Brighid explains the difference between scratch kitchens and pre-packaged corporate food models. For Spaghetti Western, staying true to Italian tradition while using high-quality, local ingredients is key.Conrad and Brighid delve into Fargo’s unique downtown charm and what it’s like to move to the Midwest with East and West Coast backgrounds. They talk about how the community has embraced Spaghetti Western, and Brighid expresses her deep gratitude for the support Fargo locals have given from day one. With plans possibly in the works for future restaurant concepts—maybe even pizza—Brighid makes it clear that she and her husband are here to stay.The episode touches on food philosophy, business grit, and even musical taste, ending with a nod to “Bella Ciao,” an iconic Italian anti-fascist folk song. Brighid's passion for food, people, and place shines through, making this episode a must-listen for aspiring entrepreneurs, food lovers, and anyone curious about how dreams turn into reality through hard work and love.

In this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Jeff Carney, the passionate and deeply human founder of Darkhorse IT. What starts as a conversation about Jeff's business quickly turns into a rich, layered exploration of family, faith, community, resilience, and the long road to entrepreneurship. Jeff shares how his love of technology began in childhood—getting paid in cash and computer parts at a local shop—and how he eventually made his way to North Dakota via a series of unexpected pivots, including a stint in real estate, a career detour through the food service industry, and the influence of a larger-than-life mentor named

In this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Hannah Bettenhausen, founder of 654 Business Strategies and a powerhouse in the world of operations and leadership development. Hannah opens up about her journey from missionary kid in Africa to dispatcher, to sales leader, and eventually, to running multiple business units across real estate, construction, insurance, and mortgage. Now as a fractional COO, she brings that hands-on, scalable systems mindset to small businesses, helping founders go from chaos to clarity.Hannah explains what a fractional COO really does—how it differs from a traditional business consultant—and why business owners who are good at their craft often struggle when it's time to grow a team, track metrics, and scale their company. She dives into how she helps clients with everything from building processes and defining KPIs, to running sprints that turn disorder into operational traction. Her role goes beyond coaching; she becomes an embedded force for execution, often for three to six months, to get key systems into place and help organizations thrive.We also hear about Hannah’s early career managing Ford’s Business Development Center, where she helped drive 30% of the dealership’s sales through phone and internet marketing long before it was mainstream. That role introduced her to strategy, performance tracking, and the importance of developing junior team members. It laid the groundwork for her next chapter—COO of a fast-scaling real estate conglomerate, where she and her business partner built not just a team of realtors but a full vertical ecosystem including title, mortgage, construction, and flipping operations.As the conversation deepens, we explore the differences between for-profit and nonprofit clients, what it means to serve a mission instead of a margin, and how leadership looks different when you’re accountable to a board rather than an owner. Hannah unpacks the challenge of working within structure while maintaining agility—something she’s uniquely suited for, thanks in part to her childhood in Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of Congo), where she lived with her missionary parents until political unrest forced an evacuation at age five. That life-shaping experience, paired with an upbringing steeped in service and humility, helps explain her unusual ability to enter a chaotic environment and bring order with empathy and precision.Conrad and Hannah also dig into what it means to launch a business built on referrals and grit. She explains how she initially priced her services, approached potential clients, and had to put pride aside to build momentum from nothing. Her first clients came from strategic partners, past colleagues, and those impressed by her public speaking engagements, which she also uses to drive awareness and generate leads.This episode is rich with insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and the deep personal growth that comes from building something from the ground up. Hannah’s story is a roadmap for anyone looking to professionalize their operations, pivot into consulting, or understand how personal history can become a powerful business asset. Whether you're a solopreneur, executive, or simply someone curious about how people really make it work in the FM metro, this conversation offers honest lessons and inspiring takeaways.

On this episode of The Fargo Five, Conrad Fargo is joined by Michael Koska, co-founder of FM Odyssey, an Acton Academy located in Moorhead, Minnesota. What begins as a casual introduction turns into a powerful conversation about the radical transformation of education—away from the factory-model school systems and toward something dynamic, personalized, and driven by the learner.Michael shares how FM Odyssey began with a simple yet world-shifting question from his wife late one night: “What if we started a school?” That question launched a two-year journey to create a micro-school built on the Acton Academy model—a national network of learner-driven schools designed to unlock autonomy, purpose, and character in young people. Drawing from his own background in education and software engineering, Michael embraced the idea and now serves as the full-time guide to the school’s inaugural group of eight students, with plans to grow steadily year by year.The episode dives deep into what makes FM Odyssey unique. It serves students ages 5 to 11 in two groups: Sparks (ages 5–7) and Discovery (ages 8–11), with mixed-age classrooms and a strong emphasis on personal responsibility and self-governance. The school day is structured around Socratic launches—thought-provoking questions like “How do you want to be remembered?”—that encourage students to think deeply and engage meaningfully. The learners vote on rules during weekly town halls, track their own goals, and work collaboratively to resolve conflicts. The environment is less about rigid oversight and more about coaching and accountability.Michael describes his role as a “guide” rather than a traditional teacher, helping to facilitate self-directed learning while minimizing adult interference. He emphasizes the importance of trust: students are empowered to manage their own progress, supported by guardrails like minimum time requirements in math and reading, tracked through software and community oversight. The result is a culture of integrity, ownership, and internal motivation.The conversation also explores the challenges and logistics of starting a school from scratch. Michael walks through regulatory differences between North Dakota and Minnesota, noting that Minnesota’s more flexible private school policies made Moorhead the ideal location. He shares how FM Odyssey was bootstrapped through grassroots outreach—hosting events, giving tours, meeting families—and how word-of-mouth has grown their visibility. He candidly discusses how the school serves both Fargo and Moorhead families, with no restrictions on crossing state lines for education.Together, Conrad and Michael explore the philosophical and practical implications of FM Odyssey’s model in an AI-driven future. They highlight how the traditional emphasis on memorization is obsolete, and that the power now lies in knowing how to ask the right questions. The school’s core principle—“Learn to Learn, Learn to Be, Learn to Do”—prepares students not just for tests, but for life. Michael explains how older learners at FM Odyssey are eventually encouraged to seek apprenticeships, write outreach emails, and build real-world experience that bridges the gap between education and entrepreneurship.Listeners also get a look at Michael’s journey—his work as a paraprofessional, his detour into software development, and his eventual return to education through a startup lens. FM Odyssey is not just a school; it’s a grassroots movement with big dreams and real community impact. Michael’s story demonstrates that it doesn’t take a massive institution to change lives—it takes vision, commitment, and the willingness to start small and grow with intention.

A Fargo-born restaurateur turns his Hawaiian dream into a sauce empire, bringing Maui flavors to the Midwest with grit, hustle, and a whole lot of taste.Connect with The Fargo Five:http://www.ConradFargo.com/thefargofivehttp://open.spotify.com/show/1MYgy8wKjn9yEKVscgG18Rhttp://www.facebook.com/TheFargoFiveIn this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Keith Stensgard, president and founder of Maui Sauce, a uniquely tropical, Midwest-made sauce brand now found in over 50 grocery stores. Keith shares his journey from Fargo roots to Hawaiian inspiration, tracing his story through bartending gigs, culinary experimentation, and eventually entrepreneurship. The conversation begins with Keith’s post-college adventure to Maui—a bucket list decision that led him to meet a culinary teacher who recognized his natural talent for flavor blending. With encouragement and mentorship, Keith enrolled in night culinary classes and began formulating his first sauce concepts.Returning to Fargo, Keith re-entered the restaurant world, taking on general manager roles and even earning part ownership in multiple restaurants. It was in these roles that he realized the need for sauce consistency across kitchens, which led him to pursue commercial bottling. Maui Sauce was born, first made in certified kitchens and later manufactured by commercial bottlers with stringent FDA-compliant processes. Keith breaks down the gritty realities of the food product business—bottling minimums, vendor relationships, distribution costs, shelf life, and the uphill battle of grocery store placement. He reveals the critical lesson of understanding cost structures early and planning for unexpected expenses.Keith also gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at his journey from formulating one flavor to producing eight unique sauces and a seasoning blend. He discusses the specific uses for each variety, from the tropical Aloha BBQ to the glazy Mahalo Teriyak, the fish-friendly Maui Original, the red meat–ready Beach Bourbon, and more. He shares stories about early days making batches by hand, networking with bottlers, and bootstrapping sales through gas stations and local events before gaining shelf space at Hornbacher’s, Hugo’s, and Central Market.Listeners get practical advice on how to break into the sauce business, the importance of starting with a rock-solid business plan, and the financial realities of scaling a food product. Keith also offers insights into the catering side of his business, how he supports local restaurants using his products, and how community events like Wingfest play a pivotal role in brand growth. As a sponsor of the upcoming Wingfest at the Horse Park, Maui Sauce will be offering all eight flavors for free sampling—giving sauce lovers the perfect chance to discover their favorite before buying a bottle.

Dr. Curtis Sullivan—who cheekily introduces himself as a “Doctor of Talking Good”—shares his journey from teaching communication at the university level to launching Eternal Tides, a South Fargo-based aquamation service offering a sustainable alternative to traditional flame-based pet cremation. With a PhD in Communication from NDSU and a deep academic background in environmental communication, Curtis’s mission is to bring empathy, science, and advocacy together in a business that serves both grieving pet owners and the environment.We explore his academic path from English literature to a master’s and PhD focused on how humans interact with and talk about the non-human world. Curtis touches on the complex philosophical and ecological questions raised by animal observation, national parks, and human impact on ecosystems—right down to whether animals like narwhals have a right to privacy.The conversation then moves into his dissertation research on the Bureau of Land Management's controversial treatment of wild mustangs. Curtis explains how public perception and rhetoric shape legislation and policy, often with unintended environmental and financial consequences—like the billion-dollar federal budget for managing unowned horses in the West.This intellectual groundwork eventually led Curtis to aquamation. He details the process: using water, heat, pressure, and potassium hydroxide to gently reduce animal remains down to their bones. Compared to flame cremation, aquamation is more energy-efficient, emits less carbon, and produces a fine, calcium-rich powder that can safely be returned to the earth or used as plant fertilizer. He also discusses his efforts to partner with local vets, navigate public misconceptions, and educate the community about this eco-conscious option.Curtis shares the emotional side of his work—offering comfort rooms, hand-sewn bags for ashes, and even letting clients choose music to be played during their pet’s process. We talk business logistics, scale, and pricing transparency in a market where competitors often operate behind closed doors. He also credits his wife, a veterinarian at Two Rivers Veterinary Hospital, for her moral and logistical support in launching the venture.The episode wraps with a discussion of reggae, Sugar Shack Sessions, and the significance of the song "Something About It" by The Green, which we play to close the show.Tune in to hear a deeply thoughtful and heartwarming discussion about grief, animals, sustainability, and starting over—and meet one of the people working to make Fargo a more compassionate place.

We begin with the story of Aying's early success in China, where her innovative restaurant invited customers to grind their own coffee beans and immerse themselves in the preparation process. Despite receiving media attention, she remained behind the scenes, letting her work speak for itself.Following a difficult divorce, Aying moved to Singapore, where she discovered a love of hiking and began to see nature as a kind of teacher. Inspired by the outdoor lifestyle, she returned to China and launched an ambitious outdoor sporting goods company that introduced international brands like Arc'teryx and Mountain Hardwear to the Chinese market. Her vision was clear: not just to sell products, but to promote a lifestyle. She grew the business to 13 locations across an entire province, taking on distribution responsibilities and building lasting relationships with global suppliers. SARS struck just as her business was taking off, forcing her stores to stay open late and adapt quickly in the face of overwhelming demand.Her personal life shifted again when she met her future husband, an English teacher from Minnesota, in her store. They spent 16 years in China before moving to the U.S. in early 2020—just days before COVID lockdowns began. What was supposed to be a temporary holiday became a permanent relocation. They first settled in Montana, drawn to its natural beauty, but eventually moved to Fargo to be closer to old friends and a more vibrant community life.That transition led to the birth of Joy Studio, located at 910 Main Avenue in Fargo (back entrance through the parking lot). The shop reflects Aying’s lifelong passion for traditional Chinese textiles and sustainability. Stocked with handwoven fabrics from the 1960s, the studio offers one-size, unisex clothing made with natural dyes, organic cotton, and silk. Every piece tells a story, connecting rural Chinese heritage with modern design sensibilities. Many of these items were collected over a decade ago and now find a second life in North Dakota.Joy Studio isn’t just a retail space; it's a cultural experience. Aying shares tea with visitors and welcomes them to relax, knit, sew, and learn. The space will soon host community events, creative workshops, and cultural exchanges. While the cost of importing has increased due to tariffs and shipping, Aying remains committed to her long-term vision: creating a North American window into the heritage of handcrafted Chinese design.We close the episode with a moving Chinese song titled “Thank You,” which speaks to gratitude for both the good and the difficult moments in life—a theme that echoes throughout Aying’s story. Tune in to hear a heartfelt tale of migration, entrepreneurship, and the enduring power of handmade beauty.

On this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Dr. Marqelle Reid, a pediatric and prenatal chiropractor based in Fargo-Moorhead, to explore the full arc of her life’s story—from her roots on a remote South Dakota farm to her impactful work helping families thrive through chiropractic care. With honesty, humor, and insight, Dr. Marq opens up about her childhood in Groton, South Dakota, a town of 1,200 where the nearest Target was a distant dream and the chores started before sunrise. She grew up watching her nurse mother care for patients and her father run the family farm—an upbringing that fused grit, independence, and empathy.Dr. Marq shares the pivotal moment that set her on the path to chiropractic care: meeting her uncle’s girlfriend, Carol McFarland, the first chiropractor in her small town. After struggling with frequent headaches and back pain as a teenager, her experiences with Carol were nothing short of transformational. Suddenly, she was pain-free—without medication. That experience, and the empowerment it brought, became the origin point for a lifelong calling. “Expect miracles,” she says, and she means it—whether it’s a body healing itself or a chance grocery store parking lot reunion that changes your entire professional direction.Listeners will also hear about Dr. Marq’s academic journey through NDSU’s zoology program and into Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington. She explains how chiropractic care goes beyond back pain—touching everything from digestion and balance to emotional well-being and childhood development. Her passion for supporting families shines as she reflects on her own kids, the ever-expanding options for alternative education and wellness in Fargo-Moorhead, and her return to Healing Touch Chiropractic after a serendipitous encounter with Dr. Tiffany Johnson.This episode dives deep into the mindset of healing, personal growth, and the everyday miracles we overlook. Dr. Marq talks about chiropractic as a foundation for family wellness and self-actualization, drawing on her own faith and belief in the body’s natural design to heal. The show covers everything from Midwest humility to Rubik’s cube analogies, roadkill muskrats, 1990s dance music, and the myth that you need to have your life figured out by age 18.

Andrew Gentner, founder of Cheerio Entertainment, joins Conrad Fargo to unpack how his passion for music, technology, and authentic connection led him to build one of the most uniquely positioned audio production companies in the Midwest. Starting with nothing but a couch, a basement, and a $3,000 PA system, Andrew transformed his need for community and expression into a self-funded operation that now boasts over $50,000 in high-end equipment and delivers unforgettable sub-bass experiences to local venues and promoters. He shares how psychedelics, loneliness, and dissatisfaction with the traditional college path sparked his shift toward DJing and event production, and why he believes the only true way to market yourself is by talking to people—not gaming social media algorithms.As he details his journey from throwing house parties to building relationships with regional sales reps and promoters, Andrew offers rare insights into the practical and philosophical sides of entrepreneurship. He breaks down how he curates an emotional journey through music, the technical distinctions that make his sound system capable of frequencies other systems can’t reach, and why he’s obsessed with the art of mixing rather than creating original tracks. Throughout the conversation, Andrew and Conrad dive into deep philosophical territory, including the attention economy, generational bottlenecks, evolutionary psychology, and the social collapse triggered by smartphones and AI companions.Listeners will hear Andrew’s take on why traditional marketing is broken, how authentic networking is making a comeback, and why being too self-aware can actually hurt your career. There’s also a full discussion of the generational dynamics laid out in "The Fourth Turning," the philosophical implications of Donald Hoffman's theories, and a debate about the societal role of college education. Andrew speaks candidly about the hurdles of building a business alone in Fargo, the spiritual impact of music, and how he’s now at a turning point—prepared, trained, equipped, and ready to bring his vision to a wider audience.If you’ve ever wondered how creative ambition, raw talent, and a relentless desire for human connection can turn into a viable business, this episode delivers. By the end, you'll understand why subwoofers, self-reflection, and being the guy who “just couldn’t sell a roof” all add up to something far greater than the sum of their parts.

In this episode, Conrad Fargo sits down with Joe, the passionate chef and kitchen manager of Heart and Soul Café—a pay-what-you-can nonprofit café that merges fine dining with community service. Joe’s journey is a tale of determination, skill, and community spirit, starting from his humble beginnings as a novice cook at Maxwell's in West Fargo to working in some of the finest kitchens across the country. Through hard work, relationships, and an adventurous spirit, Joe transitioned from flipping pizzas at Blackbird Woodfire to staging at acclaimed restaurants in New York City and beyond.Joe’s culinary evolution is both inspiring and rooted in service. He reflects on pivotal moments, like opening Blackbird Woodfire and contributing to Rosewild, where he honed his skills in recipe development, kitchen management, and even woodfire oven construction. Joe credits his sister for helping him land his first industry job and emphasizes the role of personal connections in advancing his career. His fine-dining expertise ultimately led him to Heart and Soul Café, where his focus shifted to serving those in need.Initially a volunteer, Joe became a cornerstone of Heart and Soul Café, using his refined skills to craft gourmet meals for underserved communities. The café’s “pay-what-you-can” model allows everyone to enjoy high-quality food, regardless of their financial situation. Joe also delves into the challenges of running a nonprofit, from managing a food truck to navigating the complexities of grant funding. With over 50% of meals paid at the suggested $12 or more, the café relies on community generosity and grants to sustain operations. Joe’s candid discussion on nonprofit finances highlights both the opportunities and challenges of combining fine dining with social impact.The episode explores Joe’s personal life and upbringing in a family that prioritized volunteering. His adventurous palate is on full display as he shares his creative culinary preferences, like pairing pineapple, green olives, and hot sauce on pizza. Joe also reflects on how his experiences in Japan influenced his philosophy on hospitality, further shaping his approach to food and community service.With the support of First Presbyterian Church, which provides vital resources, Joe has turned his passion for fine dining into a mission of inclusivity.Looking ahead, Joe shares his ambitious vision for the café’s future: establishing a brick-and-mortar restaurant where anyone can enjoy a hot, high-quality meal. The goal is to create a welcoming space that merges accessibility with culinary excellence, embodying the café’s mission of community and generosity. Joe’s shift from exclusive fine dining to an inclusive model demonstrates his commitment to making gourmet food available to all.Conrad and Joe also discuss the nuances of nonprofit funding, with Conrad drawing on his expertise from the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) to share tips on navigating grants and building sustainable operations. Together, they reflect on the importance of teamwork and the dedication required to grow Heart and Soul Café into a fully staffed, thriving restaurant.Amidst the deep discussions, the episode offers plenty of lighthearted moments. A fan-favorite segment kicks off with Joe revealing his practical choice of footwear: budget-friendly Sketchers that transition seamlessly from the kitchen to shoveling snow. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Joe shares advice he would send to his 17-year-old self: “Slow it down.” This wisdom sparks a heartfelt discussion on appreciating life’s moments and finding balance in a busy world.The episode’s warmth continues as Joe discusses his love for Neil Diamond, reminiscing about watching DVDs with his grandmother and the comedic portrayal of Diamond fandom in “Saving Silverman.” These musical memories add humor and depth, illustrating the power of art to connect generations.

Troy White isn’t a therapist—but he’s spent nearly a decade helping individuals, companies, and incarcerated men and women understand the upstream causes of their behavior.Troy explains how he launched two separate organizations—Upstream Enterprises and Beyond Barriers—focused on emotional intelligence and trauma recovery, offering one-on-one support, organizational consulting, and a cognitive model he developed himself. His work began as solo volunteer efforts at Cass County Jail and has expanded into a nonprofit serving people both during and after incarceration. We discuss how his approach avoids traditional therapy by going deeper into the "why" behind emotions and behavior, offering clients a sense of clarity and control through introspective transformation.We explore Troy’s background, including his journey from low self-esteem in high school to building a successful ad agency in the '90s. He opens up about his experience at MSUM, launching Image Communications, and later finding the work unfulfilling. A turning point came when his past trauma—once hidden even from himself—resurfaced while talking with his young daughters. Troy reflects on how growing up in an environment shaped by undiagnosed PTSD and emotional neglect made him highly attuned to the hidden battles many others face. These personal insights became the foundation for his unique model of healing.Troy walks us through how the Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study changed his understanding of trauma. He shares how he brings that understanding to incarcerated populations, helping them explore their beliefs, rewrite the meanings they assign to events, and rewire their emotional responses. He describes a striking example of how a man in jail, once violent and reactionary, reinterpreted a traumatic event with compassion after understanding its root. This ability to reframe internal narratives is the core of Troy’s philosophy: trauma is not an excuse, but an explanation—and with awareness comes responsibility.We dig into how trauma, anxiety, and fear manifest—not just in the obvious ways, but also in subtle acts of self-sabotage, perfectionism, and fear of judgment. Troy and Conrad share parallels in their upbringing and career paths, bonding over their shared fascination with psychology and people. The conversation also touches on generational shifts in how we support young people, the courage required to be vulnerable, and how peace—not happiness—is the real goal of emotional mastery.Listeners get a raw, authentic look at the human condition, from hiding anxiety behind confidence to the power of creating peace even in chaos. Troy’s model isn’t just about emotional wellness—it’s a framework for growth, responsibility, and genuine transformation. Whether you're struggling with trauma or simply trying to understand yourself or others better, this episode offers powerful insight into the mental and emotional landscapes that shape our lives.To learn more about Troy White’s work, visit growupstream.com and beyondthebarriers.com.

On this episode of The Fargo Five, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Greg, a longtime musician and member of the band Stella, to explore his decades-long career in music. Greg takes us back to his earliest memories of picking up a guitar, sneaking into his older brother’s room to play when no one was watching. A self-taught musician from childhood, he eventually studied classical guitar in college and played in local bands throughout his youth. His musical roots go deep, starting in Grand Forks, North Dakota, during the golden age of live music, when bars were packed and bands played six nights a week.Greg recalls how different the music scene was in the 1980s compared to today—before streaming platforms, before smartphones, when music was something people had to seek out live. Eventually, reality set in, and he left full-time music to pursue a business degree at Notre Dame. His journey led him to a career in consulting, working with nonprofit organizations nationwide, but the pull of music never left him.In a surprising twist, Greg shares the moment that reignited his passion for performing. One night at a Fargo Red Lobster, he and his wife found themselves seated next to legendary drummer Alan White of Yes. What started as a casual dinner turned into a two-hour conversation, complete with backstage passes and a hilarious exchange over apple pie. White’s parting words—predicting Greg would one day be a great musician—sparked something in him. Soon after, he got a call from an old friend looking for a bass player, leading him back into performing live.This eventually led to the formation of Stella during the COVID era. While most bands were on hiatus, Greg and his bandmates gathered in a Grand Forks basement, playing music just for the love of it. The chemistry between Greg and drummer Dave Jeffrey—who had spent decades as a professional musician across the U.S.—became the heartbeat of Stella’s sound. With their deep rhythmic connection, the band built something unique, channeling the funky grooves of New Orleans and bringing that energy to the Fargo-Moorhead music scene.Greg also reveals the behind-the-scenes story of naming the band. While his wife Stella might have been the obvious inspiration, he originally considered the name Love Snack—which was quickly vetoed. He ultimately landed on Stella as a nod to New Orleans culture and the legendary Streetcar Named Desire moment. With years of experience and a love for live music, Stella continues to perform across Fargo and beyond, bringing classic influences and vibrant energy to every show.

In this episode of The Fargo Five, we sit down with Nyamal Dei, the executive director of Dondial Kel International, to hear her incredible journey from South Sudan to the United States and how her experiences shaped her mission to give back. Born during a civil war, Nyamal spent part of her childhood in a refugee camp, where survival meant walking barefoot for miles, facing dangerous wildlife, and enduring extreme hardship. At just 10 years old, she arrived in the U.S., not speaking a word of English, and yet, within a month, she had learned the language and started excelling in school and sports.Her journey took her from California to Georgia, then to Minnesota, and finally to Fargo, where she attended NDSU with the initial goal of becoming a doctor. However, her calling for community service led her to establish Kelel International, a nonprofit focused on supporting both local and international communities. Originally created to assist South Sudan, the organization evolved into a broader mission of unity and empowerment, reflected in its name—Kelel, meaning ‘we are together.’Nyamal shares her insight on what it was like growing up in a war zone, the difficult journey to America, and the culture shock of transitioning from a refugee camp to the land of opportunity. She opens up about the struggles refugees face, from detainment to navigating a complex immigration system, and the importance of resilience and community support.We also dive into the challenges of starting a nonprofit from the ground up—how she began with self-funded community events before being encouraged by mentors to formalize her efforts. She reflects on the difficulties and rewards of running a nonprofit, emphasizing that true success isn’t measured in financial gain but in impact.From organizing financial literacy workshops to mental health advocacy and hosting International Women’s Day events, Nyamal is committed to creating spaces where people can connect, learn, and grow together. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of giving back, no matter how difficult the road has been.

Have you ever wanted to change your life through dance? In this episode of The Fargo Five, we sit down with Jen Enz, a passionate dance instructor from Lindy of the North, to explore the world of movement, rhythm, and community.Connect with The Fargo Five:http://www.ConradFargo.com/thefargofivehttp://open.spotify.com/show/1MYgy8wK...  / thefargofive  Jen shares her journey into dance, starting with a competitive dance team in high school, where synchronization and precision were key. We discuss how the discipline of dance teams compares to the more free-spirited energy of Zumba, which Conrad has embraced as a favorite fitness activity. The conversation delves into the nuances of movement, competition, and personal growth through dance.Jen explains how she transitioned from performing on a team to teaching dance, first through Zumba and then into the vibrant world of swing dancing. Lindy Hop, a high-energy style from the 1920s and 30s, became a new passion for her, blending social interaction with intricate footwork. She describes how swing differs from choreographed dance—improvised, conversational, and dynamic.We also touch on the social aspects of dance, with Jen explaining how swing and salsa attract a dedicated community of dancers who learn and grow together. Conrad reflects on his natural competitiveness, even in Zumba, where the goal is to let loose and enjoy the moment. This leads to a discussion about the balance between structured technique and personal expression in dance.Beyond dance, Jen shares her personal journey as a mother of six, navigating the challenges of raising kids from toddlers to young adults. She describes the similarities between parenting teenagers and toddlers—both filled with unpredictable emotional swings and the constant demands of daily life. Conrad echoes this sentiment, expressing the relentlessness of parenting and wondering when, if ever, it gets easier.As the conversation shifts, Jen talks about how she became an instructor at Lindy of the North, a local group that offers free swing dance lessons every Tuesday in the summer. She describes the welcoming nature of the community and how social dance fosters connection through movement. The episode wraps up with an introduction to upcoming swing dance classes, inviting listeners to step onto the dance floor and experience the joy of Lindy Hop for themselves.

Recently married and embracing a blended family, Brandon discusses the unique decision to combine last names and how that impacts family identity. With four kids, the topic of names and traditions takes a fascinating turn, especially when considering future generations.Brandon's story starts with deep roots in construction. Raised in a family of entrepreneurs, his father owned a remodeling company, and his mother was a realtor. He recalls his early introduction to the trades, framing his first wall at just six years old while helping build a basement room. This hands-on experience sparked a lifelong passion for remodeling, leading him to eventually start his own construction business. He shares insights into the industry, from full gut renovations to finish work, cabinetry, drywall, and flooring. The conversation touches on the mental challenges of remodeling, the problem-solving skills required, and the satisfaction of transforming wasted space into functional beauty.However, his journey wasn't without obstacles. Brandon opens up about his struggles with addiction, a battle that led to the loss of his remodeling business and forced him to reset. Determined to rebuild, he started working for others, gaining experience in the garage door industry. It wasn’t long before his entrepreneurial spirit took over again. He realized he could run his own operation and took the leap, filing paperwork for On Track Garage Door LLC in May 2022. By October, with just $500 in his bank account and no suppliers lined up, he left his job and went all in.In this episode, Brandon walks us through those early days—hustling for repair jobs, slowly securing suppliers, and landing his first big door sale in December 2022. Less than two years later, he has two trucks, multiple suppliers, and a growing reputation in the Fargo area. He shares the ups and downs of pricing, prospecting, and scaling a business, emphasizing how confidence and problem-solving skills were key to his success.The conversation also highlights the risks and technical challenges of garage door installation, particularly the dangers of torsion springs. Conrad shares his own experience tackling a garage door project and how the realities of hands-on work can be humbling. They discuss the importance of professional training and knowing when to call in an expert.

Felton Summerville shares his inspiring journey from Monrovia, Liberia, to Fargo, North Dakota, via Minneapolis, where he was raised. He reflects on his early years, moving to the U.S. at just four years old, and the challenges of adapting to a new culture. Growing up in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, Felton held various jobs, from working in bars and moving companies to serving at Applebee’s in Fargo, before ultimately discovering his passion for landscaping.Felton details his unexpected entry into the landscaping business, starting with a job at Garden Pearl under Tony Randle in 2015. Initially indifferent to the work, he quickly grew to love the craft, particularly the creative aspects of working with pavers. Over time, he realized he could turn his newfound passion into a business. What started as a few side jobs mowing lawns soon became a full-fledged operation. Encouraged by the financial potential and personal satisfaction of working for himself, Felton took the leap, securing contracts and growing his clientele, with some early help from his mentor, Tony.Felton also discusses the challenges of self-employment, the transition from working under an employer to running his own company, and the mindset required to build a sustainable business. He emphasizes the importance of networking, seizing opportunities, and leveraging relationships—such as the connections he made while working at the Four Points by Sheraton, where he met clients who later became part of his growing business.

In this episode, host Conrad Fargo sits down with Mike Hennebry, a man who has worn many hats throughout his life—motorcycle salesman, mortgage lender, and lifelong community organizer. What started as a simple involvement in a charity motorcycle ride for muscular dystrophy turned into decades of dedicated philanthropy, leadership, and event coordination. Though he never actively sought to be in charge, Mike repeatedly found himself stepping up when others moved on, driven by a deep sense of responsibility and passion for giving back. Mike shares how his early career at Wheels Incorporated introduced him to the world of motorcycle sales and community engagement. A group of local motorcycle dealers, including University Motors and MZ Cycles, came together to launch a fundraiser, and Mike naturally took on a leadership role. He discusses how this pattern continued throughout his life—whether organizing charity rides or working with the Shrine’s Director Staff motorcycle unit, he found fulfillment in rallying volunteers, building relationships, and making events run smoothly. The discussion turns to what makes a person step up as a community leader. Is it personality, upbringing, or just circumstance? Mike credits his Uncle Dale, a beloved local figure known for selfless generosity, as a major influence. Watching his uncle spend his own money to put on town fireworks displays and host events instilled a deep appreciation for community service. His wife's involvement in charity work further reinforced his dedication. Shifting gears, Mike recounts his transition from selling motorcycles to mortgage lending—a leap made possible through the relationships he built in his previous career. He explains how helping people secure homes has been just as rewarding as selling motorcycles, albeit with a very different energy. The two discuss common misconceptions about home buying, particularly how many people delay pre-qualification out of fear of credit inquiries when, in reality, early financial planning is key. The conversation then veers into the world of hunting and wild game. Conrad admits his hesitation about unfamiliar foods at potlucks, while Mike, a 20-year veteran of the Wild Game Feed, reassures him about the strict handling and preparation of wild meat—definitely not roadkill! They explore the nutritional differences between wild and farmed meat, the challenges of cooking game with low fat content, and the nuances between waterfowl and upland hunting. Conrad, while interested in hunting, finds the idea of sitting still for hours unappealing, leading to a discussion on more active hunting styles and the thrill of working with well-trained dogs. Humor makes its way into the discussion when Conrad questions whether hiking and walking are actually different activities or just two names for the same thing. Mike insists that terrain is the deciding factor—hiking demands rugged conditions. This leads to a broader discussion about outdoor experiences, regional identity, and even footwear. Mike, a dedicated boot wearer, explains the necessity of proper footwear in North Dakota’s unpredictable weather, while Conrad confesses to not owning a single pair of boots, baffled by the idea of wearing them year-round. The conversation takes an unexpected philosophical turn when Conrad challenges Mike to send three words of advice back in time to his 18-year-old self. Mike’s answer—"Don't change a thing"—speaks to his satisfaction with the life he’s built. He reflects on his long and happy marriage, his career, and the decisions that led him to where he is today. Conrad acknowledges how rare that kind of contentment is, expressing admiration for Mike’s ability to embrace his journey without regrets. Through motorcycles, mortgages, wild game, and work boots, this episode is a deep dive into what it means to lead, serve, and carve out a life that balances passion with purpose.