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North Dakota
Health Insurance
Data Centers
Affordable Care Act
Artificial Intelligence
North Dakota Politics
Tariffs
Republican Party
Fargo
Agriculture
Government Shutdown
North Dakota Legislature
Medicare
Healthcare Costs
Public Education
Property Taxes
Democratic Party
Healthcare
Kratom
Health Care Reform

Plain Talk is a podcast hosted by Rob Port and Chad Oban focusing on political news and current events in North Dakota. Port is a columnist for the Forum News Service published in papers including the Fargo Forum, Grand Forks Herald, Jamestown Sun, and the Dickinson Press. Oban is a long-time political consultant.

PublishesDailyEpisodes953Founded8 years ago
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PoliticsNewsSociety & Culture

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Artwork for Plain Talk

Latest Episodes

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services -- the largest line item in our state's budget -- has seen a lot of change in recent years. The newest leader of that agency recognizes it, and wants to change the trajectory.

"I am the sixth... more

The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services -- the largest line item in our state's budget -- has seen a lot of change in recent years. The newest leader of that agency recognizes it, and wants to change the trajectory.

"I am the sixth... more

The special session is over. It was called to address a growing crisis with kratom, and lawmakers gave Gov. Kelly Armstrong most of what he wanted. They passed a total ban for synthetic kratom, and some big new regulations for the natural variety.

... more

The special session is over. It was called to address a growing crisis with kratom, and lawmakers gave Gov. Kelly Armstrong most of what he wanted. They passed a total ban for synthetic kratom, and some big new regulations for the natural variety.

... more

Key Facts

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Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Conner Swanson
Newly appointed head of North Dakota Health and Human Services (cabinet member)
Governor's Office / North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services
Episode: 738: 'I am the sixth person in three years to be sitting in this job' (Video)
Janne Myrdal
Senator, involved in Kratom regulation discussions and NDA/transparency debates
North Dakota State Senate
Episode: 737: 'I don't know how the Attorney General is going to do it' (Video)
Yana Myrdal
State Senator (North Dakota) discussed Cratum regulation and AG's role
North Dakota Senate
Episode: 737: 'I don't know how the Attorney General is going to do it' (Audio)
Matt Fern
Executive Director of Film North Dakota
Film North Dakota
Episode: 736: 'I've also seen a lot of people leave the state thinking that there are no opportunities here' (Audio)
Patrick Waters
State's Attorney for Oliver County; managing attorney at Heartland Law Office
Oliver County State's Attorney; Heartland Law Office
Episode: 735: 'Everything that I do and say becomes a target of attack' (Video)
Martha Njolomole
Economist for the American Experiment, Center of the American Experiment in North Dakota
American Experiment North Dakota
Episode: 734: 'North Dakota is spending more money than it is collecting' (Video)
Terry Effertz
Executive Director of the North Dakota Hospitality Association
North Dakota Hospitality Association
Episode: 732: 'We don't have the luxury of picking a side' (Video)
Tim Mathern
Senator, Democrat from District 11 in Fargo; Director of Public Policy for Prairie St. John's
North Dakota Senate; Prairie St. John's
Episode: 730: 'This is the wrong way of making decisions'
Mac Haddow
Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the American Kratom Association; former Chief of Staff for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (Reagan era)
American Kratom Association
Episode: 729: 'We do disagree with the position that natural kratom leaf products should also be banned' (Video)

Hosts

Rob Port
Host of Plain Talk; experienced political commentator and columnist.
Chad Oban
Co-host; longtime political consultant and commentator.

Reviews

4.0 out of 5 stars from 125 ratings
  • Recommend!

    A great way to learn about North Dakota government. I learn things every episode and recommend it to my friends regularly.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ND4everandever
    United States2 years ago
  • The thoughtfulness we need

    I’m so grateful to have found this podcast last fall during election season. I was tired of the presidential news cycle and wanted to hear about candidates and issues that will affect me in my day-to-day life. I find Chad and Rob to be thoughtful with their questions, knowledgeable about how the government works (or should work) and willing to change their minds. I have also appreciated getting to know public figures who are important in my state. Definitely recommend!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Astrukel
    United States2 years ago
  • 10/10 would recommend

    In a world of civil discourse being almost nonexistent its nice to finally find a podcast where two opposing sides can come together and have a civil discourse about the issues facing not only our country but our state as well. Rob sounds very knowledgeable and keeps the peace very well between two opposing side who normally couldn't talk civilly if their lives depended on it. 10/10 would recommend this podcast to anyone who enjoy politics or simply wants to learn more about the issues we citize... more

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    truthseekerz69
    United States2 years ago
  • Appreciate the Discussion

    I enjoy the banter on the program between the hosts, but I most appreciate that they can have a conversation about just about any topic and it doesn’t degenerate into a shouting match about who is right and wrong. I like that there are people of all points of view. Civil discussion is always necessary and important to demonstrate, and I think that is an extremely valuable lesson that the hosts share.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Phantom_FLHS
    United States2 years ago
  • Institutional knowledge of ND politics adds context to today’s moments

    I really have grown to respect the amount of political knowledge Rob and his co-host bring to flavor our current times. Not always agreeing with Rob’s take but usually pretty good at flavoring tthe context of the moment for those of us somewhat new to ND politics. Love that he has co-hosts from the opposite side of his conservative politics.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    North Dakota Veterinarian
    United States2 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Shows are appreciated for featuring guest perspectives from across the political spectrum.
Listeners praise balanced questions and accessibility for those new to state politics.
Hosts deliver civil, thoughtful political discourse with a practical ND focus.
Audience values local policy insights and informative interviews with ND policymakers.
Some critics call it an echo chamber; quality varies by guest and audio quality can be inconsistent.

Top Politics Podcasts

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

737: 'I don't know how the Attorney General is going to do it' (Audio)
Q: What went wrong with the Military Museum project and its fundraising strategy?
The guests describe misaligned fundraising expectations, a split 50-50 funding assumption that never materialized, and contracts signed without secured funds, creating a long-term financial and reputational burden for taxpayers.
737: 'I don't know how the Attorney General is going to do it' (Video)
Q: To Sean Cleary: there was a missed opportunity on the non-disclosure agreements; what are your views on transparency and NDA use moving forward?
Cleary argues the NDA issue revealed a broader need for transparency and fair open-record practices, suggesting adjustments to law and interim committee work, and he advocates for responsible governance, with a more civil dialogue between chambers and stronger rules to prevent secrecy in large public projects.
737: 'I don't know how the Attorney General is going to do it' (Video)
Q: Senator Myrdal, how do you think the state did on Kratom regulation, and is the approach workable?
Myrdal emphasizes the complexity of regulating a rapidly evolving product and expresses concern about the capacity of the AG's office to spin up a robust regulatory regime, highlighting distrust and the need for federal or broader oversight; she supports careful, transparent regulation and notes the ongoing challenges with testing, interstate and international commerce, and ensuring public safety.
731: 'It isn't just a problem because I think we should pay teachers more' (Video)
Q: What is your take on the role of technology in schools and parental engagement?
Levi argues for a balanced approach: leveraging technology to enhance learning while maintaining active, critical usage; stresses the importance of parental engagement and transparency to improve trust and outcomes.
732: 'We don't have the luxury of picking a side'
Q: What safeguards exist to prevent misuse of charitable gaming proceeds?
There are rents, allowable expenses, and mandatory public reporting; the enforcement actions by the AG's office and calls for more robust transparency indicate ongoing efforts to tighten oversight.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Plain Talk

What is Plain Talk about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A North Dakota–focused political show that runs through state policy, governance, and current events with a practical bent. Episodes frequently center on local government structures, taxation and subsidies, energy and data-center policy, housing, healthcare, and the mechanics of public process, often featuring interviews with lawmakers, agency officials, and policy advocates. The hosts mix accessible analysis with candid discussions, live events, and sponsor messages, giving listeners a pragmatic view of how state decisions affect communities, businesses, and everyday life. A standout element is the willingness to host guests across the political spectrum to illuminate competing viewpoints while staying grounded in North Dakota realities. T... more

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Which podcasts are similar to Plain Talk?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Plain Talk:

1. News & Views with Joel Heitkamp
2. A Closer Look with the Monitor
3. Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness
4. When You Know You Know
5. Club Random with Bill Maher

How many episodes of Plain Talk are there?

Plain Talk launched 8 years ago and published 953 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Plain Talk?

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What guests have appeared on Plain Talk?

Recent guests on Plain Talk include:

1. Conner Swanson
2. Janne Myrdal
3. Yana Myrdal
4. Matt Fern
5. Patrick Waters
6. Martha Njolomole
7. Terry Effertz
8. Tim Mathern

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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