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North Dakota
Data Centers
Health Insurance
Affordable Care Act
Artificial Intelligence
North Dakota Politics
Medicare
Fargo
Agriculture
Tariffs
Kratom
Health Care Reform
Universal School Meals
Wonder Fund
Government Shutdown
F5 Project
SNAP
Healthcare Reform
Property Tax
Education Funding

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.

PublishesDailyEpisodes991Founded8 years ago
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Artwork for Plain Talk

Latest Episodes

The morning after an election that reshaped national politics, Gov. Kelly Armstrong joined Plain Talk for a blunt debrief on a midterm had a couple of surprises, but largely left the status quo in place in North Dakota.

While Democrats swept into c... more

It is easy for politicians and voters to talk about education from thirty thousand feet, but the view from the front of a classroom looks a whole lot different.

On the latest episode of Plain Talk, we were joined by Frannie Tunseth, a reading and m... more

It is easy for politicians and voters to talk about education from thirty thousand feet, but the view from the front of a classroom looks a whole lot different.

On the latest episode of Plain Talk, we were joined by Frannie Tunseth, a reading and m... more

With the November general election right around the corner, North Dakota is in the thick of what I described on the latest episode of Plain Talk as the "Super Bowl" for the Secretary of State's office . Michael Howe, who is on the ballot seeking reel... more

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Recent Guests

Jon Godfread
North Dakota Insurance Commissioner and insurance regulator
North Dakota Insurance Department
Episode: 754: 'You may have insurance, but can you afford to actually use it?' (Video)
Scot Kelsh
Democratic-NPL candidate and 18-year veteran of the North Dakota House of Representatives
North Dakota House of Representatives
Episode: 753: Public Service Commission debate between Jill Kringstad and Scot Kelsh (Video)
Jill Kringstad
North Dakota Public Service Commission incumbent, certified public accountant, and former PSC staff member
North Dakota Public Service Commission
Episode: 753: Public Service Commission debate between Jill Kringstad and Scot Kelsh (Video)
Bob Harms
Veteran Republican attorney and former party chair who served as legal counsel to multiple governors.
Episode: 751: North Dakota Measure 2 Debate | Yes vs. No (Video)
Zac Ista
Outgoing North Dakota state representative and Democrat from Grand Forks.
North Dakota House of Representatives
Episode: 751: North Dakota Measure 2 Debate | Yes vs. No (Video)
James Kerian
Grafton businessman selected by Strong ND to represent the affirmative side of Measure 1.
Strong ND
Episode: 750: North Dakota Measure 1 Debate | Yes vs. No (Video)
Dustin Gawrylow
North Dakota Watchdog Network director and activist involved in initiated measure campaigns for over a decade.
North Dakota Watchdog Network
Episode: 750: North Dakota Measure 1 Debate | Yes vs. No (Video)
Vern Thompson
Democratic-NPL candidate for North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner.
Episode: 749: North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Debate | Doug Goehring vs. Vern Thompson (Video)
Doug Goehring
Republican incumbent North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner.
North Dakota Department of Agriculture
Episode: 749: North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Debate | Doug Goehring vs. Vern Thompson (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 126 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.

751: North Dakota Measure 2 Debate | Yes vs. No
Q: What knowledge do you have that no kids are going hungry in our schools?
Harms says he has not seen data showing students are going hungry and reports that superintendents he has spoken with share his view, while acknowledging the evidence is largely anecdotal.
751: North Dakota Measure 2 Debate | Yes vs. No
Q: If Measure 2 is funded from somewhere other than Legacy Fund earnings, are you more comfortable with it?
Harms says the Legacy Fund is only one of several concerns. He objects to putting the policy in the Constitution because eligibility and other details would then require another constitutional amendment to change.
753: Public Service Commission debate between Jill Kringstad and Scot Kelsh
Q: How can the PSC ensure that expansion costs for data centers are borne by developers rather than shifted onto everyday ratepayers?
Kelsh favors legislation protecting legacy ratepayers and says the PSC lacks authority over cooperatives and data center siting. Kringstad describes MDU's Ellendale-area arrangement, in which the customer paid network upgrade costs upfront and ratepayers were protected.
753: Public Service Commission debate between Jill Kringstad and Scot Kelsh
Q: What specific metrics or standards are you relying on when evaluating requests for rate increases?
Kringstad says her accounting and economics background helps her examine whether utility costs are supported and reasonable for consumers. Kelsh says the PSC should scrutinize costs and weigh their effects on ratepayers as well as utilities.
752: Our reactions to the Plain Talk debates
Q: Should public dollars for teacher bonuses and school lunches go to private schools?
Rob Port says teacher incentives address a statewide labor shortage and should follow licensed teachers regardless of their workplace. Chad Oban explains that federal school meals have long been available to eligible private schools because the program is designed to prevent hunger.

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. Purple Daily | a Minnesota Vikings podcast
4. Afternoons Live with Tyler Axness
5. Pardon My Take

How many episodes of Plain Talk are there?

Plain Talk launched 8 years ago and published 991 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. Jon Godfread
2. Scot Kelsh
3. Jill Kringstad
4. Bob Harms
5. Zac Ista
6. James Kerian
7. Dustin Gawrylow
8. Vern Thompson

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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