The Fargo Five with Conrad Fargo

Conrad Fargo
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The Fargo Five with Conrad Fargo

The Fargo Five is a human-interest podcast based in the Red River Valley, hosted by Conrad Fargo. Each episode dives into the five essential questions—who, what, where, how, and why—to uncover the real stories of the extra ordinary people who shape our North of Normal metro. From artists to business owners, musicians to misfits, this show explores the turning points and personal moments that make someone who they are. Honest, curious, and full of heart—this is Fargo, one story at a time.

  1. Marqelle Reid Grew Up on a Farm, and One Chiropractor Changed Her Entire Path

    5D AGO

    Marqelle Reid Grew Up on a Farm, and One Chiropractor Changed Her Entire Path

    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.

    44 min

  2. APR 1

    Andrew Gentner Dropped Out, Threw House Parties, & Built a $50K DJ Business Before 25

    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.

    50 min

  3. MAR 31

    Joe Swegarden Cooks Fine Dining for All as Chef at Heart and Soul Café 👨‍🍳 🍽️ ❤️ ☕ ✨

    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.

    52 min

  4. MAR 27

    Troy White Teaches Trauma-Informed Tools to Transform Thought and Behavior

    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.

    52 min

  5. MAR 12

    Greg Jeffrey Rocks the Metro with his Band Stella

    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.

    51 min

  6. MAR 10

    Nyamal Dei Survives War, Founds Non-Profit in North Dakota

    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.

    34 min

  7. FEB 26

    Jen Enz Teaches Swing, Dances from Zumba to Lindy Hop and the Joy of Movement

    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.

    47 min

  8. FEB 19

    Brandon Anderson-Chase Rebuilds His Life, Get's Married, Starts Another Business!

    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.

    42 min
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    About

    The Fargo Five is a human-interest podcast based in the Red River Valley, hosted by Conrad Fargo. Each episode dives into the five essential questions—who, what, where, how, and why—to uncover the real stories of the extra ordinary people who shape our North of Normal metro. From artists to business owners, musicians to misfits, this show explores the turning points and personal moments that make someone who they are. Honest, curious, and full of heart—this is Fargo, one story at a time.

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