Bill Rahn called in for our KAXE Morning Show "What's For Breakfast" segment on his birthday, Friday, Jan. 31. He told us his age in the form of a math riddle.
"A logical question is, 'How old am I?' I will answer the same I did for a class of juniors at Woodbury High School. ... I'm a math guy, right? And there's a phenomenon called twin primes, like 17 and 19. Two primes with an even number between them.
"Yesterday my age was a prime number, today it's not, and next year it will be again. And here's a hint — it's not between 41 and 43."
The answer? Bill is 72 years old. As for breakfast, Bill outlined his plan for the morning. He starts with a protein shake, and then heads to the gym. At the gym, he has a can of V8, and finally, when he gets home, he has a bowl of Raisin Bran.
Bill shared some of his plans for the rest of the day as well. "I have a group of friends that are dismayed when I call them ancient educators, but I'll be meeting with them for lunch. And I've got a clinic appointment for anti-coagulation."
Bill talked some more about his medical history and why he's been exercising. He said after his retirement and heart surgery in 2019, he began exercising two or three times a week, since it was something people with that kind of experience recommended to him. Bill said he's thankful he was encouraged to follow that routine.
"Probably realistically, I'm in better shape now than I've been since high school."
Lastly, Bill and KAXE Morning Show host John Bauer briefly shared anecdotes of pets. John talked about Nelly, a dog Bill gave to John. Bill said over the years, he's rescued at least 100 foster dogs. A few weeks ago, his son found another dog that seemed to have been kicked out of a car, and Bill has been caring for it since.
"We had room in our house and room in our heart. You know, it's just — it's what you gotta do, what you gotta do."
Check out the full conversation in the audio above.
-
During the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 9, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer talks fall colors, fuzzy caterpillars and hummingbird migration. -
Events this week include Flapjack Festival in Brainerd, 'Annie' in Pequot Lakes, Open Mic Night in Park Rapids, Starapalooza at Long Lake Conservation Center and the Fall Bazaar in Buhl. -
Contributed/David Kenyon/MI Dept. of Natural ResourcesMakenzie Henk, an elk biologist with the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, discusses the reintroduction initiative and the steps underway to prepare. -
Contributed/Chad KaddatzDuring the week of Sept. 9, 2025, we enjoy reports of Broadwing Hawks, migrating insects, and vibrant sumacs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
Pexel/Kam PhotosEvery Friday morning, we get to know one of our members on "What's for Breakfast." This week, we talked with Steve Cramer from his cabin near McGregor. -
Contributed/Paul Broenen via iNaturalistDuring the Phenology Report for the week of Sept. 2, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer previews September in Minnesota and speaks in defense of crane flies. -
Events this week include a CommUnity Meals Open House at the Pine River Community Garden, Young Original playing in Hibbing and Swedish genealogy in Chisholm.
-
Contributed/Old Central SchoolNew tenants, art spaces and community programs highlight the Grand Rapids building’s revival at the First Friday Art Walk on Friday, Sept. 5, 2025. -
During the week of Sept. 2, a kid reminds us to delight in nature and astronomers observe the heavens. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds. -
Jennifer Barr/KAXEMatt Grose and Carol Copp from the Grand Rapids school district kicked off the new school year on the "KAXE Morning Show" for a discussion on how to best support schools.
