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.
-
Events this week include a book sale in Brainerd, an Indigenous storytelling event in Grand Rapids and an author talk in Virginia.
-
In this contributed essay, Majority in the Middle Executive Director Shannon Watson explores the people who bridge people together, even in turbulent political times.
-
During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 20, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on migrating birds, the taste of cranberries, and first frosts.
-
During the week of Oct. 20, 2026, we enjoy reports of falling leaves, lingering insects and flocks of migrating birds. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
-
Jeffrey Broking keeps expanding his Halloween display just south of Grand Rapids. In 2026, he is raising money for St. Jude's Children's Hospital.
-
In this contributed essay, Majority in the Middle Executive Director Shannon Watson explores political divides, after the election season.
-
During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 13, 2026, Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on changing fall colors, Ruffed Grouse, and insects.
-
Events this week include local theater in Pequot Lakes and Brainerd, a barn dance in Virginia and fundraising events in Bemidji and Grand Rapids.
-
Aitkin Developmental Achievement Center offers a variety of programs for adults with developmental and physical disabilities in Aitkin County.
-
During the week of Oct. 13, 2026, we enjoy reports of black bears, Lapland Longspurs, and busy beavers. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.