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 June 16, 2026 Staff Phenologist John Latimer remarks on monarch butterflies, balsam poplars, and the reappearance of a Bald Eagle nestling.
-
During the week of June 16, 2026, we enjoy reports of sundews, damselflies, and Common Nighthawks. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
-
Two Bemidjians are headed to the 2026 Special Olympics USA Games to compete in bowling. Help send them off Thursday, June 18, 2026, at Lucky Dogs.
-
Minnesota-based artist John Fleischer’s work is on display at the Nemeth Art Center in Park Rapids through July 18, 2026. The artist reception is Saturday, June 27.
-
There's lots going on this summer at the Virginia Public Library, including the ongoing Kid Librarian program.
-
KAXE Friday mornings feature "The Sports Page" and during World Cup season, "Futbol is Life!"
-
Pam Perry, a retired non-game wildlife biologist, stopped by to talk about skinks, salamanders, swallows and more with our staff phenologist John Latimer.
-
Events this week include a send-off for Special Olympians in Bemidji and garden tours at Happy Dancing Turtle in Pine River.
-
Forbidden Love is a new bookstore in Bemidji with a focus on romance novels and romance subgenres. Co-owner Olivia Pack joined the “KAXE Morning Show” to talk about the shop.
-
During the week of June 9, 2026, we enjoy reports of porcupines, leafcutter bees, and loon eggs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.