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.
-
This month's conversation with retired wildlife biologist Pam Perry touched on robins, eagles, thrushes and migrating birds.
-
Events this week include many Halloween themed activities, an opportunity to learn curling in Grand Rapids and an art reception in Bemidji.
-
-
During the week of Oct. 21, 2025, we enjoy reports of hooting Barred Owls, snoozy bears and star-struck stadium bugs. Staff phenologist John Latimer responds.
-
Bestselling author Adriana Trigiani joined KAXE to talk family, libraries, her Iron Range Italian roots and her new novel, "The View from Lake Como."
-
Last week, we shifted into soup mode and finding comfort in our favorite foods that signal fall.
-
Plans are forming for a dog park in Deer River. Chelsea Pusc is leading efforts to raise funds, including a brunch 9 a.m-1 p.m. Oct. 19, 2025, at the Deer River Vets Club.
-
Events this week include trunk or treats in Hibbing, Turtle River and Grand Rapids; Hwy. 197 open house in Bemidji and a health fair in Park Rapids.
-
During the Phenology Report for the week of Oct. 14, 2025, Staff Phenologist John Latimer explores the North Shore near Grand Marais.
-