The Neal Larson Show

Neal Larson
  • 3.0 (2)
  • Politics
  • Updated Daily

Neal Larson is an Associated Press Award-winning newspaper columnist and radio talk show host. He has a BA from Idaho State University in Media Studies and Political Science. Neal is happily married to his wife Esther with their five children in Idaho Falls. Julie Mason is a long-time resident of east Idaho with a degree in journalism from Ricks College. Julie enjoys reading, baking, and is an avid dog lover.  When not on the air she enjoys spending time with her three children and husband of 26 years. Together these two are a powerhouse of knowledge with great banter that comes together in an entertaining and informative show.

  1. 1d ago

    10.2.2026 - S4C: Loryn Troyer, Brandi Carlile | AI Frustration | Prop One

    Send us Fan Mail This episode kicks off with a hilarious look at Neal Larson’s self-described "toxic relationship" with artificial intelligence. After getting locked in a stubborn, back-and-forth argument with ChatGPT over its refusal to calculate the probability of Idaho’s controversial Proposition 1 passing, Neal and Julie Mason turn to their audience to run a rogue experiment. Listeners step up to test the prompts on their own accounts and alternative platforms, revealing fascinating differences in how these digital tools handle sensitive political predictions. The high-tech debate gives way to a beautiful live performance by local East Idaho singer-songwriter Lauren Troyer, who joins the studio to perform her original song "Salt" and a stunning acoustic cover of Brandi Carlile’s "The Story."  Following Lauren’s performance, Julie slips away early to visit her grandchildren, leaving Neal to fly solo through a jam-packed analysis of local political theater. Neal dives straight into reports of "Vote No on Prop 1" campaign signs mysteriously vanishing from yards across Idaho Falls, equating the thefts to minor-league censorship. He also breaks down the optics of the Idaho Attorney General's race, analyzing why a surprising endorsement of Democrat Laurie Hickman by former Republican AGs Lawrence Wasden and Jim Jones might actually backfire and help incumbent Raul Labrador. Finally, Neal takes aim at Independent U.S. Senate candidate Todd Achilles, arguing that third-party labels in deep-red Idaho are often used like *Men in Black* "neuralizers" to make voters forget a candidate's partisan history. --- ### Highlights * **Neal’s Battle with the Bots:** Neal shares his hilarious frustration with ChatGPT's refusal to analyze political polling, prompting listeners to run their own real-time experiments to see which AI platforms would cooperate. * **Studio 4 Live Session:** Idaho Falls native and Bureau of Land Management employee Lauren Troyer showcases her incredible musical talent with an intimate in-studio acoustic session. * **The Midnight Sign Snatchers:** A caller reports a rash of stolen "Vote No on Prop 1" signs in the local area, leading Neal to call out the hypocrisy of political thieves who silence opposing viewpoints. * **The AG Race Endorsement Drama:** Neal reacts to former Republican Attorneys General Lawrence Wasden and Jim Jones endorsing Democrat Laurie Hickman, explaining why the strategic move might actually secure a victory for Raul Labrador. * **The Independent "Neuralizer" Trick:** Neal criticizes candidates who run as Independents to hide their deep partisan ties, pointing to Senate candidate Todd Achilles' extensive history of donating to national progressive causes. * **Medical Insiders Sound Off:** Following a botched execution in the news, local healthcare professionals text in to explain the clinical realities of IV infiltration, debating whether the failure was due to incompetence or sabotage. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    10.2.2026 - S4C: Loryn Troyer, Brandi Carlile | AI Frustration | Prop One

  2. 2d ago

    10.1.2026 - Idaho's Ballot Fight | Noah's Ark Discovered? | Jingle Completions

    Send us Fan Mail Neal Larson and Julie Mason spent much of the morning urging Idaho voters to look beyond the slogans surrounding Proposition 1. Neal argued that its language on abortion exceptions and fetal viability is too vague, and both hosts questioned claims that the measure is simply about privacy, compassion, or protecting families. Listener texts added perspectives on local campaign signs, voting choices, and the challenge of disagreeing with a partner over a deeply held moral issue. A caller also shared a moving memory of supporting a young woman after an abortion, prompting a conversation about grief, compassion, and the lasting impressions that shape our views. The hosts also examined campaign claims about Senator Jim Risch’s record on guns and terrorism, adding context about an alternative proposal he supported and raising concerns about due process. The discussion ranged from rumors about Risch’s campaign to a brief look at reports about a possible Noah’s Ark discovery near Mount Ararat—while acknowledging that the evidence is disputed. Along the way, Neal and Julie mixed pointed political arguments with playful banter, including a round of vintage advertising jingles. ## Highlights - Neal challenged Proposition 1’s wording on abortion exceptions and viability, arguing that voters deserve clarity about what the measure would allow. - Julie and Neal unpacked a campaign text accusing Senator Jim Risch of siding with terrorists, then explained the alternative gun-sale proposal he supported. - Listener messages brought local perspectives on Proposition 1 signs, voting strategy, and the strain of political disagreement in relationships. - A caller recalled comforting a young woman after an abortion, sharing a personal story that shifted the conversation from campaign arguments to grief and compassion. - Neal and Julie tested each other on classic advertising jingles, trading lines from familiar commercials. - They discussed reports of drilling and radar scans at the boat-shaped Durupınar formation, while noting that the claim it could be Noah’s Ark remains disputed. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    10.1.2026 - Idaho's Ballot Fight | Noah's Ark Discovered? | Jingle Completions

  3. 3d ago

    9.30.2026 - INTERVIEW: Julianne Young, Prop One | Transfer Portal Discussion | Idaho's Nuclear Future

    Send us Fan Mail Neal Larson and Julie Mason move from a lighthearted riff on Kamala Harris’s brief “word salad” clip to a serious discussion of Idaho ballot measures, public policy, and a breaking aviation story. They debate proposed limits on the college sports transfer portal, arguing that transfers can create opportunity for athletes but that repeated moves can undermine team-building and the student-athlete experience. They also discuss a court decision involving Idaho’s Medical Freedom Act and new guidance on how churches may report political spending without disclosing individual donors. The show’s main focus is Proposition 1. Julie Ann Young joins the conversation to challenge the case made in a previous interview, and Neal and Julie examine the measure’s wording, its possible effects on Idaho abortion law, and what might happen if lawmakers later need to clarify it. They also revisit claims about criminal and civil liability for doctors, urging listeners to look beyond campaign messaging. Elsewhere, they discuss an alleged attempt by one pilot to attack another aboard a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight—while noting that the motive remains under investigation—and weigh the potential benefits and risks of storing spent nuclear fuel in Idaho. Listener texts help steer the conversation, including questions about the transfer portal, Prop 1, and Idaho’s water and infrastructure concerns. ## Highlights - Neal and Julie compare Harris’s short word-salad clip to a small, overpriced fast-food salad—and Julie dubs her a “salad shooter.” - They argue that the transfer portal can help athletes move up, but repeated transfers risk turning college sports into a revolving door. - Julie Ann Young joins to rebut a previous Prop 1 interview, prompting a detailed debate about the measure’s wording, effects, and potential need for legislative clarification. - The hosts discuss an alleged cockpit attack on a Dubai–Tel Aviv flight, debate how the incident is being described, and react to listener texts alleging a “false flag.” - Neal and Julie consider Idaho’s potential spent-nuclear-fuel storage proposal, emphasizing the need to protect the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer. - They explain why they support HJR 4 and oppose Prop 1, while encouraging listeners to vote and examine what each measure would do. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    9.30.2026 - INTERVIEW: Julianne Young, Prop One | Transfer Portal Discussion | Idaho's Nuclear Future

  4. 4d ago

    9.29.2026 - America.gov launches | Grocery Store Habits | Prop One Update |

    Send us Fan Mail Neal and Julie devoted much of the morning to Idaho’s Proposition 1, urging listeners to look beyond the measure’s “privacy” and exceptional-case messaging and focus on what Neal argued would be a broad expansion of elective abortion. They questioned whether the voter-initiative process is still serving its intended grassroots purpose amid substantial out-of-state spending, and pointed to opposition from Idaho’s Catholic, Latter-day Saint, and Protestant communities as a sign of growing momentum. Callers added their own pro-life perspectives, asked whether doctors could be compelled to perform abortions, and shared stories about choosing life for babies with disabilities. Neal and Julie encouraged listeners to make the case calmly and keep people engaged ahead of Election Day. The conversation also ranged from President Trump’s launch of the America.gov government-services portal—which Neal and Julie tried out, with mixed first impressions—to concerns about children’s media and the subjects schools take up. They discussed criticism of Miss Rachel’s political associations and praised a parent’s school-board speech arguing that schools should prioritize children’s education and well-being. A light stretch of banter about grocery-store habits and Julie’s “jazzy” mobility cart brought some levity to an otherwise serious morning. ## Highlights - Neal and Julie urged listeners to explain what they believe Proposition 1 would change, rather than letting the debate get narrowed to medical privacy or rare exceptions. - They questioned whether Idaho’s voter-initiative system has become a channel for well-funded out-of-state campaigns, and praised faith communities for organizing against Prop 1. - Callers discussed abortion terminology, doctors’ conscience protections, and families who continued pregnancies after learning their babies might have disabilities. - Neal and Julie praised a parent’s school-board speech calling for schools to focus on education and let children experience childhood. - They tested Trump’s new America.gov portal; Julie saw value in its ability to point users toward services, while Neal’s first searches mostly led him to other government websites. - Grocery-store habits, crowded aisles, and Julie’s “jazzy” cart sparked a playful detour. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    9.29.2026 - America.gov launches | Grocery Store Habits | Prop One Update |

  5. 5d ago

    9.28.2026 - FLASHPOLL PREDICTION: Prop One | Walmart Digital Pricing | Idaho's Official Gun

    Send us Fan Mail As the November election inches closer, Neal Larson and Julie Mason take the temperature of Gem State voters with an on-air flash poll on Proposition 1. Moving past personal voting preferences, the conversation shifts to hard predictions on whether the controversial abortion initiative will pass or fail. Drawing on recent listener reactions, contrasting church statements, and a powerful listener analogy comparing rare medical crises to broad elective exemptions, Neal and Julie confront the lingering wildcard in Idaho politics: whether an overconfident conservative base might suffer from voter complacency at the ballot box. Beyond the ballot fight, the show tackles corporate and state accountability on multiple fronts. The duo breaks down Walmart’s rollout of electronic shelf tags, digging into consumer fears surrounding algorithmic dynamic pricing and patented tracking technology. Closer to home, they examine the fourth district court’s sudden state takeover of the depleted Idaho School Benefit Trust after millions in public education funds vanished without explanation. Topped off with an engaging debate over the six contenders vying to become Idaho’s official state firearm, this episode delivers a sharp blend of local politics, economic skepticism, and regional culture. --- # Highlights * **The Prop 1 Flash Poll:** Listeners weigh in with their predictions on Proposition 1’s fate, generating an 80–20 consensus that it will fail while raising serious concerns about conservative voter turnout. * **The "Tennis Ball vs. Beach Ball" Metaphor:** A poignant listener message illustrates how heartbreaking, rare pregnancy complications are being leveraged to pass wide-open elective abortion policies. * **Walmart’s Dynamic Pricing Scrutiny:** Neal and Julie unpack digital price tags on retail shelves, questioning corporate assurances against personalized pricing in light of existing patents and airline-style surge algorithms. * **State Takeover of Insolvent School Trust:** Department of Insurance Director Dean Cameron takes emergency control of the Idaho School Benefit Trust after millions in unaccounted funds left the entity unable to pay claims. * **Choosing Idaho’s Official Firearm:** A look at the six historic and modern contenders on the advisory ballot, from the Winchester 1873 to the Remington Model 700, and why Neal refuses to copy Utah and Arizona. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    9.28.2026 - FLASHPOLL PREDICTION: Prop One | Walmart Digital Pricing | Idaho's Official Gun

  6. Sep 25

    9.25.2026 - S4C Alexis Amrein, Travelin' Soldier | INTERVIEW: Melanie Folwell, Prop One Proponent

    Send us Fan Mail ALEXIS AMREIN: (Starts at 17:40) MELANIE FOLWELL INTERVIEW: (Starts at 36:54) On this Friday edition of the show, Neal Larson and Julie Mason dive headfirst into the fierce debate surrounding Idaho’s high-stakes abortion initiative. With religious leaders coalescing in opposition and political battle lines drawn across the state, the team sits down for an extensive, spirited conversation with Melanie Folwell, campaign director for Idahoans United for Women and Families. Folwell defends the initiative as a measured, compassionate effort to restore pre-*Dobbs* medical standards, clarify emergency care, and protect families facing fatal fetal diagnoses. Neal and Julie push back vigorously, raising pressing concerns regarding vague statutory definitions of viability, the ambiguity surrounding parental consent, the credentialing of non-physician providers, and whether the ballot measure opens the door to widespread elective abortions rather than merely safeguarding exceptional medical emergencies. Between the heated political sparring, the studio takes a much-needed musical breather with this week’s "Studio 4 Covers" guest, Alexis Amrein. Accompanied by guitarist Judd Erickson, Alexis treats listeners to a snippet of her original song "Outsiders" before delivering a stirring, heartfelt acoustic rendition of "Travelin' Soldier." Along the way, Neal and Julie reflect on regional history from the Idaho State Mini-Dome to the Kibbie Dome, handicap the uphill challenge facing Todd Achilles against Senator Jim Risch, and scrutinize CNN’s latest complaints after being turned away from a White House state dinner. --- # 2. Highlights * **Debating Idaho's Abortion Ballot Initiative:** Melanie Folwell of Idahoans United for Women and Families joins the program for an intense, in-depth back-and-forth over the initiative's viability clauses, medical provider definitions, and out-of-state fundraising. * **Parental Consent and Legal Ambiguity:** Neal presses Folwell on why language explicitly shielding Idaho's robust parental consent statutes was omitted from the initiative's text, while Folwell insists existing state and constitutional protections remain unaltered. * **Personal Stories and the "Health" Exception:** Julie shares her own history navigating life-threatening pre-eclampsia to challenge the distinction between preventing maternal death and broad health exceptions that could expand elective terminations. * **Studio 4 Acoustic Performance:** Rising local artist Alexis Amrein visits Studio 4 alongside Jed Erickson to perform her original track "Outsiders" and a moving cover of The Chicks' classic "Traveling Soldier." * **Press Pool Grievances at the White House:** The hosts unpack CNN’s outcry over being excluded from coverage of President Trump’s dinner with Chinese President Xi Jinping, pointing out the difference between being banned and simply lacking mandatory event credentials. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    9.25.2026 - S4C Alexis Amrein, Travelin' Soldier | INTERVIEW: Melanie Folwell, Prop One Proponent

  7. Sep 24

    9.24.2026 -- Prop One | Tractor & Harvest Images | Flock Cameras

    Send us Fan Mail Campaign finance reports reveal a massive influx of out-of-state cash pouring into Idaho’s Proposition 1 abortion initiative, and Neal Larson and Julie Mason dive deep into the legal and cultural ramifications facing Gem State voters. Examining pediatric geneticist Dr. Leah Fleming’s stark op-ed on statutory viability and the lack of clarity surrounding critical neonatal care, the conversation tackles the stark contrast between exceptional medical emergencies and broad elective policy. Between the debate over petition signature disclosures and the intense discussions taking place within local Latter-day Saint and Christian communities over high-profile op-eds, Neal and Julie challenge lawmakers to step up, clarify existing statutes, and provide voters with transparent answers ahead of election day. The broadcast shifts gears as listeners weigh in on the controversial deployment of Flock Safety license plate readers following a high-profile Florida wrongful arrest case, sparking an insightful debate on whether the blame belongs on automated law enforcement technology or sloppy investigative work. Bringing a welcome breath of fresh air amidst the heavy policy talk, listeners flooded the studio with photographs and fond memories of eastern Idaho's potato harvest. From classic John Deere versus Case IH loyalties against the backdrop of the Grand Tetons to childhood stories of roguing fields, burlap sack crews, and homemade canning recipes, the episode blends hard-hitting political analysis with genuine local heritage. --- # 2. Highlights * **Out-of-State Cash Floods Prop 1:** Neal breaks down the latest campaign finance filings showing over $1.25 million pouring in from outside mega-donors to back the controversial abortion initiative, drawing parallels to previous ballot fights. * **The "Tennis Ball vs. Beach Ball" Analogy:** Neal and Julie unpack why public messaging focuses narrowly on rare, tragic pregnancy complications while the actual statutory text opens the door to late-gestation elective procedures. * **Flock Cameras Under Fire:** A listener's call regarding a woman wrongfully jailed for 13 days sparks a fiery back-and-forth over whether automated license plate readers create a surveillance state or merely expose careless detective work. * **Faith, Politics, and Ideology:** The hosts examine an op-ed by a Republican Latter-day Saint mother backing Prop 1, exploring how church members reconcile doctrinal stances with modern ballot measures. * **Spud Harvest Pride:** Listeners brighten the show with dozens of harvest photos, prompting nostalgic reflections on working potato combines, roguing fields, and family canning traditions. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    9.24.2026 -- Prop One | Tractor & Harvest Images | Flock Cameras

  8. Sep 23

    9.23.2026 -- Purple Dress Movement | DEBATE: Barb Ehardt vs Chance Marshall

    Send us Fan Mail A spirited Idaho legislative debate takes center stage as Neal Larson and Julie Mason welcome Republican incumbent Rep. Barbara “Barb” Ehardt and Democratic challenger Chance Marshall. The candidates draw sharp contrasts on taxes, school funding, parental choice, immigration enforcement, and transgender-related policies. Marshall argues for making affordability and working-class needs the Legislature’s priority, including higher taxes on top earners. Ehardt defends Idaho’s economic record and recent tax relief while outlining a proposal to replace primary-residence property taxes with a higher sales tax. Neal and Julie press both candidates for specifics, with particularly pointed exchanges over education funding, ICE operations, and whether cultural issues can wait behind economic concerns. Before the debate, Neal and Julie revisit their conversation with Sen. Mike Crapo about tax cuts and Trump’s floated $5,000 payments, question what the “independent” label really tells voters, and respond to listeners challenging their priorities. A discussion of Iran, fuel prices, and criticism of Trump brings some of the hour’s strongest reactions—including a sharp rejection of one texter’s argument that an Iranian nuclear weapon could promote peace. There’s levity, too: a proposed purple-clothing demonstration at church inspires a tongue-in-cheek parody, some Weber State ribbing, and a more serious reminder to keep worship focused on faith rather than political signaling. ## 2. Highlights - **Property taxes versus sales taxes:** Ehardt proposes eliminating property taxes on primary residences and raising Idaho’s sales tax from 6% to 7.75% to replace the revenue. - **What does “fully funded” mean?** Neal presses Marshall for an education funding figure, setting up a pointed debate over school budgets and parental-choice tax credits. - **Whistle kits and ICE:** Marshall defends alerts about immigration enforcement, while Ehardt argues that unlawful immigration strains public resources and construction wages. - **Can cultural issues wait?** Ehardt and the hosts challenge Marshall’s position that economic concerns should take priority over disputes involving transgender policies and women’s sports. - **Listeners push back:** A critical text sparks a forceful defense of discussing abortion, while caller Bill asks why domestic oil production hasn’t insulated Americans from high fuel prices. - **Purple Sunday meets parody:** Neal turns a proposed church clothing protest into satire, with Julie joining the laughs—and the call to leave political demonstrations outside worship. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    9.23.2026 -- Purple Dress Movement | DEBATE: Barb Ehardt vs Chance Marshall
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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Neal Larson is an Associated Press Award-winning newspaper columnist and radio talk show host. He has a BA from Idaho State University in Media Studies and Political Science. Neal is happily married to his wife Esther with their five children in Idaho Falls. Julie Mason is a long-time resident of east Idaho with a degree in journalism from Ricks College. Julie enjoys reading, baking, and is an avid dog lover.  When not on the air she enjoys spending time with her three children and husband of 26 years. Together these two are a powerhouse of knowledge with great banter that comes together in an entertaining and informative show.

Information

  • Creator
    Neal Larson
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    537
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Neal Larson Show
  • Show Website
    The Neal Larson Show

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