The Neal Larson Show

Sandhill Digital
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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. 18h ago

    10.13.2026 Auditorium Bond Controversy | Taxpayer-Funded Advocacy | Falstaff in Studio

    ## 1. Episode Summary  Neal and Julie kick off a true Open Line Friday feel—inviting listeners to bring up under-discussed stories (with one clear boundary: no Ukraine). The main conversation centers on a St. Anthony controversy involving South Fremont High School band teacher Matt Bennett, who created and posted a video highlighting facility needs tied to a proposed $17 million performing arts auditorium bond. Even without an explicit “vote yes,” Neal and Julie dig into the reality that a one-sided “needs tour” can function like advocacy—especially when school time, equipment, students, or facilities are involved. They also weigh Bennett’s claim that administrators encouraged the effort and then didn’t support him once complaints hit, ultimately leading to a reprimand on his certification file and his decision to resign after more than 20 years in the profession. The discussion widens into a broader critique of how school bond/levy campaigns can blur ethical lines—what’s fair public information versus taxpayer-funded persuasion—and what guardrails should exist (equal access for opposition, real Q&A, avoiding “propaganda tours,” and clearer boundaries akin to the Hatch Act concept). Listener texts add nuance, pushing the question of how communities can *actually* see inside schools without administrators effectively running campaign media. The hour then lightens with a studio performance from local cover band Falstaff (Jeff Osgood and Andy Hanson), including a snippet of their original “Tricky Situation” and a lively first-time-in-their-band set of Extreme’s “Hole Hearted,” plus some fun back-and-forth about day jobs, band origins, and musical range. --- ## 2. Highlights  - Neal and Julie unpack the Matt Bennett bond-video controversy: “not explicitly vote yes” vs. “it’s still a vote-yes video in effect.”  - A pointed debate on where the ethical line is: school walk-throughs and Q&As vs. “anti-Potemkin tours” designed to make things look worse.  - Listener texts steer the conversation into practicalities: if schools can’t show conditions, how *do* voters get enough information to decide?  - The “who else gets investigated?” moment: if admins pressured a teacher to make the video, why is the teacher the only one wearing it?  - Falstaff joins in-studio—teachers-by-day, musicians-by-night—sharing their Shakespeare-inspired band name origin story.  - Live music standout: Falstaff performs Extreme’s “Hole Hearted” (their first time doing it as a band) plus a taste of their original “Tricky Situation.”

    10.13.2026 Auditorium Bond Controversy | Taxpayer-Funded Advocacy | Falstaff in Studio

  2. 1d ago

    11.12.2026 Idaho Stays Idaho | “Independent” Democrats | Senate Power Reality

    ## 1. Episode Summary  Neal Larson and Julie Mason opened the hour with a wide-ranging interview with U.S. Senator **Jim Risch**, fresh off his re-election, digging into what Idaho’s results say about the state’s political identity and why Democratic “independent” branding efforts keep falling flat. Risch talked candidly about what Republicans did (and didn’t) do well on the economy message, arguing the real driver of voter frustration has been affordability—especially gas and diesel—while also predicting the next two years will be dominated by Democratic investigations, likely impeachment pushes, and partisan overreach rather than productive legislating. The conversation also touched on GOP Senate leadership, with Risch offering a defense of **John Thune** and a reality check on how much any leader can “deliver votes” when the votes simply aren’t there.   From there, Neal and Julie shifted into the show’s signature mix of sarcasm, listener interaction, and serious talk—bantering about pickup “tribes,” marijuana-initiative jokes, and a flood of texts (Subarus, Tundras, and everything in between), while also pausing for real news updates like a **DC gym shooting** and an **Amber Alert cancellation**. The back half turned heavier: a heartbreaking report about a newborn dying in an Oregon faith-healing sect led to a blunt pro-life consistency argument, and later, the hosts wrestled with what they see as a growing cultural rot—celebrating political violence—after reactions tied to **Charlie Kirk’s assassination** and comments from **Dave Chappelle**. The episode closed with a deep dive into the “data center” backlash (including a Maryland case allegedly boosted by China-linked support), and skepticism toward politicians who campaign on affordability but return immediately to DEI and investigations once in power. --- ## 2. Highlights  - Senator **Jim Risch** on Idaho’s political stability: “Idaho is still Idaho,” and why Democrat-as-“independent” tactics keep failing.  - Risch’s blunt prediction: a Democratic Congress will prioritize **investigations and impeachment theatrics**, even though conviction in the Senate is a dead end.  - Neal and Julie’s listener-fueled “vehicle wars” segment—**Tundra vs. Ram vs. Subaru**—as texts poured in and the jokes piled up.  - A sharp moral consistency moment: criticizing a faith-healing sect for a newborn’s death *while also* calling out pro-abortion voices who suddenly act outraged.  - A sobering segment on political violence and dehumanization after reactions connected to **Charlie Kirk’s killing** and Chappelle’s remarks.  - Data centers, activism, and geopolitics: discussion of alleged **China-linked astroturfing** in Maryland and why “where’d you get your info?” matters.

    11.12.2026 Idaho Stays Idaho | “Independent” Democrats | Senate Power Reality

  3. 1d ago

    11.11.2026 Veterans Day Tribute | Filibuster Fears | Who Represents America?

    ## 1. Episode Summary  Neal and Julie open the show with a mix of anticipation and frustration: anticipation for Firth High School’s standout, student-led Veterans Day program, and frustration with what they see as Republicans in Congress failing to use the last two years of power effectively—especially as Democrats appear poised to move aggressively (including talk of nuking the filibuster). They argue that voters weren’t just looking for policy wins; they were looking for evidence of backbone and a willingness to fight, calling out “disagree better” politics as naïve in a moment when so many issues feel zero-sum.   The hour turns to a sharp critique of Democratic candidates and elected officials they view as dangerously soft on America’s adversaries—highlighting New Jersey Rep.-elect Adam Hamawi’s comments on Iran, and warning about growing influence from activists and ideological movements that don’t share basic American loyalties. In the middle of heavier political talk, they spotlight local friend and performer Melissa Schrade’s run in iHeartRadio’s “Top Host” contest and talk about her advocacy after losing a child to suicide. The show then centers on Veterans Day: Coach Stu Portella joins to preview the Firth program (keynote speaker Major Jeremy Johnson, a 100-year-old WWII USS Enterprise veteran, and the Angel Tones), listeners call in for details, and the hour closes with Reagan’s “A Soldier’s Pledge,” a moving reminder of the cost of freedom. --- ## 2. Highlights  - Neal and Julie unload on “disagree better” politics—arguing it often translates into surrender, not civility, when the other side has no interest in compromise.  - A pointed breakdown of Rep.-elect Adam Hamawi’s Iran comments on CNN, with Neal calling the “we’ve killed a lot of them too” framing unpatriotic and alarming.  - A heartfelt plug for Melissa Schrade’s iHeart “Top Host” run, including context about her suicide-prevention advocacy after losing her child.  - Coach Stu Portella previews Firth High School’s student-led Veterans Day program—complete with a WWII USS *Enterprise* veteran being honored and an Andrews Sisters-style group performing.  - Veterans Day emotion peaks with Reagan’s “A Soldier’s Pledge,” followed by listeners texting **PLEDGE** to get the audio/video link and share it.  - A quick, surprisingly serious privacy debate over Ring’s indoor security drone—cool idea, but “where does that footage go?” becomes the real question.

    11.11.2026 Veterans Day Tribute | Filibuster Fears | Who Represents America?

  4. 3d ago

    11.10.2026 Thomas Massie’s Impeachment Push | Latah Ballot Error | Kratom Bans Spread

    ## 1. Episode Summary  Neal and Julie bounced between national politics and local Idaho issues, with a recurring theme: motives don’t matter if the outcome is a mess. That argument drove a long discussion about “revenge politics,” with Neal taking direct aim at Thomas Massie’s push to force an impeachment vote against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth—calling it ineffective, bridge-burning, and more about settling scores than delivering results. They tied that mindset to other examples (from Idaho legislative fights to bruising primaries in Texas), emphasizing coalition-building, strategy, and actually winning—not just making noise. The show also dug into Idaho election administration after Latah County discovered 2,342 early-vote ballots were tabulated but not reported—potentially enough to swing a close county commissioner race. From there, the conversation moved to East Idaho cities moving to ban kratom sales (especially concerns about synthetic products), including a listener call pushing back and arguing natural leaf kratom has been used to help people off opioids—while agreeing “stacking” substances is where danger spikes. Along the way, the mood stayed fast, opinionated, and funny—starting with Neal’s scratchy “Barry White” voice bit—and featured multiple check-ins with Scott and Todd from Advanced Window Products promoting a Black Friday-style deal and explaining their process, financing, and lifetime/transferable warranty. --- ## 2. Highlights  - Neal unloads on “revenge politics,” arguing conservatives sometimes “reward motivation instead of results,” using Thomas Massie’s Hegseth impeachment push as the prime example.  - A listener analogy lands: plumbers and HVAC can’t just cut joists—politicians shouldn’t destroy load-bearing coalitions to get their way.  - Latah County’s missing 2,342 ballots sparks a real integrity conversation—Neal and Julie insist accuracy matters even if it flips a seat.  - Kratom debate heats up: city sales bans spread in East Idaho, and a caller warns prohibition can drive new synthetics (like the “spice” cycle).  - Neal and Julie defend the “drug boat” strikes as life-saving deterrence—while swatting down claims about what was on the boats and why waiting until “US soil” creates street-level chaos.  - Scott and Todd (Advanced Window Products) bring repeated, detailed pitch moments: buy 10 windows, get 4 basement windows free, plus zero-percent financing and a transferable lifetime warranty.

    11.10.2026 Thomas Massie’s Impeachment Push | Latah Ballot Error | Kratom Bans Spread

  5. 4d ago

    11.9.2026 DeSantis Momentum | “Arab America” Debate | Culture vs. Policy

    ## 1. Episode Summary  Neal and Julie open with some lighter weekend recaps—Julie’s Lagoon trip (including a “holy crap” review of the Nutcracker ride and a temporarily wrecked voice) and a quick run through a surprisingly entertaining slate of college football, from Utah–BYU to Montana State’s big atmosphere. But the hour quickly pivots into the bigger mood hanging over conservatives after the election: confusion, frustration, and a search for what comes next. A big chunk of the show centers on what they see as deep cultural and political contradictions on the left—particularly around identity politics, radicalism, and values—using examples like a newly elected Michigan figure’s “Arab America” comment and the broader question of why progressive coalitions embrace movements that conflict with stated commitments to women’s and gay rights. Neal and Julie also argue that many of America’s battles (pornography in libraries, trans issues in sports/bathrooms, abortion, and civic decay) aren’t ultimately “policy problems” so much as spiritual and cultural ones—meaning laws may be Band-Aids on something much deeper. They close with a mix of sober realism and determination: conservatives can’t simply disengage, but they do need to regroup, fix messaging, and prepare for the next round—while keeping their footing in family, faith, and community. --- ## 2. Highlights  - Julie’s Lagoon recap (and the Nutcracker ride review: “Holy crap”) plus Neal’s courtside take on a loud, packed Holt Arena atmosphere.  - Neal and Julie wrestle with the backlash and discomfort around the “capital of Arab America” remark—debating identity, assimilation, and American civic unity.  - A sharp critique of progressive “fractured consciousness”: claiming women’s rights while supporting policies and cultural alliances they argue harm women and girls.  - “Put up or shut up”: Democrats now “own” major transparency fights (like the Epstein files), and Neal predicts they’ll avoid delivering.  - A deep dive on Ron DeSantis as a post-election GOP focal point, using Florida’s budget, debt payoff, and governance message as a model Republicans should sell.  - Discussion of the sponsor exodus from a prominent podcast after violent rhetoric—plus the question Neal keeps returning to: will CNN still platform that voice?

    11.9.2026 DeSantis Momentum | “Arab America” Debate | Culture vs. Policy

  6. Nov 6

    11.6.2026 Victor Perez Settlement | Initiative Reform Ideas | Holy War Flash Poll

    ## 1. Episode Summary  Friday’s show had a little bit of everything: local news that hit close to home, a deep dive into Idaho politics and process, and a much-needed musical and sports break. Neal and Julie started with the Pocatello City Council’s unanimous approval of a $4.5 million payout tied to the death of Victor Perez, acknowledging the lasting pain of that case for the family and community. From there, they zoomed out to the national picture—post-election fallout, Democrats talking about ending the war with Iran, and what Neal sees as the predictable “cash pallet” approach to foreign policy—then narrowed back in on what the results mean for Idaho, where Democrats gained seats but Republicans still hold a dominant majority. A big chunk of the episode focused on the initiative process and how it can be used as a “back door” for major cultural and policy shifts in a red state. Neal and Julie kicked around concrete reforms: making petition signatures publicly downloadable once an initiative qualifies, raising the difficulty threshold, and even a “test-drive” idea that would force a second statewide vote a few years after an initiative passes. Midway through, the mood shifted with Studio for Covers: Vinyl Trousers stopped by for an original (“Two Feathers”) and a cover of Matisyahu’s “One Day,” bringing a genuinely upbeat, community vibe. The back end of the show mixed politics and personality—what Republicans should do in the lame-duck window, messaging mistakes that alienate swing voters, and then a fun Holy War flash poll where Cougars fans decisively outnumbered Utes fans among listeners. --- ## 2. Highlights  - Pocatello City Council unanimously approves a $4.5 million payout to Victor Perez’s family—Neal and Julie call it warranted, tragic, and financially significant for a city Pocatello’s size.  - A blunt warning about Democrats’ likely Iran playbook: “placate them with money,” even as Neal argues geography and proxy terror funding can’t be ignored.  - Initiative-process reform ideas: public petition-signature transparency, tougher qualification standards, and a “test-drive” provision that triggers an automatic revote in 2–4 years.  - Studio for Covers: Vinyl Trousers perform an original (“Two Feathers”) and a tight, hopeful cover of Matisyahu’s “One Day,” plus plug upcoming gigs around town.  - Neal critiques self-inflicted messaging wounds on the right—arguing some “own the libs” style talk may cost elections with the “mushy middle.”  - Holy War flash poll: listeners heavily leaned BYU, with one listener even tossing out a “24–13” prediction as a possible score.

    11.6.2026 Victor Perez Settlement | Initiative Reform Ideas | Holy War Flash Poll

  7. Nov 5

    11.5.2026 Midterm Shellacking | GOP Accountability | DEI Backlash Ahead

    ## 1. Episode Summary  Neal and Julie work through the political wreckage of a brutal midterm loss for Republicans and refuse to accept a neat, one-factor explanation—especially the emerging “groupthink” that it was simply the Iran conflict. Neal argues the party can’t fix what it won’t honestly diagnose, and he lays out a broader theory: predictable midterm backlash against the party in power, compounded by Republican dysfunction, stale leadership, broken promises, and a media environment that amplifies every presidential misstep until voters feel exhausted. He also warns that Democrats are already reverting to culture-war/DEI-first messaging and “buyers remorse” could arrive faster than people think—while cautioning listeners not to make sweeping, permanent predictions 48 hours after an election. The show then becomes a rolling “flash poll” with a packed phone line, as callers offer a wide range of explanations: economic pain and gas prices, a sense that Republicans don’t deliver or hold anyone accountable, institutional incentives for some GOP leaders to prefer the minority, cultural/education decline, and concerns about socialism gaining legitimacy. Neal and Julie spar a bit with the doomerism while still taking it seriously, discuss Trump’s outsized media saturation and personality downsides (“mac and cheese personality”), and end on a mix of realism and cautious optimism about 2028—even as they acknowledge the Senate map and looming Democratic investigations could box Trump in quickly. --- ## 2. Highlights  - Neal pushes back on the “Iran war is the whole story” narrative and insists Republicans have to identify *the real* causes or they’ll repeat the failure.  - Caller after caller unloads: “They like being in the minority,” “no accountability,” “people vote their wallet,” “education has hollowed out civic understanding,” and “socialists will be emboldened.”  - A tense-but-thoughtful moment as Neal and Julie talk about a performative “outrage of the week” culture—online rage vs. real civic action and persuasion.  - The “Trump fatigue” conversation: a pro-Trump caller says he can’t stand listening to Trump talk anymore, and Neal connects it to today’s constant media saturation.  - Bob Z (Vietnam veteran) argues the Iran action was necessary and worth the sacrifice—contrasting civic sacrifice with modern “what’s in it for me” voting.  - Neal’s blunt take: Trump’s influence shrank overnight; Republicans may treat him like a lame duck, and rumors swirl about how 2028 contenders (Vance/Rubio/DeSantis) reposition.

    11.5.2026 Midterm Shellacking | GOP Accountability | DEI Backlash Ahead

  8. Nov 4

    11.4.2026 Prop 1 Defeated | GOP Shellacking | The Post-Election Puzzle

    ## 1. Episode Summary  Neal and Julie unpack a whiplash set of post-election results: a brutal national night for Republicans—one they describe as a full-on shellacking—paired with a far better (and more complicated) picture in Idaho. They kick around why the GOP got hammered nationally, rejecting the idea of a single “silver bullet” explanation and instead pointing to an amalgam of factors (Trump backlash, the economy, foreign-policy frustration, messaging, and a younger electorate shaped by social media). One of the strangest through-lines: voters embraced several conservative ballot positions (voter ID-style instincts, cultural guardrails like keeping boys out of girls’ sports, etc.) while simultaneously electing candidates likely to push against those very measures—setting up what Neal predicts could become rapid “buyer’s remorse.” Back home, Idaho Republicans held the statewide offices comfortably, Democrats gained six legislative seats (a notable percentage jump from their prior caucus size), and the marquee fight—Proposition 1—went down decisively, 56–44. The show spends significant time crediting East Idaho turnout and diving into how Prop 1 messaging tried to present itself as moderate while, in Neal and Julie’s view, masking major cultural change. They’re joined by guest Tom Luna from the Stop Prop 1 effort, who describes the coalition, the election-night vote dynamics (early/absentee drops vs. late rural counts), and the next challenge: correcting misinformation about Idaho’s current abortion laws and preparing for the next well-funded initiative—especially marijuana, which multiple callers warn could permanently reshape Idaho’s culture. --- ## 2. Highlights  - Neal’s big-picture take: Republicans didn’t lose for one reason—“our brains want a silver bullet,” but it was an “amalgam” that hit all at once.  - The Idaho paradox: conservative ballot instincts winning while voters still send officeholders who’ll fight those outcomes—Neal calls it “wonky” and ripe for fast buyer’s remorse.  - Tom Luna details the Prop 1 election-night roller coaster: early Ada-heavy vote dumps were a “gut punch,” then East Idaho and Canyon County surged the “no” vote into rocket mode.  - Caller after caller flags the next looming fight: marijuana—warning Idaho not to copy Colorado’s cultural and social fallout.  - Julie cites exit polling showing Democrats’ massive edge with 18–29 voters and argues it’s not just “low information,” but “high misinformation” driven by TikTok-style narratives.  - A pointed local accountability question: why did several East Idaho legislators stay conspicuously quiet on Prop 1 despite their districts voting overwhelmingly against it?

    11.4.2026 Prop 1 Defeated | GOP Shellacking | The Post-Election Puzzle
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Ratings & Reviews

3
out of 5
4 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
    Sandhill Digital
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    567
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Neal Larson Show
  • Show Website
    The Neal Larson Show

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