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. 5.29.2026 - America 250, Fourth Verse, Trump Fatigue

    15h ago

    5.29.2026 - America 250, Fourth Verse, Trump Fatigue

    Send us Fan Mail We kicked off a Friday show in full “America 250” mode—loosening things up while also getting serious about what it means that the country is nearing its 250th anniversary. Neal shared why he sees America’s founding as more than historical luck—something rooted in providence, liberty, and the idea that our rights come from God, not government. He also invited listeners to be part of the celebration by submitting short audio/video “birthday greetings” to America that we’ll use on air and online (with a quick heads-up: iPhone users might see an error even if the message still goes through). Then we leaned into the patriotic theme with a Studio for Cover performance: Marine veteran Jason Franklin sang the *fourth verse* of the National Anthem—something most people never hear, but hits hard once you do. We also talked with Army veteran Ryan Lloyd about his “Why We Stand” project, aimed at bringing that fourth verse back into the public conversation during America 250 commemorations. From there, the show drifted into a familiar cultural reality: how some people let Trump-related anger crowd out everything else (even national celebration), and how politics—locally and nationally—can leave communities fractured, cynical, and exhausted. Still, we circled back to the bigger point: don’t miss the moment. America is worth celebrating, and the best way forward is to stay grounded in gratitude, perspective, and purpose. --- ### Highlights - Neal’s America 250 listener project: submit a short greeting (audio/video) about what America means to you   - Jason Franklin performs the **fourth verse** of the National Anthem live in studio   - Ryan Lloyd explains the **Why We Stand** project and why the 4th verse captures the “why” behind American resilience   - Discussion on Trump fatigue: not letting political rage override love of country   - Honest talk about how elections and “dark money” can fracture local communities and leave voters jaded 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

    1h 30m
  2. 5.28.2026 - FLASHPOLL: Should we rebuild the Teton Dam? - Also NGO's and UAP Disclosure

    1d ago

    5.28.2026 - FLASHPOLL: Should we rebuild the Teton Dam? - Also NGO's and UAP Disclosure

    Send us Fan Mail Nine days after the election, we’re still processing how much noise we all got dragged into—dark money, viral single-issue drama, and the constant firehose of information that can make us worse at decisions instead of better. We talked about how distrust has become the default setting: people reflexively argue, pick teams, and assume bad intent, even when the facts (like how legislators actually vote in Boise) are sitting right in front of us. That same skepticism spilled into our UAP/UFO chatter too—between AI, government credibility issues, and the possibility we’re being “slow-walked” into disclosure, we’re basically at “call us when the mothership parks downtown” levels of belief. From there, the show shifted into a bigger political frustration: alleged NGO/grant money laundering and how hard some systems seem to work to avoid scrutiny—highlighted by Trump’s claims about massive last-minute grant dumps and a viral clip about California’s proposed “Stop Nick Shirley” bill. Then we pivoted local and practical with a flash poll that lit up the text line: should we rebuild the Teton Dam (safely, and likely not in the exact same way or place) for water storage, power, and recreation? The response was overwhelmingly “yes,” but with real pushback too—geology, ecology, trauma from the 1976 disaster, and concerns about long-term feasibility. Bottom line: everyone wants a stable water future in East Idaho; nobody agrees on a single magic fix, and we’re going to have to stack solutions. ### Highlights - Post-election clarity: we obsessed over distractions and forgot to focus on how lawmakers actually behave in Boise   - Trust is collapsing: “reflexive disagreement” is replacing thoughtful debate   - NGO/grant fraud concerns: claims of taxpayer money being funneled through nonprofits and efforts to shield them from scrutiny   - Flash poll: strong support for rebuilding the Teton Dam—tempered by geology, wildlife, and flood-trauma concerns   - Water solutions aren’t one-and-done: raising Jackson Lake, adjusting American Falls, recharge credit, and structural reforms all came up   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

    1h 26m
  3. 5.27.2026 - Primary Funk, AI Newsrooms, Surveillance Tech

    2d ago

    5.27.2026 - Primary Funk, AI Newsrooms, Surveillance Tech

    Send us Fan Mail Neal Larson and Julie Mason come in a little “off” today—post-primary letdown, a little fatigue, and the sense that even when things are moving in the right direction, the process is messy. They talk through what they see as Donald Trump’s continued dominance in politics (including big primary wins they point to as proof), while also acknowledging the internal Republican infighting that can undercut opportunity. From there the conversation bounces from national politics to regional culture clashes—like the idea of Oregon putting a hunting-and-fishing ban on the ballot—and why the left never seems to reach a “destination,” always pushing for the next radical step. The biggest through-line, though, is change: how media either adapts or dies. They dig into the Idaho Statesman journalist walkout over AI in editing workflows, and the broader reality that AI is not a fad—it’s the next Craigslist-level disruption. The discussion gets nuanced: when AI “tightens” copy versus when it alters tone or intent, what consent looks like for writers, and how audiences mostly just want accuracy. They also zoom out to portability and platforms—why radio has stayed nimble (podcasts, streams, Facebook Live), while newspapers have struggled with paywalls, elitism, and even ideological choices like briefly leaving X. The hour wraps with a few tech surprises and concerns, including a weird smart-speaker glitch and reports of future AirPods with outward-facing cameras—raising the bigger question of where convenience ends and surveillance begins. ### Highlights - Primary fallout and “funk” talk: success can still feel messy while you’re in it   - Oregon ballot push to ban hunting/fishing, and what it says about progressive escalation   - Idaho Statesman walkout: AI in the newsroom, consent, tone, and workflow ethics   - Why newspapers collapsed (Craigslist, then smartphones) and why radio/podcasting stayed nimble   - Emerging surveillance concerns: camera-equipped AirPods, always-on earbuds, and being “unplugged” 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

    1h 29m
  4. 5.26.2026 - Iran Nuance, Media Skepticism, Voter Turnout

    3d ago

    5.26.2026 - Iran Nuance, Media Skepticism, Voter Turnout

    Send us Fan Mail Neal Larson and Julie Mason spend the morning unpacking two things that have been sitting heavy: how easily we can get locked into a narrative, and how much hotter and more on-edge people feel lately—even after a holiday weekend. They circle back to a heated Memorial Day call/text exchange about Trump’s “obliterated” comment on Iran’s Fordow site, and Neal walks through the nuance: the facilities were devastated, but “nuclear capability” also includes the scattered pieces you can’t bomb out of existence—scientists, know-how, stockpiles, hidden sites, and the regime’s will (plus outside help from countries like China and Russia). The point isn’t to relitigate personalities; it’s to be careful about absolutist claims in a messy world, and to resist letting hatred (of Trump, Israel, whoever) replace analysis. From there, the conversation widens into media literacy and civic responsibility. They talk about how YouTube/podcasts can be useful but also financially incentivized to amplify outrage, and how algorithms can embed false premises that radicalize people over time. Locally, they touch on post-election burnout, low turnout, and the frustration of voters feeling powerless against “dark money,” plus concerns about ballot confusion and whether expanded early voting windows actually increase participation. They also revisit ranked-choice voting and why they believe Idaho dodged a bullet—especially in races where a “jungle primary” could create strange outcomes. The throughline is simple: take a breath, stay skeptical (including of them), do the homework, and don’t outsource your worldview to the loudest feed. **Highlights** - What Trump meant (and didn’t mean) by “obliterated” Iran’s Fordo site—and what “nuclear capability” really includes   - Why algorithm-driven media can lock people into false premises (and why outrage is profitable)   - Voter turnout, early voting, ballot issues, and why ranked-choice voting could have made local outcomes messier   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

    1h 31m
  5. 5.25.2026 - Memorial Day Reflections, Trump Primary Fallout, Epstein File Arguments

    5d ago

    5.25.2026 - Memorial Day Reflections, Trump Primary Fallout, Epstein File Arguments

    Send us Fan Mail On Memorial Day, Neal Larson and Julie Mason open the show by grounding the day in gratitude—then pivot into a wide-ranging, very “live radio” conversation that hits politics, culture, and the moment we’re in. They discuss Thomas Massie losing his primary despite Trump’s endorsement power, and what that says about how vulnerable incumbents can be when local dissatisfaction is already there. From there, they pull the camera back to Idaho politics—how moderates adapt in a deep-red state, why Democrats struggle statewide, and how ideological “blue/purple” influence can still show up through legislative races, party infiltration, and out-of-state money. The tone shifts when they play Ronald Reagan’s “Soldier’s Pledge,” then the day’s biggest theme emerges: how Americans process politics now—especially around Donald Trump. They talk about the 2028-ish Democratic field speculation (Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, AOC, Buttigieg, Shapiro, etc.), the absurdity of vilifying an NFL player (Jackson Dart) simply for introducing a president, and the broader “hero/villain” thinking that’s breaking people’s brains. Two heated calls—one centered on Israel money, Massie, and the Epstein files, another from a three-time Trump voter frustrated with Trump’s language and follow-through—turn into a real-time case study of how quickly political disagreement becomes moral accusation. Neal and Julie keep coming back to the same point: it’s complicated, nobody’s pure, and if you can’t live in the messy middle—praising what’s good while criticizing what’s bad—you’re going to be manipulated by narratives all day long. ### Highlights - Reagan’s “Soldier’s Pledge” sets the Memorial Day tone and sparks a call to reflect with family. - Thomas Massie’s loss becomes a debate over Trump’s influence, money in politics, and local voter dynamics. - A sharp look at the Democratic bench: likability, coalition math, and why Shapiro’s ceiling may be real. - Culture snapshot: outrage at Jackson Dart for introducing Trump vs. what actually gets ignored in pro sports. - The Epstein files argument exposes a deeper divide: transparency demands vs. “everything becomes a weapon.” 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

    1h 26m
  6. 5.22.2026 - S4C: Rev'D Audio, 3 Doors Down - Election Aftermath, FLASHPOLL: Data Center Debate

    May 22

    5.22.2026 - S4C: Rev'D Audio, 3 Doors Down - Election Aftermath, FLASHPOLL: Data Center Debate

    Send us Fan Mail Neal Larson and Julie Mason close out a whirlwind post-election week in classic Friday form: a little Capitol Hill intrigue, a little local weirdness, and a lot of “where are we headed from here?” They kick things off riffing on Trump’s continued dominance inside the GOP—how one endorsement can flip a Senate race overnight—and what that kind of bully-pulpit pressure does to senators who don’t love being told who stays and who goes. From there, it turns into a very “us” kind of hour: poking fun at cultural tribes (yes, even the Subaru people), reacting to a local bathroom-bill lawsuit getting dropped, and taking a caller’s frustration seriously about how many voters showed up to the election knowing basically nothing—while PAC mailers and tiny penalties keep rewarding bad campaign behavior. Then the show shifts into the fun part: Studio Four Covers brings in Rev'D Audio (Jade, Brad, Kyle, Kenny) for a live Three Doors Down cover of “Here Without You,” followed by a quick band interview and a reminder why Fridays are different around here. In hour two, they hit media and politics again—Colbert’s cancellation and the performative grief from Democrats—then dig into what Idaho’s primary results *actually* mean versus the spin. The biggest meat of the episode becomes a flash poll on data centers in East Idaho: callers are split between “we have to stay in the tech race” and “not if it spikes water and power or disrupts communities.” Neil and Julie land in a cautious, conditional “yes”: build them smart (think desert/INL adjacency), protect ratepayers and water, and don’t let insiders game the system—because like it or not, the future’s coming and we need to be part of shaping it. ### Highlights - Trump’s endorsements and the Senate power dynamic: why senators bristle when the president picks winners and losers   - Voter ignorance + PAC mailers: low-information voting, misleading advertising, and weak enforcement penalties   - Rev. Audio live in-studio: Three Doors Down’s “Here Without You” + band background and how to find them   - Flash poll: East Idaho data centers—economic upside vs. water/power impacts, surveillance fears, and community disruption   - Media wrap: Colbert’s exit, partisan framing of Idaho primary results, and what “wins” really mean statewide 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

    1h 29m
  7. 5.21.2026 - Team Politics, Voter Turnout, Truth Fatigue

    May 21

    5.21.2026 - Team Politics, Voter Turnout, Truth Fatigue

    Send us Fan Mail Neal Larson and Julie Mason debrief a bruising stretch of East Idaho politics and the hangover from Tuesday’s results. Neal talks through his “mental palate cleanse” road trip to Dillon, Montana—part therapy session, part prayer, part 1980s playlist—and the bigger realization it led to: we’re sliding into a toxic “team sport” way of voting where people pick a slate or a brand instead of weighing candidates on their own merits and outcomes. That dynamic, he argues, is warping representation, feeding scorched-earth tactics, and making it harder to stop looming ballot initiatives like marijuana and abortion. He also reflects on how misinformation spreads (including in races where people get unfairly tied to the Idaho Freedom Foundation), and lands on a steadying conclusion: we still fight for good policy, but God’s in charge—and we also need to live our lives, love our families, and refuse to let politics consume everything. The conversation opens up into calls and listener feedback: one caller admits she sat out voting entirely out of frustration over national issues and the “Save America Act,” which sparks a firm pushback that disengagement is basically forfeiting—especially when local races can come down to a single vote. Another caller raises the fog of misinformation (including around Israel/Netanyahu narratives), reinforcing how hard it is to find clean truth in a dirty information environment. Neal and Julie also take aim at low turnout, dark money, and the way “moderate” branding can mask values that don’t match the Republican platform. They end with a practical path forward: better tools and better habits—like unfollowing political rage-bait online, and building a customizable online “toolkit” that scores legislators based on the *issues you actually care about*, using real votes (not mailers, not rumors, not teams). ### Highlights - Neal’s road-trip reset leads to a hard critique of “team politics” and slate voting in Idaho. - The scorched-earth brand problem: IFF-style endorsements becoming campaign poison, similar to what happened with Reclaim Idaho after Prop 1. - Low turnout + dark money + misinformation = distorted representation, even in deep-red areas. - A listener calls for re-centering on foundational principles (Thomas Paine, Declaration of Independence). - Neal teases a future online voter “toolkit” that weights lawmaker scores by *your* priorities, based on actual legislative votes. 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

    1h 25m
  8. 5.20.2026 - ELECTION RESULTS, Listeners react

    May 20

    5.20.2026 - ELECTION RESULTS, Listeners react

    Send us Fan Mail Post-election day hit like a gut-check. We walk through the East Idaho results—overall a big night for incumbents, with the major standout being Tonya Burgoyne narrowly losing to Jennifer Miles, and a handful of races (especially Barbie Hart vs. Connor Cook) landing uncomfortably close. We also touch the federal/statewide top-lines (Risch, Fulcher, Simpson, Little, etc.), local levies passing easily, and what turnout looked like in some places—especially the head-scratcher of low participation in certain legislative districts where a couple hundred votes could have changed the whole story. But the bigger conversation is the mood underneath the numbers: the confusion a lot of conservatives are feeling watching candidates campaign as conservatives and then govern like moderates (or worse), while voters say they want limited government, lower taxes, immigration enforcement, and protection for women’s and girls’ spaces—yet keep electing lawmakers who stall or oppose those priorities. We talk about dark money and PAC influence, the way endorsements from high-profile “referee” roles (mayors, sheriffs, Secretary of State) deepen community divides, and why trying to solve spiritual/cultural rot strictly through legislation is a mismatch. Then we open the lines for profanity-free venting: frustration, disappointment, a little hope, and a renewed call for regular people to actually show up, do the homework, and vote like it matters—because it does. ### Highlights - East Idaho incumbents mostly held; Jennifer Miles’ narrow win over Tanya Burgoyne was the key upset. - Barb Ehardt won, but by a razor-thin margin—plus discussion of the Harriman State Park messaging hit and PAC tactics. - “Confusion” as the defining theme: voters want conservative outcomes but keep rewarding candidates who don’t deliver. - Concern about dark money/PAC pipelines shaping Idaho politics through “center-left Republicans.” - Critique of endorsements by figures expected to be community referees (mayors, sheriffs, Secretary of State) and how that erodes trust. - Caller questions about voting procedures (spoiled/spent ballots, party call-outs) and how to build confidence in election systems. 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

    1h 23m
See All (455)

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
    455
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Neal Larson Show
  • Show Website
    The Neal Larson Show

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