The Neal Larson Show

Neal Larson

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. 1.12.2026 - Idaho Session, Police Action, Marijuana Debate

    1D AGO

    1.12.2026 - Idaho Session, Police Action, Marijuana Debate

    Send us a text Neal Larson and Julie Mason kick off their Monday show discussing the start of the Idaho legislative session and the upcoming January 15th launch of the Idaho school choice tax credit program. They strongly advocate for House Bill 93, urging listeners to apply for the first-come, first-served funding, even as the bill faces a constitutional challenge in the Idaho Supreme Court. The conversation then shifts to Idaho's $40 million budget shortfall and hopes for a strong national economy to provide relief. A significant segment is dedicated to the widespread unrest following an ICE agent's self-defense shooting, with Neal criticizing what he perceives as biased media coverage, particularly from Jake Tapper, and highlighting local protests related to the shooting and the capture of a Venezuelan drug lord. The show transitions into a lively, impromptu listener debate on Idaho's potential medical marijuana initiative. Callers share mixed views, with some advocating for its medicinal benefits, especially for the elderly, while others express strong opposition, citing concerns about increased crime, homelessness, and the heightened potency of modern cannabis observed in states like Colorado and Michigan. The hosts question the need for plant-based marijuana if THC is already available in pill form, suggesting it's an incremental step towards cultural acceptance of smoking dope. The episode also touches on Aaron Bingham's legislative appointment and previews tomorrow's crucial Supreme Court hearing on Idaho's landmark Fairness in Women's Sports Act. **Highlight List** *   **Idaho School Choice & Legislative Updates:** Discussion of the new school choice tax credit program, its upcoming launch, and the constitutional challenge it faces, alongside Idaho's budget shortfall. *   **ICE Agent Shooting & Media Scrutiny:** Analysis of a controversial ICE agent shooting, arguments for officer justification, and criticism of perceived media bias in reporting. *   **Medical Marijuana Debate:** A spontaneous listener call-in segment exploring the pros and cons of legalizing medical marijuana in Idaho, with diverse views on its societal and health impacts. *   **Supreme Court Hearing Preview:** Anticipation for tomorrow's oral arguments at the Supreme Court regarding Idaho's Fairness in Women's Sports Act. 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
  2. 1.9.2026 - S4C: Kyler Blackham, Border Policies, Minneapolis Shooting, Trump’s Housing Plan

    5D AGO

    1.9.2026 - S4C: Kyler Blackham, Border Policies, Minneapolis Shooting, Trump’s Housing Plan

    Send us a text In this episode of The Neal Larson Show, Neal and co-host Julie Mason discuss the political landscape surrounding immigration enforcement, arguing that the left views lawful border control as authoritarianism due to years of lax policies. They analyze the strategic use of illegal immigration for census redistricting and how Republicans are responding to these political maneuvers. The conversation also covers economic news, specifically regarding tariffs and Donald Trump's proposals to lower mortgage rates and restrict institutional investors in the housing market to support individual homeownership. The episode features a special "Studio 4 Cover" performance by local high school student Kyler Blackham, who performs a rendition of Phil Collins' "You'll Be in My Heart." Later in the program, the hosts praise Vice President JD Vance's ability to handle the media and combat propaganda. They also debate the controversy surrounding a recent officer-involved shooting during an ICE operation, emphasizing the importance of video evidence in establishing self-defense against the prevailing media narrative. **Episode Highlights:** *   Neal explains the theory that open border policies are a strategic move to influence census counts and congressional redistricting. *   Student Kyler Blackham joins the studio to perform a cover of Phil Collins. *   Discussion on Trump’s proposal to ban institutional investors from buying up single-family homes. *   Analysis of JD Vance’s media presence and the controversy surrounding a recent ICE agent shooting incident. 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 24m
  3. 1.8.2026 - Senator Risch on Maduro, Minnesota Fraud Scandal, & Winter Window Deals

    6D AGO

    1.8.2026 - Senator Risch on Maduro, Minnesota Fraud Scandal, & Winter Window Deals

    Send us a text In this episode, Neal Larson and Julie Mason are joined by U.S. Senator Jim Risch to discuss the recent and dramatic apprehension of Nicolás Maduro. Senator Risch provides insights into the 47-minute operation, the strategic importance of stabilizing Venezuela, and the broader implications of enforcing the Monroe Doctrine to keep adversaries like Russia and China out of the Western Hemisphere. The conversation also covers the logistics of managing Venezuela’s oil assets to prevent total economic collapse while transitioning away from the socialist regime. The hosts then shift their focus to domestic issues, specifically the unfolding chaos in Minnesota involving Governor Tim Walz. They analyze the massive allegations of fraud involving federal funds, the recent shooting in Minneapolis, and the political fallout facing the state's leadership. Throughout the morning, Scott and Todd from Advanced Window Products join the studio to celebrate their 40th anniversary, offering listeners a significant discount on custom windows to handle the chilly Idaho winter. **Episode Highlights** *   Senator Jim Risch details the swift operation to apprehend Maduro and the U.S. strategy for Venezuela's future. *   Discussion on the "Monroe Doctrine" and preventing geopolitical foes from gaining ground in the West. *   Breakdown of the $9 billion fraud scandal rocking Minnesota and the pressure on Governor Tim Walz. *   An intense exchange regarding immigration, assimilation, and fraud within the Somali community in Minnesota. *   Lighthearted banter on whether it is acceptable to leave your car running while pumping gas in the winter. *   Scott and Todd share a 40th-anniversary special offer from Advanced Window Products. 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 28m
  4. 1.7.2026 - 3X Gold Medalist Nancy Hogshead on Protecting Women's Sports, Minnesota Fraud Scandal, Trump's Foreign Policy

    JAN 7

    1.7.2026 - 3X Gold Medalist Nancy Hogshead on Protecting Women's Sports, Minnesota Fraud Scandal, Trump's Foreign Policy

    Send us a text Neal Larson and Julie Mason cover a wide array of local and national issues, beginning with the escalating fraud scandal in Minnesota and the subsequent calls for Governor Tim Walz's resignation. Closer to home, the hosts discuss the selection process to fill the Idaho House seat for Legislative District 32 following Wendy Horman's departure. They analyze the shortlist of candidates and the surprise last-minute withdrawal of former lawmaker Dean Mortimer. The conversation also turns to the future of education in Idaho, specifically House Bill 93 and the potential for federal parental choice programs to serve as a safety net for school choice advocates. The episode features a compelling interview with three-time Olympic gold medalist and civil rights attorney Nancy Hogshead. She joins the show to discuss the upcoming Supreme Court case involving Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act. Hogshead explains the legal and biological arguments for maintaining sex-segregated sports and shares her personal disappointment with the Democratic Party's stance on the issue. The show concludes with a look at international relations, including the arrest of Nicolas Maduro and strategic interests in Greenland, as well as significant updates to federal dietary and vaccine guidelines under the Trump administration. **Episode Highlights** *   Nancy Hogshead discusses the upcoming Supreme Court arguments regarding fairness in women's sports. *   The ballooning fraud scandal in Minnesota and the congressional oversight hearings. *   Updates on the Idaho House District 32 vacancy and the future of school choice legislation. *   Discussion on the "Don Rowe Doctrine," Greenland, and new federal health guidelines. 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 28m
  5. 1.6.2026 - Trump on Maduro, Rampant Federal Fraud, and Election Reflections, Snowpack review

    JAN 6

    1.6.2026 - Trump on Maduro, Rampant Federal Fraud, and Election Reflections, Snowpack review

    Send us a text In this episode, Neal Larson and Julie Mason break down President Trump’s recent rambling yet news-heavy speech regarding the arrest of Venezuelan dictator Nicolás Maduro, his views on tariffs, and his address to the House GOP retreat. The hosts analyze the political reactions to Maduro's detention, including surprising support from The View’s Ana Navarro, while noting the former President's meandering delivery regarding internal party politics. The conversation then shifts to a broader examination of government corruption, highlighting egregious examples of SNAP benefit trafficking in Boston and the massive daycare fraud scandal in Minnesota, questioning why Tim Walz appears to be dodging questions on the matter. The discussion takes a shocking turn as the hosts examine a controversial report alleging that Capitol Police Captain Michael Byrd, known for the shooting of Ashli Babbitt, has received nearly $190 million in federal funding for an unaccredited daycare over the last 17 years. Neal and Julie debate the plausibility of "useful idiots" in Washington D.C. and the systemic lack of oversight. The show concludes with a focus on local Idaho issues, featuring a check-in on regional snowpack levels with expert Brian Murdoch and a candid response to listener criticism regarding "dark money" influence in the recent Idaho Falls mayoral election. **Episode Highlights** *   **Trump on Maduro & Tariffs:** Analysis of President Trump's reaction to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his defense of aggressive tariff policies. *   **Rampant Government Fraud:** A look at the multi-million dollar SNAP schemes and the Minnesota daycare fraud scandal involving Tim Walz. *   ** The Michael Byrd Allegations:** Discussing reports that the Capitol Police officer involved in January 6th received millions in questionable federal grants. *   **Idaho Politics & Water:** An update on the state's snowpack levels and a debate over outside spending in local mayoral races. 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 28m
  6. 1.5.2026 -- Capturing Maduro, HB 93 Lawsuit, Idaho Legislative Updates

    JAN 5

    1.5.2026 -- Capturing Maduro, HB 93 Lawsuit, Idaho Legislative Updates

    Send us a text In this episode of News Talk 1079, Neal Larson and Julie Mason discuss the headline-dominating news of the U.S. apprehension of Venezuelan dictator Nicolas Maduro under the Trump administration. The hosts vigorously defend the constitutionality of the operation, arguing against libertarians and critics who claim congressional approval was required. They frame the capture not as an act of war, but as a necessary law enforcement and national security measure against a narco-terrorist leader, emphasizing the potential for restored freedom in Venezuela and the strategic importance of severing the regime's ties with Russia and China. Closer to home, Neal and Julie cover significant local developments, including the dismantling of the historic Idaho Falls Water Tower and the selection process to replace Wendy Hormann in Legislative District 32, listing the six finalists for the seat. The duo also analyzes the upcoming arguments before the Idaho Supreme Court regarding House Bill 93, a private education tax credit. They criticize the coalition opposing the bill for allegedly misrepresenting the Idaho Constitution’s language regarding a "single uniform system" of schools to suit their legal arguments. **Episode Highlights** *   **The Maduro Operation:** Analysis of the constitutional authority behind the capture of Nicolas Maduro and the pushback against critics claiming executive overreach. *   **Idaho Supreme Court Battle:** A deep dive into the legal arguments surrounding House Bill 93 and the debate over school choice funding. *   **Local News:** Updates on the replacement process for Representative Wendy Horman and the removal of the iconic Idaho Falls Water Tower. 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
  7. 12.19.2025 - INTERVIEW: Rep. Wendy Horman on new role at HHS, leaving the legislature. STUDIO4 COVERS: Jason Lentz

    12/19/2025

    12.19.2025 - INTERVIEW: Rep. Wendy Horman on new role at HHS, leaving the legislature. STUDIO4 COVERS: Jason Lentz

    Send us a text In this episode, Neal Larson and Julie Mason break major local news as State Representative Wendy Horman joins the show to announce her resignation from the Idaho Legislature. Horman reveals she has accepted a position in Washington, D.C., serving as the Director of the Office of Child Care within the Department of Health and Human Services. The hosts discuss the immediate political implications for East Idaho, specifically focusing on the process of appointing her replacement and the potential impact on House Bill 93 and parental rights in education. The show also features a moving "Studio 4 Covers" segment with local musician Jason Lentz, who shares his personal journey from atheism to faith before performing an acoustic cover of Larry Fleet’s "Where I Find God." Additionally, Neal and Julie tackle current political headlines, including the Pocatello City Council’s unanimous vote to eliminate runoff elections and the latest cultural reactions to President Trump, which Neal categorizes as "Trump Derangement Syndrome." **Exclusive Announcement:** Representative Wendy Horman announces she is stepping down to join the Trump administration at the HHS. **Studio 4 Covers:** Musician Jason Lentz shares his testimony of finding faith and performs live in the studio. **Local Politics:** A discussion on the controversial decision by the Pocatello City Council to get rid of runoff elections. **The Replacement Process:** Neal and Julie debate the importance of appointing a replacement for Horman who aligns with the voters' intent regarding school choice. 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
  8. 12.17.2025 - Trump's Perspective, Blockading Venezuela, Institutional Failures

    12/17/2025

    12.17.2025 - Trump's Perspective, Blockading Venezuela, Institutional Failures

    Send us a text On this episode, Neal Larson and Julie Mason delve into the heated reactions surrounding Donald Trump's social media post following the death of his vocal critic, Rob Reiner. While acknowledging Trump's words were inappropriate, Neal argues the public and media outrage is a distraction from more critical issues, such as the alleged weaponization of the FBI in the Mar-a-Lago raid. The hosts contend that focusing on Trump's abrasive rhetoric overlooks the tangible benefits of his "America First" policies, including a strong foreign policy stance exemplified by a new blockade on Venezuelan oil tankers. The conversation also tackles local and national accountability issues. Neal and Julie express deep concern over a report that the Boise School District may have interfered with police investigations into sexual abuse to protect itself from liability. They shift to the recent shooting at Brown University, criticizing the university's mishandling of information and confusing communication regarding emergency protocols. They suggest that the official response seems hampered by political correctness, avoiding a direct conversation about the shooter's potential motives. **Putting Trump in Perspective:** Neal argues that outrage over Trump's social media posts distracts from more significant threats, such as the weaponization of government agencies. **School District Accountability:** The hosts discuss a disturbing report alleging the Boise School District obstructed police investigations into sexual abuse to avoid liability. **Critiquing the Brown University Response:** Neal and Julie critique the confusing and delayed communication from Brown University officials following the recent campus shooting. 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 19m

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.