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. 2.25.2026 - SOTU Review, Clown Car, Idaho Debates

    8H AGO

    2.25.2026 - SOTU Review, Clown Car, Idaho Debates

    Send a text Neal Larson and Julie Mason open their February 25th, 2026 broadcast with a detailed analysis of a recent State of the Union address, which they generally praise for its solid structure and celebratory tone, rating it a B+/A-. They note the speech was "Trump-esque" with familiar catchphrases but appreciated that it didn't require them to "justify" the president's statements, a departure from past frustrations. Highlights included recognizing heroes such as Erica Kirk, whose husband, Charlie Kirk, was mentioned by Trump in the speech as having been "murdered for his beliefs," as well as celebrating the US men's hockey team. The discussion quickly turns to a sharp critique of the Democratic Party's political standing and their behavior during the SOTU. Julie Mason labels the field of potential Democratic presidential nominees—including Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, Pete Buttigieg, and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez—as a "total clown car" lacking a clear frontrunner. Both hosts express dismay at the Democrats' perceived negativity, their refusal to applaud consensus issues (like honoring the mother of a daughter killed by an illegal immigrant or the hockey team), and their "circus-like" counter-events. The episode also delves into Idaho legislative matters, particularly debates around e-verify bills for employers and a controversial "brown face" testimony incident involving David Pettinger, sparking discussion on free speech versus racially insensitive acts and the awkward position lawmakers found themselves in. ### Highlight List *   Hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason analyze a recent State of the Union, rating Trump's speech positively for its structure and celebratory tone, while noting its "Trump-esque" style. *   Strong criticism is leveled at the Democratic Party, whose pool of presidential hopefuls is labeled a "clown car," and whose lawmakers are called out for their negative reactions and refusal to applaud during the SOTU. *   Discussion covers immigration policy, the primary duty of government to protect citizens, and the complexities of e-verify bills and employer responsibilities in the Idaho legislature. *   The incident of David Pettinger testifying in "brown face" during an Idaho legislative hearing is examined, probing the challenging balance between freedom of expression and addressing racially insensitive acts. *   Gavin Newsom's controversial comment about Kamala Harris and Willie Brown is highlighted, interpreted as an attempt to undermine her political ascent. 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
  2. 2.24.2026 - Legislative Scrutiny, Political Corrosion, Enduring Trauma

    1D AGO

    2.24.2026 - Legislative Scrutiny, Political Corrosion, Enduring Trauma

    Send a text This episode kicks off with Neal and Julie looking ahead to tonight's State of the Union, where the President's "America 250" theme is set to intertwine with discussions on pressing issues like tariffs, the economy, and Iran. Locally, the Idaho legislative session is a major focus. We hear their take on Senator Harris's e-verify bill, which they critically analyze for potentially offering more exemptions than enforcement, raising questions about transparency in legislation. The "blood bill," allowing self-directed donations, sparks a deep dive into the Red Cross's financial practices, including its substantial revenue from blood sales and CEO's salary, prompting a broader discussion on personal freedom versus business interests. They also touch on the peculiar opposition to a rat eradication bill from exterminators, and a controversial emergency bill by Britt Raybould that could retroactively change candidate residency requirements, drawing concern for its potential to disqualify challengers like David Worley and protect incumbents. Beyond the legislative arena, the hosts don't shy away from national political commentary. They dissect Gavin Newsom's "960 SAT guy" comment and his subsequent social media "double down," critiquing what they perceive as a lack of genuine apology and an attempt to deflect. This segues into a broader, heartfelt discussion on how politics, particularly amplified by social media, can corrode individuals' emotional well-being and foster an overly polarized "hero or villain" mentality in society. A particularly moving segment explores the lasting impact of crime, spurred by their review of "The Scream Murders" documentary on the Cassie Joe Stoddart case, and features a powerful call from a listener sharing her own family's tragic experience with murder, highlighting the unending pain for victims' families and the complexities of juvenile sentencing. The show concludes with lighter notes on digital driver's licenses and the power dynamics of international oil seizures, always circling back to the importance of honesty and substance in public discourse. **Highlight List:** *   **Idaho Legislative Battlegrounds:** Critical analysis of controversial bills concerning immigration (e-verify), blood donation (Red Cross's business model), and candidate residency (potential incumbent protection). *   **Politics, Personal Erosion, and Social Media:** Discussion on Gavin Newsom's gaffe, leading to a broader critique of how extreme political engagement, fueled by social media, can negatively impact individuals' emotional health and societal discourse. *   **The Unending Trauma of Crime:** A poignant segment discussing the Cassie Joe Stoddert murder documentary and a listener's personal testimony, emphasizing the long-term suffering of victims' families and the difficult questions around justice for youthful offenders. 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
  3. 2.23.2026 - Budget Battles, Political Gaffes, Community Control

    2D AGO

    2.23.2026 - Budget Battles, Political Gaffes, Community Control

    Send a text Neal Larson and Julie Mason dive deep into a diverse array of topics, kicking off with a pragmatic look at state budget cuts, particularly in Idaho. They challenge the alarmist rhetoric often employed by politicians during election cycles, suggesting that modest cuts (like 1%) won't lead to calamity and that much of the current financial squeeze stems from the "extra money" available during the COVID years, leading to a societal struggle with delayed gratification. The conversation pivots to national and international events, discussing the emotional impact of the USA Hockey team's gold medal wins, the controversy surrounding Cash Patel's locker room visit, and President Trump's poignant address to "Angel Families" honoring Lincoln Riley – contrasting it with past political missteps. The hosts also tackle various social and political discussions, including the viral "snoring audio" during an AOC interview, escalating cartel violence in Mexico, and Governor Gavin Newsom's "960 SAT guy" comment, which they dissect as potentially racist and a prime example of latent subconscious bias. Locally, they explore proposed Idaho legislation, debating a bill that would automatically dissolve HOAs after ten years, sparking a lively discussion with callers about the pros and cons of homeowner associations. Other legislative ideas, like a daily moment of silence in schools and stronger foster care rights, are also touched upon, alongside a humorous take on Olympic curling and the viral pushback against an "anti-American flag" article from Huffington Post by a New England seafood restaurant. --- **Highlight List:** *   **Idaho Budget Cuts:** Discussion on political exaggeration during election cycles and the hosts' belief that modest cuts are manageable, reflecting a post-COVID return to financial reality. *   **American Pride & Politics:** Celebration of USA Hockey's victories, contrasting patriotic sentiment with critical media narratives and highlighting President Trump's address to "Angel Families." *   **Political Gaffes & Rhetoric:** Analysis of Gavin Newsom's "960 SAT guy" comment as potentially racist and other examples of questionable political communication (AOC's snoring audio, exaggerated budget fears). *   **Local Idaho Legislation:** Debate over a proposed bill to automatically dissolve HOAs after 10 years, alongside bills for a daily moment of silence in schools and enhanced foster child rights. 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 27m
  4. 2.20.2026 - S4C: Tessa Cates, Aliens Exist, SCOTUS Slaps Down Tariffs

    5D AGO

    2.20.2026 - S4C: Tessa Cates, Aliens Exist, SCOTUS Slaps Down Tariffs

    Send a text The big news dropped this morning: the Supreme Court has struck down all the tariffs enacted by former President Trump under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, with a 6-3 decision. While Neal appreciated the reminder of checks and balances within our government, Julie pointed out the "tariff derangement syndrome" some exhibit. There's still a lot of uncertainty about whether money will be refunded and the full implications of the ruling, with many media headlines jumping to conclusions before the details are fully understood. The conversation then shifted to the sensational claim by Barack Obama on a podcast that aliens are real, sparking a debate with Trump and a surprising revelation from Lara Trump about a possible prepared speech by Donald Trump on extraterrestrial life. Both Neal and Julie agreed that the alien disclosure, not the classified information angle, was the true bombshell, and questioned why the government would hide such information. We also delved into the recent high school walkouts protesting ICE, with Neal and Julie expressing concern over what they called "misdirected youth" being used as "adult pawns" for a cause that, in their view, promotes lawlessness. They drew a distinction between excusing a child for a political rally that's part of the electoral process and skipping school for protests that advocate against established laws, especially given some of the aggressive signage seen. The show rounded out with a few other interesting tidbits, including ESPN's WNBA over MLB programming shift, the Chicago Bears' potential move, and a humorous Chili's bathroom review mishap, alongside a discussion on "woke" athletes and the concept of "bullying" in foreign policy. **Highlights:** *   The Supreme Court invalidated Trump-era tariffs (6-3), sparking debate over immediate impacts and the role of judicial checks and balances. *   Barack Obama's podcast statement about "aliens being real" and subsequent reactions from Donald and Lara Trump brought the topic of government secrecy and extraterrestrial life to the forefront. *   Local high school students staged a walkout protest against ICE, leading to a discussion on truancy, the nature of youth activism, and the perceived promotion of "lawlessness." *   The hosts criticized the media's quick, often definitive reporting on complex issues like tariffs and the perceived anti-American stance of some athletes. 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
  5. 2.19.2026 - Iran Tensions, Digital IDs, and voter integrity

    6D AGO

    2.19.2026 - Iran Tensions, Digital IDs, and voter integrity

    Send a text Neal Larson and Julie Mason kicked off their show covering a broad spectrum of topics, from local politics to global affairs. They began by discussing the Kansas Senate overriding Governor Laura Kelly's veto and CNN's concerning midterm predictions showing governorships tilting Republican. A significant portion of the conversation revolved around President Trump's "Board of Peace" meeting, which spurred a deep dive into escalating US-Iran tensions, the military buildup in the Middle East, and the hosts' speculations on potential US military action in Iran, touching on constitutional aspects and the contentious role of Israel in US foreign policy. The hosts debated Senator Brian Lenny's updated voter affidavit bill, which aims to strengthen ID requirements at the polls, leading into a broader discussion on the pros and cons of mobile driver's licenses, with listeners texting in their varied opinions on privacy, security, government overreach, and accessibility. The episode also featured a fun segment announcing a Valentine's Day contest winner, a discussion about the reliability of Starlink internet, and a brief mention of a stolen ambulance incident in Boise, wrapping up with a jab at Utah's recent fuel dispute. --- **Highlight List:** *   **Geopolitical Focus:** Deep dive into US-Iran tensions, military buildup in the Middle East, and the ethical/constitutional debates surrounding potential intervention. *   **Local Legislation & Technology:** Discussion on Idaho's voter ID bill and the contentious but intriguing concept of mobile driver's licenses, including listener feedback on privacy and convenience. 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 27m
  6. 2.18.2026 - Idaho Legislative Drama: Prisons, Blood, & Utah

    FEB 18

    2.18.2026 - Idaho Legislative Drama: Prisons, Blood, & Utah

    Send a text On a surprisingly wintery and snowy Wednesday, Neal and Julie kicked off the show with a mix of local legislative updates and federal insights from Congressman Mike Simpson. Feeling the fatigue of the current legislative session, Neal first dove into the ongoing issue of Idaho's prison system, highlighting how counties are significantly under-reimbursed for housing state inmates, effectively subsidizing the state. Despite a proposed increase, it still falls short, prompting Neal to question why this disparity wasn't addressed during a surplus year. They then discussed the self-directed blood donation bill (HB 528), a fascinating piece of legislation allowing individuals to choose specific donors, which passed despite some Republican "nay" votes. Neal speculated this bill's timing relates to post-COVID distrust in the blood supply, passionately arguing for personal healthcare choice, drawing parallels to abortion debates and the importance of reclaiming language in cultural battles. The conversation then shifted to the recent "gas tax war" with Utah, which thankfully fizzled out after Idaho's Speaker Moyle took an aggressive, "Trump-esque" stance, successfully fending off Utah's proposed tax on fuel leaving their state. Congressman Mike Simpson joined the show, offering updates on the Homeland Security shutdown (affecting FEMA and the Coast Guard more than ICE, he explained) and Congress's shift towards funding individual appropriations bills. Simpson also voiced his incredulity over Minnesota Governor Tim Walz speaking at the Idaho Democrats' Jefferson Jackson days, calling it a bewildering choice given Walz's controversial record in Minneapolis. He shared insights on the promising economic outlook due to recent tax provisions and reiterated his support for a federal balanced budget amendment, while expressing caution about an Article V convention's potential for unintended consequences, especially regarding vital entitlement programs and healthcare reform. The show wrapped up with a lighthearted Ash Wednesday discussion on giving up soda for Lent. *** **Highlight List** *   **County Jail Under-Reimbursement**: Idaho counties are significantly subsidizing the state for housing inmates, even after a proposed reimbursement increase. *   **Self-Directed Blood Donation Bill**: A new bill (HB 528) passed allowing individuals to choose specific blood donors, driven partly by post-COVID concerns about vaccine status in blood supply. *   **Utah Gas Tax Standoff Averted**: Idaho's aggressive political push successfully prevented Utah from implementing a tax on fuel exported to Idaho. *   **Homeland Security Shutdown Impact**: FEMA and the Coast Guard are currently unfunded, causing critical disruptions, according to Congressman Simpson. *   **Entitlement Spending Crisis**: Congressman Simpson highlights the unsustainable growth of federal entitlement programs (Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid) as the core budget challenge. 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 17m
  7. 2.17.2026 - Idaho Politics, AOC Gaffes, Cultural Decay

    FEB 17

    2.17.2026 - Idaho Politics, AOC Gaffes, Cultural Decay

    Send a text Neal Larson and Julie Mason kick off their Tuesday show diving deep into Idaho's legislative session, focusing on contentious budget cuts and the "bathroom bill." They express frustration over the perceived political theater surrounding "draconian cuts" and the media's tendency to link every future negative event to these decisions. A key discussion point highlights Representative Stephanie Mickelsen's contradictory actions – passionately arguing against cultural legislation (like the bathroom bill, flag bill, and porn in libraries) only to vote for them, which Rod Furness attributes to political expediency to avoid primary challenges. Larson and Mason lament the very need for such laws, viewing them as symptoms of "cultural decay" that have eroded foundational values like common sense regarding gender-segregated bathrooms and protecting children from inappropriate content. The conversation broadens to national politics, where Larson and Mason sharply criticize prominent Democratic figures. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is lampooned for geographical errors (Venezuela's location), mispronunciations, and an incoherent response on Taiwan policy, contrasting her performance with Marco Rubio's praised foreign policy address. They extend this critique to Kamala Harris, Gavin Newsom, and Gretchen Whitmer, describing a "parade of morons" among potential Democratic leaders. The hosts also discuss the US policy towards Venezuela, supporting Trump's actions against Maduro, and express skepticism about libertarian politicians like Rand Paul and Thomas Massie, viewing their "all or nothing" approach as ineffective. The segment concludes with a discussion of the Rhode Island hockey game shooting, noting a disturbing trend of violence linked to "trans-identifying people" and criticizing the media's downplaying of the shooter's gender identity, attributing the issue to mishandled mental illness and societal "enabling" of gender dysphoria rather than compassionate, tough love. --- **Highlight List** *   **Idaho Legislative Drama:** Discussion of budget cuts and controversial "cultural bills" (bathroom, flag, library porn), including analysis of lawmakers' contradictory votes driven by political expediency. *   **Critique of Democratic Leadership:** Sharp criticism of figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for perceived gaffes and incoherent policy stances, contrasting with praise for Marco Rubio's clarity. *   **Cultural Decay and Legislation:** Frustration over the necessity of laws to codify what were once foundational societal values, particularly regarding gender and children's protection. *   **Rhode Island Shooting & Mental Health:** Examination of a disturbing trend of violence involving "trans-identifying" individuals, media reporting bias, and concerns about untreated mental illness. *   **Libertarian Effectiveness:** A critical look at the "all or nothing" approach of libertarian politicians, questioning their legislative impact and focus on intentions over outcomes. 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 21m
  8. 2.13.2026 - S4C: Luke Hoffstaeter & Kaylee Caura Lee, Would you marry your political opposite? E-verify, and voter ID

    FEB 13

    2.13.2026 - S4C: Luke Hoffstaeter & Kaylee Caura Lee, Would you marry your political opposite? E-verify, and voter ID

    Send a text This episode kicks off with Neal Larson delving into a significant press conference about Idaho's "unauthorized immigrant workforce." He expresses strong reservations about any policies that would allow "looking the other way" on illegal immigration, emphasizing that the law must always take precedence over economic interests. Neal dissects a proposed E-verify bill, arguing its exemptions render it largely ineffective and that the constant re-labeling of "illegal" as "undocumented" or "unauthorized" is a disservice to the issue. He also pushes back on the idea that only taxpayers should vote, asserting that economic interests shouldn't overshadow fundamental rights. The conversation then pivots to a lighter, yet still opinionated, discussion with Julie Mason about navigating political differences in romantic relationships, where they explore how core values, especially regarding family and children, can make or break a partnership, even touching on specific deal-breakers like masking during the pandemic or certain conspiracy theories. Later, the hosts engage with listeners on topics ranging from Idaho's budget woes and the impact of federal funding, to the ongoing voter ID debate, where they challenge the narrative that such requirements are overly burdensome. They firmly argue that obtaining necessary identification is an easily achievable task, and framing it otherwise implies laziness rather than genuine helplessness. The show also covers the importance of civility in protesting, differentiating between peaceful expression and disruptive behavior. A significant segment is dedicated to the Epstein saga, where they discuss the lack of transparency, the possibility of "dresser drawer pardons," and explore complex theories about intelligence assets and potential political leveraging of incriminating information, urging caution against impulsive judgments. The episode closes with a spirited defense of the Parental Choice Tax Credit, highlighting its distinction from a "voucher system" and challenging lawmakers to treat it consistently with other tax credits. Plus, there's a lovely musical interlude with local artists Luke Hofstetter and Kaylie Corley! --- **Highlight List** *   **Law vs. Economics on Immigration:** Neal Larson passionately argues that immigration law must hold more weight than economic interests, criticizing policies that encourage "looking the other way" on unauthorized labor and dissecting the perceived ineffectiveness of proposed e-verify legislation. *   **Politics in Relationships:** Neal and Julie Mason discuss the challenges of political divides in romantic relationships, identifying core values (like views on children and family) as major deal-breakers, beyond more minor disagreements. *   **Voter ID & Personal Responsibility:** The hosts strongly advocate for voter ID laws, refuting claims of disenfranchisement by arguing that obtaining identification is a straightforward process and that opposing arguments imply a lack of personal responsibility. *   **Epstein Transparency & Theories:** A deep dive into the complexities of the Epstein case, including discussions on hidden pardons, the potential for political leverage, and the difficulty of criminal prosecution despite public demand for transparency. *   **Parental Choice Tax Credit Clarification:* 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
See All (387)

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
    387
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Neal Larson Show
  • Show Website
    The Neal Larson Show

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