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. 15h ago

    10.20.2026 Faith Coalition Unite | Parental Consent Debate | Idaho at a Crossroads

    Send us Fan Mail ## 1. Episode Summary   Neal Larson holds down the show solo while Julie Mason is away awaiting baby news (a fourth grandchild — and the first granddaughter), then dives straight into what he calls “silly season” politics. The biggest thread is the Idaho U.S. Senate race: Neal breaks down an uncredited, apparently illegal campaign-style text that tried to tie Sen. Jim Risch to the Democratic Socialists of Idaho (DSA). He stops short of making an accusation about who sent it, but lays out what he sees as a pattern of dirty-trick desperation in the anti-Risch effort—tying it to earlier moments in the race and to a broader trend of Democrats running as “independents” in deep-red states as a strategic head fake. The other major focus is Proposition 1 (abortion), including a full interview with Stop Prop 1 leader Tom Luna. They discuss the scale of outside money pouring into Idaho, the coalition of faith groups opposing the measure, and why supporters rarely encourage voters to read the full text. Neal argues Prop 1 is a culture-shaping vote that would ripple far beyond Election Day, then later pivots into a local story highlighting the broader “what world are we living in?” theme: the Bonneville School District asking employees to certify biological sex for compliance with Idaho law. The hour wraps with updates on a new “News Talk 2” station launch and more listener reaction—especially frustration that basic boundaries now require major political battles. --- ## 2. Highlights   - Neal flags the “DSA endorsement” text in the Risch race as uncredited (and potentially illegal) and asks listeners: is anyone else seeing a repeatable dirty-tricks pattern?   - A sharp takedown of the “Independent” label as increasingly just a rebrand for Democrats in Idaho—plus Neal’s critique of Achilles’ own “I’ve been a Republican and a Democrat” clip.   - Tom Luna interview: outside money, campaign mechanics, and why the pro-Prop 1 side won’t tell voters to simply read the proposition.   - Neal’s argument that Prop 1 isn’t just policy—it’s culture and migration, and once a state swings on abortion law, it’s hard to “claw back.”   - Bonneville School District’s biological-sex verification form becomes a flashpoint for Neal’s broader point: the left “muddies the water,” and institutions are forced into clunky fixes.   - Programming news: launch of “News Talk 2” (105.1 FM / HD2) and Markley, van Camp & Robbins returning to their original 10–1 slot. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    10.20.2026 Faith Coalition Unite | Parental Consent Debate | Idaho at a Crossroads
  2. 1d ago

    10.19.2026 Out-of-State Money | No Kings Fizzle | Trump Women’s Health Task Force | News Talk 2 Launch

    Send us Fan Mail ## 1. Episode Summary (1–2 paragraphs) Julie’s headed out for “grandma duty” again, but not before she and Neal dug into what’s shaping up to be a huge stretch for East Idaho: the upcoming election (with plenty of fire aimed at Proposition 1), the launch of News Talk 2 next week, and the broader political energy—or lack of it—showing up in local activism. Neal argued Prop 1’s “grassroots” branding is a façade powered by out-of-state money and national networks, and the two vented frustration at lawmakers who won’t plainly say where they stand until it’s politically convenient. They also unpacked a proposal making English the official language of Idaho, pushing back on claims that it’s inherently racist or designed to harm immigrants—framing it instead as social cohesion and a practical “common currency” for government, with Julie emphasizing immigration works best when assimilation is part of the deal. The show took a turn into national headlines when they carried live audio from the White House as Melania Trump and President Donald Trump announced a new women’s health initiative—creating a women’s health division within the NIH and a White House task force led by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Julie called it long overdue given how much medical research has historically centered on men, and both hosts contrasted women’s health research with the political habit of labeling abortion as “health care.” The rest of the hour bounced between the dwindling turnout for “No Kings” protests in Idaho, sharp criticism of Sen. Lisa Blunt Rochester’s comments about targeting people who worked in the Trump administration, concerns about illegal voting (and media attempts to downplay it), and a lighter wrap with BYU–Notre Dame reactions—plus a listener call highlighting positive fan behavior at the game. --- ## 2. Highlights - Neal predicts Prop 1 fails—and says the goal is a decisive blowout so ranked choice/open primary-style efforts “don’t come back for 50 years.” - A pointed takedown of the “grassroots” label: Neal and Julie argue national activist networks and out-of-state money are driving Idaho ballot campaigns. - Debate over English as Idaho’s official language—Julie: “Please come and assimilate,” and Neal’s analogy that a shared language functions like a shared currency. - Live White House audio as Melania Trump and President Trump announce a women’s health push at NIH; Julie calls it “music to my ears.” - “No Kings” protests appear to fizzle across Idaho—reports of tiny crowds in Idaho Falls, Rexburg, Driggs, and Coeur d’Alene. - Listener Marilyn calls in with a real-world moment of sportsmanship after the BYU–Notre Dame game: “Your fans are so kind it’s hard to be mad.” Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    10.19.2026 Out-of-State Money | No Kings Fizzle | Trump Women’s Health Task Force | News Talk 2 Launch
  3. 4d ago

    10.16.2026 - Announcing "Newstalk 2" | S4C: Joseph Thomas, "No Myth' | Flashpoll: BYU or Notre Dame |

    Send us Fan Mail Neal Larson and Julie Mason announced the launch of **News Talk Two** on 105.1 FM, set for October 26, with a new lineup of national hosts and an afternoon replay of their morning show. The change also brings Markley, Van Camp & Robbins back to their former 10 a.m.–1 p.m. slot on News Talk 107.9, while Clay and Buck move to the new station. They explained how listeners can tune in on FM, HD Radio, and the station apps—and emphasized that the goal is to give East Idaho listeners more choice. The conversation ranged from a Tesla Roadster demonstration that sparked talk of flying cars to criticism of a campaign jab aimed at Senator Jim Risch. Local musician Joseph Thomas joined them for an original song and a cover of Michael Penn’s “No Myth.” Later, listeners weighed in on Idaho’s Prop 1 debate, parental consent, church involvement in ballot measures, and the homeschool tax credit. A BYU–Notre Dame prediction poll brought some lighter moments, while Julie’s anticipation of meeting her new granddaughter led to a warm exchange about family and the arrival of a new baby. ## Highlights - Neal and Julie unveiled News Talk Two, a new East Idaho station launching October 26, and detailed its lineup and listening options. - Markley, Van Camp & Robbins will return to the 10 a.m.–1 p.m. slot on News Talk 107.9, while Clay and Buck move to News Talk Two. - A Tesla Roadster demo—with a car flipping above a track and descending on thrusters—prompted speculation about the future of flying cars. - Neal and Julie criticized a campaign video mocking Senator Jim Risch, calling the personal jab juvenile and short on substance. - Local musician Joseph Thomas performed an original song and a heartfelt acoustic cover of “No Myth.” - Callers challenged Terry Pickens’s positions on parental consent and church involvement in ballot measures; Julie also shared her excitement about welcoming a granddaughter. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    10.16.2026 - Announcing "Newstalk 2" | S4C: Joseph Thomas, "No Myth' | Flashpoll: BYU or Notre Dame |
  4. 5d ago

    10.15.2026 Inside the Battle for Idaho Governor | Proposition 1 Odds Shift | Parental Consent Debate

    Send us Fan Mail ### 1. Episode Summary Democratic candidate for Idaho Governor Terri Pickens joins Neal and Julie in the studio for an extensive discussion on the state’s political landscape with just weeks remaining before Election Day. Pickens lays out her platform, focusing heavily on working-class affordability, the proposed repeal of the state grocery tax, local property tax structures, and her strong opposition to the $50 million parental choice school tax credit program. She addresses the dynamics of her race against Governor Brad Little and Independent challenger John Stegner, detailing how she plans to leverage executive veto power to negotiate with an overwhelmingly Republican legislature if elected. The conversation also tackles the complex and heated debate surrounding Proposition 1, Idaho’s ballot initiative on reproductive rights. Neal, Julie, and Pickens spar over viability definitions, out-of-state campaign funding, parental consent requirements, and how the legal language of the proposition might be interpreted by courts versus medical practitioners. Additionally, Julie shares surprising first-hand feedback from elementary school teachers regarding Idaho’s new 60-second classroom moment of silence law, revealing that the requirement has been far smoother and more grounding for students than initial public outcry suggested. --- ### 2. Highlights * **Terri Pickens on the Governor's Race:** Idaho Democratic gubernatorial nominee Terri Pickens makes her in-studio debut to discuss affordability, property tax relief, grocery tax elimination, and how she intends to work with a Republican supermajority using executive veto power. * **The Proposition 1 Battle:** Neal and Julie analyze the declining probability models for Proposition 1 while debating guest Terri Pickens on viability limits, parental consent standards, and legal fine print. * **Independent Candidate Dynamics:** Pickens addresses rumors regarding her campaign, clarifying her stance on Independent challenger John Stegner and explaining why she believes his candidacy pulls moderate votes away from Governor Brad Little. * **School Funding & Tax Credits:** A spirited debate on public education funding, contrasting the state’s Launch program for workforce training against the controversial $50 million parental choice tax credit program. * **Classroom Silence Law Update:** Julie reveals unexpected positive feedback from Boise elementary school teachers who report that Idaho's mandated 60-second moment of silence effectively centers students at the start of the day. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    10.15.2026 Inside the Battle for Idaho Governor | Proposition 1 Odds Shift | Parental Consent Debate
  5. 6d ago

    10.14.2026 Initiative Signatures Go Public | The Todd Achilles Paper Trail | Identity Politics in Sports

    Send us Fan Mail ### 1. Episode Summary In this lively Wednesday broadcast, Neal Larson and Julie Mason break down key local election mechanics, sparked by Secretary of State Phil McGrain’s official clarifications regarding absentee ballot verification and write-in candidates. The conversation quickly turns to a heated debate over voter initiative transparency after a North Idaho blogger published unverified petition signature lists. Neal and Julie argue that individuals who sign initiative petitions act as mini-legislators whose actions belong in the public domain. When an angry text calling the hosts "disgusting" comes in, Neal and Julie run an impromptu flash poll—resulting in unanimous listener agreement that petition signatures should be easily accessible online. The hosts also examine the political maneuvers behind Proposition 1 and Independent legislative candidate Todd Achilles. Playing audio from a past documentary investigation, Neal highlights the stark contrast between Achilles’ public claims of wanting to elect "moderate Republicans" and his extensive financial donor trail to prominent national Democrats. Shifting to broader culture war dynamics, Neal and Julie react to sports commentator Clay Travis defending his NFL quarterback rankings against accusations of racial bias, critiquing how modern identity politics and trendy academic jargon disrupt honest public discourse. --- ### 2. Highlights * **The "Disgusting Caucus" Flash Poll:** Neal and Julie launch a fast-paced listener poll after an angry text message sparks 100% audience agreement that petition signatures on ballot initiatives should be matters of public record. * **Unmasking Prop 1 Architects:** Documentary audio examines Independent candidate Todd Achilles, contrasting his claims of elevating moderate Republicans with a donation history to high-profile national Democrats. * **Identity Politics in the NFL:** Neal and Julie react to analyst Clay Travis pushing back against claims of racism for ranking Josh Allen over Lamar Jackson, highlighting how identity politics invades sports commentary. * **Ballot Mechanics and Absentee Audits:** The show details Secretary of State Phil McGrain's guidelines on incomplete ballots, signature matching protocols, and write-in candidate deadlines ahead of November. * **Supreme Court Merch Banter:** A humorous exchange unfolds over the Idaho Supreme Court's regional courthouse tour, with Neal and Julie envisioning judicial concert-style t-shirts and souvenirs. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    10.14.2026 Initiative Signatures Go Public | The Todd Achilles Paper Trail | Identity Politics in Sports
  6. Oct 13

    10.13.2026 Idaho Abortion Measure Plunge | Medical Clarity for Doctors | Guilfoyle Resignation News

    Send us Fan Mail ### 1. Episode Summary The tide appears to be turning dramatically on Idaho’s Proposition 1 ballot initiative, and Neal and Julie spend much of today’s episode dissecting why. Highlighting data from online prediction markets like Polymarket, Neal tracks the sudden drop in the measure’s likelihood of passage—plunging from over 60 percent down into the high 20s. The team attributes this shift to heightened voter scrutiny as Election Day approaches, alongside major institutional involvement, including a $1 million donation from the LDS Church and $300,000 from the Catholic Diocese to opposition groups. Neal and Julie dive deep into the initiative's late-term viability language, campaign finance disclosures showing over $800,000 flowing into leadership-owned LLCs, and listener calls debating whether the state's initiative process has been hijacked. They also put forward a common-sense solution to ongoing healthcare confusion: rather than altering statutes, Idaho should require physicians to review and acknowledge existing state law so care decisions are made with full legal clarity. Beyond the ballot measure, the show covers a swift lineup of national political developments and cultural shifts. Neal and Julie discuss the federal search conducted at Representative Ilhan Omar’s D.C. residence, reports of the Trump team asking Kimberly Guilfoyle to step back from her diplomatic nomination, and Scott Bessent’s sharp, viral letter taking aim at Senator Elizabeth Warren. To wrap up, they explore compelling new demographic data revealing a steep double-digit decline in teenage girls identifying as LGBT, sparking a candid discussion on social contagion, cultural messaging, and how political movements target younger generations. --- ### 2. Highlights * **Prop 1 Market Crash:** Polymarket and parallel prediction markets report a dramatic drop in Idaho’s abortion expansion initiative, falling from over 60% down to under 30% likelihood of passage. * **Following the Campaign Money:** Sunshine disclosures reveal that over $800,000 from the main pro-Prop 1 group has been paid to a private LLC run by the campaign's lead organizer. * **A Common-Sense Medical Solution:** Neal and Julie argue that instead of changing state law, Idaho should require OB-GYNs to sign an annual acknowledgment of state statutes to eliminate healthcare misunderstandings. * **National Political Shakeups:** Commentary on news surrounding a federal search at Rep. Ilhan Omar's home, Kimberly Guilfoyle's diplomatic nomination withdrawal, and Scott Bessent’s witty rebuttal to Sen. Elizabeth Warren. * **Shift in Youth Demographic Data:** A review of a striking new study showing a double-digit decline in teenage girls identifying as LGBT, prompting a debate on social contagion and media messaging. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    10.13.2026 Idaho Abortion Measure Plunge | Medical Clarity for Doctors | Guilfoyle Resignation News
  7. Oct 12

    10.12.2026 Election Toolkit Breakdown | Dissecting Dem Candidate Slips | Fuel Costs & National Security

    Send us Fan Mail ### Episode Summary With Election Day just three weeks away, Neal Larson and Julie Mason dive headfirst into the high-stakes battle surrounding Idaho’s Proposition 1. Addressing misconceptions floating around local communities, Neal and Julie break down how public opinion is shifting as voters learn the true scope of the measure beyond its advertised exceptions. Joined early in the morning by pro-life advocate Kristen Hawkins ahead of her local event at Hillcrest High School, the duo examines the surge of financial and organizational support fighting the measure, including the official record of the LDS Church’s one-million-dollar donation. To help listeners navigate the complex ballot, Neal and Julie highlight their online Election Toolkit, giving East Idahoans a transparent, objective way to verify precinct locations, review official voter guides, and inspect campaign finance reports. The discussion moves seamlessly to national political headlines, where Neal and Julie analyze puzzling media appearances and viral rumors, including candidate Abdul El-Sayed’s evasive interview responses and Texas candidate James Talarico’s two-week campaign disappearance. Turning to the economy and foreign policy, Neal pushes back against listener complaints over gas prices, arguing that short-term financial discomfort must be weighed against long-term national security, particularly regarding Iran’s accelerating nuclear capabilities. The show rounds out with a look at commentator Bill Maher’s warnings about Marxist rhetoric entering mainstream Democratic platforms, alongside an energetic in-studio visit from Todd and Scott of Advanced Window Products, who discuss winterizing East Idaho homes following their local gold medal award win. --- ### Highlights * **Unpacking Proposition 1**: Neal and Julie reveal how voter momentum in Idaho is swinging against Prop 1 as details emerge regarding elective abortion expansions far beyond popular perception. * **The "Pro-Life But" Trap**: A sharp commentary on political figureheads and voters who claim pro-life values while endorsing broad ballot measures that reintroduce elective abortion access. * **Candidate Disappearances & Media Softballs**: The hosts dissect viral rumors surrounding Texas politician James Talarico's missing two weeks, contrasting his flu claims with emerging reports and media cover-ups. * **Gas Prices vs. Global Security**: Neal challenges a caller's frustration over rising fuel costs, arguing that halting Iran's nuclear ambitions takes precedent over short-term economic discomfort. * **Bill Maher’s Marxist Warning**: Analyzing recent commentary from Bill Maher highlighting how radical socialist quotes from historical figures are surfacing in modern campaign platforms. * **Winter Readiness with Advanced Window Products**: In-studio guests Todd and Scott share practical advice for insulating East Idaho homes as early snow falls across Pocatello and Island Park. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    10.12.2026 Election Toolkit Breakdown | Dissecting Dem Candidate Slips | Fuel Costs & National Security
  8. Oct 9

    10.9.2026 - S4C: Aspen Palmer, Averett Bros. | Election Toolkit | $1M Church donation opposing Prop 1

    Send us Fan Mail Neal and Julie introduce their new Idaho election toolkit, a one-stop resource for previewing ballots, finding polling places, researching candidates and tracking campaign funding. The conversation then turns to the reported $1 million donation to the Stop Prop 1 political action committee, which Tom Luna announced on the show. Much of the discussion centers on Proposition 1: the hosts challenge claims they say are misleading, discuss Idaho’s existing abortion law and its exceptions, and urge listeners to look closely at what the initiative would change. They also hear from callers and texters, including one listener asking about Attorney General Raúl Labrador’s opponent’s position on the measure. The show also features clips from a heated Michigan Senate debate between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed, with the hosts discussing the candidates’ competing claims and questions about El-Sayed’s background. BYU-Idaho student and musician Aspen Palmer brings a quieter moment to the program with an acoustic cover, while Neal and Julie celebrate plans for a new Idaho State University basketball arena. Elsewhere, they wonder about Texas candidate James Talarico’s extended absence from campaigning—while acknowledging that rumors about the reason are unconfirmed—and weigh listener reactions to the prospect of a public execution by firing squad. ## Highlights - Neal and Julie unveil an election toolkit that brings Idaho ballot, polling-place, candidate and campaign-finance resources together in one portal. - The hosts discuss Tom Luna’s announcement of a reported $1 million donation to the Stop Prop 1 PAC, noting that campaign filings had not yet appeared. - A caller asks about Lori Hickman’s position on Prop 1, prompting Julie to recall her connection to Mormon Women for Ethical Government and say she believes Hickman supports the measure. - BYU-Idaho student Aspen Palmer performs an intimate acoustic cover, earning enthusiastic texts from listeners. - Neal and Julie celebrate plans for a new ISU basketball arena, then end the show with a divided listener response to whether an execution by firing squad should be public. Let’s talk advertising. When you want to advertise on the radio, you call the station, right? But what about Facebook, Instagram, Hulu, Disney+, Peacock, and other streaming platforms? You could try clicking around, reading books, or taking online courses to figure it out—or you can let us handle it. At Sandhill Media Group, we’re your local experts in both radio and digital marketing. Visit SandhillMediaGroup.com today. a href="https://www.sandhillmediagrou

    10.9.2026 - S4C: Aspen Palmer, Averett Bros. | Election Toolkit | $1M Church donation opposing Prop 1

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.

You Might Also Like