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. 7.9.2026 - Platner Exits | Stegner Launches Gov Campaign | Shelley RecipeGate

    15h ago

    7.9.2026 - Platner Exits | Stegner Launches Gov Campaign | Shelley RecipeGate

    Send us Fan Mail Thursday’s show bounced between national politics, Idaho’s governor’s race, and a surprisingly sticky local controversy—while still making room for the truly important work: Julie’s ongoing hunt for the perfect “better-than-a-Cabbage-Patch” doll for her upcoming granddaughter (and a detour into whether chocolate hummus is a real thing). Neal and Julie unpacked the sudden exit of Maine U.S. Senate candidate Graham Plattner, questioning how parties keep ending up with candidates who feel “crafted” and inauthentic—and why Democrats keep swinging and missing when they try to package a “masculine” messenger for collectivist politics. The conversation also touched on the “movement” rhetoric, John Fetterman’s blunt reaction, and the broader pattern of party power-brokers overriding voters when a candidate becomes inconvenient. Back home, they turned to Idaho’s independent gubernatorial candidate John Stegner and the challenge voters face evaluating a longtime judge with limited public positions—while also flagging the “doctor retention” messaging as a proxy debate over abortion policy and the coming ballot fight. The show mixed serious notes with sharp humor: a mini-rant about why liberal talk radio tends to fail while podcasts thrive, a tense moment drawing a hard line with an antagonistic texter, and then the unexpected “RecipeGate” saga involving the Shelley Senior Citizen Center—complete with cease-and-desist drama and Neal and Julie offering to personally help copy and return disputed recipes to end the whole mess. --- Highlights - Neal and Julie dissect Graham Platner’s exit from the Maine Senate race—down to the oddly staged video choices and why his whole presentation felt “engineered.”   - John Fetterman’s hot take (“the trash took itself out”) sparks a broader debate about why parties keep nominating candidates that don’t match the moment.   - A pointed (and funny) breakdown of why liberal talk radio has repeatedly flopped—while long-form podcasts can reward sloppy claims and “Wild West” incentives.   - The show draws a firm line with a recurring antagonistic texter after an accusation of lying: “Put up or shut up.”   - Idaho politics: independent gubernatorial candidate John Stegner enters the spotlight, with Neal and Julie probing what voters can actually learn about a judge’s real policy positions.   - “RecipeGate” erupts in Shelley: cease-and-desist letters, alleged withheld recipes, and Neal and Julie offering to broker a peace deal—return the recipes and the story goes away. 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. 7.8.2026 - Gas Prices & Gratitude | AI Fact-Checking Debate | Ashton’s Cricket Swarm

    1d ago

    7.8.2026 - Gas Prices & Gratitude | AI Fact-Checking Debate | Ashton’s Cricket Swarm

    Send us Fan Mail The show bounced between international uncertainty, national political intrigue, and a very Idaho-style local headache. Neal and Julie dug into the fast-moving situation with Iran—skeptical that any “deal” or ceasefire can hold as long as the current regime remains in power, while also acknowledging how limited and risky America’s options are if the goal is protecting U.S. forces and interests without sliding into a larger war. They also reacted to President Trump’s comments tied to NATO and Europe, especially his argument that Europe’s immigration and energy decisions are putting its future at risk—and his broader message that longtime U.S. defense guarantees have enabled European dependence. Domestically, they unpacked Scott Jennings’ claim that he recently spoke with Mitch McConnell, pushing back on online rumors about McConnell’s condition while also arguing that the public deserves clearer “proof of life” through credible, on-camera journalism. The episode also spotlighted viral local and cultural moments: the blow-up and firing of a Grand Teton Mall security guard caught screaming and getting physical over filming (with Neal emphasizing the need for context, while still calling the behavior unacceptable), online speculation swirling around celebrity relationships, and the growing pressure campaign for Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner to exit the race—framed as a party-control problem and another example of political elites trying to override voters when a nominee becomes “inconvenient.” Listener interaction rounded it out: a call about gas-price perspective and a timely, vivid on-the-ground report about Mormon cricket swarms near Ashton—complete with road hazards, crop concerns, and plenty of Neal-and-Julie humor. --- ## 2. Highlights - Neal’s blunt take on Iran: ceasefires and “deals” won’t solve the problem while the current regime stays in power—yet “bomb everybody” isn’t a serious option either.   - Scott Jennings says he spoke with Mitch McConnell for 17 minutes—Neal isn’t buying that as enough to calm “proof of life” doubts and calls for a credible on-camera interview.   - The Grand Teton Mall security-guard meltdown goes viral—Neal wants more context, but says the firing was the right move after the screaming and physical escalation.   - A listener pushes back on constant gas-price whining, sparking a bigger gratitude-vs.-complaint discussion—and a reminder to be skeptical of questionable links and sources.   - Maine’s Graham Platner drama: Neal and Julie argue party leaders want him gone because he’s unelectable (and maybe uncontrollable), not out of moral outrage.   - “Mormon crickets” invade Ashton/Island Park: a caller describes cannibal behavior, slick roads, and the popcorn-like sound of driving over them—followed by rapid-fire (sometimes edgy) Mormon-cricket jokes. 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
  3. 7.7.2026 - Graham Platner Fallout | Flags and Fear | Classrooms Get Political

    2d ago

    7.7.2026 - Graham Platner Fallout | Flags and Fear | Classrooms Get Political

    Send us Fan Mail Neal Larson and Julie Mason opened with the escalating political fallout in Maine surrounding Democratic Senate candidate **Graham Platner**, arguing the party’s sudden rush to distance itself looks less like “new information” and more like a power-and-polling calculation. They walked through why prominent Democrats and major donors previously excused a long list of controversies, why the latest allegation appears to be the breaking point, and why the calendar matters: if Platinum exits soon, Democrats still have a narrow window to swap in a new nominee against **Susan Collins**. From there, the conversation broadened into culture and institutions—especially how political symbolism is being weaponized. Neal and Julie pushed back hard on **Sunny Hostin’s** comment that neighborhoods with lots of American flags can feel “unsafe,” framing it as an irrational—and divisive—assumption about fellow citizens. They also dug into Idaho’s classroom display law (**House Bill 41**) and a set of recent complaints involving “In God We Trust,” “Everyone is welcome here,” and a **peace flag**, using those examples to argue for de-politicizing taxpayer-funded classrooms. The hour also featured a local event call-in, a blunt discussion of education funding and accountability (including administrator pay controversies), a sober update on the **Charlie Kirk** assassination preliminary hearing, and a quick, humorous detour into sports and extreme heat forecasts—complete with “Chatty Coats” weather fact-checking. --- Highlights - Neal and Julie argue Democrats didn’t “fail to vet” Graham Platner—they knowingly rationalized his baggage until the race looked unsalvageable.   - A sharp takedown of Sunny Hostin’s “too many American flags = unsafe” claim, with Neal calling it an emotion-driven paradigm that unfairly slanders neighbors.   - Idaho classroom display disputes under **HB 41**: “Everyone is welcome here,” a peace flag, and the legal exception for “In God We Trust.”   - Education funding rant: “How much is enough?”—the show compares school funding demands to a menu with no prices, pointing to administrator pay headlines (including a $150,000 bonus controversy).   - Day two of the **Charlie Kirk assassination** preliminary hearing: the judge’s visible reaction to the video evidence and the defendant’s odd courtroom demeanor. 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. 7.6.2026 - America 250 Pride | Marxism “All the Things” | Reflecting Pool Media Fight

    3d ago

    7.6.2026 - America 250 Pride | Marxism “All the Things” | Reflecting Pool Media Fight

    Send us Fan Mail Neal Larson and Julie Mason kick off the Monday show coming off a massive America 250 weekend—sharing local and national highlights, quick personal stories from the holiday, and a broader reflection on why celebrating the country so often comes with an unnecessary “America isn’t perfect, but…” qualifier. Neal argues that constant caveats concede ground to critics, and the conversation rolls into a bigger warning about Marxism/collectivism: the seductive “promise of everything for everyone” and the way leaders often exempt themselves from the sacrifices they ask of the public. From there, the hour weaves through a mix of politics and culture: New York City’s thermostat-at-78 suggestion from Zohran Mamdani (and the hypocrisy claim that City Hall doesn’t follow it), a lively tangent on the USA’s World Cup situation and the “red card” reversal (including Trump trying to take credit), and a few lighter moments like Taylor Swift’s marriage timing. The second hour turns sharper—reacting to an intense NEA chant (“we have to win all the things”), an update on Idaho’s abortion initiative signatures likely making the ballot, discussion of a multi-day Utah preliminary hearing in the Charlie Kirk assassination case and the court’s handling of graphic exhibits, plus a swirl of national headlines: a Gavin Newsom inner-circle investigation that appears to have begun under the Biden DOJ, the media’s fixation on the Lincoln Memorial reflecting pool controversy, Paul Pelosi’s latest reported car incident, and the FCC’s equal-time inquiry into *The View* and whether it can credibly claim to be “news.” --- ## 2. Highlights - Neal pushes back on the “America isn’t perfect, but…” framing—arguing Independence Day shouldn’t come with a built-in apology. - Zohran Mamdani’s “set your AC to 78” request sparks a hypocrisy debate after claims that City Hall stays far cooler. - World Cup confusion, red-card drama, and Trump credit-taking—plus Neal and Julie accidentally crowdsourcing seven different kickoff times. - The NEA’s Becky Pringle chant (“we have to win all the things”) gets called out as revealing the union’s real priorities. - Idaho’s abortion initiative reportedly turns in ~110,000 signatures, with Secretary of State Phil McGrane signaling it’s very likely headed to the November ballot. - Live audio from the Utah Charlie Kirk assassination case preliminary hearing underscores how long and graphic the proceedings may be—and why the judge wants limits on what gets broadcast. 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
  5. 7.2.2026 -- NLS Special Independence Day, Reading of the Declaration of Independence

    Jul 2

    7.2.2026 -- NLS Special Independence Day, Reading of the Declaration of Independence

    Send us Fan Mail Neal Larson and Julie Mason leaned into a lighter, holiday-minded Thursday show ahead of the Fourth of July, mixing friendly banter (block party plans, travel to Salmon, food debates, and a running riff on everything from kebabs to Doritos) with a sincere invitation for listeners to share short “greetings for America.” They also explained why they *weren’t* diving into a fast-moving local viral controversy—acknowledging they were aware of it, but stressing a preference to avoid speculation and personal-life drama unless it clearly crosses into public duties or official wrongdoing. The heart of the hour came from listener calls that turned the conversation toward gratitude, assimilation, and warnings about socialism/communism from those with personal or family experience under those systems. Callers described what American life looks like through the eyes of immigrants and refugees, emphasizing safety, opportunity, and the importance of passing civic understanding to the next generation. The tone shifted from playful to reverent as one caller urged families to read the Declaration of Independence—prompting Neal to read key passages on-air, a moment that grounded the episode in the meaning behind the holiday and the responsibilities that come with freedom. --- ## 2. Highlights - Neal and Julie intentionally hit “pause” on hard politics for a day—then immediately found themselves in a spirited debate over Old Navy “wedding registries,” Doritos rankings, kebabs, and sandwich potato chips. - Neal addressed a local viral story circulating online, explaining why the show wouldn’t amplify allegations and speculation until there’s clearer official confirmation of wrongdoing. - Bill’s call: a powerful immigrant perspective on why the Fourth of July matters, and how people who haven’t lived under socialism/communism often underestimate what it does to daily life. - Bob followed with family history fleeing Russian communists in the Baltics, urging “patriotism with healthy skepticism” and frustration at Americans romanticizing failed systems. - A listener challenged families to read the Declaration of Independence together—leading to Neal reading substantial portions on-air and creating the episode’s most resonant moment. - The show promoted listener “greetings for America” (call-in or recorded link), playing examples and inviting everyone to contribute short tributes for the 250th celebration. 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. 7.1.2026 - INTERVIEW: Idaho AG Raul Labrador on SCOTUS FIWS ruling, Idaho political races

    Jul 1

    7.1.2026 - INTERVIEW: Idaho AG Raul Labrador on SCOTUS FIWS ruling, Idaho political races

    Send us Fan Mail Neal Larson spent much of the show reacting to two big storylines shaping Idaho’s political and cultural moment: the Supreme Court ruling allowing states like Idaho to keep protections for fairness in women’s and girls’ sports, and the looming Idaho abortion initiative expected to land on the November ballot. Neal zeroed in on how legacy media framed the sports decision—especially the odd need some anchors felt to “clarify” terms like *biological male* and *biological female*—and pushed back hard on the idea that obvious physical advantages are merely a “perceived threat.” He also argued that cultural “re-evaluations” don’t always represent progress, and questioned whether the last decade has made society healthier or more detached from reality. Idaho Attorney General **Raúl Labrador** joined the show to break down why he believes the sports ruling is strong and durable (including the unanimous Title IX component), what it does—and doesn’t—require of other states, and how interstate competition could get messy when different policies collide. In the second hour, Neal revisited his interview with Democratic gubernatorial candidate **Terry Pickens**, focusing on how difficult it can be to get candidates to be specific about abortion limits, and why “viability” and “non-criminalization” language matters in practice. He also touched on Idaho’s multi-candidate statewide races (including independent bids), campaign messaging that feels heavy on platitudes, and a handful of lighter or local side-notes—from NPR’s Alito-retirement reporting fiasco to a viral sports clip and local bomb-threat hoaxes. --- Highlights - Neal critiques network coverage that *apologizes* for using “biological male/female,” arguing reality itself has become “offensive” in some newsrooms.   - A pointed breakdown of Major Garrett’s “cultural re-evaluation” framing—plus Neal’s pushback on calling women’s sports safety and fairness a “perceived threat.”   - **Attorney General Raúl Labrador** on why the ruling feels “settled,” including the significance of *all nine justices* agreeing on the Title IX portion.   - A listener question drives a practical explainer: states *may* restrict trans participation in women’s sports, but the ruling doesn’t force every state to follow suit.   - Neal revisits abortion messaging after the **Terry Pickens** interview, arguing “decriminalization” can function like legalization and warning the initiative may handcuff future lawmakers until viability.   - A sharp critique of campaign websites full of feel-good statements that avoid real policy commitments—“tell me how you’re different.” 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
  7. 6.30.2026 - INTERVIEW: Rep. Barb Ehardt responds to SCOTUS 'Fairness' Ruling, ballot fights, late signatures

    Jun 30

    6.30.2026 - INTERVIEW: Rep. Barb Ehardt responds to SCOTUS 'Fairness' Ruling, ballot fights, late signatures

    Send us Fan Mail It was a headline-making morning on *The Neal Larson Show* as the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Idaho’s Fairness in Women’s Sports Act in a 6–3 decision. Neal brought in the bill’s sponsor, Representative Barb Ehardt, for an emotional, victory-lap conversation about the six-year fight—from early backlash and ACLU attacks to Idaho becoming the first state to pass a law like it, inspiring 27 other states to follow. Barb and Neal walked through the court’s reasoning (including that Title IX refers to biological sex), the importance of fairness and safety for girls’ sports, and what this ruling does—and doesn’t—settle going forward. Listener texts poured in with congratulations and thanks, underscoring how personal this issue has been for many families. From there, the show widened out to other major developments: the Court’s birthright citizenship ruling (with Neal noting Trump lost on that one), a quick hit on another campaign finance-related decision, and a lively detour into an Idaho marijuana initiative effort that reportedly missed a filing deadline—prompting Neal and **Julie Mason** (calling in while on “Grandma duty”) to joke that it practically wrote its own punchline. Neal also previewed big Idaho policy fights ahead—especially the looming abortion ballot initiative—arguing conservatives should focus resources on defeating it, and he closed by clarifying what Idaho law currently allows (and doesn’t) regarding abortion exceptions, while warning about how the initiative could reshape the state’s legal landscape. ## 2. Highlights - Rep. Barb Ehardt joins Neal minutes after the ruling—gets emotional recalling Idaho being “the tip of the spear” amid peak cancel culture. - The court’s core reasoning: **Title IX = biological sex**, plus states have legitimate interests in **fairness, safety, and opportunity** for girls’ sports. - Listener interaction: a flood of texts congratulating Barb, thanking her “for fighting for women and girls,” and calling the ruling “a win for common sense.” - Neal pivots to breaking news that the Court **upheld birthright citizenship**, calling it a Trump loss but tying it back to border enforcement. - Neal and Julie riff on the irony of a marijuana campaign **arriving late with signatures**—and why it may fail the new district-threshold requirement. - Neal’s extended warning about the **Idaho abortion initiative**, including a detailed clarification of current Idaho law and what could change. 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
  8. INTERVIEW: CD2 Candidate Ellie Gilbreath (D) on resources, abortion, 2A

    Jun 29

    INTERVIEW: CD2 Candidate Ellie Gilbreath (D) on resources, abortion, 2A

    Send us Fan Mail In a recent interview on Newstalk 107.9, Ellie Gilbreath, the Democratic nominee for Idaho’s 2nd Congressional District, shared her policy priorities and vision for the state. Speaking with hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason, Gilbreath positioned herself as a moderate focused on collaborative problem-solving as she prepares to challenge longtime incumbent Mike Simpson in the upcoming November election. A significant portion of the discussion centered on the protection of Idaho’s natural resources. Gilbreath highlighted the potential threat posed by large-scale data centers to the state’s water and energy supplies. She proposed federal legislation modeled after Idaho’s current moratorium on open-loop data centers, which can consume millions of gallons of water daily. Gilbreath emphasized that protecting water is a top priority for Idahoans, particularly those in the agricultural sector. The interview also addressed Gilbreath’s position within the Democratic Party in a deeply conservative state. She described herself as a centrist, stating that her background in mediation and conflict resolution informs her approach to governance. When questioned about party loyalty, Gilbreath asserted that her primary duty would be to represent her district rather than party leadership. “My job as a representative is to represent Idaho, district two, every day, every vote,” she told Larson and Mason, adding that she believes the role of a member of Congress is to be a servant to their constituents. On the topic of healthcare, Gilbreath framed reproductive rights as a critical component of medical access and family stability. She expressed concern over the departure of OBGYN practitioners from Idaho and the closure of labor and delivery services in rural hospitals. While she faced pointed questions regarding specific restrictions on abortion, Gilbreath maintained that medical decisions should remain between families, doctors, and their faith. She also voiced support for Medicaid expansion, noting its popularity among Idaho voters. Regarding the Second Amendment, Gilbreath stated that the right to bear arms is a fundamental part of the state’s culture and must be protected. However, she declined to make blanket promises on future gun control legislation, reiterating that any vote she casts would be based on the specific needs and consensus of her district. 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

    24 min
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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
    483
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Neal Larson Show
  • Show Website
    The Neal Larson Show

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