The Neal Larson Show
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.
Episodes
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the show dives into a range of controversial and politically charged topics, centering on education policy, local government overreach, identity politics, and federal-state dynamics. Neal critiques what he sees as excessive virtue signaling from white, cisgender liberals and questions the inclusivity of progressive symbols like the rainbow flag, suggesting they now alienate others....
On this episode with Neal and Julie, they dive deep into the confusing labyrinth of school district budgets, exposing how even seasoned lawmakers struggle to make sense of the financial data tied to educational outcomes. They explore stark spending discrepancies between Idaho districts—like Madison's $9,000 per student versus Jefferson's $15,000—and question why such variations exist when outcomes seem simil...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the discussion ranges from the political fallout of Trump’s executive order to defund NPR and PBS, to the sweeping implications of artificial intelligence on jobs, law, and the economy. Neal critiques so-called conservatives who act against conservative principles, while both hosts question the sustainability of publicly funded media in a competitive, ad-supported landscape. They a...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the show kicks off with a discussion about Copperhead Road by Steve Earle—Julie admits she wasn’t familiar with it but calls it a cool discovery worth sharing. From there, they dive into a wide-ranging conversation that spans politics, culture, music, and personal anecdotes. They weigh the strengths and weaknesses of potential 2028 GOP presidential candidates like J.D. Vance, Ron D...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the conversation spans a wide range of political and cultural topics, centering heavily around the style and influence of Donald Trump compared to other political figures. Neal describes his experience in the Oval Office with Trump as dynamic and unscripted, contrasting it with previous administrations. The hosts explore Trump's engagement on issues like voting security, trade...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the conversation opens with reflections on Donald Trump’s combative interview with ABC’s Terry Moran, which Neal suggests may have been a strategic move by ABC to avoid sending a more prominent anchor into what was likely to be a tough exchange. The hosts explore Trump’s visible frustration, attributing it to years of political and personal attacks, and question how much of the tru...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the conversation spans national politics, law enforcement concerns, and real-world frustrations on the road. Neal expresses deep skepticism about how Donald Trump has been treated by the media and legal system, likening it to unprecedented political warfare. Julie adds perspective on how evolving media ecosystems are reshaping public discourse, as well as how law enforcement morale...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, they dive into discussions about election integrity, public trust, and political dynamics, including a conversation about Donald Trump’s influence and changes in voter laws. Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane joins the show to talk about Idaho’s election security efforts, the SAVE Act requiring proof of citizenship to vote, and the broader national landscape of election confiden...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the conversation covers everything from local political controversies to the evolving role of artificial intelligence in daily life. Neal and Julie dig into Mayor McClain’s ongoing legal troubles and speculate on possible civil action from the attorney general. They also break down the conclusion of the lawsuit between Bingham County Republicans and the state GOP, reflecting on the...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the conversation dives into the political and cultural divides shaping America today. They explore how internal party battles are emerging as some figures push to primary incumbents, risking long-term consequences if they can’t deliver results. Neal and Julie reflect on the transformation of the Democratic Party and how disillusioned working-class voters, once Clinton supporters, n...
On this episode with Neal and Julie...
They kick things off with a preview of their big guest—Idaho Attorney General Raúl Labrador—who joins later in the show to talk about enforcement challenges with the state’s flag laws, particularly in light of Boise Mayor Lauren McLean's controversial decision to fly an LGBTQ flag in apparent violation of state law. Labrador explains the limits of his power in enforcing certa...
On this episode with Neal and Julie...
They dive deep into the Supreme Court case Mahmood v. Taylor, which centers on a Maryland school district's refusal to allow parents to opt their children out of reading LGBTQ+ themed books. Neal argues that this isn't a case of banning books, but rather about preserving a parent’s religious right to abstain from particular content. He and Julie discuss how thi...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the show opens with somber reflections on the passing of the pope and the ceremonial nine days of mourning currently underway at the Vatican. But the heart of the episode dives into fiery local controversy as Neal and Julie dissect the escalating drama over the LGBTQ flag flown at Boise City Hall. After a conservative activist removed the flag using a ladder and hefty bag—without d...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the duo dives into the recent visit to Idaho by progressive figures like Bernie Sanders and AOC, as part of what they jokingly refer to as the “oligarchy tour.” They question the accuracy of crowd size estimates, speculate about bussing supporters in, and reflect on the rare presence of high-profile Democrats in Idaho. Neal points out the dedication of left-leaning Idahoans to atte...
On this episode with Neal and Julie...
They dive into the concept of truth in media and politics, unpacking how some narratives—especially around Donald Trump—are shaped not necessarily by facts but by discomfort with his popularity on issues like immigration and trans sports. Neal argues that media outlets like CNN struggle with credibility as they attempt to rebrand, while some Democrats are trying to recalibrate the...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the conversation dives deep into current political tensions, with a focus on the Democratic Party’s struggles to present a unified and strategic front. Neal expresses frustration with the party’s repeated unforced errors, particularly regarding immigration and public perception, while Julie offers insights into the internal divisions pulling the party further left.
They also take ai...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the duo dive into a whirlwind of political, cultural, and local topics. Neal discusses the importance of agility in leadership, especially during crises, and shares his support for a line-item veto to preserve the governor’s emergency fund. The conversation also touches on proposed SNAP restrictions that would eliminate soda and candy purchases, and Governor Little’s surprising ful...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the discussion spans national politics, law enforcement training, and a deep dive into Idaho’s legislative session. Neal opens by critiquing the media and political reaction to recent law enforcement actions, stressing the need for better training in encounters involving individuals with disabilities. The conversation then pivots to Donald Trump’s tariffs, with Neal drawing compari...
On this episode with Neal and Julie…
The duo covers a wide range of topics—starting with the controversial decision by Boise’s mayor to fly the LGBTQ flag in defiance of state law, sparking debate about First Amendment rights and political posturing for 2028. Neal teases a potential "flagpole" segment to open up listener opinions on the issue.
They also dive into the recent officer-involved...
On this episode with Neal and Julie, the conversation dives deep into the persistent media bias surrounding Donald Trump, with Neal highlighting what he calls "Trump Derangement Syndrome"—a compulsive, emotional fixation on Trump that seems to dominate certain media narratives. Both Neal and Julie explore the idea that many reporters might not be as ideologically extreme as they appear, but instead, are play...
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