The Neal Larson Show

Send a text

Today’s show was a true “turn on a dime” mix of DC and local-life—starting with us rolling out a just-for-fun Neal Larson Show March Madness bracket group (text **BRACKET** to join), because honestly we all need a little relief from politics and the legislative session. From there we dug into the Senate fight over the **SAVE Act**, where Democrats are calling it everything from “voter suppression” to an existential threat to democracy, while we’re sitting here thinking: the whole point is simply that only American citizens should vote in American elections. We also touche...

Send a text

Today’s show had that classic “welcome to Idaho politics” whiplash—in the best way. Neal Larson and Julie Mason dug into a high-profile cultural bill moving through the Idaho House: a “biological sex bathroom” policy meant to stop intentional use of the opposite-sex restroom in public settings. They walked through why they see it as basic common sense, why they think some of the “no” arguments (including Rep. Handy’s) don’t hold up under scrutiny, and why the intentional/knowing language matters. They also clarified a key detail from the vote record: Marco Erickson didn’...

Send a text

Neal Larson and Julie Mason kick off the week already feeling like it should be Thursday, bouncing between birthday banter and real frustration with how things are going—especially at the Idaho Legislature. They dig into the Senate’s blow-up over a major budget, agreeing Senator Doug Ricks is one of the few who shows up the same way in every room, and pushing back on the idea that one dramatic floor speech “changed everything.” In their view, the speech mostly raised the emotional temperature without offering a path forward, and now JFAC is stuck tr...

Send a text

Idaho’s budget fight is getting real, and it feels like we’ve backed ourselves into a corner: big tax cuts, an economic forecast that isn’t exactly inspiring confidence, and now lawmakers are acting surprised that the math is tight. We walked through what happened after Senator Guthrie’s floor speech—genuine, humble, and persuasive in tone—even if the behind-the-scenes vote count may have already been headed for a no. Either way, it changed the temperature in the building and kicked JFAC back into problem-solving mode, where every tweak to win a few senators...

Send a text

Julie was out today, so Neal Larson took the mic solo and covered two big threads: election integrity at home and Iran abroad. First up was a conversation with Senator Jim Risch about the SAVE Act—requiring proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. Risch called it obvious, broadly popular, and worth fighting for, but he also laid out the political reality: Democrats are unified against it, and a few Republicans won’t get there either, largely on states-rights grounds. They also dug into the filibuster confusion—Risch argued people talk about it like i...

Send a text

Neal Larson and Julie Mason start in their usual gear-shifting way—riffing on Utah potentially becoming a real-life Jetsons test lab for personal aerial vehicles (cargo first, people later) and the creeping reality of humanoid robots—before pivoting hard into an Idaho Legislature vote urging the U.S. Supreme Court to reconsider *Obergefell* (the 2015 decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide). What makes the conversation stick is that it isn’t a simple “just undo it” take. They walk through the practical and political reality of trying to unwind a decade of contracts, taxes, insurance, property, and state...

Send a text

Today’s show was a bit of a whirlwind, but it all circled around the same theme: people weaponizing narratives instead of dealing in reality. We dug into the spike (and quick drop) in oil prices tied to risk around the Strait of Hormuz—reminding everyone there’s not an “oil shortage” so much as speculation and shipping/insurance fear. From there we pivoted into politics, where we see the same knee-jerk energy: folks rooting for bad economic news just so they can score points against Trump, and Democrats getting giddy over flashy, radical candidates...

Send a text

This episode was a classic “big picture to local politics to cultural weirdness” Monday. We dug into the fast-moving U.S. operation against Iran and the debate over what powers the president has versus Congress—acknowledging why some people are wary, but also arguing the case that after decades of Iran using proxies (Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis, etc.) to kill and threaten Americans, patience isn’t the same thing as “justification.” We walked through what lawmakers like Lindsey Graham and John Kennedy are publicly signaling (heavy strikes, no ground invasion), talked about how media coverage seems to fix...

Send a text

Today we dug into the Kristi Noem shake-up and the way everyone’s trying to spin it. Call it whatever you want—“reassigned,” “moved,” “Western Shield” whatever—this wasn’t a lateral move, and pretending otherwise doesn’t help. We talked about what likely set the stage for it, including the frustration that Homeland Security started looking like a personal branding vehicle (that self-deportation ad campaign being the clearest example). At the same time, we pushed back on the idea that this signals a collapsing Trump administration—polling shows Trump is still running extremely strong, especially with...

Send a text

Today’s show was a classic “all of the above” kind of morning. We started with a mix of Idaho politics and everyday-life tangents—everything from why the governor’s race is crowded while other statewide incumbents are basically unopposed, to Pocatello’s new Target and the excitement around Raising Caine’s. From there we jumped into a clip from the Senate floor where Lt. Gov. Scott Bedke enforced the rule about referring to the governor as “the gentleman on the second floor,” which turned into a broader conversation about how stiff and ritual-heavy legislative proced...

Send a text

Neal Larson walks us through a new “party cohesion” metric he built (with help from AI and the legislative API) to measure how often Idaho lawmakers vote with the majority of their stated party on votes that break along clear partisan lines. The goal isn’t a purity test or a “gotcha,” but a sunlight tool: if you’re running with an “R” (or “D”), how often do you actually vote like one—especially on the big, ideological fights? Neal and Julie Mason dig into early House results (enough votes to be meaningful) while noting the Senate samp...

Send a text

Today we’re tracking the Idaho Legislature as two major immigration enforcement bills (H700 and H704) move from the House to what Neal calls the Senate “morgue” — State Affairs — chaired by Senator Jim Guthrie. We talk through why that committee placement raises alarms, how primary-season politics may pressure the Senate to at least give the bills a real hearing, and why Neal wants a rule change: if a bill clears one chamber with a strong margin (something like 60%), the other chamber should be required to hear it and vote it, instead of letting leadership quietly bu...

Send a text

Neal Larson and Julie Mason unpack the U.S. (and Israeli) operation against Iran over the weekend, arguing it wasn’t some impulsive “assassination” but a long-overdue strike against a regime they see as an active, ongoing threat to America and Israel through missiles, nuclear ambitions, and proxy terror groups. They push back hard on the idea that the U.S. must wait for an “imminent threat” before responding, and frame Trump’s approach as the opposite of feeding the military-industrial complex—decisive force to prevent bigger wars, not start endless ones. They also stress how lit...

Send a text

Today we kicked around a couple of those issues that sound simple until you actually follow them to the end. We started with a bill moving through the Idaho Legislature that would curb cities from restricting short-term rentals like Airbnb, framed as a private property rights question and another example of the state reining in local governments. That led into a bigger conversation about where authority sits in our system (statehouse vs. city hall), why “nonpartisan” local elections can make it easier for ideology to hide in plain sight, and why conservatives who want to w...

Send a text

This episode of the Neal Larson Show, with Julie Mason, dives into a lively mix of legislative proposals and public frustrations, heavily leaning into traffic woes. The hosts kick off with Senator Mark Harris's bill aimed at tackling "left lane lurkers"—slow drivers hogging the passing lane. This sparks an animated discussion, with Neal humorously suggesting the bill is a political maneuver, and listeners passionately weighing in, labeling lurkers as the "Karens of the road" and questioning the bill's enforceability given existing traffic laws. The conversation then shifts to Representative Judy Boyle's bill, a si...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 th...

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...

Send a text

We kicked off with a deep dive into the buzzing Idaho legislative session, focusing on how many new bills, often with minimal fiscal impact, are moving forward. A hot topic was Senator James Ruchti's push to "gut" House Bill 93, a $50 million program designed to offer educational choices, which has predictably stirred up some serious debate among lawmakers. A significant portion of the conversation revolved around RS33193, a bill aiming to shift Idaho's presidential primary to March. We explored the strategic upsides of an earlier primary, such as boosting candidate attention and media engagement, while...

Send a text

Neal and Julie kick off the show with a laugh, playing a "Great Moments in American Political History" parody before diving into the serious issue of Idaho's state budget. They discuss the ongoing legislative session, which is rushing due to campaigning, and the controversial proposed Medicaid cuts. While a local mother calls these cuts "catastrophic," Neal and Julie question this framing, suggesting they might be modest adjustments that require everyone to "tighten their belts." They explore whether the state should tap into its $1.6 billion "rainy day fund" for a downturn versus actual catastrophic events...

Send a text

Enjoy this stirring rendition of Great Moments in American History, honoring Ronald Reagan, JFK, MLK Jr, and FDR. Oh, and Representative Stephanie Mickelsen.  (Rod Furniss, too, just a little.)

Send a text

It was a packed show today, touching on everything from local Idaho politics to national cultural debates. Neal Larson and Julie Mason kicked things off by dissecting the Idaho Democrat Party's strategy, particularly their decision to bring Minnesota Governor Tim Walz for a fundraiser. They argued this move highlights the party's disconnect from average Idahoans, suggesting it's more about raising cash from a wealthy, niche demographic than actually winning statewide elections, especially given Walz's own controversies. Locally, there was heated discussion around Boise Mayor Lauren McLean's testimony regarding the city's Pride flag, with Neal...

Send a text

The hosts kick off the show with a broad sweep of topics, from a Super Bowl recap dissecting the game's quality, the controversial Bad Bunny halftime show, and the alternative TPUSA performance, right through to local weather and sports triumphs. A significant portion of the discussion then shifts to the Idaho legislative session, focusing on a hotly debated bill to restrict public restroom use based on biological sex. This leads to a critical examination of Representative Stephanie Mickelson's memorable, if unconventional, opposition, and a Democrat's argument against preventative measures, both of which are thoroughly...

Send a text

lively episode, kicking off with the hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason celebrating a significant win for parental choice in Idaho: the Idaho Supreme Court's unanimous decision to uphold House Bill 93. This bill, which provides up to $5,000 per child (or $7,500 for special needs) in refundable tax credits for education options outside traditional public schools, survived a lawsuit that the hosts argue relied on debunked constitutional arguments and manufactured urgency. They highlight how this ruling is a victory for families, shifting the education paradigm to prioritize children over institutional norms and demonstrating a clear desire...

Send a text

This episode features an insightful discussion with US Senator Jim Risch, who dives deep into the contentious DHS budget, highlighting its entanglement with immigration policy. He squarely places blame on the Biden administration for an influx of unauthorized individuals, whom he refers to as criminals by virtue of their illegal entry. Senator Risch also passionately defends the SAVE Act, advocating for voter ID requirements as a common-sense measure against fraud, and, along with the hosts, critiques Democrats for opposing it, suggesting their motivations are purely electoral. The conversation then shifts to Iran, where the...

Send a text

Neal Larson and Julie Mason navigate a packed agenda, starting with the heated dispute between Idaho and Utah. Utah's proposed tax on exported fuel has ignited fury from Idaho Speaker Mike Moyle, who is prepared to counter with measures like claiming more Bear River water, highlighting what the hosts see as Utah's arrogance. They anticipate Utah will likely retreat, but stress Idaho should still secure its water entitlements. Shifting gears, the hosts delve into national stories, including the baffling disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, mother of Savannah Guthrie, discussing ransom notes and ongoing investigations. This...

Send a text

Neal Larson and Julie Mason covered a wide array of compelling topics, starting with a critical look at the inconsistencies in certain lawmakers' stances on House Bill 93 versus the Launch program. They highlighted how opposition to HB 93 often contradicts support for other programs that also direct public funds to private education, attributing this to union pressures and political motivations. The discussion then shifted to the recently released Jeffrey Epstein documents, clarifying BYU-Idaho's incidental mention as merely having processed a tuition payment for a student in 2011, long before Epstein's crimes were widely known. The hosts...

Send a text

On Monday, February 2nd, 2026, Neal Larson reflects on the overwhelming nature of modern information and the diminishing sense of awe for monumental human achievements, using the delayed Artemis mission as a prime example. He expresses disappointment that ventures like sending humans to the far side of the moon now feel like "just another news story," suggesting society has lost its capacity for shared, momentous experiences due to constant digital inundation. This leads into a broader discussion with Julie Mason about the blurring lines between journalism and activism, particularly regarding Don Lemon's controversial actions in...

Send a text

This episode delves into a range of contentious issues, beginning with a deep dive into Idaho's education budget. Host Neal Larson details the conflict between the Joint Finance Appropriations Committee (JFAC) and Superintendent Debbie Critchfield, who declined to provide requested budget reduction plans for K-12 education, despite growing pressure to balance the state's overall budget. Larson challenges the notion of public education as an "untouchable" sector, advocating for innovation and prioritizing student well-being over institutional protection. Co-host Julie Mason adds that political motivations likely underpin Critchfield's stance and highlights a national trend towards education...

Send a text

This episode delves into a range of national and local issues, beginning with developments in Minneapolis regarding ICE and public safety arrests. The conversation then transitions to current proposals in the Idaho legislative session. These include bills to eliminate voter affidavits without ID, prevent cities from enacting rogue discrimination ordinances (specifically mentioning LGBTQ issues), allow parents to teach their children driver's education, permit midwives to prescribe certain medications, and abolish license plate registration stickers to save costs. Larson emphasizes that these are merely proposals, most unlikely to pass, and highlights the "devil's in the...

Send a text

Neal Larson and Julie Mason kick off the episode with sharp critiques of current political discourse, labeling much of it as "performative outrage." They express skepticism about the authenticity of certain high-profile events, including an alleged confrontation involving Ilhan Omar and an ICE shooting incident involving Alex Pretti, advocating for thorough investigations rather than immediate conclusions. The hosts also draw a crucial distinction between "justified" and "reasonable" actions in law enforcement and strongly condemn protests that disrupt public order, criticizing the concept of "mostly peaceful" demonstrations.

The program then shifts to an...

Send a text

This episode delves into a range of contentious issues, beginning with the ongoing debate in the Idaho Legislature over city flags. The hosts discuss how Boise Mayor McLean's decision to fly the LGBTQ+ flag has spurred new legislation to restrict flags on city property to only the U.S., state, and specific military flags, potentially affecting even banners for community events. They then pivot to commend Governor Brad Little's discreet move to opt Idaho into a new federal education tax credit from President Trump's "One Big Beautiful Bill Act." This $1,700 credit, which refunds donations...

Send a text

This podcast episode delves into several pressing topics, beginning with an in-depth analysis of the oral arguments before the Idaho Supreme Court regarding House Bill 93, the education choice tax credit. Neal and guest Chris Cargill from the Mountain States Policy Center agree that the plaintiffs' case was "weak sauce," particularly on the issue of standing, with Supreme Court justices expressing significant skepticism. They discuss the implications of the court potentially throwing out the lawsuit on standing alone versus issuing a decision on its merits, especially given the program's rapid popularity. The conversation then shifts...

Send a text

This episode of News Talk 1079 opens with hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason delving into a range of political and social commentary. Neal criticizes Governor Newsom and praises Donald Trump's "America First" stance and unconventional negotiating tactics, particularly concerning Greenland and the establishment of a "Board of Peace" as an alternative to the "corrupt cesspool" of the United Nations. He also expresses skepticism about congressional oversight hearings, viewing them as performative "grandstanding" rather than leading to real justice. The hosts touch on local Idaho legislative matters, including a failed attempt to repeal the Idaho...

Send a text

The podcast covers a range of current events, with significant focus on political and educational debates. A central segment involves a critical examination of Special Counsel Jack Smith's testimony before the House Judiciary Committee. Republicans, led by Jim Jordan, accused Smith of politically motivated actions against Donald Trump, highlighting controversial aspects like a payment to an FBI informant, alleged overreach in obtaining congressional phone records, and a "gag order" on Trump that was later challenged in court. While Democratic Ranking Member Jamie Raskin defended Smith's prosecutorial career, the hosts and Republican questioners largely dismissed...