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.
The Neal Larson Show
12.4.2025 - INTERVIEW: US Senator Jim Risch. Trump drug boat strikes, Old State Saloon controversy
Hosts Neal Larson and Julie Mason are joined by US Senator Jim Risch for a wide-ranging interview on major national security and domestic policy issues. Senator Risch defends President Trump's aggressive military actions against Venezuelan drug boats, dismissing critical reports from the Washington Post as unsubstantiated. The conversation also covers the complexities of healthcare policy, with the Senator criticizing the Affordable Care Act and discussing ongoing negotiations to find a market-based solution to replace expiring subsidies. He concludes with a somber update on the Russia-Ukraine peace talks, noting the difficult concessions required from both sides for any resolution to be reached.
Following the interview, the conversation pivots to a mix of cultural and local Idaho topics. Neal and Julie discuss several viral stories, including a controversial Nativity scene depicting baby Jesus detained by ICE agents and the Satanic Temple of Idaho's fundraiser for the Idaho Food Bank. The main local focus is a controversy surrounding an Idaho bar offering free beer for a year to anyone whose tip to ICE leads to the arrest of an illegal immigrant. The segment sparks a lively debate with listener calls offering different perspectives. The show also features a surprise in-studio visit from the new Mayor-elect of Idaho Falls, Lisa Burtenshaw.
* Senator Jim Risch defends President Trump's strategy of bombing Venezuelan drug boats and discusses the complexities of potential military action against drug labs.
* A deep dive into healthcare policy, including the failures of the Affordable Care Act and the push for market-based solutions to replace expiring subsidies.
* Neal and Julie react to a viral story about a church's Nativity scene depicting baby Jesus zip-tied by figures representing ICE agents.
* A local Idaho bar sparks controversy by offering free beer for a year to patrons whose tips lead to the arrest of illegal immigrants, prompting a lively debate and listener calls.
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.