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
1.26.2026 - INTERVIEWS: Chris Cargill, MSPC and Rep. Dustin Manwaring, the Discombobulator, and the Minnesota Mayhem
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 to the Alex Pretti shooting in Minneapolis, where Neal shares his struggle with the justification of the shooting based on available video, questioning if the agent's life was in "imminent danger," while also criticizing pre-judgment and "candlelight vigils."
The second hour features State Representative Dustin Manwaring, who discusses his proposed bill aimed at protecting state employees who communicate with legislators from retaliation by the executive branch. This comes in response to Governor Little's memo requiring all executive branch communications with lawmakers to go through his office, a policy Manwaring views as creating unnecessary friction and indicating a lack of trust. Manwaring also touches on efforts to increase medical education opportunities in Idaho to address the state's doctor shortage. The episode concludes with a lighter, speculative segment on a rumored U.S. military "discombobulator" sonic weapon and a listener discussion on chemtrails, exploring theories about their purpose and perceived government secrecy.
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### Highlight List
* Idaho Supreme Court oral arguments on House Bill 93 (education choice tax credit) heavily scrutinized plaintiffs' standing and constitutional arguments.
* Host Neil Larson expresses reservations about the justified use of lethal force in the Alex Pretti shooting in Minneapolis.
* Rep. Dustin Mannwaring introduces legislation to protect state employees' communication with legislators, countering Governor Little's restrictive memo.
* Discussion on US military's rumored "discombobulator" sonic weapon and listener theories regarding chemtrails and their potential impact.
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