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
5.29.2026 - America 250, Fourth Verse, Trump Fatigue
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We kicked off a Friday show in full “America 250” mode—loosening things up while also getting serious about what it means that the country is nearing its 250th anniversary. Neal shared why he sees America’s founding as more than historical luck—something rooted in providence, liberty, and the idea that our rights come from God, not government. He also invited listeners to be part of the celebration by submitting short audio/video “birthday greetings” to America that we’ll use on air and online (with a quick heads-up: iPhone users might see an error even if the message still goes through).
Then we leaned into the patriotic theme with a Studio for Cover performance: Marine veteran Jason Franklin sang the *fourth verse* of the National Anthem—something most people never hear, but hits hard once you do. We also talked with Army veteran Ryan Lloyd about his “Why We Stand” project, aimed at bringing that fourth verse back into the public conversation during America 250 commemorations. From there, the show drifted into a familiar cultural reality: how some people let Trump-related anger crowd out everything else (even national celebration), and how politics—locally and nationally—can leave communities fractured, cynical, and exhausted. Still, we circled back to the bigger point: don’t miss the moment. America is worth celebrating, and the best way forward is to stay grounded in gratitude, perspective, and purpose.
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### Highlights
- Neal’s America 250 listener project: submit a short greeting (audio/video) about what America means to you
- Jason Franklin performs the **fourth verse** of the National Anthem live in studio
- Ryan Lloyd explains the **Why We Stand** project and why the 4th verse captures the “why” behind American resilience
- Discussion on Trump fatigue: not letting political rage override love of country
- Honest talk about how elections and “dark money” can fracture local communities and leave voters jaded
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