The Lars Larson Show Interviews

 Oregon has some of the nation's highest rates of minors receiving puberty blockers and cross-sex hormones. What does the data actually show, and are state policies driving those numbers? Leor Sapir is a Senior Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. He joins the show to discuss Oregon's approach to youth gender medicine, new research findings, and the legal and medical questions surrounding...

 A federal appeals court struck down New Jersey's assault weapons and magazine capacity bans, setting up another major Second Amendment battle. Could the Supreme Court take the next step? Kostas Moros is the Director of Legal Research and Education at the Second Amendment Foundation. He joins the show to discuss the ruling, what it means for gun owners, and what could happen next.  Send us Fa...

Major employers say crime and public safety are shaping where they invest and grow. Has Seattle waited too long to address the problem? Ari Hoffman, host of The Ari Hoffman Show , joins the show to discuss newly released documents, the state's response to crime around Starbucks' headquarters, and what it means for businesses in Seattle. Send us Fan Mail

Tensions in the Middle East continue to rise as Iran is accused of attacking commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz. Could diplomacy still prevent a larger conflict? Jared Knott is a former U.S. Army Special Forces officer and author. He joins the show to discuss Iran's recent actions, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, and America's options moving forward.  Send us Fan...

 Millions of Americans have dealt with hazardous air from Canadian wildfires. Should Canada face consequences for forest management policies that allow these fires to grow? Gregory Wrightstone is a geologist and Executive Director of the CO2 Coalition. He joins the show to discuss wildfire management, forest policy, and whether better practices could reduce the damage.  Send us Fan Mail

Nearly 30 years after TWA Flight 800 crashed, newly highlighted FBI documents are raising fresh questions about what really happened. Was key evidence overlooked or concealed? Chris Farrell is Director of Investigations and Research at Judicial Watch. He joins the show to discuss the new findings, the documentary examining the disaster, and why the case continues to generate controversy. Send us F...

Many voters say Washington has become disconnected from everyday Americans. Would sending more producers instead of career politicians change that? Ben Butler is a ninth-generation Florida dairy farmer and Republican candidate for Congress. He joins the show to discuss his campaign, agriculture, and why he believes practical experience is missing in Washington. Send us Fan Mail

A new poll shows Washington State Senate Minority Leader John Braun with a narrow lead in Washington's 3rd Congressional District. Could voters be ready for a change? John Braun, a 31-year Navy veteran and Washington State Senate Minority Leader, joins the show to discuss his campaign against Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, the latest polling, and the issues he believes will decide the race. Se...

Oregon officials say noncitizen voting cases caused "no harm done," but critics argue the response raises serious questions about election integrity. Oregon State Representative Dwayne Yunker joins the show to discuss his request for a federal investigation, why he believes Oregon is failing to enforce election laws, and what reforms he says are needed. Send us Fan Mail

Political debates over election security don't just shape domestic politics—they can also influence America's standing around the world. Bryan Del Monte, founder of Quiet Departure and former Department of Defense and Intelligence official, joins the show to discuss how election rhetoric impacts international confidence, investment, and America's global reputation.  Send us Fan Mail

Americans continue to say they want larger families, yet birth rates remain well below replacement levels. What is driving the growing gap? J.P. De Gance, founder and president of Communio and co-author of Endgame , joins the show to discuss declining fertility, delayed marriage, and what these trends could mean for America's future.  Send us Fan Mail

Newly released intelligence assessments have renewed debate over election security and the vulnerabilities of voting systems. Entrepreneur and former congressional candidate Jack Lombardi joins the show to discuss election infrastructure, voter verification, and whether America should move back toward paper ballots and stronger election safeguards. Send us Fan Mail

Michigan lawmakers say they've uncovered hundreds of budgeted government positions that were never actually filled. Could other states have the same problem? Michigan House Speaker Matt Hall joins the show to discuss eliminating "ghost employees," reducing government spending, and protecting taxpayer dollars. Send us Fan Mail

A dispute over holiday displays at the Connecticut Capitol is raising new questions about religious expression on public property. Garrett Bell, Associate Counsel at First Liberty Institute, joins the show to discuss the legal challenge over the state's display policy and what it could mean for First Amendment rights.  Send us Fan Mail

Prediction markets are becoming increasingly popular, with millions of dollars being wagered on election outcomes. But should betting on politics be treated like sports gambling, or does it create new ethical and legal concerns? Dr. Bo Kabala, a political science expert at Tarleton State University, joins the show to discuss the rise of election prediction markets, concerns over insider informatio...

A group of women had to stop an alleged attacker themselves after waiting more than half an hour for Portland police to respond. Is this what residents should expect when they call 911? Jeff Helfrich is an Oregon State Representative and a retired Portland police lieutenant. He joins the show to discuss the city's ongoing staffing shortages, the 31-minute response time to an assault at Counci...

For decades, one Oregon family says it legally maintained the sand dunes surrounding its Cannon Beach home. Now, state regulators have changed course, leaving the family unable to protect their property as sand slowly engulfs it. When should government be able to stop homeowners from maintaining their own land? Stacy Niedermeyer is a Cannon Beach property owner whose family has battled encroaching...

A federally designated accessible trail was built to help people with disabilities enjoy the outdoors, but years of neglect have left it unsafe and nearly unusable. With billions of dollars in deferred maintenance, are public agencies living up to their promises on accessibility and stewardship? Brent Oliver is the founder of the Brent Oliver541 Foundation and the Meaningful Access Coalition. Livi...

Several states are moving to ban or restrict common self-defense tools, arguing the measures will improve public safety. But do these laws leave law-abiding citizens more vulnerable while doing little to stop criminals? Kyler Schmit is the Director of State Affairs for the U.S. Concealed Carry Association. He joins the show to discuss the latest state efforts to restrict self-defense rights, what...

The economy may be adding jobs, but are they the kinds of careers that can support families and strengthen the country? As businesses struggle to find skilled workers and young Americans rethink higher education, what's the best path to long-term economic opportunity? Thomas Jones is a workforce and economic policy expert. He joins the show to discuss the state of America's labor market,...

Oregon's governor has signaled she wants to scrap the state's controversial Climate Protection Program, yet regulators are moving ahead with a plan that would put billions of dollars from carbon credits under the control of a California nonprofit. Who should decide where that money goes—and who should oversee it? Nigel Jaquiss is a Pulitzer Prize-winning investigative reporter with the O...

A defense bill that includes a pay raise for America's troops, new investments in shipbuilding, and expanded drone technology has stalled after Senate Democrats united to block it. Is this legitimate oversight, or are politics getting in the way of national security? Mark Vargas is Editor-in-Chief of the Illinois Review and a former member of the Iraq Task Force in the Office of the Secretary...

Candidates promise lower taxes, safer streets, and fiscal responsibility on the campaign trail—but do those promises disappear after Election Day? As Washington faces record tax increases and ongoing public safety concerns, many voters are asking whether elected leaders are delivering on what they promised. Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank joins the show to discuss whether Washington's elect...

The Senate's top election integrity proposal has already faced an uphill battle, and now the sudden death of one of its strongest supporters has raised new questions about its future. Will Congress still move forward with requiring proof of citizenship to vote, or has the legislation lost its momentum? Jack Tomczak is Vice President of Outreach for Americans for Citizen Voting. He joins the s...

From struggling schools and rising homelessness to public safety concerns and a sluggish economy, Oregon faces no shortage of challenges. So why do so many of the state's political battles revolve around President Trump instead of problems closer to home? Josh Marquis is a former Clatsop County District Attorney and longtime legal analyst. He joins the show to discuss whether Oregon's el...