The Lars Larson Show Interviews

When activists can’t pass laws through legislatures, are they turning to the courts to get the same result? A growing number of lawsuits are targeting entire industries, raising concerns about whether legal action is being used to bypass voters and elected officials. O.H. Skinner, Executive Director of Alliance for Consumers Action, joins the program to break down the rise of these lawsuits, what...

The shrimp in your grocery store may come from farms using heavy antibiotics, raising concerns about drug-resistant bacteria making its way into the U.S. food supply. As global trade expands, so do the risks tied to how that food is produced. Dr. Henry Miller, physician and former founding director of the FDA’s Office of Biotechnology, joins the program to break down what’s happening overseas and...

A new study shows one in five parents still spank their kids and some believe it’s necessary to raise them properly. But as parenting norms shift, the debate over discipline versus harm is far from settled. Dr. Isha Mannering, pediatrician and parenting expert, joins the program to break down what the research says and whether spanking helps or hurts kids in the long run. Send us Fan Mail

A University of Washington climate scientist says the media got the last warming spike wrong and may be doing it again. With politicians warning of drought and extreme weather, the question is whether the science matches the messaging. Cliff Mass, professor of atmospheric sciences at the University of Washington, joins the program to break down what’s really behind recent temperature swings and wh...

Oregon’s top Republican candidates just walked away from the only scheduled debate before the primary, leaving voters without a chance to see them face off. Is this strategy or avoiding tough questions? Chris Dudley, former NBA player and candidate for Oregon governor, joins the program to explain why the debate fell apart and whether voters should be concerned. Send us Fan Mail

Republicans are heading into the midterms with a massive war chest but also facing rising gas prices, global conflict, and growing voter frustration. The big question: can money and messaging overcome real-world economic pressure? Henry Olsen, senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, joins the program to break down whether campaign cash can change the narrative—or if voters are focuse...

Oregon Democrats passed new tax changes impacting car loans, small businesses, and equipment purchases but now there’s a push to let voters weigh in directly. Supporters say the move protects essential services, while critics argue it could drive business out of the state. Rep. Dwayne Yunker joins the program to break down what the changes mean for taxpayers and whether voters should have the fina...

A federal court just struck down a 158-year-old ban on home distilling, raising new questions about what Americans should be allowed to make in their own homes. If brewing beer and wine is already legal, why not spirits? Rick Morris, owner of Brewhaus America and founder of the Hobby Distillers Association, joins the program to break down the ruling, what it means right now, and whether full legal...

Peace talks with Iran have collapsed and now the U.S. has moved to blockade Iranian ports in one of the most critical waterways in the world. With threats escalating on both sides, the question is whether there’s any path left to a deal—or if this is the beginning of a much larger conflict. Dr. Jonathan Schanzer, Executive Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, joins the program to...

Watching your favorite NFL team now might require multiple streaming subscriptions and the federal government is starting to take notice. With games spread across platforms and costs piling up, fans are asking whether the league has gone too far. Dwight Jaynes, longtime sports columnist, joins the program to break down the NFL’s streaming strategy, the DOJ investigation, and whether fans are being...

Nearly half of recent college graduates are working jobs that don’t require a degree and for the first time, unemployment among young grads is outpacing the national average. As hiring slows and AI threatens entry-level roles, more are questioning whether the traditional college path still delivers on its promise. Nicholas Giordano, political science professor and higher education fellow, joins th...

Eric Swalwell’s political future is in serious jeopardy after multiple misconduct allegations triggered investigations, resignations, and a rapid collapse of support. Now the question isn’t just about the accusations, it’s whether he should step down or be forced out. Dr. Steve Bonta of The New American joins the program to break down the fallout, what happens next, and whether Congress will take...

A Portland judge asked colleagues to cover her domestic violence trials so she could campaign for reelection, raising serious questions about priorities on the bench. When victims are waiting for justice, should a judge be stepping away to focus on politics? Josh Marquis, former VP of the National District Attorneys Association, joins the program to break down what this means for the integrity of...

Some Democrats are backing away from Governor Kotek—but without offering a clear alternative. That raises a bigger question: is this about strategy, or a sign of deeper problems within the party’s leadership in Oregon? David Medina, small business owner and Republican candidate for governor, joins the program to break down what’s behind the shift and what it could mean for the state moving forward...

An Oregon veteran has everything lined up to build a memorial honoring those who served: local support, land, and plans but the project is stalled by a federal holdup in Washington, D.C. So what’s standing in the way of something meant to honor veterans? Ron Van Vlack, Oregon Army National Guard veteran, joins the program to explain what’s been done, where things are stuck, and why a single bureau...

Under Bidenomics, grocery and gas prices were high, and we didn’t hear much concern, but now it’s all the rage as prices rise again under Trump. Is the outrage warranted?  Ryan Young, Senior Economist at the Competitive Enterprise Institute, joins the program to break down what’s driving the latest spike and whether foreign policy is about to hit your wallet even harder. Send us Fan Mail

The cost of raising a child just crossed $300,000—and that’s before college. At the same time, birth rates are hitting record lows, raising a bigger question about whether the American dream of raising a family is slipping out of reach. Bill Dendy, CPA and financial advisor, joins the program to break down what’s driving these costs and whether families can still afford to have kids in today’s eco...

A startup wants to launch tens of thousands of mirrors into space to reflect sunlight onto Earth at night—potentially lighting up entire regions after dark. Supporters call it innovation, but critics warn it could disrupt ecosystems, human health, and even the natural night sky itself. Gregory Wrightstone, geologist and Executive Director of the CO2 Coalition, joins the program to break down who g...

Denver’s homelessness crisis continues to grow, with concerns about safety, public spaces, and the direction of city leadership. Critics argue years of progressive policies have only made things worse, while supporters say the problem is more complex. Teller County Sheriff Jason Mikesell, Republican candidate for Colorado governor, joins the program to break down what’s happening in Denver and whe...

Portland has a major river running through the heart of the city—but for decades it’s been underused, cut off, and even contaminated. Meanwhile, nearby Vancouver turned its waterfront into a thriving destination, raising an obvious question: what’s holding Portland back? Aaron Mesh, Managing Editor at Willamette Week, joins the program to break down the competing plans, the environmental hurdles,...

Washington is considering a major shift in how bail works—letting defendants pay a percentage directly to the court instead of using private bail bonds. Supporters say it’s more fair, but critics warn it could weaken accountability and change how the system ensures people actually show up. Courtney Wimer of All City Bail Bonds joins the program to break down how the current system works and what c...

America just launched a high-risk mission to rescue a single downed airman behind enemy lines—while Australia is prosecuting one of its most decorated war heroes for actions taken in combat years ago. The contrast raises a bigger question about how nations treat those who fight for them. Mary Rooke, Commentary and Analysis Writer for The Daily Caller, joins the program to break down what this says...

A new analysis shows Social Security’s trust fund could run dry as early as 2032, while the federal government continues to spend far more on retirees than on younger Americans. With the system under growing strain, younger workers are left wondering what they’re actually paying into. Kent Smetters, Faculty Director of the Penn Wharton Budget Model, joins the program to break down the numbers, wha...

A new technology developed by former NASA engineers claims it can put out fires using sound waves—no water, no chemicals, and no damage. If it works at scale, it could completely change how fires are fought, especially in wildfire-prone states like California. Remington Hotchkis, Chief Commercialization Officer at Sonic Fire Tech, joins the program to explain how it works and whether this could be...

A Minneapolis protest turned deadly when federal agents shot and killed a man during an immigration operation—sparking a national debate over gun rights, self-defense, and how the Second Amendment applies in high-tension situations. Now the question is front and center: does legally carrying a firearm protect your rights in a protest setting—or does it change how law enforcement responds? Bob Barr...