The Lars Larson Show Interviews

A convicted child rapist and murderer was sentenced to spend life in prison. Years later, a governor's decision reopened the possibility of parole. Pamela Fitzsimmons writes the Substack Portland Dissent. She joins the show to discuss Oregon's parole policies, sentence commutations, and the ongoing debate over public safety and criminal justice reform. Send us Fan Mail

The latest employment report shows steady hiring, but some warning signs remain. Are long-term unemployment numbers telling a different story? Diana Furchtgott-Roth is an economist and Distinguished Fellow at the Energy Policy Research Foundation. She joins the show to discuss the latest jobs report, labor market trends, and what the numbers may reveal about the broader economy. Send us Fan Mail

A Portland-area realtor sparked controversy after publicly rejecting certain potential clients. Is this personal choice or professional discrimination? Nick Shivers is a Portland-area real estate expert and business owner. He joins the show to discuss politics in professional services and whether personal beliefs should influence client relationships. Send us Fan Mail

A massive solar project could transform thousands of acres of forestland in southern Oregon. Is it a clean energy solution or an environmental contradiction? Joyce Furlong is Chair of the Keno Wildlands Alliance. She joins the show to discuss a proposed solar development near Keno, concerns about forest loss, wildfire risk, and the impact on local wildlife and communities. Send us Fan Mail

Portland has far fewer officers than most major cities and a deadline is approaching to put a staffing proposal before voters. Can the city reverse the trend? Aaron Schmautz is President of the Portland Police Association. He joins the show to discuss police staffing levels, emergency response times, and efforts to place a public safety measure on the ballot. Send us Fan Mail

An American military helicopter went down near one of the world's most sensitive waterways. The rescue that followed may signal a major shift in how emergencies are handled. Richard Kolko is a retired U.S. Navy Commander, former Navy pilot, and former FBI Special Agent. He joins the show to discuss the first reported water rescue carried out by an unmanned drone and what it could mean for fut...

Billions of taxpayer dollars are spent each year on affordable housing programs. Are they solving the housing crisis or creating new problems? Kirk McClure is an emeritus professor of urban planning at the University of Kansas. He joins the show to discuss the Low-Income Housing Tax Credit program, housing affordability, and whether current policies are delivering results. Send us Fan Mail

Sweden has tightened its citizenship requirements, making applicants wait longer, learn the language, and prove they can support themselves. Should the United States consider a similar approach? Jessica Vaughan is Director of Policy Studies at the Center for Immigration Studies. She joins the show to discuss Sweden's new citizenship standards, immigration policy, and whether stricter requirem...

A former national security adviser who once criticized others over classified documents has now reached a plea agreement of his own. Does the punishment fit the offense? John O'Connor is the author of Postgate and a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California. He joins the show to discuss John Bolton's guilty plea, the handling of classified information, and wh...

Teachers and parents say classrooms are becoming harder to manage and some are pointing to a popular parenting philosophy. Has the pendulum swung too far? Aaron Mesh is Managing Editor of Willamette Week. He joins the show to discuss the growing debate over gentle parenting and how changing approaches to discipline may be affecting children and schools. Send us Fan Mail

Missiles, drones, and military retaliation continue to raise tensions in the Middle East. Is the latest escalation a sign of strength or desperation? Leland Vittert is host of On Balance and Chief Washington Anchor for NewsNation. He joins the show to discuss recent developments involving Iran, the United States, and the prospects for a broader conflict. Send us Fan Mail

An Oregon man is accused of targeting critical infrastructure and declaring war on the United States. What should the consequences be for attacks that disrupt essential services? Jeff Eager is a former Mayor of Bend, attorney, political consultant, and writer for Oregon Roundup. He joins the show to discuss the case and the growing concern over threats to critical infrastructure. Send us Fan Mail

A flesh-eating parasite thought to be eradicated from U.S. cattle has reappeared in Texas. Is this an isolated incident or the start of a much larger problem? Dr. Steven Quay is a physician-scientist, founder of Atossa Therapeutics, and author of The Code as Witness . He joins the show to discuss the discovery of the New World screwworm in U.S. livestock, the potential risks to agriculture and foo...

A controversial Senate candidate is drawing scrutiny over past statements, associations, and growing criticism from both allies and opponents. Could the fallout reshape the political landscape? Julian Epstein is the former Chief Counsel for House Judiciary Democrats and former Staff Director of the House Oversight Committee. He joins the show to discuss the controversy surrounding Maine Senate can...

A community festival turned into a scene of panic when gunfire erupted in a crowded public space. What went wrong, and could it happen again? Steven Sund is the former Chief of the United States Capitol Police and a nationally recognized security expert. He joins the show to discuss the mass shooting at Toledo's Old West End Festival, public event security challenges, and what communities can...

College tuition continues to climb, but confidence in higher education appears to be falling. Are students getting the value they expected from a degree? Will Biagini is Assistant Editor at Campus Reform. He joins the show to discuss new survey data showing declining confidence in higher education, rising tuition costs, and whether today's students believe a college degree is still worth the...

One school district spends less money and is seeing major academic gains. Another spends billions more yet continues to struggle. What explains the difference? Bethany Mandel is a columnist, commentator, and co-author of Stolen Youth . She joins the show to discuss Houston's recent education improvements, the role of state intervention in struggling school districts, and what the results coul...

Government reports suggest inflation has cooled, but many Americans still feel financially squeezed. Have official numbers captured the full impact on everyday households? Mark Minnella is host of the nationally syndicated program Financial Issues and a financial analyst focused on economic policy and market trends. He joins the show to discuss inflation, purchasing power, consumer spending, and w...

The Republican Party continues to evolve under Donald Trump's leadership. Has that transformation strengthened the conservative movement or changed it fundamentally? Mike Pence served as the 48th Vice President of the United States and as Governor of Indiana. He joins the show to discuss his new book, the future of conservatism, the direction of the Republican Party, and the principles he bel...

Nearly 2,000 measles cases have now been reported nationwide, and most involve people who were not vaccinated. Are health officials facing a growing public health challenge? Dr. Henry Miller is a physician, molecular biologist, and the founding director of the FDA's Office of Biotechnology. He joins the show to discuss the current measles outbreak, the risks associated with infection, vaccina...

A federal judge struck down a major increase in H-1B visa fees, arguing the administration exceeded its authority. Are the courts protecting the rule of law or standing in the way of immigration reform? Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch is an immigration attorney and the Owner and CEO of Lincoln-Goldfinch Law. She joins the show to discuss the court ruling, the future of the H-1B visa program, and the ongoin...

A homeowner says a mistake she never intended led to hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines and a lien on her property. Is this legitimate code enforcement or government overreach? Loren Seehase is an attorney with Pacific Legal Foundation's Property Rights Group. She joins the show to discuss a Honolulu homeowner's legal battle over short-term rental regulations, constitutional prope...

A Texas jury sentenced a teenager to 35 years in prison for a fatal stabbing at a high school track meet. Does the sentence fit the crime, or will it leave both sides dissatisfied? Nils Grevillius is a crime expert, author of The Last Lawman , and a U.S. Army veteran. He joins the show to discuss the Karmelo Anthony sentencing, how juries weigh violent crimes involving young offenders, and what th...

A major redistricting overhaul is already facing legal challenges and could reshape political representation across Louisiana. Will the new map stand up in court? Dr. John Fleming is a former U.S. Congressman who represented Louisiana's 4th Congressional District from 2009 to 2017. He joins the show to discuss Louisiana's newly approved congressional map, the legal battles surrounding re...

Social Security is now projected to become insolvent within a few years, potentially reducing benefits for millions of Americans. Will Congress act before retirees feel the impact? Charles Blahous is a former Social Security Trustee, Senior Research Strategist at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University, and an expert on entitlement policy. He joins the show to discuss the program's fin...