The Lars Larson Show Interviews

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 future military operations.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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A college coach reportedly recruited a male athlete to compete on a women's team without informing other players. What does the case mean for female athletes?

Jackson Thompson is a sports reporter for Fox News Digital. He joins the show to discuss federal findings involving San Jose State University and the broader debate surrounding women's sports and Title IX.

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A worker moves to Washington with years of experience and a valid license. Why are so many still facing barriers before they can start working?

Elizabeth New is Director and Policy Analyst at the Washington Policy Center. She joins the show to discuss universal licensure recognition, workforce shortages, and concerns surrounding recent changes to Washington's WA Cares program.

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Around the world, Christians face violence, imprisonment, and government repression from terrorist groups, authoritarian regimes, and hostile governments. Some foreign policy experts argue that where Christians are persecuted, broader threats to freedom and stability often follow. Should religious persecution play a larger role in shaping American foreign policy?

Samuel Ben-Ur is a research analyst focusing on the Middle East at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. He joins the show to discuss global Christian persecution, the Trump administration's efforts to elevate religious freedom as a foreign policy priority, and what attacks on Christians in places like Nigeria and China reveal about America's geopolitical adversaries.

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After the Uvalde school shooting, Texas required armed officers on every public school campus. Supporters say the policy improves safety, but critics argue it has led to thousands of incidents involving force, arrests, and aggressive policing over routine student misconduct. Has the pendulum swung too far?

Jarred Weisfeld is CEO of Objective Entertainment, President of Start Publishing, and a school safety advocate. He joins the show to discuss the balance between school security and student rights, whether police officers belong on every campus, and how schools can protect students without turning disciplinary issues into criminal matters.

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