National Defense Radio Show Archives
CNN’s Katie Bo Lillis with Death of a Racehorse
We welcome CNN Investigative Reporter Katie Bo Lillis to the show to talk about her project, a new book “Death of a Racehorse” chronicling the challenges in the horseracing industry in the 21st Century. Trainers and tracks are looking to lower the incidence of horses “breaking down” and having to be euthanized on tracks across the country.
Author Robert Edsel: Remember Us The Untold Heroes of WWII and a Dutch-American Promise That Lives On
We welcome writer Robert Edsel to the program to talk about his newest epic book, “Remember Us: American Sacrifice, Dutch Freedom, and A Forever Promise Forged in World War II.” Robert has written many great books, including “The Monuments Men,” which was turned into an award-winning film, directed by George Clooney. Randy and Robert talk about his work chronologically, following the heroic efforts of military men and women around the world, and much more.
From FBI Captain to Best-Selling Author: Greg Heist and His Thrilling New Novel ‘The Silo’
We welcome author and retired FBI Captain in charge of the Criminal Investigation Division, Greg Heist, to the show to talk about his time serving at Quantico and how that background has lent itself to him being one of the most heralded authors writing police procedural novels. Randy and Greg talk about his time serving in law enforcement and then some little breadcrumbs about what you can expect from this incredible book, “The Silo.”
Finian Makepeace and Jason Mraz: Kiss the Ground
We welcome Finian Makepeace, Co-Founder and Chief Strategy Officer for Kiss the Ground, a group dedicated to the study and promotion of regenerative agriculture and soil health conservation, and multi-platinum singer/songwriter Jason Mraz to talk about the organization. Randy, Finian, and Jason discuss farming, conservation, and changing attitudes toward a mindful approach to our ever-changing agricultural landscape.
Author and Retired Army Lt. Colonel Brad Taylor
We welcome Army veteran Brad Taylor to the program to hear about his time serving as an ODA Commander and an Operator in the Special Missions Unit of the Army. Brad’s time as a soldier informed the publication of 19 novels, including the new release “The Gray Zone.”
Actress Teri Polo
“Relative Control” is the new project of actress Teri Polo. We welcome her to the show this weekend to talk about her time as a major character in the “Meet the Parents” trilogy of films and her new streaming project “Relative Control,” which examines the role of the caregiver in a humorous fashion.
Beth Russell: Freedom Dogs VSO
The National Defense welcomes Beth Russell, the founder and lead trainer of the great veteran service organization Freedom Dogs, to the show. Randy and Beth talk about dogs and why she felt it necessary to start the organization Freedom Dogs in the first place. They recount some of the work her dogs have done to support the Marine Corps’ Wounded Warrior Battalion-West at Camp Pendleton.
Comedian Dewayne White
We welcome US Army veteran and stand-up comic Dewayne White to the show to talk about his time in the Army as a combat veteran, the name “Shannon,” and where you can catch his great new stand-up special “A Boy Named Shannon,” available now!
Actress Julia Schlaepfer
This week, we welcome actress Julia Schlaepfer, who portrays Alexandra Dutton on the Paramount Plus series “1923.” Randy and Julia talk about her parent’s love of “Yellowstone” and how special it is to have her portray one of the scions of the Dutton clan in CBS and Paramount’s rich world of “Yellowstone” storytelling. They discuss working with Helen Mirren, Harrison Ford, and much more.
Actor Stephen Lang Back on The National Defense
The Irwin Brothers are at it again, and this week we are happy to welcome back actor Stephen Lang to the show to talk about his role in “The House of David” now airing on Amazon Prime Video. Randy and Stephen talk about his military career, his stage and screen performances, as well as his foray into the Biblical work “House of David” in which he plays Samuel. We think you’ll enjoy Stephen’s role in the actual David and Goliath series on Prime Video.
Actor Steven Weber of “Wings” and “Chicago Med” Fame
Randy welcomes actor Steven Weber, who plays Dr Dean Archer on NBC’s “Chicago Med.” The guys discuss the miltary service of Steven’s father, his PTS as a result of his time serving, and the military initiatives and organizations that Steven has become involved with. The show “Chicago Med” has helped Steven connect to his father and further understand his struggles, informing his character performance on the great NBC show.
Spencer Payne Co-Founder of Brotallion Blue Skies Foundation
We welcome Spencer “Smoky” Payne, a veteran, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Brotallion Blue Skies Foundation to the show to talk about his organization, his unlikely call-sign adoption while in the Army, all things Knoxville, and much more. Brotallion Blue Skies’ mission is to provide financial assistance, support services, and advocacy for the Army Aviation community and its Gold Star Families.
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