The National Defense Radio Show

Miriam Silverman from Netflix’s “Vladimir”

We welcome actress Miriam Rose Silverman to the show to talk about “Vladimir” an American television comedy drama limited series starring Rachel Weisz and Leo Woodall. It is an adaptation of the Julia May Jonas book of the same name that is now airing on Netflix.  Miriam talks about her own name, the process in making “Vladimir” as well as her involvement in the writing of the original book.

Jarrett Thomas, NPower Skillbridge Program Executive Director

We welcome the newly retired Col. Jarrett Thomas to the program to talk about his new role and mission as the Executive Director of the Npower Skillbridge Program.  Randy and Col. Thomas discuss both the Skillbridge and Npower organizations, the burgeoning cyber-security environment, and how Npower is working to attract veterans while they’re still active duty to help prepare them for the civilian workforce.

Navy SEAL Jack Ratliff With “Riding the White Bull”

We welcome retired US Navy SEAL Jack Ratliff to talk about his memoir “Riding the White Bull: The Making of a Navy SEAL.”  The book details a 1950s journey from college to elite military training.  Randy talks with Jack about the narrative tradition of the White Bull, and how he ties that narrative theme from his life into his book.

Comedian, Greg Warren, on The National Defense

We welcome comedian Greg Warren to the show to talk about his involvement in the new Nate Bargatze game show “Greatest Average American.”  The show celebrates the power of being perfectly average. Each round is packed with laugh-out-loud challenges and trivia as contestants try to guess how everyday Americans think and live. In the end, one lucky player is crowned the Greatest Average American and gets the chance to win the ultimate grand prize: the average American salary of $67,920.

Tom Hardin and His New Book “Wired on Wall Street”

We welcome author Tom Hardin to the show to discuss a fascinating story; part financial crime thriller, part personal transformation story, and part redemption memoir, “Wired on Wall Street: The Rise and Fall of Tipper X,” One of the FBI’s Most Prolific Informants tells the riveting true story of Tom Hardin, a young hedge fund analyst turned FBI informant. Known as “Tipper X,” Tom wore a covert wire over 40 times, helping the FBI build more than 20 of the 80+ cases in Operation Perfect Hedge, the largest insider-trading investigation in a generation.

War Machines Star Alan Ritchson and Director Patrick Hughes

Actor Alan Ritchson and Director Patrick Hughes join us to discuss their brand new film from Netflix: “War Machine.”   The science fiction action film is directed, co-produced, and co-written by Patrick Hughes. It stars Alan Ritchson and  Dennis Quaid, and it is INCREDIBLE.  Make sure to check out this great new film on Netflix.

Baz Luhrmann with “Epic”

The National Defense is happy to welcome director Baz Luhrmann to the show to talk about his incredible new project “Epic” which uses never-before-seen footage and recordings featuring Elvis Presley in concert at his Las Vegas residency during the later stage of his career. Baz and Randy discuss all things Elvis, Vegas, and Hollywood in this segment, and we can’t wait to see the documentary.

Jon Tenney with “American Classic” on MGM

We welcome one of the stars of the new MGM series “American Classic,” Jon Tenney, to the show to talk about this really funny new show.  The show revolves around a narcissistic Broadway star returning to his hometown after a public meltdown and deciding to save his family-run theatre by directing and starring in a production of a great American classic.  Make sure to check out this great cast, including Kevin Kline, Laura Linney, Tony Shalhoub, all alongside Jon.

Kalina Silverman “Big Talk"

Kalina Silverman does not mince her words! The author of “Big Talk: Skipping Small Talk to Make Meaningful Connections Across Humanity,” will tell you all about the book, why she decided to start up this project and this movement, and the value of making connections in our daily lives.

Mark Schmitz, Founder of The Freedom 13

The National Defense is honored to welcome a Gold-Star father and the founder of The Freedom 13, Mark Schmitz, to the show. Mark and Jaclyn Schmitz started The Freedom 13 to honor and remember their son, Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, as well as the 12 other veterans who lost their lives on Aug. 26, 2021, during a suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.  The project’s goal is to open a recreational camp in every state, each with 13 homes — one for a veteran property manager and 12 for visiting veterans, police officers, and their families, honoring those lost in the Kabul tragedy.