The National Defense Radio Show

The National Defense is proud to welcome back a long-time friend of the program, documentarian Ken Burns!  Ken is back with an INCREDIBLE new documentary: The American Revolution.  Randy and Ken take a deep dive into just a couple of the themes explored in this wonderful series; comparing modern-day challenges with the sensibilities of our founding fathers.  Check out The American Revolution, now available in the PBS Passport!

We welcome QVC’s Rick Domeier to the program to talk about shopping! Rick and Randy talk about the history of the QVC shopping channel and a great new documentary about the sales platform.  Rick has announced that he is retiring from the channel after three decades of service, and he and Randy have a great time in this segment.

We welcome Rich Starapoli, a long-time veteran of the United States Secret Service, to the show to talk about “Celebrity Crime Scene: Princess Diana”, a TMZ and FOX television documentary special.  After all this time, new evidence has come to light regarding the death of Princess Diana, and Rich gives us a glimpse of some new information that blows a LOT of theories about the accident out of the water.

We welcome British comedian Mo Gilligan to The National Defense to talk about his great new Netflix documentary “Big Chicken: A Fast-Food Conspiracy.”  Randy and Mo discuss fried chicken, its place in the global culinary tradition, and how many days it took to realize that only eating fried chicken was maybe not the greatest idea!

We welcome the author of the new book “Days of Miracle and Wonder: Paul Simon and the Trials and Triumphs of Graceland,” Ashley Khan to the program.  Randy and Ashley discuss the 40th anniversary of the legendary album “Graceland”, which was produced by Paul Simon at a real crossroads for him, both personally and professionally.  Check out this great book wherever books are sold.

We welcome Eric Barrett, the long-time road manager of Jimi Hendrix, who has written a brand-new memoir: “Experienced: On the Road with Jimi Hendrix and Beyond.’  The book details Barrett's years with Hendrix and subsequent decades touring with artists like David Bowie, Madonna, and many more.

The National Defense is excited to welcome Will Westmoreland to the show!  Will is the founder of The Back Forty (and Back Forty Action), a media and grassroots initiative focused on issues affecting family farms, rural healthcare, and local economies.  Randy and Will discuss the role of veterans as farmers across our country, veteran life in rural areas, and the challenges of living far removed from any Veteran Affairs facilities or similar support systems for those in rural areas.

Chris Kamler is a Kansas City–based columnist and storyteller whose work blends humor, nostalgia, and a deep appreciation for Midwest culture.  Nate Herron talks with Chris about his books, including the new release of “Paulie’s Pizza: A Summer of Friends, First Loves, Fast Money, and Fatal Decisions.”  Nate and Chris talk about the book, its basis in his own life, and much more.

We welcome the voice of Amy, from the incredible series Futurama (just starting its 14th season!) to the program to talk about the new episodes loading up every Monday on Hulu.  Randy talks with Lauren about her role as Ross’ girlfriend on “Friends,” her roles on Broadway, and much more.

We welcome veteran sportscaster Lindsay Czarniak to the program to talk about her new project, produced by Shaquille O’Neal: “Game Day Murders.”  The series explores the deadly intersection of sports and crime through six murder investigations involving athletes.  Lindsay and Randy discuss just how much material is unfortunately out there fitting this unique set of circumstances, and how the show came together.