The National Defense Radio Show

Bear Handlon from Born Primitive Returns to The National Defense

We welcome back our favorite Navy Seal/  Yale Linebacker, Bear Handlon to the show to talk about an incredible initiative to erase 5 Million dollars in medical debt, which more than DOUBLED that total amount, and this year they are partnering with Black Rifle Coffee Company to raise 25 MILLION DOLLARS to wipe out medical debt for veterans in need.  Thanks to Born Primitive and Black Rifle Coffee Company for their continued support our those who have served our country.

Documentarian Emily Turner with “Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers”

Now streaming on Netflix, the documentary “Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers,” directed by Emily Turner, reexamines Wuornos’ life and crimes nearly 40 years after they occurred.  Randy speaks with Emily about the new release on Netflix, the lasting effect of Aileen Wuornos in our pop culture, and what fresh insights were uncovered in the creation of this documentary.

Chip Lupo of WalletHub with 2025 “Best and Worst Places for Veterans to Live”

One of our favorite studies that is released each year is WalletHub’s annual “Best and Worst Places for Veterans to Live.”  WalletHub uses a wide range of metrics to determine where life for veterans is the easiest (and unfortunately where life is a little tougher due to lack of support) and Chip Lupo returns to the show to give us our 2025 update!  Thanks to WalletHub for their publication of this important information for the veteran community each year.

Dennis and David McClung on The National Defense

We welcome Dennis and David McClung, a father and son team that together have achieved a feat previously never been done before.  David, who is 82 years old, along with his son defied the odds, reportedly becoming the oldest person to trek to the South Base Camp of Mount Everest in Nepal.  Randy finds out WHY they decided to undertake this challenging task, but also learns about some of the scenes and people they encountered along their 17,598-foot climb to the South Base Camp of the world’s tallest mountain.

Erica Headlee, Manager of Program, Home Depot Foundation

We welcome Erica Headlee, Manager of Programs from the Home Depot Foundation, to talk about the continuing work that the Home Depot Foundation is doing to support our veterans.   The “Celebration of Service” initiative is running from Patriots Day to Veterans Day to update and repair veteran homes across the country with their network of V.S.O.s.  With programs assisting with housing, job training, and employment, Home Depot is putting MILLIONS of dollars where their mouth is in supporting those who have served out country.

Actor John Slattery with “Nuremberg”

We welcome legendary actor John Slattery to the program to talk about his storied career as well as his turn as Col. Burton C Andrus in the Sony Pictures Classic film “Nuremberg” coming to theaters Nov 7th.  The real life Colonel’s most noted assignment was as the commandant of the Nuremberg Prison which housed accused Nazis during the Nuremberg trials after the end of World War II in Europe.  We thank John for appearing on the show, and can’t wait to get to the theater to see this great historical drama!

CNN Lead Anchor Jake Tapper on The National Defense

“Race Against Terror: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever War” which details the story of a man in June 2011 fleeing the Arab Spring on a refugee boat surrenders who himself to Italian authorities. He claimed that, as a terrorist, he was responsible for the deaths of American soldiers. This unexpected surrender sets off an unlikely chain of events and one of the most significant, but little-known, cases in American history.  Randy and Jake talk about how this incredible story came to light, and the process of laying out this startling narrative.

Deborah Roberts on The National Defense

We welcome Deborah Roberts who is celebrating her 30TH year at ABC News this year as well as the release of her new book titled “Sisters Loved and Treasured: Stories of Unbreakable Bonds,” which explores the complex bonds of sisterhood. Roberts, who grew up with six sisters, wrote the book to celebrate sisterhood and also includes stories from various other individuals about their own experiences with sisters.

Michael Pack with “The Last 600 Meters” on PBS

We welcome documentarian Michael Pack to the show to talk about his work in “The Last 600 Meters” which details Iraq War engagements showcasing the selflessness and heroism of the mostly Marines who were tasked with clearing out urban warfare areas, door-to-door, street-to-street.  This film displays the struggles and realities of war, and we urge you to watch it on PBS.

Dr. Ian Smith on The National Defense

We welcome author and health advocate Dr. Ian Smith to the show to discuss just a couple of the projects he has coming out, Including writing a new book he's written with Rachel Ray coming out next year to assist women dealing with menopause and perimenopause “Menopause in the Kitchen.”  Dr Smith also write a great series of books featuring the character Ash Cayne, a former Chicago police detective turned private investigator, which is releasing it’s 5th story in the series, “Beyond Midnight.”