The National Defense Radio Show

“Killing Time” with Clint Black

We welcome country music superstar Clint Black to the show to talk about his life and career in music, making dreams come true on the radio, and how he put all those great stories into his new memoir.  The book is titled “Killing Time”, and it sheds light on all of the highs and lows, the triumph and treachery, the ins and outs of Clint’s illustrious singing, producing, and acting career.

Comedian Ben Morrison

We welcome comedian Ben Morrison to the show to talk about his new standup special “Ben Morrison: 45” a blend of killer jokes, unique visual comedy, and film that proves you're truly only as old as you actually are. Ben tackles the absolute comedy goldmine of turning 45, diving into the joys (and pains) of getting old, crazy GPS directions, the mystery of $5 perfume, and the dangers and pitfalls of destination weddings.

Court TV’s Vinnie Politan with “Vinnie Politan Investigates”

We welcome Court TV’s Vinnie Politan, the host of “Vinnie Politan Investigates,” to the show to talk about some of the criminal cases you can check out on his show, the highest-rated program on Court TV!  Randy and Vinnie discuss the Murdaugh case being overturned in South Carolina, amongst other stories you see in the headlines each day.  Check out Vinnie’s regular weekday segments at 8 pm Eastern on Court TV.

Maria Menounos with “Designed to Last”

We welcome Maria Menounos, the host of the new series “Designed to Last” on Hulu, to The National Defense.  Maria fills us in on the show, which brings together architects, engineers, and inventors to tackle one of today's most urgent challenges: safeguarding homes against unpredictable and extreme real-world conditions.  Randy and Maria also discuss her trip to visit our Troops in Afghanistan.

CBS News Correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti

We welcome CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti’s to talk about his new book “Torched.”  “Torched” is a searing firsthand account of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the failures that fueled the catastrophe, and the high-stakes battle over how the city will rebuild ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.

Chip Lupo from WalletHub

We welcome back Chip Lupo from WalletHub to talk about their 2026 Best & Worst States for Military Retirees. Military families are accustomed to moving, but when it comes time to retire, it can be difficult to decide where to put down roots. For example, veterans must consider state tax policies on military benefits, along with the relative friendliness of different job markets and other socioeconomic factors, when choosing a state in which to settle down using 28 key indicators on veteran retirement.

Rae Dawn Chong on The National Defense

Actress Rae Dawn Chong joins the show to assure us that she is still, in fact, ALIVE, to talk about AI, and to promote her new film “Scared to Death.”  Rae Dawn stars as Ruth, a "motherly boss lady" and film producer, in this horror-comedy film.

Bill Spade and Jaymes Poling

We welcome Bill Spade, World Trade Center Firefighter, and sole survivor from FDNY Rescue Company 5 along with Jaymes Polling, a veteran with three tours in Afghanistan with 82nd Airborne Division to the show.  Bill and Jaymes have put together the incredible live show “Behind the Lines: a 9/11 Story.”   “Behind the Lines” is a live story, music, and theatre production set against the tragedy of 9/11 and the war that followed.

Mamie Van Doren with “You Thought I Was Dead”

We welcome Hollywood royalty, actress Mamie Van Doren, to the show to talk about her time in Hollywood, spilling the tea on USO tours during Vietnam, and about her new book.  “You Thought I Was Dead: My Life of Celebrities, Sex, and Champagne” is a candid, no-holds-barred memoir in which this Hollywood icon busts myths, settles old scores, and unveils untold stories from a life lived at the glittering and gritty edges of the Golden Age.

Founder of and TAPS President, Bonnie Carroll

We welcome back to the program, the founder and President of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Randy and Bonnie discuss TAPS, and their upcoming TAPS Good Grief Camp a program for children who are grieving the suicide death of a loved one who served in the Armed Forces.