The National Defense Radio Show

John Ratzenberger Returns to The National Defense

We welcome back John Ratzenberger to The National Defense to promote his most recent turn as the voice of Hamm in Disney Pixar’s “Toy Story 5.”  The guys discuss soccer, and how attending a match back in the day was taking your life into your own hands, his role as Cliff on “Cheers” and what fans of the “Toy Story” franchise have to look forward to in theaters this summer.

NY Times Best Selling Authors Mike Schur and Joe Posnanski

New York Times bestselling authors Mike Schur and Joe Posnanski join The National Defense to talk about their fun new book “Big Fan” which details them traveling the world in a hilarious and heartwarming celebration of fans and the things they love: baseball, basketball, chess, darts, football, futbol, Indigenous North American stickball, pickleball, WWE, Taylor Swift, Star Wars, and more. Randy discusses sports, Kansas City as a World Cup host city, and much more with Mike and Joe.

Legendary Singer and Songwriter, Engelbert Humperdinck

Engelbert Humperdinck, a man whose voice and songs have permeated the American populace for decades, joins us to talk about his life, his career, performing for our troops, and NEW music!  Engelbert, who maintains a performance residency at the fabulous Westgate Las Vegas Resort and Casino, is TOURING at the age of 90, but we’re asking for your to stop throwing undergarments at him on stage (room keys are still alright)!  Check out his new album “King of Romance” soon!

Ondas Holdings LLC’s CEO Eric Brock on The National Defense

We welcome back the Chief Executive Officer for Ondas to the show, Eric Brock, to give us an update on the technological landscape for both security and military applications around the world.  Randy and Eric discuss the nature of autonomous devices on the battlefield, military intelligence, and a recent drone “rescue.”  With the proliferation of drones around the world, Ondas is staying at the cutting edge of keeping Americans safe and secure wherever they are.

“Toy Story 5’s” Mr. Potato Head, Jeff Bergman

We welcome the Man of a Thousand Voices for the 21st Century, Jeff Bergman to The National Defense to talk about his role as the voice of Mr. Potato Head in the upcoming Disney Pixar release, “Toy Story 5.”  Randy and Jeff discuss what it’s like to replace the voice of the late Don Rickles, his upbringing, Mel Blanc, and much, much more.  Check out Jeff and John Ratzenberger’s work in theaters for “Toy Story 5!”

Still a Hero with USAA’s Chris Ford

We welcome Air Force Veteran Chris Ford to the program to talk about his military service and his work with Face the Fight, a major national coalition dedicated to reducing and preventing veteran suicide. He is an Air Force veteran whose mission to end veteran suicide is deeply personal, driven by the loss of his own son-in-law.

Jared Fried with “Walking Red Flag”

We welcome back Comedian (and new Co-Host?) Jared Fried to The National Defense to talk about his great new book out NOW, “Walking Red Flag: Dating Advice from Your Favorite Guy Friend” which will take you from “getting dumped, to getting dumped again.”  We clearly enjoy having Jared on the show and we hope he can eclipse ALL other books on Amazon.  We’d recommend buying both the book AND the audiobook, which Jared also performs, wherever books are sold.

Melissa Ethridge with “Rise”

Melissa Ethridge joins Celebrity Salute to talk about her life and career in music, finding a 3rd gear with her voice, and the release of her incredible new album “Rise.”  In addition to listening to the title track at the end of this interview, Melissa and Randy discuss “Rise” and how it’s been received out on the road, and much more.

Comedian Jim Gaffigan with “Everything is Wonderful”

The National Defense welcomes the hilarious comedian Jim Gaffigan to the show!  Jim and Randy talk about race horses, signing his Father Time Bourbon, and the super exciting “Everything is Wonderful” Tour coming to a city near you.

Songwriting with Soldiers PK Kelly and Jay Clementii

We welcome the Music Director from one of our absolute favorite VSOs to the show: Jay Clementi from Songwriting With Soldiers to the program, along with retired Army Ranger PK Kelley.  Jay and PK talk with Randy about the incredible Songwriting with Soldiers program, their own history meeting at one of their songwriting retreats, and a listen to a song that will raise the hairs on the back of your neck, “Daddy’s Son.”