The National Defense Radio Show

Jeff Apter with “King of Hearts”

If you are a music fan, especially if you are captivated by the music of Roy Orbison like we are, you’ll love our guest, music journalist Jeff Apter!  Jeff has a new release entitled “King of Hearts,” a definitive biography of one of music history’s most beloved, versatile, unforgettable icons, from his chart-topping highs and tragic lows to his momentous comeback.  Orbison provided some fascinating subject matter for this great biography, we can’t wait to get our hands on it.

Actress Christina Moore with “Casa Grande”

We welcome actress Christina Moore to the show to talk about her acting career, the incomparable Lou Diamond Phillips, her month visiting troops in Afghanistan entertaining our troops, and most importantly the new release of her film “Casa Grande.”  The film focuses on a prodigal daughter’s return to her family's ranch as her ailing father faces mounting pressure from a rival seeking the property, leading to a conflict between the two families.  Check out this great film!

Chip Carter and Jonathan Reckford Supporting Habitat for Humanity

This week, the annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity that is making a return to the Atlanta area, providing housing for those in need, as they mark the 50th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity and President Jimmy Carter’s presidency.  Randy speaks with President Carter’s son, Chip, as well as Habitat for Humanity’s CEO, Jonathan Reckford, about the great endeavor, and extolls the virtues of NEVER retiring.

Team Red, White, and Blue’s Michael Sullivan

We welcome Executive Director of Team Red, White, and Blue, Michael “Sully” Sullivan, who retired as a Colonel from the U.S. Army, and is continuing his service to those that wore the uniform of the U.S. military.  Sully fills Randy in on his own service history, following in the tradition of his family’s service.  Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB) is America's health and wellness community for Veterans, and Randy gets the scoop on what they’re doing to support those who served.

Comedian George Civeris with “A Sense of Urgency”

Randy Miller welcomes comedian George Civeris to the show to talk about his new stand-up special “A Sense of Urgency,” available pretty much on any streaming service you can think of (sorry, Netflix).  George explains his upbringing both in Greece and America, how he is only culturally Greek and not fraternally Greek, and much more in this funny segment.

Executive Producer Mickey Markoff

We welcome yet another great American to the show this week: Mickey Markoff!  Mickey is Executive Producer of the Hyundai Air & Sea Show, a National Salute to America's Heroes, that is being held in Miami Beach this coming Memorial Day weekend.  Mickey has crammed 100 lbs of fun into a 20 lb bag, as helicopters, jets, skydivers, motorcycles, and more will fly through the air May 23-24 just off Ocean Drive.  Best of all, it’s FREE to attend.  Randy gets all the details from Mickey about this incredible production honoring our military and veterans.

AJ Pasciuti With “Dark Horse”

The National Defense is proud to welcome a 21-year Marine, Force Recon Scout Sniper, Marine Officer with seven deployments, AJ Pasciuti, to the show.  AJ gives us his backstory, enlisting after 9/11, as well as some stories from his time in service to the USMC.  AJ’s new book, “Darkhorse: Harnessing Hidden Potential in War and Life,” is a book unlike any other book we’ve been sent in recent memory, and Randy gets the scoop on how the book came to be and what readers can expect when they pick it up.  A great interview with a great American!

A New Children’s Book from Actor Steve Schirippa

We are thrilled to welcome Steve Schirippa, actor from HBO’s The Sopranos, to talk about that great show, as well as his new CHILDREN’S BOOK WillieBoy Eats the World: A Children's Picture Book.  Steve and Randy talk about the genesis of the book, their dogs, and how that leads to the New York Times best-seller list.

Actor Brandon Larracuente on The National Defense

Actor Brandon Larracuente joins the show to talk with Randy about becoming a new season regular in the 14th season of NBC’s Chicago Fire.  Brandon talks about the challenges of joining a long-running show and an established cast, as well as his motivation for portraying the character of Sal Vasquez.

Former Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms on The National Defense

Keisha Lance Bottoms, the former Mayor of Atlanta and current Georgia gubernatorial candidate, joins Randy Miller on The National Defense to talk about her life in Georgia, her time serving as Mayor of one of America’s largest cities, and her great new book The Rough Side of the Mountain: A Memoir.  Randy discusses with Keisha her struggles that are outlined in the book, and how the concept of the book ultimately was unrecognizable from the finished product.  A great story!