The National Defense Radio Show

Actor John Michael Higgins on The National Defense

Randy welcomes one of his favorite comedic actors and hosts, John Michael Higgins, to the program to talk about ALL of the fantastic movies in which he’s appeared. We also chat about his upcoming project “Pickled” on CBS which is raising money for a great cause alongside Stephen Colbert, Will Farrell, and many more, all playing Pickleball.

Actor Jerry O’Connell on The National Defense

We welcome the star of many of our favorite movies and TV shows, actor Jerry O’Connell, to the show to talk about his long-running acting career. Randy and Jerry talk about a funny story centering around baseball and Gary Sinise as well as his new host role on Mattel’s “Pictionary” game show. Thanks to Jerry for his work and for appearing on The National Defense.

Medal of Honor Recipient David Bellavia Returns

We welcome back the only Iraq war living Medal of Honor recipient, David Bellavia, to the program to check in on what he’s been up to since we last spoke to him. David share war-stories, both from his time in Iraq, as well as hosting his own radio show in Buffalo. David has written a new book “Remember the Ramrods” and he and Randy talk about this fascinating new project.

T-Mobile Area Vice President, Terrance Glover

We welcome retired U.S. Army Specialist Terrance Glover to the program to talk about his time spent in the military and his transition to the civilian world when his time was up in the Armed Forces. Randy and Terrance discuss his initial rough transition phase from uniformed service turned into becoming a Vice President for T-Mobile. Thanks to T-Mobile for all the work they do supporting our veterans, our active-duty military, and their families!

Shannon Gerber, Executive Director for Home Depot Foundation

We welcome back one of our longest-running partners on the Radio Show, and the Executive Director of the incredible Home Depot Foundation to the program: Shannon Gerber. The Home Depot Foundation has ponied up INCREDIBLE amounts of money to support veteran service organizations and is well on their way to hitting a half BILLION dollars in improving the homes and the lives of those who have served our country.

Admiral John Bird, USAA Chairman and Senior Vice President of Military Affairs

We welcome back retired Admiral John Bird, USAA’s Senior Vice President of Military Affairs. We talk about USAA, how it was founded 100 years ago, what it has become, and what members of USAA can expect in the future from the program. It’s not all Gronk commercials at USAA, and we thank them for their long history of serving our active-duty military members, veterans, and their families.

Celebrity Biographer Michael Starr with “The Merchant of Venom”

We welcome celebrity biographer and TV/Entertainment columnist for the New York Post, Michael Starr, to the show. We talk about his latest release, “Don Rickles: The Merchant of Venom.” Michael and Randy chat about Don’s legendary career, some interesting anecdotes from the book, and how the universally beloved figure is remembered for his career spanning six decades.

Marlo Thomas Returns with the ”Give Thanks” Program to The National Defense

Actress, Author, and Activist Marlo Thomas returns to the program to talk about her work as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Marlo talks about how St. Jude’s is launching a series of stories on NBC’s “The Today Show” to highlight the great work that St. Jude’s is doing to help cure childhood cancer. Marlo has been involved with St. Jude’s since her father founded the incredible organization and we’re happy to take part in their “Give Thanks” program.

VA Secretary Denis McDonough’s Monthly Press Conference

In this segment, we check in on VA Secretary Denis McDonough’s monthly press conference. Joining the Secretary this month is Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health, to provide information on how Veterans will begin conducting Toxic Exposure Screenings beginning November 8, 2023.

AOL Founder Steve Case with a New Book

Randy welcomes the founder of America On-Line, Steve Case, to the show. We talk about his brand new book, “The Rise of the Rest: How Entrepreneurs in Surprising Places are Building the New American Dream.” Steve’s book shows how entrepreneurs across the country are building groundbreaking companies, renewing communities, and creating new jobs—in the process reimagining the American landscape and bringing people together around a shared future. Randy and Steve talk about the role that veterans can play in building their own futures.