The National Defense Radio Show

Documentary Researcher Christian Hansen

Christian Hansen, photojournalist and researcher, is bringing his new documentary, “American Conspiracy: The Octopus Murders,” to Netflix to scratch that itch. Randy and Christian talk about the story, how he became aware, and what viewers can expect when streaming the Netflix series.

Producer Andy Erwin Back With “Ordinary Angels”

We welcome back film producer Andy Erwin from Kingdom Story Company to talk about how a chance discussion with Dave Matthews about a little girl needing an airlift during a blizzard led to the production of the new film “Ordinary Angels.” Randy and Andy talk about the cast, the writing team, and how an unorthodox group of people were able to put together such a powerful project.

Oscar Award Winner Hillary Swank on The National Defense

We welcome the star of the Kingdom Story Company's "Ordinary Angels," Oscar-award-winning actress Hillary Swank, to the National Defense. Randy and Hillary talk about her career, how she became aware of the script for "Ordinary Angels," and the role that her father's death played in her embracing the role.

Celebrating a Milestone With the Ford Transit

We welcome back one of our favorite guests from our long-time partner, Ford Motor Company, Archivist and Historical Brand Manager Ted Ryan, to talk about the 10th anniversary (North American) of the Ford Transit Van line. Ted talks about how the vehicle has been around across the pond for over half a century, its role in American life, Henry Ford, 4th-grade book reports, economics, and much more.

AJ Tata Back with “The Phlanax Code” on The National Defense

We welcome Brigadier General A.J. Tata back to the show to chat about his newest release, “The Phalanx Code: A Garrett Sinclair Novel.” General Tata and Randy discuss A.J.’s long military career and how that service influences the gripping works he is producing today, as well as the current state of the American soldier in 2024.

Actress Lucy Walsh and “Remember Me As Human”

We welcome actress Lucy Walsh to the show to discuss her work as an actress, producer, singer, director, and now author of “Remember Me As Human.” Lucy is the daughter of the legendary Joe Walsh and discusses her dad’s annual benefit concert, “Vet Aid.” The Walsh family has deep, deep roots in the American military, and an examination of over sixty love letters written to her grandmother has turned into this great book.

Meg Harrell Bob Woodruff Foundation

We welcome Meg Harrell, the Chief Program Officer for the Bob Woodruff Foundation, to the show. We discuss the new “Got Your Six” Network report detailing the unique needs of our veteran community. Randy and Meg discuss the “Got Your Six” Network, the methodology behind their report, and just a few of the tidbits about what the BWF has identified regarding what is, and more importantly, ISN’T being addressed for our veteran and military community.

Gary Santos and his new book “A Grand Pause”

We feature another author with a great book from World War II, Gary Santos, to talk about his new book “A Grand Pause.” Gary and Randy discuss the book, how Gary’s family history led him to research and write this book, and what readers can look forward to learning in another great book on World War II.

Comedian Paul Elia’s 1st One-Hour Stand-up Special

We welcome Paul Elia to the program to talk about his new and FIRST, one-hour stand-up special, “Detroit Player,” streaming now on YouTube. Paul grew up in Detroit but is Iraqi-Syrian and brings his unique worldview to the stage, covering topics from family, the Detroit Lions, and much more.

"Chicago Med" Actress Jessy Schram

We welcome actress Jessy Schram to the program to discuss her role as Dr Hannah Asher on the 9th season of "Chicago Med" on NBC. Jessy and Randy talk about Chicago, deep-dish pizza, and what "Chicago Med" fans can look forward to in this upcoming season.