The National Defense Radio Show

Mitch Albom Returns to The National Defense with “Twice”

We welcome back Mitch Albom to The National Defense to talk about his columns in the Detroit Free Press, his books, and his new release, “Twice.”  The book chronicles a man who, at eight years old, discovers the magical ability to get a second chance at everything. He can undo it at any moment and live it again. The one catch: he must accept the consequences of his second try—for better or worse.

Actor and Comedian Marlon Wayans

We welcome Marlon Wayans, star of “In Living Color,” the “Scary Movie” franchise, and much more to the program to talk about his nationwide stand-up comedy tour.  Randy and Marlon talk about how much his family formed and shaped his performer sensibility, the production of “Scary Movie 6,” and much more.

Phil Rosenthal Returns to The National Defense

We welcome back Phil Rosenthal, creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond” and many other great projects, to the show to talk about his newest cookbook “Phil’s Favorites,” which has collected some of people’s favorite recipes from the last few seasons of “Somebody Feed Phil.”  Randy and Phil talk about tuna fish sandwiches, their favorite recipes, and more.

Bear Handlon from Born Primitive Returns to The National Defense

We welcome back our favorite Navy Seal/  Yale Linebacker, Bear Handlon to the show to talk about an incredible initiative to erase 5 Million dollars in medical debt, which more than DOUBLED that total amount, and this year they are partnering with Black Rifle Coffee Company to raise 25 MILLION DOLLARS to wipe out medical debt for veterans in need.  Thanks to Born Primitive and Black Rifle Coffee Company for their continued support our those who have served our country.

Documentarian Emily Turner with “Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers”

Now streaming on Netflix, the documentary “Aileen: Queen of the Serial Killers,” directed by Emily Turner, reexamines Wuornos’ life and crimes nearly 40 years after they occurred.  Randy speaks with Emily about the new release on Netflix, the lasting effect of Aileen Wuornos in our pop culture, and what fresh insights were uncovered in the creation of this documentary.

Chip Lupo of WalletHub with 2025 “Best and Worst Places for Veterans to Live”

One of our favorite studies that is released each year is WalletHub’s annual “Best and Worst Places for Veterans to Live.”  WalletHub uses a wide range of metrics to determine where life for veterans is the easiest (and unfortunately where life is a little tougher due to lack of support) and Chip Lupo returns to the show to give us our 2025 update!  Thanks to WalletHub for their publication of this important information for the veteran community each year.

Dennis and David McClung on The National Defense

We welcome Dennis and David McClung, a father and son team that together have achieved a feat previously never been done before.  David, who is 82 years old, along with his son defied the odds, reportedly becoming the oldest person to trek to the South Base Camp of Mount Everest in Nepal.  Randy finds out WHY they decided to undertake this challenging task, but also learns about some of the scenes and people they encountered along their 17,598-foot climb to the South Base Camp of the world’s tallest mountain.

Erica Headlee, Manager of Program, Home Depot Foundation

We welcome Erica Headlee, Manager of Programs from the Home Depot Foundation, to talk about the continuing work that the Home Depot Foundation is doing to support our veterans.   The “Celebration of Service” initiative is running from Patriots Day to Veterans Day to update and repair veteran homes across the country with their network of V.S.O.s.  With programs assisting with housing, job training, and employment, Home Depot is putting MILLIONS of dollars where their mouth is in supporting those who have served out country.

Actor John Slattery with “Nuremberg”

We welcome legendary actor John Slattery to the program to talk about his storied career as well as his turn as Col. Burton C Andrus in the Sony Pictures Classic film “Nuremberg” coming to theaters Nov 7th.  The real life Colonel’s most noted assignment was as the commandant of the Nuremberg Prison which housed accused Nazis during the Nuremberg trials after the end of World War II in Europe.  We thank John for appearing on the show, and can’t wait to get to the theater to see this great historical drama!

CNN Lead Anchor Jake Tapper on The National Defense

“Race Against Terror: Chasing an Al Qaeda Killer at the Dawn of the Forever War” which details the story of a man in June 2011 fleeing the Arab Spring on a refugee boat surrenders who himself to Italian authorities. He claimed that, as a terrorist, he was responsible for the deaths of American soldiers. This unexpected surrender sets off an unlikely chain of events and one of the most significant, but little-known, cases in American history.  Randy and Jake talk about how this incredible story came to light, and the process of laying out this startling narrative.