The National Defense Radio Show

We welcome back US Army Veteran and author of the incredible Pike Logan series, Brad Taylor, to The National Defense.  Brad and Randy talk about the newest installment, the 20th in the series, Shadow Strike: A Pike Logan Novel.  This book, with on the Middle East, feels like it’s ripped straight from this week’s headlines as it centers around a rogue group of Iranian regime officials who create a brazen plot to strike back at their hated enemies once and for all.

We welcome actor Blair Underwood, known for his long run on the NBC legal drama LA Law, among many other projects.  Blair has written a new biography about his own mother, entitled “A Soldier's Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood – A Son's Tribute to a Fashion Designer and Pioneering Executive.”  Randy speaks with Blair about his mom, the unique challenge of a military spouse and mother, and how meeting his father set her rapid ascension as an executive in the fashion industry on pause.  This is a great snapshot of base life in the 20th century, and we hope you check it out.

The National Defense welcomes Laurie Segall, CEO of Mostly Human, a New York-based entertainment media company she co-founded in 2019. Previously, the senior technology correspondent and an editor-at-large for CNN, her work focuses on technology and its societal, cultural, and human impact; in this case, on artificial intelligence.  Laurie talks about the landscape surrounding AI, the Trump administration, the Pentagon, and much more.

The National Defense is proud of our longstanding partnership with the incomparable Home Depot Foundation, serving veterans and their families to address many issues, especially veteran and accessible housing.  Home Depot Foundation has improved the homes of over 70,000 veterans across out country, and Erin fills us in on where Team Depot is heading next.  Thank you so much to Home Depot and the Home Depot Foundation for their support of America’s military and veterans!

Deborah Roberts returns to the show to talk about the most recent story featured on ABC’s 20/20 dealing with neighbors; particularly when fences don’t seem to make anyone any better.  Hostilities leading to gunfire in a small neighborhood in Ocala, FL frame this fascinating expose on “that one neighbor” from Deborah on 20/20.

We welcome back actor Ted McGinley to the program to talk about the winding down of the most recent season of Apple TV’s Shrinking.  We are obsessed with this show, and talk with Ted about his character arc, how it compares to him in real life, and much more.

Randy Miller welcomes Tom Wagenlander, Executive Director of AARP’s Wish of a Lifetime program, making wishes come true for veterans over the age of 65.  From jumping out of airplanes, climbing mountains, or just reconnecting with distant friends or families are just some of the undertakings that AARP has fulfilled over the years.  Thanks to AARP for serving those who served us!

We welcome actress Jill Hennessy to the show to talk about both her acting and her musical talents, as well as the release of her new Hallmark Channel prequel Hope Valley 1874, a prequel to Hallmark+’s When Calls the Heart.  Randy and Jill talk about Hallmark, what it’s like being a part of a fan-favorite series, and how important it is to get everything just right on set.  Make sure to check out Jill Hennessy on the Hallmark Channel in Hope Valley 1874.

Randy Miller welcomes, Lou Gramm, the lead singer of the Hall of Fame band Foreigner to The National Defense!  Lou has released a solo album that still captures those deep hooks and soaring vocals Lou and Foreigner are known for, including the great new single “Young Love” which you’ll get to hear at the end of this great segment.  Lou’s still got it!

Ty Herndon and Randy Miller reunite in this great segment, heralding the release of his memoir, “What Matters Most.”  Randy and Ty talk about their long careers in radio and country music, what it was like being the first openly gay artist in that genre, and what people can expect when they pick up a copy of his great book, “What Matters Most.”