The National Defense Radio Show

National Vice President of Paralyzed Veterans of America, Josue Cordova

We welcome Air Force Veteran and National Vice President of PVA, Paralyzed Veterans of America, Josue Cordova to the program. We talk about travel, and how paralyzed veterans must navigate the system of air travel in the United States. The PVA is engaging social media to help bring awareness and change to better the travel experience of passengers with disabilities with their #JustPlaneWrong campaign. We salute PVA for this initiative and encourage our listeners to learn more at PVA.org

Andrew Renzi Filmaker of Netflix’s “Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?”

In this segment we welcome the filmmaker who made the Netflix Documentary series, “Pepsi, Where’s My Jet?” Andrew Renzi to the program. This 90s promotion inferred that people could drink enough soft drinks to get a harrier jet. Andrew and Randy talk about how the plan initially was formed, how the documentary took shape, the main subject John Leonard, and what people can find in this great 90s time capsule that we here at the National Defense are really enjoying.

Ben Valenta with “Fans Have More Friends”

We welcome Ben Valenta, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Analytics for Fox Sports. He has released a fascinating new book for the sport fans: “Fans Have More Friends.” Ben and Randy talk about his professional background, as well as what sports fans can find in his new book. Ben has studied the psychological connections between fans and sports, both negative and positive, especially as America has emerged from the coronavirus pandemic.

Author Martin Dugard and “Taking Berlin”

In this segment, we speak with Martin Dugard, author of “Taking Paris” and his new book: “Taking Berlin: The Bloody Race to Defeat the Third Reich.” Randy and Martin talk a little about his writing process, his love of history, and some of the fascinating stories he uncovered while writing this great new book.

Former Navy SEAL, Marty Strong, with “Be Visionary”

We welcome retired U.S. Navy SEAL, Marty Strong. He discusses his 20 year career in the military and his transition to working for the United Bank of Switzerland. Randy and Marty chat about his new book, “Be Visionary: Strategic Leadership in the Age of Optimization”. This new book is a self-help, business leadership book that demonstrates to existing and aspiring leaders the positive impact of applying flexibility, creativity and decisiveness to achieve results - even in uncertain times.

Navy Reservist and Up and Coming Music Star Jo Smith

In this segment, we welcome Jo Smith; named one of Rolling Stone’s 10 New Artists You Need To Know in 2017 and CMT’s Next Women of Country 2018. Randy talks with Jo about her music and her military career, and how being stationed overseas led her to “making grown up money.” Jo is a soulful and gritty songwriter from Georgia, and she makes music that is an extension of herself.

“Pawn Star” Rick Harrison Hitting the Road

We welcome Rick Harrison, star of the long-running History Channel show “Pawn Stars” to talk about taking their hit show on the road with “Pawn Stars Do America” on the History Channel. Randy talks about the difference between customers and clients walking into Rick’s shop on the Las Vegas Boulevard and visiting various cities across America. Randy and Rick talk about the “Old Man”, his dad who was a Navy veteran, and how this new series is part homage to his memory.

Actor Topher Grace on The National Defense

We welcome the star of “That 70s Show,” “Spiderman 3,” and many other great shows, Topher Grace to the program! Topher and Randy talk about the new season of “Home Economics” on ABC, about his acting career, co-stars and much more in this interview.

“Real Life Nightmare” with Paul Holes on HLN

Randy welcomes Paul Holes, a retired cold case investigator who specialized in serial predator crimes who is known for his contributions to solving the Golden State Killer case using advanced methods of identifying the killer with DNA and genealogy technology. Since retiring in March 2018, Holes has contributed to books, television, and podcasts about the Golden State Killer and true crime. Randy and Paul discuss his new TV show “Real Life Nightmare” on HLN.

Forever Young Veterans Founder Diane Hight

We welcome the founder of Forever Young Veterans, Diane Hight, to the show to talk about her desire to give back to World War II veterans, her own father’s struggles coping following his time in theater, and how she realized how many of our veterans of all armed conflicts are suffering silently with trauma from their time in uniform. We also talk about some of the stories in her new book, and salute her for her work in improving the lives of all our veterans.