The National Defense Radio Show

Bob Baer and ”The Fourth Man” on The National Defense

We welcome Bob Baer, an intelligence and security analyst for CNN, is one of the most accomplished agents in CIA history. Over several decades he served everywhere from Iraq to New Delhi and was awarded the Career Intelligence Medal for his efforts. He is also the writer of four best-selling books, and has a brand new book that is really compelling: “The Fourth Man: The Hunt for a KGB Spy at the Top of the CIA and the Rise of Putin's Russia.” This story is a must read and the interview is a must listen!

Tommy Davidson Returns to The National Defense

We welcome back one of our favorite comedic guests to the show in the incomparable Tommy Davidson to talk about his long running career in Hollywood and TV and his role in the upcoming reunion of the tv hit series “Martin” with Martin Lawrence. Randy and Tommy talk about all of his great TV roles and characters, the reunion special coming up on BET+, as well as all the time he has spent on military installations and VA facilities across the world.

Jim Messina on The National Defense

We welcome one of the great musicians of the 20th century in Jim Messina to the program to talk about his long running music career, including his part in the duo Loggins and Messina. Loggins and Messina is returning to the Hollywood Bowl July 15th and 16th in an incredibly special reunion show. Randy and Jim talk about all of the great groups that he has played a pivotal role in as well as what fans of Messina can look forward to in the future.

Bob Evans Farms “Heroes to CEOs” Winner Zephrine Hanson

We welcome yet another award winner from Bob Evans Farms “Heroes to CEOs” grant program, with retired Air Force photojournalist Zephrine Hanson. Medically retired in 2004, she began a healing journey, along the way she welcomed 3 neurodiverse children to her already atypical life. In 2016, Zephrine, her husband, and children moved to Denver to continue the healing journey. After completing a life changing therapeutic horticulture farm program for veterans, Zephrine pivoted into the agricultural community focusing on food security and entrepreneurship for underserved communities in the Denver metro area.

US Marine Corps Staff Sergeant James Hollon (Ret.) and Set Apart Farms on The National Defense

We welcome US Marine Corps Staff Sergeant James Hollon (Ret.) to the program to discuss both his military service in the Corps, and how his own injuries he sustained during five combat deployments affected his daily life and how he decided to do something to not only help himself navigate his own transition process to civilian life, but how that could go to helping others in the same predicament with the founding of his non-profit, Set Apart Farms.

Tim Kennedy with “Scars and Stripes: An Unapologetically American Story of Fighting the Taliban, UFC Warriors, and Myself.”

We welcome a retired Green Beret, Tim Kennedy, to the show to talk about his decision to join the military on September 12th, 2001, and how that decision has led him on the path to where he is today. Make sure to check out the new book “Scars and Stripes: An Unapologetically American Story of Fighting the Taliban, UFC Warriors, and Myself” by Tim Kennedy for the story of a great American.

”Skunk” Baxter on The National Defense

We welcome an incredibly fascinating individual in Skunk Baxter to The National Defense. Skunk Baxter is an American guitarist, known for his stints in the rock bands Steely Dan and The Doobie Brothers during the 1970s and Spirit in the 1980s. More recently, he has worked as a defense consultant and advised U.S. members of Congress on missile defense. Randy and Skunk talk about all of this and much more in this great interview.

Annette Benning and Bryan Cranston with ”Jerry & Marge Go Large” on The National Defense

We welcome back actor Bryan Cranston to the program, along with his co-star in the new Paramount Plus production “Jerry & Marge Go Large,” Annette Benning to the show! “Jerry & Marge Go Large” is the true story of how an unassuming couple in a small town find a loophole in the lottery and recruit their fellow townspeople for a wild financial ride. Bryan and Annette also spend some time talking with Randy about our military and their future projects. Make sure to check out “Jerry & Marge Go Large” on Paramount Plus!

Irreverent Warriors VP/COO Nate McDonald on The National Defense

We welcome a unique veterans service organization to the program and the Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Irreverent Warriors, Nate McDonald, to the show. Nate served in the Marine Corps as an intelligence officer and used his own experience to work for this group. Irreverent Warriors seek to link warriors together through therapeutic events across the country. We also work with other veteran organizations who provide services such as job placement, training, housing, service dogs and more. Their use of humor and dark comedy is bringing veterans together using that humor and camaraderie to improve their mental health and to prevent veteran suicide.

Dr Melissa Thompson and Aspen Dental Serving Our Veterans

We welcome Dr Melissa Thompson, who served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, to the show to talk about Aspen Dental’s 8th Day of Service, an incredible program where the over 500 Aspen Dental offices provide free dental services to veterans and their families. This year, the day in on June 11th, and all veterans have to do is call 844-ASPEN-HMM to find a location and reserve a spot. Thanks to Aspen Dental for their continued support of the health of our veterans and their families!