The National Defense Radio Show

We welcome celebrity biographer and TV/Entertainment columnist for the New York Post, Michael Starr, to the show. We talk about his latest release, “Don Rickles: The Merchant of Venom.” Michael and Randy chat about Don’s legendary career, some interesting anecdotes from the book, and how the universally beloved figure is remembered for his career spanning six decades.

Actress, Author, and Activist Marlo Thomas returns to the program to talk about her work as the National Outreach Director for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital. Marlo talks about how St. Jude’s is launching a series of stories on NBC’s “The Today Show” to highlight the great work that St. Jude’s is doing to help cure childhood cancer. Marlo has been involved with St. Jude’s since her father founded the incredible organization and we’re happy to take part in their “Give Thanks” program.

In this segment, we check in on VA Secretary Denis McDonough’s monthly press conference. Joining the Secretary this month is Dr. Shereef Elnahal, Under Secretary for Health, to provide information on how Veterans will begin conducting Toxic Exposure Screenings beginning November 8, 2023.

Randy welcomes the founder of America On-Line, Steve Case, to the show. We talk about his brand new book, “The Rise of the Rest: How Entrepreneurs in Surprising Places are Building the New American Dream.” Steve’s book shows how entrepreneurs across the country are building groundbreaking companies, renewing communities, and creating new jobs—in the process reimagining the American landscape and bringing people together around a shared future. Randy and Steve talk about the role that veterans can play in building their own futures.

We welcome one of the funniest men in the world to the program, Rob Schneider. In this segment, Rob and Randy talk about his career and his new movie “Daddy Daughter Trip.” Rob and Adam Sandler are currently on tour across the country, and he talks with Randy about the psychology of humor and bonding with your family members over laughs.

We welcome our favorite documentarian back to The National Defense, Ken Burns. We chat about his newly released documentary, “The US and the Holocaust” which is now available on the PBS Documentaries Video Channel on Amazon as well as PBS Passport. Randy and Ken discuss the background story, and the hard truths that Americans have had to face given how the U.S. initially reacted to the rise of the Third Reich.

We welcome a legendary entertainer, Weird Al Yankovic, to the program to talk about the generations of people he has entertained as well as his new feature-length film “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story” coming to Roku next month. Randy talks with Al about being portrayed by actor Daniel Radcliffe, and the staggering amount of celebrity cameos you’ll find in this hilarious film. Make sure to check it out!

We welcome author Dale A. Jenkins to discuss his new book release “Diplomats and Admirals: From Failed Negotiations and Tragic Misjudgments To Powerful Leaders and Heroic Deeds, The Untold Story of the U.S. Navy’s Victories at Coral Sea and Midway.” Randy and Dale discuss the events of late December, 1941, and how the failed diplomatic efforts and negotiations led to an unnecessary battle in the Pacific

We welcome former Wall Street guru to stand-up comedian, Madison Malloy to the program to talk about her new book “Time to Lighten the **** Up: A Self-Help Guide with A Side of Humor,” her debut self-help guide. Randy and Madison talk about her career transition and some of the ideas she covers in her brand new book. Packed with Madison's quick wit and unconventional wisdom, “Time to Lighten the **** Up” is equal parts self-help and belly laughs.

We welcome Michael Fanone to the program to talk about his recollection and reflection on the attack on the Capitol of January 6th, 2021. Randy and Michael discuss his career path that led him to working in Washington, and then the grim details of what transpired including Michael’s own injuries suffered in the insurrectionist attacks. Check out his new book “Hold the Line: The Insurrection and One Cop's Battle for America's Soul.”