The National Defense Radio Show

Disney CEO Bob Chapek on The National Defense

We welcome another great guest to the program in CEO of Disney, Bob Chapek. Randy and Bob talk about the history of Disneyland, Disneyworld, and the entire Disney entertainment catalog, as well as how the historic ties to the military have shaped the present and future of the company. Randy talks with Bob about some of the special incentives and services that military families and veterans can expect when visiting a Disney property or cruise ship, and much more. We thank Bob for his time and for Disney's work to brighten the lives of our active duty military, veterans, and their families.

Opening up the Magic and the Military with Disney’s Ali Manion

We welcome one of the two official ambassadors to Walt Disney World, Ali Manion, to the show as she.....welcomes us to the Magic Kingdom. Ali talks about how she came to be the ambassador in Orlando, her long-running career with Disney, and what veterans and military members can expect when visiting the park.

Tracy Farrell Vice President of Connection Program Management Wounded Warrior Project

Randy welcomes back Tracy Farrell, Vice President of Connection Program Management Wounded Warrior Project, about a recent study on how female military veterans are coping with their transition to non-uniformed life. Tracy digs into the numbers and reasoning behind this trend, and how Wounded Warrior Project is putting together programs to address these serious feelings of isolation and depression in our women warriors. Another important part of this survey was uncovering the staggering number of military sexual trauma and harassment of female soldiers within the U.S. Military and at V.A. facilities. Thanks to Tracy and WWP for all the work they do to support our veterans!

Talking about Cars and the King of Rock ‘n Roll with Ted Ryan from Ford

We welcome Heritage and Brand Manager from Ford Motor Company, Ted Ryan , straight from the New York City Auto show, to talk about the historic link between Lincoln cars and the King of Rock ‘n Roll, Elvis Presley. Elvis owned a number of different Lincolns, and drive a Ford truck, but the story behind his famous Lincoln Continental Mark II has to be heard.

Talking Vinyl with Documentarian Kevin Smokler

Randy welcomes Kevin Smokler, th author of three books about pop culture, and the director of the new documentary “Vinyl Nation” joins the show to talk about music, the medium of vinyl, and how important Record Store Day has been in revitalizing the music industry. With sales increasing every year over the past decade and a half, Randy and Kevin discuss how this medium is finding a toe-hold in the world of smartphones and mp3 players.

Mark Elliott, Army Veteran and Head of Military and Veterans Affairs for JP Morgan Chase

Big news on the veteran employment front as we welcome Mark Elliott, Head of Military and Veterans Affairs for JP Morgan Chase, to talk about his own military service in the U.S. Military, retiring as a Colonel, and then his transition to civilian life where he continues to strive to support the men and women who have put on the uniform of the U.S. Armed Forces. Randy and Mark discuss J.P. Morgan Chase and Co.’s veteran hiring initiatives and much more in this segment.

A Possible Cure for Migraines from Biohaven Pharmaceuticals CEO Vlad Coric

Randy welcomes Vlad Coric, CEO and Chairman of Biohaven Pharmaceuticals to discuss an exciting advance made in Nurtec ODT used to treat migraines. Randy and Vlad talk about the drug, the process in which they identified patients whose lives have been directly affected not only by debilitating migraines, but also for those who have been able to get them under control with these issues. Military members who have suffered high stress, traumatic brain injury, and more are all at advanced risk to suffer from the scourge of migraines.

Actor Jim Meskiman

Jim Meskiman joins The National Defense to talk about his long-running acting career, his own REAL mother, actress Marion Ross (better known as Mrs. C from “Happy Days”) serving as America’s T.V. mom. Jim is an INCREDIBLY talented impressionist, and shares some of his craft with us here on The National Defense.

Ken Burns on The National Defense

Documentarian Ken Burns is back yet once again on the show to talk about his newest documentary subject: Benjamin Franklin. Randy and Ken talk about the process in which these topics are identified, and gives us a few morsels of what we can expect from this new series on PBS, the PBS website and PBS app.

VHA’s Dr. Ben Kligler on The National Defense

Ben Kligler, MD, MPH Executive Director, Office of Patient Centered Care and Cultural Transformation for the Veterans Health Administration. Randy and Dr. Ben talk about the VHA, and get an update on some of the current challenges being faced by the VA as well as the successes that the agency has seen in providing care to our veterans!