The National Defense Radio Show

We welcome Missouri State Parks’ Kevin Smith to the show to give some background on African-American soldiers who served in the New West of America, generally called the Buffalo Soldiers. These men played a key role in the development of the West and Kevin is highlighting some fascinating stories about the conditions and the men who comprised their ranks.

We welcome Executive Producer from Project Brazen, Bradley Hope, to talk about his new podcast “Kabul Falling” a recounting of Afghanistan in the wake of America’s troop withdrawal from the region, and the resurgence of the Taliban in that area. Bradley and Randy speak about the podcast’s host, a native Afghan journalist, the process of producing this program, and how covering a subject like the Taliban provides unique challenges.

We welcome back Ford Brand Manager Brian Bell to talk about the INCREDIBLE looking (and sounding) Ford F-150 Raptor R! Randy and Brian discuss this brand new 700 horsepower, V8 Shelby workhorse, and how Ford went through the process of listening to their customers and improved upon the already impressive Raptor package.

We welcome two of the stars from the NetFlix’s film “Purple Hearts” to the program, Sofia Carson and Nicholas Galitzine, to talk about their new film that is right up our audience’s alley. Sofia, Nicholas, and Randy discuss the subject of the film where an aspiring musician agrees to a marriage of convenience with a soon-to-deploy Marine, but a tragedy soon turns their fake relationship all too real.

We welcome back Major Thomas Schueman to the program to get an update on his incredible story as well as how he has turned his experience into a fascinating new book: “Always Faithful: A Story of the War in Afghanistan, the Fall of Kabul, and the Unshakable Bond Between a Marine and an Interpreter.” We talk with Major Schueman about his experience saving his interpreter, how the new book is told from the perspective of BOTH men, and what the future holds for them.

We welcome co-host of Today on NBC, Jenna Bush Hager, to the program to discuss her father, her experience during “Fleet Week” as well as her thoughts on the human faces of those that serve in our armed forces as well as the families that support them from home.

We have a treat for you this week as we welcome the former band leader of Dave Letterman’s “Most Dangerous Band,” Paul Shaffer to the show to discuss his long-running music career, how he got started as a television band leader, his new interview series, his Christmas Eve trips to visit the troops in Afghanistan and much, much more.

We welcome back Newt Gingrich to the program to take a look at his newest book "Defeating Big Government Socialism: Saving America's Future." We discuss some current events, and hear Newt's unique take on what is happening around us on a local, national, and global scale.

We welcome our first ever ASTRONAUT to the program: Jose Hernandez! Randy talks with Jose about the fascinating new pictures that have arrived from the James Webb Space Telescope, and learns a little about what we're seeing in the fantastic photos. Jose also owns a vineyard out in California, so, of course, Randy takes the opportunity to discuss a little vino with our spaceman as well.

Randy welcomes one of the most sought after motivational speakers in America, Damon West. He shares his struggles with addiction, his descent into a life of crime, and the incredible story of how he overcame his demons to live out his "next mission" of serving others. We hope you enjoy this great discussion on The National Defense!