The National Defense Radio Show is the only nationally syndicated talk radio show that focuses exclusively on topics concerning today's active-duty military, veterans, and those who support them.
“The National Defense Radio Show” airs live on the SmartTalk Radio Network Fridays from 8:00 to 10:00 a.m. Central. Find episodes below and on “The National Defense” website.
ABOUT THE HOSTS
Originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, Randy Miller is the president of Brainstorm Media and host of “The National Defense.” He is a 25-year broadcast veteran and has hosted morning shows on radio stations in Pittsburgh, Atlanta, San Diego, Cincinnati, and Kansas City, Mo. Randy is the recipient of several broadcasting awards, including Air Personality of the Year from Billboard magazine and the Radio Music Awards.
Jerry Newberry joined the staff at VFW National Headquarters as Director of Communications and Public Affairs in January 2001, and just retired as the Assistant Adjutant General of the VFW. Previous to this, he was employed by a member of the U.S. House of Representatives and a speechwriter for a former secretary of the VA. His military service began in 1968 when he entered the Army serving with the 101st Airborne and MACV in Vietnam. Following military service, Newberry earned a degree in business and political science from Wayne State in Detroit. As a former newspaper reporter and columnist, Newberry stayed active in veterans’ affairs during this time. He currently resides in Kansas City, Mo.
EPISODES
OCTOBER 23-25, 2020
Kal Penn
This week on “The National Defense,” we have a full house of great guests, starting off with the return of Alan Alda to discuss his great new podcast “Clear + Vivid.” Comedian Bob Saget brings us some Cool Comedy and Hot Cuisine benefitting the Scleroderma Research Foundation, and Kal Penn gives us a peek into his new FreeForm Series “Kal Penn Approves This Message.” Wounded Warrior Project has completed yet another round of their annual survey of veterans and Melanie Mousseau is back to give us some of the insights gleaned from this important yearly survey. The Home Depot Foundation keeps on supporting great veteran causes and Habitat for Humanity's Michael DeLaRosa gives us the latest news on how the two organizations have joined forces to support veterans. That's all this week on “The National Defense”!
OCTOBER 16-18, 2020
This week on “The National Defense,” we welcome stand-up comedian and friend to anyone in the uniform of the U.S. military, Lewis Black! Randy and Lewis discuss his many trips overseas to support the USO Christmas shows, as well as his new special, “Thanks for Risking Your Life,” available now. Canadian artillery gunner Kelsi Sheren joins the show to discuss how her own PTSD art therapy turned into Brass & Unity, supporting veterans in both their recovery and employment efforts. Michelle Baldanza from Fisher House gives us an update on the new Fisher House locations popping up near VA facilities all over the country. And former SEAL Team 7 member Ryan "Birdman" Parrott talks to us about his service and his VSO, Sons of the Flag. That's all this week on “The National Defense.”
OCTOBER 9-11, 2020
This week on “The National Defense” we welcome 4x Super Bowl champion, 2x Super Bowl MVP and NFL MVP Terry Bradshaw to the show! Randy and Terry discuss the new E! show The Bradshaw Bunch and how life spent cooped up at home has affected their families. The newly minted voice of ESPN and Monday Night Football, Cayman Kelly, stops in to talk about his new book From $6 An Hour To a Million Dollar Dream. And we welcome back the longtime manager for the Charlie Daniels Band, David Corlew, to discuss the late country music legend's The Journey Home Project. That's all this week on “The National Defense.”
OCTOBER 2-4, 2020
This week on "The National Defense," we are honored to welcome U.S. Army Staff Sergeant David Bellavia, who was awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the Second Battle of Fallujah and is the first and currently only living recipient of the Medal of Honor for service during the Iraq War. We speak with Mark Kuhns, CEO of 1-800-PACK-RAT and Zippy Shell, about the current demand in moving and storage needs, and Dr. Ryan Vega highlights recent medical innovations pioneered at VA facilities across the county. And author Peter Tachovsky joins us to talk about his new book 40 Thieves on Saipan: The Elite Marine Scout-Snipers in One of WWII's Bloodiest Battles.
SEPTEMBER 25-27, 2020
This week on “The National Defense,” we welcome to the show a founding member of The Righteous Brothers, Bill Medley (pictured), to discuss his long career and his live performance coming up on Sept. 30th from The Space in Las Vegas. We then speak with retired Army Major General John Gronski about his memoir The Ride of Our Lives: Lessons on Life, Leadership, and Love, detailing his family's transformative cross-country bicycle ride. Finally, we welcome Meggan Hill-McQueeny, the president of BraveHearts (“connecting horses with people as a catalyst for wellness”), to discuss their upcoming fundraising and awareness rides combating veteran suicide: Trail to Zero. It's another great week here on “The National Defense”!
SEPTEMBER 18-20, 2020
This week on “The National Defense,” we continue our 10-part series on the scourge of veteran suicides by welcoming the executive director of Kansas City's Veterans Community Project, Bryan Meyer, to the program. While mental health issues are certainly at the tip of the spear when it comes to suicides, Randy and Bryan talk about all of the other layers of need that can help those who feel hopeless. We get an advance peek at the incredible-looking new 2021 Ford Ranger with Ford Motor Company's Chad Callander, and speak with VSP Vision Care's Dr. Rights about colorblindness. That's all this week on “The National Defense.”
SEPTEMBER 11-13, 2020
This week on “The National Defense” we welcome actor and comedian Kevin Nealon to the show to talk about his career and his current projects. Army and Green Beret Veteran Tom Spooner joins the show to talk about his organization Warrior's Heart, which assists those struggling with drug and alcohol dependency as well as mental health issues brought on my traumatic brain injury. The founder of the Stupid Cancer Podcast, Matthew Zachary, joins the show to talk about his own health as well as his mission to provide a voice for the patient community. Colonel Vanessa Benson from Ford rejoins the show to talk about the new Ford "Proud to Honor" line supporting Disabled Veterans of America, and we check in again with P&G archivist Greg McCoy to get the low-down on the new King C razor from Gillette, honoring the company's founder. That's all this week on “The National Defense”!
SEPTEMBER 4-6, 2020
“The National Defense” brings you another jam-packed show this week! We start off celebrating the 40th anniversary of the film “Airplane!” with director David Zucker. We continue our 10-part series on combating veteran suicide with Allison Messick of the Navy SEAL Foundation, and speak with Karen Worcester from Wreaths Across America about their upcoming 9/11 tribute. We welcome back the CEO of Wounded Warrior Project, Mike Linnington, to talk about WWP's $7 million pledge to support the caregivers of our wounded veterans, and we check in with an Army veteran now working at State Farm Insurance, bringing his "boots on the ground" experience to the civilian world.
AUGUST 28-30, 2020
“The National Defense” has a jam-packed show for you this week! First we welcome Saturday Night Live's Colin Jost to the show to discuss the TV show and his new memoir A Very Punchable Face. The VFW's Ryan Galluci joins us to continue our 10-part series on the scourge of veteran suicide in the United States. Aviator instructor and “Top Gun” adviser Dave Baranek joins us to talk about the upcoming sequel and his new book Tomcat RIO. Tshane Johnson and Col. Russ Vernon talk with Randy about Tshane's mission to break the world push-up record, doing over 19,000 push-ups on Veterans Day to honor the National Purple Heart Honor Mission! That's all this week on “The National Defense.”
AUGUST 21-23, 2020
“The National Defense” welcomes the CEO of Bank of America, Brian Moynihan, to discuss the current financial health of the economy and all of the great work that Bank of America is doing to support our veterans. Our 10-part series focusing on the scourge of veterans’ suicide continues this week with Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, executive director for the PREVENTS Task Force. Award-winning Director Barbara Kopple and Col. James Roberts speak to us about the brand new movie “Desert One,” and T-Mobile's Scam Shield is on display with Marine Corps veteran Nick Ayers. That's all this week on “The National Defense”!
AUGUST 14-16, 2020
“The National Defense” has a great show this week as we welcome back to the program VA Secretary Robert Wilkie to kick off our 10-part series examining the scourge of veteran suicides in the United States. Actress Patricia Heaton and Al Roker join us to discuss their latest book releases, and we get out the sticks to bang the skins with the incomparable Sheila E. That's all this week on “The National Defense.”
AUGUST 7-9, 2020
“The National Defense” has a great show this week as we welcome the legendary Harry Shearer to the show! Then we feature memories of World War II through the eyes of someone who was there, 100-year-old George Cooper, who flew missions in the Pacific Theater. Jon Erwin speaks with Randy about his Medal of Honor recipient grandfather, Master Sergeant Henry "Red" Erwin, and the book he's written about it: Beyond Valor. It's a great show this week on “The National Defense”!
JULY 31-AUGUST 2, 2020
“The National Defense” has a great show to kick off the month of August! NBC News' Today host Savannah Guthrie joins the show to talk about covering the news during the pandemic and her military upbringing in a great interview. RecruitMilitary.com CEO Tim Best talks with Randy about putting our veteran community back to work, and Ford's Chief Communications Officer Mark Truby introduces us to the "Bring Back Bronco: The Untold Story" podcast. Military veteran and State Farm Insurance weather catastrophe specialist Scott Carson talks to us about how his military experience helped to shape the civilian job he holds today. That's all this week on “The National Defense”!
JULY 24-26, 2020
“The National Defense” has another great lineup this week as we welcome bassist and vocalist for The Moody Blues, John Lodge, to the show! Then Randy speaks with the founder of Travelocity and Kayak, Terry Jones, and T-Mobile's Mike Simpson. And from Capitol Hill, Paralyzed Veterans of America's Heather Ansley gives us some much-needed good news for injured veterans. Plus, much more this week on “The National Defense.”
JULY 17-19, 2020
“The National Defense” has a great lineup this week of things to pass the time away with. First, we welcome Howard Bellamy, half of the world-famous musical group The Bellamy Brothers, to talk about his live concert Sunday, July 19th, to support Wreaths Across America. Then, Randy welcomes long-time Billy Joel drummer Liberty DeVitto to talk about his new memoir Liberty: Life, Billy and the Pursuit of Happiness, as well as his memories touring the world with Billy Joel. Later in the show, Catherine Belton discusses her new book Putin's People: How the KGB Took Back Russia and Then Took On the West, and we welcome 20-year military veteran Matt Butler to talk about his great new outdoor game Rollors. We wrap up the show by taking a look at the unveiling of the 2021 Ford Bronco! That's all this week on “The National Defense”!
JULY 10-12, 2020
It’s another great show this week on “The National Defense”! Longtime friend of the show, Academy Award winner Tom Hanks, returns for the second time in just a few months to talk with us about his new Apple TV+ movie “Greyhound.” We pay tribute to Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Daniels who recently passed away at the age of 83, and look towards getting back on the road with Chad Fletcher, VP of Global Sales for Choice Hotels. We also check in with our favorites at Fisher House and speak with Michelle Baldanza about a great new contest supported by our partners at Gillette and Terracycle. That’s all this week on “The National Defense”!
JULY 3-5, 2020
This Fourth of July weekend, “The National Defense” has a fantastic show for our listeners! First we speak with retired Marine Corps logistic officer deployed to both Iraq and Afghanistan and now VP of Programs and Field Operations for Team Rubicon David Burke about a fantastic opportunity to Do the Dew and support Team Rubicon with MTN DEW. Then, we welcome Academy Award winner Matthew McConaughey to the program to talk about his great roles, "Bobby Bandito," and his Just Keep Livin' Foundation in a GREAT interview. Long-time character actor John Savage joins the show to talk about his role on CBS' "SEAL Team," as well as his incredible role in the film "The Last Full Measure."
JUNE 26-28, 2020
This week on "The National Defense," we continue to look at the great stories that those in the public eye have to share about their fathers. Alec Baldwin returns to the show to talk about life with his children during the pandemic and offers a closer look at the life of his military dad, who served as a drill instructor at Paris Island. The host of the CBS Evening News, Norah O'Donnell, returns to the show to talk about the indelible links between the U.S. military and her family. Legendary singer-songwriter Pat Boone joins us to give his recollections on the various times he put words to song to commemorate, pontificate, and celebrate on various moments in American history. It's another great week on "The National Defense"!
JUNE 19-21, 2020
This Father's Day weekend on “The National Defense,” we welcome actor Kevin Costner to discuss his career and the new season of "Yellowstone," this Sunday on The Paramount Network. Former U.S. attorney and acting director of the DEA Chuck Rosenberg joins the show to talk about his great podcast "The Oath." Founder of Confess Project Lorenzo Lewis speaks with Randy about how his organization seeks to train barbers to actively listen and counsel their clients struggling with mental health issues, and Ford's Ted Ryan brings the horsepower with a look at the newly re-engineered Ford Mustang Mach I. It's another great week on “The National Defense.”
JUNE 12-14, 2020
This week on “The National Defense” we have a special show for Father's Day featuring fast rides and great music. First, we welcome the CEO of Ford Motor Company, Jim Hackett, to discuss Ford's current efforts to produce ventilator parts and face shields to support the world's fight against the coronavirus, as well as the bright and happier news on the horizon from Ford's upcoming car and truck releases. We speak with the descendants of musical greats and musicians in their own right, Vince Wilburn Jr., the nephew of the late Miles Davis, and Roger Miller's songwriting son, Dean Miller. Randy gets a chance to speak with the legendary Don McLean about the upcoming 50th anniversary of his blockbuster hit "American Pie," and much much more. That's all this week on “The National Defense.”
JUNE 5-7, 2020
This week “The National Defense” is happy to welcome back another great member of the Wounded Warrior Project team, Vice President of Government & Community Relations Jose Ramos. Jose talks with Randy about his experience working with Wounded Warrior Project, the incredible initiatives of support they have launched in the wake of COVID-19, and what is on the horizon for WWP.
Then Randy welcomes Lorena Bobbit to the show to talk about her new Lifetime movie "I Was Lorena Bobbit," now available. Lorena and Randy discuss domestic violence and spousal abuse, as well as the steps she has taken through her own organization to help the victims of domestic violence.
We hear from John Frier, executive vice president of consumer markets for T-Mobile, to talk about his 25 years of work with the company and his leadership for T-Mobile's Veterans and Allies network. Randy and John also talk about the reopening of stores across North America and the incredible 50% off offer from T-Mobile to active duty military members and their families.
And with stay-at-home orders in action, and in some cases lapsing, around the country, those of use that can grow hair are looking a little shaggy. Randy welcomes "Barber to the Stars" Barry Hairston (pictured) to the show to discuss personal grooming tips you can take at home if you can't get to the barber.
MAY 29-31, 2020
This week on “The National Defense” we welcome actor and singer Rick Springfield to the show to talk about his career and his new single, “The Wall Will Fall,” recorded with friends remotely during the pandemic. Army Col. (Ret.) Vanessa Benson of Ford joins the show to discuss Ford’s donation agreement with the Department of Defense of over 200,000 face shields made on Ford factory floors. H&R Block’s chief tax officer, Kathy Pickering, talks with Randy about the changes that COVID-19 outbreaks have on your personal finances, and the long-time voice of loved Disney characters like Goofy and Pluto, Bill Farmer, joins the show for some much-needed levity. Wherever you are, we hope you’re staying safe and healthy!
MAY 22-24, 2020
This week on “The National Defense” we have a great show saluting the men and women of the United States Armed Forces on this Memorial Day weekend. We start by welcoming actor Joe Mantegna, host of the 2020 National Memorial Day Concert on Sunday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m. Central on PBS. Legendary power couple Marlo Thomas and Phil Donahue join the show to discuss their new book What Makes a Marriage Last, and celebrity chef Robert Irvine is back to discuss his military service in the U.K. and his latest projects. Plus, author Joseph Galloway joins Randy and Jerry to discuss his book They Were Soldiers, reflecting on the contributions of the men and women who served in the Vietnam War. And motivational speaker Dan Nevins joins us from Wounded Warrior Project to talk about losing both of his legs in battle and how he has joined forces with WWP to support those injured in battle.
MAY 15-17, 2020
This week on “The National Defense” we have a packed show as Sharon Stone returns to the program for an in-depth interview covering a wide range of topics! Shark Tank's Robert Herjavec talks entrepreneurship and what it's like watching TV in his own home for FOX's Celebrity Watch Party. Animal expert Jeff Corwin stops in to give us a sneak peak of his new show on Nat Geo, “Alaska Animal Rescue.” And we welcome Dr. Gary Morsch from Heart to Heart Intl to discuss the COVID Care Force, assisting members of the Navajo Nation during the coronoavirus pandemic.
MAY 8-10, 2020
This week on “The National Defense” we welcome actress Mira Sorvino to discuss her new series “Hollywood” now on Netflix. Comedian Louie Anderson stops by to talk about Mother’s Day and his new book, and the laughs keep coming as Bill Engvall talks with Randy about what he’s been up to while socially isolating. We feature guests from State Farm and T-Mobile celebrating military spouses and get another update from Ford on their design and production of PPE materials for America’s front-line workers and first responders. It’s another great week on “The National Defense”!
MAY 1-3, 2020
This week on “The National Defense” we welcome US Navy SEAL Team Operator Will Chesney, one of the members of the bin Laden raid, talking about his service dog, Cairo, a Belgian Malinois who was also on the mission. Actress Diane Ladd joins the show to talk about her career and her fantastic role as a military mother in the film “The Last Full Measure.” Actor Anthony Edwards speaks with Randy about his involvement with 1in6.org, a group seeking to study and support men who have been sexually assaulted. Sergeant First Class Glenn Robertson, bassist for the U.S. Army Field Band’s Six String Soldiers, brings us some great music, and Ford archivist Ted Ryan brightens up any gearhead’s day by giving us a look back at the history of the Ford Mustang. It’s a great show to kick May off on “The National Defense”!
