National Defense Archive
See what you've been missing! Catch up on all our past shows.
CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti
May 23, 2026
We welcome CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti’s to talk about his new book “Torched.” “Torched” is a searing firsthand account of the 2025 Los Angeles wildfires, the failures that fueled the catastrophe, and the high-stakes battle over how the city will rebuild ahead of the 2028 Olympic Games.
Founder of and TAPS President, Bonnie Carroll
May 23, 2026
We welcome back to the program the founder and President of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). Randy and Bonnie discuss TAPS, and their upcoming TAPS Good Grief Camp, a program for children who are grieving the suicide death of a loved one who served in the Armed Forces.
Chip Carter and Jonathan Reckford Supporting Habitat for Humanity
May 9, 2026
This week, the annual Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity is making a return to the Atlanta area, providing housing for those in need, as they mark the 50th anniversary of Habitat for Humanity and President Jimmy Carter’s presidency.
Actress Christina Moore with “Casa Grande”
May 9, 2026
We welcome actress Christina Moore to the show to talk about her acting career, the incomparable Lou Diamond Phillips, her month visiting troops in Afghanistan entertaining our troops, and most importantly the new release of her film “Casa Grande.”
Tom Hardin and His New Book “Wired on Wall Street”
Mar 7, 2026
We welcome author Tom Hardin to the show to discuss a fascinating story; part financial crime thriller, part personal transformation story, and part redemption memoir, “Wired on Wall Street: The Rise and Fall of Tipper X,” One of the FBI’s Most Prolific Informants tells the riveting true story of Tom Hardin, a young hedge fund analyst turned FBI informant.
Baz Luhrmann with “Epic”
Mar 7, 2026
The National Defense is happy to welcome director Baz Luhrmann to the show to talk about his incredible new project “Epic” which uses never-before-seen footage and recordings featuring Elvis Presley in concert at his Las Vegas residency during the later stage of his career.
Kalina Silverman “Big Talk"
Feb 28, 2026
Kalina Silverman does not mince her words! The author of “Big Talk: Skipping Small Talk to Make Meaningful Connections Across Humanity,” will tell you all about the book, why she decided to start up this project and this movement, and the value of making connections in our daily lives.
Mark Schmitz, Founder of The Freedom 13 (02/28/26)
Feb 28, 2026
The National Defense is honored to welcome a Gold-Star father and the founder of The Freedom 13, Mark Schmitz, to the show. Mark and Jaclyn Schmitz started The Freedom 13 to honor and remember their son, Lance Corporal Jared M. Schmitz, as well as the 12 other veterans who lost their lives on Aug. 26, 2021, during a suicide bombing at Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul, Afghanistan.
William Stanford Davis on The National Defense
Feb 21, 2026
We are happy to welcome back actor William Stanford Davis, now a cast regular on the great comedy series “Abbot Elementary,” to talk about the program and some of his new projects. William shares his experiences on the set of “Ray Donovan” and what he learned, the Fabulous Paramount Review, and much more in this great interview.
Ondas Holding Founder, Chairman, and CEO Eric Brock
Feb 14, 2026
We welcome back a friend of the program, and to all those Americans who wear the uniform of our military and first responders, Ondas CEO Eric Brock. Randy catches up with Eric on the latest news and awards bestowed to his company, as well as some of the expanded applications and uses for their drone and drone defense technology, assisting those keeping us safe in the global theatre.
Angel Flight Central’s Emma Girard
Feb 14, 2026
We welcome Emma Girard, Marketing & Outreach Coordinator for Angel Flight Central, to talk about her organization’s work. Angel Flight Central's mission is to serve people in need by arranging charitable flights for health care or other humanitarian purposes.
Actor Charles Baker on The National Defense
Feb 14, 2026
We welcome actor Charles Baker, who we loved in our favorite series, AMC’s “Breaking Bad” to the show to talk about his new role in the smash-hit HBO series, “The Pitt.” Randy and Charles talk about the unique show, how it’s filmed, more about Charles’ character, Mr. Digby, his Army veteran father and much more.
Celebrating V-Day with Jacob Downing from the San Antonio Zoo
Feb 14, 2026
We welcome Jacob Downing, social media manager for the San Antonio Zoo with a hilarious Valentine’s Day fundraiser for the zoo where you can name a cockroach, a rat, or even a vegetable after your EX, and then get to watch it be eaten by one of the zoo’s denizens.
Behind the Scenes of “Platoon” with Charlie Sheen
Jan 31, 2026
We welcome back long-time friend of the program, actor Charlie Sheen, to take a close examination of his time preparing and on set for the Oliver Stone cinematic masterpiece: “Platoon.” Randy and Charlie talk about his time in the jungle, the challenges of such a large production, as well as some funny stories of his time on the steamy set of “Platoon.”
Ford Motor Company named Most Iconic American Company
Jan 31, 2026
TIME Magazine recently named Ford Motor Company the most iconic company in American history, and to celebrate, Randy welcomes back Ted Ryan, Ford’s Archives and Heritage Brand Manager to discuss how the company’s 120-year legacy is fueling the way it innovates right now.
Nick Manslow from PEOPLE Magazine
Jan 17, 2026
Randy speaks with Nick Manslow, Executive Editor of Crime, Health, Human Interest, Politics, Royals and Sports at PEOPLE and the creator of Real-Life Love. Nick talks with Randy about the newest season of “PEOPLE Magazine Investigates” and just some of the stories you’ll uncover as the series unfolds.
Mary Jo Buttafuoco with “Getting It Through My Thick Skull”
Jan 17, 2026
We welcome Mary Jo Buttafuoco to the show to talk about her book "Getting It Through My Thick Skull: Why I Stayed, What I Learned, and What Millions of People Involved with Sociopaths Need to Know". Randy talks with Mary Jo about the memoir, her experiences with Joey Buttafuoco, the shooting by Amy Fisher, her recovery, and her journey to understand sociopathic behavior and reclaim her life. She also talks about her upcoming Lifetime TV special, "I am Mary Jo Buttafuoco"
Dr Ian Smith Returns to The National Defense
Jan 17, 2026
We welcome Dr. Ian Smith back to the show to talk about his exciting new book, "The Last 15: Say Goodbye to Those Most Stubborn Pounds", a 7-week program focused on breaking through weight-loss plateaus by resetting metabolism through strategic nutrition, carb cycling, hydration, and sustainable habits, offering meal plans and recipes to help readers finally lose those final, difficult pounds. Randy talks with Dr. Ian about how hitting plateaus can be a GOOD thing when seeking to lose weight.
Bill Huthmacher from No. 1 British Flying Training School Museum
Jan 17, 2026
The National Defense is happy to present you with another fascinating look into 20th Century aerial combat, as we welcome Bill Huthmacher to talk about a British flying school located, of all places, in Terrell, Texas! Bill is the Chairman of the Museum and explains how a British training school made it’s home in Texas, and the drive to preserve the history of the Allied pilots who helped defeat the Axis powers.
Celebrating Another F-Series Milestone with John Walawender
Jan 10, 2026
The iconic F-Series lineup is projected to continue its remarkable legacy as the top-selling truck and overall best-selling vehicle in America for 2025. The F-Series has been the best-selling truck for 49 years and the best-selling vehicle for 44 years. Nate Herron is joined by John Walawender, F-150 Brand Manager, to discuss this remarkable milestone.
Actor Luke Mitchell With a Brand New Season of “Chicago Med”
Jan 10, 2026
We welcome Aussie actor Luke Mitchell to the program to talk about his role as Dr. Mitch Ripley on the NBC series “Chicago Med.” Randy and Luke discuss Chicago (a little bit of Pittsburgh talk as well), what it’s like playing a medical professional, and more from the new season coming to you Wednesdays from NBC.
