Show Notes
In this episode of America’s Frontlines:
Colonel Denny and Matt tackle a difficult question: Should Ukraine stop attacking Russian oil refineries if those strikes are weakening Moscow’s war effort—but also contributing to higher diesel prices around the world? They examine President Trump’s request that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stop targeting Russian diesel infrastructure, Ukraine’s argument that the refineries help finance and sustain Russia’s war effort, and the difficult balance between battlefield strategy and the economic consequences felt by farmers, truckers, businesses, and families far from the front lines. Colonel Denny and Matt also examine an increasingly dangerous global security environment—from mounting U.S. military and economic pressure on Iran and continuing threats to critical Middle East energy routes, to renewed Russian attacks on Ukraine and the emergence of a new generation of lower-cost, increasingly autonomous combat drones. Together, these developments demonstrate how quickly warfare is changing—and how military power, economic pressure, energy security, and emerging technology are becoming increasingly interconnected. As always, Colonel Denny delivers another round of his classic one-liners, bringing some much-needed humor to the conversation and hopefully putting a few smiles back on our faces. Our featured guest is Matt Crouch from Heritage Action. Matt joins Colonel Denny to explain the organization’s mission, the issues it is working on, and the different ways citizens can become involved in the public-policy process and make their voices heard. Of course, we continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting significant events that occurred around this date and remembering the courage, sacrifice, victories, mistakes, and hard-earned lessons that helped shape who we are—and remind us of what generations of Americans have served to protect. Retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby returns with another installment of “Warrant Wisdom,” bringing more of his experience, insight, and seasoned perspective to the program. And she’s back! Diane Raver of the Garden State Film Festival returns from a well-deserved summer vacation to join Colonel Denny for our Movie of the Month. Diane and the Colonel take a look at this month’s selection, what makes the story worth watching, and some of the lessons viewers might take away from it.
From the battlefield-versus-pocketbook dilemma in Ukraine and a rapidly changing global security environment to citizen involvement, military history, Warrant Wisdom, and the return of Movie of the Month, this episode covers a lot of ground while continuing the America’s Frontlines mission of keeping listeners informed, engaged, and connected to those who serve.
More from America’s Frontlines
In this episode of America’s Frontlines: What does the successful return of NASA’s SpaceX Crew-12 mean for America’s future in space? Colonel Denny and Matt examine the mission, NASA’s growing partnership with private industry, and the remarkable technology that makes human spaceflight possible. They discuss why continued American leadership in space exploration matters—not only for scientific discovery, but also for technological innovation, national security, and the next generation of explorers. Colonel Denny and Matt also tackle a difficult question: What costs America more—the price of confronting Iran or the potentially catastrophic consequences of a nuclear attack? They examine the economic and military considerations surrounding that debate, along with the remarkable longevity of America's strategic bombers and nuclear submarines, allegations of North Korean operatives infiltrating American businesses, and China's ambitious efforts to expand its influence in Europe's automobile industry. Together, these stories highlight the increasingly complicated relationship between military strength, economic security, and emerging global threats. And, as always, Colonel Denny delivers another round of his trademark humor and one-liners to lighten the mood and bring a few smiles along the way. Our featured guest is Greg Kelley, CEO of Unknown Nations, a Christian missionary organization working to bring the Gospel to communities around the world with limited access to Christian resources. Greg joins Colonel Denny to share his personal background, explain the organization's unique approach to international outreach, and discuss its work among people of different religious traditions. Their conversation offers a look at the challenges, opportunities, and experiences involved in carrying out this mission across different cultures. Of course, we continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting significant events that occurred around this date. From pivotal battles and extraordinary acts of courage to decisions that changed the course of nations, these historical reminders help us better understand the sacrifices and lessons that shaped the world we live in today. Retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby returns with another installment of “Warrant Wisdom,” bringing his years of military experience, practical insight, and unique perspective to another thought-provoking discussion. And it's time once again for our Movie of the Month! Diane Raver of the Garden State Film Festival joins Colonel Denny to discuss this month's featured film and share more about the festival, its celebration of independent filmmaking, and the stories and filmmakers it helps bring to audiences. From America's future in space and the difficult choices surrounding national security to international Christian outreach, military history, Warrant Wisdom, and the movies, this episode brings together another wide-ranging collection of stories, perspectives, and conversations that make America's Frontlines worth tuning in to.