Show Notes
In this episode of America’s Frontlines:
Colonel Denny and Matt ask a difficult but important question: When did political disagreement turn into hatred of fellow Americans? They examine America’s growing polarization, the dangers posed by political and religious extremism, and why defending the Constitution requires protecting individual liberty while remembering the common citizenship that binds Americans together. They also break down a rapidly changing national security landscape—from a protected tanker corridor challenging Iran’s ability to threaten shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and U.S. strikes against potential mine-laying threats, to reports of a plot against President Trump and Army laser systems being used to shoot down hostile drones along the southern border. Together, these stories demonstrate how emerging technology, intelligence, and traditional military power are increasingly working together to protect American interests. As always, Colonel Denny delivers another round of his trademark one-liners to lighten the mood and bring a few smiles along the way. Our featured guest is retired Colonel Mel Bauman, who joins Colonel Denny to discuss Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR). They explore the important role ESGR plays in supporting the men and women of the National Guard and Reserve, strengthening relationships between service members and their civilian employers, and helping ensure those who answer the call to serve have support waiting for them back home. We also continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting significant events that occurred around this date and remembering the courage, sacrifice, victories, and difficult lessons that helped shape the nation we are proud to serve and protect. Retired U.S. Army Brigadier General Chris Petty returns for our Battle of the Month, joining Colonel Denny for a look back at the Battle of Chickamauga. They examine one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, the leadership decisions that shaped its outcome, and the lessons military leaders can still draw from it today. And retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby returns with another installment of “Warrant Wisdom,” bringing his experience and perspective to another topic relevant to those who serve—and those who support them.
From constitutional principles and national security to supporting the Guard and Reserve, learning from military history, and another dose of Warrant Wisdom, this episode reminds us that protecting America requires understanding both the challenges we face today and the lessons that brought us here.
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.