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by Tom Sheffield
”America’s Frontlines” brings you firsthand perspectives from those shaping the future of national security and defense. From military leaders and system integrators to technologists and field operators, each episode dives into the challenges, innovations, and missions that define America’s defense infrastructure. Whether it’s AI at the tactical edge, supply chain resilience, or frontline decision-making, this podcast delivers powerful stories and actionable insights for defense professionals, policymakers, and citizens who care about the security of our nation.
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In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Matt examine a timely question: Do newly released intelligence documents reveal more about China's efforts to influence America than the public previously knew? They explore election security, intelligence reporting, and the growing challenge posed by America's chief strategic rival. Colonel Denny also examines a pivotal moment in global security—from President Trump's renewed push for negotiations with Iran and Israel's determination to maintain military pressure on Tehran, to the conflict spilling into the Caspian Sea and a diplomatic clash at the United Nations. Together, these developments highlight just how fragile peace can be when competing military and diplomatic strategies collide. As always, Colonel Denny lightens the conversation with another round of his trademark humor and well-timed one-liners. Our featured guest is retired Marine Lieutenant General Arnold Punaro, a longtime friend of the program and frequent contributor. Drawing on his years of service as a senior staff member for the U.S. Senate Armed Services Committee, General Punaro joins Colonel Denny for an insightful discussion on defense funding, the challenges facing America's armed forces, and the upcoming 2027 federal budget. Will Congress finally end a 26-year streak and pass a defense budget on time? We also continue our regular look back at military history, revisiting the significant events that occurred around this date and the lessons they continue to teach us today. Rounding out the program are Gavin Glasena and Spencer Rands from the United States Concealed Carry Association (USCCA). They discuss a valuable membership opportunity available to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families, along with the resources and training designed to help Americans better protect themselves and their loved ones.
In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Matt ask a question that could shape the future of every military on earth: Will drones redefine modern warfare? They examine the Pentagon's push for drone dominance, how America's armed forces are adapting to rapidly evolving technology, and why tomorrow's battlefield may bear little resemblance to those of the past. Colonel Denny and Matt also break down several of the week's biggest news stories—including some that could have lasting consequences and others that may simply be "noise on the line"—helping listeners separate the headlines from what truly matters. As always, Colonel Denny keeps things lively with another round of his trademark humor and well-timed one-liners. With Service Academy football season just around the corner, our football co-host welcomes Brian Newberry, head coach of the United States Naval Academy football team. Coach Newberry discusses the upcoming season, the unique challenges of leading a service academy program, and the Midshipmen's pursuit of a third consecutive Commander-in-Chief's Trophy. We also continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting the significant events that occurred around this date and remembering the leaders and sacrifices that helped shape our nation. Retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby returns with another edition of his popular "Warrant Wisdom," offering practical insights drawn from decades of military experience. And to wrap up the program, Colonel Denny reviews this month's Movie of the Month, The Lost Sheep. It's an inspiring film with a powerful message that's well worth watching. Best of all, it's available to watch free through the America's Frontlines website.
In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Matt take a journey back to America's founding and ask: Who were the 56 men who risked everything by signing the Declaration of Independence? They share the remarkable stories of the Founders, the sacrifices they made for liberty, and why their courage and convictions continue to matter as America celebrates its 250th anniversary. Colonel Denny also reviews the latest news, with a special focus on developments in the Middle East, helping listeners stay informed about the issues shaping today's rapidly changing world. As always, he delivers another round of his trademark humor and clever one-liners to keep the conversation balanced and entertaining. Our featured guest is Congressman and retired Marine Lieutenant General Jack Bergman, who joins Colonel Denny to discuss the Guardian Fund—its mission, the people it serves, and the important role it plays in supporting those who have sacrificed for our nation. We also hear from co-host and retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby, reporting from the renowned Oshkosh Air Show, where he shares highlights from one of the world's premier aviation events and its importance to the aviation and military communities. And, of course, we conclude with our regular look back at military history, revisiting the key events that occurred around this date and remembering the people and sacrifices that helped build and preserve the nation we proudly call home.
In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Matt Hayes ask a timely question: Is the United Nations helping resolve the conflict in the Middle East—or making it worse? They examine the role of UNRWA, questions surrounding the organization's accountability, and the ongoing debate over whether U.S. taxpayers should continue funding it. Colonel Denny and Matt also break down several of the week's highest-profile news stories, offering insight into the events shaping our nation and impacting our daily lives. As always, Colonel Denny lightens the conversation with another round of his trademark humor and clever one-liners. Our featured guest is Adam Jahnke, Strategic Director for Concerned Veterans for America (CVA) in South Carolina and a proud U.S. Marine Corps veteran. Adam shares his remarkable story of serving two combat tours in Iraq, being severely wounded during his second deployment, and overcoming the long road to recovery—including the challenges of PTSD. After working for the Department of Veterans Affairs, he found a new mission with CVA, where he continues to advocate for veterans and the principles they fought to defend. We also continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting the key events and sacrifices that shaped America and continue to remind us of the price paid to preserve our freedoms. Retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby returns with another installment of "Warrant Wisdom," this time examining how emerging technologies are transforming today's battlefield and why innovation has become one of the decisive advantages in modern warfare. Rounding out the program is Nelson Velez, chairman of the Virginia Tea Party. While not a veteran himself, Nelson has devoted his efforts to encouraging citizens to become more involved in the civic process and to take an active role in shaping the future of their communities and the nation.
In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Matt tackle a fundamental question: Should America's military colleges be teaching warfighting—or politics? They examine Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's efforts to refocus professional military education on leadership, strategy, merit, combat readiness, and preparing the next generation of officers to fight and win the nation's wars. Colonel Denny also reviews some of the week's biggest headlines, offering his perspective on the stories that are shaping America and affecting our daily lives. As always, he lightens the conversation with another round of his trademark humor and well-timed one-liners. Our featured guest is Congressman and retired Marine Lieutenant General Jack Bergman. He joins Colonel Denny for an in-depth discussion on the evolving situation in the Middle East, America's national security priorities, and other pressing issues facing the nation. We also continue our tradition of revisiting key moments in military history—including the victories, the setbacks, and the hard-earned lessons that continue to shape America's armed forces and help keep our nation strong. Rounding out the program is former Marine and retired Border Patrol agent Gil Maza, who returns to discuss America's border security, current immigration challenges, and observations from his recent travels throughout Europe, offering an interesting comparison between European and American approaches to security and border enforcement.
In this episode of America’s Frontlines: While America continues to celebrate 250 years of independence, Colonel Denny and Matt Hayes return to the powerful words of the Declaration of Independence. They explore the Founders' belief in God-given rights, the principles that shaped our Constitutional Republic, and why understanding those ideals may be essential to preserving America's future. They also break down a week of mounting global tension—from renewed attacks on commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz and the collapse of the Iran ceasefire, to Israel's refusal to withdraw from southern Lebanon and a major U.S.–Ukraine agreement involving Patriot missile production. Together, these developments reveal how diplomacy is struggling to keep pace with rapidly changing events on the battlefield. As always, Colonel Denny delivers another round of his trademark one-liners in his ongoing effort to bring a few laughs and lighten the mood. Our featured guest is someone listeners already know—today's co-host, Matt Hayes. A fellow West Point graduate, Matt sits down with Colonel Denny to share more about his time in uniform, his military experiences, and the life journey that followed his service. We also continue our regular look back at military history, remembering the events, sacrifices, and hard-earned lessons that helped bring America to where it is today. As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, we hope those lessons continue to guide us toward an even stronger future. Retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby returns with another installment of "Warrant Wisdom," this time examining the evolution of the battlefield and how the nature of warfare continues to change.
In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Skip examine China's tightening control over the rare earth minerals that power America's most advanced military systems and technologies. They explain why Beijing's latest export restrictions could pose a serious national security challenge and what America's dependence on these critical resources means for the future. Colonel Denny also reviews some of the hottest news stories affecting our daily lives, offering his perspective on the issues shaping America and the world. As always, he lightens the mood with another round of his trademark humor—including what may be one of his best one-liners yet! Our featured guest is Army veteran Curtis Clark, who joins Colonel Denny to share stories from his time in uniform, the experiences that shaped his military career, and the path he has followed since returning to civilian life. And, of course, we continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting the significant events that occurred around this date and helped forge the nation we know, cherish, and continue to defend today.
In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Skip ask a question with major national security implications: Could the smartwatch on your wrist be sending your personal health data to Communist China? They examine growing concerns surrounding Chinese-made wearable devices, data privacy, cybersecurity, and America's continued dependence on Chinese technology. They also break down a week of mounting global tension—from fragile U.S.–Iran ceasefire negotiations and the competing narratives surrounding the war in Ukraine, to a controversial ICE arrest in the United States and NATO's eastern members reconsidering nuclear deterrence. Together, these developments illustrate how diplomacy, national security, and public trust are being tested on multiple fronts. As always, Colonel Denny delivers another round of his trademark one-liners to keep us smiling and the conversation in perspective. Our featured guest is Colonel Bill Connors, Chairman of the Advisory Board for STARRS (Stand Together Against Racism and Radicalism in the Services). Bill shares his journey from graduating from The Citadel to serving in the U.S. Army, reflects on his military career, discusses his work after leaving active service, and explains the mission of STARRS and why its work matters to today's armed forces. We also continue our regular journey through military history, remembering the events and sacrifices that helped shape the nation we know and love today. Retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby returns with another installment of his popular "Warrant Wisdom." And it's time once again for our Battle of the Month as retired Army Brigadier General Chris Petty joins Colonel Denny to examine the Battle of Chancellorsville—one of the Civil War's most remarkable campaigns, whose lessons in leadership, strategy, and decision-making continue to resonate today.
”America’s Frontlines” brings you firsthand perspectives from those shaping the future of national security and defense. From military leaders and system integrators to technologists and field operators, each episode dives into the challenges, innovations, and missions that define America’s defense infrastructure. Whether it’s AI at the tactical edge, supply chain resilience, or frontline decision-making, this podcast delivers powerful stories and actionable insights for defense professionals, policymakers, and citizens who care about the security of our nation.
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