America’s Frontlines

Tom Sheffield
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”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.

  1. 2 days ago

    America's Frontlines Podcast 11 September 2026

    In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny takes us back to the morning of September 11, 2001. He remembers hearing that a plane had struck the World Trade Center and initially believing it must have been a terrible accident. Then he watched the second plane hit. As a retired combat infantryman, he knew immediately: America was under attack. Twenty-five years later, Colonel Denny and Matt reflect on that terrible day, the nearly 3,000 lives lost, the courage and unity Americans demonstrated in its aftermath, and the wars and sacrifices that followed. Most importantly, they ask a question worth considering a quarter-century later: Have we truly learned—and remembered—the lessons of September 11? Colonel Denny also reviews some of the high-profile news stories affecting our lives today, helping us stay informed about a world that remains dangerous and unpredictable. Even during a program devoted in part to reflection and remembrance, there is still room for a smile. Colonel Denny delivers another round of his trademark humor and one-liners to lighten the mood along the way. Our featured guests are Army veteran Scott Hastings and Jenna, who join Colonel Denny to discuss wefacethefight.org and its mission to dramatically reduce veteran suicide. Scott—who also knows a thing or two about music—and Jenna discuss the importance of reaching veterans before they reach a crisis, reducing the stigma surrounding mental health, and building a community where veterans and their families know they don't have to face life's battles alone. We also continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting significant events that occurred around this date and remembering the people, sacrifices, victories, and difficult lessons that helped shape America and the nation we are today. And Service Academy football is back! Our Football Co-Host Quinton Roberts, a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and former varsity football player—quite a number of years ago, as we occasionally like to remind him—joins Colonel Denny to celebrate an incredible weekend for Service Academy football. The academies combined for an impressive 5–0 record, and Quinton reviews the action before looking ahead to what Army, Navy, Air Force, and the other Service Academy teams have waiting for them this weekend. On this 25th anniversary of September 11, this episode is ultimately about remembering—remembering those we lost, those who answered the call to serve, those who still carry the burdens of that service, and the lessons America must never allow itself to forget. We remember September 11, 2001. We remember those who served. And we remember why America is worth defending.

  2. 4 days ago

    America's Frontlines Podcast 09 September 2026

    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.

  3. 4 Sept

    America's Frontline Podcast 04 September 2026

    In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Matt ask: Is China’s economic trouble creating a once-in-a-generation opportunity for America? They examine the growing number of business failures across China, the economic pressures facing Beijing, and whether the United States can seize this moment to bring manufacturing back home, strengthen critical supply chains, and reduce America’s dependence on its greatest strategic competitor. Colonel Denny also reviews some of the most pressing news stories affecting our daily lives, offering his perspective on the headlines Americans need to be watching—and why they matter. And, as always, Colonel Denny delivers another round of his trademark one-liners, hopefully bringing a few smiles along the way. Our featured guest is Steve Wilson from HelpVet.net, an organization dedicated to supporting America’s veterans and their families. Steve joins Colonel Denny to discuss the many ways HelpVet assists those who have served, the needs facing veterans today, and the organization’s continuing mission to make a difference in their lives. HelpVet.net has been a strong supporter of our veterans, and America’s Frontlines is honored to be associated with an organization so committed to those who have sacrificed for our country. Of course, we continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting significant events that occurred around this date and remembering the courage, sacrifice, victories, and hard-earned lessons that helped create the great nation generations of Americans have served and protected. And with another weekend of Service Academy football upon us, Football Co-Host Quinton Roberts returns with his latest report. Quinton graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he also played varsity football—quite a number of years ago, as we occasionally like to remind him—so he knows Service Academy football firsthand. He reviews the upcoming action for Army, Navy, and Air Force and also takes a look back at the Merchant Marine Academy’s victory last weekend. From China’s economic challenges and America’s manufacturing future to supporting our veterans, remembering our military history, and another weekend of Service Academy football, this episode celebrates the people, principles, and traditions that help keep America strong.

  4. 2 Sept

    America's Frontlines Podcast 02 September 2026

    In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Matt ask: Should Israel be able to bar foreign politicians it believes are working against the Jewish state? They examine Israel’s decision to deny entry to two Swedish lawmakers and the growing debate over national sovereignty, legitimate criticism, and the use of political and legal pressure—or “lawfare”—against Israel. Colonel Denny and Matt also break down a wide range of stories where economics, national security, and border enforcement increasingly intersect—from an “economic D-Day” aimed at intensifying pressure on Iran and a new effort to break down processing and marketing bottlenecks facing American ranchers, to expanded U.S. operations targeting criminal organizations in Ecuador and another high-profile immigration enforcement case in California. And Colonel Denny is definitely on his game today. He delivers another round of his trademark humor and one-liners—and this time, he just might knock it out of the park. Our featured guest is retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General John “Dragon” Teichert, a familiar voice to America’s Frontlines listeners and a man with plenty to say about one of his favorite subjects: leadership. With Dragon’s wife teaching at the Naval Academy, Colonel Denny might even have to welcome him “aboard” this time around. America and the world seem to be going through what Colonel Denny calls a pretty “goofy” period—and when organizations or nations lose their way, leadership is often one of the first places to look. Dragon and the Colonel discuss what effective leadership looks like during uncertain times, what happens when leadership fails, and why principled, accountable leaders are so important to the future of our military and our nation. Of course, we continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting important events that occurred around this date and remembering the victories, sacrifices, mistakes, and lessons of the past that can help keep us sharp today. Retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby returns with another installment of “Warrant Wisdom.” This time, Roland tackles a subject that reaches well beyond the military. Whether you’re currently serving, a veteran, or someone who has never worn the uniform, there’s a lesson here for all of us—so pay attention. From sovereignty and national security to leadership, military history, and some wisdom we can all use, this episode reminds us that understanding the lessons of the past—and demanding strong leadership in the present—may be essential to navigating an increasingly complicated world.

  5. 28 Aug

    America's Frontlines Podcast 28 August 2026

    In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Matt ask: Can New York’s mayor arrest Israel’s prime minister—and what does the controversy reveal about America’s growing divide over Israel? They examine Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s statements regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the continuing war and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, and the broader debate over Israel, political extremism, and the influence of radical Islamist ideology. Colonel Denny also takes us through some of the high-profile news stories making headlines—or perhaps not getting the attention they deserve—offering his perspective on the events affecting America and the world around this date. And when the news gets a little too serious, Colonel Denny comes through with another round of his trademark humor. He has some particularly good one-liners this time around to help put us all in a better mood. Our featured guest is Matt Crouch, Vice President for Operations at Heritage Action and a retired U.S. Marine Corps Lieutenant Colonel. A former CH-46E Sea Knight aviator, Matt’s military career included service in Iraq, Afghanistan, China, Korea, and the Pentagon. He joins Colonel Denny to discuss the mission of Heritage Action and why informed and engaged citizens are so important to protecting the Constitution and turning principles into action. Of course, we continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting significant events that occurred around this date and remembering the courage, sacrifice, victories, and hard-earned lessons that helped make America—and all of us—what we are today. And Service Academy football is back! Colonel Denny is joined by our Football Co-Host, Quinton Roberts, to break down the 2026 schedules for Army, Navy, and Air Force and offer their thoughts on what each team could accomplish this season. Quinton knows Service Academy football firsthand. He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he played varsity football—quite a number of years ago, as we occasionally like to remind him. That experience gives him a unique perspective on the traditions, rivalries, demands, and excitement that make Service Academy football unlike anything else in college sports. From Israel and the Middle East to defending the Constitution, remembering our military history, and kicking off another season of Service Academy football, this episode covers the issues, people, and traditions that continue to shape America.

  6. 26 Aug

    America's Frontlines Podcast 26 August 2026

    In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Matt ask a question every American should consider: We fiercely defend our rights—but have we forgotten our responsibilities? They examine what citizenship in a Constitutional Republic really demands, from becoming an informed voter and engaging in civil debate to holding government accountable, respecting the rights of others, and preserving the freedoms generations of Americans fought to protect. They also break down mounting challenges at home and abroad—from a new round of economic pressure involving Iran and China, to an Air Force major’s confrontation with his chain of command, an alleged ISIS-inspired plot targeting the New York State Capitol, and a Texas mosque controversy that has sparked an effort to recall local officials. Together, these stories raise important questions about national security, military responsibility, religious liberty, and the obligations that come with citizenship. As always, Colonel Denny delivers another round of his trademark one-liners—and there are some especially good ones this time—to lighten the mood and keep us smiling. Our featured guest is Army veteran Toni Kennedy, CEO of Veteran First, an organization dedicated to helping veterans. Toni shares her own story of military service, the journey that led her to Veteran First, and the work the organization is doing to support those who have worn the uniform. We also continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting significant events that occurred around this date and remembering the victories, sacrifices, and hard-earned lessons that continue to shape our nation. Retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby returns with another installment of “Warrant Wisdom,” this time taking us inside some of the fascinating work underway at DARPA and exploring how emerging technologies could influence the future battlefield. And finally, we spend some time with one of Colonel Denny’s good friends, Marine veteran Ron Carter. Today, Ron serves his community as a pastor, but his journey began in a very different kind of service. He and Colonel Denny talk about the Marine Corps, faith, friendship, and the experiences that helped shape the man he is today. From the rights and responsibilities of citizenship to national security, emerging military technology, veterans, faith, and history, this episode reminds us that preserving America requires more than appreciating our freedoms—it requires each generation to accept responsibility for protecting them.

  7. 21 Aug

    America's Frontlines Podcast 21 August 2026

    In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Matt tackle a difficult question rooted in the oath taken by those who serve: What does it really mean to defend the Constitution against all enemies, foreign and domestic? They examine the threat posed by violent Islamist extremism, controversial political movements, and the challenge of protecting the nation while preserving the constitutional freedoms—including religious liberty and free speech—that distinguish America from its adversaries. Where should a Constitutional Republic draw the line between protected beliefs and actions that genuinely threaten national security? Colonel Denny also breaks down some of the week's highest-profile news stories, offering his perspective on the events affecting our daily lives and the issues Americans need to be paying attention to. And, as always, he delivers another round of his trademark humor and one-liners to lighten the mood—and this time, there are some pretty good ones. America's Frontlines team member Gil Maza, a Marine veteran and retired U.S. Border Patrol agent, returns with an update from the border. Drawing on his years of experience, Gil joins Colonel Denny to discuss border security, emerging domestic concerns, and developments inside the country that he believes Americans need to recognize and understand before they become even greater challenges. We also continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting important events that occurred around this date and remembering how the victories, sacrifices, mistakes, and lessons of previous generations helped shape the world we live in today. And Navy veteran Theresa Robinson continues our series highlighting the women who have served America. This time, she introduces us to another female veteran who shares her experiences in uniform, the challenges she faced, and the lessons she carried with her into civilian life. From constitutional freedoms and national security to border security, military history, and the personal stories of those who served, this episode asks an enduring question: How do we defend America while remaining faithful to the Constitution and principles we have sworn to protect?

  8. 19 Aug

    America's Frontlines Podcast 19 August 2026

    In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Colonel Denny and Skip ask what newly released January 6 police bodycam footage could reveal. They examine a significant court victory for greater transparency, lingering questions surrounding the events of January 6, and a principle that should transcend politics: government accountability matters regardless of who holds power. They also examine an increasingly dangerous world—from extraordinary security measures reportedly taken to protect President Trump from a potential Iranian missile threat, to warnings of large-scale Russian strikes against Ukraine, America’s intensifying campaign against Iranian naval forces, and the continuing tragedy of millions of Afghan girls being denied an education under Taliban rule. Together, these stories demonstrate just how quickly threats to freedom and security can evolve around the world. 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 Navy Captain Paul Ryan, one of the leaders of the Kent County United Veterans Council in Michigan. Paul reflects on his years in uniform before introducing listeners to the Council, its mission, and the important role it plays in bringing veterans and veterans organizations together throughout the community. With nominations now open for Kent County Veteran of the Year, Paul and Colonel Denny discuss how the award recognizes veterans who continue serving long after taking off the uniform. They also encourage listeners to consider whether a similar veterans council exists in their own community—and, if not, perhaps explore what it would take to bring local veterans organizations together and create one. We also continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting important events that occurred around this date and remembering the victories, sacrifices, and difficult lessons that helped shape our nation. Retired Coast Guard Chief Warrant Officer Roland Ashby returns with another installment of “Warrant Wisdom,” sharing more insight drawn from his years of military experience. And with Service Academy football season almost here, co-host Quinton Roberts—a U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and former Falcon football player—joins Colonel Denny to preview the three major Service Academy teams. They look ahead to Army, Navy, and Air Force as another season of one of college football’s greatest military traditions gets underway. From government accountability and growing threats abroad to veterans continuing to serve their communities and the return of Service Academy football, this episode reminds us that service to America takes many forms—and it doesn’t end when the uniform comes off, so turn it up!

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About

”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.

Information

  • Creator
    Tom Sheffield
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    America’s Frontlines

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