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.