Newt talks with high school football coach and U.S. Marine veteran Joe Kennedy. He shares his journey from a troubled childhood in foster care to a 20-year career in the Marine Corps, and his subsequent battle for religious freedom. Kennedy discusses his commitment to public prayer after football games, which led to his dismissal and a prolonged legal fight that culminated in a U.S. Supreme Court victory affirming his right to pray publicly. He reflects on the personal and community impact of his case, his faith, and the making of the film "Average Joe," which chronicles his story. Buy tickets for “Average Joe” here: https://averagejoemovie.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with former National Park Service Ranger, Michael Fitz, about his experiences and insights on “Fat Bear Week” at Katmai National Park and his book, "The Bears of Brooks Falls: Wildlife and Survival on Alaska's Brooks River." Fitz highlights the unique behaviors and personalities of brown bears, the significance of salmon runs, and the role of webcams in connecting people to wildlife. Fitz also delves into the origins and popularity of “Fat Bear Week,” an event celebrating the bears' preparation for hibernation. Additionally, he touches on his current work with explore.org, a platform offering live nature cams worldwide, and the importance of preserving natural habitats for species like polar bears. The conversation underscores the fascinating and sometimes harsh realities of the bear world, while promoting wildlife conservation and education.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with James M. Scott about the tragic 1983 Beirut barracks bombing, which resulted in the deaths of 241 U.S. Marines, 58 French soldiers, and six civilians. This event marked the deadliest single-day loss for the U.S. Marine Corps since World War II and continues to impact United States foreign policy. James M. Scott is a Pulitzer Prize finalist and co-author with Jack Carr, of the new book "TARGETED: BERUIT – The 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing and the Untold True Origin Story of the War on Terror," which provides an in-depth account of the attack based on survivor interviews, military records, and personal documents. Their conversation covers the historical context of U.S. involvement in Lebanon, the complexities of the region's political landscape, and the strategic missteps that led to the bombing. Additionally, Scott shares insights into his career as a military historian and his experiences leading battlefield tours.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Nicholas Ma, an award-winning director, writer, and producer, about his new film "Leap of Faith." The film follows 12 diverse Christian leaders as they navigate contentious issues and build bonds over a series of retreats in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The discussion delves into Ma's career transition from global economic policy to filmmaking, his inspirations, and the challenges of documentary storytelling. Ma reflects on the influence of Fred Rogers, the subject of his previous documentary "Won't You Be My Neighbor?" and how it shaped his approach to "Leap of Faith." The conversation highlights the importance of storytelling, emotional truth, and the power of vulnerability in creating impactful documentaries.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with filmmaker Michael Pack about his new documentary, "Get the Jew: The Crown Heights Riot Revisited,” which examines the 1991 Crown Heights riot in New York City, the worst antisemitic riot in American history. The riot was triggered by a car accident involving a Hasidic Jewish driver and a black child, leading to violent attacks on the Jewish community. The documentary, part of the Wall Street Journal's Opinion Doc series, explores the historical context of Crown Heights, the racial tensions, and the media's portrayal of the events. Newt and Michael discuss the political and social implications of the riot, the role of the media, and the ongoing issue of antisemitism. Watch the film here: https://www.youtube.com/@WSJopinionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Paul Gazelka, former Minnesota Senate Majority Leader, about his new book "Behind the Veil: A Stand Against Governor Tim Walz." Their discussion focuses on Tim Walz's political career, his performance during the vice-presidential debate, and his leadership abilities. Gazelka criticizes Governor Walz's handling of crises such as the George Floyd riots and the COVID-19 pandemic, describing him as indecisive and untrustworthy. They also touch on Walz's controversial policies, including tax increases, his extreme left agenda, and mismanagement of Minnesota state funds. Gazelka expresses concern over Walz's potential influence at the national level in a Harris administration.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How are progressive politics eroding core military values and their readiness to defend our nation? Newt talks with Captain Tom Burbage, a former executive at Lockheed Martin and a U.S. Naval Academy graduate, who co-authored the book "Don't Give Up the Ship." He argues that politicizing the military undermines security, erodes readiness, and risks wartime defeat. Burbage shares his extensive military and aerospace industry experience, highlighting concerns about the current state of military recruitment, retention, and readiness. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong national defense and the detrimental effects of divisive ideologies on military effectiveness. They also discuss the mission of the Calvert Task Group, a collective of former military officers advocating for a return to traditional military values and policies.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt discusses the transformative impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on healthcare with Dr. Marschall S. Runge, M.D., Executive Vice President for Medical Affairs and Dean of the Medical School at the University of Michigan. Dr. Runge shares insights on how AI is revolutionizing drug discovery, medical diagnostics, and healthcare management. AI's ability to analyze vast datasets is accelerating the development of new treatments and improving early diagnosis of diseases like Alzheimer's and diabetes. Dr. Runge highlights the potential for AI to reduce healthcare costs by minimizing unnecessary testing and enhancing the efficiency of medical records management. The conversation also touches on the challenges of integrating AI into healthcare systems, including regulatory hurdles and the need for collaboration with insurance companies. Additionally, Dr. Runge discusses his novel "Coded to Kill," which explores the vulnerabilities of electronic health records to hacking.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the 30th anniversary of the Contract with America, Newt discusses the historical significance of the Contract, a pivotal moment in U.S. political history. He talks about his leadership aspirations upon his arrival in Congress, which culminated in the Republican Revolution of 1994. This revolution marked the end of 40 years of Democratic control in the House of Representatives, leading to significant reforms such as welfare reform and a balanced federal budget. Newt underscores the strategic planning and team effort behind the Contract with America, emphasizing its role in shifting the balance of power in Washington and its lasting impact on American politics.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Wilbur Ross, former U.S. Secretary of Commerce and renowned investment banker, he shares insights from his new book, "Risks and Returns: Creating Success in Business and Life." Ross recounts his journey from humble beginnings in New Jersey to his education at Yale and Harvard, and his 55-year career on Wall Street, where he restructured over $400 billion in assets. He discusses his tenure as Secretary of Commerce under President Trump, his approach to distressed securities, and his role in renegotiating NAFTA. Ross also reflects on his early life lessons, his transition from Democrat to Republican, and his unique experiences with Donald Trump.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.