
The Gedunk Show
Welcome to The Gedunk Show, where two Navy veterans—Bobby, who proudly graduated dead last in his class at the Naval Academy, and Dan, a Navy SEAL who moonlights as an ER trauma surgeon—team up to bring you a podcast like no other. Equal parts camaraderie and chaos, each episode dives into a wide range of topics, from leadership and military life to everyday absurdities and current events. With their unique blend of humor, experience, and candid storytelling, you’ll never know what’s coming next—except for the laughs. Tune in, grab a snack, and let’s hit the mess deck!
Latest episodes

Jul 1, 2025 • 1h
How America’s Priorities Are Failing Veterans, Fueling War, and Rewarding the Wealthy
From the NBA Draft’s celebration of young potential… to the crushing reality of a combat-wounded American veteran deported to Korea… to U.S. airstrikes in Iran… to the devastating impact of Trump’s so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” — Bobby and Dan pull no punches.
We connect the dots between war abroad, betrayal at home, and a government more interested in tax breaks than taking care of those who serve.
🗳️ 💣 🏀 🇺🇸
If you care about veterans, justice, and truth over spin, this one’s for you.
🎧 Tune in now.
📍Starts with the NBA Draft
📍Iran conflict at 10:00
📍Veteran deportation at 28:00
📍Trump’s bill breakdown at 35:00
📍Wrap-up + where to follow us at 60:00Follow Dan and Bobby on Substack:
Bobby - https://substack.com/@navshad
Dan - https://substack.com/@dbarkhuff
Check out VFRL and become a member:
vfrl.org
https://secure.everyaction.com/N3UCmjecTEWOUrrmmhF_Ug2
#Veterans #NBA #Iran #TrumpBill #OneBigBeautifulBill #Politics #NationalSecurity #GedunkShow

Jun 19, 2025 • 52min
Too Smart to Lead: Ego, Experts, and Escalation in the Middle E
In this episode of The Gedunk Show, Dan and Bobby break down the dangerous cocktail of inflated egos, siloed subject matter experts, and absent leadership that’s accelerating tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States. We explore how competence without wisdom—and knowledge without strategy—is pushing us toward a volatile tipping point. This isn’t just bad policy—it’s bad command. Listen now. #MiddleEast #ForeignPolicy #LeadershipMatters #TheGedunkShow

Jun 11, 2025 • 45min
Crossing the Rubicon: Marines, Martial Law, and the Unraveling of the Republic
In this urgent episode of The Gedunk Show, Dan and Bobby dive into the explosive events unfolding in Los Angeles, where the deployment of the National Guard has now been followed by something far more alarming: the activation of United States Marines on American soil. We break down the legal, historical, and constitutional red lines being crossed — and why this isn’t just a local crisis, but a national emergency for American democracy. From the Posse Comitatus Act to the long-standing principles separating military power from domestic law enforcement, we examine how the federal government’s actions are setting a precedent that could outlast any riot. This isn’t just about LA — it’s about the future of civilian control, democratic norms, and the slow erosion of the Republic itself. Buckle up — this is the episode they don’t want you to hear.

Jun 10, 2025 • 54min
Team Matters: From the Locker Room to the Situation Room
This week on The Gedunk Show, Dan and Bobby dive deep into the power of team dynamics—on the field, in the classroom, and at the highest levels of government. From coaching grade school sports to leading nations, leadership defines success. So what happens when the team captain in the White House can’t lead? We break down how bad leadership filters down and makes life worse for all of us. Tune in for truth, laughs, and real talk about why team-first leadership is the only way forward.

Jun 3, 2025 • 34min
From the GI Bill to the Modern World: How We Built the Future — and Why It’s Under Attack
This week on The Gedunk Show, Dan and I dive into one of the most transformative forces in American history: the GI Bill. We explore how this single piece of legislation didn’t just send veterans to college — it launched a middle class, fueled the economy, and laid the foundation for post-WWII innovation. We connect the dots from federally funded university research to life-saving medical advances, tech breakthroughs, and global leadership.
But here’s the catch: all of that is now under threat. As Donald Trump and his allies move to defund public education and slash research budgets, the very engine that built modern America — and much of the modern world — is grinding to a halt. We break down why that matters, what’s at stake, and how this rollback isn’t just short-sighted… it’s a global risk.

May 27, 2025 • 45min
Deja Vu and Decline: How Biden’s Stumbles Empowered Trump’s Chaos
This week on The Gedunk Show, Dan and Bobby unpack the uncomfortable truth: how Biden’s visible mental decline during his first term opened the door to Trump’s return—and how Trump is now doubling down on dysfunction, corruption, and chaos. From foreign policy failures to unchecked authoritarianism, we ask: how did we get here again, and what happens next if we don’t learn from it?
Tune in for hard truths, historical parallels, and the leadership America deserves—but isn’t getting.

May 15, 2025 • 53min
Mel Pender: From Vietnam to Victory Lane
This week on The Gedunk Show, we sit down with the legendary Dr. Mel Pender—Vietnam War veteran, Olympic gold medalist, and former head track coach at West Point. His life story is a masterclass in resilience: from facing racism in the Army to standing on the Olympic podium, and from combat zones to coaching cadets. We dive deep into how he views today’s military and what’s changed—and what hasn’t. You don’t want to miss this one.

May 8, 2025 • 43min
“The Little Things: From Shedeur Sanders to Strongmen” | The Gedunk Show
In this week’s episode of The Gedunk Show, Bobby and Dan dive deep into the idea that the little things matter. From Shedeur Sanders’ drop in the NFL Draft to how accountability—or the lack of it—shapes everything from locker rooms to the Oval Office, we explore the intersection of humility, leadership, and power. We look at how Shedeur’s story isn’t just about football—it’s about race, economics, and what society values. Then we pivot to the political world: Trump, Pete Hegseth, and Michael Waltz, and how dodging the “small stuff” has led to some of the biggest national failures in leadership. In both sports and politics, character counts. And it’s often revealed in the moments most people overlook.

May 2, 2025 • 1h
How We Lost the Middle—and How to Take It Back
What happens when two powerhouse women—Tara Setmayer and Michelle Kinney—decide enough is enough? You get the Seneca Project: a fierce movement to protect democracy and fight the rising tide of MAGA extremism.
In this episode of The Gedunk Show, we get real about:
• How the fall of Roe v. Wade changed everything
• Why the GOP sold out to MAGA ideology
• What it takes to fight disinformation and build local power
• How you can join the resistance before 2026
Listen, share, and get involved—democracy won’t defend itself.

Apr 25, 2025 • 51min
The Authoritarian Playbook: 7 Warning Signs with Trygve Olsen
In this episode of The Gedunk Show, Bobby and Dan sit down with political strategist and democracy defender Trygve Olsen to unpack the seven telltale signs of rising authoritarianism—many of which are already playing out across the U.S. and the world. From attacking independent media to eroding electoral integrity, Trygve helps us understand the playbook authoritarian leaders use—and more importantly, what everyday citizens can do to push back.This conversation is both a wake-up call and a blueprint for action. Tune in, take notes, and join the resistance to creeping autocracy.