

The Gedunk Show
VALOR Media Network
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!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 24, 2025 • 54min
How Sports Teams Reflect America—and Unite Us When Politics Fails
In this episode of The Gedunk Podcast, Bobby and Dan dig deep into how sports teams are more than just rosters and rivalries—they’re cultural reflections of the cities and regions they represent.
We explore how local values shape team identity—and how successful teams build cultures that transcend race, class, and politics.
We also unpack how sports create bridges between people that politics too often tears down—and what lessons political leaders can learn from great coaches and locker rooms.

Jul 17, 2025 • 53min
From Politics to the NFL Draft: How Conspiracy Theories Shape Our Thinking
In this episode of The Gedunk Show, Bobby and Dan dive deep into the world of conspiracy theories — why people believe them, how they spread, and what makes them so damn addictive.
From political paranoia to sports conspiracies like the NBA Draft Lottery or the NFL being rigged, we unpack famous examples, break down the psychological pull, and explain how conspiracy thinking is creeping into everyday life — even when you don’t realize it.
🔥 Why do people cling to conspiracy theories?
🏈 Is the NBA Draft really fixed?
📺 How do these beliefs distort our politics, fandoms, and trust in institutions?
This episode is part breakdown, part reality check — with a few laughs along the way.

Jul 10, 2025 • 48min
Leadership Is for the Storm—Not the Sun
This week, Dan and Bobby break down what real leadership looks like—not in the easy times, but in the moments that matter.
⠀💥 Why leadership isn’t just about having authority
⚖️ Why responsibility and accountability must walk hand in hand
🧭 And why management is for peacetime—but leadership is for crisis.
⠀Too many so-called leaders crumble when things go wrong because they skipped a step

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.