When Iraq and Afghanistan Marine veteran Andrew Biggio purchased a 1945 M1 Garand rifle, the same rifle his uncle had used in World War II, it led him on a journey to find the last living World War II veterans and document their stories and have them sign his rifle. Newt’s guest is Andrew Biggio, author of “The Rifle 2: Back to the Battlefield”. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 609: The Rifle 2 – Combat Stories from America’s Last WWII Veterans

Join former House Speaker, professor, historian, and futurist Newt Gingrich as he shares his lifetime of knowledge and access to the world’s most interesting minds in a new series that covers all aspects of our society. From history to health, national security to science, Newt offers stories, conversations, and context to uncover new perspectives, knowledge and insight. This podcast isn’t about politics; it’s about exploring the past, present, and future to understand where we’ve been and where we’re going. Welcome to Newt’s World, a podcast for independent thinkers.

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Politics

Newt talks with former federal prosecutors and veterans of the United States Air Force, Katie and Andrew Cherkasky. They discuss their new book "Woke Warriors: How the Left Is Destroying America's Ability to Fight and Win Its Wars". They argue that the U.S. military has become a "woke industrial complex", with diversity, equity, and inclusion policies, social justice reform, and preferred pronouns taking precedence over traditional military values and skills. They claim that this shift in culture is causing dedicated service members to lose their careers, retirements, and in some cases, their freedom. The authors also express concern about the military's ability to fight and win wars, given the focus on identity-based promotions and the prioritization of "woke" policies over operational needs. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 701: Woke Warriors

Newt is joined by former CIA analyst, Fred Fleitz, and they discuss his new book with AFPI, "An America First Approach to U.S. National Security". Fleitz argues that the United States needs a decisive and competent commander-in-chief who will use military force prudently to defend national interests and avoid unnecessary wars. He also advocates for a strong U.S. military that is not tied down with social engineering and DEI, and for working with allies and international organizations, but ensuring they carry their own weight. Fleitz believes that the world has become more dangerous and unstable since President Donald Trump left office, and that the deterioration of our foreign policy is due to the abandonment of the America first approach to national security. He also discusses the threat posed by China and the need for decoupling from the Chinese economy. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 700: U.S. National Security

The American K-12 education system is experiencing a decline in teacher morale, according to a recent survey by EdChoice and Morning Consult. Factors contributing to teacher job dissatisfaction include stagnant wages, the rising cost of post-secondary education and a lack of job security. The survey found that only 39% of teachers believe K-12 education is on the right track in their local school district, and only 15% would recommend the teaching profession to friends and family. Robert Enlow, President and CEO of EdChoice, suggests that the solution lies in school choice, which allows parents to choose the best educational setting for their children. He also highlights the need for better integration of technology in the classroom and warns of a looming fiscal cliff for schools as pandemic funding runs out. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 699: Teacher Morale

World-renowned portrait photographer Platon, joins Newt to discuss his career and his latest book, "The Defenders: Heroes of the Global Fight for Human Rights". Platon has photographed many influential figures, including Vladimir Putin, Muhammad Ali, Bill Clinton and Donald Trump. He also worked with Human Rights Watch to document struggles in Burma, Egypt, Russia, the United States, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. Platon emphasizes the importance of humanizing subjects in his photographs, regardless of their status or power. He also shares his experiences photographing ordinary people who are fighting for their rights and dignity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 698: Platon on The Defenders

Newt talks with Dr. Ben Carson about his new book, "The Perilous Fight: Overcoming Our Culture's War on the American Family". He argues that the erosion of traditional marriage, rising divorce rates, radical ideologies, attacks on faith, and government interference are causing a breakdown of the family unit, which he believes is the cornerstone of strong communities and a strong nation. Dr. Carson encourages a return to biblical and familial values. He also discusses his work with the American Cornerstone Institute and the Carson Scholars Fund, which aim to promote academic achievement and humanitarian qualities in young people. He emphasizes the importance of citizens actively participating in the democratic process. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Episode 609: The Rifle 2 – Combat Stories from America’s Last WWII Veterans

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