Ostrolenk speaks with Christopher Preble, Vice President for Defense and Foreign Policy Studies at the Cato Institute. Ostrolenk and Preble discuss the recent passage of the NDAA (National Defense Authorization Act) without provisions for BRAC (Base Realignment and Closure). Preble details the common arguments against BRAC – which likely resulted in its lack of inclusion in NDAA – and the reasons these arguments hold little weight. Even in the event of large-scale military growth, the military would still have nearly 20 percent excess capacity. Secondly, contrary to the claim that maintaining unnecessary military bases protects local communities from economic harm, the repurposing of bases often spurs greater economic activity. Preble concludes by discussing the likelihood of base realignments and closures in 2018 despite the lack of inclusion in NDAA, and the other efforts being undertaken to allow the U.S. military to more efficiently deploy resources while maintaining its war-fighting capabilities. To learn more about Preble’s work, visit Cato.org.

Ostrolenk speaks with Jim Turner, co-founder of The Transpartisan Review and co-author of Voice of the People. Ostrolenk and Turner begin by discussing how people are withholding themselves from politics, and the changing nature of our society that has led to this. Although a partisan culture flourishes in DC, this is contrary to the transpartisan way in which many communities conduct themselves. This leads them to a conversation on the changing sources of information, and how Americans are currently operating within these changes. To learn more about Turner's work, check out The Transpartisan Review (https://www.themaven.net/transpartisanvoice) and read his book (https://www.amazon.com/Voice-People-Transpartisan-Imperative-American/dp/0615215262).

Ostrolenk speaks with Russ Greene, Director of Government Relations and Research for CrossFit, on potential regulations that threaten CrossFit operations and more broadly on how these legislative actions represent the regulatory capture prevalent in our country. Since its founding in 2003, CrossFit has grown to encompass 14,000 gyms and affiliated business, all of which are broadly permitted to set their own rules of operation. Legislation has since been proposed that requires personal trainers to have licenses to operate that excludes CrossFit credentials as a qualifying license. This would require CrossFit trainers to obtain licensing from the competitors who are lobbying for this legislation. Greene further explains the role of the food and beverage industry behind the advocacy for this legislation, and how it has resulted in regulatory capture of the organizations – including the CDC – who are tasked with protecting the American consumer. To learn more about Russ Greene's work, follow his blog at: therussells.crossfit.com.

Ostrolenk continues his conversation with Dan Grazier, Jack Shanahan Fellow with the Project on Government Oversight (POGO, on the F-35. The United States Government continues to purchase F-35s at an alarming rate, including plans to purchase 94 F-35s in fiscal year 2018, despite the fact that the design is incomplete, numerous operational issues have been identified, and the operational testing period has not yet started. The handling of the acquisition of F-35s runs in stark contrast to the A-10, which was purposely designed to be a ground attack aircraft, making it effective and well regarded. Now, with discussion not only for additional F-35 purchases, but the possibility of its replacing some A-10s, the American people should be concerned about the safety and effectiveness of their armed forces, as well as the waste of their taxpayer dollars.

To learn more about the F-35 and what the Project on Government Oversight, visit their website and read the following articles:

http://www.pogo.org/

http://www.pogo.org/straus/issues/weapons/2017/f35-continues-to-stumble.html

http://www.theamericanconservative.com/articles/congress-hypnotized-by-plane-that-cant-get-off-the-ground/

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-air-force-must-retrofit-108-f-35as-434241/

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/us-considers-non-combat-rated-subset-of-f-35-fleet-441248/

Ostrolenk speaks with Mattie Duppler Springer, a former Hill Staffer, Public Policy Consultant, and Yoga Instructor. On October 6, Springer will be competing in GORUCK Tough (https://www.goruck.com/tough/), in which contestants carry rucksacks for 10 to 12 miles through various terrain. Springer, who will be competing for the first time, explains how she came to sign up for GORUCK Tough, and what she is looking forward to gaining from the experience. In additional the the physical and mental benefits, Springer and her team are fundraising for Third Option Foundation, the only organization focused solely on the needs of the operators from the CIA's special operations community. To learn more about Third Option Foundation, visit https://www.thirdoptionfoundation.org/, and to follow the race, follow them on twitter @GORUCK.

*Update: Springer successfully completed GORUCK Tough.

Ostrolenk speaks with Dennis Stoika, creator and Chief Instructor of Modern Era Warriors, an integrated, reality-based defense and fitness program. Stoika discusses his career history in the FBI, law enforcement, and the Marine Corps, and the training he received throughout his career that led him to create Modern Era Warriors. Using an integrated approach, his program includes mental training, physical readiness, nutrition, martial arts, and gun and knife use. Stoika teaches in Jefferson County, West Virginia, and has future plans to offer workshops in other areas. To learn more about him and Modern Era Warriors, visit his website: http://www.modernerawarriors.com/.

Ostrolenk speaks with Greg Amundson, athlete, author, speaker, and founder of Satvana Yoga, Krav Maga Santa Cruz, CrossFit Amundson and Faith Works Ministry. Amundson chronicles what led him down the path he has followed, starting with inspiration from his father, a career in law enforcement, and the teachings of God. Ultimately, it was moments in his life that taught him to focus inward that inspired him to write. Amudson discusses his books, their teachings, and the inspirations behind each. From his most recent book, Firebreather Fitness, he explains the importance of practicing a concept called First Words. To learn more about Greg Amundson and his integrated teachings on mind, body, and spirit, visit his website: https://gregoryamundson.com/ and http://faithworksministries.net/.

Ostrolenk speaks with James Scott, a Senior Fellow and co founder of the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology and the author of more than 30 books (https://www.amazon.com/James-Scott/e/B01IPLQKSQ/ref=dp_byline_cont_book_1) on health IT, energy sector cybersecurity, nation state cyber espionage, and more. He advises to more than 25 congressional offices, caucuses, and committees on cyberwarfare and cybersecurity, as well as to NATO and federal agencies including the DoE, NSA, HHS, NASA, NIST and others. Scott chronicles what led him to this field and the areas in which the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology advises. Ostrolenk and Scott discuss various cyber attacks, the various threats different nation states and non-state actors pose, and what the American government is doing to prevent cyber attacks. They discuss the need to break down silos between government agencies and even within government agencies. They also discussed the Cyber Shield Act (http://icitech.org/icit-analysis-the-cyber-shield-act/). Lastly, Scott answers listeners’ questions on cyber security

To learn more about James Scott and his work, visit icitech.org, follow him @ICITorg, and look for his books on amazon.

Ostrolenk speaks with Kurt Couchman, Vice President of Public Policy at Defense Priorities. Ostrolenk and Couchman discuss the United State’s current military operations around the world and what Congress should do to reclaim its war powers. The 2001 and 2002 authorizations for use of military force (AUMF) remain the basis for many military operations, although Congress has not given authorization to the President for military action in countries such as Syria and Iraq. Couchman further details the pros and cons of having a sunset clause on the current AUMFs versus repealing and replacing. Lastly, Couchman discusses Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) and possible new rounds of BRAC. To learn more about Kurt Couchman and the work of Defense Priorities, visit their website at www.defensepriorities.org.

Ostrolenk speaks with Michael Jaco, a 24-year veteran of the elite US Navy SEAL TEAMS and former Security Officer for the CIA. Jaco now shares his knowledge in books and a two-day course on unleashing intuition. Jaco speaks on how he learned through his ample experience to hone his intuition, and how everyone has the capability to do so. By reaching a higher level of consciousness, a person can develop greater intuition and teach the body to overcome states that seem insurmountable. Jaco teaches these skills through his course and his books. To learn more, visit his website (http://www.unleashingintuition.com/) and check out his books (https://www.amazon.com/Intuitive-Warrior-Lessons-Unleashing-Potential/dp/0615514693/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1492611396&sr=8-1&keywords=MICHAEL+JACO; https://www.amazon.com/Awakening-Warrior-Past-Lives-Remembered/dp/1497521262).