Episode 904: Thomas Modly on “Vectors Heroes, Villains, and Heartbreak on the Bridge of the U.S. Navy”

Newt talks with former Acting Secretary of the Navy, Thomas Modly about his book, “Vectors: Heroes, Villains, and Heartbreak on the Bridge of the U.S. Navy.” Modly discusses his tenure as Acting Secretary and insights into the challenges facing the U.S. Navy. The son of Eastern European immigrants, he shares how his parents' experiences helped shape his views on America and his decision to serve in the U.S. Navy. He reflects on the transformation of Hungary post-Iron Curtain and the importance of a strong U.S. military. Modly highlights the need for a national maritime strategy and addresses the Navy's current challenges, including shipbuilding and financial audits. He emphasizes the importance of effective leadership, communication, and agility in military operations. Modly also offers advice to Naval Academy graduates, urging them to focus on their commitment to the Constitution and the people they lead.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Brett Baier, chief political anchor for Fox News Channel, about his new book "To Rescue the American Spirit: Teddy Roosevelt and the Birth of a Superpower." Baier, known for his passion for presidential biographies, discusses the historical significance of Theodore Roosevelt, highlighting his role in expanding America's global influence and his larger-than-life persona. Their conversation touches on Roosevelt's achievements, such as brokering peace in the Russo-Japanese War and his leadership style exemplified by the Rough Riders. Baier draws parallels between Roosevelt and modern figures like Donald Trump, noting their shared charisma and unconventional approaches. The discussion also covers Roosevelt's progressive policies, his impact on American culture, and his adventurous spirit, including his perilous Amazon expedition. Baier's book tour and his approach to balancing his career in news with writing are also discussed.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Marcus and Amber Capone, co-founders of Veterans Exploring Treatment Solutions (VETS), about the transformative impact of ibogaine treatment on veterans suffering from mental health issues, including TBI, depression and PTSD. Marcus, a former Navy SEAL, shares his personal journey of overcoming challenges related to traumatic brain injury and mental health struggles through ibogaine therapy, which he initially resisted due to misconceptions about psychedelics. Amber, instrumental in finding this treatment, highlights the profound changes it brought to Marcus and their family, leading them to establish VETS in 2019. Their organization has since supported over a thousand veterans and their families in accessing ibogaine treatment, despite regulatory challenges in the United States. The Capone’s emphasize the need for research and policy change to make such treatments available domestically, citing successful legislative efforts in Texas and ongoing studies at institutions like Stanford and Ohio State. They also discuss their upcoming Netflix documentary, which aims to raise awareness about ibogaine's potential.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Vance Ginn, former associate director for economic policy at Office of Management and Budget (OMB) about the economic impact of the government shutdown. They discuss the intricacies of government spending, the role of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the challenges of achieving a balanced budget. Ginn emphasizes the need for fiscal responsibility, highlighting the importance of reducing waste and inefficiencies within government operations. Their conversation also covers the impact of the Dodd-Frank Act and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, with Ginn arguing for a reduction in government intervention in consumer markets. Additionally, they address healthcare reform, advocating for a system that prioritizes patient care over bureaucracy.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Joel Sercel, PhD., Founder and CEO of TransAstra, a venture-backed company pioneering asteroid mining and the future of the space economy. Sercel shares insights into the company's mission to use asteroids as refueling stations for rockets, potentially enabling extensive space travel across the solar system and beyond. Sercel, a former Jet Propulsion Laboratory technologist and a seven-time NASA NIAC Fellow, discusses his journey from a childhood fascination with space to leading major space engineering efforts. He highlights the strategic importance of asteroid mining for the United States, emphasizing the potential for space industrialization and the creation of a transportation network in space. Their conversation also covers the technological innovations of TransAstra, including the development of a Capture Bag for asteroid mining and the Sutter Telescope Network for detecting asteroids. Sercel envisions a future where space resources are harnessed to build vast new industries and enhance military capabilities, with a focus on robotic operations and the potential for solar thermal propulsion.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Vincent Vernuccio, President of the Institute for the American Worker about the Employee Rights Act of 2025, a legislative proposal aimed at enhancing and safeguarding the rights of American workers while promoting fairness and accountability in the workplace. Introduced by Senator Tim Scott and Congressman Rick Allen, the bill represents a Republican vision for the workforce, focusing on empowering workers, improving unions, and fostering innovation and growth. Vernuccio highlights the outdated nature of current labor laws, which were designed for a 1930s economy, and the need for reform. The Act seeks to modernize labor laws by ensuring secret ballots, protecting workers' privacy, and allowing workers to opt out of union representation. Despite broad public support for its provisions, the bill faces opposition from Democrats and some Republicans who favor the PRO Act. Their discussion also touches on the decline of union membership, particularly in the private sector, and the need for unions to adapt to modern workforce demands.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with renowned TV journalist and bestselling author Bill O’Reilly about his latest book, “Confronting Evil.” The book, which quickly became a New York Times bestseller, explores the actions of some of history's most notorious figures, including Genghis Khan, Caligula, Henry VIII, and modern figures like Putin and the Mexican drug cartels. O'Reilly explains his motivation for writing about the concept of evil, noting a perceived rise in malevolent behavior globally and particularly in the United States. He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and confronting evil, which he believes is often ignored in modern society. Their conversation also touches on current global issues, such as the influence of the Mexican drug cartels and the threat posed by Vladimir Putin, whom O'Reilly describes as a dangerous psychopath. He also highlights the need for a collective reassessment of how society deals with evil and the role of leadership in addressing these challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Chris Brose, President and Chief Strategy Officer of Anduril, a U.S. based company revolutionizing military capabilities with advanced technology for the United States and allied forces. Unlike traditional defense contractors, Anduril rapidly develops and deploys cutting-edge technology by privately funding research and selling ready-to-use products, significantly reducing costs and time. Brose discusses the company's approach to scalable production, drawing parallels to commercial manufacturing exemplified by companies like Tesla. A key highlight is the Ghost Shark project with the Royal Australian Navy, an autonomous undersea vehicle developed in collaboration with Australia, showcasing a successful co-investment model and rapid production timeline. Their conversation also covers the implications of autonomous systems in warfare, the potential for scaling production to enhance military capabilities, as well as the importance of evolving defense strategies to meet future challenges.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with Philip K. Howard about his new book, “Saving Can-Do: How to Revive the Spirit of America.” Howard discusses the pervasive issue of bureaucratic red tape that has stifled common sense and effective governance since the 1960s. He argues that the legal system has become overly complex, with 150 million words in federal law and regulation, compared to the 7,500 words of the U.S. Constitution. Howard advocates for a multi-year effort to replace these cumbersome bureaucracies with simpler codes that empower individuals to use their judgment. He highlights the inefficiencies in current systems, such as the lengthy and costly processes for infrastructure projects and healthcare administration and calls for a movement led by American citizens to push for practical regulatory reform.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Newt talks with award-winning Washington Post reporter Christian Davenport, about his new book, “Rocket Dreams: Musk, Bezos, and the Inside Story of the New, Trillion-Dollar Space Race.” They discuss the new space race, focusing on the competition between countries and private companies to return humans to the moon and explore beyond. Davenport highlights the advancements in space technology, particularly SpaceX's Starship, which represents a significant breakthrough with its fully reusable design and potential to revolutionize space travel. Their conversation also touches on the competitive landscape, with China making significant strides in space exploration and the United States' efforts to maintain its leadership. The potential for the moon to serve as a refueling station for deeper space exploration is also discussed, along with the need for a less bureaucratic and more innovative approach to NASA's operations to ensure the U.S. remains competitive in the new space race.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.