America's Frontlines Podcast 16 October 2026

In this episode of America’s Frontlines: Could artificial intelligence make North Korea's missiles nearly impossible to stop? Colonel Denny and Matt examine Kim Jong Un's latest claims about AI-assisted missile technology and the growing challenges facing American missile defenses. With North Korea claiming its newest missiles can change their flight paths to evade interception, they discuss what these developments could mean for South Korea, Japan, American forces in the Pacific, and the future of nuclear deterrence. Is this a genuine technological breakthrough, or another attempt by Pyongyang to intimidate its adversaries? Colonel Denny also takes us through some of the week's most significant news stories, examining developments at home and abroad that are affecting our daily lives and raising important questions about America's future. And, as always, Colonel Denny delivers another round of his trademark humor and one-liners to lighten the mood and bring a few smiles along the way. Our featured guest is Samuel Coolbaugh, whose life took an unexpected turn when plans to join the U.S. Army led him down a very different path. Along the way, Samuel developed an interest in studying Islam, its history, and its teachings. He joins Colonel Denny to share his personal journey, what he has learned, and his perspectives on a subject that continues to generate considerable discussion and debate around the world. Of course, we continue our regular journey through military history, revisiting significant events that occurred around this date. From the founding of our nation and the sacrifices of those who defended it to major conflicts and turning points in world history, these reminders help us better understand the events that shaped the world we live in today. And it's time once again for Service Academy Football! Our Football Co-Host Quinton Roberts returns to join Colonel Denny for another look at the action on the gridiron. A U.S. Air Force Academy graduate and former varsity football player—quite a number of years ago, as we occasionally like to remind him—Quinton reviews last weekend's games and previews the upcoming matchups for Army, Navy, Air Force, and the other Service Academies. From North Korea's emerging missile technology and the challenges of modern national defense to understanding different religious traditions, remembering military history, and celebrating Service Academy football, this episode offers another wide-ranging discussion of the issues, people, and traditions that make America's Frontlines worth tuning in to.