Twenty-five years to the day after the attacks of September 11, 2001, Ron and Ed commemorate a day that changed America and changed each of us in ways both large and small. They share personal stories and memories from that time, reflecting on where they were, what they experienced, and what remains vivid a quarter-century later.
Against the backdrop of America’s 250th anniversary, the conversation broadens to consider the country we were then, the country we are now, and the ideals that have endured through crisis, conflict, and change. Along the way, Ron and Ed offer a few additional USA 250 reflections on liberty, citizenship, national character, and the remarkable resilience of the American experiment.
A personal and contemplative episode about memory, gratitude, loss, and what it means to remember.
SHOW NOTES
Segment one
25 years ago. (H/t to Robert Wood for sending along the image)
“Look Back in Anger at 9/11” by Charles Cook for the National Review https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/09/look-back-in-anger-at-9-11/
Heather Renee Penney, aka Heather “Lucky” Penney https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heather_Penney
Segment two
“On 9/11 in New York: A personal remembrance” by Jay Nordlinger https://thedispatch.com/article/september-11-new-york-city/
Derek Jeter's Conversation with George W. Bush Before He Threw the Ceremonial First Pitch Prior to Game 3 of the 2001 World Series https://www.reddit.com/r/NYYankees/comments/1wdnd17/derek_jeters_conversation_with_george_w_bush/
(And it only took us 25 years…) “Gateside by TSA PreCheck provides members with access to the terminal beyond airport security, even when they aren’t flying” https://www.tsa.gov/precheck/gateside-tsa-precheck
Rumsfeld summarized this strategic mindset by noting that because you cannot bring the victims back, "the goal is not to retaliate—or it's not retribution. The goal is to protect the American people." https://www.cbsnews.com/news/rumsfeld-we-had-no-guidebook-for-9-11/
Segment three
The Chaser APEC pranks via Wikipedia https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Chaser_APEC_pranks
“On September 21, 2001” by Ed Kless https://www.edkless.com/blog/2011/09/on-september-21-2001
Brain examination scheduled in 3…2…1… “Roger Waters to headline 9/11 ‘truth’ conference at NYC-owned museum” https://www.timesofisrael.com/roger-waters-to-headline-9-11-truth-conference-at-nyc-owned-museum/
“Nation Reconsidering Trial By Jury Of Peers After Discovering That Our Peers Are All Dummies” https://babylonbee.com/news/nation-reconsidering-trial-by-jury-of-peers-after-discovering-that-our-peers-are-all-dummies
Segment four
“Did the Terrorists Win? However one defines victory, America and the free world assuredly lost.” by Paul Miller https://thedispatch.com/article/september-11-terrorists-china-winning/
During Operation Yellow Ribbon on September 11, 2001, Gander International Airport received 38 diverted international flights carrying roughly 6,600 stranded passengers and crew after U.S. airspace closed. More info here: https://www.cntraveler.com/story/an-ode-to-gander-airport-25-years-after-9-11
“America at 250: 25 Movies to Celebrate America” https://www.nationalreview.com/2026/07/twenty-five-movies-to-celebrate-america-at-250/
Bonus Content is Available As Well
Did you know that each week after our live show, Ron and Ed take to the microphone for a bonus show? Typically, this bonus show is an extension of the live show topic (sometimes even with the same guest) and a few other pieces of news, current events, or things that have caught our attention.
Click the “FANATIC” image to learn more about pricing and member benefits.