NEW EPISODE · JUNE 26, 2026 · EP 561
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Vol. V · No. 561Saturday Edition
Righteous MediaSince 1776. Est. 2019

Episode 87

Rachel Maddow (Replay)

2020 has been a feast of insanity and stress. But even in a pandemic, there is still reason to be thankful.

The Brief

→ Four things from today’s episode
01

Why General Chris Donahue is the closest thing the post-9/11. Why General Chris Donahue is the closest thing the post-9/11 military has to a Mattis-level figure — and why he's revered across the political spectrum

02

Chris O'Leary on working alongside Donahue. "one of the finest soldiers in the US military" and a quiet professional who never pounded his chest

03

The full Donahue résumé. the Afghanistan airlift, arming Ukraine, and building NATO's Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative against Russia

04

Why Hegseth is sidelining elite operators for the same reaso. Why Hegseth is sidelining elite operators for the same reason he went after Senator Mark Kelly — they're formidable, and that's the threat

2020 has been a feast of insanity and stress. But even in a pandemic, there is still reason to be thankful. And this Thanksgiving season, after 86 episodes of Angry Americans, we’re extremely thankful for all the important, inspiring and iconic guests that have joined us. And few have been more popular than Rachel Maddow (@Maddow). [9:10] Loved by the left, often attacked by the right, but respected by all, Rachel recently disclosed on national TV that her partner of over 25 years was hit exceptionally hard by COVID. She courageously shared her story—and issued a warning to all before the holidays. It was a brave, powerful, important moment that had the country buzzing. 

This Thanksgiving, our Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) offers brief reflections on the most tumultuous year of our lifetimes, and presents a replay of a fantastic, fascinating and heart-warming conversation recorded last year pre-pandemic with Rachel Maddow in New York City inside a garage at the Classic Car Club Manhattan. Rachel breaks down what it’s like to interview presidential candidates, analyzes the media, and talks about her rise to national prominence and international fame. And she also shares her perspective on fishing, the story of her first car, and what really makes her happy–even when times are tough. 

It’s the perfect conversation to reflect on how much has changed in American in 2020, how much needs changing, and how much we can all still be thankful for. Whether you’re driving across the country, keeping it small with your pod, or working a double-shift on the front-lines of the pandemic, it’s a conversation that will leave you with the 4 I’s that serve as the main course of the dinner table in every episode: information, integrity, inspiration and impact. Pour yourself a glass of something good, pull up a chair, join our extended Righteous Media family, and sit down for a heart-warming double helping of delicious holiday-time content. 

Angry Americans remains your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fun and no-BS perspective like nowhere else in the media. You always meet powerful, inspiring iconic guests in raw conversations and join a unique and powerful community.