Category: Episodes

If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. And actor and activist Ron Perlman (@perlmutations) is understandably angry. [1:02:35] Ron is known and loved worldwide for his popular roles in Sons of Anarchy, Hellboy, Beauty and the Beast and more. But he’s never had an audience like the one that watched his fiery and personal Twitter fight with Florida Congressman Matt Gaetz and Texas Senator Ted Cruz this weekend. It got nasty, it got personal, and it got attention around the globe. Ron was one of the pods’ very first guests and returns to Angry Americans to take us exclusively behind the scenes of a wild weekend that had him trending on Twitter, challenged to a wrestling match with a Congressman, and making political headlines nationwide. Ron pulls no punches and gives us a fascinating insight into the bizarre, bareknuckle intersection of Twitter, politics, Trump, Hollywood, activism, and celebrity.  In this episode, we connect with another activist on the frontlines of our unfolding political battlefields. Ron Perlman is a man in the modern political arena, throwing punches with a United States Senator for all the world to see. Ron also chops it up with Paul about Black Lives Matter, what shows he’s been binging during the pandemic, and his favorite band of all time. It’s a raucous and fun conversation with one of the most controversial and entertaining voices in America.  And fresh off a round of national media appearances, Army veteran and renowned activist Paul Rieckhoff breaks down Trump’s escalating war with high-profile retired Generals like James Mattis, David Petreaus, Colin Powell and Martin Dempsey and his unprecedented speech at West Point’s graduation. He’s got the latest news you need to know that has him angry, has others angry, and should have everyone angry.  It’s another episode of THE podcast for independent American politics, news and culture. The influence and audience of Angry Americans continues to grow and has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, Variety, NPR, The New York Times and SiriusXM.  You can support speaking truth to power and get unique access to Paul Rieckhoff, our guests, special offers and behind-the-scenes content by joining the powerful Angry Americans community on Patreon. Patreon membership gets you first looks at guests and chances to meet friends of the pod like Henry Rollins, Ambassador Susan Rice, Meghan McCain and Mayor Pete Buttigieg. And joining also helps support critical and patriotic independent media at an essential time. This powerful episode is supported by BRAVO SIERRA. Perfect for Father’s Day, BRAVO SIERRA (@BravoSierra_USA) is the military-native performance wellness company built for every lifestyle. BRAVO SIERRA delivers high-quality grooming essentials formulated with clean ingredients made-in-the-USA. And BRAVO SIERRA always gives back to America’s heroes. 5% of all sales support programs for service members, veterans and families. Visit www.BravoSierra.com/AngryAmericans now to get a FREE trial set now. Angry Americans friends can use the discount code ANGRY at checkout for 15% off all orders. Angry Americans is empowering independent Americans everywhere and powered by Righteous Media. Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Police, National Guard and military–clashing with American protestors in our nation’s capital and all across America. From coast to coast, America is on fire. On fire with anger, on fire with frustration, with fire division, on fire with pain. Our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) digs into the death of George Floyd, protests, riots, the horrid leadership in the Department of Defense and VA, the pandemic, and more with an extended and candid conversation with CNN anchor and COVID-19 survivor, Brooke Baldwin (@BrookeBCNN). [1:28:15] Brooke is the dynamic host of CNN Newsroom–the daily news show on CNN seen worldwide. From her drink of choice to what makes her angry, this is Brooke Baldwin candid, uncut and like you’ve never heard her.  She doesn’t just cover stories–she feels them. She has a unique ability to channel the emotions of her audience like few TV anchors can. For over a decade at CNN, she’s covered breaking news with empathy, focus and humor. And after the pandemic hit, she became the news—as one of the first TV journalists in America to announce she’d tested positive for the coronavirus, approaching it with the same openness, candor and humility that has defined her career. She’s back on the air. Holding leaders accountable, telling the stories of struggling Americans, and now, she has the unique perspective of covering rioters attacking CNN headquarters in Atlanta–the place she grew up. Her work has taken her to some of the biggest events of the last two decades. From the Newtown massacre and the Boston Marathon bombing, to the Arab Spring and multiple American protest movements, Brooke has been on the ground and at the anchordesk bringing breaking news to Americans. Her dedication doesn’t stop when the satellite trucks pull out of town. After a series of mass shootings, Brooke hosted a moving 2015 town hall, which made her a finalist for the Peabody Award–broadcast journalism’s highest honor. She’s also uniquely down-to-earth and fun. She’s a massive University of North Carolina sports fan, and Brooke is also the creator and host of American Woman, a CNN digital series that focuses on women who’ve blazed trails, are shattering glass ceilings, and are looking to share their stories to inspire others like them.  Angry Americans continues a groundbreaking focus on the front-line fighters of the war against COVID-19–and now the civil unrest that has erupted nationally since the killing of George Floyd—with another important, inspiring and iconic guest.  It’s another episode of the most dynamic podcast in America for independent politics, news and culture. And the pod continues to make waves and was recently featured on Fox News, Variety, NPR, The New York Times, MSNBC and CNN.  Get special access to behind-the-scenes content, to Paul Rieckhoff, to our guests, and to special offers by joining the powerful Angry Americans community on Patreon. Membership gets you first looks at guests, information and opportunities to meet friends of the pod like Henry Rollins, Ambassador Susan Rice, Meghan McCain and Mayor Pete Buttigieg. And your support helps keep this impactful and independent content coming. This episode is powered by BRAVO SIERRA. BRAVO SIERRA (@BravoSierra_USA) is the military-native performance wellness company built for every lifestyle. BRAVO SIERRA delivers high-quality grooming essentials formulated with clean ingredients made-in-the-USA. And BRAVO SIERRA gives back to America’s heroes. 5% of all sales support programs for Military service members, veterans and families. And perfect for Father’s Day. Visit www.BravoSierra.com/AngryAmericans to get a FREE trial set now. Angry Americans listeners can use the discount code ANGRY at checkout for 15% off all orders. Angry Americans is empowering independent Americans everywhere and powered by Righteous Media. Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Like everything else in America, journalism is very different in the pandemic. It’s been disrupted by the virus–while remaining under daily attack from the President. Our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) digs into the state of journalism, politics, world affairs and more with an extended and candid conversation with renowned journalist, Martha Raddatz (@MarthaRaddatz). [57:08] Martha is Chief Global Affairs Correspondent for ABC News, co-anchor of “This Week with George Stephanopoulos” and one of the most respected journalists in America. Martha built a career focused on covering war, the military, veterans affairs and international relations. Raised by a single mom in Utah, she’s been a Pentagon reporter, traveled to countless war zones and is the only television reporter allowed to fly in an F-15 fighter jet on combat missions over Afghanistan. Martha’s also been in the crosshairs of political combat, moderating the Vice Presidential debate between Paul Ryan and Joe Biden in 2012 and a presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump in 2016. She is renowned for her toughness, professionalism and dedication to the truth. And you’ve never heard her like this. Fresh off a news-making sit-down interview with Veterans Affairs Secretary Robert Wilkie, Martha shares what it’s like being a grandmother, how she keeps perspective in DC and even shares her favorite drink. Angry Americans continues a groundbreaking focus on the front-line fighters of the war against COVID-19 with another inspiring guest shaping the future. It’s an episode that will leave you moved, enlightened and empowered.  Rieckhoff also continues his sharp focus on national security, veterans and first-responder issues that are critical and terribly under-reported by the mainstream media. As the World Health Organization and most medical experts warn about the dangers of the controversial drug hydroxychloroquine for patients with COVID-19, Trump and the Department of Veterans Affairs are ramping up testing the drug on dying veterans. Meanwhile, the NHL prepares to restart hockey, a historic SpaceX launch is postponed and the killing of George Floyd killed in Minneapolis by police sparks protest and outrage.If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention.  It’s another episode of the most dynamic podcast in America for independent politics, news and culture. And the pod continues to make waves and was recently featured on Fox News, Variety, NPR, The New York Times, MSNBC and CNN.  Get special access to behind-the-scenes content, to Paul Rieckhoff, to our guests, and to special offers by joining the powerful Angry Americans community on Patreon. Membership gets you first looks at guests, information and opportunities to meet friends of the pod like Henry Rollins, Ambassador Susan Rice, Meghan McCain and Mayor Pete Buttigieg. And your support helps keep this impactful and independent content coming. This episode is powered by BRAVO SIERRA. BRAVO SIERRA (@BravoSierra_USA) is the military-native performance wellness company built for every lifestyle. BRAVO SIERRA delivers high-quality grooming essentials formulated with clean ingredients made-in-the-USA. And BRAVO SIERRA gives back to America’s heroes. 5% of all sales support programs for Military service members, veterans and families. Which is especially important for Memorial Day. Visit www.BravoSierra.com/AngryAmericans to get a FREE trial set now. Angry Americans listeners can use the discount code ANGRY at checkout for 15% off all orders. Angry Americans is empowering independent Americans everywhere and powered by Righteous Media. Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the country battles whether or not to wear masks, and whether or not hydroxychloroquine works, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips into the news you need with his trademark wit, wisdom and humor. He digs into the top national defense, first-responders and vets news and shares a powerful conversation with Medal of Freedom recipient and legendary TAPS Founder Bonnie Carroll (@bonnie_at_taps). Angry Americans continues a groundbreaking focus on the front-line fighters of the war against COVID-19 with another inspiring guest shaping the future. This Memorial Day will be unlike any other. Arlington National Cemetery is closed to visitors. Parades are canceled. Veterans are being buried without military funerals. Memorial Day is about remembering those lost to our nation’s wars. And this year, with over 93,000 Americana dead from the coronavirus, there is a profound sense of mourning and loss nationwide. But it can also be a time for unity. And to draw lessons about how to mourn and move forward after loss from a courageous group of people: surviving military families. Over 7,000 troops have died in Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries since 9/11. Over 6,000 are lost every year to suicide. Mostly hidden from the nation’s view.  But now, America is feeling the pain of loss. And military families can help us understand pain and move forward. Their greatest champion is Bonnie Carroll. [47:44] Bonnie is one of toughest leaders you’ll ever meet. A veteran, the surviving spouse of General Tom Carroll, a former staffer in the Reagan and Bush White Houses, and President and Founder of Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), the leading national organization providing care for those impacted by the death of a military loved one. Bonnie courageously founded TAPS after the death of her husband in an Army plane crash. She turned a tragedy into triumph. And will help you overcome whatever challenges you face now.  Bonnie knows isolation, depression and pain like few others in the world. She knows how to survive it, find purpose and thrive afterwards. She is the author of Healing Your Grieving Heart After A Military Death and one of the foremost experts on grief and trauma. She’s also a happy warrior, a mentor and a voice of light in the most trying times. And a longtime friend and mentor of our host, Army veteran and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, @PaulRieckhoff. The two share a conversation that will leave you moved, enlightened and empowered.  Featured on Fox News, Variety, NPR, The New York Times, MSNBC and CNN, it’s another episode of the most dynamic podcast in America for independent politics, news and culture.  Get special access to behind-the-scenes content, to Paul Rieckhoff, to our guests, and to special offers by joining the new Angry Americans community on Patreon. It gets you powerful information and opportunities to meet friends of the pod like Susan Rice, Meghan McCain and Mayor Pete Buttigieg. And your support helps keep this impactful and independent content coming.  This episode is powered by BRAVO SIERRA. BRAVO SIERRA (@BravoSierra_USA) is the military-native performance wellness company built for every lifestyle. BRAVO SIERRA delivers high-quality grooming essentials formulated with clean ingredients made-in-the-USA. And BRAVO SIERRA gives back to America’s heroes. 5% of all sales support programs for Military service members, veterans and families. Which is especially important for Memorial Day. Visit www.BravoSierra.com/AngryAmericans to get a FREE trial set now. Angry Americans listeners can use the discount code ANGRY at checkout for 15% off all orders.  Angry Americans is empowering independent Americans everywhere and powered by Righteous Media. Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The pandemic is devastating America. And black Americans especially. Maybe more than any other group in the United States. As many as one-fourth of the overall American dead from the pandemic are black. And people of color are disproportionately serving on the front lines of healthcare, public transportation, food services and many other industries that are the hardest hit. The impact on black people is another hidden and underreported front in our war against COVID-19. And meanwhile, Ahmaud Arbery, a 25-year-old black jogger, was ruthlessly murdered by two white men in Brunswick, Georgia—sparking outrage and anger nationwide–while President Trump continues to make racist statements at the White House aimed at Chinese people. In this powerful new episode, we dig into race and the coronavirus.  Race has never been more urgent, divisive and underreported. Except for on this pod. Independent activist, author, social entrepreneur and Army veteran @PaulRieckhoff breaks it down and leads a fascinating and riveting conversation with Baratunde Thurston (@Baratunde). [1:06:00] Baratunde is a powerful, inspiring and dynamic next-generation thought leader. He’s an activist, futurist, comedian and author of the New York Times bestseller, How To Be Black. He’s worked for The Onion, produced for The Daily Show, advised the Obama White House, and cleaned bathrooms to pay for his Harvard education. Baratunde serves on the National Board of BUILD, an organization that uses entrepreneurship-based experiential learning to propel underserved youth through high school on to college and career success, serves on the Brooklyn Public Library board of trustees and his TED Talk has over 2 million views. He and Rieckhoff have known each other for over a decade, and they chop it up for a fun, emotional and inspiring conversation that you’ll want to talk about and share. Angry Americans continues our groundbreaking focus on the front-line fighters of the war against COVID-19 with another inspiring leader shaping the future of America.  And as the virus takes more lives and infections spreads through the White House staff, states begin to reopen. And that’s got Rieckhoff and many others angry–for good reason. He rips into the news that you may have missed with his trademark tenacity, wit, wisdom and humor. He digs into the national defense, first-responders and veterans issues that are off the national radar. And he adds a splash of pop-culture, great music and civic action. Featured recently on Fox News, Variety, NPR, The New York Times, MSNBC and CNN, it’s another riveting episode of the most dynamic podcast in America for independent politics, news and culture.  Get special access to Paul Rieckhoff, our dynamic guests, special online events and behind-the-scenes content by joining the Angry Americans community on Patreon. You’ll get unique and powerful connections to information and opportunities to meet friends of the pod like Jeffrey Wright, Chris Cuomo, Ron Perlman, Meghan McCain and Mayor Pete Buttigieg. And our support will also help keep this important content coming.  This episode is powered by the generous support of BRAVO SIERRA. BRAVO SIERRA (@BravoSierra_USA) is the military-native performance wellness company built for every lifestyle. BRAVO SIERRA delivers high-quality grooming essentials formulated with clean ingredients that are made-in-the-USA. And BRAVO SIERRA gives back to America’s heroes. 5% of all sales support programs for active-duty U.S. Military service members, veterans and families. Visit www.BravoSierra.com/AngryAmericans to get a FREE trial set now. Angry Americans listeners can use the discount code ANGRY at checkout for 15% off on all orders.  Angry Americans is connecting, uniting and empowering concerned citizens worldwide and powered by Righteous Media. Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How is the coronavirus impacting the mothers of the world? This Mother’s Day, moms across America are being hit especially hard by the pandemic. It’s another hidden and underreported front in our war against COVID-19. Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner (@RoweFinkbeiner) [43:30] is a renowned and respected fighter for moms everywhere. She’s met with Presidents, testified before Congress and organized millions. Kristin is the dynamic Founder and Executive Director of the most powerful organization for mothers in America: MomsRising. With over one million members, MomsRising is leading on the most critical issues facing women, mothers, and families. The powerful organization brings the voices and real world experiences of women and mothers to local, state, and national leaders, amplifies women’s voices and policy issues in the national dialogue and in the media, accelerate grassroots impact on Capitol Hill and at state capitols across the country and holds corporations accountable for fair treatment of women and mothers and for ensuring the safety of their products. Kristin is also the host of “Breaking Through with Kristin Rowe-Finkbeiner” on 1480AM in Washington, D.C and the co-author of The Motherhood Manifesto–which also became a documentary film on PBS.  Angry Americans continues our groundbreaking focus on the front-line fighters of the war against COVID-19 with another inspiring guest shaping the future. If you want to give your mom a great Mother’s Day gift, listen to and share this episode.  With the weather in America heating up and states reopening nationwide, while the spread of the virus and the 2020 race for President are accelerating, independent activist, author, social entrepreneur and Army veteran @PaulRieckhoff leads the conversation with Kristin and dissects the latest news with his trademark fiery style. Rieckhoff also continues to hold the powerful accountable at the White House, Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, and broadcast media. It’s another riveting episode of the most dynamic podcast in America for independent politics, news and culture. Variety, NPR, The New York Times, MSNBC and CNN are tracking–and you should be too.  This episode of Angry Americans is powered by BRAVO SIERRA. BRAVO SIERRA (@BravoSierra_USA) is the American, military-native performance wellness company built for tough times. BRAVO SIERRA delivers high-quality grooming essentials formulated with clean ingredients that are made-in-the-USA. And BRAVO SIERRA gives back to America’s heroes. 5% of all sales supports programs for active-duty U.S. Military service members, veterans and families. Visit www.BravoSierra.com/AngryAmericans to get a FREE trial set now. Angry Americans listeners can use the discount code ANGRY at checkout for 15% off on all orders.  You can get special access to Paul Rieckhoff, our dynamic guests, special online events and behind-the-scenes content by joining the Angry Americans community on Patreon. Your support will keep this important content coming. And, you’ll get unique and powerful connections to information and one-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet guests like Chris Cuomo, Ron Perlman, Meghan McCain and Mayor Pete Buttigieg.  Angry Americans is connecting, uniting and empowering concerned citizens worldwide and powered by Righteous Media. Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the future of education after the coronavirus? What will schools look like after all this? How can they reopen safely? Will colleges go bankrupt? Are we rotting the brains of our kids with all this screen time? Where is Education Secretary Betsy DeVos? What happens now to education in America?  As the global war against the virus continues, the world of education is a hidden battlefield. The future of learning has been turned upside down–and underreported. With 97% of the world’s schools closed, the virus has upended everything we know about education. Graduations are canceled, dorms are empty, school lunches are left uneaten and millions of kids are now glued to screens all day long. This is education in our pandemic-stricken world. And the stakes for America couldn’t be higher.  Angry Americans continues our groundbreaking focus on the front-line fighters of the war against COVID-19 with another inspiring guest shaping the future: [1:15:00] Anya Kamenetz (@Anya1Anya) is a powerful expert on learning and the future. Anya is Education Correspondent at NPR, co-host of NPR’s Life Kit parenting podcast and celebrated author of multiple books including The Art of Screen Time, Generation Debt, DIY U: Edupunks, Edupreneurs, and the Coming Transformation of Higher Education and The Test. Anya is our professor giving us all a crash course on parenting in a pandemic.  Previously, Anya was a writer for Fast Company covering technology, innovation, sustainability and social entrepreneurship and she contributed to The New York Times, The Washington Post, New York Magazine, the Oprah Magazine. Anya was named a Game Changer in Education and three times won National Awards from the Education Writers Association. She also leads the innovative NPR Ed team–which won an Edward R. Murrow award for Innovation. With the world paralyzed and divided by shut-downs and reopening, independent activist, author, social entrepreneur and Army veteran @PaulRieckhoff asks Anya the questions we all need answers to–and tears into the latest news with a dash of pop-culture, kick-ass music, and his trademark wit, tenacity, wisdom and humor. Rieckhoff shines a powerful spotlight on issues you need to know about–and holds the powerful accountable. As the White House, Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense, and broadcast media fumble, this is a powerful must-hear episode of the pod that’s been featured in Variety, NPR, The New York Times, MSNBC and CNN. From the front lines of the exhausting war against the virus, to the race for President, to the NFL draft, Angry Americans is the most dynamic podcast in America for politics, news and culture. Angry Americans is powered by BRAVO SIERRA. BRAVO SIERRA (@BravoSierra_USA) is the American, military-native performance wellness company built for tough times. BRAVO SIERRA delivers high-quality grooming essentials formulated with clean ingredients that are made-in-the-USA. And BRAVO SIERRA gives back to America’s heroes. 5% of all sales supports programs for active-duty U.S. Military service members, veterans and families. Visit www.BravoSierra.com/AngryAmericans to get a FREE trial set now. Angry Americans listeners can use the discount code ANGRY at checkout for 15% off on all orders.  Get exclusive access to Paul Rieckhoff, our amazing guests, online events and special behind-the-scenes content by joining the Angry Americans community on Patreon. You’ll keep this important content coming–and get unique connections to powerful information and one-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet guests like Henry Rollins, Rachel Maddow, Jeffrey Wright and Ambassador Susan Rice. Angry Americans is connecting, uniting and empowering concerned citizens worldwide–and is powered by Righteous Media. Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What is the future of sports after the coronavirus? Will the NBA play again this season? How will sports look in our new normal? David Aldridge (@DavidAldridgeDC) is one of the best and most respected sports writers in America. He’s a basketball icon that’s been in on our TV for decades covering the NBA for ESPN, TNT and now, for The Athletic. He’s also an astute observer of the intersection of sports, culture, politics, race and economics. David has interviewed Presidents and received the Basketball Hall of Fame’s Curt Gowdy Media Award for his contributions to basketball. He’s a tenacious advocate for his hometown of Washington, DC and has interviewed President Barack Obama, Steph Curry and Michael Jordan.  Angry Americans has always focused on the interaction of politics, sports and culture. And as our the war against the coronavirus drags on, sports is one of the things people everywhere miss the most. With concerns from players about safety, and pushes from politicians to restart leagues, David helps us all understand the biggest challenges and the bigger picture of sports in the world of COVID-19. And as the hit ESPN documentary about Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bull, The Last Dance, captivates audiences everywhere, the NFL draft goes virtual, Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski head to Tampa, and as we recognize the 16th anniversary of the death of NFL player and Army Ranger, Pat Tillman, David’s wisdom will leave you enlightened.  And as the country is ripped by the coronavirus and political division over how and when to shutdown and re-open sports and everything else, independent activist, author and Army veteran @PaulRieckhoff breaks it all down with a kick. Rieckhoff tears into the politicians who are putting politics ahead of people, drills into the exposure of our national security, and continues to hold the White House, Departments of Veterans Affairs and Defense accountability for leadership failures, political nonsense and a rising death toll. It’s a another powerful episode of the show that’s been featured in Variety, NPR, The New York Times, MSNBC and CNN. From front edge of the evolving war against the virus in New York City, to Georgia, to Washington, DC, to North Korea, Angry Americans is the most interesting and independent podcast in America for politics, news and culture. This episode Angry Americans is powered by the awesomeness of BRAVO SIERRA. BRAVO SIERRA (@BravoSierra_USA) is the military-native performance wellness company that’s built for the pandemic. They deliver high-quality grooming essentials that are formulated with clean ingredients and made in the USA. And BRAVO SIERRA leads by example. 5% of all sales goes to the Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs for active-duty U.S. Military service members, veterans and their families. Go to www.BravoSierra.com/AngryAmericans to get a FREE trial set of their products now. And Angry Americans listeners can use the special discount code ANGRY at checkout for 15% off on all orders.  You can now get exclusive access to the people, events and content behind Angry Americans by joining us on Patreon. You can help keep this important content coming–and get unique connections to powerful information and one-in-a-lifetime opportunities to meet guests like Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Meghan McCain and Henry Rollins. Angry Americans is connecting, uniting and empowering people nationwide–and is powered by Righteous Media. Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices