Category: Episodes

“We expect panic,” that’s what a Russian hacker involved in attacks on America is predicting.   As Election results unfold all across our political battlefield, there’s a massive war happening nationwide that most Americans can’t see. Hackers, cyber terrorists and information warriors from Russia and around the world are taking shots at your election machines, your electrical grid, your hospital and your laptop. Right now, as the heat in America continues to rise, our enemies are strategically starting fires and adding gasoline all across the web. From your local election system, to your Facebook page, to the hospital you depend on for COVID care, to Donald Trump’s iPhone. America’s enemies are waging a complex and expansive war against you and everyone else in America as you read this. And it won’t stop when the election is called. It will expand. The misinformation and cyber threats facing America have never been greater. And we’ve never been more fragile. Independent host Paul Rieckhoff guides you through it–and breaks down the election results with a special focus on national security.  As cyber threats swirl all around us, our guest is a guardian on the watchtower: information warfare and Russian influence expert, Molly McKew. [21:50] McKew has traveled the world studying, analyzing and advising on the most urgent cybersecurity, misinformation and technology-based threats. An adjunct professor at Georgetown University’s Edmund Walsh School of Foreign Service, McKew teaches Russian hybrid warfare. She also serves on the board of the Stand Up Republic Foundation as an advisor on countering disinformation, lead author of the Defusing Disinfo blog, and the creator of Great Power–a guide to asymmetric conflict like cyber, information, and economic warfare. McKew graduated from Stanford with a BA in Russian Language, History, and Culture, and the London School of Economics with an MSc in Russian/Post-Soviet Studies. She was awarded the Order of Honor by the President of Georgia for her service in defense of Georgian democracy. The future is here. It’s fascinating. And it’s dangerous. McKew is a thoughtful, sharp, experienced voice to break down how attacks and bad actors are impacting our elections now. And how they might impact you and your family in the days to come. She’s also got incredible stories from her journey’s around the world, a special sword on her wall, and a fun favorite drink answer. It’s a must-listen Angry Americans episode that will prepare you for the precarious days ahead after the most turbulent election ever. If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Especially now. In times of crisis, Angry Americans is your trusted source for independent news, politics and inspiration. It’s a unique, fun and hard-hitting perspective like nowhere else in the media. You’ll learn from influential guests in candid and entertaining ways you won’t on any other show. And Rieckhoff rips into the news headlines in a way that will leave you grounded, prepared and inspired.  Join our Angry Americans Patreon community and get unique access to Rieckhoff, our dynamic guests, cool merch, and exclusive content. This show is possible thanks to these Patreon members and support from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.  Join the movement at AngryAmericans.us or YouTube. You can see this conversation with Molly McKew and other political, foreign policy, national security and media players ranging from Stephen Colbert to Jeffrey Wright to Meghan McCain to Mayor Pete Buttigieg to Susan Rice to Sarah Jessica Parker. It’s political, social and industry diversity you can’t find on any other show in America.  Angry Americans is powered by Righteous Media.  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngryAmericans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angryamericansus Instagram: https://instagram.com/angryamericansUSA And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew/featured Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As Election Day finally hits America, so does the pandemic. Voter turnout is soaring–and so are COVID cases. It’s the scariest Halloween in recent history. But we’ve got no tricks in this episode–it’s all treats. We’ve got useful, thoughtful, candid analysis and recommendations from one of the brightest public health minds in America.  Dr. Vin Gupta (@VinGuptaMD) [10:05] is a helper and a patriot. He’s the guy you wish was your personal doctor right now. He’s a public health physician, an Air Force officer, a professor, an NBC News analyst, and true voice of reason. Since the pandemic hit, Dr. Gupta has emerged as a true superstar that Americans of all backgrounds respect and trust. He’s young, brilliant and working every day on the front lines of the pandemic on a range of critical fronts from seeing patients, to appearing on national TV, to guiding tech giant Amazon.  Dr Gupta has spent 15 years working worldwide to improve public health for organizations including the US Centers for Disease Control, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation, the Harvard Global Health Institute, the World Health Organization, and the Pentagon’s Center for Global Health Engagement. He’s also a Major in the United States Air Force Reserve Medical Corps, where he serves as a critical care aerospace physician with the 446th Aeromedical Staging Squadron based at Joint-Base Lewis McChord. Gupta has assisted with bolstering the emergency health crisis response capabilities of partner nations in Africa as part of the US State Department’s African Peacekeeping Rapid Response Partnership initiative. He’s also the Principal Scientist at Amazon, where he provides clinical and strategic leadership to the company’s COVID-19 response work. Dr. Vin Gupta joins our host, Army veteran, activist and author, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a must-hear conversation that will leave you better informed and ready for what comes after the election—no matter who wins.  In these trying times especially, Angry Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration. We deliver a unique, independent and hard-hitting perspective like nowhere else in media. You’ll hear influential, fascinating guests like Dr Vin Gupta in ways you won’t on any other show. And Rieckhoff breaks down our crazy times like nobody else.  If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Especially now. Join our Angry Americans Patreon community and get special access to our host, our dynamic guests, discounts on merch, and exclusive content not available anywhere else. This episode is possible thanks to those Patreon members and support from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.  Join the movement at AngryAmericans.us or our YouTube page. You can watch this entire conversation with Dr. Vin Gupta and a range of foreign policy and national security leaders like Malcolm Nance, General Mark Hertling, Ambassador Susan Rice, Medal of Honor Recipients David Bellavia and Florent Groberg. And, a refreshing diversity of voices ranging from Stephen Colbert to Jeffrey Wright to Meghan McCain.  Angry Americans empowers truly independent Americans and is powered by Righteous Media.  Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngryAmericans Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angryamericansus Instagram: https://instagram.com/angryamericansUSA And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew/featured Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From Trump’s time at Wrestlemania and subsequent induction into the WWE Hall of Fame, to rumors of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson running for President, to Linda McMahon’s run for the Senate, to Jesse “The Body” Ventura’s surprise independent election as the Governor of Minnesota, American politics and wrestling have been intertwined for decades now. And they’ve never looked more similar than right now. Every day is like a political battle royale. And Trump is like the worst heel ever–fighting with anyone and everyone–even blaming his recent COVID infection on Gold Star families.  WWE legend Mick Foley (@TheRealMickFoley) is one of the greatest and most beloved professional wrestlers of all time–and our first guest that has his own action figure. In 2013, he was inducted into the WWE Hall of Fame (the same year as Donald Trump). He’s played Mankind, Dude Love, and Cactus Jack. But his best and most important character that Mick Foley plays is himself. He’s also a two-time best-selling author, a father of four, a dedicated supporter of the military and veterans charities, a constant source of support for children’s causes, and an inspiration to millions worldwide. He even grows a beard every year to play Santa Claus. But he’s been silent on the 2020 election–until now. Mick Foley enters the ring to break his silence exclusively on Angry Americans to speak out about the election, the state of affairs in America, Donald Trump, Joe Biden and whether or not he thinks The Rock will run for President one day.  In the wake of Trump’s diagnosis with COVID, the spread of the virus throughout the White House, and the first and only VP debate between Mike Pence and Kamala Harris, it’s an episode that lays the political smackdown you need. Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is our referee, making sense of these times, sharing information that empowers you, and leaving you with stories and wisdom that will inspire you.  With less than a month until the most important election in American history, and Trump sidelining more of our military leadership than our enemies ever have, Angry Americans is your independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. You’ll meet powerful, fascinating guests like Mick and always get a unique, independent and hard-hitting perspective like nowhere else in the media. This episode is possible thanks to those Patreon members and support from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Uncle Nearest is the most awarded American whiskey or bourbon of 2019 and 2020.   If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Especially after all this madness. But this show is always also about being active, informed and vigilant. It’s bigger than any party–and truly about putting our country first. If that’s a side you want to join, tag into our Angry Americans Patreon community and get special behind-the-curtain access to our host, Paul Rieckhoff, our dynamic guests, and discounts on Angry Americans merch and exclusive extra content not available anywhere else.   Join the movement. Download this episode now. And at AngryAmericans.us or on our YouTube page, you can watch this entire conversation with Mick Foley and recent episodes with Stephen Colbert, Mayor Pete Buttigeig, Jeffrey Wright, Meghan McCain and more.  Angry Americans empowers independent-minded Americans everywhere and is powered by Righteous Media.   Follow Angry Americans on Twitter: https://twitter.com/AngryAmericans On Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/angryamericansus On Instagram: https://instagram.com/angryamericansUSA And on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew/featured Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first debate between Trump and Biden was a disgusting mess. But what did it really mean for the election? And for America? Will it change anything? Will it move independents and Republicans? What is the future of the Republican party if Trump loses? Former New Jersey Governor, Environmental Protection Agency Chief and current Chairwoman of Republicans and Independents for Biden, Christine Todd Whitman (@GovCTW) is our important, inspiring and iconic guest for this insightful, rapid-fire episode. [22:07] October is here, football is back, schools are open (sorta), and the 2020 election is fully underway. This is a fall of chaos. And Angry Americans is continuing to guide us through it all. With powerful guests and a unique, independent and hard-hitting perspective unlike anywhere else in the media.   Trump and Biden are fully engaged now in open political combat–and America is caught in between. Governor Christine Todd Whitman and host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) break down the pieces of the debate that are most important–and the key pieces you might have missed. And rather than navel-gazing, they talk about what could happen now as Trump activates white nationalists nationwide, and promises to fight the results if he loses. All while Biden just fights for oxygen. Election Day won’t be the end, but just the next chapter in a time of tremendous chaos.   This pod has led the way on national security, veterans and first-responders issues, and Rieckhoff, a 9/11 First Responder himself, asks Todd Whitman what her message is for dying heroes, after she and the EPA told them the air was clear 19 years ago. Todd Whitman is the first woman in history elected as Governor of New Jersey, and shares how she got there, whether or not she and others will remain Republicans if Trump wins, and what the future of the party could look like if he doesn’t.   If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Especially after that debate. But this podcast isn’t just about being angry. It’s also about being active, informed and vigilant. It’s about speaking truth to power—and challenging the traditional media. And it’s also always about community. You can join our Angry Americans Patreon community–and get special inside access to our host, Paul Rieckhoff, our dynamic guests, and discounts on Angry Americans merch and exclusive extra content not available anywhere else. This episode is possible thanks to those Patreon members and support from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Uncle Nearest is the most awarded American whiskey or bourbon of 2019 and 2020.   Join the movement. Download this episode now. And at AngryAmericans.us or on our YouTube page, you can watch this entire conversation with Governor Todd Whitman and recent episodes with Stephen Colbert, Rosie Perez, Meghan McCain, Mike Shinoda, Jeffrey Wright and more. Angry Americans empowers independent-minded Americans everywhere and is powered by Righteous Media.  Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Fear is the mind killer. If you’re laughing you’re not afraid.” Wise words in this groundbreaking new episode from a truly iconic guest: Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome). [06:14] Stephen joins us from his home–uninterrupted and unedited in this fun, candid and inspiring episode. As we enter the most trying and important fall of our lifetime, Angry Americans is bringing in the big guns to get you through this trying time. And there are few bigger than Stephen Colbert.   President Mayhem is sheer chaos. He’s doing anything and everything he can to disrupt our country, our unity and our day. And this conversation is the antidote. Stephen and host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) break down the current state of the country and what the future might hold. Stephen beams in from his home office and shares wisdom, jokes and some amazing stories. He talks about his trip to Iraq to visit the troops and why he shaved his head while he was there. His first car story is one of the best we’ve ever had. His answer to what makes him happy is heartwarming. But also painful. And expensive. This is Stephen Colbert like you’ve never heard him before. You’ll just have to listen.  If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Especially now. But as always, this podcast isn’t just about being angry. It’s also about being active. It’s about turning your emotions into positive impact. And it’s about community. Join the Angry Americans community on Patreon now to get special inside access to our host, Paul Rieckhoff, our dynamic guests, and discounts on Angry Americans merch and special content not available anywhere else. You will also support this critical, independent media voice that always speaks truth to power.  This episode is possible thanks to those Patreon members and thanks to support from Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey. Uncle Nearest is the most awarded American whiskey or bourbon of 2019 and 2020.  You can also see video of this entire conversation with Stephen Colbert on the Angry Americans website or on our YouTube page. Angry Americans empowers independent Americans everywhere and is powered by Righteous Media. Join the movement. Download this episode now. Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

9/11 First Responder and retired New York City firefighter Rob Serra (@SerraRob) represents the best of us. He’s a helper. A leader who runs into danger when others run out. And for the last six months, he’s been hunkered down in his basement. He’s leading this time by keeping himself safe from COVID19 so he can be there for his family. 9/11 toxin exposures have left his body battered and his immune system compromised. But it also hardened his spirit. And Rob now serves on the Board of Directors at the Ray Pfeifer Foundation and is a leading national voice for First Responders everywhere. And he’s the real King of Staten Island. At least on this show.  After first joining us on Angry Americans back in Episode 2, and again in Episode 11, Rob is back on the pod [10:50] to bring the fire like only he can. And to help us break down the fires that are burning all across America right now. In a conversation with our host and fellow 9/11 First Responder, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), Rob helps us understand the urgency of burn pits–a health menace now facing millions of veterans nationwide–one that may have taken the life of Joe Biden’s son, Beau. Rob explains why burn pits are so connected to 9/11, Agent Orange, Jon Stewart and the true soul of America. He also analyzes the wildfires raging on the west coast and the political divisions torching Washington. And, throws in some amazing stories of his Grandma Dot.  Rieckhoff breaks it down with Rob as only he can. Coming off of recent media appearances on Morning Joe, Deadline White House and the BBC, Rieckhoff is continuing to shape the national understanding of 9/11 and keeping an important, independent focus on the most urgent issues facing our veterans, troops and first responders. If you’re tired of empty-suited pundits and blow hard partisans, check out this important, inspiring and informative episode of Angry Americans—the hottest weekly podcast in America for independent politics, news and culture. The show that continues to make news and get highlighted on CNN, MSNBC, and more.  Join the Angry Americans community on Patreon now to get inside access to Paul Rieckhoff, our inspiring guests, and discounts on Angry Americans merch and special content not available anywhere else. Your membership will also support this critical, independent media voice that always speaks truth to power–regardless of party.  If you’re not angry now, you’re not paying attention. Especially now. But as always, this podcast isn’t just about being angry. It’s also about being active. And turning your emotion into positive impact. Join the movement. Angry Americans empowers independent Americans everywhere and is powered by Righteous Media. Watch the Conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices