Category: Veterans

The anniversary of the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor was this week. And almost exactly 79 years later, American is experiencing a Pearl Harbor loss of life from the pandemic every single day. And just like after Pearl Harbor, our national response will be led by America’s military. It’s the Department of Defense (and the Department of Veterans Affairs) that will help distribute and administer the vaccine nationwide to everyone. Both agencies are in chaos–and were already under political attack from President Trump. Now, President-Elect Biden surprised the nation with the controversial selections of General Lloyd Austin for Secretary of Defense and Denis McDonough for Secretary of Veterans Affairs.  As America navigates these treacherous waters, we have an inspiring, important, iconic leader to guide us through it. Retired Navy 4-star Admiral James Starvridis. [25:35] He led the NATO Alliance in global operations as Supreme Allied Commander with responsibility for Afghanistan, Libya, the Balkans, Syria, counter piracy, and cyber security. The Admiral is a great American success story. The grandson of immigrants who fled ethnic cleansing in Turkey, Starvridis wrote of his immigrant grandfather: “His grandson, who speaks barely a few words of Greek, returns in command of a billion-dollar destroyer to the very city—Smyrna, now called İzmir—from which he sailed in a refugee craft all those years ago.”   Stavridis is built to serve. He’s an inspiring leader. He has a deep respect and regard for history. His perspective is deep. His vision is clear. He’s the perfect voice for the time we’re all facing. As President Mayhem dismantles the election, the Pentagon, and Democracy itself, President-Elect Biden returns to business as usual. And not in the good way. When the waters are this rough, we need an Admiral. It’s time us to all get on board, rush to our stations, man the guns, and face the storm. And this is the analysis you need to hear. Stavridis and Rieckhoff break down all of it.  If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Angry Americans is 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 can also watch video of this conversation with Admiral Stavridis and a wide range of music, political, business and media players from Chuck D to Jeffrey Wright to Medal of Honor Recipient Flo Groberg to Sarah Jessica Parker to Stephen Colbert to Meghan McCain to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous Media YouTube page. It’s political, social and industry diversity like no other show in America.  Join us for an exclusive Angry Americans Cocktail Hour Zoom on December 21st by becoming a member of the Angry Americans Patreon community. You’ll also get unique access to our amazing guests, our dynamic host, merch discounts, and exclusive content. Angry Americans is possible thanks to our Patreon supporters, Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey and Tommy John.  Angry Americans empowers independent Americans and is powered by Righteous Media.  Find us on social and get more involved:  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

No matter what Tucker Carlson or your crazy uncle says, Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in the 2020 election for President of the United States. Yes, he did it. Yes, we did it. Joe Biden and Kamala Harris won. America won. We won. Trump lost. Authoritarianism lost. Trumpism lost. History is made. The good one won. The bad guy lost. Yes, there is reason to celebrate. But that shit’s over. This is no time to take a victory lap, or nurse a hangover. Even when world leaders are calling to congratulate Joe Biden, Trump and his loyalists are going down fighting. And some, may not wanna go down at all. Half of America isn’t celebrating. And Trump is doing what he does. He’s blowing things up. Things that are vital to our national stability, our homeland security, our fight against the virus and our domestic tranquility. And after failing to blow up the election. He moved on to the single most powerful, most vital, most sacred institution we’ve got. The pentagon.  At the single most precarious time in recent history for our national security, Trump is firing #Yesper. Angry Americans host Paul Rieckhoff is no fan of the SecDef, but this massive disruption now is terribly bad for our troops & our security. #OurEnemiesAreCelebrating And it’s not just Esper. The Pentagon’s top policy official James Anderson resigned. That paved the way for the nasty, Islamophobe retired Brig. Gen. Anthony Tata to take over policy. With our national security on the line, with a pandemic raging everywhere, Trump is flailing, and pulling this bullshit. And this is not a time for bullshit. It’s time for hard truths. And it’s time for hard leaders. Who can deliver, understand, communicate, plan for, and overcome hard truths. If you want sunshine, this is not your podcast. If you want truth, this is your place. Now and always. General Barry McCaffrey is no bullshit. General McCaffrey [27:27] is a serious man for these serious times. It’s a must-listen Angry Americans episode that will wake you up, focus your heart, and prepare you for the precarious days ahead. Welcome to a conversation that will help you stay calm. Welcome to a conversation that will help you stay cool. Welcome to a conversation that will help you stay vigilant. And a conversation that will help you stay frosty. Because the old idiom is true: cooler heads will prevail. So take a big deep breath America. We got you.  With our country in turmoil and our values and stability under attack, if you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. In times like this, Angry Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. Make it your weekly tradition. It’s a smart, fun and no-BS perspective like nowhere else in the media. You’ll meet inspiring, important and iconic guests in candid conversations like on no other show. Rieckhoff is a voice Americans of all background trusts. And he tears into the news headlines in a way that leaves you informed, prepared and ready for whatever comes next in America.  You can be part of the Angry Americans Patreon community and get unique access to Rieckhoff, our dynamic guests, merch discounts, and exclusive content. Angry Americans is possible thanks to these Patreon supporters and Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey.  Join the movement at AngryAmericans.us or YouTube. You can see this conversation with General McCaffrey and a wide range of amazing political, foreign policy, national security and media players ranging from Susan Rice to Sarah Jessica Parker to Stephen Colbert to Jeffrey Wright to Meghan McCain to Mayor Pete Buttigieg. It’s political, social and industry diversity like no 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

“We are solvers of problems–as Americans.” -Chuck Hagel.  These are tough times in America. And it’s time to listen to our toughest leaders. Leaders like Chuck Hagel.  Chuck Hagel [13:26] is a true American success story–and has been an independent voice of reason on our political landscape for a generation. Hagel served as the 24th Secretary of Defense from February 2013 to February 2015. He was a rare Republican in the Cabinet of President Obama and the first Vietnam veteran and first formerly enlisted soldier in American history to lead the Pentagon. America is being tested from every side–and from within. From attacks on our elections, to attacks on our troops in Afghanistan, to attacks on Pentagon leadership by our own President. And this week, Foreign Policy takes center stage in the final Presidential Debate between Trump and Biden. Hagel breaks down how and if our military, foreign policy and political leadership is or isn’t ready for what’s to come. In this candid, personal and insightful conversation with our host, Army veteran and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), Hagel shares insight into the Joe Biden he’s known for decades, the Donald Trump he’s seen up close, and the future he sees for America. It’s real and sobering–and also warm and uplifting.  Hagel previously served in the United States Senate representing Nebraska, was President of the World USO, and in the mid-1980’s after returning from Vietnam, co-founded VANGUARD a highly-successful, publicly-traded corporation. He is also the author of, America: Our Next Chapter and the subject of a book entitled, Chuck Hagel: Moving Forward. Hagel is a statesman, an entrepreneur, a grandfather, and always a patriot. And he is now a leader of National Security Leaders for Biden–a group of 780 retired Generals, Admirals, Senior Enlisted, Ambassadors and former Senior National Security Officials supporting Joe Biden for President. He’s gone against his own political party, conventional wisdom and our enemies for decades. Now, he’s fighting against Trump.  This election season especially, Angry Americans is your oasis for independent news, politics and inspiration. The pod always delivers a unique, independent and hard-hitting perspective like nowhere else in the media. You’ll hear influential, fascinating guests like Chuck Hagel open up in ways like they don’t on any other show. And Rieckhoff breaks down our times like nobody else can.  If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Especially right now. Join our Angry Americans Patreon community and get special 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 for the last two years.  Join the movement. Download this episode now. And at AngryAmericans.us or our YouTube page, you can watch this entire conversation with Secretary Chuck Hagel and a dynamic 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 reporter James LaPorta. And, a refreshing array of influential voices ranging from Stephen Colbert to Jeffrey Wright to Meghan McCain.  Angry Americans empowers independent-minded Americans everywhere 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

For years now, we’ve all been focused on November 3. 2020. Election Day, 2020. Everyone is understandably obsessed over primaries, swing states, turnout, voter suppression, down-ballot races, and Russian attacks. And we’ve all been focused on Election Day, November 3, 2020. But few are talking about what happens on November 4. Few are talking about The Day After Election Day.  Armed protests, civil unrest, violence in the streets, domestic terrorism, deployment of the National Guard, deployment of active duty units, attacks by foreign enemies, attacks by domestic enemies, attacks on our leaders—attacks on our infrastructure, our systems, our cities and towns. This is not fiction. This is likely.  In the immediate future, the most direct threats to you and your family are not Russian troops or North Korean Missiles or ISIS car bombs. In the immediate future, the most direct threat to you and your family are a lonely college kid with a sniper rifle, a wanna be militia man with a bomb, or an angry Trump supporter without a mask.  This is our new reality. And the media is not talking about it. The media is not talking about The Day After. And how bad it could get after Election day. But we are.  This urgent new episode of Angry Americans, we dig deep into what COULD happen after election day. If Trump wins. If Trump loses. And likely, either way.   Malcolm Nance (@MalcolmNance) is America’s favorite terroism expert. [23:40] A decorated military veteran, an astute analyst, and a truth teller. He’s also a super cool guy–and a true patriot. You may know him from MSNBC or the NY Times Bestseller list. Malcolm served as a U.S. Navy specialist in Naval Cryptology, he was involved in numerous counter-terrorism, intelligence, and combat operations. He’s an expert in intelligence and counterterrorism. He was also an instructor in Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training–teaching Navy and Marine Corps pilots and aircrew how to survive as a prisoner of war. He helped to initiate the Advanced Terrorism, Abduction and Hostage Survival course of instruction. And he joins Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) to break down what The Day After could look like. Angry Americans is your independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. You’ll meet powerful, fascinating guests like Malcolm and always gain 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 right now. Join 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 our YouTube page, you can watch this entire conversation with Malcolm Nance and recent episodes with Mick Foley, Stephen Colbert, Mayor Pete Buttigeig, Jeffrey Wright and more.  Angry Americans empowers independent-minded Americans everywhere 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

Trump has been caught by his own words. Demeaning the military, disrespecting our Generals, downplaying the virus, and lying to the American people. But what happens now? How is the Pentagon reacting? Will this moment be his Waterloo? Can President Mayhem survive the onslaught of bad news–especially when so much of it is focused on his fractured relationship with the military he commands? Nobody is in a better position to break it down than our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff). Fresh off a massive week of media hits in places like Morning Joe, Deadline White House and the BBC, Rieckhoff breaks it down as only he can. He’s a nationally-recognized expert on the intersection of our military and our politics and a 9/11 First Responder himself, who always has his ear to the ground. He’ll also take you behind the scenes inside the bizarre world of politics, media and the military and explain whether or not this will fade, how it’s impacting our national security, and whether or not it will mean the difference in the most important election of our time. And Rieckhoff brings in a very special guest who knows these issues better than anyone in America. Jason Dempsey (@Jason_K_Dempsey) [15:00] is a bad-ass warrior-scholar. A former Army infantryman with a PhD in politics who loves beer and bikes. A professor, author, researcher, combat veteran and one of the country’s foremost experts on civil-military relations, Jason is West Point graduate, a PhD, and Adjunct Senior Fellow of the Military, Veterans, and Society Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS) and a powerful voice that must be heard. He led units on the ground in Afghanistan, served inside the White House, and literally wrote the book on the modern United states military: Our Army: Soldiers, Politics, and American Civil-Military Relations. He’s also a dad, a lover of good beer and no-BS guy who pulls no punches.  It’s a hard-hitting and exceptionally timely 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.  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 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 speaks truth to power. With a unique focus on veterans, national security, and first-responders issues–not just on 9/11. 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

As the pandemic, the 2020 election and Black Lives Matter protests dominate new headlines, America’s national security is more vulnerable than at any other time in recent memory. Our military has been weakened, our troops have been politicized, our people are sick, our country is divided, and our enemies are celebrating. Everyone is talking about the upcoming election. Few are talking about how to protect it from the Russians. Or how to deal with a multitude of other national security threats that face our country at this fragile time. But Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is focused on it. And the independent activist, Army veteran and national security analyst is joined by retired Army Three-Star General Mark Hertling (@MarkHertling) [53:32] for an important and inspiring conversation that you need to hear. General Hertling served almost four decades in the US Army where he commanded US Army Europe and Seventh Army, led over forty thousand soldiers, cared for over one hundred thousand family members, and partnered with the armies of fifty countries in the European theater. Hertling is a military analyst for CNN, was appointed by President Obama to the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports, and Nutrition, and is a senior vice president at Florida Hospital. Hertling is one the most dynamic military experts in the media and a highly-sought after expert on leadership, national security and health. He breaks down the threats facing America, analyzes the leadership of President Trump and newly nominated VP candidate and Senator Kamala Harris, and shares key insights about how to lead in tough times like this–whether you’re leading a large company or your own family. It’s another important and inspiring episode of Angry Americans—the best weekly podcast in America for independent politics, news and culture. Angry Americans is your trusted place for a weekly breakdown of the news and a strong dose of inspiring content to empower you in these difficult times. That’s why the show continues to top podcast charts worldwide and make news on CNN, MSNBC, and more.  Check out Angry Americans on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter–and the Righteous Media YouTube page for video of this conversation with General Mark Hertling and video of all our inspiring recent guests from former NBA star Rex Chapman, to Linkin Park frontman Mike Shinoda, to Ambassador Susan Rice, to Westworld star Jeffrey Wright.  And visit the exclusive Angry Americans community on Patreon to support this critical, independent media voice that speaks truth to power and always keeps a special focus on veterans, national security, and first-responders issues. Get special access to our host, Paul Rieckhoff, our dynamic and diverse guests, and discounts on Angry Americans merch and special content not available anywhere else. Our Patreon members also get to meet influential friends of the pod like Henry Rollins, Ambassador Susan Rice, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, and Meghan McCain. Republican, Democrat or independent–this is a weekly podcast for politics and news you should subscribe to now. Don’t just be angry, be active. 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

Trump still refuses to address Russia paying bounties to kill American troops, the pandemic continues to spread across the military and veterans community especially, baseball has shut down right after opening day, and schools nationwide are in limbo. If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. Independent activist, Army veteran and renowned social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is our host–and he breaks it down with ferocity, fire and fun. It’s another powerful episode of Angry Americans—the best weekly podcast in America for independent politics, news and culture. This pod also features a fascinating conversation with Emmy Award winning TV host and Navy and Marine Corps veteran, Montel Williams (@Montel_Williams). [1:05:20] This is the 17-year host of The Montel Williams Show and now Let’s Be Blunt with Montel like you’ve never heard him before. The political independent is an outspoken patriot, an activist and an entrepreneur. Montel is a survivor of multiple sclerosis, who recently overcame a life-threatening stroke. He’s a passionate advocate for cannabis reform, MS and veterans, and an entreprenuer who has lived a rich and fascinating life. And he is very fired up about the state of affairs in America. For decades, Montel was one of the most well-known African-American hosts on television and he sounds off on Black Lives Matter, Trump and what he sees as the most urgent threats to our national security. It’s an inspiring, candid and informative conversation with a leader who pulls no punches.  Angry Americans continues to top podcast charts worldwide and make news on CNN, MSNBC, and others. It’s your trusted place for a weekly breakdown of the news and a strong dose of inspiring content to guide you through these precarious times.  Visit the Righteous Media YouTube page and follow Angry Americans on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter for video of this exclusive conversation with Montel Williams and video of all our dynamic, recent guests ranging from Willie Geist to Sam Bee to Rosie Perez. Join the exclusive Angry Americans community on Patreon to support this critical, independent media voice that speaks truth to power. You also get unique access to Paul Rieckhoff and our inspiring guests, and discounts on merch and special content not available anywhere else. Patreon members also get to meet influential friends of the pod like Susan Rice, Mayor Pete Buttigieg, Meghan McCain and Henry Rollins. Whether you’re a Republican, Democrat or independent, this is your new favorite weekly podcast for politics and news. Don’t just be angry, be active. 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

If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. And Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) is understandably angry. [57:52] A true icon and a dedicated patriot, the legendary creator of All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, Sanford and Son and over 100 other TV shows has defined American television, culture and race-relations for generations. He’s a decorated World War Two veteran that flew 52 combat missions over Europe, a trailblazing philanthropist, and a tenacious civil rights activist. Norman founded People For The American Way to defend constitutional values like free expression, religious liberty, equal justice, and the right to meaningfully participate in our democracy. He purchased a copy of the Declaration of Independence and put it on tour across America for ten years to educate young people. He’s a Kennedy Center Honoree; a recipient of the National Medal of Arts, a Peabody Lifetime Achievement Award, an inaugural inductee to the Television Academy Hall of Fame. He won five Emmys and a Golden Globe; was labeled the “No. 1 enemy of the American family” by Jerry Falwell; made it onto Richard Nixon’s “Enemies List”; was presented with the National Medal of the Arts by President Clinton. Norman is wonderful, kind, wise–and mad as hell about the state of our country and the leadership of our President. And ahead of his 98th birthday, the Hollywood titan talked exclusively with our host, and his friend and mentee, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff). It’s Norman Lear extended and candid like you’ve never heard him before. If you care about America, you’ve got to hear this.  And, per usual, Rieckhoff rips into the week’s news you need to know about from the violence in Portland, to Trump’s 180 on masks, to the death of treasured Congressman John Lewis. Activist and Army veteran Rieckhoff goes beneath the headlines with a spark, independence and wit that you can only find on Angry Americans.  Angry Americans is America’s best weekly podcast for independent politics, news and culture–a pod that continues to make news and top the political and news charts worldwide. Fresh off news-making appearances on CNN, MSNBC, and others, the patriotic and non-partisan Rieckhoff blazes through the week’s news you need to know. He’s a trusted, fresh and powerful voice of truth to guide you through these perilous times–with grit, humor and positivity.  You can also check out kick-ass video–including this conversation with Norman Lear–on the Righteous Media YouTube page and follow Angry Americans on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. And check out the exclusive Angry Americans community on Patreon. Support this strong, independent media voice that speaks truth to power. You also get unique access to Paul Rieckhoff and our inspiring guests, and discounts on merch and special content not available anywhere else. Angry Americans Patreon members also get to meet influential friends of the pod like Meghan McCain, Henry Rollins, Susan Rice and Pete Buttigieg. Don’t just be angry, be active. 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

Charlotte Clymer (@CMClymer) is a fighter. [1:23:12] An Army veteran and one of the most influential trans activists in the world, she’s gone from from a trailer park in Texas, to Army Infantry Basic Training at Fort Benning, to advocating for transgender people worldwide. Charlotte fights for herself and for others. Tough, patriotic and sharp, she burst onto the political scene in 2018 after being denied access to a Washington, DC restaurant bathroom. A dynamic powerhouse on Twitter, the former Press Secretary at the largest and most powerful LGBTQ organization in the country (HRC–Human Rights Campaign), Charlotte has written for Glamour, Vice, NBC and been a commentator on CBS News Sunday Morning. As a soldier, Charlotte carried the caskets of Americans killed in action. As an activist, she’s carried the stories of countless unheard voices. This Pride month, and in the wake of the historic Supreme Court decision protecting LGBTQ employees from discrimination based on sex, Charlotte takes us inside the life of a front-line fighter deep in the most critical fights of our time. She breaks down Trump’s politicization of the military, the Pentagon’s transban, why Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s campaign was historic, her favorite drink, if she’ll go back in the Army and whether she’ll run against Senator Ted Cruz back home in Texas.  Following our most popular episode ever with actor and activist Ron Perlman, Angry Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) leads a powerful conversation with another important, inspiring and iconic American changing the face of America’s past, present and future. And, he blazes through the news you need to know about–as always with a special focus on national security, veterans and first-responder issues. From the explosion of coronavirus cases inside the Department of Veterans Affairs, to chaos inside the Pentagon, to the protests and pandemic spreading nationwide, Rieckhoff breaks it down with fire, wit and independence.  It’s an important and inspiring Pride month special episode of THE podcast for independent American politics, news and culture. Angry Americans has been featured on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, Variety, NPR, The New York Times and SiriusXM–as our audience and impact continues to grow fast.  You can join the powerful Angry Americans community now on Patreon to support this vital independent voice speaking truth to power. You’ll also get unique access to Paul Rieckhoff, our inspiring guests, cool gear and unique content not available anywhere else. Patreon members also get chances to interact directly with friends of the pod like Henry Rollins, Ambassador Susan Rice, Meghan McCain and Mayor Pete Buttigieg.  This episode is supported by BRAVO SIERRA. As July 4th approaches, 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. BRAVO SIERRA also always gives back to America’s heroes. 5% of all sales support programs for service members, veterans and families. Check out www.BravoSierra.com/AngryAmericans to get a FREE trial set now. The discount code ANGRY gets Angry Americans 15% off all orders at check out.  If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. 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

In this episode, we’ll take a step back from the frontline of our war against the virus to get some perspective. We’ll look back at history, so we can find a way forward. We’ll get up on the balcony, have a smoke, and look down on the chaotic moshpit of a dancefloor that is America right now.  We’ll slow down a bit, so we can go fast. We’ll explore what war, racism, the virus and President Mayhem are doing to our soul — as individuals and as a nation. And we’ll have deep conversation with Wayne Smith, [1:22:14] a man that is so cool that his Twitter handle is really @1soulbrother. Movements need leaders. And later, if they survive, movement leaders graduate to become elders. And that’s what Wayne is. He’s an elder for America.  Wayne Smith is a warrior turned peacemaker.  Wayne Smith is an accomplished veterans advocate who has worked with war veterans for nearly four decades. A native of Providence, Rhode Island, he was an altar boy and choirboy. After serving nearly 18 months in Vietnam as a combat medic, Wayne overcame his own wartime trauma before becoming a nationally recognized mental health therapist and advocate for war veterans. Smith has led educational programs about veterans and the causes and consequences of war, and helped raise more than $2 million for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund. In 1998, Smith returned to Vietnam with 20 American veterans to promote peace and reconciliation. Together with 20 Vietnamese soldiers, these former enemies rode bicycles 1,200 miles — from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City — to help heal some of the wounds of that war. Smith is also one of the veterans featured in the Emmy Award winning documentary about the war. He also serves on the board of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). As the tempers flare hotter and hotter, all across America, Wayne joins us to bring some perspective, wisdom, history and, maybe most of all, peace through strength.  It’s needed at this time. A time when we — more than ever as a nation — must respect our elders. At a time when as a nation we’re losing more of our elders than ever. We’re losing them to time — and especially — to the virus.  As anger, activism and the stupid continue to engulf more and more of the country, we’ll try to bring a little peace.  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 CNN, MSNBC, Fox News, Variety, NPR, The New York Times, and on SiriusXM.  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, which is Sunday, June 21. 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