The Megyn Kelly Show – Episode 1080 Summary

Title: Delta Force Operator John McPhee on Afghan War Stories, Keys to Leadership, and America as a Friend
Host: Megyn Kelly
Guest: Retired US Army Special Operations Sergeant Major John McPhee
Release Date: May 26, 2025

1. Introduction

In this poignant Memorial Day episode, Megyn Kelly honors the brave men and women who have sacrificed for the United States. She welcomes her guest, retired US Army Special Operations Sergeant Major John McPhee, also known as the "Sheriff of Baghdad." With over two decades of military service, McPhee shares his diverse combat experiences, leadership insights, and reflections on America's role in global conflicts.

2. Early Life and Childhood

John McPhee opens up about his tumultuous upbringing on the South Side of Chicago. As the only white kid in his class during the 1970s and 80s, he faced constant bullying and violence.

• Quote:
  "Growing up on the South Side of Chicago in the 70s and 80s was like a different world altogether."
  (03:29)

McPhee recounts being frequently bullied on the bus, leading his parents to arrange for him to take a cab to school to avoid daily beatings.

• Quote:
  "I had to earn my way in, and once I did, it was fairly easy for me."
  (08:03)

3. Military Career Beginnings

Driven by a desire to escape his challenging home environment, McPhee decided to join the military at nearly 21 years old. Initially aiming for the Air Force due to his mechanical skills, he was redirected to the Army when the Air Force couldn’t utilize his expertise effectively.

• Quote:
  "When they said I could be admin in the Air Force, I was out of there. I didn’t want to be a secretary."
  (15:20)

Encouraged by a friend to pursue the prestigious Airborne Ranger path, McPhee enlisted in the Army, embracing the rigorous training and camaraderie it offered.

4. Deployment and War Experiences

a. Tora Bora Mission

One of McPhee’s most notable missions was at Tora Bora, a stronghold for Osama Bin Laden and Al-Qaeda in Afghanistan. Leading a small team of ten, McPhee describes the intense 10-day operation aimed at eliminating Bin Laden’s forces.

• Quote:
  "We killed hundreds of people on the first day. They were everywhere on the side of the mountains."
  (30:01)

Despite their efforts, Bin Laden evaded capture, leading McPhee to express skepticism about the official narrative surrounding his death.

• Quote:
  "If the first 10 days of the war, 10 guys kill Bin Laden, where’s the war on terror at?"
  (32:30)

b. Iraq Deployment and Actions against Zarqawi

McPhee also served multiple deployments in Iraq, where he engaged with high-profile targets like Zarqawi. His straightforward approach and tactical expertise contributed significantly to operations against insurgent leaders.

• Quote:
  "The Zarqawi days were great because that’s when the military finally let us take the gloves off and do things our way."
  (60:01)

5. Leadership and Mental Resilience

Throughout the interview, McPhee emphasizes the importance of responsibility, adaptability, and mental toughness developed through his military experiences.

• Quote:
  "If you want something, you got to put in the work. It’s called responsibility."
  (18:54)

He discusses coping mechanisms, such as engaging in Jiu Jitsu and off-roading, to maintain mental clarity and resilience after his service.

• Quote:
  "Jiu Jitsu is an hour of my day where I don’t have to look at the phone. It's survival mode."
  (72:40)

6. Post-Military Life

a. Personal Life and Relationships

McPhee shares candid insights into his personal life, including multiple marriages and the challenges of maintaining relationships amidst frequent deployments.

• Quote:
  "Being married in the Army is like being in prison. You could call home, but you're not going there anytime soon."
  (66:37)

Despite the hardships, he expresses deep pride in his children, with one following in his footsteps by serving in the Army.

b. Current Activities and Interests

Post-retirement, McPhee remains active by teaching shooting skills and training in Jiu Jitsu. He participates in off-roading adventures and continues to uphold the values of discipline and leadership instilled during his military career.

• Quote:
  "I love teaching people to shoot. It’s like the thing I’m really good at."
  (73:36)

7. Reflections and Conclusions

John McPhee concludes the discussion by reflecting on the futility of prolonged conflicts and the strategic missteps that often hinder military objectives.

• Quote:
  "It wasn’t worth it in a strategic sense, but I had the time of my life and did whatever I could."
  (67:40)

He advocates for recognizing and valuing the sacrifices of soldiers without necessarily seeking gratitude, emphasizing a sense of duty and personal fulfillment derived from his service.

• Quote:
  "I did whatever I could. I don't need any thanks."
  (62:56)

McPhee’s narrative offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the life of a special operations soldier, highlighting both the valor and the personal costs associated with military service.

Notable Quotes Summary

• "I turned out the way I turned out, and I think anybody in the situations I was in would come out the same way."
  (08:03)

• "War builds bonds. You can’t get anywhere else."
  (63:29)

• "If you want something, you got to put in the work. It’s called responsibility."
  (18:54)

• "War is you kill the bad guy and break him so he can't use that shit against you."
  (62:56)

Conclusion

This episode of The Megyn Kelly Show provides an in-depth exploration of Sergeant Major John McPhee’s experiences and perspectives as a special operations veteran. Through candid dialogue, McPhee sheds light on the complexities of warfare, leadership, and the enduring impact of military service on personal and professional life. His reflections serve as a tribute to the resilience and dedication of those who serve, offering listeners a profound understanding of the sacrifices made in the name of national security.