Is RA Coming Back To Spittin’ Chiclets? The Full 2025-2026 Update On Rear Admiral’s Status
The question of whether Brian "Rear Admiral" McGonagle is returning to the Spittin' Chiclets podcast remains one of the most frequently asked questions in the hockey media world, even as the 2025-2026 NHL season is in full swing. The short answer, as of December 2025, is that the podcast's co-founder and "Godfather" has not returned to his role as a full-time host, but he is far from gone. His absence from the main studio has evolved from a "temporary break" into a limited, yet consistent, contribution through a popular segment, keeping his unique voice and perspective alive for the legions of fans who miss his daily presence.
The latest updates confirm that while the main hosting duties are carried by Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette, and the team, RA continues to be an integral part of the show's DNA. His ongoing involvement is a clear sign that the door for a full return remains open, but for now, his focus is on personal well-being while still delivering content to the Barstool Sports audience. The podcast's success, even during his extended leave, highlights the strength of the brand he helped create alongside Whit and Biz, but his distinct Boston accent and moderating presence are still deeply missed by the dedicated fanbase.
Brian "Rear Admiral" McGonagle: Biography and Current Status
- Full Name: Brian McGonagle
- Nickname: Rear Admiral (RA)
- Role: Co-Founder, Former Host, Current Contributor (Spittin' Chiclets)
- Hometown: Boston, Massachusetts
- Career Start: Barstool Sports writer and blogger
- Podcast Debut: Co-founded Spittin' Chiclets with Ryan Whitney in 2016.
- Current Status (December 2025): Not a full-time host; contributes a weekly segment called "RA's World."
- Reason for Extended Break: Announced a temporary leave in mid-2024 to address personal issues, including a history with alcohol and a recent divorce, following a demanding travel schedule.
- Key Accomplishments: Helped grow Spittin' Chiclets into one of the world's most popular sports podcasts; instrumental in Barstool Sports' expansion into hockey coverage.
The Definitive 2025-2026 Update: Is RA Back on the Mic?
As of late 2025, the answer to the question "Is RA coming back to Spittin' Chiclets?" is nuanced: No, not as a full-time host, but yes, he is still a regular presence on the show.
The initial "temporary break," which began in mid-2024, has been extended. However, the team, including Ryan Whitney and Paul Bissonnette (BizNasty), has ensured that RA's voice is not entirely absent. This compromise has manifested in the form of a dedicated segment: "RA's World."
This segment, which appears in recent episodes, allows RA to deliver his unique takes on the NHL, pop culture, and life in general without the pressure of the demanding, multi-hour, multi-day commitment of the main podcast. It’s a perfect solution that respects his need for time off while satisfying the audience’s desire for his contributions. For fans who were hoping for a full return at the start of the 2025-2026 season, this arrangement confirms that while the core hosting lineup remains Whitney, Bissonnette, Mike Grinnell, and often Keith Yandle, the "Godfather" is still part of the family.
The Evolution of "RA's World"
The "RA's World" segment is the clearest indicator of his current status. It's not a full-fledged return, but it's a consistent commitment. The segment typically features:
- Quick Hits: RA’s unfiltered opinions on current events in the NHL, often focusing on teams like the Boston Bruins or broader league controversies.
- Personal Anecdotes: Updates on his life, which sometimes touch on the personal journey he has been on since stepping away from the main hosting chair.
- Trademark Humor: The segment is delivered with his classic, dry, Boston-style wit that fans have come to love since the podcast's inception in 2016.
This format manages to keep the original co-founder involved in the show's creative direction and content, maintaining a vital link to the podcast's roots. It also keeps him connected to the Barstool Sports brand, which has seen the show grow into a major media property, including a partnership with Netflix.
Why Rear Admiral Took an Extended Break from the Podcast
Understanding RA's current limited role requires looking back at the reasons for his initial departure. Brian McGonagle announced his temporary break in mid-2024, citing a confluence of personal and professional pressures. The hosts, including Biz and Whit, were transparent and supportive of their friend's decision, emphasizing that the break was necessary for his well-being.
The primary factors contributing to his extended absence included:
- Personal Health and Alcohol History: RA has been open about his history with alcohol. The intense travel schedule and high-pressure environment of the podcast, which included extensive travel during the Stanley Cup Playoffs and the NHL Draft, contributed to a challenging period.
- Demanding Travel Schedule: As the podcast grew, the travel became relentless. The constant movement, coupled with the high-stakes nature of live media, took a toll. The break was seen as a necessary period to decompress and focus on personal well-being away from the road.
- Recent Divorce: Personal struggles, including a recent divorce, added to the stress and prompted the need for an extended leave of absence.
Paul Bissonnette publicly addressed the situation, calling RA the "Godfather of this podcast" and expressing hope for his eventual return in "some form." The creation of the "RA's World" segment is a direct fulfillment of that promise, ensuring that the founder is not completely cut off from the brand he helped build from the ground up.
The Future: Will Rear Admiral Return to Full-Time Hosting?
While the "RA's World" segment is a welcome development, the question of a full-time return remains speculative. The latest information suggests that no official date or plan for a return to the main hosting panel has been announced for the 2025-2026 season or beyond. The focus appears to be on his continued health and the success of his current remote contributions.
The podcast, which started as a passion project, has become a massive enterprise for Barstool Sports, with the hosts now even involved in ECHL ownership. The show’s momentum, with or without RA in the main chair, is undeniable. However, the dynamic between Ryan Whitney, Paul Bissonnette, and the original "Rear Admiral" is a major part of the podcast's appeal. Fans hold out hope for the day when the original trio is back together in the studio, sharing a cold one and breaking down the latest hockey news. Until then, tuning in for "RA's World" is the best way to support the founder and get a taste of his classic Chiclets charm.
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