Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff
315 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 days ago - ★★★★★ - 559 ratingsIndependent Americans is a weekly news show hosted by Paul Rieckhoff. He’s a fighter, a patriot, and an independent political and media force to be reckoned with. After serving as a soldier in Iraq in 2004, Rieckhoff emerged as one of the most dynamic political and social leaders in America. In every episode, he breaks down the most important issues facing our country. And he interviews the most influential and compelling people. He’s taking on Republicans, Democrats—and everyone in between. If you’re in the angry middle, Independent Americans reminds you that you’re not alone. We’re all in this together. Join the Independent Americans movement and subscribe now. Produced by Righteous Media.
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Episodes
289. Tim Mak. An Eyewitness to Russia’s Attack on the Kyiv Kid’s Hospital. The Collapse of Joe Biden. Still Too Soft on Ukraine. Describing a Double-Tap. How the Debate Looked to Ukrainians. More Kennedy 9/11 Disinformation. Mattis, LeBron & the Olympics.
July 11, 2024 07:01 - 1 hourMonday morning, in advance of the NATO Summit in Washington DC, Russian missiles ferociously tore through a children’s cancer hospital in Kyiv-sending a brutal reminder to the world. Russia is not sparing anyone. Putin is proceeding to murder innocent children while the world watches. This is why veterans recently started American Veterans for Ukraine and it’s why so many other people have felt the call to serve. And it’s why we’re not going to look away on this show. We’re not going to stop ...
288. Independents Day Special. Debate Catastrophe. America’s July 4th Crisis. Independents Hit 51%. RFK Jr Eats Dogs. Announcing Independent Veterans of America. The Urgent New Effort to Organize and Elect Independent Vets to Political Office Nationwide.
July 04, 2024 07:01 - 34 minutesIn the wake of a catastrophic and nationally demoralizing presidential debate last week, and in advance of July 4th, Independent Veterans of America (IVA) announced its formation with an urgent mission to organize and elect independent veterans to public office across America. The organization is the first in American history to focus specifically on recruiting and electing independent and unaffiliated veteran candidates and incumbents. As of today, all details about IVA can now be found onli...
287. Errol Louis (Replay). The First Presidential Debate: Ugh. Kennedy’s Disqualifying 9/11 Comments. Trump’s Ridiculous Plan For Ukraine to Surrender to Putin. Radical Democrat Jamaal Bowman Goes Down. Assange Gets Off Easy. Step Aside. School’s Out!
June 27, 2024 07:01 - 1 hourSchool is finally out in schools nationwide. The NBA Finals and Stanley Cup are over. Summer is heating up. The war in Ukraine continues. The 2024 election is about to hit a whole new level. And the first presidential debate is here. Strap in, folks. It’s gonna be a doozy. Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) rips into all of it in this all new episode of Independent Americans. And, digs into the release of Julian Assange, the latest on the RFK Jr campaign for President, a provocative p...
286. Wes Moore (Replay). The Summer of Chaos. Kennedy Out of CNN Debate. But He Could Cost Biden Michigan. Trump Loses Steam with Independents After Conviction—Duh. Putin Visits North Korea. Juneteenth and Flag Day Reflections. It All Started at a Urinal.
June 20, 2024 07:01 - 1 hourFive years ago, almost to the exact day, Wes Moore came on a new upstart podcast and talked about what made him angry. Specifically, he talked about marijuana laws and how they disproportionately impacted communities of color. These laws ruined a lot of people’s lives over the years. And they made a lot of people angry. But Wes stepped up. Since he was elected as The Governor of Maryland last year, he’s put his money where his mouth was and he pushed it through. And now more than 175,000 Mary...
285. Willie Geist. Father’s Day Special. America’s Cool Dad Returns to Talk Parenting, Baseball, Covering Trump and Biden, Patriotism, How to be Respectful and Fair. Our Kids Are Watching. Bad Dads. Wes Moore is Jasson Dominguez. The D-Day Challenge.
June 13, 2024 07:01 - 1 hourWillie Geist (@WillieGeist) is America’s cool dad. Hosting Morning Joe on MSNBC all week and hosting his own hugely popular Sunday TODAY show on NBC on the weekends. He’s also a devoted husband and dad. He joins us for a Father’s Day special to talk candidly about how he does both so well. He's a leader that America trusts. And we’re gonna need him as we launch deeper into the most insane election year ever. As his star has continued to rise, he’s kept himself grounded. And always made time ...
284. Marcus Carter. Independent Veteran for Congress in Florida’s 9th. Trump is Guilty. Menendez Says He’s Independent—But He’s Not. Neither is Manchin. Zelensky and Biden at Normandy. D-Day 80 Years Later. Poop Balloons, Sesame Street and Pride 2024.
June 06, 2024 07:01 - 1 hourSummer is here. And it’s getting hot. In America, around the world, and in our politics. And we’re not afraid of some heat. From the Trump verdict to Menendez and Manchin claiming independence to poop balloons. Yes, poop balloons. It’s already a wild summer. And it’s also a summer of independents. So welcome back to our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. In our last ...
283. LIVE EVENT: The Launch Of American Veterans for Ukraine. The Heroic Founders and Ukrainian Heroes. Celebrating Bill Walton. Role Models and Coach Wooden’s Two Sets of Three. Nikki Haley Folds. RFK Jr Complains About Debate. Biden Blows it on Weed.
May 30, 2024 07:01 - 1 hourLast week you heard from Bonnie Carroll about her work with host Paul Rieckhoff to create the American Veterans for Ukraine organization. Immediately after recording that show, in advance of Memorial Day, at a historic event at Ukraine House in Washington, D.C., five leading voices from the American veterans community formally announced the formation of a groundbreaking new veterans organization focused on supporting victory in Ukraine. American Veterans for Ukraine, is a groundbreaking new e...
282. Bonnie Carroll. Introducing American Veterans For Ukraine. A Powerful New Effort From Five Veteran Powerhouses You’ve Met On The Show. Memorial Day 2024. Usyk Defeats Tyson Fury To Become Heavyweight Champ. Don’t Call It a Comeback.
May 23, 2024 07:01 - 49 minutesAnother Memorial Day is upon us. A reminder of all those we’ve lost. And, a reminder that no matter how high the stakes, no matter how challenging the odds, as the allied forces showed us on D-Day and throughout WW2, and as generations of American service members throughout other points in history, the underdog can win. The underdog can come back. And win. We should also keep that in mind when it comes to Ukraine. Because Ukraine will show us underdogs can come back. But it’s also the time s...
281. Kodi Sawin. Independent Candidate for Texas State House. Let’s Get VERY Local. Zombie Candidates and Jack’s Smirking Revenge. The Biden vs Trump Debates are Set. And RFK. Jr Won’t Be Part of ‘Em.
May 16, 2024 07:01 - 1 hourThis episode we’re headed down south to Texas. America, meet Kodi Sawin (@KodiforTexas). She’s running for the Texas House of Representatives in the 19th district and is up against some stiff competition. But her common sense, no nonsense approach might just have what it takes to win as an independent in deep red (but always independent) Texas. Welcome back to our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of o...
280. Dan Osborn. Independent Navy Veteran For Senate From Nebraska. From Steamfitter to Senate Candidate. Keeping It Real As A Winning Strategy. RFK Jr’s 9/11 Conspiracy Theories and Brain Worms. DeSantising. Little League Life Lessons.
May 09, 2024 07:01 - 1 hourWelcome back to our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. In our second episode in the series we met Shelane Etchison, our first independent VETERAN candidate. This episode we have another veteran. America, meet inspiring union organizer and INDEPENDENT Navy veteran, Dan Osborn (@OsobornForSenate). He’s running for Senate in Nebraska facing off against Senator Deb Fisch...
279. Shelane Etchison. Special Operations Combat Veteran Running As An Independent For Congress From North Carolina. Can She Beat An Extreme GOP Incumbent and a Dem Who’s Not From There? Will Ft Bragg/Liberty Rally for One of Their Own? Chaos on Campuses.
May 02, 2024 07:01 - 55 minutesWelcome back to our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. In our second episode in the series, following independent Jared Young running for Senate in Missouri, we have our first independent VETERAN candidate. Meet inspiring combat veteran, Shelane Etchison (@ShelaneEtchison). She’s running for Congress in North Carolina’s 9th District against a career politician who’s ...
278. Jared Young. Independent Candidate for US Senate From Missouri. Can He Beat Josh Hawley & Lucas Kunce? Who Is He, What Does He Stand For, How Does He Define Independent? Congress Finally Delivers for Ukraine. Kennedy’s Whole Family Endorses Biden.
April 25, 2024 07:01 - 58 minutesWelcome to the first installment of our groundbreaking “Meet The 2024 Independent Candidates” series—highlighting independent candidates of all kinds, for all levels of office, from all across America. America, meet Jared Young (@VoteJaredYoung). Jared is the independent candidate for Senate from Missouri running against Republican incumbent Senator Josh Hawley and underperforming Democrat Lucas Kunce. It’s a monumental task but he’s focused and he’s organized. He’s got a plan and maybe even...
277. Mayor Yemi Mobolade. America’s Independent Mayor is Back. Who Will He Endorse for President? The Advantages of Being An Independent Politician. Who the Hell is Melina Abdullah? Trump on Trial. Ukraine’s 1 to 10 Problem. Tee Ball is Life.
April 18, 2024 07:01 - 1 hourThe spring offensive is here. The spring offensive of news, chaos, war and misinformation. The spring offensive, attacking democracy foreign and domestic. A spring offensive before the summer storm. A storm of the century. It’s a storm that’s sweeping across Ukraine. It’s sweeping across America. It’s sweeping across the globe. And despite the fear and the chaos and the turmoil, every once in a while there’s a glimmer of hope. A light on the horizon that you can aim for and keep going. For i...
276. Trump and Biden Jockey to Weaponize Kennedy. No Labels is No More. Arizona Abortion Bombshell Is Not Popular with Independents. Senator Redneck is Back—and Carrying Water for Putin. Cornel West Picks a VP You’ve Never Heard Of.
April 11, 2024 07:01 - 31 minutesApril is here. March Madness is over. UConn are champions. South Carolina are champions. But the madness isn’t stopping. The madness is just getting started. And now, it’s REALLY getting interesting. As long predicted and examined on #IndependentAmericans, independents will determine the 2024 election. AND the future of American politics. Donors may be supporting Kennedy, but will independent voters follow? Not most. But maybe enough to tip it to Biden or Trump. And like it or not, Cornel We...
275. Bill Hillsman. The Godfather of Independent Politics. Lessons from Jesse Ventura’s Win 25 Years Later. No Labels = No Candidate. Dems Ramp up Attacks on Kennedy, But Maybe They Shouldn’t. Presidential Primaries Are Broken. Hell to the Naw Season.
April 04, 2024 07:01 - 59 minutesIndependent Political Strategist Bill Hillsman has masterminded some of the most effective and innovative election campaigns in the modern era. Hillsman first rocked the political world when he helped elect the late Minnesota Senator Paul Wellstone in 1990 in one of the biggest political upsets in decades. In 1993, Hillsman took over a floundering Minneapolis mayoral campaign four weeks before election day, resulting in Sharon Sayles-Belton's election as the first African-American and the fir...
274. Ken Burns. How Sick is America? Who is He Voting For and Why? Is HE Fearful of a Civil War? Transactional vs Transformational. Social Media, Cable News and the State of our National Conversation. The Heroes of Today.
March 28, 2024 07:01 - 45 minutesFew people have studied America and what it means to be an American more and at a deeper level than our guest in this one. He has dedicated his life to documenting the stories of the people, the history and the cultures that have shaped us all. And as we enter what is one of the most tumultuous years of our collective lives, it’s a good moment to take a bead, catch our breaths and get some perspective. Ken Burns (@KenBurns) returns to the show to break it all down with your host, Paul Rieckho...
273. A Week Of Real Talk and Reckonings. Afghanistan. Trump. Ukraine. Netanyahu. Crime In America. RFK Jr’s Latest Ridiculous VP Name. March Madness in Our Politics.
March 21, 2024 07:01 - 28 minutesThis week, it’s time for real talk. Overdue real talk. On America’s terrible withdrawal from Afghanistan. On accountability for those failures that resulted in the 13 American servicemembers dying at Abbey Gate. On the fragile independent brand. On disgraced New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez considering running as an independent (Yes, really). On newly self-proclaimed independent Robert Kennedy Jr’s latest wild pick for his VP slot. On Senator Schumer’s tough comments on Netanyahu and Israel. O...
272. Breaking Down Kennedy, Aaron Rodgers, Jesse “The Body” Ventura, South By Southwest and All The Other Recent Independent Drama.
March 14, 2024 07:01 - 25 minutesIn case you missed it, newly-self-proclaimed independent RFK Jr. floated some VP names. Aaron Rodgers and Jesse Ventura. Exactly what the independent movement does NOT need. And our Paul Rieckhoff is going to dig into why. He’ll also share the backstory behind why Kennedy’s involvement in a scheduled panel at the South By Southwest conference on independents led to its implosion. This episode was supposed to be a recording of that panel–but that’s changed. And you’ll hear the full story. And...
271. State of the Union Special Edition. How Did Biden Do? Did He Move Independents? Dissecting The Big Night From Cannabis to Ukraine to Veterans to Forgotistan.
March 08, 2024 21:20 - 15 minutesWelcome to a special State of the Union recap special edition episode of Independent Americans. Normally, the State of the Union address is a civics lesson, pageantry and performance. Normally, it doesn’t move the needle. But last night was different. It was the most important SOTU in a generation. Voters were watching. Including millions who are still on the fence. And especially independent Americans. And so was Paul Rieckhoff. He’s been a guest at the State of the Union himself twice. A...
270. Tim Mak. Ukraine at a Crossroads. Has Ukraine Given Up on America? The Battle of Antonov Airfield. Haley is Out. Sinema is Out Too. Super Tuesday Was Not Super for 6M Independents. America Says Biden is Too Old. SecDef Austin’s Rough Time.
March 07, 2024 08:01 - 54 minutesWelcome to Independent Americans. And welcome to March. The weather is changing. It’s warming up and spring is so close you can almost smell it. But instead you’re probably smelling something different in the air. Something a lot less pleasant. It’s a smell that’s always been pervasive in Washington, DC and also on television and the airwaves. But in the last couple of years the smell has gotten out of control. It’s everywhere. It comes out of random strangers at random times. You can’t esca...
269 Michael Steele. Michigan & South Carolina Primary Insights. Where Will Haley Voters Go? Being the only Republican Host on MSNBC. Does Biden Have a Harris Problem? More Congressional Chaos. Will RFK Jr & No Labels Spoil Everything?
February 29, 2024 08:01 - 1 hourThe story that remains underreported is how much Trump ISN’T getting. He’s a freight train as nominee—but still NOT getting 30%. AND, he’s continuing to struggle with moderates in his own party and especially with independents (as revealed most vividly in New Hampshire). It continues to underscore his general election weakness. Which is revealed (AND increasing) with Haley in. And on the other side, Biden is inevitable—but failing with 15% of “uncommitted” protest votes AGAINST him. And anot...
268. Will Anyone Listen to Independents in 2024? A Special Short Episode with Paul Rieckhoff.
February 22, 2024 08:01 - 9 minutesThis episode is a little different. It’s a quick hit episode from host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff)--with a reading of his recent op-ed that appeared on Smerconish.com (co-authored with John Opdycke(@jbopdycke, the President of Open Primaries). It highlights the influence of independent voters in the New Hampshire primary, making specific note of independent’s support of candidates Nikki Haley and Dean Phillips. While neither candidate won their primary, their performance underscored the c...
267 Asha Rangappa. Is Trump Going to Jail or Not? What Did The Hur Report Really Say About Biden? MAGA vs NATO, Ukraine and More. Russia’s Secret Space Nukes. Long Island’s Special Election Takeaways. Best Super Bowl Ever. The Tragic Parade Shooting.
February 15, 2024 08:01 - 41 minutesThe Super Bowl is over and the Chiefs are the champs. MAGA is sad about that for some reason, but don’t worry they’ll have something new to be upset about soon enough. From mysterious new Russian space nukes, to Biden’s old age to another looming government shutdown. It’s a lot. And then throw Trump’s 91 felony indictments on top of that and it’s nearly impossible to keep track of. But never fear vigilant listener, we’ve got just the answer. An expert in all things law, Trump and national sec...
266. Matt Gallagher. Super Bowl Politics. How F#cked Up is America Right Now? Speaker Johnson is a Terrible Quarterback. Border Bill Fumble. Haley is QB2. Is the US Soft? SC and NV Primaries. Civil War or World War? Daybreak: Matt’s Powerful New Novel.
February 08, 2024 08:01 - 1 hourIt’s Super Bowl week in America. And it’s a Super Bowl year of politics and national security. And as the world focuses on America’s big game, it’s also focused on America’s dysfunction. And so are we. The border deal has collapsed, funding for Ukraine and Israel is stalled, and the election division across the country is reaching peak levels of nasty and stupid. It’s an especially ugly time in America–as America again thrusts itself in the global spotlight. But there are glimmers of hope–and...
265. Alex Vindman. Three US Troops Killed in Jordan. Ukraine is Running Out of Ammo—as America Runs Out of Heart. Is War with Iran Imminent? Vindman vs Marco Rubio? The Taylor Swift Super Bowl is Set.
February 01, 2024 08:01 - 55 minutesIt’s Super Bowl time in America. And 2024 is a year-long Super Bowl FOR America. Stakes have never been higher. And just like for a Super Bowl team, leaders will be the difference. And Alex Vindman (@AVindman) has been a QB for America stepping up in the biggest moments for years now. He was thrust onto the national scene back in October of 2019 as the news was revealed that Trump had tried to shake down the then unknown President of Ukraine. A brave whistle blower stood his ground and held ...
264. Michael Smerconish. New Hampshire Post-Mortem. Jason Kelce for President!? Haley’s Independent Appeal & Playing for QB2. Who Trump Might Pick for VP. Dean Phillips: Blah. The 2024 Wild Cards: RFK Jr, No Labels & Independents. Super Bowl Predictions!
January 25, 2024 08:01 - 40 minutesThe New Hampshire primary is over–and independents were a huge factor. Just as they will be in the general election in November. Who did they vote for? What do they care about? And who can appeal to them now—and in the future? And what’s next for Nikki Haley, Trump, Biden and the rest in this chaotic sprint to the summer nominating conventions? Michael Smerconish (@Smerconish is back on IA to chop it up with Paul on all that. And, to rip into Jason Kelce’s shirtless emergence as America’s man...
263. Surviving October 7. Dorin Cohen. Survivor of Kibbutz Kfar Aza. A Young Mother Courageously Tells Her Unimaginable and Harrowing Story. Remembering the Hostages Still Being Held by Hamas. “I’m going to tell you a story about heaven…”
January 23, 2024 08:01 - 31 minutesContent warning: this episode contains descriptions of violence, combat, death, sexual assault, violence against children and more. Dorin Cohen grew up in Ashkelon, Israel and most recently lived in Kibbutz Kfar Aza with her husband, Itamar, and her two young boys, Adam and Jonathan, where they survived nearly 30 hours in their bomb shelter on October 7. Dorin has a Bachelor's degree in Law from Ono Academic College and is currently pursuing an advanced studies degree in Child Development a...
262. Mike Novogratz & Ambassador Marc Ginsberg. Understanding Israel. And Gaza. A Recorded Live Panel Event from NYC. What They Saw On Their Recent Trip. Why They Went. Why Israel is Important to American National Security. What’s the Path Forward?
January 18, 2024 08:01 - 58 minutesAmbassador Marc Ginsberg grew up in Israel, became America’s first jewish ambassador to an Arab nation, and currently leads The Coalition for a Safer Web, a non-profit dedicated to combating cyber terrorism and extremist incitement. He’s a diplomatic powerhouse and deeply respected expert on the Middle East. Mike Novogratz grew up catholic in Virginia, served as a helicopter pilot in the US Army, was formerly President of Fortress Investment Group, and is now the Founder and CEO of Galaxy Dig...
261. Scott Galloway. Prof G’s Predictions for 2024. The United States vs Itself. Young People Being Left Behind. Reinvest in the Middle Class. SECDEF in the ICU, White House in the Dark. Attacks on US Troops Continue. Trump Mocks McCain Again.
January 11, 2024 08:01 - 57 minutesAs we head into what is almost sure to be a rocky 2024, we wanted to get you the best look ahead possible. So we brought back a fan favorite. A guest who isn’t afraid to make bold predictions. And a guest who’s smart enough to back them up. He’s a master of marketing, business, media and politics. He’s the great Prof G, Scott Galloway (@ProfGalloway), and he’s here to break down what the next few months will look like and why the market’s cause for concern might be a reason for you to be opti...
260. Mayor Yemi Mobolade. New Year’s Special Replay. The New Independent Mayor of Colorado Springs. How He Won. The Importance of Non-Partisan Primaries. Power of Positivity. Captain Positivity vs Senator Redneck for Space Command.
January 04, 2024 08:01 - 39 minutes2023 has been a big year for independents. And most of the time not in a good way. From Kyrsten Sinema to RFK Jr. to No Labels, 2023 was a steady succession of negative hits to the independent brand in all of the usual ways. Spoilers and grifters jumping on the bandwagon after being kicked off of all of the other wagons. Hangers on. Pretenders to the throne. Whatever you call them, we saw them all in 2023. And yet, there was one bright spot. A beacon shining in the dark night. A reason for ho...
259. Jason Alexander. The FOURTH Annual Festivus Special! An Inspiring Holiday Message of Hope and Peace. Looking to Children as the Way Out of Conflict. Jason vs Elon. Good vs Evil. Don’t Be the Problem, Solve the Problem.
December 28, 2023 08:01 - 59 minutesIf you’ve watched him, you love him. And you may feel like you know him. But you really don’t. In this episode, you’ll learn that the man behind the characters is even more amazing. And you’ll love him, respect him, and admire him even more. Just like the last three times he’s joined us. It’s the perfect holiday conversation. For whatever holiday you celebrate. Yes, my friends, FESTIVUS is back! A Festivus for the rest of us. And so is our annual Festivus special! With the man himself! The...
258. General David Petraeus. A Pre-Christmas Global Conflict Breakdown. Zelensky is Churchill with an iPhone. Did Israel Get the Big Idea Right? Tuberville’s Final Stupid Holds Go Down. NORAD is Ready For Santa.
December 21, 2023 08:01 - 37 minutesThere are only a handful of people out there that have the experience, credibility and gravitas to speak with authority when it comes to subjects like NATO, Putin, Gaza. They’re high level issues and complex systems that require decades of study and thought to truly comprehend. And so when you get a chance to hear from one of them like you did last week with General Barry McCaffrey you jump at it. When you get a chance to talk with another one a week later… you better bet we’re jumping again....
257. General Barry McCaffrey. Analyzing The State of the Wars in Ukraine and Gaza. Biden’s Big Border Problem. Zelensky’s Painful Return to Washington. Israel’s Greatest Test. More Rocket Attacks on US Troops. Does America Look Weak? McCaffrey for Mayor?
December 14, 2023 08:01 - 46 minutesThis holiday season is a heavy one. It's hard to fully distract yourself from what's happening around the world. No matter how good the Knicks are doing, no matter how sensational the Giants rookie quarterback Tommy Cutlets DeVito has been. No matter how much holiday cheer you bring or share or experience, there's still a lot of pain and concern and stress all around the world, especially when it comes to places like Ukraine and Gaza and Israel. President Zelensky just left Washington, D.C., ...
256. Andrew Yang. Why He’s Backing Dean Phillips for President. Liz Cheney, Mark Cuban, The Rock & Many Other Possible Independent Candidates. Should Cornell West and RFK Jr Drop Out? NFL, NBA & Why We All Need Sports Right now. Tuberville Finally Lost.
December 06, 2023 08:01 - 53 minutesAndrew Yang (@AndrewYang) is back. He’s the former Candidate for President. The former Candidate for Mayor. He’s a patriot, an activist and a father. And now, the co-founder of the Forward Party is back to check in with Independent Americans for a look back at the last year for the Forward Party and a look ahead at what’s on the horizon in independent politics and the 2024 elections. With a good dash of sports, parenting and leadership talk. It’s a fun and fascinating episode with no holds b...
255. John Spencer. The Urban Warfare Expert on Combat in Ukraine and Gaza. Ukraine’s Will to Fight. Red Dawn 2023 Style. Is Hamas a Paper Tiger? Gaza’s Terrible Complexity. The High Cost of Not Supporting Ukraine. The Threat of Holiday Attacks in America.
November 30, 2023 08:01 - 1 hourThroughout the last couple of years, we've stayed on top of all the domestic and international security threats facing us all from Putin to Hamas to domestic extremists. And our guest in this episode is going to take us through all of it with a very unique, powerful and authentic perspective. He's an expert on urban combat, which is going to dominate the combat landscape for the next generation and maybe more. It's what we've seen in Iraq. It's what we've seen in Syria. It's what we've seen i...
254. Chuck D. (Replay-Part Two). Crime, Law And The Power Of Youth. Why Space Is Not The Future, It’s All America. Beat Cops Vs Militarized Cops. Empathy For Haters. The Realities of War are Hard Af. Why New York is the Best Teacher in the World.
November 24, 2023 08:01 - 36 minutesWelcome back. We’re wrapping up our holiday and finishing up the second part of Paul Rieckhoff’s discussion with hip hop icon Chuck D. This half is a little more fun and a great look back before we head into the holidays and the New Year. We’ll be back in December with more great all new content for you, but for now here is the rest of this amazing conversation. From Episode 86 - Nov. 20, 2020: As America faces power fights like we’ve never seen before, the legendary founder of Public Enemy j...
253. Chuck D (Replay-Part One). THANKSGIVING REWIND FEAST. (2020 Remix). Public Enemy’s Iconic Founder on Maddow, Air America, Climate Change, Physical vs Virtual Reality, The Power of DIY, 2020 Election Postgame, Biden and Harris, Society and AI.
November 22, 2023 08:01 - 44 minutesHappy Thanksgiving America. We’re taking a break to be with our families for this holiday but before we go we’ve got an extra helping of the helpers for you because we know you don’t need any more stuffing. From Episode 86 - Nov. 20, 2020: As America faces power fights like we’ve never seen before, the legendary founder of Public Enemy joins us to explore and explain fighting the power: 2020 style. This is Chuck D--a voice of consciousness, outrage, inspiration and action for over 35 years--...
252. Eli Elefant. On The Ground In Israel. A First-Hand Look From an American IDF Veteran. At The Aftermath Of Hamas’ Attack. What The Future Holds For The Palestinians. Perspective On The Attacks And Response. What American Jews Have Been Feeling.
November 16, 2023 08:01 - 51 minutesIt has been 38 days since the terrible attacks in Israel by Hamas occurred. 38 days of horror. 38 days of pain and suffering. On all sides. The attacks on October 7th will be with us forever. And as Israel comes to grasp what that means, we could all use some perspective. For most Americans this conflict is just another in a string of never ending wars. A blip on a phone screen. Just another Tweet. It’s easy to lose perspective. But none of us can afford to lose perspective. Not when there a...
251. Veterans Day Special. Combine Veterans Day and Election Day: A New Idea for a Stronger America.
November 10, 2023 22:08 - 9 minutesVeterans Day has been a federal holiday, recognized each November 11, since 1938, but it means little for most Americans beyond a day off from work. Attendance at Veterans Day events is regrettably low—and declining rapidly. And so is the veterans’ population in America. The unfortunate reality that veterans understand is that the overall power and importance of Veterans Day is fading fast. Simultaneously, America continues to struggle to draw citizens to the polls to vote. Compared to most ...
250. Sebastian Junger. Little Boys are Wild Animals. Assessing the Health of America Now. Why Putin Will Never Beat Ukraine. The Big Challenge for Israel. Republicans Collapse Into Tribalism. Election Day Hope. Don’t Forget Veterans Day. Nature is Good.
November 09, 2023 08:01 - 37 minutesSebastian Junger (@SebastianJunger) is one of the most important authors, thinkers and public intellectuals in America. And one of the most interesting guys you’ll ever hear. He joined us in Episode 207 - Jan 25, 2023, Episode 116 - May 27, 2021 and Episode 100 - February 4, 2021 and he’s back again with more of the ongoing conversation about the state of America and what it means to be a true patriot. It’s a special conversation, just in time for your Veterans Day weekend. Yeah, it’s this w...
249. The World Is On Fire. An Exhausted Marine General Had a Heart Attack—and Senator Redneck Doesn’t Care. Republicans Finally Stand Up To Him. 29 Attacks on US Troops–And Counting. American HIMARS Hit Hard in Ukraine. Pence is Out. Halloween Kindness.
November 02, 2023 07:01 - 28 minutesA terrible situation in Gaza is getting worse. And especially for the innocent civilians caught in the middle of the chaos, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Middle East is on fire. And we can’t forget about Ukraine. Putin sure is hoping we will. But we can not. Especially here in America. Everywhere you look, it seems like the world is burning. Because much of the world is. From Israel to Gaza to India and Pakistan to Yemen to Ukraine to North Korea to China–to right here at home in the hal...
248. Weekend Special. A New, Very Extreme Speaker. A Massive Political Win for the American Insurgency. Mass Shooting in Maine. The IDF is Going In. Drone Attacks on US Troops Continue. Ukraine Falling Further From the Headlines. Insecurity in America.
October 27, 2023 23:55 - 25 minutesWhile the world teeters on the brink, we’ve got a new radical Speaker of the House, a shooter on the loose in Maine, and Israel appears ready to strike in Gaza. Now is definitely a time to stay vigilant. And we know the weekend is a good time to get away from the pressures of the week, but with everything going on in the world, now is not the time to check out. Now is not the time to look away. It's the time to do more. So here’s a bonus episode to start your weekend off with an extra dose o...
247. Congressman Pat Ryan. The Vet Taking On Tuberville. What’s the Plan to Free the American Hostages? Speaker Chaos Continues. US Troops Under Attack in the Middle East—And Nobody Notices. A Message to Ukraine. Avoiding a Failure of Imagination. MDCOA.
October 25, 2023 07:01 - 56 minutesAs Israel prepares to invade Gaza, as Hamas holds over a hundred hostages, as Ukraine continues to battle Putin, as American troops in the middle east face drone strikes daily, as China looms over Taiwan, and as America tears itself apart, the world has never been closer in our lifetime to World War Three. This Halloween is an especially scary time. And we’re keeping it real. And as the American military prepares for all of it, Congress has no Speaker of the House, and radical Alabama Senato...
246. Why We Must Support Israel AND Ukraine. Gaza Hospital Explodes Tensions Worldwide. ATACMS Explode in Ukraine. American Troops Wounded in Iraq?!? STILL No Speaker. Tubervilles’s Gaslighting of America. RFK Jr, Cornel West and No Labels: No Thank You!
October 20, 2023 07:01 - 42 minutesExplosions are everywhere. And that makes it VERY much a time to stay vigilant. More than any other time in recent memory. Israel is at war with Hamas. Explosions from the ATACMS (The Army Tactical Missile System) fired by Ukrainian forces hitting Russian forces inside Ukraine. Explosions at the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza City. Which was originally blamed on Israel–and is now likely to have been caused by Hamas. And American troops were hit by drones in Iraq. WTF?!?! It feels like there are ex...
245. Dan Lamothe. Inside The US Military Support For Israel. Will America Go Get Our Hostages? Traveling with New Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen CQ Brown. Tuberville’s Holds Cut Deeper. Passing Peak Ukraine. China & Taiwan Loom. What’s Next for Gen Milley?
October 17, 2023 07:01 - 44 minutesHalloween is right around the corner. And things in Washington DC, and the world, couldn’t be any spookier. It's a scary time. There’s still no Speaker of the House. Congress is an epically disgraceful mess. Ukraine is still deep in the fight. Israel is about to unleash hell on Gaza. And Putin and Hamas couldn’t be happier. And this is an episode that is not afraid to meet the moment. Army veteran and national security and politics analyst Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) hosts another insigh...
244. Sec Pete Buttigieg. War in Israel. How Should America Respond? Is US Transportation Ready for Hamas? Trump & Tuberville vs Milley & Kelly. Buttigieg & Moore in 2028? How to Talk to Kids About These Crazy Times. Training Vets to Drive Trucks.
October 11, 2023 07:01 - 25 minutesFor 243 episodes, your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) has reminded us all to #StayVigilant. This weekend was a stark reminder of what that means and why it is important. The horrifying attacks on the Israeli people shocked us all. And times like this are too important to wait to get the information you need. So this episode is a special Quick Response Content (QRC) delivery of what you need to know with a returning favorite guest— Secretary Pete Buttigieg. Buttigieg is one of the most i...
243. Trump Threatens General Milley with Death. GOP Debate Sh$tshow. What About Open Primaries? Andrew Yang Replay: The Forward Party Turns One.
October 05, 2023 07:01 - 1 hourThe radical political attacks on our military and military leaders are intensifying. Including Trump now threatening to have Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Mark Milley EXECUTED. And you didn’t hear much about it in the #GOPdebate. Which Trump won despite not being anywhere near the stage. It’s a mess and your host Paul Rieckhoff breaks it all down, plus a great conversation with Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) from December 2022. It’s a great one and we think you’re going to really enjoy it. Every ep...
242. Shut ‘em Down. US Army Private Travis King Released from North Korea. McCarthy’s Shutdown Sh@tshow. GOP Debate Madness Part 2. Calls for Menendez to Resign. Why Not for Tuberville Too? ATACMS To Ukraine—FINALLY. Suicide Prevention Month.
September 28, 2023 07:01 - 25 minutesFall is here. The leaves are turning. The nights are getting cooler. And everywhere you turn, the stupid is out. From Tuberville’s idiotic endless hold on military promotions to New Jersey Senator Bob Menendez’s latest indictment, this fall is definitely a time to stay vigilant. Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) tears into the latest headlines, always with a focus on national security and always with an eye on independent politics. Every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Riec...
241. Zelensky Comes to NYC. Democrats Finally Grow A Spine to Run Over Traitor Tuberville. DeSantis Doesn’t Care About White People. Why Biden Should Dump Harris To Attract Independents. Auto Workers Strike. Coach Prime is the Leader America Needs.
September 21, 2023 07:01 - 27 minutesSeptember is a busy month. School is back. Football is back. Fall is here. And so is Zelensky. Your host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) breaks it all down. From the Ukrainian President’s visit to Ron DeSantis latest buffoonery to Senator Redneck’s continued hold on military promotions—now is definitely a time to stay vigilant. Every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and ne...
240. Missing John McCain. Romney is Out. The Many Hypocrites That Forgot 9/11. Elon Musk Meddles with Ukraine—and Putin Loves It. Zip Tie Guy and His Mom Get Prison. Aaron Rodgers Goes Down. Stronger at the Broken Places.
September 14, 2023 07:01 - 27 minutesJohn McCain’s life of service is an example always. Especially around 9/11. And given the state of the world, America, and our politics, we miss him now more than ever. He showed us that after tragedy there can be triumph. McCain showed us how to be, as Hemingway described, “Stronger at the broken places”. But some things break beyond repair. And that might be the case now for the GOP. As it continues to disintegrate, falling further and further away from the party of McCain. And the party...