Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff artwork

Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff

287 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 559 ratings

Independent 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

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 minutes

As 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 minutes

2023 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 minutes

If 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 minutes

There 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 minutes

This 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 minutes

Andrew 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 hour

Throughout 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 minutes

Welcome 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 minutes

Happy 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 minutes

It 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 minutes

Veterans 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 minutes

Sebastian 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 minutes

A 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 minutes

While 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 minutes

As 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 minutes

Explosions 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 minutes

Halloween 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 minutes

For 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 hour

The 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 minutes

Fall 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 minutes

September 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 minutes

John 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...

239. 9/11: 22 Years Later. More Prison Sentences for More for Jan 6 Leaders. Tuberville vs Every Leader of the Military. Larry Hogan is Not Independent. Football and School Are Back. Jimmy Buffett and #NeverForget. REPLAY: 9/11 HEROES SHARE THEIR STORIES.

September 07, 2023 07:01 - 49 minutes

22 years after 9/11, our host and 9/11 First Responder, Paul Rieckhoff reflects on where we are as a nation, how far we’ve come, what we’ve gained, and what we’ve lost. And–if after all these years–America is now forgetting about 9/11.  He’ll also dig into parallels with the January 6th attacks, new sentences handed down to key leaders of the Proud Boys, Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville’s ongoing and terribly damaging blocks on the promotions of military leaders, how the Biden Administration ...

238. End of Summer Madness. Eminem Slams Ramaswamy. Christie’s Strategy To Reach Independents in New Hampshire. Senator Redneck Continues to Lie. An Epic Little League World Series Ending. Don’t be like Giuliani. Be like Ohtani. Work Hard and Be Nice.

August 31, 2023 07:01 - 27 minutes

Summer is almost over. But the hits just keep on coming. Bad ones. Like a new school shooting at the University of North Carolina, Senator Redneck’s ongoing blocks on military promotions, and a hurricane hitting the south. But some good hits keep coming too. Like Simon Biles winning a record 8th gymnastics championship, the return of football, and the epic end to the Little League World Series. It’s been a summer of highs and lows. Jerks and heroes. And our host, Paul Rieckhoff’s got a quick ...

237. GOP Debate Breakdown. Trumpism Is Like COVID. Independents Ain't Having Any Of It. Senator Redneck Wins a New Award. Prigozhin Goes Down in Flames. The American Insurgency Strikes Again. Little League World Series Summer Magic.

August 24, 2023 07:01 - 24 minutes

Well, the first GOP debate is now history. And if you were on vacation or watching baseball, our Paul Rieckhoff has a quick and uniquely independent recap. He watched it so you didn’t have to. He sizes up the field—and Trump’s continued dominance in the polls. And how/if it all appeals to independents on any level.  He’s also got a quick update on Alabama Senator Tommy Tuberville’s latest efforts to weaken our military, the breaking news out of Ukraine, the domestic terror attack you may have...

236. Afghanistan Two Years Later = Forgotistan. Rep Peter Meijer REPLAY. Our Summer of Chaos Continues. Another Week, Another Indictment. An American Insurgent in Utah Killed by the FBI. The Tide is Turning Against Senator Redneck (AKA Tuberville).

August 17, 2023 11:12 - 37 minutes

August is steamy hot—and so is the news. Trump is indicted again, Senator Tuberville is making dumb moves again. And extremist domestic terrorists are threatening our peace and politicians' lives again. So much for summer downtime, people. This is a time for focus. And as it all unfolds on a daily, sometimes hourly basis. And this summer is still, definitely a time to #StayVigilant.  Paul Rieckhoff is quickly breaking it down—so you can get up to speed, and head back to the beach.  And we fla...

235. Summer Dispatch. Musk vs Zuck in a Fight? For Vets? WTF. The Crisis of Masculinity. Christie Meets with Zelenskyy. FINALLY F-16s to Ukraine. Trump’s Month of Meltdowns & Poll Surges. US World Cup Women Are a Reflection of America. Forward Turns One.

August 10, 2023 07:01 - 33 minutes

The women’s World Cup is over for the US. But the summer is not. Hawaii is on fire. Billionaires are fighting each other. Trump has more indictments than any podcast has time to cover and finally President Biden has approved F-16s for Ukraine. This summer especially is a time to #StayVigilant.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other polit...

234. The Trump Indictment (The Latest One). Senator Tuberville’s Temper Tantrum Costs Alabama Space Command. The Alt-Right Media Attacks Rieckhoff. Independent Growth In Arizona. The USA Women’s World Cup Team Survives and Inspires.

August 03, 2023 07:01 - 25 minutes

Our wild and crazy summer of 2023 continues.  In case you haven’t heard, Trump has been indicted again. And that means it’s again, very much a time to stay vigilant. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on ...

233. James LaPorta. American Vet Trevor Reed Wounded in Ukraine. US Soldier Runs into North Korea. Tuberville’s Holds Are Hitting Troop Morale. Nazis Trying To Infiltrate the Military. DeSantis’ Attacks On The Pentagon. Are UFOs Real? Work Hard, Be Nice.

July 28, 2023 20:25 - 1 hour

We’re going inside some of the wildest and most important defense and national security stories of the summer with National Security Reporter for The Messenger and Marine Corps combat veteran, James LaPorta (@JimLaPorta). James joins us to take us inside the wild story of Marine Corps veteran Trevor Reed, released from a Russian prison in 2022, and recently wounded fighting in Ukraine. He’ll take us inside the VERY wild story of the American soldier who snuck inside a civilian tour group and ...

232. Amy McGrath. The Abortion Fight Hurting Military Women. Senator Redneck (Tuberville) Gives The South a Bad Name. DeSantis vs The Military. Trump’s New Indictment. The Real No Labels Insurance Policy. Heat Makes People Stupid. Lessons From Mets Fans.

July 20, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour

Marine Corps fighter pilot Amy McGrath (@AmyMcGrathKY) flew 89 combat missions. And ran one of the most-watched 2020 Senate races in America. She is a trailblazing combat veteran, a former Naval Academy professor and a mother of three. And now she’s a regular on MSNBC and leading the fight to protect women’s reproductive health and rights in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Roe decision. She’s a fighter, she’s one of our most popular guests, and she is back. Just in time to explain why the Pen...

231. Joe Lieberman. Exploring The No Labels Black Box. Life as an Independent. Senator Tuberville’s New Support for White Nationalists. Senator Redneck Strikes Again. Zelensky, NATO & Another American Vet Dies in Ukraine. The PGA vs 9/11 First Responders.

July 13, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour

Independence is what this nation was founded on. It’s the spirit of our national brand. It was what General—then President George Washington–was all about. It’s where we started, before our political landscape degraded into the dysfunctional and dangerous two party duopoly we have now.  And in his farewell address in 1796, Washington warned that one of the top risks of letting regional loyalties dominate loyalty to the nation as a whole was that it would lead to factionalism—a division of the...

230. More Luke Russert. Extra Sebastian Junger and Matt Gallagher. Post July 4th Bonus Content to Celebrate America’s Independence (and Independents) with Three of Our Favorite American Authors.

July 06, 2023 07:01 - 29 minutes

Independence Day is now in the rear view mirror, and as summer heats up, we’re taking a much needed break. The engine that runs Righteous Media and Independent Americans needs a little tune up time at the beach. But before we take some time off we wanted to deliver you some fresh, high-quality and high impact listening. So as you head to the pool, or to the beach, or to work, wherever you listen, we are breaking out some of the very best of the bonus content, content that is normally just for...

229. Luke Russert. July 4th Special: The Church of Freedom. Lessons from a Journey Across America. Baseball’s New Changes Are a Blueprint. Rise of the Backbenchers. Will He Run for Office? Wagner Fireworks in Russia. DeSantis vs Freedom. Pride = Freedom.

June 29, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour

It’s America’s birthday. July 4th. Independence Day. or INDEPENDENTS Day. Our favorite day of the year around here. And as we load up the car for the beach, or fire up the BBQ, or work the holiday shift, America’s birthday is always a time to stay vigilant.  As the Ukrainians fight a brutal war for their survival, as LGBTQIA+ individuals fight for the recognition of their right to exist and, shamefully, as Ron DeSantis fights his fake war on woke, it’s time for our annual discussion of freedo...

228. Mayor Yemi Mobolade. 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. Americans Fighting in Ukraine. Trombone Shorty.

June 22, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour

#IndependentAmericans WILL determine the 2024 presidential election. Especially in swing states. We are the largest, fastest-growing and most powerful group of voters in America. 50% of vets are independents. 60% of young people. We are free agents—and every candidate will have to earn our votes. But beyond the race for President, the independent movement is real, diverse and growing fast. Fueled by disgust with the two parties, generational change, #OpenPrimaries and other election reform, a...

227. Ron Perlman. Optimus Primal in Transformers: Rise of The Beasts. The Autobots Are Like America. Trump Indicted. Ron Goes Off. The Most Ridiculous PGA Sellout of All. Messi Stiff-Arms the Saudis. Vigilance Can’t Take a Smoke Break. Father’s Day 2023.

June 15, 2023 07:39 - 1 hour

Trump has finally been arrested. And indicted. Just in time for Flag Day. And just in time for Father’s Day. And it’s most definitely a time to stay vigilant. From the ongoing PGA saga, to the Ukrainian offensive, to primaries that are closed to independents in NYC, Oklahoma and Washington, DC, to the special importance of Father’s Day 2023, this episode is tearing into the most important, urgent and interesting topics in America.  And taking you inside the biggest film in America. Transforme...

226. Rob Serra. 9/11 Hero On PGA Selling Out America To The Saudis. #BoycottPGA. Smoke Covers America. Russia Hits Ukrainian Dam. Is Zaporizhzhia Nuke Plant Next? D-Day. Independent Mayor Mobolade Takes Office. Transformers Reflects America’s Challenges.

June 08, 2023 07:02 - 1 hour

Smokepocalypse is here. And so are those who want to smokescreen and burn down America. The world is on fire. Literally. So on this anniversary of D-Day, we’re calling in a trusted leader and friend of the show who knows how to fire fires. Fight for others. And fight for America. Rob Serra (@SerraRob) is America’s leading advocate for firefighters and first-responders. A renowned activist, technical expert and father of three, Rob is a conscience for America who began his firefighting career ...

225. Asha Rangappa. The Stewart Rhodes Verdict. Sedition Is Treason’s Cousin. Trump’s Shadow Army & Domestic Extremism. Who is America’s Wyatt Earp? Cable News Booty Calls. Senator Redneck vs the Pentagon. Pancake Pays a Visit. Heat vs Nuggets NBA Finals.

June 01, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour

It’s college graduation time. And NBA finals time. And Ukraine spring offensive time. And almost summertime. And for some key insurrectionists, it’s judgment time. And it is definitely a time to stay vigilant.  We’re digging into seditious conspiracy. And insurrection. And what the penalties should be. And how to fight it. And Stewart Rhodes and Trump and the #AmericanInsurgency. Stakes is high. And we’re not afraid to have the hard conversations.  Asha Rangappa (@AshaRangappa_) is our guest....

224. Gideon Yago. The Death of MTV News. His Incredible 9/11 Story. What Vice Got Wrong. The Writers Strike. America is Broken. DeSantis Announces. US F-16s Are Finally En Route to Ukraine. The NBA Playoffs Are Amazing. Memorial Day 2023. #GoSilent.

May 25, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour

MTV News gone. And so is Vice. And Buzzfeed News and others. But there was only one MTV News. And while it may be officially dead, its spirit lives on. Forever. MTV News was always about the future. And in this moment of hardship for America, it’s critical that we reflect on our past, to chart out a better future.  The revolution will not be televised. Because TV is dead. But it will be broadcast. Because broadcasts of truth never die. They adapt, improvise and overcome. And the independent m...

223. Tim Mak. Independent Journalist & US Army Vet in Ukraine. The Counteroffensive. Inside a Kyiv Missile Barrage. Ukrainian Sushi & Pizza. The Future of American Media. Independent Yemi Mobolade Elected Mayor of Colorado Springs. Allergy Season SUCKS.

May 18, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour

The future is here. Bad and good. From AI and climate change, to self-driving cars and a faster brand of major league baseball. The future is now. And that includes politics. The future is here. And it looks like Yemi Mobolade. The newly-elected INDEPENDENT Mayor of Colorado Springs. He represents the future. A future that is independent.  The future is independent. Whether it’s independent media, or independent music, or independent films, or independent candidates for Mayor, the future will...

222. Michael Steele. Why Hasn’t He Left the GOP? Republican Party Disintegration. Trump Guilty–and Ahead in Polls. Biden’s Bad Economic Messaging. No Labels No-Go. More Shootings. Ukraine Fires Its First Patriots. John Wick, NBA Playoffs & Mother’s Day.

May 11, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour

Michael Steele is a returning guest who always brings the fire. (Hear/watch his previous appearance in Episode 193 from Oct 2022) The Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Former Lt. Gov. of Maryland has served in all levels of elected and government office and is now a Political Analyst for MSNBC and the host of his own influential political podcast. He ran for the Maryland Senate seat in 2016 and is often suggested as a candidate for President. He’s also a big John Wick fan....

221. Nick Troiano. The Future of the Independent Movement. Running for Congress as an Independent. What is Unite America? Teacher Appreciation Week. Ukraine Drones and the Kremlin. More Shootings. Senator Tuberville vs The Pentagon. NBA Playoff Fire.

May 04, 2023 07:01 - 58 minutes

May is here. And it’s supposed to be the time for flowers. We’ll see about that. But next week is teacher appreciation week. A reminder of how much our teachers do. And how much there always is to learn. And, this is definitely time a time to stay vigilant The war rages on in Ukraine. This will be a spring–and likely a summer—of fighting all across Ukraine. And unfortunately, fighting of different kinds also here all across America. Some on behalf of partisan forces, some on behalf of indepen...

220. Adrian Bonenberger. An American Veteran in the Ukrainian Army. Why Is He Willing to Die for Ukraine? The Looming Spring Offensive. Tucker Carlson is Out. Don Lemon is Too. Biden is In. Trump is Up. Stupid Senators Smoke Vets Cannabis Bill. NFL Draft.

April 27, 2023 07:01 - 57 minutes

It’s on. This April, it’s on. All of it. The storms continue to pour. And the biggest storm of all still looms and gathers, as the world watches and braces for it.  The spring offensive in Ukraine. It’s coming.  We’ve all seen it gathering, we’ve all heard the reports, we’ll all watched the pieces come into place…and any day now….or maybe months from now…it will hit. Maybe more like a tectonic earthquake on a faultline than like a storm….it is coming. We just don’t know when. But it will be b...

219. John Opdycke. BREAKING: 49% of Voters Are Now Independents. Dissecting the New Gallup Poll. Where Are The Independent Candidates? Angry Crazy Person Shootings. Biden’s New Executive Order For Caregivers. The Hope of Spring. Jimmy Buffet Was Right.

April 20, 2023 07:01 - 58 minutes

There is new polling that shows a record 49% of Americans now see themselves as politically independent — the same as the two major parties put together. The biggest and dominant political affiliation isn’t Democrat or Republican. It’s none of the above.  The two parties are failing. And losing strength. And the future is independent. Gallup analyst Jeff Jones says a big reason for this change is driven by the younger generation. "It was never unusual for younger adults to have higher percent...

218. Replay: Scott Galloway. Spring Break Special with Prof G. Elon Musk: Savior or Threat? Land of Confusion. Recession Is Coming. Ukraine Rallies the World. The Branding of Independents. Politicians Are Too Old. The Forward Party: Start-Up Flop?

April 13, 2023 07:01 - 43 minutes

Spring has officially sprung. The birds are chirping. The bees are buzzing. And we’re on Spring Break. We’re recharging our batteries and getting things ready for another amazing season of bringing you the best guests and the hard hitting content you’ve come to expect. So while we eat/drink/sun too much for a quick week off, we wanted to revisit one of our favorite episodes. And who better to hear from when you’re on Spring Break than the great Prof G, Scott Galloway. Even when we’re away cla...

217. Joe Walsh. The Return Of Trump. President Mayhem 2.0. Ukraine Prepares for Offense. More US Airstrikes in Syria Nobody Notices. Tulsi Gabbard is Not an Independent. Only Manchin Would Vote For Manchin. Even March Madness Divides America.

April 06, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour

#PresidentMayhem is back. In version 2.0. As the Trump indictment continues to unfold, we’re breaking down how it will impact America, the race for President, our national defense and especially, independents nationwide. From a uniquely and truly independent standpoint. And we’ve got the perfect guest and the perfect conversation to break it all down. It’s a real and fiery talk. About real issues and real people. It’s a conversation with a self-described political bomb thrower–who understands...

216. Rudy Reyes. Nashville School Shooting After-Action Review with the Recon Marine Expert. Generation Kill: 20 Yrs Later. Airstrikes in Syria. Chaos in Israel. Inside “Special Forces: World’s Toughest Test”. SEALS Saving Seals. Positivity is Contagious.

March 30, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour

It’s been another hard week in America. Another week with another catastrophic and horrifying school shooting. And as spring finally begins in America, this is an especially critical time to stay vigilant.  The Nashville PD had leaders who stepped up. While others in Washington cowered and failed. And coming up, we’re gonna break it down with a legendary special operations Recon Marine and tactical trainer–who’s been in situations much like that many times. And trained many more. We’re gonna ...

215. Matt Gallagher. America on Edge. The Iraq War at 20. The Trump Indictment. Inside Ukraine’s Volunteers. Tulsa King. March Madness, the World Baseball Classic and Sports as a Prism and a Mirror. National Mr Rogers Day.

March 23, 2023 07:01 - 1 hour

America has had a hard few weeks. And definitely taken some Ls. And as one season ends, and another begins, we’re calling a big time pitcher out of our bullpen to help us make sense of it all. From Trump’s indictment, to Iraq at 20, to Ukraine’s urgent needs, to March Madness and the WBC. Matt Gallagher (@MattGallagher0) is back. He joined us last after just leaving Ukraine for Episode 161 in March of 2022.  One of the most important writers of our time, especially touching on issues of war a...

214. Rachel Maddow. Chef Robert Irvine. Gov Wes Moore. Gen Barry McCaffrey. From Secret Pancake Recipes to Music Recommendations to Tips on Working Out. Bonus Conversations With Recent Guests. The Iraq War: 20 Years Later. March Madness & Semper Gumby.

March 16, 2023 07:01 - 49 minutes

Instead of one amazing guest and conversation, you’re gonna get 4! Our paid Patreon supporters always get a special extra piece of content after every show. And in this episode, we’re gonna share FOUR! From four of our recent, and most popular guests. We’ve been on a tear of booking lately, and these four clips are from four of the most interesting, most dynamic and most inspiring we’ve had.  Rachel Maddow. Chef Robert Irvine. Governor Wes Moore. General Barry McCaffey.  Rachel will share a b...

213. General Barry McCaffrey. Ukraine’s Brutal Next Phase. Bloody, Expensive, Hard, Necessary. Why Russia Must Lose. What China Might Do. Recruiting For Team None of the Above. No Accountability for Afghanistan. AUMF You. F1 is Back–and Like Independents.

March 09, 2023 08:01 - 1 hour

War is bloody, expensive and hard. And sometimes, necessary.  The prolonged occupation of Afghanistan was probably not necessary. The initial invasion probably was. But we can debate all of that for decades. And we will. But what is not debatable is the incredibly high cost of leaving your allies, or even your own Marines and troops, to fight and die on their own.  If you leave your people hanging at the most key moment, it will be even more bloody, expensive and hard. And that will be true o...

212. Governor Wes Moore. Leading for Vets. Redefining Patriotism. How He Captured Independents. Getting a Puppy. East Palestine, Ohio Smells Like 9/11. Why We Don’t Trust the Government. Fast, Fearless, Loved.

March 02, 2023 08:01 - 55 minutes

As chemicals continue to circulate in Ohio, Chinese spy satellites roam overhead, mask mandate divisions linger, and 9/11 first responders again have to descend on Washington to demand healthcare support, this is not an easy time to trust in government. America is hungry for competence. And hungry for leadership. And our guest this week is bringing it back. Big and fast.  He’s the fastest rising star in politics since Barack Obama. And he may be coming on even faster.  But can he get independ...

Guests

Malcolm Nance
8 Episodes
Jon Stewart
4 Episodes
Wes Moore
3 Episodes
Zainab Salbi
3 Episodes
Ethan Nadelmann
2 Episodes
Fred Guttenberg
2 Episodes
Howard Schultz
2 Episodes
Peter Berg
2 Episodes
Rick Wilson
2 Episodes
Samantha Bee
2 Episodes
Dean Kamen
1 Episode
Denis McDonough
1 Episode
Pete Buttigieg
1 Episode
Scott MacFarlane
1 Episode
Tommy Vietor
1 Episode

Books

The White House
2 Episodes

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