Independent Americans – Weekly News with Paul Rieckhoff

Independent Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fresh and candid perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape, hosted by renowned activist, author, social entrepreneur and veteran, Paul Rieckhoff.

He breaks down the most important issues facing our country–always with a special focus on national security, foreign affairs and community action. And he interviews the most influential and compelling leaders from all political, media, business and entertainment backgrounds, ranging from Chuck D to Chuck Hagel; Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Mayor Pete Buttigieg.

America is more divided than ever before. But Independent Americans is adding light to contrast all the heat. Every episode brings the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact–and explores the most pressing issues of the day with leaders who are shaping what America will be in the future.

If you’re among the 40% of Americans who are independent, this is your show. If you’re a Republican or Democratic Party, but you’re not a die-hard partisan, this is your show. If you’re a concerned American who cares about the future of your country, this is your show. All are welcome. We invite you to join us and be a part of the solution.

Latest Episodes

189. Matt Zeller & Afghan Activists. 24/7 Firewatch Outside the Capitol To Support the Afghan Adjustment Act. Ukraine’s Roll Continues. Biden Says Pandemic is Over. Trump Again Threatens Violence. Puerto Rico Slammed. Marcus King: Musical Freight Train.

adminSeptember 22, 2022Episodes(0)

Fall is here. And it’s crazier by the day. Trump drama, Ukraine war news, natural disasters, political dysfunction, election campaign warfare. It’s something new and terrible every day. But there’s one important issue you’re not seeing in the news. Important enough that it has dedicated citizens sleeping outside the US Capitol in Washington tonight. It’s ...

188. Christine Todd Whitman. Inside the Forward Party. Why Should Independents Trust It? Is There More Than Andrew Yang? Ukraine Running The Table. The GOP National Abortion Ban. “MAGA Republicans”. 9/11, 21 Years Later. Train Strike Gaining Steam.

adminSeptember 15, 2022Episodes(0)

Silly season is here. It’s less than two months until the midterms elections. And it’s on. Politicians are doing all kinds of crazy things. And the stakes have never been higher. Republican Senator and Sellout-in-Chief Lindsay Graham introduced a national abortion ban bill this week. Texas Governor Greg Abbot shipped busloads of undocumented migrants into ...

187. The 9/11 Episode. The Stories Behind the Day with First Responders. Rob Serra, Richard Naviasky, Joseph Cammarata, Al Barry and Survivor Lila Nordstrom.

adminSeptember 8, 2022Episodes(0)

9/11 is the single most influential moment of the 21st century. It was terrible and tragic and it was a moment that will remain etched in our country’s history forever. It was a moment that redefined the trajectory of the entire world and will continue to shape the future for decades to come. 9/11 ...

186. Congressman-Elect Pat Ryan. Inside The Political Win of the Summer. A Case Study In Appealing to Independents. Fighting Gas Prices, Trump, Abortion Rollbacks, & His Own Party. An Army Intel Vet on Trump’s Classified Docs. A Where Is Yang Update.

adminSeptember 1, 2022Episodes(0)

Democrat Pat Ryan (@PatRyanUC) just won a special Congressional election in upstate New York that has the entire political world talking. Few picked him to win in the traditionally Republican-leaning area. But against the odds, the combat veteran pulled it off. And inspired people of all backgrounds nationwide. And now, analysts and strategists nationwide are ...

185. Dan Lamothe. Washington Post Exclusive: Inside the Carnage at Kabul Airport. Afghanistan 1 Year Later. New Airstrikes in Syria. Month 6 of Russia’s Ukraine Invasion. Taiwan, The Arctic & Where War Could Come Next. Andrew Yang Ghosts on Our Show.

adminAugust 25, 2022Episodes(0)

One year ago this week, the great American betrayal of Afghanistan culminated with a total debacle of a withdrawal that ended in death and carnage. On Aug. 26, 2021, 13 US troops and 170 Afghans were killed when a bomb ripped through the crowd at the Abbey Gate. The blast took only seconds, but the ...

184. Buck Sexton. The Conservative Talk Radio Star Who Replaced Rush Limbaugh. What Will Trump Supporters Do After Mar-a-Lago? How Serious Is the Threat of Violence? When Will Trump Announce He’s Running? Can the GOP Attract Any Independents in 2022?

adminAugust 18, 2022Episodes(0)

After her defeat this week, Congresswoman Liz Cheney said Tuesday’s primary is “certainly the beginning of a battle that is going to continue to go on. And as a country, we’re facing a moment where our democracy really is under attack and under threat.” The battle is on. It’s actually been on for years. We’ve ...

183. Sec. Pete Buttigieg. Infrastructure & National Security. Will He Run Again? Afghanistan Now. How Fatherhood Changed Him. Can DOT Projects Fight Extremism? PACT Act Reactions. Mar-a-Lago Raid Sparks Domestic Threats. Plane, Train or Automobile?

adminAugust 11, 2022Episodes(0)

Just when you think things in America can’t get any dicier, they do. And now is definitely a time to stay vigilant. And in this episode especially, we’ve got you covered. Unless you’ve been sleeping on the beach for the last week, you know that the Feds delivered a search warrant at the Mar-a-Lago residence ...

182. Matt Zeller. Inside The Inspiring PACT Act Victory. Rolling With Jon Stewart. Veterans Protest On The Capitol Steps. The Opposite of Jan 6th. Afghanistan Withdrawal: 1 Year Later. Al-Zawahiri Is Dead. Why Independents Don’t Want Yang’s New Party.

adminAugust 4, 2022Episodes(0)

Sometimes, the good guys and gals win. Sometimes, the bad guys lose. This is one of those times. The historic SFC Heath Robinson PACT Act for veterans passed the Senate by a vote of 86-11. But it was wild, it was emotional, it was dramatic, it was infuriating, and it was inspiring. It showed what ...

Past episodes

Independent & Veteran Focus

140. Shad Meshad. Remembering Max Cleland. Veterans Day Special. Celebrating a True American Hero. The Mad Man and The Cowboy. The Creation Of The Vet Centers. Stronger At The Broken Places. The Doobie Brothers. Taking It To The Streets.

By admin / November 11, 2021

Senator Max Cleland was a true American hero. One of the finest, most selfless leaders of our time. He was...

138. Matt Zeller. America’s Halloween Nightmare. 196 Americans Abandoned in Afghanistan. 23 Million Without Food. What is “Operation Resettle Allies”? Over the Horizon = Over the Rainbow. The “Disappointing Biden” Costume. The Real Winnie the Pooh Story.

By admin / October 28, 2021

Everyone who has seen a Halloween movie knows you can’t run from Michael Myers. The only way to defeat the...

136. Jeremy Butler. Extremism in the Military and Veterans Community. Testifying Before Congress via Zoom. Race and the Military. The American Mental Health Crisis. Shatner in Space. Veterans Day 2021.

By admin / October 14, 2021

Fall is here, the leaves are changing, Halloween is just a few weeks away, it’s been 10 months since domestic...

132. Admiral Mike Mullen. The Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs on The Next 9/11, Gen. Milley’s Call to China, the Afghanistan Debacle. The Sept 18 Threat to Washington. Lessons Learned, Taking Accountability for Failure & Lady Gaga’s Giant Egg.

By admin / September 16, 2021

The 20th anniversary of 9/11 has now passed. Afghanistan remains a mess. The delta variant is ripping through thousands of...

130. Congressman Peter Meijer. THE END OF THE AFGHANISTAN WAR? Not for the Afghans. 13 US Troops Killed. Our Allies Left to Die. Biden Spikes the Ball. The Great American Betrayal of Afghanistan. Is the Future of the GOP Peter Meijer or Donald Trump?

By admin / September 2, 2021

After 20 years, all US troops are now out of Afghanistan. Is that a good thing? Is the war really...

129. Kristen Rouse. CHAOS IN AFGHANISTAN. Inside the “Digital Dunkirk” Rushing to Save Afghan Allies. The Taliban Clamps Down. The Humanity of the Afghan People. Questioning The Humanity of America. What Happens after Biden’s August 31st Deadline?

By admin / August 26, 2021

We’ve all seen the disturbing images of thousands of people scrambling to get out of the Karzai Airport in Afghanistan....

127. Matt Zeller. The Collapse of Afghanistan. Biden Is Blowing It. #SaveOurAllies. The Guam Option. Why The Taliban Don’t Want Women to Read. Asian Jumping Dirt. How You Can Help.

By admin / August 12, 2021

As American troops pull out of Afghanistan, the Taliban is advancing. Quickly. Violence is widespread. And tens of thousands of...

124. Best Of: Lessons On Leadership. Susan Rice, Barry McCaffrey, Mark Hertling, James Stavridis, Chuck Hagel. Top Military and Political Leaders on Independent Politics, America’s Future, Duty, Honor, Service and Leadership.

By admin / July 22, 2021

As summer continues, we’re sharing some of the best moments and guests from over two years of inspiring shows. Ambassador...

119. Wes Moore. Father’s Day Special (REWIND). Candidate For Governor of Maryland, Best-Selling Author and Veteran. On Fatherhood, Leadership, Crime and Inspiration.

By admin / June 17, 2021

As America emerges from the pandemic and summer begins, we’re sharing some of the best from our archives. Wes Moore...

114. Wes Chatham. How The Expanse in 2050 is Like America in 2021. One of the Greatest Denzel Stories You’ll Ever Hear. Drinking vs Smoking. From Navy Petty Officer Third Class to Hollywood Badass. FORs (Friends of Ron Perlman). Liz Cheney vs the GOP.

By admin / May 13, 2021

“Liz Cheney is 1 of only 10 Republican House members who voted to impeach President Mayhem over his role in...

113: Ruben Gallego. Congressman & USMC Veteran. Inside The Capitol On January 6th. Political Mortal Kombat. Majorie Taylor Greene Calls Him a “Coward.” Protecting Allies in Afghanistan. Will He Run Against Sen Kyrsten Sinema? Biden is AWOL on Burn Pits.

By admin / May 6, 2021

Mortal Kombat is a new movie based on the old video game. And now, it’s the #1 film in America....

107: Jake Wood. Reinforcements Are Here. How Team Rubicon Vaccinated 617,000 Americans The Marine Sniper Breaks Down Our Mass Shooting Problem Fighting Domestic Extremism Upstream With Purpose Coping With The Grind Jake’s New Baby Is A Hero

By admin / March 25, 2021

Things are warming up in America. And hope is finally spreading faster than the virus. It looks like the second...

105. Wes Moore. Robin Hood’s CEO on One Year of The Pandemic Coming 2 America, Harry & Meghan & The Expanse How the COVID Child Tax Credit Will Transform America Is Wes Running for Governor? The Murder of 2LT Richard Collins, Extremism & Mountains

By admin / March 11, 2021

As spring finally nears, Independent Americans blooms as your fresh, trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s...

104. Malcolm Nance. The Nostradamus of National Security Returns for a Threat Analysis World Tour. Will Extremists and QAnon Hit Again This Week? Biden Hits Iran, Russia and Saudi Arabia. Fox News’ Laura Ingraham Hits Malcolm. Malcolm hits back.

By admin / March 4, 2021

Independent Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fresh, candid perspective you...

98. Charlotte Clymer Returns. Understanding the End of Trump’s Transgender Military Ban. Vetting Denis McDonough For VA Secretary. Biden’s Busy First Week. The Next Domestic Terrorism Threat.

By admin / January 28, 2021

Maybe you’ve slept better recently knowing that Trump no longer has access to our military. And to our nukes. But...

97. SPECIAL DISPATCH: Wayne Smith. Reflections on Inauguration. “The Oracle” Returns. How We Heal Our Broken Country. The Promise the Future Holds.

By admin / January 22, 2021

We finally have a new president. A president who wants to be a uniter. A president we all hope can...

96. SPECIAL DISPATCH: Dan Lamothe. The Washington Post Pentagon Reporter. BREAKING: 12 National Guard Soldiers Removed from Inauguration Duty. How Safe Is DC? Inside the Military Presence in Washington. Screening 25,000 Troops for Extremism.

By admin / January 20, 2021

This pre-inauguration special installment of The Dispatches features an urgent conversation with a leader who is covering maybe the most...

95. DISPATCH SPECIAL: Jason Dempsey. Are We Facing an American Insurgency? What Violence Is Yet To Come? Impeachment Gut Check.

By admin / January 14, 2021

Most of the American media is looking back. In this episode, we’re looking forward. We are now truly a country at...

94. DISPATCH SPECIAL: Malcolm Nance. Is An Insurgency What Comes Next? America Under Attack.

By admin / January 12, 2021

We are now truly a country at war. At war with the domestic terrorists. At war with the coronavirus. At...

93. Chuck Hagel. Insurrection in America. Terror in the Capitol. President Mayhem blows it all up. All living SecDefs sound the alarm. The Dems take Georgia. What happens next? The former SecDef and Rieckhoff break it down.

By admin / January 7, 2021

America is under attack from within. Domestic terrorists invaded the Capitol. President Mayhem is blowing it all up on his...

89. Admiral James Stavridis. The Brilliant Navy 4-Star and Rieckhoff Break Down the Pandemic, Trump vs the Pentagon, Biden’s Controversial Picks for Veterans Affairs and Defense, The Future of Independent Politics, Cold Martinis and Fiat Convertibles.

By admin / December 11, 2020

The anniversary of the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor was this week. And almost exactly 79 years later, American is...

85. General Barry McCaffrey. Biden Wins. BUT “You should be alarmed”. America in Crisis. Chaos at the Pentagon. Another Secretary of Defense Goes Down. The Most Volatile Veterans Day in our Lifetime. Chappelle and Starting Over.

By admin / November 13, 2020

No matter what Tucker Carlson or your crazy uncle says, Joe Biden defeated Donald Trump in the 2020 election for...

82. Chuck Hagel. The Former Sec. of Defense on Trump, His Relationship with Biden, American Leadership in Crisis, the Future of Independent Politics, the Debate, and Epic Halloween Costumes. From Wounded Army Private in Vietnam to Leading the Pentagon.

By admin / October 23, 2020

“We are solvers of problems--as Americans.” -Chuck Hagel. These are tough times in America. And it’s time to listen to our...

81. Malcolm Nance. What Happens The Day After Election Day? Preparing for Imminent Violence and Domestic Terrorism. President Mayhem vs Chairman of the Joint Chiefs General Milley. Malcolm’s Awesome SCIF, Last Resort, Jericho, Red Dawn and Hannah Montana.

By admin / October 16, 2020

For years now, we’ve all been focused on November 3. 2020. Election Day, 2020. Everyone is understandably obsessed over primaries,...

76. Jason Dempsey, PhD. Trump Calls Troops “Losers” and “Suckers.” Will The Military Save Us? Generals Mattis and Kelly Are Complicit. The 19th Anniversary of 9/11. The Best Peeps Answer Ever.

By admin / September 11, 2020

Trump has been caught by his own words. Demeaning the military, disrespecting our Generals, downplaying the virus, and lying to...

72. General Mark Hertling On The Threats Facing America. The Pandemic, Russia, Trump Yanks Troops From Germany, Unrest in Belarus. Is Kamala Harris Ready to be Commander-in-Chief? President Mayhem vs The Post Office. RIP, College Football 2020.

By admin / August 13, 2020

As the pandemic, the 2020 election and Black Lives Matter protests dominate new headlines, America’s national security is more vulnerable...

70. Montel Williams. The TV Icon and Decorated Veteran on Fighting MS, Trump and Stupidity. Leading on Cannabis Reform. America’s Lack of Discipline. The Wall of Vets. Baseball Bumbles The Reopening.

By admin / July 31, 2020

Trump still refuses to address Russia paying bounties to kill American troops, the pandemic continues to spread across the military...

69. Norman Lear. On His 98th Birthday, the WW II Vet & American Icon on Bountygate, Trump, Biden’s VP, Bloody Marys, Archie Bunker and the Secret to a Good Life. Why Cops Shouldn’t Wear Camouflage. CPT Portland and the Moms vs President Mayhem.

By admin / July 24, 2020

If you’re not angry, you’re not paying attention. And Norman Lear (@TheNormanLear) is understandably angry. [57:52] A true icon and...

65. Charlotte Clymer. Pride Special. From Army Infantry to the Front Lines of Trans Rights. Being Comfortable with Being Uncomfortable. Veterans Affairs Dept Coronavirus Cases Double. NY Was Right. Florida Was Wrong. Rieckhoff’s Zach Galifianakis Story.

By admin / June 26, 2020

Charlotte Clymer (@CMClymer) is a fighter. [1:23:12] An Army veteran and one of the most influential trans activists in the...

63. Wayne Smith. Warrior For Peace. The Funeral of George Floyd. “Defund The Police” vs “Reform the Police”. COVID-19 Hits the DC National Guard. Sec Deaf Yesper Almost Gets Fired. Gen. Milley Apologizes. COPS Gets Cancelled. Banksy is right. #StayFrosty

By admin / June 12, 2020

In this episode, we’ll take a step back from the frontline of our war against the virus to get some...

54. Jake Wood. COVID-19 vs Team Rubicon. Disasters vs Veterans. Navy Secretary Modly vs the USS Theodore Roosevelt and Captain Crozier. The Rapid Spread of Stupid. President Mayhem Won’t Wear a Mask. Sanders is Finally Out. Biden Gets Three Dragons.

By admin / April 9, 2020

The only thing spreading faster in America than coronavirus, is stupid. It started inside the White House, spread to Fox...

52. Flo Groberg. How to be a Hero in the War vs Coronavirus. The Medal of Honor Recipient From Inside Seattle. The Department of Veterans Affairs and Pentagon Get Slammed By COVID19. Cuomo vs Trump for the Soul of America. #StayFrosty

By admin / March 26, 2020

As coronavirus spreads across the world, this fiery pod comes to you from deep inside the two American epicenters of...

51. Colonel Myles B. Caggins III. The US Military Response to Coronavirus. How the Dept of Defense And Dept of Veterans Affairs Can Help Save Lives. Facing Rocket Attacks and COVID-19 in Iraq. Crisis Communication 101. Stay Frosty.

By admin / March 19, 2020

How is the US military tackling COVID-19? How are they testing our troops deployed in combat? As the pandemic hits,...

50. Chris Fussell. The Navy SEAL Commander on Leadership in Chaos. How To Prepare for Coronavirus. Fighting Al Qaeda Prepared Us To Fight Coronavirus. Does America Need a Draft? Guarding the Castle. The Risks of Hero Worship. Beware the Mailbox Syndrome.

By admin / March 12, 2020

As America scrambles to face the unprecedented chaos of coronavirus and the upheaval of the 2020 election, this episode features...

37. Pete Buttigieg. Reaction To The Afghanistan Papers. Mayor Pete’s Favorite Drink. His Unexpected Navy Recruiter Story. Arabic Not Aerobics. A President Who’s Not a Parent. What To Do When Your Dog Eats Chocolate. Army vs Navy

By admin / December 12, 2019

South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg (@PeteButtigieg) is a political sensation, now topping polls in Iowa and New Hampshire. If...

34. Aaron Mankin. Losing Your Face in Combat. Debating Sara Huckabee Sanders in High School. How to Survive 70 Surgeries. Aaron’s Playboy Mansion Story. Scars Are Not Forever. Colonel Vindman Under Attack. Impeachment Engulfs Trump.

By admin / November 21, 2019

In 2005 in Iraq, the assault vehicle Marine Corporal Aaron Mankin [56:40] was riding in was hit by a devastating...

33. David Bellavia. The Sole Living Medal of Honor Recipient of the Iraq War. Combat is Not Like The Movies. The Future of the Republican Party. Protesting Trump at the Veterans Day Parade. The Impeachment War Begins.

By admin / November 14, 2019

David Bellavia @DavidBellavia2 [54:17] is the sole living Congressional Medal of Honor Recipient to have served in the Iraq War....

32. Bob Woodruff. The Meaning of Veterans Day. Trump Crashes Our Parade. Standing Up For Heroes. Living with Real Rocks in Your Head. Journalism in the Line of Fire. 36 Days in a Coma. Booing the President.

By admin / November 7, 2019

Bob Woodruff (@BobWoodruff) is a true American hero. A walking miracle. And one of the greatest advocates in America for...

31. James LaPorta EXCLUSIVE. The Newsweek Reporter Who Broke the Baghdadi Story. Conan the Special Forces Dog. Defending Colonel Vindman. #RudyButtDial: The Next Chapter. Inside NBC’s This is Us. Trump’s Halloween Scariness.

By admin / October 31, 2019

What’s it like to be the reporter who broke the story that US Special Forces had killed ISIS leader Abū...

30. Tulsi Gabbard. The Most Controversial Candidate Not Named Trump. A Warrior for Peace. Clashing with Hillary Clinton. Clashing with Trump. Clashing with Democrats. Syria Spirals Downward. #OurEnemiesAreCelebrating.

By admin / October 24, 2019

Inspirational leader or political spoiler? Super Hero or Bond villain? How you see controversial Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (@TulsiGabbard) depends on...