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

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 ...

181. Senator Jon Tester. The Montana Maverick. PACT Act Fuckery. Roe’s Impact on Veterans. Will the VA Ever Change Its Sexist Motto? Dr. Ronny Jackson Then and Now. Farmers, Basketball, Yellowstone, French Toast and Choco Tacos.

adminJuly 28, 2022Episodes(0)

Summer is supposed to be a time to chill, relax and enjoy life. And we’re all trying to do that. But the threats and challenges and wars and insurrectionists and viruses don’t take summers off. As our host, Paul Rieckhoff @PaulRieckhoff) just found out the hard way. After two years of dodging it like Neo ...

180. Bradley Whitford. Milo Ventimiglia. Arian Moayed. The Stars Of ‘The Handmaid’s Tale‘, ‘Succession’ and ‘This Is Us’ Up Close and Personal. Special Summer Bonus Content Episode.

adminJuly 21, 2022Episodes(0)

This is a time for stars to shine. And the biggest stars of all, are also the helpers. The helpers continue to emerge. After Uvalde. After Highland Park. After every Jan 6 hearing. The helpers are out there. And we’ve had some big stars of our own on this show. Sarah Jessica Parker. Steven Colbert. ...

179. Defining Independents. Congressman Adam Kinzinger. Tavis Smiley. Michael Smerconish. Evan McMullin. John Opdycke. Lindsay Church. The Search for a New Direction for America.

adminJuly 14, 2022Episodes(0)

Over the years we’ve brought you some of the best voices on the biggest subjects. From Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg to Rachel Maddow the guests have been important voices to hear from at critical times for our country. And this year we’ve taken some time away from the usual dumpster fire of partisan news ...

178. Amy McGrath. Former Marine Corps Fighter Pilot and Senate Candidate on Top Gun: Maverick vs The Original, Gun Violence, Roe’s Impact on Troops & Vets, Operation Liberty, Ukraine’s Air War, Rand Paul and Kentucky Politics, Rex Chapman for Senate?

adminJuly 7, 2022Episodes(0)

As the summer heats up and we all plummet headlong into the danger zone, we’ve got the real Top Gun. The real Maverick (actually, call sign Krusty). The fighter pilot that went head-to-head with al Qaeda and the Taliban, and then came home to go head-to-head with Mitch McConnell. Marine Corps fighter pilot Amy McGrath ...

177. Lindsay Church. Roe’s Impact on the Military & Veterans. Independents/Independence Day. Pride 2022: LGBTQ Americans Under Attack. Jan 6 Hearings Get Crazy. The Supreme Court Gets One Right for Vets. Sean Penn, NATO & Rage Against The Machine.

adminJune 30, 2022Episodes(0)

On this Independence Day 2022, everything is different now. It’s a very dark moment in American history. And Friday, June 24, 2022 was a very dark day. So this July 4th, after the overturning of Roe vs Wade, hundreds of millions of Americans aren’t feeling like they have much independence right now. In this episode, ...

176. Joe Walsh. GOP Tea Party Congressman Turned Anti-Trump Independent. The Republican Base is RadicalIzed. Beating Trumpism. Why Democrats Suck. Who is the Independent Trump, Obama or Zelensky? Populism: Good or Bad? The Gun Bill and The Midterms.

adminJune 23, 2022Episodes(0)

This is a fiery episode. Veterans lungs are on fire. America’s forests are on fire. Our conversations are on fire. Children and black people and LGBTQ people are UNDER FIRE. The United States is on fire. Our country is burning in ways big and small. And the country is dying, literally, for leaders who can ...

175. Summer Situation Report Special. The January 6 Hearings. Ukraine Plays Mother-May-I. Democrats Popularity Tanks as Inflation Soars. 23 Senators Vote No on Veterans. More Closed Primaries. Squid Game America, March For Our Lives and John Cena.

adminJune 16, 2022Episodes(0)

The battle on January 6th, 2021 was one that the good guys and gals won. Thankfully. Heroes like Officer Caroline Edwards sacrificed their bodies, their futures, and their lives, to win that battle. They successfully defended The US Capitol that day. They defended our country. And after the first few hearings held by the ...

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...