March 2021 – Independent Americans

Things are warming up in America. And hope is finally spreading faster than the virus. It looks like the second half of 2021 will be a whole lot better than the last year. That’s thanks to the dramatic increase in focus, coordination and teamwork. It’s also thanks to courageous leaders like Jake Wood (@JakeWoodTR)–social entrepreneur, Marine Corps combat veteran, author and CEO of the disaster relief powerhouse non-profit Team Rubicon. Jake at the start of the pandemic in Episode 54. One year later, he’s back–and leading a massive effort that has administered 617,649 vaccines nationwide and counting. He launched the Veterans Coalition for Vaccination (VIC). Vaccinating over half a million people in places from Navajo Nation in Kayenta, Arizona to inner city Chicago, the unity of the six of the nation’s top veteran organizations—Team Rubicon, the Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Student Veterans of America (SVA), Team Red, White & Blue, The Mission Continues, and Wounded Warrior Project—is a model for American unity. Unitedunder Jake’s leadership, these groups have more than a million veterans at their disposal and created an unprecedented coalition to overcome geographic and socioeconomic barriers and get vaccinations to hundreds of thousands. Things are getting better in much of America. But it’s not all roses. A new mass shooting happened in Colorado, the FBI is still hunting down insurrectionists, domestic extremism threats are on the rise–and there is still tremendous misformation preventing millions from getting vaccinated. Jake joins Independent Americans and our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a blunt and inspiring conversation about the most urgent issues facing us all. The former Marine Corp sniper and a gun owner breaks down shootings from a place of deep experience. He’s also a father of a newborn baby girl that faced down dangerous and harrowing heart surgery just days after being born. Jake opens up about what that was like—and what he learned. And the two renowned combat vets rip into how America can find a better future and how to stay strong–even when you’re tired and exhausted. As we all push through the exhaustion of a year of the pandemic, Independent Americans is bringing you more information and inspiration to help you and yours power into a brighter second half of 2021 and whatever comes next. America is still deeply divided. But Independent Americans is a powerful jolt of reason that adds light to contrast all the heat of other political shows. Every show brings the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact–and leaves you empowered and informed. If you’re among the 40% of Americans who are independent, this is your show. If you’re a Republican or Democrat–but not a die-hard partisan–this is your show. If you’re a concerned citizen who cares about the future of your country, this is your show. All are welcome. We invite you to be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by becoming a member of the Independent Americans Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts and exclusive content. Go check out our very cool new IA merch! Durable camping mugs, cool hats and more. You can also see video of this conversation with Jake Wood and over 100 leaders from Chuck D to Chuck Hagel; Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on your favorite social media platforms and www.IndependentAmericans.us. And stay vigilant, America. Watch video of this full conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we finally spring ahead and March Madness begins, Independent Americans is the #1 seed in your bracket for fresh, independent news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a no-BS perspective you won’t find anywhere else in the media. One that always dominates the paint on national security, foreign affairs, leadership, and social impact. March Madness is here. But not just the basketball tournament. Schools are reopening, millions are getting the vaccine, and help from the government is on the way. But the final score of America’s biggest game is still undecided. Texas is still recovering from it’s lights going out, Biden has called Putin a “killer” and put new sanctions on Russia, and a young white white man murdered six Asian American women in a brutal Atlanta shooting spree. March came in like a lion–and is not letting up. And we have a pod—and an inspiring and experienced guest–to help you through to the final buzzer. Bianna Golodryga (@BiannaGolodryga) has been a thoughtful and trusted fixture in the media for two decades. She is CNN’s dynamic Global Affairs analyst, an expert on Russia, a native Texan, a mother, an inspiring American immigration story, and a huge basketball fan. She’s been co-host of CBS “This Morning”, co-host of ABC’s “Good Morning America”, and an anchor for Yahoo News. After migrating to the US as a child from Moldova, in the former Soviet Union, Bianna grew up in Houston as a Rockets fan, and started her journalism career as a producer for CNBC. She’s interviewed newsmakers including President Clinton, Condoleezza Rice and Warren Buffett. She also went to High School with Beyonce and Estaban Powell from the Texas classic, Dazed and Confused. Bianna joins Independent Americans and our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a smart and fun conversation about the most urgent issues in America. They power through the spin and complexity, and post up on how to survive hard times, parenting in the pandemic, and the importance of caffeine. And Rieckhoff shares what it was like to take one of the biggest shots of his life: the COVID-19 vaccine. It’s a fast-paced conversation between Rieckhoff and another iconic, important and inspiring American. The kind of conversation with a thought-leader that has defined Independent Americans for almost two years. It’s the perfect podcast to guide you through the madness and into the most anticipated spring of our lifetime. America is more divided than ever. But Independent Americans adds light to contrast all the heat of other political shows. Every show brings the Righteous Media 5 I’s: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact–and leaves you empowered and inspired. If you’re among the 40% of Americans who are independent, this is your show. If you’re a Republican or Democrat–but not a die-hard partisan–this is your show. If you’re a concerned citizen who cares about the future of your country, this is your show. All are welcome. We invite you to be a part of the solution. Join us for exclusive access and events by becoming a member of the Independent Americans Patreon community. Get access to events, guests, merch discounts and exclusive content. And be sure to check out our very cool new IA merch! Durable camping mugs, cool hats and more. You can also see video of this conversation with Bianna Golodryga and over 100 leaders from Chuck D to Chuck Hagel; Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on your favorite social media platforms and www.IndependentAmericans.us. And stay vigilant, America. Watch this full conversation: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As spring finally nears, Independent Americans blooms as your fresh, trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, dynamic perspective you won’t find anywhere else in the media. And one that’s always grounded in a focus on national security, leadership and social impact. The weather is getting warmer. The vaccine is coming. Spring is coming. And Wes Moore is back! After a brutal winter, the hope of spring is blooming across the country. And it’s the perfect time to bring back one of our most popular guests ever. Wes Moore (@iamWesMoore) returns for an extended, candid conversation about the most pressing issues in America. An inspiring force for good and one of the most exciting thought-leaders in America, Wes is a best-selling author, father, activist, combat veteran and the CEO of poverty-fighting juggernaut Robin Hood. He joined us back in Episode 6–and he’s back now to give you hope. He talks about his decision to leave Robin Hood, his work to demand justice for murdered Army 2LT Richard Collins, changes at his alma matter, Johns Hopkins, the painful loss of a friend to suicide, and his recent announcement that he’s considering a run for Governor of Maryland. His best-selling book, The Other Wes Moore describes his rise from inner city Baltimore to a Rhodes Scholarship, and is a phenomenon that will soon be a movie produced by Oprah. The combat veteran and regular on Morning Joe joins Independent Americans and his old buddy, fellow activist and veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for an insightful conversation about the pandemic after year one, how poverty, education and health needs have skyrocketed, and what the expansion of the child tax credit in the new COVID relief bill could mean for you. Wes and Paul also dig into Coming 2 America, and the Meghan and Harry interview, and what they both reveal about race and change in America. It’s a fun and fast-moving conversation between Rieckhoff and another iconic, important and inspiring American. The kind of conversation between two renowned thought-leaders that has defined Independent Americans for almost two years. It’s the perfect episode to help you through the final days of winter-and launch you into an exciting spring we’ve all been working for. America is more divided than ever before. But Independent Americans adds light to contrast all the heat of other political shows. 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 determining what America will be. If you’re among the 40% of Americans who are independent, this is your show. If you’re a Republican or Democrat , but you’re not a die-hard partisan, this is your show. If you’re a concerned citizen who cares about the future of your country, this is your show. All are welcome. We invite you to be a part of the solution. And join us for exclusive access and events by becoming a member of the Independent Americans Patreon community. For $5, get access to events, guests, merch discounts and exclusive content. You can also see video of this conversation with Wes Moore and over 100 episodes with leaders from Chuck D to Chuck Hagel; Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Stay vigilant, America. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. On the web: https://IndependentAmericans.us Twitter: https://twitter.com/indy_americans Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Watch the Conversation:

Independent Americans is your trusted, independent source for news, politics, culture and inspiration. It’s a smart, fresh, candid perspective you won’t find anywhere else in the media. And we’ll always be grounded in a focus on national security, foreign affairs and domestic threats. Despite the lack of media coverage, America is still very much at war. While the rest of the media obsesses over Trump’s CPAC appearance, Ted Cruz’s travel, and changes to Mr Potato Head and Dr Seuss, we’re digging into the real and urgent threats facing you, your family and our country. Why are defense leaders guarding against extremists strikes again this week on/around March 4th? Why that date? What’s the story behind the recent missile strikes in Syria ordered by Biden? What will happen next with Russia after new sanctions? With our country slammed by COVID, will our enemies use this opportunity to strike? Where’s the next hot spot in the world for the US military? Why did Laura Ingraham and Fox News put a target on the back of one of our frequent guests and a decorated Navy veteran? Our host, Army combat veteran and author Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is bringing his extensive national security and political expertise to focus this vital episode on the under-reported national security threats that should keep all Americans up at night. It’s a look into the stories that aren’t on the front pages, but probably should be. And we’re doing a rapid-fire tour of the global landscape with one of our most popular guests of all time: Malcolm Nance (@MalcolmNance). America’s favorite terrorism expert, Malcolm is a decorated military veteran, an astute analyst, and a truth teller, MSNBC’s Terrorism Analysts and a NY Times Bestselling author, the retired Navy Master Chief served as a specialist in Naval Cryptology and was involved in counter-terrorism, intelligence, and combat operations around the world and served as an instructor in Survival, Evasion, Resistance and Escape (SERE) training. He’s also one of the most interesting guys anywhere. The man has stories–and enemies foreign and domestic. That now includes Fox News primetime host, Laura Ingraham. Last fall, Malcolm joined this show and predicted the kind of post-election violence we saw in Washington on January 6th. Back in Episode 13 and Episode 94, he also predicted national security threats to come. And he joins Independent Americans again now to share some new predictions. America is more divided than ever before. But Independent Americans is adding light to contrast all the heat of other political shows. 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. And join us for exclusive access and events by becoming a member of the Independent Americans Patreon community. For just $5, you get access to events, our guests, merch discounts and exclusive content. You can also see video of this conversation with Malcolm Nance and over 100 episodes with leaders from Chuck D to Chuck Hagel; Sarah Jessica Parker to Meghan McCain; Stephen Colbert to Mayor Pete Buttigieg on the Righteous YouTube page. Independent Americans connects, informs and inspires–and is powered by Righteous Media. Stay vigilant, America. On the web: https://IndependentAmericans.us Twitter: https://twitter.com/indy_americans Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrlrGIJcmgIsJQgOR1ev-ew Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Month: March 2021

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

106: Bianna Golodryga. Should Schools Reopen Now? How Texas Represents the Future of America (Good and Bad). Breaking Down Russia, Putin, Navalny and What’s Next. March Madness, the Advantages of Running and One Shining Moment.

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

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.