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  Summer is officially here and things are getting hot. Too hot. From the assassination of state legislators in Minnesota last week to a potential hot war with Iran to more and more troops deployed into American streets, this is one of the tensest times anyone can remember. And in tense times it’s good to get a little perspective. And we’ve got the perfect guest to dish it out. Sebastian Junger returns and he’s not holding anything back. He’s been on the show five times and he’s one of host Paul Rieckhoff’s favorite conversations every time.  The best selling author and award winning documentary film maker returns to tear into all of the latest news and headlines. From LA to Ukraine and everywhere in between. It’s an honest and heartfelt deep dive into what it means to be a man, a dad, a patriot and an American in 2025. It’s a wide ranging discussion and it’s the kind of content you can only get here.  America is at a crossroads. Conversations like this can help us pick the right path forward. Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  Sebastian’s previous appearances: Episode 310 – Dec. 5, 2024 Episode 250 – Nov. 9, 2023 Episode 207 – Jan. 25, 2023 Episode 116 – May. 27, 2021 Episode 100 – Feb. 4, 2021 -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and all of the IVA candidates.  –WATCH video of Paul and Sebastian’s conversation. –NEW! Watch video of the full episode. –Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff

  We’re only six months into Trump 2.0 and things are getting bad fast. He was looking for a fight. And he found it. Unrest in Los Angeles has been met with a mobilization of troops that few predicted. But your host, Paul Rieckhoff, did.  For five years we’ve been sounding the alarm. Thinking the unthinkable—that has often come true. From COVID, to Trump refusing to leave office, to the January 6th insurrection, to armed violence and now troops in the streets—-this is one episode you can’t afford to miss. And in times like these you need to hear from voices of experience, voices of calm, and voices of reason. Barbara Starr is all that and more and she joins Paul for a no bullshit look at where we are—and where we are going. She’s a renowned journalist, an Emmy award winning producer, and a former CNN Pentagon correspondent. She spent 21 years reporting from hotspots including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, the Horn of Africa and the Chinese-North Korean border and is one of the most recognizable faces in conflict reporting. She’s reported extensively on fallen and wounded troops, as well as the plight of homeless veterans. She’s seen and covered it all. She’s one of the best in the business and there isn’t anybody else we’d rather talk to about all of it. So as the world turns increasingly chaotic and dangerous, take a couple minutes to listen to this conversation, get yourself smarter and get ready for what comes next. Buckle up. And welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 338. Every episode is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 51% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  –Watch Barbara’s previous appearance in episode 308. -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and all of the IVA candidates.  –WATCH video of Paul and Barbara’s conversation. –NEW! Watch video of the full episode. –Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Social channels: X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  America needs leaders. And leaders are in short supply. That seems to be the case in Washington at least. Whether it’s Pete Hegseth’s ongoing hateful attacks on the LGBTQ service members under his command or his self aggrandizing ad or the ongoing chaos at the Pentagon, none of it is efficient and none of it is making any of us any safer. America needs leaders. They’re out there. And more and more frequently they aren’t claiming either political party. Independent leaders we’ve profiled in recent episodes. Independent leaders like Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, independent candidate for Senate from South Dakota Brian Bengs, Independent candidate for Mayor of New York Jim Walden. The future is independent—and chances are good that you’re going to hear from those leaders of the future here, first. That includes Chattanooga, Tennessee Mayor Tim Kelly. He’s just gotten reelected for a second term by a huge margin. And that’s in large part because he’s getting hard things done. Housing, crime, community relations and making the trains run on time. And, fixing potholes! He’s also bringing business, international sports and excitement to this important crossroads American city. Much of what Kelly had been doing and saying in Chattanooga could be a model for the rest of America. And he could be running for higher office one day down the line.  Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 337. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  –Learn more about Mayor Kelly’s One Chattanooga plan.  –WATCH video of Paul and Mayor Kelly’s conversation. –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. –Watch Paul on MSNBC with the top pitcher for Ukraine’s national baseball team that is touring the US now.  -Visit AmericanVeteransForUkraine.org and join the fight. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Summer is almost officially here and things are already heating up. From the increasing pressure from Republicans to back Ukraine (a massive win for everyone) to Trump’s new half-baked “Golden Dome” defense system to another horrific antisemitic attack on two Israeli embassy staffers in DC, your fearless and always independent host Paul Rieckhoff has you covered. And as the onslaught of crazy news continues to drop, it’s easy to lose sight of the wins. To forget about the small victories that keep you during the hard times. And so it seemed like the perfect moment to bring back a returning champion. He’s one of the most prominent independents in the country—and his national profile is continuing to grow. Mayor Yemi Mobolade is back and he’s here to check in and let you know how it’s going—and what he thinks about the future of the movement and the challenges and opportunities the times are presenting. It’s a deep look at the state of the independent movement, at what is happening in cities nationwide as Trump continues to expand his reach (especially on immigration), and maybe most importantly, at what is possible for independent political leaders. It’s the kind of conversation you’re only going to get here. Welcome to the beginning of the Summer of 2025. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 336. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  Previous appearances by Mayor Mobolade: Episode 228 – June 22, 2023 and Episode 277 – April 28, 2024 -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  –WATCH video of Paul and Yemi’s conversation. –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Be a helper and help honor the inspiring life of Baby Bronx. -Visit AmericanVeteransForUkraine.org and join the fight. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  335. Bonnie Carroll. A Special Memorial Day Conversation with ‘Saint Bonnie’. It’s Memorial Day Every Day in Ukraine. Ben (Not Jerry) Manhandled in DC. Noem’s Immigration Hunger Games. Hegseth’s Afghanistan Witch Hunt. VA Sec Collins Continues to Spin.  It’s Fleet Week in New York City. The Knicks are in the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time in decades, the Yankees are in first in their division. It’s a good time to be in New York. But this week as we head into Memorial Day weekend, there are a lot of reasons for you to stay vigilant. From Trump’s ridiculous and shameful performance with the visiting South African president, to SECDEF Pete Hegseth’s latest announcement of a sham inquiry into the Afghan debacle, to Deceptive Doug Collins spinning his way through the VA , it’s a time we could all use a helper. And this episode’s guest is a true helper. Bonnie Carroll (@Bonnie_at_TAPS) has helped to guide countless people through their worst days. Along with the amazing volunteers that she works with at TAPS, Bonnie helps the survivors learn to carry the burden of their grief.  It’s a conversation that will move you. Will inspire you. And it might just surprise you. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 335. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 42% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  Previous appearances: Episode 60 – May 2020, Episode 172 – May 2022 and Episode 282 from May 2024. – Support TAPS and their efforts to help bereaved families. -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  –WATCH video of Paul and Bonnie’s conversation. –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Visit AmericanVeteransForUkraine.org and join the fight. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  There’s a spirit that’s sweeping across America. A growing desire for change. The system is broken. You know, we know it. And it’s kind of starting to feel like everybody knows it. So when the DOGE axe was going to come down on his group of rangers, he started planning. And even though he was later protected from being fired because he was a veteran, the fear and uncertainty didn’t sit with him. Retired Air Force Colonel Brian Bengs (@BrianBengs) is setting out to bring an independent voice to Washington and to protect the place he calls home. He ran before, and was urged to run as a Democrat. You’ll hear how he regrets that move and how it closes doors in the states where Democrats can’t win. States like South Dakota where he lives. States like Nebraska where Dan Osborn made his run at it. And in red states nationwide. It’s the second conversation in our “2025 Meet The Independent Candidates” series. And it’s one you don’t want to miss. It’s a refreshing dose of independence and inspiration you probably need after all of the other crazy news of the last week. And we cover all of that too. Because if it’s related to National Security and veterans, we’ve got you covered. From a chance for peace in Ukraine to Trump’s absurdly corrupt new plane, the hits keep coming. And your host Paul Rieckhoff is there to cover it all—while taking you on a walk through Lower Manhattan in the rain. Including a stop the September 11th Memorial. No other podcast is like this. There’s a movement sweeping across the heartland of America, and it ain’t red or blue. It’s independent. Welcome to Independent Americans Episode 334. –Be sure to watch and subscribe on our YouTube page here. –Check out Brian Bengs campaign website here. -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon. –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch in time for Father’s Day. Ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Social channels: X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This show is dedicated to helping elevate the heroes and the helpers. And to identifying the people in our government and political arena that don’t live up to either of those descriptions. From the consistent cruelty of the Trump administration’s attacks on our values and, now, our allies, to our national security being continually degraded by the gutting of the Pentagon ranks, the volume of outrageousness is increasing and the hits keep coming. But every once in a while, even in Washington, there is a brave and bold individual willing to stand up for what’s right. If you’ve listened to the show you know that the Democrats will not save you. But that doesn’t mean they can’t help. That they can’t be a part of the solution. And that’s what today’s guest wants to do. Senator Ruben Gallego (@RubenGallego) hails from the great state of Arizona. He served as a Marine, as a Congressman and now he’s a Senator—and his ambitions might even extend beyond that horizon. But for now, he’s taking a stand and making an impact. And most importantly, he’s fighting back. Against Trump, and for veterans and the good people of his state. And before the conversation starts, Paul Rieckhoff’s gonna take you on a fun and illuminating walk through historic Union Square in NYC to run through the latest chaos at Pete Hegseth’s Pentagon, Trump firing Mike Waltz and crapping in Canada, the Supreme Court ruling on the trans purge, RFK Jr messing up healthcare for 9/11 First Responders, VA Secretary Collins spinning, and why the surging New York Knicks can teach America a thing or two. It’s an inspiring episode that just might leave you a little more hopeful than you were before you started. So buckle up for Episode 333 folks. And enjoy the ride. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. Independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve–and stay vigilant. Past appearance from Senator Gallego: Episode 113 – May 6, 2021 and Episode 211 – Feb. 23, 2023 Be sure to check out the show now on our YouTube page here. –Watch the full episode here. –Watch the interview here. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know. –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours. -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season. -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm. Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.

  We’ve got another great episode with a returning guest. And another big screw up by a returning screw up. That’s right, the Hegseth hits keep coming and at this point it’s a little hard to tell which one is the worst. From Signalgate to the briefing of Elon on our China war plans (remember that one?!) to a latest Signal chat group which includes his wife in briefings of the most top secret nature possible. It’s another day, another fiasco for the world’s worst SECDEF. Trump’s first hundred days have seen countless terrible days for Pete Hegseth. And therefore, for all of us.  And Paul’s gonna take you on a walk through midtown Manhattan and into Central Park on a beautiful spring evening to tear into all of. Including the latest on Ukraine, why the DOJ is being weaponized in a whole new way, why Saquon Barkley is off our Christmas card list and why conspiracy peddling Laura Loomer decided to attack Paul on Twitter/X/Elon’s demented digital playpen.  And we’ve got a fantastic returning guest to break it all down. The vigilant reporter that’s tracking all scandals down for the Washington Post. Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) is back and he’s one of the best military and Pentagon reporters in America. He has written about the US Armed Forces for more than a decade, traveling extensively, embedding with each service, and covering combat in Afghanistan numerous times. He’s the real deal and if you’ve heard him on the show before you know why we’re always so happy to have him back on. Nobody stays on top of all things military more than Dan and you can only go this deep with a host with the chops to dig into all of it. 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 news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. Independent content for independent Americans. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve–and stay vigilant.  Past appearances by Dan Lamothe: Episode 96, Episode 154, Episode 185, Episode 206, Episode 245 and Episode 318. Be sure to check out the show now on our YouTube page here. –Watch the full episode here. –Watch the interview here. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.

  We’ve got a great bonus pod for you to check out as Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff joined Charlie Sykes for a spirited, no-holds-barred deep dive into everything happening with Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, SignalGate and the danger we all face now with this inept leadership at the helm. They explore how a Fox News persona ended up with the nukes, what it means for U.S. national security, and why even Trumpworld is starting to panic. Plus, signs of resistance from Harvard, independent veterans, and the surprising impact of punching the bully in the nose. It’s a hard-hitting no bullshit look at everything happening in and around the turmoil at the Pentagon. AND, the backstory and history you’ve probably never heard before.  From Charlie Syke’s To The Contrary Podcast: Paul Rieckhoff: Why Hegseth Has to Go Pity the poor parodists. How can they possibly compete in a world where this is an actual headline: “Hegseth orders makeup studio installed at Pentagon?” Or this: “Hegseth had Signal messaging app installed on an office computer”? On today’s “To the Contrary” Podcast, Paul Rieckhoff and I discuss the witless reign of the chode installed by Donald Trump as Secretary of Defense — and speculate about his fate. Paul is the founder of Independent Veterans of America and the host of the “Independent Americans” podcast.  Be sure to check it out on our YouTube page here. -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining our IA community on Patreon.  –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. –Check out Charlie’s To The Contrary Substack here. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch in time for Easter, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.