Author: admin

The holidays are here and we’re taking a much needed break, but we wanted to leave you one more holiday gift before we left. It’s a special episode from our archives and it’s one that means a lot to us. We’re rewinding things all of the way back to fall of 2022, right before the midterms. 
It was a time when we needed to hear a voice of reason. Someone to ground us. To calm us all down with some sobering reality. Some history. Some perspective. And some wisdom. 
Ken Burns (@KenBurns) is a truly important, inspiring and iconic American who is shaping what America has been, what it is, and what it will be. He is an exceptionally wise, insightful and trusted leader. A man who understands history–and the historic nature of the times.
He’s the visionary mastermind behind the greatest stories of our country—of our people–of our history—and of our future. The Civil War (1990), Baseball (1994), Jazz (2001), The War (2007), The National Parks: America’s Best Idea (2009), Prohibition (2011), The Roosevelts (2014), The Vietnam War (2017), and Country Music, and now, The US and the Holocaust–a new six-and-half-hour documentary directed and produced by Ken Burns and his longtime partners Lynn Novick and Sarah Botstein. They describe it as a deep dive into “America’s response to one of the greatest humanitarian crises in history.” He’s also the author of the new book, Our America: A Photographic History. 
He’s a historian. He’s a documentarian. He’s a master storyteller. He’s a patriot. He’s our mirror. And he’s a conscience for us all. 
Have a great holiday and we’ll be back next week with another great look back before we return in 2025 with all new episodes.
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. And delivers the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. 
-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. 
– WATCH video of Paul and Ken’s conversation here.
-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours. 
-Find us on social media or 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. America’s next great independent media company.

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
TuneIn Radio: https://tunein.com/podcasts/News–Politics-Podcasts/Independent-Americans-p1214607/
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/

The holidays are here and for long-time listeners, that means one thing and one thing only. The legend! The iconic actor who played George Constanza on Seinfeld–friend of this show—conscience for America—and American icon: Jason Alexander (@IJasonAlexander) is back for his annual Festivus visit and it’s every bit as epic as you’ve come to expect!
Yes, friends, FESTIVUS is back! 
A Festivus for the rest of us. 
And this year Jason is bringing a bag full of goodies to help you navigate the turbulent times 2025 is certain to bring. It’s a perfect way to wrap up 2024 and a great listen for you and your whole family as you head over the river and through the woods.
2024 has been a crazy year. And 2025 will be no different. But we’re bringing light not heat and we’re bringing the conversations you want and the news you need. Every guest on this show has shaped America’s past, is impacting America’s present, and is driving America’s future. And Jason continues to help us understand ourselves, our past, and our future. 
He is of course best known for his role as George Costanza in maybe the greatest television series of all time, Seinfeld. He was nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. He won a Tony Award. And he’s a truly inspiring, fascinating and entertaining man. 
And Paul is breaking down drone madness, the “debate” over vaccines, the Army Navy game political post-game review, the defense bill nobody’s paying attention to, and the trials of a parent playing Elf on the Shelf!
Skip the cable news and partisan spin and get your weekly dose of independent vigilance. 
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. 
Previous Jason Alexander Festivus appearances:
December 28, 2023 – Episode 259
December 19, 2019 – Episode 38
December 18, 2020 – Episode 90  
Dec. 15, 2022 – Episode 201
-Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and reach out if you’re interested in running in 2025 or 2026. 
-WATCH video of Paul and Jason’s conversation on our YouTube channel.
-Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra exclusive 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 www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA 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
TuneIn Radio: https://tunein.com/podcasts/News–Politics-Podcasts/Independent-Americans-p1214607/
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/

Leo Shane III (@LeoShane) understands the intersection of politics and the military better than almost anybody. He’s covered Capitol Hill and the White House bureau chief for the Military Times for 20 years and has countless awards for his commitment to his craft and tireless dedication and outstanding reporting. He’s an inspiring journalist who has stood alongside veterans for decades as an ally and truth teller. His reporting has led to reforms for how the military deals with journalists and he has shown light in places where light was sorely needed. He’s here to break it all down with your host, Paul Rieckhoff, and it’s another wild week of national security news. From the arrest of the United Healthcare CEO’s shooter to the acquittal of Daniel Penny in New York it’s been a wild ride and we’re hitting all of it with the no holds barred style you’ve come to expect. It’s a dose of reality the cable news spin machine doesn’t want you to hear and you can only get it here.  Skip the cable news and partisan spin and get your weekly dose of independent vigilance.  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.  -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and reach out if you’re interested in running in 2025 or 2026.  –WATCH video of Paul and Leo’s conversation on our YouTube channel. –Support the family of Eddy Schrank by making a donation here. –Eddy Schrank’s obituary.  –Eddy singing the National Anthem. –Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra exclusive 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

December has already been crazy. But it may feel like the calm before the storm once we get to January. With less than 60 days until Trump’s inauguration, the news, chaos and controversy is taking no holiday break. And we’ve got the perfect returning guest to help us make sense of all of it. And anticipate what may come next. Best-selling author Sebastian Junger is a powerful, thoughtful and trusted conscience for America. His books and films explore the heart of our past, present and future. From The Perfect Storm, to War, to Tribe, to Freedom, to Restrepo, to his newest, In My Time of Dying, Sebastian Junger explores what it means to be American and his key takeaways from the election. With our nation divided as a crossroads, his wisdom-filled voice is invaluable to all Americans–and especially to independents.  Sebastian reacts to Trump’s cabinet nominees, rips into why he thinks the Democrats and Harris failed, and takes us behind the scenes of an appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience. It’s a raw, insightful and important conversation you don’t wanna miss.  And our host, Paul Rieckhoff, pulls no punches–per usual. Before the conversation with Sebastian, he independently digs into the latest controversial Trump nominations, shares below-the-radar news from the battlefields of Ukraine and Syria, analyzes the crumbling nomination of Pete Hegseth for Secretary of Defense, and highlights the one Senator that might be key. He also updates us on the squeaker of a final race called this week featuring an Independent Veterans of America-endorsed candidate. And, finally he reflects on this extremely unusual holiday and shares a new favorite family film.  Skip the cable news and partisan spin and get your weekly dose of independent vigilance.  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.  Previous Sebastian Junger appearances: Episode 116 – May 27, 2021 Episode 207 – January 6, 2023 Episode 250 – November 9, 2023 -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and reach out if you’re interested in running in 2025 or 2026.  –WATCH video of Paul and Sebastian’s conversation on our YouTube channel. –Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra exclusive 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 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has been a very stressful fall in America. For everyone. The election has left us all exhausted and exasperated. Especially independents stuck in the middle of the partisan madness. And whether your guy won, your gal lost, or you’re feeling like we’re all losing our damn minds–we got you. It’s a good time to take a step back from the cable news nonsense, shut off the social media, reflect on the madness, prepare for the madness that’s sure to come, and to be thankful.  So before/as you head into the Thanksgiving break, grab a quick, healthy and soothing helping of independent Thanksgiving perspective with our host, Paul Rieckhoff. He’s been all over the media for the last few weeks helping America (and the world) understand this unprecedenteded moment. And what’s coming next. Including a sneak preview of some big guests coming up next month. He’ll serve up a big heaping helping of holiday perspective on the Matt Gaetz implosion, the continuing Hegseth controversy, the rise of Joe Rogan and Elon Musk, and all the fights arond the fights. He’ll tell you about an urgent story or two you may have missed, give you some independent perspective on the latest Trump cabinet nominations, and share reasons to be hopeful. Welcome to the independent Thanksgiving family table. Gobble gobble!  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.  -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and check out their election tracker to follow all of the IVA candidates.  –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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The flood of emotions, political news and outrageous Trump cabinet nominees continues. And so do the potential threats to our country. Trump wants to deploy US troops to remove migrants. A controversial SecDef nominee wants to ban women in combat (while they’re in combat now). RFK Jr could lead HHS. The new VA Secretary nominee is hardly even mentioned. Dr Oz is gonna run Medicare. And Dr Phil might get a job in Washington from Trump soon too! These are wild and weird times. And none of it is normal. And our venerable host, Paul Rieckhoff, is gonna help you independently dig into all of it. And, take you inside what it’s like to go on CNN and wage war with the most partisan hacks. It’s the a behind-the-scenes look at cable news that you won’t soon forget.  And, we’re bringing you a unique and powerful conversation with a highly respectful leader who understands all of it. Barbara Starr is a renowned journalist, Emmy award winning producer, and former CNN Pentagon correspondent. Starr spent 21 years on CNN as Pentagon correspondent reporting from hotspots including Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria, Yemen, the Horn of Africa and the Chinese-North Korean border. Barbara Starr has become one of the most recognizable faces in conflict reporting. In addition to her work on foreign conflicts, Starr has reported extensively on fallen and wounded troops, as well as the plight of homeless veterans. Starr worked for CNN from 2001 to 2022, and was a frequent regular on The Situation Room. Prior to CNN she worked for ABC News, where she won an Emmy for her work as a location producer. Starr has also served for several years on the Pentagon Press Association board advocating for greater press access to military operations. And she talks to us exclusively and candidly about all of it.  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.  -Learn more about Independent Veterans of America and check out their election tracker to follow all of the IVA candidates.  -WATCH video of Paul and Barbara’s conversation. –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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices