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It’s Super Bowl time in America. And 2024 is a year-long Super Bowl FOR America. Stakes have never been higher. And just like for a Super Bowl team, leaders will be the difference.  And Alex Vindman (@AVindman) has been a QB for America stepping up in the biggest moments for years now. He was thrust onto the national scene back in October of 2019 as the news was revealed that Trump had tried to shake down the then unknown President of Ukraine. A brave whistle blower stood his ground and held the line against Trump and as a result, changed the course of history.  It was an inspiring moment for our democracy—and a sign of what was coming. A lot has happened since then. But the core issues are the same —and now more urgent than ever. As American troops abroad face increasing threats on a daily basis, with three recently being killed in Jordan, there’s no better time to hear from a man who was Director for European Affairs for the United States National Security Council (NSC). A man who helped bring some measure of justice to the former President, and a guy who was at the center of what could still end up being the beginning of World War Three.  Welcome to a reminder of what it means to be a patriot in the truest sense of the word. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 265. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) provides light to contrast the heat. It’s independent content for independent Americans. And every episode delivers a dose of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. This is another insightful 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.  Stay vigilant, America.  -Follow Alex on social media and check out his substack. -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon. Where you can also see or watch extra content with this guest.   -Watch the full video of this conversation with Paul and Alex here.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -To support the families of the troops killed in Jordan—and other families like them—please learn more and support TAPS.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us–where you can also grab some cool IA gear. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The New Hampshire primary is over–and independents were a huge factor. Just as they will be in the general election in November. Who did they vote for? What do they care about? And who can appeal to them now—and in the future? And what’s next for Nikki Haley, Trump, Biden and the rest in this chaotic sprint to the summer nominating conventions? Michael Smerconish (@Smerconish is back on IA to chop it up with Paul on all that. And, to rip into Jason Kelce’s shirtless emergence as America’s man of the people (and what it reveals–heh heh–about our politics in 2024), why more voters aren’t responding to Dean Phillips, why so many are responding to RFK Jr, who is on the bench for the Dems and Republicans, who can galvanize all this independent energy, and who’s gonna win the Super Bowl??? We’re digging into all of it in a fast and fun episode with your two favorite outspoken, bald and bearded, independent, white guys! Michael Smerconish is a longtime political commentator, radio host, TV host, best-selling author, and maybe the single most high profile political independent in the media. A guy who has served as a guest host for voices on all sides of the political spectrum. He’s been a guest host for Chris Matthews AND for Bill O’Reilly. For Chris Cuomo AND for Glen Beck. And he’s the host of his own SiriusXM radio and CNN TV show. And Paul Rieckhoff’s stunt double! You can learn more and subscribe to his free daily newsletter here.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) provides light to contrast the heat. It’s independent content for independent Americans. And every episode delivers a dose of the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. This is another insightful 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.  Stay vigilant, America.  -Check out Michael’s previous appearance here: Episode 151 -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.   -Watch the full video of this conversation with Paul and Michael here.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us–where you can also grab some cool IA gear. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Content warning: this episode contains descriptions of violence, combat, death, sexual assault, violence against children and more.   Dorin Cohen grew up in Ashkelon, Israel and most recently lived in Kibbutz Kfar Aza with her husband, Itamar, and her two young boys, Adam and Jonathan, where they survived nearly 30 hours in their bomb shelter on October 7. Dorin has a Bachelor’s degree in Law from Ono Academic College and is currently pursuing an advanced studies degree in Child Development at Bar-Ilan University. Earlier this month in New York at an event titled Understanding Israel, Dorin bravely shared her story. It’s a story of unthinkable cruelty, an unprecedented moment, and unparalleled heroism. You might think you know the story of October 7th, but you haven’t heard it through Dorin’s eyes. Hers is a story that is much bigger than the division that has unfolded around the world since Oct 7th and the combat that has followed. Dorin’s story is one of a young mother, a wife, a human being, and a hero–who showed a kind of courage that few will ever know. No matter where you stand on Israel/Gaza/Palestine, this is a story you need to hear. Because it’s about much more than Hamas and Israel, it’s about the most basic brutalities and beauties of humanity. And it’s a story everyone in the world must hear.  It comes from the Understanding Israel event that was hosted by friend of the show and former guest, Eli Elefant (Episode 252 – Nov. 16, 2022). Dorin was introduced by her friend, Rachael Braverman. And her unforgettable talk followed the panel with Ambassador Marc Ginsberg and Mike Novogratz that was moderated by our Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) and broadcast exclusively by Righteous Media in our previous, important, special Episode 262 posted last week.  After experiencing this unimaginable trauma, Dorin and her family are now working to build a new life–maybe in Israel–maybe in America. You can help them on this path by donating what you can to this GoFundMe page set up by their friends.  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. 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.  -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  -Watch Dorin Cohen’s powerful remarks from the Understanding Israel event on YouTube. -Donate to help Dorin and her family. And encourage others to do the same.  –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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ambassador Marc Ginsberg grew up in Israel, became America’s first jewish ambassador to an Arab nation, and currently leads The Coalition for a Safer Web, a non-profit dedicated to combating cyber terrorism and extremist incitement. He’s a diplomatic powerhouse and deeply respected expert on the Middle East. Mike Novogratz grew up catholic in Virginia, served as a helicopter pilot in the US Army, was formerly President of Fortress Investment Group, and is now the Founder and CEO of Galaxy Digital. He’s a globally recognized business and philanthropic leader. They are two powerful voices that come from different worlds and have different perspectives on Israel and Gaza, but are united in focusing on finding peace and solutions. And last week in NYC, they were united on a unique and dynamic panel in an effort to educate people from all backgrounds about their personal experiences and thoughts for the future. And they both shared their riveting stories of what recently brought them back to the region after October 7th. 
The event was titled Understanding Israel, and was hosted by friend of the show and former guest, Eli Elefant (Episode 252 – Nov. 16, 2022). And the panel with Ambassador Ginsberg and Mike Novogratz was moderated by our Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) and broadcast now exclusively by Righteous Media in this important, special new episode. 
October 7th was a day the world will never forget. The horrific attack on Israel by Hamas left the world stunned. Israel’s military response has divided many. And the ripple effects of this time in history will be felt forever. Almost 100 days into this new war, as casualties continue to mount on all sides, this issue is as hot, complicated and emotional as it gets. People worldwide are divided, confused, angry, and many don’t know what to think about the issue and the many challenges it presents. But no matter where you stand on this issue, this episode will do what we always do on this show: bring light to contrast the heat—and generate thoughtful conversation about an issue of the highest priority. With leaders who sit at the critical intersection of politics and national security. This is an episode you won’t soon forget. 
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. 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. 
-Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know. 
-Watch the Understanding Israel event on YouTube.
-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 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.

As we head into what is almost sure to be a rocky 2024, we wanted to get you the best look ahead possible. So we brought back a fan favorite. A guest who isn’t afraid to make bold predictions. And a guest who’s smart enough to back them up. He’s a master of marketing, business, media and politics. He’s the great Prof G, Scott Galloway (@ProfGalloway), and he’s here to break down what the next few months will look like and why the market’s cause for concern might be a reason for you to be optimistic. He’s back after joining host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for Episode 192 back on Oct. 13, 2022. Now as we enter a crucial election year, he’s here to share his thoughts on politics, the economy and America’s outlook on America. It’s a fascinating conversation that will leave you smarter and better prepared for whatever the hell is in store in 2024. 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. 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.  -WATCH video of Paul and Scott’s conversation. -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2023 has been a big year for independents. And most of the time not in a good way. From Kyrsten Sinema to RFK Jr. to No Labels, 2023 was a steady succession of negative hits to the independent brand in all of the usual ways. Spoilers and grifters jumping on the bandwagon after being kicked off of all of the other wagons. Hangers on. Pretenders to the throne. Whatever you call them, we saw them all in 2023. And yet, there was one bright spot. A beacon shining in the dark night. A reason for hope in a year filled with mediocrity. Mayor Yemi Mobolade (@yemiformayor) rocked the political world when he was elected as the independent Mayor of Colorado Springs earlier this year. His infectious positivity swept him into office, winning the election in the conservative Colorado Springs mayoral race this last May.  But he’s more than just a mayor. He is our proof of concept. Proof that independents can win. And more importantly, win in places where Democrats can not. He’s also proof that you, the Independent American, are the future. So before we head into whatever 2024 has in store for us, let’s take a little time with host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) to look back to Episode 228 from June 22, 2023 to reflect on the victory that Mayor Mobolade represents and maybe carry a little of that optimistic spirit forward into the new year. The future is what we make it. Happy New Year America. 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. 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.  -WATCH video of Paul and Yemi’s conversation. -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve watched him, you love him. And you may feel like you know him. But you really don’t. In this episode, you’ll learn that the man behind the characters is even more amazing. And you’ll love him, respect him, and admire him even more. Just like the last three times he’s joined us. It’s the perfect holiday conversation. For whatever holiday you celebrate. Yes, my friends, FESTIVUS is back!  A Festivus for the rest of us.  And so is our annual Festivus special! With the man himself!  The legend. The iconic actor who played George Constanza on Seinfeld–friend of this show—conscience for America—and a very proud new grandfather! The American treasure–and American icon: Jason Alexander (@IJasonAlexander)! 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. A future that has a whole new perspective for him with the recent birth of his first grandchild.  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.  Previous Jason Alexander Festivus appearances: December 19, 2019 – Episode 38 December 18, 2020 – Episode 90   Dec. 15, 2022 – Episode 201 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 50% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. 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. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  -Learn more about Operation Independents.  –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 Jason’s conversation here. -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 holidays.  -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are only a handful of people out there that have the experience, credibility and gravitas to speak with authority when it comes to subjects like NATO, Putin, Gaza. They’re high level issues and complex systems that require decades of study and thought to truly comprehend. And so when you get a chance to hear from one of them like you did last week with General Barry McCaffrey you jump at it. When you get a chance to talk with another one a week later… you better bet we’re jumping again. Former CENTCOM Commander and Director of the CIA and the best selling author of Conflict, General David Petraeus joins host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a look at the global threatscape and what the future holds, here at home, and for the many hotspots around the world. From Ukraine to Gaza to Taiwan there is tension at scale few of us have experienced in our lifetime. But there’s also reason for hope and optimism. Other shows tell you what happened. Independent Americans is focused on what it means and what comes next. And as we head into what is almost certainly going to be one of the most pivotal years of our lives, you’re going to want to be prepared. 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. 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.  -Watch Paul and General Petraeus’s conversion on YouTube. -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This holiday season is a heavy one. It’s hard to fully distract yourself from what’s happening around the world. No matter how good the Knicks are doing, no matter how sensational the Giants rookie quarterback Tommy Cutlets DeVito has been. No matter how much holiday cheer you bring or share or experience, there’s still a lot of pain and concern and stress all around the world, especially when it comes to places like Ukraine and Gaza and Israel. President Zelensky just left Washington, D.C., after meeting with President Biden and other leaders, and he was hoping for a Christmas miracle. But the radicals inside the GOP are making sure that they’re going to be scrooges and try to spoil his Christmas and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and every other holiday that’s happening. Because no matter how hard and true we fight, there are still some who are working against us. There are still some who want to divide and dismantle America. There are still some who want to have our enemies celebrating. But in this show, we want to bring light to contrast the heat. We want to bring information, inspiration, independence, integrity and, of course, impact. And we want to bring you guests who can help you make sense of it. This one is about global security, national security, domestic security, military affairs, diplomacy, leadership, and all of it with a man who’s been on the front lines of combat leadership, diplomacy, politics, and all of it for the last generation. General Barry McCaffrey is here to break down the latest on the fight in Ukraine Zelensky’s visit to Washington. What’s happening in Gaza and Israel and what’s happening in other parts of the world where American troops continue to be under attack and most Americans aren’t even watching. Welcome to a stressful end to a stressful year. Welcome to a conversation with a voice of reason who can help guide us through it, like Rudolph’s red nose and a cloudy night. Welcome to independent Americans. Episode 257. Past appearances: Episode 85 – Nov. 13, 2020 Episode 213 – Mar. 9, 2023 Every episode of Independent Americans breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. -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. – Watch video of Paul and General McCaffey’s conversation here on our YouTube channel. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch. -As mentioned on the show, learn more about the engine for independents that is Operation Independents.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices