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  It’s college graduation time. And NBA finals time. And Ukraine spring offensive time. And almost summertime. And for some key insurrectionists, it’s judgment time. And it is definitely a time to stay vigilant.  We’re digging into seditious conspiracy. And insurrection. And what the penalties should be. And how to fight it. And Stewart Rhodes and Trump and the #AmericanInsurgency. Stakes is high. And we’re not afraid to have the hard conversations.  Asha Rangappa (@AshaRangappa_) is our guest. A true American badass, she is an Assistant Dean and Senior Lecturer at Yale University’s Jackson School of Global Affairs and a former Associate Dean at Yale Law School. She served as a Special Agent in the New York Division of the FBI, specializing in counterintelligence investigations. Her work involved assessing threats to national security, conducting classified investigations on suspected foreign agents, and performing undercover work. And she joins us to break down this moment, the rising threat of violent domestic terrorism, the Stewart Rhodes verdict, the latest Trump legal issues, and what it’s like to bounce from cable news network to cable news network. We also meet her friend, Pancake.  And our Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) also digs into Ukraine hitting Moscow, Senator Redneck’s locker room troubles and his pick for the NBA Finals. Welcome to a look inside the response to the most significant attack on America since 9/11.  Welcome to a conversation about the looming and rising threat that remains.  Welcome to a glimpse into what a jail cell for Rhodes, and Trump might look like.  Welcome to discussion about whether or not we’re ready for the next Jan 6th. Or the next 9/11. Or something even worse that could look like a demented combination of the two.  Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 225. 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. 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 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.  -WATCH video of Paul and Asha’s conversation. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. –See Paul’s segment on MSNBC’s Deadline Washington with Nicolle Wallace. –Hear Paul on The Chuck ToddCast talking about the mental health crisis among veterans –Watch Paul’s weekly national security and politics segment on NewsNation with Marni Hughes from last Thursday.  -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

  MTV News gone. And so is Vice. And Buzzfeed News and others. But there was only one MTV News. And while it may be officially dead, its spirit lives on. Forever. MTV News was always about the future. And in this moment of hardship for America, it’s critical that we reflect on our past, to chart out a better future.  The revolution will not be televised. Because TV is dead. But it will be broadcast. Because broadcasts of truth never die. They adapt, improvise and overcome. And the independent media, and especially truth tellers, will be essential.  And so will the voice and mind of Gideon Yago (@gideonyago). And the younger generation that he informed and inspired. And the young generations that will follow.  Welcome to a look back at our media, our politics and our culture  Welcome to a discussion about the younger generation, that ain’t so young any more.  And welcome to a conversation about the power of the young ones yet to come.  Welcome to the next iteration of the MTV generation.  MTV NEWS is DEAD, LONG LIVE MTV NEWS. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 224. Gideon Yago is the iconic host of MTV News who has interviewed Presidents, covered politics, war and culture for decades, and received a Peabody and Emmy Award. He started at MTV at only 21 years old, and has also worked at CBS News, hosted The IFC Media Project, served as Shorenstein Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School, and been a writer for The Newsroom, Narcos and The Mosquito Coast. And with host Paul Rieckhoff, this episode will also dig into the writers strike, American F-16s now en route to Ukraine, #MemorialDay, Ron DeSantis announcing his candidacy for president and more. 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. 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 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.  -WATCH video of Paul and Gideon’s conversation. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. –Watch Paul’s weekly national security and politics segment on NewsNation with Marni Hughes from last Thursday.  -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

The future is here. Bad and good. From AI and climate change, to self-driving cars and a faster brand of major league baseball. The future is now. And that includes politics. The future is here.
And it looks like Yemi Mobolade. The newly-elected INDEPENDENT Mayor of Colorado Springs. He represents the future. A future that is independent. 
The future is independent. Whether it’s independent media, or independent music, or independent films, or independent candidates for Mayor, the future will be written by our independent movement. And by independent journalists like our guest. 
He’s bravely left the more traditional media platforms of NPR’s Morning Edition and All Things Considered, Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, The Daily Beast, Politico Magazine, and the L.A. Times. To launch his own, independent new media venture. And he’s left the comfortable confines of the US to report from the front lines of the fight for the future inside Ukraine. And he’ll talk to us between air raids about what’s happening, and what’s next. 
He’s Tim Mak (@timkmak). Tim is an investigative journalist with a background in politics, national security, and emergency medicine. He’s the author of a book about the inner workings of the NRA, titled ‘Misfire.’ and he’s a former U.S. Army medic and EMT. His writing has been featured in Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, The Daily Beast, Politico Magazine, and the L.A. Times. And you can hear him regularly on NPR’s Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Politics Podcast.
He’s reported abroad from such places as Ukraine, South Sudan, Djibouti, Israel, Japan and Hong Kong. And now, he’s launched his own new media venture called The Counteroffensive. He’s taking people deep inside the war in Ukraine. And he joins host Paul Rieckhoff for a look behind the front lines. 
Paul also tears into the Daniel Penny NYC subway manslaughter charge, the Department of Veterans Affairs Oracle/Cerner electronic record system debacle, the NBA playoffs, Monster Jam and the worst allergy season EVER. 
Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And it always 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. 
-As heard on the show, check out Tim Mak’s new independent media project: The Counteroffensive
-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 Tim’s conversation on our YouTube channel here.
-WATCH Paul’s weekly segment on NewsNation with Marni Hughes from last week here. 
-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on social media. 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 powerful, independent Righteous podcasts 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.

Michael Steele is a returning guest who always brings the fire. (Hear/watch his previous appearance in Episode 193 from Oct 2022) The Former Chairman of the Republican National Committee, Former Lt. Gov. of Maryland has served in all levels of elected and government office and is now a Political Analyst for MSNBC and the host of his own influential political podcast. He ran for the Maryland Senate seat in 2016 and is often suggested as a candidate for President. He’s also a big John Wick fan. And he’s back with our Paul Rieckhoff to tear into all the latest headlines and chaos in American politics. They share many values, but differ on some issues and always respectfully butt heads. You’ve seen these two together on cable TV. But it’s never enough time and never truly uncensored. This conversation is both. It’s a firey, fast and fun conversation that will leave you smarter. And maybe even hopeful. 
Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. And it always 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. 
-As mentioned on the show, check out Ballot PA and their critical effort to repeal closed primaries in Pennsylvania. And to empower nearly 1.1 million voters in PA who are registered as unaffiliated with a political party or Independent.
-Check out Michael Steele on Twitter, watch him on MSNBC and subscribe to The Michael Steele Podcast. 
-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 Michael’s conversation on our YouTube channel here.
-WATCH Paul’s weekly segment on NewsNation with Marni Hughes from last week here. 
-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on social media. 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 powerful, independent Righteous podcasts 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.

  May is here. And it’s supposed to be the time for flowers. We’ll see about that. But next week is teacher appreciation week. A reminder of how much our teachers do. And how much there always is to learn. And, this is definitely time a time to stay vigilant The war rages on in Ukraine. This will be a spring–and likely a summer—of fighting all across Ukraine. And unfortunately, fighting of different kinds also here all across America. Some on behalf of partisan forces, some on behalf of independent forces, some on behalf of authoritarian forces. But whether it’s in Ukraine or Uvalde, this will be a spring and summer of learning. We all have much to learn.  And as we near Teacher Appreciation Week, it’s a time to be grateful for all the teachers. And to reflect on how much they teach us–and how much we all still have to learn. Especially in this moment in America–and in the world—when stakes have never been higher.  Good teachers help us keep our eyes on the future. And ground us in how much we have to learn. And our guest will give us all a lesson on politics–and especially the state of our independent movement. Over the last year of this show, we’ve also gone back and forth between two key areas of study: national and global security (with a particular focus on Ukraine)–and our rising independent movement. And we’re digging in with a leader who’s deep in it.  Nick Troiano (@NickTroiano) has been involved in the political reform movement for over a decade, including running for U.S. Congress in 2014 as an independent candidate. Now, he is the Executive Director of Unite America, a national organization that is working to bridge the growing partisan divide by enacting political reforms and electing candidates who put people over party. He’s out there working. And teaching. And showing independents—that we can.  Welcome to another lesson in politics, civic engagement, movement building and patriotism. We’ll also dig into the latest from Ukraine, why one US Senator is stopping hundreds of military promotions, the latest round of deadly shootings by crazy, angry men, and why the NBA playoffs have been so damn good.  Welcome to another course in the independent movement.  Welcome to a look into what’s possible–what we CAN do.  Welcome to Teacher Appreciation Week.  Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 221. 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. 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 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.  -WATCH video of Paul and Nick’s conversation. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or 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

  It’s on. This April, it’s on. All of it. The storms continue to pour. And the biggest storm of all still looms and gathers, as the world watches and braces for it.  The spring offensive in Ukraine. It’s coming.  We’ve all seen it gathering, we’ve all heard the reports, we’ll all watched the pieces come into place…and any day now….or maybe months from now…it will hit. Maybe more like a tectonic earthquake on a faultline than like a storm….it is coming. We just don’t know when. But it will be big. The biggest conventional war engagement we’ve seen since WW2. And as we have for the last year, this show will keep a focus on Ukraine. Because in the midst of all the other storms happening this month, the war in Ukraine is the big one. And as we have for the last year, we’re not just gonna track it from a TV screen or from afar. We’re gonna take you inside of it.  In our uniquely independent and experienced and authentic way. As only this show can. And with a returning champion. A brave and inspiring guest who joined us almost exactly one year ago this week. But one year ago, he was in Connecticut, trying to get people out of the storm in Ukraine. Working with his wife to get his wife’s parents out of the storm—out of Ukraine.  And now, one year later, like helpers do, he’s running into the storm. And after getting others out, he’s gone back in. And he’s preparing and training many more to go even further in—into the biggest military engagement of our generation–maybe in two generations.  He’s a father, he’s a former Army Ranger, he’s a professor, he’s a patriot, he’s an American—and a global citizen with a deep allegiance to all that is good and right. He’s a helper. And he’s a fighter. And as the storm of the century looms and gathers, he’s right in the middle of it. And he talked to us exclusively—in the calm, before the storm that will take countless lives and forever shape history.  He’s a true American, Ukrainian, and global hero. He’s Adrian Bonenberger (@AdrianBonenber1). Coming to us exclusively from an undisclosed location inside Ukraine.  Previous appearance: May 5, 2022 – Episode 169 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. 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 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.  -WATCH video of Paul and Adrian’s conversation. Can you add the charity links from my notes -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or 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 is new polling that shows a record 49% of Americans now see themselves as politically independent — the same as the two major parties put together. The biggest and dominant political affiliation isn’t Democrat or Republican. It’s none of the above.  The two parties are failing. And losing strength. And the future is independent. Gallup analyst Jeff Jones says a big reason for this change is driven by the younger generation. “It was never unusual for younger adults to have higher percentages of independents than older adults,” Jones said. “What is unusual is that as Gen X and millennials get older, they are staying independent rather than picking a party, as older generations tended to do.” The future is more diverse–it’s obviously younger–and it’s independent.  The system is broken. And we see it. And are demanding better.  And this episode, we’ve got the perfect guest to help us understand it all better. And to understand what’s next. And why this is not a fluke–why independents are going to be #1 for a long time–and maybe forever.  It’s a guy is who is a key leader in our independent movement, a wise and trusted elder, and the guy who I think understands independents better than anyone: our friend John Opdycke: John Opdycke (@jbopdycke) is the President of Open Primaries. Open Primaries is a non-profit focused on a movement of diverse Americans who believe in a simple, yet radical idea: No American should be required to join a political party to exercise their right to vote. He’s the independent whisperer. And after joining us almost a year ago in Ep 171, he’s back to break it all down. To help us understand who independents are, who they aren’t, and why they’re-why WE’RE—number one.  Welcome to the tipping point for our independent movement.  Welcome to spring.   Welcome to the future.  Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 219. Previous John Opdycke appearance: May 19, 2022 – Episode 171 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. 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 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.  -WATCH video of Paul and John’s conversation. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or 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

  Spring has officially sprung. The birds are chirping. The bees are buzzing. And we’re on Spring Break. We’re recharging our batteries and getting things ready for another amazing season of bringing you the best guests and the hard hitting content you’ve come to expect. So while we eat/drink/sun too much for a quick week off, we wanted to revisit one of our favorite episodes. And who better to hear from when you’re on Spring Break than the great Prof G, Scott Galloway. Even when we’re away class is in session. If you’ve never heard this episode, you’re in for a treat. And if you’re a long time listener, you’ll enjoy hearing this gem again.  Original airing: Episode 192 – October 13, 2022 The two parties are failing the people. And the people know it. The people always know it before the politicians. But the politicians—at least some of them—are waking up to that reality. And jumping ship, freaking out, starting new shit, eating their own. But the alliances and unity we saw coalesce around 2022 is gone. And the great fragmentation of our politics has really begun.   The wars are raging everywhere, and the consequences are only starting to be felt at home. The COVID pandemic pushed the markets to the brink and now we face a recession which will only help to destabilize the world further. And so as the fires burn, we’ve got the perfect guest. 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. If every crisis creates opportunity, there should be a hell of a lot of opportunities available. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff 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.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend events, get merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  – WATCH video of Paul and Scott’s conversation here. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. 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 Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  #PresidentMayhem is back. In version 2.0. As the Trump indictment continues to unfold, we’re breaking down how it will impact America, the race for President, our national defense and especially, independents nationwide. From a uniquely and truly independent standpoint. And we’ve got the perfect guest and the perfect conversation to break it all down. It’s a real and fiery talk. About real issues and real people. It’s a conversation with a self-described political bomb thrower–who understands what Trump is all about–and what is to come. A guy who helped make the Republican party what it is. And a guy who now spends his time trying to steer the Republican party away from where he helped guide it. Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom) is back on the show, and he’s coming in hot. And you can only get conversations like this here. And Paul Rieckhoff quickly breaks down the latest news you need to know and probably missed. From new American airstrikes in Syria, to another injection of American military support to Ukraine, to the American troops killed last week in a training accident in Kentucky, to why Tulsi Gabbard is not an independent and why he’s boycotting a so-called independent convention in Texas.  The parties are dragging us all down. Leave the herd. Declare your independence. Previous appearance: Episode 176 – June 23, 2022 Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the almost 50% 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.  -As mentioned on the show, TAPS is providing support to the families of the soldiers killed in the tragic helicopter accident at Fort Campbell. Please learn more about their vital work and help if you can.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, attend events, get merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  – WATCH video of Paul and Joe’s conversation here.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -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 Righteous Media. America’s premier, veteran-owned, independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices