232. Amy McGrath. The Abortion Fight Hurting Military Women. Senator Redneck (Tuberville) Gives The South a Bad Name. DeSantis vs The Military. Trump’s New Indictment. The Real No Labels Insurance Policy. Heat Makes People Stupid. Lessons From Mets Fans.

  Marine Corps fighter pilot Amy McGrath (@AmyMcGrathKY) flew 89 combat missions. And ran one of the most-watched 2020 Senate races in America. She is a trailblazing combat veteran, a former Naval Academy professor and a mother of three. And now she’s a regular on MSNBC and leading the fight to protect women’s reproductive health and rights in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Roe decision. She’s a fighter, she’s one of our most popular guests, and she is back. Just in time to explain why the Pentagon is now the focal point for the biggest political fights in America.  Rieckhoff also covers #SenatorRedneck’s fake promise to vets, the hardest working leader in the world, and why Mets fans can inspire us all.  Be a leader. Not just a follower. Answer the call. Leave the herds. Declare your independence. Amy joins host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for another fun and fiery episode of the best independent politics, news and culture show in America.  Previous appearances by Amy: Episode 17 – July 25, 2019  Episode 178 – July 7, 2022 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 Amy’s conversation. -Find #LookForTheHelpers on social media. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Watch Paul’s latest segment on MSNBC’s Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace.  –Watch Paul’s latest segment on NewsNation Live with Marni Hughes.  -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

231. Joe Lieberman. Exploring The No Labels Black Box. Life as an Independent. Senator Tuberville’s New Support for White Nationalists. Senator Redneck Strikes Again. Zelensky, NATO & Another American Vet Dies in Ukraine. The PGA vs 9/11 First Responders.

  Independence is what this nation was founded on. It’s the spirit of our national brand. It was what General—then President George Washington–was all about. It’s where we started, before our political landscape degraded into the dysfunctional and dangerous two party duopoly we have now.  And in his farewell address in 1796, Washington warned that one of the top risks of letting regional loyalties dominate loyalty to the nation as a whole was that it would lead to factionalism—a division of the country by region—or the development of warring political parties. Washington feared when Americans voted by party loyalty, rather than the common interest of the nation, it would foster what he called a “spirit of revenge”.  Here are his words. He warned: “They are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.” Hamilton himself said parties were “the most fatal disease” of popular governments They were right then. And they are right now.  Independence is not a new thing. It’s an old thing. And essential thing. Maybe THE most essential thing. And the old is new again–because the old is eternal. Independence is eternal.  And we’ve seen it take many forms in America. From Washington, to Ross Perot, to Jesse Ventura, to Yemi Mobolade. And, in the senate, in 2006.  When a former candidate for vice president from one of the two major parties, left the party–to run for Senate (and win) as an independent. And go it alone–HIS WAY.  He is our guest today. He’s Senator Joe Lieberman (@JoeLieberman). He joins host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for another fun and fiery episode of the best independent politics, news and culture show in America.  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 Joe’s conversation. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. –Watch Paul on MSNBC’s Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace.  -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

231. Joe Lieberman. Exploring The No Labels Black Box. Life as an Independent. Senator Tuberville’s New Support for White Nationalists. Senator Redneck Strikes Again. Zelensky, NATO & Another American Vet Dies in Ukraine. The PGA vs 9/11 First Responders.

Independence is what this nation was founded on. It’s the spirit of our national brand. It was what General—then President George Washington–was all about. It’s where we started, before our political landscape degraded into the dysfunctional and dangerous two party duopoly we have now. 
And in his farewell address in 1796, Washington warned that one of the top risks of letting regional loyalties dominate loyalty to the nation as a whole was that it would lead to factionalism—a division of the country by region—or the development of warring political parties. Washington feared when Americans voted by party loyalty, rather than the common interest of the nation, it would foster what he called a “spirit of revenge”. 
Here are his words. He warned:
“They are likely, in the course of time and things, to become potent engines, by which cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”
Hamilton himself said parties were “the most fatal disease” of popular governments
They were right then. And they are right now. 
Independence is not a new thing. It’s an old thing. And essential thing. Maybe THE most essential thing.
And the old is new again–because the old is eternal. Independence is eternal. 
And we’ve seen it take many forms in America. From Washington, to Ross Perot, to Jesse Ventura, to Yemi Mobolade. And, in the senate, in 2006. 
When a former candidate for vice president from one of the two major parties, left the party–to run for Senate (and win) as an independent. And go it alone–HIS WAY. 
He is our guest today. He’s Senator Joe Lieberman (@JoeLieberman). He joins host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for another fun and fiery episode of the best independent politics, news and culture show in America. 
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 Joe’s conversation.
-Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 
-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.
-Watch Paul on MSNBC’s Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace. 
-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.

230. More Luke Russert. Extra Sebastian Junger and Matt Gallagher. Post July 4th Bonus Content to Celebrate America’s Independence (and Independents) with Three of Our Favorite American Authors.

Independence Day is now in the rear view mirror, and as summer heats up, we’re taking a much needed break. The engine that runs Righteous Media and Independent Americans needs a little tune up time at the beach. But before we take some time off we wanted to deliver you some fresh, high-quality and high impact listening. So as you head to the pool, or to the beach, or to work, wherever you listen, we are breaking out some of the very best of the bonus content, content that is normally just for our Patreon members. We’ll hear from amazing American authors Luke Russert, Matt Gallagher and Sebastian Junger about what they’re listening to, what they’re reading, their first car’s and more. They’re some of our favorites and after you listen we think you’ll hear why. And as the summer continues onward, we’ll be back with more great conversations with iconic American leaders that are shaping the future of our country. Subscribe now and be sure to never miss an episode. 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.  -WATCH video of Paul and Luke’s full conversation. – WATCH video of Paul and Matt’s full conversation here. – WATCH video of Paul and Sebastian’s full conversation here. -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -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

229. Luke Russert. July 4th Special: The Church of Freedom. Lessons from a Journey Across America. Baseball’s New Changes Are a Blueprint. Rise of the Backbenchers. Will He Run for Office? Wagner Fireworks in Russia. DeSantis vs Freedom. Pride = Freedom.

 

228. Mayor Yemi Mobolade. The New Independent Mayor of Colorado Springs. How He Won. The Importance of Non-Partisan Primaries. Power of Positivity. Captain Positivity vs Senator Redneck for Space Command. Americans Fighting in Ukraine. Trombone Shorty.

  #IndependentAmericans WILL determine the 2024 presidential election. Especially in swing states. We are the largest, fastest-growing and most powerful group of voters in America. 50% of vets are independents. 60% of young people. We are free agents—and every candidate will have to earn our votes. But beyond the race for President, the independent movement is real, diverse and growing fast. Fueled by disgust with the two parties, generational change, #OpenPrimaries and other election reform, and a new generation of truly, authentically independent leaders, the future of American politics is independent. Independent doesn’t mean the middle. It means none of the above. It’s not a new party. It’s no party. Because America is not a party. It’s a mission.  #IndependentAmericans are rising up. We may not be ready to win the White House yet. But more and more independent leaders are emerging and winning at every other level of American politics.  And our guest coming up is the best and most powerful recent example. He’s a man who is more than a breath of fresh air. He’s a hurricane of it. A hurricane of hope. A storm of positivity that has hit Colorado Springs, Colorado, and will soon spread nationwide.  He’s the newly-elected independent Mayor of Colorado Springs. He is Mayor Yemi Mobolade (@yemiformayor).  Yemi joins our host, national security and political analyst, 9/11 First Responder and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for another fun and fiery episode of the best independent politics, news and culture show in America.  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 Yemi’s conversation. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -See Paul’s most recent segment on MSNBC’s Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace. He breaks down the threat posed by the American Insurgency and MAGA extremists.. -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

227. Ron Perlman. Optimus Primal in Transformers: Rise of The Beasts. The Autobots Are Like America. Trump Indicted. Ron Goes Off. The Most Ridiculous PGA Sellout of All. Messi Stiff-Arms the Saudis. Vigilance Can’t Take a Smoke Break. Father’s Day 2023.

  Trump has finally been arrested. And indicted. Just in time for Flag Day. And just in time for Father’s Day. And it’s most definitely a time to stay vigilant. From the ongoing PGA saga, to the Ukrainian offensive, to primaries that are closed to independents in NYC, Oklahoma and Washington, DC, to the special importance of Father’s Day 2023, this episode is tearing into the most important, urgent and interesting topics in America.  And taking you inside the biggest film in America. Transformers: Rise of the Beasts is the most popular movie in the world right now. And the starring voice of the film joins us–for a return visit! Actor and activist Ron Perlman (@perlmutations) was one of the VERY first guests to join us on this show over 200 episodes ago in Episode 3 in 2019. And again for Episode 64 in 2020. He was, of course, righteously angry about the state of our nation. But it’s been a while. Been too long. And while Ron’s still righteously angry, he’s more thoughtful, focused, vigilant and insightful than ever.  He’s the voice of the hero the world needs. A man of a thousand faces. An icon with a global following. A master storyteller. And an entertainingly unpredictable fire-spitter. And never any BS. With the world in peril, and Trump indicted, this incredibly popular returning guest is letting it fly.  Ron joins our host, national security and political analyst, 9/11 First Responder and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for another fun and fiery episode of the best independent politics, news and culture show in America.  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 Ron’s conversation. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. –Hear the Episode 14 of The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra that Paul mentioned on the show–with special guest, 9/11 survivor, and advocate for exposed kids, Lila Nordstrom. –See Paul’s most recent segment on MSNBC’s Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace. He digs into the PGA/LIV sellout, Chris Christie entering the race and the smoke in NYC. -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

226. Rob Serra. 9/11 Hero On PGA Selling Out America To The Saudis. #BoycottPGA. Smoke Covers America. Russia Hits Ukrainian Dam. Is Zaporizhzhia Nuke Plant Next? D-Day. Independent Mayor Mobolade Takes Office. Transformers Reflects America’s Challenges.

  Smokepocalypse is here. And so are those who want to smokescreen and burn down America. The world is on fire. Literally. So on this anniversary of D-Day, we’re calling in a trusted leader and friend of the show who knows how to fire fires. Fight for others. And fight for America. Rob Serra (@SerraRob) is America’s leading advocate for firefighters and first-responders. A renowned activist, technical expert and father of three, Rob is a conscience for America who began his firefighting career with the FDNY with his first day in the field on September 11th. While he was not scheduled to work that fateful Tuesday, he reported to the World Trade Center to help with the aftermath of the attacks. And he’s been fighting fires for others ever since.  Rob now serves on the Board of Directors at the Ray Pfeifer Foundation and is a leading national voice for First Responders everywhere. He’s the host of the Righteous Media production, The Firefighters with Rob Serra, (which has episodes you should go back and check out) and an outspoken and trusted voice in the media. He’s another important, inspiring and soon to be iconic leader–shaping what America was–is–and will be.  NEVER FORGET was the mantra of 9/11. It has been on bumper stickers, repeated by Presidents, and hashtagged for two decades now. Twenty years later, has America forgotten? The PGA certainly has. And Rob and Paul dig into the shocking new PGA deal with LIV Golf. As keepers of the 9/11 flame, our First-Responder host, Paul Rieckhoff, and his heroic guest consider it their responsibility to try to make sure America never forgets. They also dig into the rise of independents, the smoke engulfing the northeast, and how it’s uniquely impacting 9/11 First Responders and veterans exposed to burn pits, the latest from Ukraine, the inauguration of independent Mayor Yemi Mobolade in Colorado Springs, the NBA Finals and why the new Transformers movie is a reflection of a divided America. National security and political analyst and Army veteran Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) first hosted Rob on this show over 200 Episodes ago way back in Episode #2 and again on Episodes 11, 77 and 131. And this new conversation with Rob is as moving and as real as it gets. Parts of it are hard to hear, but you shouldn’t turn away. These are the hard truths and about holding those in power accountable that will leave you inspired. It’s a bold and blunt perspective you won’t find anywhere else on the media landscape.  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 Rob’s conversation. -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -See Paul’s most recent segment on MSNBC’s Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace. -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

225. Asha Rangappa. The Stewart Rhodes Verdict. Sedition Is Treason’s Cousin. Trump’s Shadow Army & Domestic Extremism. Who is America’s Wyatt Earp? Cable News Booty Calls. Senator Redneck vs the Pentagon. Pancake Pays a Visit. Heat vs Nuggets NBA Finals.

  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

The Chuck Toddcast: The mental health crisis among veterans, with Paul Rieckhoff

  The Department of Veteran Affairs’ report last year showing a staggering decline in suicides among military veterans seemed to bring encouraging news — still, that figure was disputed by advocates, who say the undercounting of suicides painted a rosier picture than reality offers. Paul Rieckhoff, founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, joins Chuck to detail the state of veterans’ mental health as the nation nears Memorial Day.