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We are all tired as hell right now. After the last few years of….ALL OF IT….we’re all depleted. From the pandemic, to the political drama, to the possible new world war with Ukraine…it never seems to end. And mid-February can be the hardest time of year–even in the best of times. So here we are. The no-shit is that these are definitely not the best of times. Many of us are exhausted, beaten-down, and wounded. None of us is unchanged. And the global post-COVID mental health crisis is just getting started. 2022 may be the year we end the pandemic and start the suffering that follows. From suicide to divorce to bankruptcies to alcoholism, it’s all happening–and getting worse. 
We are not OK. But we can be. We can get through it. To better days. To healthier lives. To happier times. But we all need help making that happen. This is a time especially, to look for the helpers. 
And Ana Marie Cox (@AnaMarieCox) is one of those helpers that is now rising to meet this moment. She’s been to the dark edge, and is coming back to help others avoid it. After decades as a media innovator and self-described “troublemaker”, the trailblazing Founding Editor of Wonkette, political columnist, and culture critic you may know from cable TV new and places like MTV, Esquire, the Washington Post and her highly successful Crooked Media podcast, Friends Like These, Ana has launched a new life and a new column. It’s focused on sobriety. But also on her Christianity, her experiences, and her unique brand of wisdom. 
And she joins our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), for a very real, very candid, very thoughtful, very useful conversation–about the hard challenges of life in these exceptionally challenging times. They talk about drinking, divorce, the dysfunction of our politics and media, and how to get through it all. And weave into the biggest political issues and challenges along the way. It’s hard to fight when you’re tired. And we’re all tired. But this is an invaluable conversation to help you through it. It’s a life-hack, a dose of reality, and an injection of advice. It’s unlike any other episode of this show before. And it’s one you’ll want to share. 
Check out Ana Marie Cox’s work as mentioned/discussed in this episode:
Sober Questioning. Ana’s powerful new column for New York Magazine’s The Cut.
Space The Nation. The science fiction and politics podcast with co-host Dan Drezner.
The Churn: A Podcast About The Expanse.  A deep dive into our favorite scifi show (that you heard about on this show in an awesome Episode 114 with Wes Chatham). 
And of course check Ana out on Twitter (where she has over 1M followers).
Every episode of Independent Americans hosted delivers light to contrast the heat. It’s independent content for independent Americans. Always with a focus on military affairs, global conflict and national security. 
If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, contact the following people who want to help: Crisis Text Line (text CRISIS to 741741 for free, confidential crisis counseling); The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255); and The Trevor Project (1-866-488-7386). You are not alone.
-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. Our dedicated Patreon members get a special extra clip with Ana talking about her favorite drink (non-alcoholic), her first car, her choice in the epic clash of pancakes vs waffles and more. 
 -Watch the full video of this conversation with Paul and Ana for free 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 and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and another new one dropping this week! 
Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Which is awesome. 

There is breaking news that you need to hear about. And so we’ve got a special episode to tear into it. Because especially in this already wild winter of 2022, now is a time to stay vigilant. The US withdrawal from Afghanistan was filled with carnage, tumult and political spin. But after months of denying the facts on the ground, the truth about what really happened in those fateful days is finally starting to come out. New documents reveal the U.S. military was intensely frustrated with the White House, State Department and diplomats over the Afghanistan evacuation. The Washington Post broke the story, and the lead reporter who wrote it is here to talk about it.  Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) is one of the best military and Pentagon reporters in America. He has written about the US Armed Forces for more than a decade, traveling extensively, embedding with each service, and covering combat in Afghanistan numerous times. He joined us a year ago for Episode 96. And the intrepid reporter is again breaking news that you need to know more about.  He’ll also react to the Biden administration’s controversial decision to ban media embeds from the US deployment of troops in response to the Russian threat to invade Ukraine. Dan is a member of the Military Reporters & Editors Association–which recently called on the Secretary of Defense to reverse the decision and allow embeds. He’s also address why there have been so few whistleblowers since Biden has been elected.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) provides light to contrast the heat. It’s independent content for independent Americans. Always with a focus on military affairs, global conflict and national security. And delivers 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.  -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. Our dedicated Patreon members got this special episode a full day before the public.  -Watch the full video of this conversation with Paul and Dan 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 and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

American diplomats are boycotting the Olympics, the Cincinnati Bengals are in the Super Bowl, and Russia is threatening war. It kinda feels like the 1980s again. And it is very much a time to stay vigilant.
Especially with regard to Ukraine. While the world watches to see if Putin will invade the country, the attacks have already begun. But not the conventional kind with bombs and tanks. Cyberwarfare is the new forward edge of modern combat. And Russia has already started waging it against Ukraine, the United States and others. Meanwhile, most Americans aren’t hearing much about the Ukrainian people. Even the most famous ones like heavyweight boxing champions and political activists Wladimir and Vitali Klitschko.
And we’re digging into it with information warfare and Russian influence expert, Molly McKew (@MollyMcKew ). After joining us in Episode 115 and Episode 84, one of our most interesting and popular guests is back. Molly has traveled the world studying, analyzing and advising on the most urgent cybersecurity, misinformation and technology-based threats. An adjunct professor at Georgetown with a love for cats, baking and sci-fi, Molly takes us into the sides of the Russian standoff that most of the media in America is missing. We explore what’s happening, what’s new and what’s next. 
Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is pulled from the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s independent content for independent Americans. And delivers a blast of 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 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. 
-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 Molly here.
-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. 
-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 
-Also check out other Righteous Media podcasts including The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed. 
Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media.

​It was a very bloody January in America for law enforcement. At least 30 cops were shot nationwide. From California to Montana to NYC. It feels like Groundhog Day every day. And in 2022, police are the hottest political chew toy in America. A space previously reserved for troops and vets. In a powerful new #IndependentAmericans, we dig into it. Hard. With a guest who’s been on all sides of the issues. We look deeper, we look with experience, and we look for solutions. Beyond the partisanship and spin.No matter where you stand, or how you feel, it’ll help you #StayVigilant. And help you shoot straight.
Our guest is a leader to help us do it. He’s a guy who literally trains people to shoot straight. 
JW CORTÉS (@JWCortes) is a combat veteran turned actor, singer, non-profit leader, cop and activist. Born in Brooklyn to Puerto Rican parents, he developed a keen interest in the arts and a strong desire to serve his community and country.
He’s a 17 year veteran of the NY State MTA Police Department. He is also a “Principled Policing” Instructor, Firearms Instructor, a Defensive Tactics Instructor and an Active Shooter Instructor. But he’s also much more. He’s an important, iconic and inspiring leader that’s shaping what America will be. 
He was the first actor to portray the DC comic book character “Detective Carlos Alvarez” on FOX’s primetime hit series GOTHAM. He’s acted in a range of other roles on POWER, The Blacklist, Blue Bloods and the NBC reality series Stars Earn Stripes alongside the American Sniper Chris Kyle and most recently, a recent cameo in a Jennifer Lopez music video. And he joined country music superstar Kane Brown to sing on a remix of Kane’s hit record “Homesick.” 
President of The Detective Rafael Ramos Foundation, JW serves as an advisory board member for the Gary Sinise Foundation, the Semper Fi Fund and was appointed by the NYC Mayor’s Office Of Media and Entertainment to the Latin Media and Entertainment Commission as well as to the Corporate Advisory Board of the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of NJ.
He was awarded the 2016 NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award and was a celebrity spokesperson and ambassador and participated in the acclaimed HBO series “Habla Y Vota.” He addressed members of Congress to recruit their support to urge Hollywood to tell more accurate military/veterans stories, is the proud father of two sons, a lucky husband and loving owner of an American Bulldog named Blue. JW is a helper. He’s a hero. He’s a voice of reason. And he’s an independent American.
Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) provides light to contrast the heat. It’s independent content for independent Americans. And delivers a blast 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. 
-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 JW here.
-Support the good work of The Detective Rafael Ramos Foundation. 
-Read the new article about Paul’s Understanding 9/11 class at Amherst College. 
-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 
-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. 
-Also check out The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra 
-And Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed
Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media.

As we all saw this weekend, NFL overtime sucks. A score on the opening drive should NOT end the game. It’s just not fair. The system is broken. Badly. But it’s not just the NFL OT system. The American political system is broken too. Badly. And so is the media. Badly. And the stakes there are so much higher than in football.  And in this episode, we’re staying focused on the media (like we did last episode with Soledad O’Brien). But we’re also zooming out into the bigger picture of where this independent movement is–and where it’s going. We’re breaking down who independents are—and who might be an independent candidate for President in 2024. And we’re continuing to identify the systems that are broken, and offering solutions to fix them.  And our guest has been as focused on it all. For long before we have. And he’s here to help us explore all of it.  He’s 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.  He’s a one man island of political independence in talk radio and the media: Michael Smerconish (@Smerconish). 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.  -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. -Read the new article about Paul’s Understanding 9/11 class at Amherst College.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. “Independent Americans is what political pods ought to be: fun, engaging, free-wheeling, and respectful–even welcoming–of different points of view. I’m a fan. -Paul Begala, Political Strategist and CNN Contributor  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The stupid is rampant in America. It continues to be the only thing in America more contagious and rampant than the omicron variant. And it’s especially widespread in the media.  So this episode, we’re digging into it. We’re overdue for a conversation on the state of the American media. The American media that far too often fails the American people. And especially Independent Americans. We often feel politically homeless. We’ve covered that early, often and with regularity on this show. But we’re also too often homeless when looking for media. Especially when it comes to the cable news networks. Which continue to shamelessly coddle one party or the other, or, just as often, shamelessly chase the clicks, the drama, the fighting, and of course, the money. The news and political media are failing America. Partisans dominate. The two sides are constantly at war. And as our country burns, they fan the flames. They turn up the heat.  And this episode, we’re adding light to contrast the heat–and ripping into all of them. From CNN to Fox to MSNBC to PBS. And we’re doing it with a returning champion, a crowd favorite, and a lover of fireball whiskey. Our guest from way back in Episode 16 from July of 2019. Media critic, media host, and media force of nature (especially on Twitter), award-winning journalist, documentarian, news anchor, and producer, Soledad O’Brien (@SoledadObrien). It’s a blunt, smart and fun conversion that takes you behind the scenes of the highest levels of media and politics. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) provides light to contrast the heat. 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.  -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 Soledad here. -Read the new article about Paul’s Understanding 9/11 class at Amherst College.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s a dark, cold time in America. In many ways. But even in the darkest, coldest times, there are always helpers. Sources of light to warm our spirits and guide us out of the cold. And one of those sources is our guest in this episode: Congressman Adam Kinzinger (@AdamKinzinger).
The 43-year-old Illinois Republican Congressman, Air Force combat veteran, political maverick, and fighter of the good fight is the man of this moment in American politics. He’s catapulted to the forefront of America’s consciousness in the last few months as one of only two republicans on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the United States Capitol. He’s taking shots from all sides–and he’s fighting back. 
But is he running for President in 2024? Does he think that we are facing an American insurgency? Will he leave the Republican Party? What’s he naming his new baby? Who the hell is Ray Epps? What should America do about Ukraine and Afghanistan? Why can’t he stop Tweeting about Senator Ted Cruz? What’s worse, changing diapers or cleaning bottles?
Our intrepid host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) presses Kinzinger on these questions and more in a fresh, candid and hard-hitting conversation that’s sure to make news. 
Every episode of Independent Americans provides light to contrast the heat. 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. 
Get extra content, connect with guests, attend exclusive events, get merch discounts and support this critical show by joining us on Patreon. 
You can WATCH the full video of this converation with Paul and Adam Kinzinger here.
Please take our quick listener survey and get a shot at a free t-shirt!
Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media.
Stay vigilant, America. 

It’s a new year. It’s a new variant. It’s a new winter. And a new anniversary. It’s the first anniversary of the January 6th insurrection. And it is definitely a time to stay vigilant. Army vet, activist and host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) digs into all of it. And we’re joined by Rolling Stone’s new Editor-in-Chief, Noah Shachtman (@NoahShachtman). He’s tasked with reviving the iconic American magazine founded by Jann Wenner and built by the legend of Hunter Thompson. The former bass player in a ska band is now breaking stories about the insurrection, the fall of Afghanistan, sex scandals in the Army special forces and the dark history of music icons like Marilyn Manson and Eric Clapton. Their latest headline-grabbing piece on the January 6 insurrection focuses on Trump advisor Peter Navarro spilling the beans on an alleged 100 members of Congress who he says were standing by to overturn the election of Joe Biden one year ago. Shachtman joins the pod exclusively to talk about all that–and to preview a new investigative Rolling Stone piece about the insurrection and the role of military veterans set to his this week.  This latest episode is about starting the year by providing light to contrast the heat. It’s your new year’s resolution delivering a healthy dose of the 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. It’s another insightful episode to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy.  And in these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  WATCH the full conversation in video with Paul and Noah here. Please take our quick listener survey and get a shot at a free t-shirt! Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  Stay vigilant, America. 

Over the years of hosting Independent Americans and Angry Americans, host Paul Rieckhoff has had the extremely rare opportunity to ask a lot of the world’s smartest people a lot of really important questions. And maybe no question is more important than asking each one, “What is your best advice?” And as you look back on a wild 2021 and forward towards an uncertain 2022 we thought this would be a good time to put it all together. It’s a rare glimpse into some of the brightest minds in entertainment, politics and national security. And so from Bradley Whitford to Montel Williams to Norman Lear to Admiral Mike Mullen to Brooke Baldwin, we’ve got an amazing group together to share their inspiration and to help you power through to 2022. Want to go deeper? Check out the full episodes. Episode 27 – Bradley Whitford Episode 36 – Harry Smith Episode 58 – Kristin Rowe Finkbeiner Episode 62 – Martha Raddatz Episode 70 – Montel Williams Episode 71 – Rex Chapman Episode 79 – Christine Todd Whitman Episode 82 – Chuck Hagel Episode 102 – Ken Feinberg Episode 112 – Paul Begala Episode 132 – Admiral Mike Mullin Episode 135 – Milo Ventimiglia Episode 136 – Jeremy Butler We’ll be back in January with more new guests and shows and as always Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  Please take our quick listener survey and get a shot at a free t-shirt! Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  Stay vigilant, America.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices