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Summer is supposed to be a time to chill, relax and enjoy life. And we’re all trying to do that. But the threats and challenges and wars and insurrectionists and viruses don’t take summers off. As our host, Paul Rieckhoff @PaulRieckhoff) just found out the hard way. After two years of dodging it like Neo from The Matrix, COVID finally got him.  He shares what that’s been like, flies through the political landscape, explains the controversial demise of Choco Tacos, and lands on a breakdown and update on the most important piece of veterans legislation in decades: The PACT Act. It’s a bill that’s showing all of America all that’s right about Washington–and even more so–all that’s wrong. And we’ve got a powerful guest to dig into it, explain the stakes, and share the likely path forward. We’ll also dig into Roe’s growing impact on veterans, whether it’s better in Montana to be a Democrat or an independent, if the VA will ever change its sexist motto, and of course, waffles vs pancakes.  He started out as a farmer. He’s been an elementary school music teacher. He’s a grandfather. A moderate, and a maverick, now, he’s the senior Senator from the Great State of Montana: Democratic Senator Jon Tester (@SenatorTester). The Chairman of the Senate Veterans Affairs Committee is an influential voice on many issues. He’s also a lot of fun. He likes to crack jokes, doesn’t take himself seriously, and legitimately cares about people. They say America usually elects the candidate for President that they’d most like to have a beer with. There’s no politician in America we’d rather have a beer with than Jon Tester. And after this conversation, you’ll understand why.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff breaks down 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. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. And grab a vacation when you can. -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 Senator Tester’s conversation here. -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  –Here’s the full roll call with the names of the 41 cowards and hacks that voted NO on the PACT act for vets with toxin exposures. -Hear the new song “In The Clouds” by our friends from O.A.R.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Wanna advertise on the pod? 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

This is a time for stars to shine. And the biggest stars of all, are also the helpers.  The helpers continue to emerge. After Uvalde. After Highland Park. After every Jan 6 hearing. The helpers are out there. And we’ve had some big stars of our own on this show. Sarah Jessica Parker. Steven Colbert. John Bernthal.  And three in particular that are at the top of their game on three of the biggest shows in America.  Last week we heard from some of the country’s leading voices on what it means to be an independent in America. This week we’re going to bring you a peek under the hood and a little deeper insight into some of the biggest names we’ve heard from on the show. From Bradley Whitford to Milo Venitmiglia to Arian Moayed they’ve all stood on the biggest stages imaginable and when their moment’s came, their star’s shined bright. They forged their own paths and preserved in one of the most brutal arenas that exists. Hollywood. And so in this episode we’ll hear from these iconic actors as they share a few of the things that make them tick in these behind the scenes bonus clips. If you’re a Patreon supporter you might have heard these (definitely worth listening to again!). If you’re not, you should be. Either way, they’re a great listen and a perfect quick hit preview of our Patreon bonus content. Get the full versions of the following episodes wherever you get your podcasts or at the links below: Episode 134: Bradley Whitford Episode 135: Milo Ventimiglia Episode 137: Arian Moayed -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.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) breaks down 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. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. And grab a vacation when you can. -Check out Rieckhoff’s America! Playlist mentioned on the show.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -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

Over the years we’ve brought you some of the best voices on the biggest subjects. From Stephen Colbert to Pete Buttigieg to Rachel Maddow the guests have been important voices to hear from at critical times for our country. And this year we’ve taken some time away from the usual dumpster fire of partisan news to focus on the issue that is nearest and dearest to our hearts. The stick that stirs our drink. Independents. And specifically why we think independents are not only an important constituency but the key to solving our country’s political stagnation and gridlock.  So as you listen to the rhetoric and divisive partisan media as the fall midterms approach, consider this a primer. Independents 101. It will make you a smarter voter. And it will make you a smarter citizen. Hear from the political mavericks that are challenging the status quo and seeking to redefine what it means to be political. Redefining what it means to be patriotic. Redefining the future. Get the full versions of the following episodes wherever you get your podcasts or at the links below: Episode 144 – Tavis Smiley Episode 149 – Congressman Adam Kinzinger Episode 151 – Michael Smerconish Episode 168 – Evan McMullin Episode 171 – John Opdycke Episode 177 – Lindsay Church Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) breaks down 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. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America. And grab a vacation when you can. -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.  -Check out Rieckhoff’s America! Playlist mentioned on the show.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -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

As the summer heats up and we all plummet headlong into the danger zone, we’ve got the real Top Gun. The real Maverick (actually, call sign Krusty). The fighter pilot that went head-to-head with al Qaeda and the Taliban, and then came home to go head-to-head with Mitch McConnell.
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 is 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, and after joining us way back in Episode 17 in 2019, Amy is back to join our Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for an important conversation and, more importantly, a plan. A plan to help stem the tide. A plan to fight. A plan for change.
In advance of Independence Day, Amy stood with fellow veteran Allison Jaslow and Paul Rieckhoff to launch Operation Liberty: a plan to protect American troops, veterans, and our national security after Roe. Amy outlines the new effort and explains the devastating impacts the Roe decision will have on women and nonbinary service members and veterans. She also responds to the latest mass shooting on July 4, breaks down the status of the air war over Ukraine, and explains the political landscape in her home state of Kentucky–to include the potential of a run by UK basketball legend and past pod guest, Rex Chapman. She also shares if she likes the new Top Gun movie more or less than the original. And why. 
Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) breaks down 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. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. 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 Amy’s conversation here.
-Check out Rieckhoff’s America! Playlist mentioned on the show. 
-Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. 
-Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours. 
-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. 

On this Independence Day 2022, everything is different now. It’s a very dark moment in American history. And Friday, June 24, 2022 was a very dark day. So this July 4th, after the overturning of Roe vs Wade, hundreds of millions of Americans aren’t feeling like they have much independence right now.  In this episode, we’re gonna talk about Roe from an angle you won’t get anywhere else. How will the Roe decision impact the military and veterans? How will it impact our national security, military recruiting, and the lives of troops stationed in all 50 states and around the world? This Independence Day, everything is different now. And we’ll dig into Roe, the blockbuster latest January 6th hearings, John Wood launching an independent Senate bid in Missouri, a big decision from the Supreme Court you probably didn’t hear about, how Sean Penn is fighting for fighter jets for Ukraine, and why this might be the most dangerous Pride month ever.  This Independence Day, everything is different now. But leaders continue to rise to the moment. Leaders like our inspiring guest, Lindsay Church. Lindsay is an American badass. A fighter. An organizer. A patriot. Soon to be a parent. And an expert on the impact of Roe on the military, veterans, LGBTQ people and more.  Lindsay Church (they/them) is the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Minority Veterans of America, a non-partisan, nonprofit organization dedicated to creating an equitable and just world for the minority veteran community – veterans of color, women, LGBTQ, and (non)religious minorities. Lindsay has nearly a decade of experience rooted in veteran’s advocacy and grassroots organizing. They have facilitated agency-wide cultural competency trainings, provided Congressional testimonies, and speaks on myriad issues related to the equity and inclusion for minority and underrepresented communities. They’ll break down the unique threats facing women, LGBTQ people and their families. And why some queer familes like Lindsay’s are rushing to get a lawyer and updated their passports. Lindsay is a leader for the people. ALL people. Their people. Your people. Our people. ALL PEOPLE. We’ve come far in the last decade, but have so much further to go. But brave LGBTQ military and veteran leaders have been on the front lines, made unimaginable sacrifices, paved the way, and made our country stronger. And Lindsay is one of those leaders. They represent the best of what our country is—and what it can be. This Pride month, we at Righteous Media and Independent Americans again celebrate these leaders. But we’ll also honor them by continuing the fight. Which is more urgent now than ever. And we’ll dig deep into all of it in an urgent, timely and extremely informative new pod.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) breaks down 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. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. 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 Lindsay’s conversation 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 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

This is a fiery episode. Veterans lungs are on fire. America’s forests are on fire. Our conversations are on fire. Children and black people and LGBTQ people are UNDER FIRE. The United States is on fire. Our country is burning… in ways big and small. And the country is dying, literally, for leaders who can run into the fires, put them out with solutions, and help us find a path through the damage and through the smoke to better days.  That’s what the Ukrainian people have now in Zelensky. And that’s what America is thirsting for this summer. As radicals and weaklings hijack and dominate our politics, America is looking for leaders with common sense that can break through. Leaders who can speak the truth, understand the moment, and channel the emotion. And especially, the anger and disappointment of this moment.  But will a populist leader emerge to fight all our fires? How did the fire of Trumpism start in the first place? Where is it burning hottest now? Will the new Congressional gun bill fuel it? Who can throw water on it? Can it be put out? Who’s gonna be America’s fire brigade? Who’s gonna be our hero? Are independents the answer?  We’re gonna dig into all of it with a man who is now a political firefighter of sorts. But was once a political arsonist. A self-proclaimed reformed political gang-banger. And the perfect person to talk to about all this–and much more. Former GOP Tea Party Congressman from Illinois Turned Anti-Trumper Independent, Joe Walsh (@WalshFreedom).  Walsh was once a star in the GOP. A Tea Party darling. A bomb-throwing, punch-thrower who started out as a social worker outside Chicago, who took a shot at acting, and went on to become a key figure in the social movement that became a wave of Tea Party Congressional victories in 2010. He said crazy shit, insulted many, and ran nasty races. And then he lost in 2012 to Iraq war veteran and Democrat Tammy Duckworth. And after that, he launched into a media career, hosted a talk radio show, stirred up controversy, stood for positions he believed in, and stayed in the arena. And in 2018, he turned against Donald Trump, calling him “a danger to this country.” And in 2019, Joe Walsh decided to run against Trump in the GOP primary. It didn’t last long. In February, 2020, Walsh ended his presidential campaign after getting only 1% of the vote in Iowa. But he didn’t stop battling Trump—or his former party. He’s still throwing punches. He’s still stirring shit up. He’s still fighting for what he believes in. And he’s still very much against Donald Trump and his former party that he now calls a cult. A cult he was once a member of. And we get into all of it in this pod.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) breaks down 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 healing dose 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. 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 Joe and Paul’s conversation 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 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