Category: Episodes

  Another week, another walk. And this time it’s somewhere different. We sent your host Paul Rieckhoff west to get some rest and so far it isn’t in the cards. From Trump crashing the economy to breaking news that Pete Hegseth’s cronies were allegedly removed from the Pentagon for leaking word of Elon’s China briefing, there’s a lot to keep up with. Even when you’re “on vacation”. Paul checks in from the home of the Navy SEALS: Coronado, California.  And then there’s the guest. The kind of guest you hope to get. The kind of guest you make time for, regardless of where you are or what you’re doing. Legendary chess grandmaster and master strategist Garry Kasparov (@Kasparov63) joins Paul for an in depth look at the conflict in Ukraine and what the future might hold, for them and for us. He’s a political activist and voice of conscience who’s squared off directly with Putin. He’s held the line for freedom. And you can only get it here. Be sure to check it out on our YouTube page here. –Learn more about American hero and Marine veteran Corey Nawrocki, who was recently killed courageously fighting in Ukraine.  -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.  –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch in time for Easter, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Social channels: X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  It’s time for another walk. Through the chaos of the last couple of weeks and the signs of spring fighting to break through winter’s icy grip. The markets on fire, the world is outraged and our enemies are celebrating. And with so many questions looming about the economy, Trump’s decisions and what’s next for Ukraine, there might not be a better guest to get a gauge of where things stand. He’s maybe the most reasonable Republican in the house, and as a result he’s butted heads with everyone. From Laura Loomer all of the way to the Oval Office, Republican Congressman and retired Air Force General Don Bacon is the perfect guest for this episode. He represents the maverick spirit we’ve seen from so many of the good folk from Nebraska we’ve profiled on the show. I’m not sure what’s in the water out there, but we should bottle it and send it to Washington ASAP. They need it bad. And so do we all. It’s a great conversation with an influential decision maker at a critical time in our country’s history. Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 328. Be sure to check it out on our YouTube page here. -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.  –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch in time for Easter, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Ways to listen: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0F1lzdRbTB0XYen8kyEqXe Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff/id1457899667 Amazon Podcasts: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/49a684c3-68e1-4a85-8d93-d95027a8ec64/independent-americans-with-paul-rieckhoff Ways to watch: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@independentamericans Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Social channels: X/Twitter: https://x.com/indy_americans BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/indyamericans.bsky.social Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/IndependentAmericansUS/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  April is here. Spring is here. And some days you just need to go for a walk. To blow off steam. To get away from the office. You name it. There’s never a bad reason to go for a quick walk. But spring isn’t the only thing that’s here. President Mayhem is back. And he is not slowing down. From talking about invading Greenland and Panama and Canada to raising tariffs on all of our trade partners, to alienating our allies in NATO, Mayhem is back and the bullshit is piling up. And as it piles up, the need for helpers increases daily. And things seem desperate, but if you look real hard, you’ll see the helpers are out there. Mr. Rogers wasn’t lying. Over there on the sidelines. It’s Senator Ruben Gallego, putting VA appointments on hold until Collins answers for the DOGE cuts to VA. Or maybe it’s Senator Cory Booker filibustering for 25 hours breaking famous bigoted relic Strom Thurmond’s former record. It’s a time for heroes. We need them. People to step up and do the thing that needs to be done. People like today’s guest. Pete Buttigieg is a hero and a helper and he’s setting a tone the country desperately needs. He’s one of the most important voices in American politics–and a leader that’s had unique appeal for independent Americans. He’s a veteran, a former Cabinet secretary, a former serious contender for President and a current serious contender for President. But most importantly he’s a steady voice in the storms of chaos Trump is inflicting on the entire country. It’s an important conversation. One we hope will bring you some hope, some inspiration and a little fight in your spirit. Welcome to another important conversation with another iconic American shaping the future. Welcome to episode 327. Be sure to check it out on our YouTube page here. -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.  –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch in time for Easter, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed. 

Spring is here and we’re two months in. Two months of crazy. Two months of furor. Two months of chaos. And two months of damage done to the fabric of the country we all love. And just two days after Independent Americans host Paul Rieckhoff went on CNN to sound the alarm bell and warn that the sloppiness would lead to much, much worse… worse happened. By now you’ve heard about Signalgate, the scandal that has rocked the Trump administration and includes the DNI, SECDEF and Director of the CIA as well as the Vice President and others exchanging sensitive details about a pending strike on Houthi forces in Yemen. It’s a shocking lack of discipline and operational security and the country has taken notice. Big time. And in this pod, we’ve got a guest who is right in the middle of it all. A guest who came directly from a SCIF to do this interview and then immediately after the podcast went to hold hearings on the scandal. It’s Massachusetts Democrat Congressman Seth Moulton—and he’s taking you behind the scenes and deep inside of one of the biggest intelligence failures in American history. It’s the kind of conversation you won’t get anywhere else. And the kind of conversation you can’t afford to miss. And it follows Rieckhoff digging into all of it, the veterans stories you probably missed, Opening Day for baseball, and a celebration of the life of George Foreman. Buckle up, America. And welcome to Episode 326. Be sure to check it out on our YouTube page here. -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.  –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch in time for Easter, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed. 

From Steve Bannon stating that Trump will run again in 2028 (yes, really), to 60,000 more people fired at the Pentagon, to Trump’s horrible deal with Putin on Ukraine—a whole new kind of March madness is here. And if you’re not angry you’re not paying attention. It’s been another week of shocking new lows and political chaos. But we’re starting to see pushback—-and some signs of a resistance forming. But not from the Democrats. And definitely not from the Democrat leadership. But from veterans, 9/11 First Responders, military kids and trans activists. And as Trump continues his culture war and purge on the federal government, trans people are being uniquely, specifically, and dangerously targeted. The issue made headlines again this week as a federal judge blocked Trump’s radical move to purge all trans troops from the military.  And in this episode, we’ve got the smartest and most effective voice in America on these issues. A legendary activist, veterans advocate and real life superhero: Lindsay Church. Lindsay is here with a brilliant and detailed breakdown of the policies, the players, the consequences, the stakes and how it all impacts real human beings–including themself and their child.  This is the single best and smartest conversation you will hear or see on these issues.  This a time of chaos and fear and uncertainty. But leaders continue to rise to the moment. Especially Lindsay Church. Lindsay is an American badass. A fighter. An organizer. A patriot. A parent. And a nationally-recognized expert on military, veterans and LGBTQ issues.  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. Lindsay is a leader for the people. Their people. Your people. Our people. ALL PEOPLE. They represent the best of what our country is—and what it can be.  Be sure to check it out on our YouTube page here. -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.  –And join the Independent Americans March Madness bracket challenge here. –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. –Check out Minority Veterans of America here. – Watch Lindsay Church’s powerful congressional testimony here. And follow them on social media.  -Watch Lucas Jones share his powerful poem, I Will Teach My Boys to be Dangerous Men.  -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch in time for Easter, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed. 

They’ve faced some of the most extreme challenges human beings have ever faced. They’ve gone through trainings that are specifically designed to make people fail–and they succeeded. They’ve watched the sun rise from the stratosphere and have spent more time in outer space than most people spend outside.  And now they’re being attacked by a deranged billionaire. For bravely visiting Ukraine to get a first hand assessment of the situation. In last week’s episode you heard from Navy vet, Astronaut and Arizona Senator Mark Kelly. Immediately after appearing on the podcast, he and his brother and fellow American hero, Scott courageously went to Ukraine to show American support. Even as Trump pulled our intelligence sharing and blasted Zelensky. It was a dangerous and historic trip that created a huge political fight and a roar of reactions.  And now you can hear about all of it in our EXCLUSIVE interview with American hero, Navy vet and legendary NASA Commander Scott Kelly.  Hear what it’s like on the ground in Ukraine, what it’s like in space, and what it’s like to be called a traitor by the world’s richest man. And hear what the non-political Kelly brother thinks about politics–and why he’s an independent American.  It’s another high impact episode you can’t afford to miss. Host Paul Rieckhoff is bringing the heat, as he rips through all of the latest national security headlines. From DOGE’s attacks on veterans, to teachers being next up in the crosshairs, to March Madness basketball, when times are as crazy as these, you can’t afford to miss a minute. Be sure to check it out on our YouTube page here. -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.  –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. –Watch Paul’s conversation on Instagram with fellow veteran and former Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg.  -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch in time for Easter, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day.  –Check out Paul’s written piece from last year on why Senator Mark Kelly would have attracted independent voters for the Democrats on their ticket for President.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company. 

This is the real March Madness. Donald Trump has continued to disgrace America—underscored most vividly by his White House meeting with Zelensky last week. And in the tumultuous days of betrayal that have followed. And it’s been one crazy hit after another from fights with Canada to the firing of veterans nationwide. While the Democrats continue to scramble and scatter. As your newsfeed overflows, and your stomach turns, we’re here to help you prioritize, analyze and make sense of it. Cutting through the partisan chatter and cable news monotony. With a cool-headed, no BS view of all the chaos.  And a powerful guest that brings an honorable and clear voice to all of it. He’s a Navy combat veteran, former fighter pilot, former Astronaut, and senior Senator from Arizona, Mark Kelly. He’s a Democrat. But he doesn’t sound like other Democrats. And he’s hitting back hard on Elon Musk’s plan for space, Trump’s selling out of Ukraine, DOGE’s new focus on firing vets and more. Maybe most importantly, he’s a respectful and respected leader that our kids can look up. He’s also the guy our host, Paul Rieckhoff, suggested Kamala Harris pick for VP if she wanted to capture more independent voters. And he’s finally here on Independent Americans.  Be sure to check it out on our YouTube page here. Every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. Independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve–and stay vigilant.  -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.  –NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch.  –Check out Paul’s piece from last year on why Kelly would have attracted independent voters for the Democrats on their ticket for President.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company. 

March isn’t even here yet and we have already had more madness than the country can handle. From DOGE’s cuts to government services to Trump’s random brain farts masking as ideas, to Kash Patel being sworn in as the head of the FBI, there is a lot to be angry about and there are a lot of villains to be angry at. But there are also heroes that will arise. Heroes like the Kelly brothers, the famous astronaut twins who are now locked in battle with Elon who can’t seem to make enough money or people mad. It’s a ridiculous time in Washington and it will only get worse. And Paul’s digging into all of it. And our guest this episode is another hero that is stepping up. A man who put it all on the line for his country and sacrificed a successful career in Congress to stand up against Trump and to do what was required of him. He might be a former Congressman, but Adam Kinzinger made a massive impact in his time in Congress and he showed the world what integrity and commitment to country over part really looks like. And now that Trump is back in office he’s back on the show for a fourth time—and he’s got a few thoughts to share. And, he’ll show us his tattoo! It’s another epic conversation that you can’t get anywhere else. Welcome to Independent Americans. Check out Adam’s previous appearances: Episode 194 – Oct. 17, 2022 Episode 159 – March 10, 2022 Episode 149 – January 13, 2022 All of them are excellent. -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 Adam’s conversation here on our YouTube channel. – NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. –Check out Adam’s Substack here. –Check out Country First and the great work they’re doing here. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch. -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed. Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company.

It’s been one month of Trump 2.0.  One month of drama. One month of chaos. One month of pain. And Trump continues to roll unimpeded. The Democrats have put up little to no resistance and there are no saviors in sight. But we’ve got a glimmer of hope. A leader who could emerge as the one to take the helm and restore honor (and sanity) to the office. Maybe one day soon.  We’ve got Maryland Governor Wes Moore back on the show for the fourth time—and for an exclusive one-on-one that’s the kind of frank and honest deep dive you can’t get anywhere else. Our host, Paul Rieckhoff and Governor Moore go way back. And they’re not holding back.  This one is special. And it’s the perfect time for it. It’s a candid conversation between two friends about what it’s like to lead when the world is on fire. And who can lead us out of that fire. And how you can help.  Every episode of Independent Americans breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. Stay vigilant, America.  Check out the past Wes Moore appearances: Episode 10 – June 6, 2019 • Episode 105 – March 11, 2021 • Episode 212 – March 2, 2023 All of them are excellent.  -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 Wes’s conversation here on our YouTube channel. – NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch.  -Wanna advertise on the show and support the independent movement? Hit us up! -Also check out new episodes of other Righteous Media podcasts including the B Dorm Podcast, The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra and Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. Righteous is an independent, American, Veteran-owned and led content company. 

Happy Valentine’s Day, America. Tulsi Gabbard is confirmed, Elon Musk is ransacking our government, the FBI is being purged, Trump and Hegseth are abandoning Ukraine. And Putin is coming to visit America.  What a great time for our enemies. The doors are wide open for them everywhere. Putin must be smiling from ear to ear.  We really need that upside down American flag emoji right about now. And we also need truly patriotic, candid, courageous and unafraid voices of reason. And we’ve got one of the best.  Bob Kerrey (@KerreyBob) is a Navy SEAL Vietnam Veteran, Medal of Honor Recipient, former Governor and Senator from Nebraska, member of The 9/11 Commission and constant voice of conscience for America. Lots of people talk tough. Bob Kerrey’s lived tough. And he’s not holding back on Elon Musk, Trump, Pete Hegseth, Tulsi Gabbard and what we’re facing as a nation. He’s got advice for Democrats on how to connect with real Americans and explains why he went against his own party to support Independent Navy Veteran Dan Osborn for Senate last year in Nebraska.  He also shares his heroic journey of overcoming adversity, having part of his leg amputated, why he chooses happiness every day and what it’s like to have a Navy ship named after him. He’s a brilliant, honest, funny and inspiring American hero. And this is an episode you’re not gonna wanna miss.  Every episode of Independent Americans with Paul Rieckhoff breaks down the most important news stories–and offers light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. Independent content for independent Americans. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. The podcast that helps you stay ahead of the curve–and stay vigilant.  Be sure to check out the show now on our YouTube page here. –Watch the full conversation here. -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get a cool, new IA hoodie sweatshirt just in time for the start of the cold season.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel – The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. America’s next great independent media company.