Category: Episodes

If you’ve watched him, you love him. And you may feel like you know him. But you really don’t. In this episode, you’ll learn that the man behind the characters is even more amazing. And you’ll love him, respect him, and admire him even more. Just like the last three times he’s joined us. It’s the perfect holiday conversation. For whatever holiday you celebrate. Yes, my friends, FESTIVUS is back!  A Festivus for the rest of us.  And so is our annual Festivus special! With the man himself!  The legend. The iconic actor who played George Constanza on Seinfeld–friend of this show—conscience for America—and a very proud new grandfather! The American treasure–and American icon: Jason Alexander (@IJasonAlexander)! Every guest on this show has shaped America’s past, is impacting America’s present, and is driving America’s future. And Jason continues to help us understand ourselves, our past, and our future. A future that has a whole new perspective for him with the recent birth of his first grandchild.  He is of course best known for his role as George Costanza in maybe the greatest television series of all time, Seinfeld. He was nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards and three Golden Globe Awards. He won a Tony Award. And he’s a truly inspiring, fascinating and entertaining man.  Previous Jason Alexander Festivus appearances: December 19, 2019 – Episode 38 December 18, 2020 – Episode 90   Dec. 15, 2022 – Episode 201 Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 50% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Join the movement. Sign up to get our regular breakdowns of the independent news you need to know.  -Learn more about Operation Independents.  –Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  – WATCH video of Paul and Jason’s conversation here. -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 holidays.  -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There are only a handful of people out there that have the experience, credibility and gravitas to speak with authority when it comes to subjects like NATO, Putin, Gaza. They’re high level issues and complex systems that require decades of study and thought to truly comprehend. And so when you get a chance to hear from one of them like you did last week with General Barry McCaffrey you jump at it. When you get a chance to talk with another one a week later… you better bet we’re jumping again. Former CENTCOM Commander and Director of the CIA and the best selling author of Conflict, General David Petraeus joins host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) for a look at the global threatscape and what the future holds, here at home, and for the many hotspots around the world. From Ukraine to Gaza to Taiwan there is tension at scale few of us have experienced in our lifetime. But there’s also reason for hope and optimism. Other shows tell you what happened. Independent Americans is focused on what it means and what comes next. And as we head into what is almost certainly going to be one of the most pivotal years of our lives, you’re going to want to be prepared. 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.  -Watch Paul and General Petraeus’s conversion on YouTube. -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This holiday season is a heavy one. It’s hard to fully distract yourself from what’s happening around the world. No matter how good the Knicks are doing, no matter how sensational the Giants rookie quarterback Tommy Cutlets DeVito has been. No matter how much holiday cheer you bring or share or experience, there’s still a lot of pain and concern and stress all around the world, especially when it comes to places like Ukraine and Gaza and Israel. President Zelensky just left Washington, D.C., after meeting with President Biden and other leaders, and he was hoping for a Christmas miracle. But the radicals inside the GOP are making sure that they’re going to be scrooges and try to spoil his Christmas and Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and every other holiday that’s happening. Because no matter how hard and true we fight, there are still some who are working against us. There are still some who want to divide and dismantle America. There are still some who want to have our enemies celebrating. But in this show, we want to bring light to contrast the heat. We want to bring information, inspiration, independence, integrity and, of course, impact. And we want to bring you guests who can help you make sense of it. This one is about global security, national security, domestic security, military affairs, diplomacy, leadership, and all of it with a man who’s been on the front lines of combat leadership, diplomacy, politics, and all of it for the last generation. General Barry McCaffrey is here to break down the latest on the fight in Ukraine Zelensky’s visit to Washington. What’s happening in Gaza and Israel and what’s happening in other parts of the world where American troops continue to be under attack and most Americans aren’t even watching. Welcome to a stressful end to a stressful year. Welcome to a conversation with a voice of reason who can help guide us through it, like Rudolph’s red nose and a cloudy night. Welcome to independent Americans. Episode 257. Past appearances: Episode 85 – Nov. 13, 2020 Episode 213 – Mar. 9, 2023 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. -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 General McCaffey’s conversation here on our YouTube channel. -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get some very cool IA merch. -As mentioned on the show, learn more about the engine for independents that is Operation Independents.  -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Andrew Yang (@AndrewYang) is back. He’s the former Candidate for President. The former Candidate for Mayor. He’s a patriot, an activist and a father. And now, the co-founder of the Forward Party is back to check in with Independent Americans for a look back at the last year for the Forward Party and a look ahead at what’s on the horizon in independent politics and the 2024 elections. With a good dash of sports, parenting and leadership talk.  It’s a fun and fascinating episode with no holds barred. Yang and host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) don’t always see eye to eye, but it’s a great discussion and debate that will leave you a little smarter and maybe even a little happier. Welcome to a conversation about the “all” of it. Welcome to Episode 256.  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.  Andrew Yang’s previous appearance: Dec. 2, 2022 – Episode 199 -Watch Paul and Andrew’s conversion on YouTube. -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Throughout the last couple of years, we’ve stayed on top of all the domestic and international security threats facing us all from Putin to Hamas to domestic extremists. And our guest in this episode is going to take us through all of it with a very unique, powerful and authentic perspective. He’s an expert on urban combat, which is going to dominate the combat landscape for the next generation and maybe more. It’s what we’ve seen in Iraq. It’s what we’ve seen in Syria. It’s what we’ve seen in Ukraine. It’s what we’re seeing in Gaza.  He’s been there and done that. He started out in the Army as a Private and went all the way up through the ranks from Ranger instructor to Platoon Leader in Iraq and multiple tours to teaching at West Point. He’s chair of Urban Warfare Studies at the Modern War Institute. He’s the author of Understanding Urban Warfare. He’s a host of his own podcast, becoming much more regular in the media and is extremely prolific on social media, including a breakout moment when the invasion of Ukraine began. He’s also a humble, thoughtful, experienced father of three kids who came back from Ukraine just two weeks ago. He’s a leader meeting the moment who will help us understand what’s happening now and what could happen next. From the battlefields of Ukraine to the streets of Gaza to the tree lighting ceremony here in New York City at Rockefeller Center. The threats are everywhere. We’re going to break it down with authenticity, without the spin and with real facts and experience. It’s the kind of conversation you can’t have on cable news, but you can have on a podcast. Here it is, Paul Rieckhoff’s (@PaulRieckhoff) high impact conversation with one of the world’s leading authorities on urban warfare, Major John Spencer. 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.  -Watch Paul and John’s conversion on YouTube. – Check out https://www.johnspenceronline.com/ for more on John and his work. -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Welcome back. We’re wrapping up our holiday and finishing up the second part of Paul Rieckhoff’s discussion with hip hop icon Chuck D. This half is a little more fun and a great look back before we head into the holidays and the New Year. We’ll be back in December with more great all new content for you, but for now here is the rest of this amazing conversation. From Episode 86 – Nov. 20, 2020: As America faces power fights like we’ve never seen before, the legendary founder of Public Enemy joins us to explore and explain fighting the power: 2020 style. This is Chuck D–a voice of consciousness, outrage, inspiration and action for over 35 years—unplugged and uninterrupted. Just when our country needs it the most.  Chuck D (@MisterChuckD) is one of the most iconic and important American artists of the last century. He’s an activist, organizer, inspiration, and the ultimate angry American. He’s testified before Congress, co-hosted a political radio show with The Daily Show Founder, Liz Winstead and MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, and collaborated with artists ranging from Prince, to Anthrax, to Sonic Youth, to Rage Against the Machine, to Gary Clark Jr., to Logic, to Sheryl Crow.  Chuck is the powerful, driving force behind arguably the most disruptive hip hop group in history. Born in the intersection of culture and politics, the hip hop trailblazers have interpreted the righteous anger of millions worldwide for decades. In the late 80s and early 90s, their first four albums went gold or platinum. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and honored this year with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  Our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), and Chuck have been friends for almost two decades. And this is Chuck from inside his home, raw, candid, and without commercial interruption. Chuck and Rieckhoff know how to throw punches. And their conversation will give you advice on fighting the power (and living life) that will leave you inspired for the tough fights ahead. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Watch Paul and Chuck D’s conversion on YouTube. -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Happy Thanksgiving America. We’re taking a break to be with our families for this holiday but before we go we’ve got an extra helping of the helpers for you because we know you don’t need any more stuffing.  From Episode 86 – Nov. 20, 2020: As America faces power fights like we’ve never seen before, the legendary founder of Public Enemy joins us to explore and explain fighting the power: 2020 style. This is Chuck D–a voice of consciousness, outrage, inspiration and action for over 35 years—unplugged and uninterrupted. Just when our country needs it the most.  Chuck D (@MisterChuckD) is one of the most iconic and important American artists of the last century. He’s an activist, organizer, inspiration, and the ultimate angry American. He’s testified before Congress, co-hosted a political radio show with The Daily Show Founder, Liz Winstead and MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow, and collaborated with artists ranging from Prince, to Anthrax, to Sonic Youth, to Rage Against the Machine, to Gary Clark Jr., to Logic, to Sheryl Crow.  Chuck is the powerful, driving force behind arguably the most disruptive hip hop group in history. Born in the intersection of culture and politics, the hip hop trailblazers have interpreted the righteous anger of millions worldwide for decades. In the late 80s and early 90s, their first four albums went gold or platinum. They were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and honored this year with a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.  Our host, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff), and Chuck have been friends for almost two decades. And this is Chuck from inside his home, raw, candid, and without commercial interruption. Chuck and Rieckhoff know how to throw punches. And their conversation will give you advice on fighting the power (and living life) that will leave you inspired for the tough fights ahead. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Watch Paul and Chuck D’s conversion on YouTube. -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  It has been 38 days since the terrible attacks in Israel by Hamas occurred. 38 days of horror. 38 days of pain and suffering. On all sides. The attacks on October 7th will be with us forever. And as Israel comes to grasp what that means, we could all use some perspective. For most Americans this conflict is just another in a string of never ending wars. A blip on a phone screen. Just another Tweet. It’s easy to lose perspective.  But none of us can afford to lose perspective. Not when there are innocent children caught in the middle of all of it. And there’s no better way to get perspective than to talk to somebody that’s there. On the ground. In the thick of it. And so we are joined today by Eli Elefant. Eli Elefant, CEO of the Israeli firm Property & Building Corp.’s U.S. division. Born and raised in Israel, Elefant, served in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from 1996 until 2002, most recently as a Special Forces officer. He fought in southern Lebanon in the late 1990s and during the second Palestinian intifada of 2000 and along the way, became an American citizen, philanthropist and advocate for veterans of all backgrounds. And while living in New York with his family, he has long served on the Board of Directors for Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA). He’s been in the fight and he knows the terrain. It’s a fascinating look inside and you can only get it here. Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  -Watch Paul and Eli’s conversion on YouTube. -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Veterans Day has been a federal holiday, recognized each November 11, since 1938, but it means little for most Americans beyond a day off from work.  Attendance at Veterans Day events is regrettably low—and declining rapidly. And so is the veterans’ population in America. The unfortunate reality that veterans understand is that the overall power and importance of Veterans Day is fading fast. Simultaneously, America continues to struggle to draw citizens to the polls to vote. Compared to most progressive democracies in the world, our turnout is shamefully low.  Your host, Army veteran and Founder of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) has a plan to change that—and help fix our broken election system at the same time. It makes a lot of sense, so as you get ready to head into your Veterans Day weekend (yes, it’s Saturday) here’s a little bonus episode with some patriotic and independent food for thought.  Every episode of Independent Americans hosted by author, activist and social entrepreneur Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) is the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It’s content for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and veterans issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans will continue to be your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope.  – Read Paul’s op-ed piece on cnn.com. -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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  Sebastian Junger (@SebastianJunger) is one of the most important authors, thinkers and public intellectuals in America. And one of the most interesting guys you’ll ever hear. He joined us in Episode 207 – Jan 25, 2023, Episode 116 – May 27, 2021 and Episode 100 – February 4, 2021 and he’s back again with more of the ongoing conversation about the state of America and what it means to be a true patriot.  It’s a special conversation, just in time for your Veterans Day weekend. Yeah, it’s this weekend. 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. 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 Sebastian’s conversation here. –Check out Sebastian’s website with more info about Freedom–and all his other outstanding books. And more about Vets Town Halls happening across America.  -Find us on social media and http://www.IndependentAmericans.us. Where you can also get IA merch for Veterans Day. .  -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